Barry Stone

The council discussed the Farmers Morgan group project on the GH Metal property, held a presentation regarding the Canyon Center and their upcoming events, announced an Independence Day celebration, and received a status update on a Brownfield report. The council initiated an ordinance to increase street and alleyway vacation fees and approved three resolutions authorizing assessments against real properties for cleanup costs. Additionally, the council approved a one-time pay adjustment for retirees and beneficiaries and opened silent bids for surplus property located at 402 5th Street Northeast.

The City Council meeting included a prayer, the pledge of allegiance, and announcements regarding upcoming public input meetings for a traffic study and the GH Metal property redevelopment. The council approved a 50% waiver of construction-related permit fees, capped at $9,000, for Reserve Windows LLC to support their expansion. Additionally, the council received an annual financial audit report from MDA Professional Group, which highlighted financial changes, including the implementation of new accounting standards for compensated absences, and confirmed a clean opinion on the city's financial statements.

The Council discussed various community updates including a retirement plaque presentation, local high school athletic achievements, and annual school appropriations. Infrastructure projects were reviewed, specifically regarding an intersection improvement project on Highway 35. The meeting included a public hearing regarding the vacation of an unnamed alleyway, which was subsequently approved. Additionally, the Council addressed speeding concerns and traffic safety, resulting in the establishment of four-way stops at the intersections of 13th Street Northwest and Forest Avenue Northwest, and 8th Street Northwest and Forest Avenue Northwest.

The council meeting began with an opening prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the approval of minutes from the November 18, 2025, regular council meeting. The Mayor's report noted the final police radio equipment had arrived, with the new system expected online by mid-January, and promoted upcoming community events such as 'Christmas in the Park' and the Main Street 'shop hop passport program'. The council adopted Ordinance 2025-13 regarding fowl, which replaced the existing section 6-24. Additionally, Ordinance 2025-14 prohibiting the intentional feeding of black bears was adopted after a discussion about bear activity in the area. The council also discussed the termination of the city lobbyist contract based on economic considerations, noting the lobbyist's past assistance in securing significant grant funding, including $670,000 in appropriations and $170,000 for a COPS grant to hire officers, and $150,000 for a video wall in the police department.

The primary focus of the discussion was addressing frequent speeding concerns on Alabama Avenue North, specifically between 14th and 18th Streets, where residents highlighted dangers to children and elderly personnel. Residents requested the installation of a speed table or radar signs. Discussions included the comparative costs and implementation timelines for speed humps versus speed tables. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing the efficacy of radar signs, with a preference expressed for solar-powered units over battery-operated ones. The council also considered installing a four-way stop at 16th Street as a quick fix, although concerns were raised about traffic diversion to other streets like Forest Avenue. The Chief of Police also noted that increased patrols were ongoing and discussed the importance of residents reporting specific speeding vehicles. The feasibility of funding for traffic safety measures using Highway and Traffic Safety funds was also mentioned.