Jason A. French

The council addressed various personnel actions, including the appointment of a new Fire Chief and the retirement of long-serving department members. Reappointments were made to the City Planning Commission. Legal matters included the settlement of tax certiorari proceedings for multiple properties and the adoption of annual purchasing and investment policies. The council received operational reports from the Woodlawn Cemetery Commission and authorized the sale of surplus municipal vehicles. Additionally, the council amended its rules and procedures, passed an ordinance to remove downtown parking meters and establish two-hour parking, and approved the issuance of bonds to fund various capital improvements, including park upgrades and road infrastructure projects.

The board discussed resolutions regarding a proposed Use Variance for an Air B&B located at 13 Parker Dr. This included designating the board as the lead agency for a State Environmental Quality Review Act negative determination to confirm there would be no adverse environmental impact, and a formal vote on approving the conversion of the property from a single-family home to an Air B&B.

The City Council meeting included various personnel actions such as the appointment of a new Fire Chief, retirements of fire and police personnel, and the extension of appreciation for long-serving department members. Council members approved the reappointment of a member to the City Planning Commission and authorized settlements for tax certiorari proceedings for multiple properties. Policy updates were adopted regarding purchasing and investments for the fiscal year. Furthermore, the council acted on operational matters such as the disposal of surplus vehicles, revisions to council rules, parking meter removal, authorization of capital items and bond issuance, and the award of contracts for cat enclosure units and hot mix asphalt projects. A new collective bargaining agreement with the local firefighters union was approved, and audit results for grant programs were reviewed and accepted.

The Board designated itself as the lead agency under the State Environmental Quality Review Act to determine that a proposed use variance for a property at 312 Webber Pl. would not have an adverse environmental impact. Furthermore, the Board approved the use variance to convert a building at the same location from a single-family home to a two-family building.

The council held a public hearing regarding the annual action plan for Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs. Key actions included approving the election results for a tenant representative to the Housing Authority, passing a resolution to urge state officials to address rising electric grid charges, and authorizing an agreement for the installation of traffic signals. Additionally, the council approved audits related to the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program, the Community Development Block Grant Program, and general municipal accounts.