The Public Meeting Index

The Public Works and Transportation Committee of the Oakland City Council met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Chair Zac Unger presided; Councilmembers Unger, Ken Houston, and Noel Gallo were present, and Councilmember Charlene Wang was excused. The committee voted unanimously, 3-0 on every roll call, on all items requiring a vote. It approved the minutes and the amended schedule of outstanding items, and it forwarded five construction and grant resolutions to the October 20, 2026 City Council consent calendar and the capital-improvement audit to the non-consent calendar. According to the draft minutes, the meeting convened at 11:32 a.m. and adjourned at 1:05 p.m. Consent Calendar - The committee did not use a separate consent calendar, but the following items were approved unanimously and forwarded to the October 20, 2026 City Council consent calendar: East 12th Street Bikeway construction contract; Liberation Park Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities amendment; MLK Jr. Way construction management services; ready-mix concrete procurement; and EPA Arroyo Viejo Creek PCB remediation grant. - Draft minutes of the September 22, 2026 committee meeting were approved 3-0. - The outstanding committee items schedule was approved as amended 3-0, removing the 2025 Safe Oakland Streets annual informational report from the October 27, 2026 Public Works and Transportation Committee agenda because it had been inadvertently placed there. Public Comments and Testimony - Ms. Sada Olabala, a public speaker, voiced opposition or concern on multiple items: she questioned how protected bike lanes are swept and called for equitable bike-lane placement across East and West Oakland; she questioned the city's parking arrangement with the ice center and said sidewalk lawsuits need discussion; she demanded more race equity in construction hiring and subcontracting and more Black workers on city projects; she criticized what she described as small allocations to Black cultural institutions compared with larger city allocations in the Liberation Park grant; she challenged the waiver of sanctuary city and border-wall contracting prohibitions for concrete suppliers and said the city's position was inconsistent; she asked whether the EPA grant required matching funds; and in Open Forum she questioned pay raises for city employees who do not live in Oakland. - Kevin Daly, a public speaker, expressed support for the East 12th Street Bikeway, the MLK Jr. Way streetscape work, and the ready-mix concrete procurement; he praised the city auditor's report, noted Oakland's 30-year ADA consent decree, and asked for clearer statements about air-quality benefits. - Blair Beekman signed up on several items but was not recognized in the queue. Discussion Items East 12th Street Bikeway Construction Contract Award - Department of Transportation staff recommended awarding a $5,055,898 construction contract to McGuire and Hester, the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with authority for change orders up to 25% of the base award ($1,263,974.50), and CEQA findings. The project closes a one-mile bikeway gap between International Boulevard at 54th Avenue and the Fruitvale BART station, adding protected bike lanes, ADA improvements, signal upgrades, and traffic calming. Four bids were received on July 2, 2026. Funding comes from an Alameda County Transportation Commission grant, Measure U, and gas tax. Construction was estimated to begin in spring 2027 and finish around mid-to-end 2028. - Councilmember Houston asked about SLBE/LBE participation, noting a proposed $1,384,148 in certified small and very small local business work and a 52.94% local participation figure with a 63.02% credit. Staff said change orders are evaluated case by case and the whole project must still meet minimum SLBE/LBE requirements. The Assistant City Administrator noted that DWESS is piloting B2G software with HCD to track prime-to-subcontractor payments and will report back. - Approved 3-0 and forwarded to the October 20, 2026 City Council consent calendar. Amendment to Resolution No. 91091 C.M.S. - Liberation Park - Staff described the item as a technical amendment to accept and appropriate up to $44,661,404 in State of California Round 8 2024-2025 Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities loan and grant funds for the Residences at Liberation Park. It changes the recipient of a portion of the funds and adjusts funding amounts; the projects are unchanged. The state requires the amended resolution before releasing funds. - A public speaker criticized the grant's race-equity statement and the size of allocations to Black cultural institutions compared with city allocations. - Approved 3-0 and forwarded to the October 20, 2026 City Council consent calendar. MLK Jr. Way Streetscape Improvements Construction Management Support Services - Staff recommended a $4,000,000 professional services agreement with Azad Engineering PC, an Oakland SLBE-certified firm, to provide construction management, resident engineering, inspection, and materials testing for the MLK Jr. Way Streetscape Improvements Project between 2nd and 14th Streets. The project includes pedestrian crossings, lighting, street trees, seating, a two-way cycle track, and signal upgrades. Azad proposed to self-perform 70% of the scope. DOT's construction management team has an 80% vacancy rate, which staff cited as the reason for contracting out. - Public comment included support from Kevin Daly and questions from Ms. Olabala about air-quality claims and workforce equity. - Approved 3-0 and forwarded to the October 20, 2026 City Council consent calendar. Ready-Mix Concrete Procurement - Staff recommended authorizing as-needed purchases from CalPortland, CEMEX, and one additional eligible ready-mix supplier for four years, up to $400,000 per supplier per year, $1,200,000 annually, and $4,800,000 total; paying up to $70,000 in unpaid CalPortland invoices; waiving competitive bidding and open-market purchase requirements; and granting limited restricted waivers of the Border Wall Contracting Prohibition and the Sanctuary City Contracting Prohibition for CalPortland and CEMEX, with conditional waiver for a third supplier, plus CEQA findings. - Staff explained that ready-mix concrete is essential for in-house sidewalk and ADA curb-ramp work, that a 2025 request for quotes received no responses, and that only two ready-mix providers currently operate in Oakland. CalPortland and CEMEX accepted purchase-order terms but declined the city's additional Schedule I and Schedule W certifications, citing administrative burden and available private-sector work. A third supplier could be added if a plant reopens, such as Sierra Pacific's former Wood Street plant. - Councilmember Houston requested the concrete mix designs to research other suppliers and asked about local employment and pre-mix trucks. Staff said CalPortland could not estimate its Oakland workforce and that the city's equipment backlog exceeds $50 million. - Approved 3-0 and forwarded to the October 