Laura Woelfel

The City Council workshop addressed the approval of a Request for Proposals for professional advisory services concerning the long-term development strategy of the Stoke property. Additionally, the Council discussed an FK permit and lease agreement with Duke Energy regarding a city-owned parcel adjacent to the Belmont Rowing Center to preserve the potential for future development of a public paddling park.

The meeting served as a joint session between the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Board to initiate an update to the city's land development code. Discussions centered on hiring a consultant to guide the process, the importance of aligning the code with the comprehensive land use plan and recent state law changes, and strategies for public engagement, including upcoming surveys, listening sessions, and stakeholder outreach to ensure community feedback is prioritized.

The meeting included the presentation and approval of the May financial report. Staff provided updates on the Friday Night Live concert series and discussed entertainment cost estimates for the Bavarian Holiday Festival. The board approved the sponsorship of a corporate bed for the Belmont Community Garden and authorized a partnership with the Belmont Bookshop for the 2025 Literary Festival, including support for venue use and event infrastructure.

The annual retreat focused on reviewing the city's financial position, debt profile, and potential bond referendum processes. Key discussions included infrastructure and public safety needs, specifically evaluating options for a third fire station and renovations to existing facilities. The council explored strategies for state-level lobbying, established cost-recovery goals for the CityRec center, and reviewed the Asset Management Plan alongside water and sewer project priorities. Additionally, the council addressed park field improvements, the master plan for Stowe Park, and economic development strategies for the Wilkinson Boulevard corridor.

The board reviewed and considered proposed revisions to the Watershed Protection Ordinance Map, necessitated by properties that have been annexed into the city since the last official map update. The discussion focused on updating the jurisdictional watershed area to ensure accurate mapping of protected zones. The board unanimously approved the recommended map amendments, which were scheduled to be presented to the full City Council for a public hearing.