The Public Meeting Index

The Calvert County Planning Commission met in hybrid format on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after the 7:00 p.m. Water & Sewerage Comprehensive Plan public hearing. All seven commissioners were present, establishing a quorum. The commission approved routine items, initiated a 60-day review of a proposed comprehensive plan amendment, directed staff to move Text Amendment 26-31 to public hearings, and approved the 2027 regular meeting schedule. No major subdivisions, site plan applications, or long-range planning items were on the agenda. The agenda listed Teams/phone meeting ID 808 543 065, while the meeting administrator read the ID as 774-724-49. Administrative Approvals - The proposed agenda was approved as printed by voice vote. - The Summary of Actions for the September 16, 2026 Planning Commission public hearing and the September 16, 2026 regular meeting were approved by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Judy Peterson, an at-large county commissioner candidate and Lusby resident, supported the proposed comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning of Industrial-2 districts to prior designations. She urged immediate environmental assessments and an impact statement, and criticized the process by which the original change occurred with little public notice. - Pam Werner, representing Indivisible Calvert County, thanked the commission for directing the reversal of the February 2025 rezoning and the removal of data centers as a permitted use. She argued the comprehensive rezoning process was used to avoid the county's change-or-mistake rule and said the February 2025 rezoning was the mistake that should be reversed. - Patty Stuckler, an at-large county commissioner candidate, thanked staff for the Huntingtown and Owings Town Center histories and supported historic preservation. - Stephanie Perone, a representative of Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and Constellation Energy Generation and a Lusby resident, said Calvert Cliffs contributes about $21 million a year in local taxes and employs hundreds of local workers. She explained that Constellation requested a zoning change through the 2024 comprehensive rezoning process, and urged the commission to consider whether changing the plant zoning status could hinder new energy projects at the site. - Alyssa Domsell, outside counsel for Constellation, clarified that the power purchase agreement upgrades are at the existing plant and that the proposed rezoning of Parcel B was not specific to those upgrades. - Dr. Jeanette Waisaki, a Chesapeake Beach resident speaking for herself, opposed the I-2 designation at Calvert Cliffs, saying all public comments during the relevant process opposed I-2 in Lusby and that the change was made after the public comment period. She supported returning approximately 600 acres of buffer. - Tom Cale, a Solomons resident, criticized the county permitting and bond process, saying he paid $87,000 for permits and bonds, including a $51,000 bond held for two and a half years. He called the process a burden and linked it to affordability concerns. Discussion Items - Comprehensive Plan Amendment: Rezoning Industrial-2 Districts to Their Previous Zoning Designations – Tay Harris, Long Range Planner, presented the proposed amendment. On September 22, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners directed staff to process the rezoning of Industrial-2 properties to their former zoning classifications. Affected areas are in Lusby and would revert to Rural Community District, Farm and Forest District, or Industrial-1. Staff stated the total proposed affected area is 1,352 acres, with 726 acres adjacent to Calvert Cliffs and the remaining 2,062 acres at the Appeal Convenience Center and landfill and the Solomons Wastewater Treatment Plant; those acreage figures do not sum to the stated total. The commission asked staff to initiate the 60-day review required by Maryland Land Use Article Section 3-203C. - Text Amendment 26-31: Prohibiting Data Centers – Rachel O'Shea, Deputy Director of Zoning, presented the text amendment prepared after the September 22, 2026 BOCC direction. The use table would remove data centers as a permitted use in I-1 and I-2 districts, and the definition of data center would state the use is not permitted in any zoning district. In response to a commissioner question, Planning and Zoning Director Jason Brinkley said Text Amendment 26-23, an earlier data-center restrictions amendment, is not being moved forward at this time because the BOCC directed staff not to proceed. The commission directed staff to schedule public hearings for the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. - 2027 Planning Commission Annual Regular Meeting Schedule – The proposed schedule was presented by the PC Clerk and approved as submitted. - Histories of the Huntingtown and Owings Town Centers – Tay Harris and Christopher Sperling presented historical development patterns and regulatory/policy timelines for the two town centers. Topics included the 1706 Hunting Town, the Baltimore and Drum Point Railroad, town center establishment in 1983, TDR receiving areas, and changes to the town center master plans. Chris Sperling noted historic districts are voluntary, can restrict exterior appearance, and can make properties eligible for a 25% historic preservation tax credit. A commissioner corrected the presenter's spelling of Boone's Market to Bowen's Market (E.O. Bowen). No action was taken. - Site Plan and Subdivision Lists – The lists were included in the information packet; commissioners had no questions. Key Outcomes - The commission voted unanimously to initiate the 60-day review of the proposed comprehensive plan amendment to rezone Industrial-2 districts to their previous designations. - The commission voted unanimously to direct staff to proceed with the public adoption process for Text Amendment 26-31, including separate public hearings before the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. - The commission unanimously approved the proposed 2027 Planning Commission regular meeting schedule. - No final decisions were made on rezoning or data-center policy at this work session; actions taken were procedural.

