Michelle Fitzgerald

The primary focus of this special city council meeting was the consideration of Resolution 2023-XXXX regarding the authorization for the Mayor and/or City Clerk to enter into a contract to purchase a used police vehicle. The discussion centered on replacing a disabled police unit due to an extremely expensive repair, with the Chief proposing a used 2020 Dodge Durango. Council members debated the financial implications of purchasing the used vehicle versus ordering a new police pursuit vehicle off the State contract, considering the need to maintain emergency reserves. Ultimately, the Council voted to approve the purchase of a new police pursuit vehicle through State bid, allocating funds for outfitting and authorizing amendments to the budget, including utilizing Police Department operational reserve funds and General Funds if necessary. The meeting concluded with a brief executive session to discuss personal disciplinary action, for which no council action was taken.

The meeting addressed the final plat for Long Edition Phase One, which involved confirming necessary revisions such as sewer service sketches for specific lots and ensuring the bill of assurance was corrected. A significant discussion focused on mailbox requirements, clarifying that while the city ordinance does not mandate mailboxes, future subdivisions are expected to utilize cluster mailboxes, and the builder for Phase One committed to coordinating with the Postmaster for individual boxes. The board also reviewed the preliminary plat for Long Edition Phase Two, confirming staff corrections were made, including upsizing a waterline, relocating hydrants, adding a manhole, and replacing references to straw bales with waddles or silt fence in the SWPPP. Discussions also covered lots located in Zone AE of the flood zone and the process for subsequent FEMA submissions once the final plat is approved. Announcements included the timeline for receiving public input on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) in March and various upcoming city events in February.

The council meeting included discussions on various departmental reports, noting the cleanup efforts related to a county-declared disaster area, which opens avenues for state reimbursement paperwork. The Planning Commission reported on electing Aaron Mixon as the new Vice Chair and discussed future ordinance considerations regarding short-term rentals (especially concerning the upcoming solar eclipse) and cryptocurrency mining operations. The Commission also discussed an annexation proposal and the introduction of new standardized, blue 'Z' signs to improve transparency regarding rezoning requests. A major item involved the second reading and subsequent amendments to Ordinance 2023-13 concerning establishing a unified city-wide curfew for minors, including modifications to the curfew hours based on the day of the week, in response to concerns about juvenile activity and vehicle break-ins.

The meeting included several significant legislative actions. The Council discussed and voted on Ordinance 2024-07, authorizing the utilization of a licensed psychological examiner to perform psychological exams on city employees as needed, which passed after a roll call vote resulting in a tie-breaking affirmative vote. Subsequently, Ordinance 2024-07 was adopted. The Council then began deliberations on Ordinance 2024-02 concerning the condemnation and removal of nuisance structures, which passed its first reading. Following this, Ordinance 2024-13, requiring property owners to keep street gutters and drainage ditches clear of obstructions, passed its first reading and was subsequently passed outright by waiving the second and third readings due to an emergency clause request related to the rainy season. Finally, the Council introduced Ordinance 2024-14, which requires premises to be kept free from weeds, grass, garbage, and stagnant water to prevent breeding grounds for pests. Discussions surrounding drainage issues, particularly those caused by recent tree clearing by R-DOT, were raised during the ordinance reviews.

The special City Council meeting focused primarily on Resolution 2024-35, which authorizes the mayor and city clerk to enter into a contract to purchase a used police vehicle. Discussion centered on the immediate need for a replacement vehicle versus the anticipated release of the 2025 contract list, which would involve higher costs. Council members expressed reservations about acquiring used vehicles, citing concerns over vehicle history and potential future maintenance costs. The possibility of exploring an Enterprise rental/lease program for future vehicle acquisition, which includes maintenance, was noted for review during the next budget cycle. Resolution 2024-35 was ultimately approved.