Joe Cianni

Key discussions during the meeting included a report on the SW Patriots Candidate Forum invitation, the proclamation of Giving Hearts Day for February 12, 2026, and the setting of the Board of Equalization meeting date for April 15, 2026. The Commission approved a beer-only liquor license renewal for Just Golf and approved the Designated Depositories for the City. Financial and HR reports were presented, indicating several open positions across various departments. Public Works items involved the buyout and purchase of a leased WRF tractor, approval of an annual task order with Houston Engineering for monitoring services, renewal of the Kone Cranes inspection contract, and approval of a contract with the NDDOT for the 5th Street SE project involving mill and overlay and utility extensions. Community Development actions included approving an updated Master Service Agreement (MSA) with Highlands Engineering and awarding task orders for engineering services related to the Empire Road and Fairway Street projects. An updated MSA with Apex Engineering was approved, along with a task order for the 2027 Watermain Replacement project. A contract with EAPC was approved to evaluate roof water issues at the Dickinson Area Public Library. The Commission also conducted three public hearings: approving the vacation of an easement at 675 10th Avenue SE, approving the first reading of an ordinance amending industrial off-street parking standards, and approving resolutions to proceed with the 2026 Road Maintenance SID and two related 2026 Utility and Street Improvement SIDs.

The agenda for the City Commission meeting addressed several critical items across various departments. Key discussion points included consideration of resolutions and ordinances related to sales tax, joint powers agreements with Stark County, contract approvals for the City Attorney and Prosecution Attorney, and a land sale purchase agreement. The Administration/Finance section covered the 2025 Year-End Unaudited Financial Report and Encumbrances. The Public Works agenda featured the introduction of the new Water Reclamation Facility Manager, contract approvals for landfill scale rental and Nova Fire Protection, and consideration of bids for a Rolloff Truck and approval for Hazardous Tree Removal. Community Development topics included rezoning matters, renewal of the Gate City Bank Dickinson Revitalization Program, and approval of various construction project contracts and grant awards related to 5th Street SE and transportation structures. Two Public Hearings were scheduled: one concerning the Amendment to City Pension Plans, and another regarding Chapter 62 definitions. A significant portion of the meeting involved lengthy public testimony and deliberation regarding the proposed ordinance on Short-Term Rentals (Chapter 62), which the Commission ultimately voted to deny as written. Another public hearing considered removing the requirement for adjacent property owners to sign petitions for rezoning/SUP applications. The final public hearing addressed updating definitions for personal, commercial, heavy, and recreational vehicles, which was tabled for further discussion after public comment.

The meeting included the opening pledge of allegiance, approval of the order of business, and approval of the consent agenda. Key discussions covered the announcement of a candidates forum presented by the Southwest Patriots Coalition, and the proclamation for Giving Hearts Day (February 12th, 2026). The commission also addressed the Board of Equalization meeting date, setting it for April 15th. A beer-only liquor license renewal for Just Golf was approved. Further items included the approval of designated depository banks, a review of the preliminary December 2025 financial report, and an update on human resources vacancies across various departments, including police, fire, public works, and finance. Public works items included the approval for the buyout of a WRF tractor for $241,788.65, approval of a $67,250 annual task order with Houston Engineering for groundwater monitoring, and the renewal of an annual inspection agreement with Cone Cranes for $13,061. Finally, a Master Service Agreement (MSA) update with Highlands Engineering and Surveying PLLC using EJCDC forms was presented.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the approval of the November 2025 minutes. The primary agenda item involved a variance request to reduce the front yard setback on a mobile home zoned lot from 25 feet to 18.22 feet, necessitated by the placement of a newly constructed shop building, with the applicant noting the desire to match existing neighborhood styles and address septic system constraints. The second item addressed a variance request concerning a landscape depth reduction on an R3 zoned lot from 15 feet to 0 feet to add approximately 15 parking spaces for an apartment complex serving low-income housing, citing issues with on-street parking congestion and the need for closer access for residents with limited mobility. Both variance requests were approved by the Board.

The agenda for the City Commission meeting included consideration for approval of Resolution No: 06-2026 and Ordinance No: 1848. The Consent Agenda covered approval of accounts payable and the prior meeting's minutes from February 3, 2026. Administration/Finance items involved approval consideration for the Harlows Bus Service Contract, ABM Printer Contracts, the 2024 and 2025 Audit Proposal, and monthly reports for Finance and HR. Public Works items included the Fire Department Annual Report, bid award and finance resolution for a Pierce Pumper Fire Engine, and various development items under Community Development such as approvals for the West Ridge 4th Addition Subdivision, DWR Cost Share Agreement for East Broadway Dam, ESRI software renewals, and an Ordinance Amendment (Chapter 20-3 - Floods). Community Development also addressed cost participation and maintenance agreements with NDDOT for two highway roundabouts and business loop projects, along with a General Services Task Order. The meeting included a Public Hearing section covering first readings for ordinances related to Short-Term Rentals, Rezoning by Petition, and Vehicle Definitions under Chapter 62. Furthermore, discussions from the February 3, 2026, meeting involved tobacco compliance actions against two establishments (Cenex General Store and Vapes), the reclassification of a DMV position to Title & Registration Coordinator, approval of a high lift wheel loader purchase, approval of a landfill closure task order, and police and community development monthly reports.