The Franklin Township Planning Board, chaired by Chairman Arsini, held a meeting on October 21, 2026. The primary agenda item was a public hearing and unanimous vote on the Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan application (PLN-26-00007) for GOT YOUR SIX Dispensary. The Board took no action on minutes, resolutions, or discussion items and heard no comments from the general public on general planning issues. General Public Comments - The board opened the floor for general public comments on any planning issue. No members of the public came forward to speak. Hearing: GOT YOUR SIX Dispensary (PLN-26-00007) - Applicant's Representation: Attorney Michael Silbert of Murphy Schiller and Wilkes LLP represented the applicant, joined by Freddie Herrera, CEO and Founder of Got Your Six Dispensary, and Mitchell Ardman, a licensed professional engineer and planner. - Project Description: The application sought approval to reactivate an existing drive-thru window at an active cannabis dispensary located at 4437 Route 27 (Block 5.02, Lot 117.03) within the NB zone. The property, a pad site in the Princeton Marketplace shopping center, was formerly a bank. The proposed drive-thru is strictly for pre-placed orders (submitted via app or website) with mandatory ID verification at pickup. No on-site ordering or payment transactions are conducted at the window. - Variance Request: The applicant originally sought a setback variance for a sign but eliminated that request. The remaining variance sought was permission to install a second freestanding sign on the property, as the zoning ordinance only permits one freestanding sign per lot. - Witness Testimony (Mitchell Ardman): - Ardman testified that the second freestanding sign (20 square feet, 5 feet tall with a stone base) is intended for wayfinding to direct customers to the pad site. He argued the sign qualifies for a C2 variance under the Municipal Land Use Law, stating it serves purposes A (promoting creative development) and I (ensuring a desirable visual environment), is approximately 350 feet from the existing shopping center sign, and will cause no substantial detriment to the public or the zone plan. - He confirmed the site meets all bulk standards of the NB zone. A traffic analysis and a New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) letter of no interest are on file. Ardman stated the projected queuing is minimal (approximately two cars expected, with room for six in the drive-thru aisle), and operations will comply with all Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) regulations, including a strict pre-order and ID verification system. - Board Discussion & Professional Input: - Board members questioned operational details. The applicant confirmed that the person picking up the order must be the same person who placed it, children may be present in the vehicle, and that the service is comparable to a pharmacy drive-thru pickup, specifically prohibiting transaction ordering at the window. - A board member expressed strong reservations about the viability of proposed shade trees in a narrow landscaped strip near the drive-thru, suggesting shrubs would be more appropriate to avoid constant replacement. The applicant's team agreed to work with the board's landscape professional on suitable plant species. - The Chairman and board professionals emphasized that the application and eventual approval are strictly for a drive-thru pickup window. They stated that if the operational dynamic were to change in the future (e.g., adding an ordering or payment kiosk), the applicant would be required to return to the board for new approvals. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: A motion was made and seconded to approve the application as presented. The motion included the variance for two freestanding signs, fulfillment of all comments and conditions raised during the meeting, and conformance to the Technical Review Committee (TRC) report. - Result: The motion carried unanimously. Members voting in favor were Councilman Barrison, Robert LeCourt, Jennifer Ragnow, Robert Thomas, and Chairman Arsini. - Scope of Approval: The board granted Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan approval, authorizing the reactivation of the drive-thru and the requested variance for a second freestanding sign. Board Comments & Announcements - A board member provided announcements for several upcoming community events, including a Revolutionary War author talk, a spooky stories event, the Washington-Rochambeau plaque unveiling on Veterans Day, and the 250th anniversary of the Conference on Horseback scheduled for January 3, 2027. Work Session / New Business & Adjournment - No work session or new business was conducted. The meeting was adjourned following board comments.

