Rich Fanti

The Planning Commission & DDA convened for a special meeting. Key discussions involved the sign review for the Dollar General location at 29255 West Jefferson Avenue, where the proposed sign setback from the right-of-way (12 feet instead of the required 15 feet) was debated, ultimately receiving approval as it was considered a minimal and potentially better placement for sightlines. The board also addressed the DDA budget for the 2025 Christmas parade and tree lighting, approving the total amount, adjusted for a delivery fee. Bids for the 4th of July 2026 fireworks display were awarded to Great Lakes Fireworks for an amount not to exceed $15,000. Bids for Port of John's rental and tent rentals for the 4th of July 2026 and baseball fields were rejected due to only one bidder responding, and the recreation director was requested to rebid these items with local vendors. Budget correspondence regarding the 2025 and 2026 DDA budgets was acknowledged, with requests made for clearer column headings and location specifications for capital improvement expenditures.

The commission reviewed and discussed the salaries of elected officials, including the mayor, council, treasurer, and clerk. They considered factors such as community size, the responsibilities of the clerk, and comparisons with other area clerks. The discussion included a review of past salary increases and the impact of inflation. The commission also talked about the importance of compensating elected officials to encourage people to run for and fill these positions.

The council meeting included discussions on adding items to the agenda, such as asphalt seal coating and crack fill at the Jialter cemetery, approving an invoice for down river bus repair, and approving the city attorney's office to hand over a draft of the forensic audit to the special investigator. There was also a public comment session where a resident discussed lies and slander by a council member, and another resident inquired about a delayed business license. The council also discussed business licenses and compliance with fire regulations.

The meeting included discussions and decisions related to a request from the Police Chief for a DDA donation to purchase an all-terrain rescue vehicle for police and fire department use. The DDA approved the donation of up to $5,000 for the vehicle. Commissioner Mendoza Bach submitted her resignation. The new recreation director, Austin Reynolds, was introduced.

The meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals discussed a request from Mr. Buford to build an additional garage on his property. The request was based on the need for secure storage for his work equipment due to instances of theft and vandalism. The discussion involved the existing regulations regarding the number of garages allowed on a single lot, the possibility of combining lots, and the option of converting the existing garage into a living space. The board also considered the height requirements for garages and the overall impact on the city's master plan.