20, 2026 City Council consent calendar. Audit of Capital Improvement Program Financial Management - City Auditor Michael Houston presented an audit covering July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025. The city spent about $300 million on capital projects in that period, with Measure K the largest source at $153 million. - The audit found four main problem areas: (1) outdated and non-formally-adopted construction management guidance, inconsistent approvals, long change-order issuance times (average 79 days, median 35, against a 30-day goal), and high vacancies (about half of construction management civil engineer positions vacant and 7.6 of 14.6 FTE vacant in the Capital Contracts Division); (2) weak payment controls, including $35,000 in overpayments on 7 of 46 reviewed projects, average invoice processing time of 47 days, $66,000 in interest paid because of late payments, and 4 of 28 sampled change-order transactions without funds reserved; (3) inadequate oversight of Measure KK and Measure U bond funds, including a wrong-fund transaction, a sewer-fund mischarge on a transportation project, and missing required annual audits; and (4) lack of a comprehensive long-term capital plan since fiscal year 2022-23, with 5 of 92 reviewed change orders potentially avoidable through better pre-construction planning. - The auditor made 17 recommendations, and city administration agreed or partly agreed with all 17. Administration committed to updating and adopting the construction management manual by February 2027, developing written on-call contract guidance, strengthening payment and segregation-of-duties controls, and pursuing a 10-year capital improvement plan with annual reporting. - In discussion, Chair Unger noted a prior Finance Committee report showing capital projects paid on time about 55% versus 90% for other projects. Councilmember Houston pressed for design-build project delivery and for change orders above certain dollar amounts to return to council; Public Works Director Liam Garland said the department is open to design-build for large facility projects and would discuss reporting thresholds. - Approved 3-0 and forwarded to the October 20, 2026 City Council non-consent calendar so the auditor could present to the full council. EPA San Francisco Bay Program Grant - Arroyo Viejo Creek - Public Works staff recommended accepting up to $3,000,000 from the U.S. EPA San Francisco Bay Program for PCB remediation in Arroyo Viejo Creek, with CEQA findings. The grant supports a 2022 cleanup order by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board under which the city and Union Pacific Railroad were named jointly responsible parties. Remediation costs are estimated at up to approximately $8 million, with a 50/50 cost share; the city's share would otherwise be about $4 million. - In response to a public question, staff confirmed the grant requires a 25% match, or $1 million, with sources identified in the agenda report as the Monsanto Settlement and the City Facilities Fund. - Approved 3-0 and forwarded to the October 20, 2026 City Council consent calendar. Open Forum - One speaker, Ms. Sada Olabala, spoke during Open Forum about city employee residency and pay raises. She said 32% of city employees live in Oakland, while 92% of police and an estimated 80-something percent of fire workers do not, and questioned whether Oakland residents should fund pay raises for non-resident employees. Key Outcomes - Every roll-call vote was 3-0, with Councilmember Wang excused. - Items 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 were forwarded to the October 20, 2026 City Council consent calendar. - Item 7 was forwarded to the October 20, 2026 City Council non-consent calendar. - Item 1 (minutes) and Item 2 (outstanding items schedule) were approved as routine matters. - Next steps include City Council action on October 20, 2026; administration implementation of the audit recommendations; DWESS and DOT tracking of SLBE payments; and follow-up on design-build opportunities and change-order reporting thresholds. Note: The draft minutes open by referring to the Finance and Management Committee, while the agenda and transcript identify this body as the Public Works and Transportation Committee.

The Arlington City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in the Council Briefing Room at 101 W. Abram Street, 3rd Floor, Arlington, Texas. Mayor J. Ross called the meeting to order at 1:22 p.m. and convened executive session, which continued until 4:30 p.m.; the open session reconvened at 4:40 p.m. The executive session addressed attorney consultation on stormwater maintenance and federal grant compliance, possible property purchases in the Milby Addition, WD Lacy Addition Block CP, WM D Lacy Survey Tract 5C, and Robert R. Ramey Survey Tracts 32A02A and 32A02A3, and economic development incentive offers. Afterward, the council received work-session and issue-session reports. No formal city council votes were taken during the afternoon open session, and the afternoon session adjourned at 5:19 p.m.; the evening session was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Discussion Items Council Priority - Enhance Mobility (Work Session 3.1) - Deputy City Manager Lemuel Randolph presented the FY2026 third-quarter update. The priority was created in 2013 as Enhanced Regional Mobility and was renamed Enhance Mobility this past year. Quantitative performance measures were not yet available, requiring about another month. - Completed projects included approximately 1.9 miles of mill-and-overlay on UTA Boulevard to Border Place, about 1.8 lane miles on Burney Road between Green Oaks Boulevard and the city limits, and Russell Curry Road between Eden Road and the US 287 frontage, with improved street condition index ratings. - W. Lane was expanded from two lanes to four lanes for about 1.5 miles from State Highway 360 to the Mansfield city limits, including sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping; it used Tarrant County bond funds. - The city's pavement condition index is assessed on a three-year cycle, with north and central Arlington streets evaluated this year; staff use a survey van with sensors and field verification by Public Works. Kimley-Horn is leading the mobility master plan, including interviews with school communities about safe routes to school. Two campuses were approved for a quick-build demonstration project for the 2027-28 school year, with about 10% of that funding coming through the program. - Regional air mobility updates included Project Nexus through the FAA, the airport's selection as a North Texas node for EVTOL demonstration, and an electric aircraft charging station expected by the end of October. - Councilmember Hogg emphasized the importance of federal and regional funding; Randolph agreed, noting that grants significantly expand street project capacity. FY2026 Floodplain Program Annual Reports (Informal Staff Report 4.1) - The annual evaluation reports for the Floodplain Public Information Plan, Repetitive Loss Area Analysis Plan, and Substantial Damage Management