This regular meeting of the Sterling Heights City Council was held on October 21, 2026. The council heard presentations on the SMART bus millage renewal, honored the city clerk's office with an award, and discussed the renewal of the Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) camera system. After extensive public comment and deliberation, the council voted 4-3 to renew the Flock contract. Additional actions included adoption of an ordinance prohibiting sidewalk obstructions and approval of the consent agenda. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda as presented. - Approved the consent agenda, which included a snow plowing contract that drew a public comment from a contractor disputing the selection process. Public Comments & Testimony - SMART Millage Presentation: City staff and SMART General Manager Tiffany Gunter presented the benefits of the transit millage renewal, highlighting ridership growth, improved on-time performance, and community partnerships. Councilmember Radke expressed support. - Award Recognition: Aileen Dixon from the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks presented the 2026 MI Excellence Award to City Clerk Melanie Riska for the handheld translation devices program used at polling places. - Flock ALPR Renewal: The majority of public comments opposed renewing the Flock contract. Speakers raised concerns about mass surveillance, data security, potential misuse by federal agencies, constitutional violations (Fourth Amendment), and inaccuracy of the system. Many referenced other Michigan communities that had terminated their Flock contracts (e.g., St. Clair Shores, Madison Heights, Ferndale). A few speakers supported renewal, citing the tool's investigative value and trust in the Sterling Heights Police Department. Notable speakers included council members from St. Clair Shores, legal experts, and residents from Sterling Heights and surrounding communities. Discussion Items - Ordinance Adoption: Council unanimously adopted an ordinance adding local amendments to the International Property Maintenance Code to prohibit sidewalk obstructions and parking in commercial lots outside designated spaces. Councilmembers Sarowski and Radke spoke in favor, citing safety concerns for pedestrians and the ability to hold property owners responsible. - Flock ALPR Renewal: The council heard a lengthy presentation from Assistant City Manager Dale Drojakowski, Police Chief Andy Satterfield, and IT Director Steve Dion. The presentation covered the system's benefits (49 cases solved or leads generated in 60 days), safeguards (monthly audits, user agreements, reduction of partner agencies to 180 Michigan-only, prohibition on immigration/reproductive health searches), data security (AWS GovCloud, encryption), and a 30-day cancellation clause. Councilmembers deliberated at length. Concerns included potential for misuse by other agencies, lack of independent verification, and civil liberties. The council voted 4-3 to approve the two-year renewal contract (Dec. 14, 2026 – Dec. 13, 2028) funded entirely by state forfeiture funds. Key Outcomes - Ordinance Amending Property Maintenance Code: Adopted unanimously. - Flock ALPR Contract Renewal: Approved by a vote of 4-3 (Yes: Yanis, Zarko, Majack, Schmidt; No: Sarowski, Taylor, Radke). The contract costs $84,100 per year, paid by state forfeiture funds, with a 30-day cancellation clause. - Consent Agenda: Approved, including the snow plowing contract. - Appointment: Christina M. Taylor appointed to the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation Board of Directors (term ending 2029). - Meeting Extended: The meeting was extended to 1:00 AM to complete deliberations.

The Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee (DRIP) of the Maui County Council met on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. HST (agenda time) via Microsoft Teams and in-person at the Council Chamber in Wailuku. Chair Tamara Paltin presided. The committee considered two items concurrently: Bill 139 (2026) to amend the Maui Island Plan's Directed Growth Map to include 85.57 acres in the Urban Growth Boundary for the Keokea Industrial project, and Bill 108 (2026) to adopt the updated South Maui Community Plan. The committee voted to recommend passage of Bill 139 on first reading and approved several amendments to Action 1.16 of the South Maui Community Plan regarding a multimodal transportation corridor feasibility study. Public Comments & Testimony - Tova Calendar (testimony read by proxy): An environmental biologist and South Maui CPAC member submitted testimony advocating for a 100-foot buffer along gulches in South Maui to protect public safety, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and provide community amenities such as mauka-to-makai trail connections. She noted that mainland jurisdictions often require 200-foot buffers. - Thorne Abbott, Coastal Planners: Testified on behalf of Mark Turtletob, owner of 6850 Makena Road (parcel 2-2-1-006-103), whose property was designated as Park in the proposed plan. Abbott argued the designation creates a land use conflict since the state land use is Rural and zoning is Residential. He stated the owner was not notified of the designation change and requested the designation be changed to Rural Residential. He noted the property was designated Park in 1988 due to anticipated state park expansion that never occurred. - Travis Leggett: Expressed support for preserving the composting facility (Kihei Compost) on the Keokea Industrial site, stating it is a valuable community resource for green waste processing in a closed-loop system. He raised concern about potential displacement of the operator. He also testified about concerns regarding open-air sludge drying beds at the Motlawa Regional Wastewater Reclamation System project. - Unaka Kama Aina: Urged caution in using terms like "property" versus "land" and expressed support for protecting the water supply. Discussion Items - Bill 139 (2026) – Keokea Industrial UGB Amendment: Rory Frampton, planning consultant for Haleakala Ranch Company, presented the proposed amendment to include 85.57 acres (TMK (2) 2-2-002:080) in the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) for industrial uses. The site is located mauka of the Kihei Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Existing uses include Hawaii Materials Recycling (construction recycling, approximately 10 acres) and a former composting facility (12 acres) that the ranch seeks to reestablish. The State Office of Planning submitted a letter of support citing proximity to existing UGB, soil rating E (lowest grade agricultural land), and demonstrated need. The proposal requires additional steps: state district boundary amendment (due to parcel size over 15 acres) and a change in zoning, which will allow conditions and restrictions on uses. - Planning Director Jackie Takakura supported the bill, stating it would help Kihei become less dependent on Central Maui, reduce vehicle miles traveled, provide local employment, and ease burden on the Central Maui landfill. She noted the urban growth boundary denotes where urban density development requiring full services is supported, and that community plan designations cannot be assigned to land outside the UGB. - Vacant Land Inventory: Director Takakura presented the Maui Island vacant land inventory as of 2026, showing 198 acres of heavy industrial and 271 acres of light industrial island-wide, without a breakdown by community plan area. This inventory is required under Maui Island Plan Policy 8.1.B. - Existing Residential Parcels Outside UGB: Councilmember Tom Cook raised the issue of several existing residential parcels that were left outside the Urban Growth Boundary when the MIP was updated in 2012. The committee discussed a path forward, with Corporation Counsel Michael Hopper stating that a separate process through resolution to the Planning Commission would be required to amend the UGB for those parcels. Chair Paltin noted that letters had been sent to affected property owners and that Councilmember Cook would follow up. - South Maui Community Plan – Action 1.16 Amendment: Councilmember Gabe Johnson proposed a feasibility study for a multimodal transportation corridor through South Maui to Central Maui. The committee adopted multiple amendments: changing the route from Lipoa Parkway to Kanani Road; designating the MPO as lead agency; adding county, state, and federal funding sources; and setting the study cost at $250,000. The committee also added a new implementing action for the corridor with an estimated cost of $10 million and funding sources including county, state, federal, and private. - Community Plan Designation Changes: The committee confirmed that letters were sent to properties whose designations changed during this plan update (noted on Matrix 3B), but not to properties that were designated Park in prior plan versions. - Pi'ilani Promenade Bond: Director Jordan Molina of Public Works confirmed that a $20 million subdivision bond was posted around 2009 for required improvements including the Kaono'ulu Street extension (four-lane road with sidewalks and bike lanes). Construction plans are currently under review. Key Outcomes - Bill 139 (DRIP-29) – Recommended for Passage on First