Chairperson: Called the meeting to order and reminded attendees to silence cell phones.
Pledge of Allegiance: Conducted in the absence of Councilman Hester.
2. Special Presentation: Constitution Day
Judge Mike Demitri: Recognized at the meeting.
Presentation:
Presenter: Linda Moss Mines, city historian, along with her grandchildren Noah and Rory Demitri, who are representatives of the Children of the American Revolution.
Topic: Constitution Day, celebrating the United States Constitution, focusing on the Republic, balance of power, and the role of local government.
Handouts: Copies of the Constitution distributed to attendees.
3. Council Business
Approval of Minutes: Approved without objection.
Agenda Review:
Final Readings: No urgent matters were raised.
First Readings and Resolutions: No new ordinances for the first reading. Some resolutions, including confirmations, will be reviewed.
Next Week's Agenda:
Addressing ordinances related to the Fire Department's hiring age.
Reviewing public works, appointments, and parks resolutions.
4. Discussion on Zoning and PUD (Planned Unit Development)
Councilman Ledford raised a query on next week's planning resolution regarding zoning and PUD changes during a six-month grace period.
Karen (city official) confirmed that old PUD rules can be applied during the transition and would provide additional language to clarify this.
5. Parks and Public Works Committee
Resolution Reviews:
Fire Training Tower Construction: Approved a change order to provide propane equipment and minor items, totaling $1.47 million.
Orange Grove Center Inc.: Approved a water quality project under the Green Grant Program, not exceeding $100,000.
Demolition Services: Approved a renewal of an on-call contract for Public Works code enforcement, totaling $65,000 annually.
Reagan Smith Associates: Consent to agreement changes for various public works projects.
Walnut Street Bridge Restoration: Presentation on the $35.3 million renovation project, including structural repairs, sandblasting, painting, LED lighting, and integrated security cameras.
Detours for bridge users outlined, with a project timeline from March 2024 to September 2026.
Communications plan with updates to local businesses and residents via the website.
6. Public Safety Committee
Ordinance on Fire Department Hiring Age:
Proposal to lower the fire department applicant age from 21 to 18 to increase the applicant pool and respond to recruitment challenges.
Key Discussion Points:
Mentoring and training younger applicants to ensure maturity and readiness.
Pension Impact: The actuarial study showed a minimal impact on the pension fund ($74 increase on a $26 million contribution).
Several council members supported the change, citing the benefits for younger citizens and community representation.
7. Upcoming Meeting and Adjournment
Council reviewed the schedule for future considerations, with committees planned for Parks and Public Works and Public Safety.