Plan were available from Public Works. No council questions or comments were offered. Community and Neighborhood Development - Single-Family Shared Rental Update (4.2) - Councilmember Hogg, committee chair, reported that the committee met October 7 and will meet again October 27. Staff proposed ordinance modifications including: requiring at least one living room of no less than 120 square feet per dwelling unit; requiring bedrooms to be at least 100 square feet and 10 by 10 feet; adding ingress/egress requirements for bedrooms and bathrooms; limiting the number of bedrooms that can be added during alterations based on home size; limiting garage conversions for homes built before 1984; and limiting each single-family rental property to one lease. - The committee supported moving the modifications forward for council consideration. It also reviewed single-family rental registration programs used by other cities but decided more time was needed. Planned outreach includes the Arlington Board of Realtors on October 30 and a community town hall. Staff will bring example floor plans to the October 27 committee meeting. Hogg said the target effective date for changes is February 1, 2027, with public hearings. Municipal Policy - Honorary Naming and President's Corner Facility Naming (4.3) - Councilmember Gonzalez reported that the Municipal Policy Committee reviewed the facility naming policy adopted in 2019 and amended in April 2021 and January 2023. The committee reviewed naming opportunities in the President's Corner neighborhood in North Arlington, where streets and developments are named after U.S. presidents, and agreed to focus on five or six deceased presidents not yet represented in Parkway Central Park. - Councilmembers may submit naming suggestions within the next 30 days. The committee will bring recommendations by the end of the year. A proposal to unname facilities received no committee support. Members emphasized that a honoree's name should fit the facility or location. Economic Development - Tax Abatement Policy Update (4.4) - Councilmember Galante reported that the Economic Development Committee met in the morning with a full quorum. The committee discussed the city's tax abatement policy, which is up for renewal every two years under state law, and voted to renew it; staff is not recommending changes. A formal item is scheduled for the October 27 council agenda. Ongoing economic development incentive negotiations were discussed in executive session. Arlington Housing Finance Corporation Update (4.5) - Councilmember Hunter, chair, reported that the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation met in the morning with all members present and approved an amendment to the regulatory agreement for an apartment property that had been discussed over several meetings. Appointments and Evening Agenda Items (4.6, 4.7) - There were no appointments to boards and commissions on the evening agenda, and no discussion of evening agenda items. Mansfield ISD Single-Member Trustee District Resolution (4.8) - City Attorney Molly Shortall presented a resolution approved the prior day by the Mansfield City Council, with one member absent, for council information. She said Mansfield ISD can proceed with the change if it acts within the required time before the next election, targeting the May election. - Councilmember Gonzalez spoke against single-member districts. He said about 38% of Mansfield ISD students live in Arlington, that three town halls drew mostly opposition (he estimated 98% opposed), and that trustees appeared determined to move forward. He expressed concern that single-member trustees would focus only on their own districts. - Councilmember Garcia-Dumas cautioned that there are Mansfield residents on both sides of the issue and disputed the 98% opposition figure. Councilmember Hogg, drawing on his school board experience, said single-member districts often lead to lawsuits and greater individualism. Councilmember Pham said the city should not get involved and that voters can remove school board members. - The mayor concluded there was no council consensus to bring a resolution forward; councilmembers could express their views individually. Downtown Parking (4.9) - City Manager Trey Yelverton said downtown has a parking problem, particularly around City Tower and the Urban Union area across the railroad tracks. New parking inventory is expected with the Trammell Crow development, a voter-approved pedestrian crossing over the railroad, and potentially a future parking facility in the Urban Union area. - Council discussion focused on technology-based parking management, maintaining free or time-limited visitor parking, and not turning downtown parking into a revenue generator. Councilmember Garcia-Dumas noted that downtown businesses and form-based code parking requirements make the issue urgent, and mentioned a Downtown Arlington Management Corporation study tour to 'Old Pasadena' and other cities. - Yelverton said staff would bring back options and ideas for engaging downtown businesses in late 2026 or early 2027. Issues Relative to City and TxDOT Projects (4.10) - No discussion. External Committee, Training Reports and Discussion (4.11) - Mayor Ross reported on the U.S. Conference of Mayors 2026 Mayors and Police Chiefs Meeting in San Diego with Police Chief Jones, where Arlington's Real-Time Crime Center and drone program were highlighted. At the USCM Fall Leadership Meeting, discussions focused on upcoming elections and possible conference locations; a Medal of Honor leadership cohort is planned in Arlington in April. - Councilmember Gonzalez reported on the National League of Cities Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting in September, including budget training videos for new council members. He was invited to be a discussion leader at the 2026 City Summit on improving civic conversation; the next NLC meeting is October 15. - Mayor Ross reported on the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition Board meeting, including a presentation by TxDOT Fort Worth District Director David Salazar on regional planning and the I-30 project, which has about $125 million in funding being prioritized between the east city limits and Cooper Street. - Councilmember Gonzalez reported on the Regional Transportation Council meeting October 8, which approved a one-time merit payment for Michael Morris, applications to the Federal PROTECT grant program, the regional bike safety action plan, the 2027 Transportation Alternatives call for projects, and the legislative program for the 90th Texas Legislature. The RTC was renamed the Regional Transportation Council, North Central Texas Metropolitan Planning Organization. The next RTC meeting is November 5, and a Dallas-Fort Worth high-speed rail meeting is scheduled in November. Future Agenda Items (4.12) - Councilmember Pham requested a future agenda item for a resolution regarding Yaakub Ira Vijandre, described as a DACA recipient detained by federal agents in Georgia. The mayor asked staff and legal to provide a report before considering the