Reading: The committee voted 7-0 (members Batangan and Sugimura excused) to recommend passage of Bill 139 (2026) as amended by CD1 Substitute. The CD1 version inserts a non-codified preamble with the bill's procedural history, adjusts exhibit references, and incorporates non-substantive revisions. The bill amends the Maui Island Plan's Directed Growth Map S1 (North Kihei) to include 85.57 acres in the Urban Growth Boundary for the Keokea Industrial project. The Council will need to hold a public hearing on Maui prior to second reading. - Action 1.16 Amended – Feasibility Study: The committee approved amending Action 1.16 to read: "Conduct a feasibility study for a new multimodal transportation corridor or connector road through South Maui to Central Maui, mauka of Pi'ilani Highway, connecting from Kanani Road to Maui Veterans Highway. Include in the study: alignments that could also serve as emergency evacuation routes; estimated costs; funding and financing options; easements and right-of-way needed, with a strategy for acquiring them; and an assessment of impacts on the 'āina, with recommended routes and design measures that minimize harm." Lead agency: MPO. Funding: county, state, federal. Priority: high. Timing: long. Cost: $250,000. - New Implementing Action Added: The committee added an implementing action: "Implement a new multimodal transportation corridor through South Maui to Central Maui, mauka of Pi'ilani Highway, connecting to Maui Veterans Highway." Lead agency: Public Works. Funding: county, state, federal, and private. Cost: $10 million. Priority: high. Timing: long. - Committee Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at 3:59 p.m. HST.

The Farmers Market Committee of Park Ridge, Illinois, met on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in the City Hall Finance Conference Room, 505 Butler Place. Members present included Stephanie Goodridge, Karen Grunshaw, Katie Daniels, Jessica Curry, Deanne Dermopolis, Brenda Holcomb, Dee Weinke, Amy Nedich, and Wally O'Keefe. The committee approved the September 16, 2026 minutes with amendments, honored outgoing members, discussed and approved revised market rules and the vendor application, and reviewed marketing, operations, and old business. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens appeared to speak on non-agenda items. City Liaison Report - The City Liaison thanked outgoing members Brenda Holcomb and Karen Grunshaw. Brenda, who joined the committee around March 2021, was credited with the new market logo, banners, poster contest, and social media presence. Karen was recognized for many years of service, including 5 a.m. setup to 2 p.m. teardown, advocacy for farmers, and continuing the SNAP program. A commemorative sign was presented to Karen. Market Master and Market Manager Reports - Karen reported that the new market tents have drawn positive comments and reduced setup work. She noted that Danielle prefers vendors to handle cleanup while staff manage storage. - Karen reported that Rata from Kaditch collapsed at the market due to dehydration, recovered after receiving fluids, and returned home. She recommended committee members visit the market in its final two weeks before voting on vendors. - The last market will include face painting and balloons. One or two potential food vendors are being tried out in the roughly 40–45-foot space left by Berry Berries. Discussion Items - Rules of Operation: Proposed changes had been reviewed with city attorneys; yellow highlights marked additions and red marked deletions. Members discussed removing the sales tax number requirement from the rules while keeping it on the application, out-of-state scale inspections, and logo-use language meant to protect the market from unauthorized or harmful use. The committee clarified that the business-license requirement applies only to businesses located in Park Ridge, allowing out-of-town vendors to be accepted. - Vendor Application: Members reviewed the current online application. They agreed to remove question 18, update dates for 2027, refine vendor-type wording, and state that unapproved items are prohibited. Electricity instructions under vendor space fees should be made more prominent. Space requests should be specific, with four or five spaces reserved for farmers only; market masters retain discretion. Returning vendor applications should be due by January 11, with payment due by January 31. - Application Process: Members debated opening new vendor applications in November. Karen expressed concern about stringing applicants along until March decisions, while other members argued earlier applications helped secure desirable vendors and allowed rolling decisions. Staff hoped to have the updated application online by November 1 if approved. Research on other markets, including Evanston, Glenview, Oak Park, Mount Prospect, and Arlington Heights, found most opened applications after the first of the year. Action Items - A motion to approve the Rules of Operation as amended was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote. - A motion to approve the Vendor Application as amended with the evening's noted changes was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote. Sub-Committee Reports - Finance: No formal report; the committee noted it is 'spending the money.' - Marketing & Communications: Boulevard banner replacement was deferred to January 2027 to preserve budget cushion, with all 20 boulevard banners to be replaced then. Members received updates on designer Mark Burns, magazine contacts, public works coordination, and printers. Poster contest