Brian Kress

The council meetings covered various operational and budgetary matters. Key discussions included a legislative update from a state representative, the site plan review and approval for the Fresh Farms Market at 335 Fisher Road, and the approval of a special event application for a Fair Housing Bike-a-Thon. Public hearings were conducted regarding 2026 single lot assessments and the proposed 2026-27 city budget. Staff reports provided updates on gun violence awareness initiatives, public safety department outreach, water main improvement programs, and main street events. Additionally, an infrastructure capital improvement program was presented, and administrative actions were taken regarding municipal contracts, parking system upgrades, and internal appointments.

The meeting agenda includes a public hearing regarding the proposed 2026-27 annual budget, featuring remarks from the City Manager and a presentation of the budget draft. Additionally, the meeting covers a presentation and discussion regarding the Capital Improvement Plan.

The council meeting included discussions on a use variance amendment for a property at 17449 East Jefferson Avenue, approval for arc flash electrical maintenance at the Neff Road Pump Station, and an informational update on pool and park assessments. The council also reviewed financial sustainability projections, including potential millage rate increases. Additionally, the meeting addressed public comments regarding the Fisher Road wall, received updates on campus improvements, and conducted staff reports. Finally, the council moved into a closed session and subsequently voted to terminate the services of the City Treasurer and engage a firm for interim financial support.

The minutes cover the January 26, 2026 City Council Meeting. Key actions included excusing a Council Member from attendance. The Consent Agenda was unanimously adopted, which involved approving minutes from prior meetings (December 15, 2025, and January 12, 2026), approving various invoices, approving special event applications for a Little League Parade and Softball Opening Day, approving revisions to The Village Loops Social District Management Plan, and authorizing agreements for an interim Public Service Director and the Conference of Eastern Wayne Second Restated Interlocal Agreement. A public hearing was held regarding a Zoning Board of Appeals request concerning property at 17449 East Jefferson, specifically a use variance amendment request to expand the building footprint and change the hours of operation; the Council ultimately voted to table this request until the March 16, 2026 meeting. Separately, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 469, regulating virtual currency machines through registration and licensing, and awarded the contract for Notre Dame resurfacing to Pro-Line Asphalt Paving Corporation. Public comments addressed a proposed building expansion, residential buffering, and support for the historic building's preservation. Staff reports included updates on public safety statistics (noting a 12% overall crime reduction from 2024 to 2025, particularly in vehicle-related crime), the launch of the Crisis Intervention Team Co-Responder Program, Main Street events, and the hiring of a new Urban Forester.

The City Council meeting included the unanimous adoption of the Consent Agenda, which covered the approval of minutes from previous meetings in December 2025 and January 2026, various invoices for services including sewer separation grants and tax tribunal assistance, approval for two Little League special events, approval of revisions to The Village Loops Social District Management Plan, authorizing an agreement for an interim Public Service Director, and authorizing an Interlocal Agreement for Public Safety Communications Systems. A public hearing was held before the City Council convened as the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a use variance amendment request for 17449 East Jefferson concerning building expansion and changes to operational hours; this item was ultimately tabled until the March 16, 2026, meeting. The Council subsequently adopted Ordinance No. 469, regulating virtual currency machines through registration and licensing. The Council also awarded the contract for the Notre Dame resurfacing project to Pro-Line Asphalt Paving Corporation. Public comment included input regarding a proposed parent-led craft studio and recommendations for the Stormwater Separation Project. Staff reports covered public safety updates, upcoming special events, the hiring of a new Urban Forester, and FEMA updates.