item. - Councilmember Garcia-Dumas requested a report on historical home preservation, including an inventory of historic homes and areas and current protections, noting that East Arlington residents are exploring a conservation district overlay. - Councilmember Gonzalez requested an update on Wallbox Company. Key Outcomes - No formal city council votes were taken on the afternoon agenda; all items were reports, discussions, or committee updates. - The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee will return proposed single-family shared rental ordinance modifications for council consideration, with a target effective date of February 1, 2027. - The Economic Development Committee will advance renewal of the tax abatement policy, with the formal item scheduled for October 27. - Facility naming recommendations for President's Corner will be developed; councilmembers have 30 days to submit suggestions. - The Arlington Housing Finance Corporation approved the regulatory agreement amendment during its morning meeting. - Staff will bring back downtown parking management options and engagement proposals in late 2026 or early 2027. - No council action was taken on the Mansfield ISD single-member district resolution; councilmembers may communicate individually. - Future reports were requested on the Yaakub Ira Vijandre case, historical home preservation, and Wallbox Company.

The Milwaukee Finance and Personnel Committee, chaired by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic, met on October 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Room 301-B of City Hall to review the proposed 2027 budget for two city departments: Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) and the Department of Employee Relations (DER). The meeting included detailed presentations, extensive questioning by committee members, and a single motion to hold the DER item to the call of the chair. No final action was taken on the library budget. Discussion Items Milwaukee Public Library - Budget Overview: The proposed 2027 budget for MPL increases by $1.5 million (4.4%) over 2026, driven by salary increases (including a 3% general city raise and 1% residency pay), the transfer of the Office of Early Childhood Initiatives from the Department of Administration, and the elimination of two circulation positions due to reduction of drive-up services. Operating expenses increase by over $200,000 for HVAC repairs, website redevelopment, and inflation. Capital budget includes $1 million for Central Library deck repairs and $2 million for Midtown branch design/construction. - Sunday Services: The proposed budget reduces Sunday service from four branches plus Central to two branches plus Central, with hours shifted from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM to 1:00 PM–5:00 PM. The estimated savings is $689,000. Committee members (Alds. Spiker, Dimitrijevic, Coggs) expressed frustration that two new Sunday locations (MLK and Mitchell Street) had only recently started and lacked sufficient data to justify cuts. Ald. Spiker noted that the council added Sunday hours via amendment in prior years and that the pattern of cuts after limited implementation was disheartening. MPL staff provided data on usage: Central averaged 164 patrons per Sunday hour, while Good Hope (17), Mitchell (12), King (16), and Tippecanoe (27). Committee members requested a breakdown of costs and usage data for full-year Sunday operations. - Drive-Up Services: The budget eliminates drive-up checkout at Central, retaining only returns. Curbside pickup remains available at all 13 locations. The change is driven by low post-COVID usage (double-digit thousands pre-COVID vs. recent drop) and the need for capital repairs that require closing the drive-up area. - Early Childhood Initiatives: The Office of Early Childhood Initiatives (one position) moves from DOA to MPL. The position originated at MPL, moved to the mayor's office, then DOA. Supporters (Ald. Burgelis, MPL Interim Director Meyer-Stearns) said the move consolidates city early childhood activities and leverages library outreach. Funding is slightly reduced due to already in-house support services. - Other Topics: Committee members discussed the library director search timeline (cabinet appointment), facility needs (central deferred maintenance, Midtown project timeline), metrics for success (patron counts, usage stats, social media engagement), early literacy hubs, pop-up library experiences, EV charging stations, Centennial Hall rentals, and rare books digitization. Department of Employee Relations - Budget Overview: DER's proposed 2027 budget is $6.8 million, an increase of $476,000 (7.5%). Changes include the addition of an Administrative Services Coordinator (reclassified from a lower request to avoid layoffs), transfer of a Training and Development Coordinator from DOA, and a 9% salary increase due to COLA and HR Business Ops reclassifications. Operating expenses are slightly down, while special purpose accounts (long-term disability) and health care accounts (4% increase) rise. Workers' comp declines slightly. - Staffing & Reorganization: Director Carter outlined a

The Budget and Audit Committee, chaired by Roger Dickinson, met to review an independent fiscal stability assessment of the Department of Utilities' Storm Drainage Funds. Note on time discrepancy: The provided meeting metadata indicates a time of 7:15 PM UTC, whereas the official meeting minutes and transcript consistently record the meeting as starting at 11:00 AM / 11:05 AM local time on the same date. The meeting included a single substantive discussion item, the Storm Drainage Funds Review, presented by the City Auditor's office and consultant RAFTELUS, and featured comments from two public speakers. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting minutes from September 15, 2026 (File ID: 2026-01818). Motion by Vice Chair Karina Talamantes, seconded by Councilmember Eric Guerra. Passed unanimously (3-0, with Caity Maple absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Lambert Davis expressed gratitude to Chair Dickinson for requesting a specific 80-year program for the Del Paso Heights area and confirmed that a related resolution is being prepared by the city. - L.R. Roberts (District 5) criticized the city's funding priorities, citing the lack of an ADA coordinator, insufficient parking for disabled individuals, a focus on policing traffic and homelessness over community needs, and issues with park management at McClatchy Park. Discussion Items - Storm Drainage Funds Review (File ID: 2026-01706) City Auditor Farishta Ahrary introduced the review, conducted by RAFTELUS (partnered with West Yost Associates). Consultant Jennifer Tvanis presented the findings remotely due to a weather-related flight cancellation. - System Assessment: The storm drainage system encompasses over 1,000 miles of pipelines (serving 88% of the city by acreage), 107 sump pump stations, 76 detention basins, and extensive levee and creek networks. Key findings include a significant data gap—only 20-25% of pipes have been inspected by CCTV—and