materials were distributed to schools, park districts, and the library. A vendor contact email must go out before November 5. - Operations: No report. - Special Events: The final market will include face painting and balloons. Old Business - Banner placements at schools: Elementary District 64 responded positively, allowing banners at Emerson and possibly Roosevelt. The high school district declined fence advertising and general banner placement, but offered space in its weekly parent newsletter; the committee will continue discussions. - The Centennial Park District pool was secured for promotional banners. Ice rink overhead banner placement was discussed but deferred. - Picnic tables will remain with the park district at Cumberland Park for now. The committee plans to begin earlier discussions with the park district about future market use. - An indoor winter market was raised as a possible long-term consideration. Key Outcomes - Minutes of September 16, 2026, approved as amended. - Rules of Operation approved as amended for the upcoming season. - Vendor application approved as amended, with a staff target to post it online by November 1, 2026. - Returning vendor applications are due January 11, 2027; payment is due January 31, 2027. - The committee recognized outgoing members Brenda Holcomb and Karen Grunshaw. - Boulevard banner replacement was deferred to January 2027. - There was no new business, and the meeting adjourned.

The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) met on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The meeting included a lengthy debate on a 15-year software contract renewal, a revised presentation on APPA financial benchmarking data, and standard board and status reports. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes for the September 2 (Work Session) and September 16 (Regular Session) meetings. - Tank 4A Waterline Repair: The board recommended approval of Task Order No. 16 with Dub-L-EE for $460,000 (including a 15% contingency and NMGRT) to repair a blowout in an 18-inch transmission waterline in Two Mile Canyon. The item was forwarded to the County Council for approval. - Smartphone Meter Reading (SPMR) Contract Extension: The board recommended Amendment No. 2 to the SPMR agreement, extending it by 15 years through 2033, with a total not-to-exceed amount of $362,000. Board members expressed strong reluctance, criticizing the up-to-10% annual cost escalator clause and the eleventh-hour nature of the request, which left the board with no practical alternative. Staff acknowledged a breakdown in contract oversight, noting the agreement was not properly tracked or flagged for renewal. The board voted 3-0 to approve the extension but directed staff to return 120 days before the 2027 renewal date to present a formal transition plan to an alternative system. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered oral or written comments during the meeting. Department Business - Utility Comparison APPA Data (Item 7.a): Joann Gentry and Richard Valerio presented significantly revised financial benchmarking data. The revisions corrected previous errors (double-counted O&M expenses) and adjusted for the distorting effect of the one-time Uniper settlement. Key findings included high O&M costs ($0.127 per kWh sold), a lean current ratio (1.40), and an operating ratio above 1.0, indicating a financial loss prior to the implementation of new time-of-use rates. Chair Gibson deferred a deep-dive discussion, noting the board needed time to absorb the corrected figures before tying them to FY28 budget preparations. Board Business & Reports - Chair's Report: Chair Gibson reminded members to submit their annual self-evaluations by October 27. - Utilities Manager's Report: Deputy Utility Manager Gentry summarized the report in place of an absent Philo Shelton. Topics included pump skid delays for the Jemez snowmaking project, the discovery that the White Rock substation transformer was too large for the original plans, and an update on staffing vacancies. - County Manager's Report: Anne Laurent reported that County Council members had received feedback that Level 3 EV charging rates are too expensive and inquired about potential rate incentives. She also noted the introduction of an ordinance for LEDA and MRA support for a new development. - ESB Liaison Report: The board was updated on the Environmental Sustainability Board's activities, including a full board and planning for the 2027 work plan. Status Reports - Electric Reliability: Staff corrected a previously mislabeled outage month; the correction resulted in no net change to the annual SAIDI metric. - Accounts Receivable: Accounts over 90 days past due remained generally stable. Write-offs older than four years remain technically collectible if the customer returns, with funds returning to the utility fund rather than the general fund. - Risk & Safety: A typographical error was flagged regarding electrical distribution hours worked in August (listed as 22,196.8 instead of an expected value near 2,000). Staff committed to correcting the report. Key Outcomes - Votes: Consent agenda approved 3-0. - Directives: Staff must return 120 days before the 2027 SPMR renewal date with an alternative. Staff must share the corrected APPA data memorandum with absent board members. The board will schedule an in-depth review of the APPA data to guide budget strategy. - Next Steps: The agenda review meeting was scheduled for Friday, October 23. Upcoming November meetings will address EV rate structures, the DPU fee schedule, and the board's annual evaluation.

