Patrick Swem

The commission reviewed and considered the appointment of election inspectors, chairs, co-chairs, and receiving board members for an upcoming primary election. Additionally, the commission addressed the scheduling of a public accuracy test, the appointment of a city bookkeeper as a designee for said test, and the authorization for the clerk to establish an absent voter counting board for a general election.

The meeting includes reviews of monthly financial account activity and committee reports covering tree planting and maintenance, including planning for Third Street, watering schedules, and volunteer sustainability. Governance and financial discussions involve the city budget, officer elections, and infrastructure updates. The committee also covers fundraising, marketing, and volunteer recruitment, specifically regarding future funding, Arbor Day event reviews, and board recruitment. Ongoing business includes planning an educational event for the city's oldest trees and finalizing recommended tree species lists. New business items involve potential planting projects at Smith Park and applying for an award from the Arbor Day Foundation.

The commission held two public hearings regarding the repeal of Chapter 76 (Signs) and amendments to Chapter 78 (Solid Waste) of the City Code to clarify brush collection regulations. Key agenda items included the first reading of ordinances for these code amendments, the authorization of a lot purchase agreement for residential properties, approval of a Dial-A-Ride service agreement, and authorization to submit a USDA grant application for a downtown parking lot. The commission also addressed the introduction of an ordinance to regulate bicycling, discussed undeveloped right-of-way vacations, considered bids for public works equipment, and reviewed public engagement plans for the Buchanan Master Plan update.

This 2026 Amendment updates the Tax Increment Financing and Development Plan for the City of Buchanan Downtown Development Authority. Its core objectives are to halt property value deterioration, increase property tax valuation, and promote economic growth within the downtown district. The plan focuses on five key areas: promoting tourism and foot traffic, improving economic resilience, encouraging employment growth, enhancing public amenities, and preserving aesthetic and historic character. It outlines specific projects and programs, such as downtown marketing and wayfinding, public spaces operations, support for local institutions (Tin Shop Theatre, Pears Mill, Farmers Market), building façade grants, and special community events, to be funded through tax increment financing from 2026 to 2040.

The Commission held two public hearings regarding a proposed amendment to the Downtown Development Authority Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan, and the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget and property tax millage rate. Key business items included appointments to the Planning Commission and Construction Board of Appeals, approval of bylaws for several boards, authorization of a credit card for the Fine Arts Council, and consideration of an ordinance fee schedule for vacant and underutilized buildings. The Commission also discussed marihuana permit renewals, summer school tax collection, FOIA policy updates, and the addition of delinquent utility and mowing bills to summer taxes.