growing deferred maintenance, with over 5,800 work orders deferred since 2016. The current capital plan ($13.5 million per year through FY2031) is likely insufficient, with pipe renewal rates below 1% annually, implying a theoretical 100-year replacement cycle. - Financial Scenarios: Two scenarios were modeled. - Status Quo (Current Service Levels): Fund 6011 (1996 Storm Drainage Fee, $41M/yr, never increased) faces an average annual shortfall of $4.8 million from FY2027-2031 and is projected to exhaust its balance by FY2033. Fund 6021 (2022 Storm Drainage Property Related Fee, $20M/yr) is similarly projected to be depleted by FY2033. Modeled rate adjustments include a 20% increase for Fund 6011 in FY2029 and a 120% increase for Fund 6021 in FY2031. - Level of Service: This scenario adds staffing and capital investment to address backlogs. Fund balances are depleted approximately three years sooner. Required rate adjustments are higher: a 40% increase for Fund 6011 in FY2029 and a 205% increase for Fund 6021 in FY2031. - Council & Staff Deliberation: - Councilmember Eric Guerra asked about the potential for Proposition 4 grant funding to offset capital costs. DOU confirmed they are pursuing grants, but the model only assumes a small, consistent amount ($5M annually) as grants are historically inconsistent and primarily for capital, not operational, expenses. - Chair Dickinson questioned whether converting from a combined to a separate sewer system could be done incrementally to reduce long-term costs. DOU stated full separation was previously estimated in the billions of dollars and remains highly disruptive and challenging, but small-scale separation could occur with new development. - Chair Dickinson advocated for smaller, more frequent rate increases rather than large spikes after long gaps. DOU affirmed this is the intent, aligning with the strategy used for water and wastewater, and noted that the 218 process allows for a five-year rate plan to spread out adjustments. - Councilmember Guerra sought to identify the primary cost drivers in the combined system and expressed concern about the impact of significant rate increases on seniors and low-income households on fixed incomes, particularly those in older neighborhoods served by the combined system. - Vice Chair Karina Talamantes expressed a preference for in-person presentations for major consultant reports to City Council in the future, though she acknowledged the virtual presentation was necessitated by the consultant's flight cancellation. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously (3-0, Member Maple absent) to accept the Storm Drainage Funds Review and forward it to the City Council for consideration. (Motion by Councilmember Guerra, seconded by Chair Dickinson). - The Department of Utilities will use the review to develop a formal rate-making proposal. This process is expected to include engagement with the Utility Advisory Commission starting in January 2027 and a subsequent 218-rate approval process. - The discussion emphasized moving towards a long-term financial strategy with incremental rate increases to stabilize the drainage funds and avoid severe spikes in customer bills.

The North Bend City Council held a special workstudy on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The sole agenda item was a 90-minute presentation and discussion on the 2027-2028 biennial budget, focusing on the General Fund forecast, financial sustainability, and potential options including a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) and a levy lid lift. No public comment was permitted, as is typical for workstudies. All council members were present: Brendan Ellwood, Costline, Robin, McPhee Rustic, and Suzanne Torreson. The presentation was led by Finance Director Martin Chaw, with contributions from Mayor Amber and other staff. Discussion Items - Guiding Principles for the General Fund: Staff outlined six principles: maintaining existing service levels, no new staff or programs in the General Fund, continued fire and police services (50% of the budget), prioritizing economic development, collaborating with interjurisdictional partners, and continuing administrative cost reductions begun in 2025 (totaling $2.5 million over six years). Council noted that police and fire contracts are largely locked in, though service-level adjustments remain possible through renegotiation. - Financial Forecast (2026-2032): A baseline forecast showed the General Fund balanced only through 2028, with fund balance falling below target in 2029 and negative by 2032 if no action is taken. This assumes a new criminal justice sales tax (estimated $330,000/year starting 2027) but no RFA or levy lid lift. Expenses, particularly police (10–11% annual increases) and fire (12.9% negotiated for the biennium, down from an initial 18%), are outpacing revenue growth constrained by the 1% property tax cap. - Scenario Analysis: Three scenarios were presented: 1. RFA: Shifts fire costs to a new authority, restoring fund balance to $6.3 million by 2032. Fire benefit charges (up to 60% of RFA funding) could reallocate costs from residential to commercial properties based on risk. Requires a 60% vote if a fire benefit charge is included; otherwise a simple majority. 2. Levy Lid Lift: A $0.68 per $1,000 increase (roughly 90% of the current $0.77 rate) would close the gap and maintain fund balance near target through 2032. This requires a simple majority vote and can be adjusted annually. The state now allows a 10-year approval window (previously six years). 3. Combination or Higher Levy: An $0.80 per $1,000 rate would achieve the same 2032 fund balance as the RFA scenario. - Community Impact: Staff presented examples for residential and commercial properties. For a typical home (1.2 million assessed value, paying $900/year currently), the levy lid lift would add $907/year, while the RFA with a 60% fire benefit charge could reduce the total fire-related cost. Commercial properties (e.g., Nintendo, Safeway, McDonald’s) would see higher charges under a fire benefit charge, potentially impacting business costs. Nonprofits like the North Bend Theater and food bank could petition for reductions. - Timeline and Next Steps: The RFA planning committee will report to council by the end of 2026, with a decision on whether to proceed expected within 30–45 days. If council chooses RFA, joint resolutions must be filed by February 2027 for an April special election. A levy lid lift could follow a similar timeline. The next workstudy on October 27 will cover deeper General Fund details, utilities, and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The council directed staff to continue developing both RFA and levy lid lift options for further discussion. - Council emphasized the need for robust public communication to explain the city’s fiscal challenges and the trade-offs between maintaining services, increasing revenue, or reducing service levels. - Staff will present additional data on service-level impacts, population service area, and utility fund interdependencies at the October 27 workstudy.