The New Albany Historic Preservation Commission met on October 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the New Albany City Hall, following the Facelift Awards ceremony at 6:00 PM. The commission reviewed several Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications, discussed enforcement processes, and considered potential new historic district designations. Chair Colt Sanders presided over the meeting, with all commission members present, establishing a quorum. Certificate of Appropriateness Applications - 620 E. Main (Streckfus & Brown): Application to replace tin shingle roof with asphalt shingles and replace gutters with half-round. The owners were not present. The commission approved the COA with recommendations to revisit the roof color for more historic accuracy and to consider traditional gutters instead of half-round, with final choices subject to staff review. (Vote: unanimous) - 1001 E. Spring (Stobaugh): Application for roof replacement, gutter conversion, window repair, and chimney removal. Approved with conditions: soffits must be repaired with wood, and bricks from the removed chimney must be retained. (Vote: unanimous) - 623 E. Spring (Eisenmenger): Application for standing seam metal roof, soffit/fascia repair, gutters, and window replacement. Approved with conditions: window replacements must be in approved material (wood frame) and staff-reviewed; door replacement on side elevation must be staff-reviewed for approval. (Vote: unanimous) - 73 E. 13th (McDowell): Proposal for a prefabricated home on a vacant lot. The applicant was not present. The commission discussed concerns about scale, articulation, roof pitch, windows, and water drainage. No vote was taken; the applicant was encouraged to return with more detailed plans and consider city pre-approved plans. - Staff-approved applications: Perry (519 E. Main), Chandler/Signarama Downtown (222 E. Market), Resilience Properties (26 E. 3rd), and Garland (1109 E. Spring) were approved by staff without commission deliberation. Old Business - DePauw Avenue Conservation District: A lawsuit hearing is scheduled for November 2, 2026. No new developments were reported. - Potential New District – Silver Hills: The commission discussed the next steps after a recent community meeting. Members noted that opposition often stemmed from misconceptions about historic preservation. The next step is to identify a core group of long-time residents to lead organic discussions with neighbors and possibly conduct a survey. - Enforcement Update: Administrator Laura Renwick sent letters to multiple properties regarding violations. A follow-up on a mural at Cozy Candles is pending. The commission also noted a property on Pearl Street with missing windows for over a year, which the Mayor has been made aware of. - At-large Member Recommendations: One member declined interest due to other commitments; the commission agreed to pass along names of interested candidates. New Business - Enforcement Process Improvements: The commission discussed formalizing a written complaint process to code enforcement, designating a commission member (Chair Colt Sanders volunteered) to track and escalate enforcement issues. They also proposed inviting representatives from code enforcement, building department, and redevelopment to quarterly meetings to improve coordination. Concerns about a code enforcement officer revealing complainant identities were raised and noted for future communication. - November Meeting Date: The next meeting was rescheduled to Monday, November 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM, due to Chair Sanders’ travel. Announcements - The NAPC webinar “Zoning Reform Isn't Coming—It's Here: What Preservationists Need to Know” is on October 22 at 1 PM; recordings are available for later viewing. - Continuing education requirements for certified local governments were reminded; members who have not completed training this year were encouraged to register. Key Outcomes - Three COA applications were approved with conditions. - One application (McDowell) was deferred for additional planning. - The commission will develop a formal enforcement tracking list and pursue quarterly inter-departmental meetings. - The November meeting was moved to November 30, 2026.