Dan Pierce

The Guttenberg City Council held a special session, during which they approved the Library Capital Improvement Plan and investments, the annual exam report, and the Kluesner Sanitation November payment. The council also discussed a meet and greet for the swearing-in of new officials and a budget workshop.

The council discussed and approved various items, including a UMGC grant application for the Park Bench Update Project, and rezoning requests for properties in the Guttenberg Industrial Park. They also discussed and approved the purchase of city property, tabled an alley assessment, and amended ordinances related to residential uses in the C-2 District. Additionally, the council approved a resolution to increase solid waste fees, adjusted the clothing allowance amount, and addressed longevity pay. They also approved a sewer certification request, a Business Accelerator Incentive, and a Union Contract Agreement. Furthermore, they discussed and approved resolutions related to the Paving and Storm Sewer Improvement Project. The meeting also included reports from the Fire Chief, Chief of Police, Mayor, and Chamber Director.

The council discussed and approved an alley improvement agreement, and addressed a request to open meetings with prayer, deciding to maintain the current practice based on legal counsel advice. A partnership with CCDG for a marketing campaign was approved, along with a budget consideration request from the Clayton County Childcare Coalition for fiscal year 26/27. Zoning change requests were discussed, and the matter was sent back to the Planning & Zoning for further review. The council discussed and approved measures to address engine brake usage, including additional signage and police monitoring. An ordinance amending parking regulations and snow removal was approved. Additionally, the council approved a bridge inspection agreement, office computer updates, and the city's annual financial, street finance, and urban renewal reports for 2025. The date for the Budget Workshop was set for November 17, 2025. The Chamber of Commerce provided an update, including progress on a new website, the Stem Best Grant, and upcoming events.

The council discussed city projects, including flood control electric updates, and approved payment applications. Updates were provided on the Housing Trust Fund and other programs, with a request for an annual contribution from the city. The Park Board requested permission to use the city's EIN for grants to update park benches, which was approved. A special event permit application for Christmas by the River was approved, including a street closure for the parade. Volunteer firefighters were approved pending department approval. Marina agreements were discussed, and rates for 2026 will remain the same as 2025. A Business Accelerator Grant Application was approved. Amendments to the city's zoning ordinance were discussed and approved. Updates to the police office were approved utilizing a donation. A street closure for the Holiday Train was approved. The council also received reports from the Fire Chief, Chief of Police, Mayor, and Chamber, and discussed the Chamber's future donation requests and issues with the Stars and Stripes event.

The council discussed a rezoning request, the transfer of control of the Revolving Loan Fund to the GEIDC, and a special event permit for Guttenberg Brewing Co. They also addressed the Stars & Stripes event's financial shortfall and considered requests for sewer charge adjustments due to water leaks. Additional discussions covered gazebo rental issues, fire and police department reports, Chamber activities, and various city maintenance needs.