The City Council of South Fulton held its regular meeting on October 13, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 7:58 p.m. after an executive session (no actions requiring a public vote). The agenda was amended to add a walk-on item for Councilmember Sebastian's District 4 recycling/shredding/hazardous waste event, Councilmember Rowell's District 1 holiday party date, and a date change for the District 4 senior holiday event. Councilwoman Pritchett requested to strike the monetary amounts from the in-kind donation agenda item (VII.B), which was allowed. The council adopted the agenda as amended and approved the minutes from September 22, 2026. Public comments addressed several issues, and the council discussed and took action on administration items, procurement contracts, and first-read ordinances. Consent Calendar - Proclamations (Spreading on the Minutes): Approved for Kinship Care Appreciation (Councilmember Rowell), Brunnetta Soward, Luis Alas, Yvette Moïse, Georgia Latino Film Alliance, J&J Family Dentistry, Cliftondale United Methodist Church, Mother Wendy Gail Tate, Kalvin Bennett, Dr. Mary A. Mudd, James Edward Betts, and Westlake High School Mighty Marching Lions. - In-Kind Donations: Approved as amended (monetary amounts stricken) for SRG Builders (beverage donations for Azucar Gala) and Georgia Beverage Association (beverage donations for Azucar Festival). - Board Appointments: Approved: Ric Ross to Position 1 on Downtown Development Authority (DDA); Joyce Hackett-Scales to Position 5 on DDA; Donald Winbush to Position 7 on DDA; and Kent Artis as District 4 appointee to Impact Fee Committee. Public Comments & Testimony - Richard Snellings (District 1): Opposed the proposed ordinance on safeguarding confidential information, calling it unconstitutional, vague, and an intimidation tactic against whistleblowers and residents. - Unnamed speaker (single black female, refused address): Opposed the Mayor's emphasis on data centers, arguing they lock land for years and do not bring economic growth. Accused the Mayor of misusing the term "technical hub." - Mel Keaton: Opposed the confidential information ordinance, stating it violates First Amendment rights and is hypocritical given the council's stance on ICE facilities. - Jill Lindsay (Baseda Road): Requested clarification on the Brightview contract expenditures; reported missed trash pickups on Krill Road, lack of response from public works regarding sweeper schedule, and unaddressed homelessness (tents on Old National). - Jermaine Jett (Lowjet, Gwinnett): Pleaded for action on Camelot condominiums after the deaths of his son, brother, and his daughter's father (father of his daughter) at the complex. Called for condemnation of the apartments. - Mike Johnson (District 4): Opposed the confidential information ordinance, calling it dictatorial and accusing Councilmember Sebastian of trying to silence critics. Also warned that a recent consent agenda item made citizens pay for elected officials' legal fees. Discussion Items - Administration Items (X.A.1–5): Approved unanimously. Included waiving $8,960 in fees for S.T.A.R. Productions to use Southwest Arts Center main stage (Oct 3–Nov 8, 2026); appointing Councilmember Sebastian as chair of the 2030 Census Complete Count Committee; adopting "Azucar Negra" as official song for Azucar Music Fest; approving an automatic aid agreement with Douglas County Fire and Rescue; and designating Councilmember Williams-Brown as delegate for the 2026 National League of Cities Business Meeting. - Procurement and Contracts (X.B.1): Approved unanimously after discussion. The contracts with MaxAir Mechanical, B&W Mechanical, and Daikin Applied for on-call mechanical services (each capped at $1,000,000) were extended by one year with an option to renew for two additional one-year terms. Work is on a task-order basis with no guaranteed minimum. Councilmembers asked about the purpose and duration; the city manager confirmed the contracts were originally bid a year ago and cover any city facility. - First Read: Ordinance on Safeguarding Confidential Information (X.C.2): Introduced by Councilmember Sebastian. Extensive debate followed. The city attorney explained it only adds an enforcement mechanism (misdemeanor, fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 6 months) to existing laws that already prohibit dissemination of confidential information (Resolution 2024-063 and Ordinance 2026-027), and does not affect FOIA, whistleblower rights, or free speech. Councilmembers raised concerns about ambiguity, potential for weaponization, and prior similar ordinance (ORD 2023-004, which had been disapproved). Councilwoman Pritchett stated she would not vote for it. Councilman Sebastian defended it, stressing it applies existing law and that he did not consult others to avoid blowback. No final vote; the ordinance remains on first read. - First Read: 2026 Millage Rate (X.C.1) – Ordinance to set millage at 12.3990 mills. Introduced without discussion. - First Read: Zoning Cases (X.C.3 & X.C.4) – Case Z26-024/CDP26-008 (Medina Jett/TDS Capital Two): Rezoning from CUP to TR and CDP amendment for 52 attached dwellings on 59 acres at 4380 Old Fairburn (District 3). Staff and Planning Commission recommended denial. Introduced for first read. - Case Z26-019/U26-009 (Alibhai Energy Holding LLC): Request for rezoning from C-1 to C-2 and use permit for a gas station and quick-service restaurant on 1.97 acres at 3985 Roosevelt Highway (District 5). Staff and Planning Commission recommended denial. Introduced for first read. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Administration Items (X.A): All five items approved unanimously. - Procurement Contracts (X.B.1): Approved unanimously. - Walk-On Items: Approved unanimously: District 4 Recycling/Shredding/Hazardous Waste Event (Oct 17, 9am–12pm); District 1 Holiday Party (Dec 15); District 4 Senior Holiday Event moved to Heart Health Valentine's Event (Feb 4, 2027). - First Read Ordinances: All four first-read ordinances were introduced; no final votes taken. The confidential information ordinance generated significant debate and opposition. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

