Ashley McNamara

The Commission discussed the 2026 Pedestrian Pathway Comprehensive Plan and recommended that the Board establish a task force comprising representatives from Public Works, Parks and Trails, and Ways and Means to re-prioritize the included projects. Additionally, the Commission recommended the approval of the DNR 319 Grant Creekbank Stabilization Projects and the On-Call Electrical Services contract to the Board. Staff provided an update regarding the bid process for the Topping Phase 2A project.

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting that included several public hearings. Topics discussed during these hearings included amendments to the Municipal Code regarding natural resource protection, a conditional use permit for a residential driveway gate, and a request for a group home. The Board also reviewed legislation, including ordinances regarding natural resource protection standards, conditional use permits for a driveway gate and a group home, site development plans for The Principia, the Asphalt Pavement Program, and the Longview Farm Park parking lot project. Additionally, the Board addressed the approval of police department AED units, several liquor license applications, and received various departmental and commission reports.

The board reviewed several applications for new single-family houses. Decisions included continuing the review for one property to a future date, while granting approval for others, including one approval with specific conditions regarding the addition of windows to improve side and rear elevations. One application was noted as withdrawn by the applicant.

The commission discussed various park and trail reports, noting a transition to new grounds care providers. Updates were provided on the Longview parking lot project, the Preservation Park pickleball and bike playground, and the Longview and Drace sidewalk study. The commission reviewed and approved recommendations for updates to the comprehensive trail plan. Event planning was reviewed for the recent town square concert, the upcoming America 250 event at Drace Park, and the ongoing Winterfest committee preparations. Additionally, a suggestion was made to explore hosting a World Cup celebration to foster community spirit.

The Commission reviewed and approved the 2026 Asphalt Pavement Program, noting the selection of a contractor and budget adjustments for concrete repairs. They also discussed and approved the Longview Farm Parking Lot project, addressing concerns about budget, material changes, and vendor selection. Additional items included updates on various road maintenance activities, the selection of a contractor for the Maintenance Annex, and a report on a failed grant application for sidewalk construction, with suggestions for future improvements to the grant submission.