The City Council of Toledo, Ohio, held an agenda review on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to prepare for the October 20, 2026 Council meeting. Nine members were present. The council reviewed 15 administrative items, two resolutions in attendance, two second-reading items, and three new council items. No final votes were taken; members recommended suspension of the rules (SEP/SCP) for most administrative items. A lengthy discussion focused on a resolution to terminate the city's Flock camera agreements. Administrative Items Reviewed (Items 1–15) - (Item 1) Finance: Accepted 2027 property tax amounts/rates set by the Lucas County Budget Commission, estimated at $20,210,000 total. Councilmember Gaddis asked about a roughly $170,000 change; Finance's Melanie Campbell said the city was checking with the county. Recommended SEP. - (Item 2) Finance: Authorized the Finance Director to request advances on property tax payments so funds arrive before the normal twice-yearly settlement. Recommended SEP. - (Item 3) Mayor's Office: Authorized acceptance of a $19,510,645 BUILD grant from FHWA/ODOT for the Front and Main Corridor Modernization project. Includes resurfacing, medians, street trees, lane/intersection reconfigurations, and pedestrian improvements on Front Street (Oak St to I-280) and Main Street (MLK Bridge to Nevada). No local match. The original 2025 grant was rescinded; the revised project replaces a proposed roundabout at Main and Starr with a signalized intersection and adds accessibility elements at two TARTA bus stops. Construction expected summer 2027 through end of 2028. Councilmembers asked about traffic impacts; staff said a traffic plan will be shared. Recommended SEP. - (Item 4) Transportation: Authorized up to $15,000 for a walk-behind paint sprayer for crosswalks, lane markings, bicycle lanes, and handicap markings; replaces equipment beyond service life. Recommended SEP. - (Item 5) Police: Accept $58,035.77 STEP grant from Ohio Department of Public Safety for overtime speed/restraint enforcement; no local match. Recommended SEP. - (Item 6) Police: Accept $55,535.77 IDEP grant for overtime impaired-driving enforcement; no local match. Recommended SEP. - (Item 7) Fire: Extended ESO Solutions software license for three years plus two one-year options, at up to $105,000 annually; waives competitive bidding for compatibility; emergency. Recommended SEP. - (Item 8) Fire: Accept donation up to $13,000 from Elevance Health, Inc. for EMS supplies/equipment; no match. Recommended SEP. - (Item 9) Housing: Amended agreement with Fair Housing Center for Source of Income Testing, adding $5,000 and nine months. Testers check whether landlords discriminate against renters using vouchers, VA benefits, or Social Security. Preliminary results show larger landlords generally compliant, smaller landlords often unaware. Recommended SEP. - (Item 10) Public Service/Fleet: Accept $89,272 Ford Motor Company settlement for a 2025 Ford Explorer police vehicle destroyed by fire in April 2026; funds will buy a pursuit-rated vehicle and equipment. Fire cause still under investigation; Ford will perform failure analysis. Recommended SEP. - (Item 11) Public Utilities: Accept $10,650 PUCO Hazardous Materials Training Grant for annual OSHA hazwoper refresher training. Recommended SEP. - (Item 12) Public Utilities: Authorize $1,500,000 from Water Replacement Fund for raw water main tile restoration along a 1940s-era main replacement; includes repairing drainage tile on agricultural land. Councilmember Komives requested an overall water system plan overview. Recommended SEP. - (Item 13) Public Utilities: Authorize supplemental agreement with Promise Network Inc. for Fresh Start Debt Relief Program, adding $400,000. Officials reported installment plans more than doubled and Fresh Start collected an additional $6 million in three months; total spending since 2021 was $1.3 million with $13 million returned. Recommended SEP. - (Item 14) Economic Development: Accept $2,000,000 state REDD grant for the Spitzer Building at 520 Madison Avenue for exterior stabilization/weatherproofing, supporting rehabilitation into approximately 160 residential units. No match. The grant is part of a new state pilot program (10 of 32 applications funded). The project is being bid; completion depends on closing the funding gap. Recommended SEP. - (Item 15) Economic Development: Approve amended JEDZ contract with Maumee and Monclova Township for the Riverfort Drive Roadway and Utility Extension Project. A manufacturing company weighing relocation would build a $21 million facility with 95 jobs and about $6.4 million annual payroll. Infrastructure cost is $1.58 million; after $950,000 state assistance, the gap is $630,000. Each JEDZ partner will contribute $210,000; Monclova will advance the full gap and Toledo and Maumee will reimburse from future JED income tax revenue, with Toledo repaid in about seven years. No upfront city cash. Recommended SEP. Resolutions in Attendance - Recognizing Chief Troendle on his retirement; Chief's last day is October 30, 2026, after nearly four decades of service. President Williams invited co-sponsors. - Recognizing TARTA for its 55th anniversary; Councilwoman Kramer invited co-sponsors. Second Reading Items - O-413-26: Reallocation of ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds among eligible projects. Councilmember Komives requested legal guidance on continued compliance with ARPA rules. - O-425-26: Agreement with Toledo-Lucas County Board of Health for Healthy Food Small Market Program, appropriating $355,297 from the General Fund. New Council Items - Resolution recognizing the Toledo Blade for 150 years of publication (sponsored by Williams and Morris). Williams noted community concern about the Blade's current difficulties and emphasized its importance. - Resolution requesting termination and non-renewal of all City agreements with Flock Group, Inc., removal/deactivation of equipment, and deletion of data (sponsored by Komives, Jones, Gadus, Driscoll, Kramer). - Resolution adopting the 2027 City Council calendar; first reading, with President Williams inviting comments. Flock Camera Discussion - Councilmember Komives thanked the public for attending, said council is divided, and urged listening to the public. - Councilmember Driscoll cited AI-driven hacking risks and concern about mass data collection; he supported public safety but cautioned against collecting driving-pattern data. - Councilmember Melden linked the issue to the city's forthcoming responsible AI and data governance policies, and asked why the vendor's practices should not be expected to fit city values. - Councilmember Sarantou said neighboring cities with lower crime keep Flock; the mayor supports retention; and police, prosecutors, and a judge have testified that Flock helps solve crimes. - Councilmember Martinez called the termination resolution premature and political theater, noting an ongoing audit, and said he would introduce legislation to prohibit certain searches and require a warrant for the searchable database. He cited Schmidt v. Norfolk as pending litigation and suggested state or federal rules. Key Outcomes - All 15 administrative items received recommendations from the reviewing councilmembers to suspend the rules (SEP/SCP) for the October 20 meeting, with no formal vote taken at agenda review. - No action was taken on the Flock resolution; members identified follow-up proposals, including warrant requirements and search restrictions. - Councilmember Komives requested a legal review of ARPA reallocation compliance. - Councilmember Driscoll requested a referral or briefing on the Ford settlement and vehicle fire investigation. - Councilmember Komives requested a broader overview of the Public Utilities water system plan and raw water main project; Councilmember Martinez announced an upcoming water quality year-in-review meeting.

The City of Tulsa Board of Adjustment (BOA) convened on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Tulsa City Council Chamber. During the meeting, the board considered 10 new business items involving special exceptions and variances for residential and commercial properties. The board approved two sets of minutes, approved or denied several applications, continued two items to future meetings, and adjourned at approximately 3:10 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from Meeting 1390 (September 8, 2026) and Meeting 1391 (September 22, 2026). The chair abstained on Meeting 1390 minutes, having not attended that meeting. - BOA-24106 (1111 West 17th Street South, sign variance) was withdrawn by the applicant. - BOA-24114 (317 South Trenton Avenue, low-impact manufacturing and industry for a vinyl record press) was continued to the October 27, 2026 BOA meeting at the applicant's request. Public Comments & Testimony - BOA-24113 (3106 South Gary Avenue): Sheree Long, a neighboring property owner on Florence Court, opposed the garage wall expansion, stating that properties on Gary Avenue sit higher and that water from the existing pool and hardscaping flows over a retaining wall toward her home. Priscilla Haley, the property owner of the Florence Court duplex, said the expansion would add costs and worsen existing runoff and drainage problems. - BOA-24115 (Flat Rock Creek trails): Elizabeth Williams Arnett (4415 East 4th Place) spoke in favor of the proposed trails but asked about fencing and parking lot locations. Brittany Anderson (4012 North Lewis) opposed the trails, citing unclear property lines, floodplain concerns from tree removal, and trespass and security worries. Morgan Kwood (4151 North Trenton) opposed the proposal, stating that the city had already been building trails without authorization, and raised concerns about fencing, security, and the city's refusal to allow her property to be developed as an RV park to complement area recreation. Discussion Items - BOA-24105 – 1009 East Apache Street North: Applicant Torrell Ellison of Ellison Investment Group requested a special exception for a duplex in the RS-3 district and a variance to reduce the required minimum lot width from 60 feet to 50 feet. He explained that the property, platted in 1926, is a legal nonconforming 50-foot-wide lot and that the duplex would provide affordable housing, including units for women leaving abusive marriages. The board approved the special exception and the variance unanimously, finding the request consistent with the neighborhood. - BOA-24108 – 3017 South 129th East Avenue: Applicant Domingo Maldonado requested a special exception to allow personal vehicle sales in the CS district and a variance to allow outdoor storage and display of vehicles within 300 feet of an abutting residential district. The site is a former Sonic restaurant. The applicant proposed a maximum of 25 vehicles displayed outdoors. The board approved the special exception unanimously. The variance portion was first considered with a motion to deny, which failed on a 2-3 vote, and then the board voted to continue the variance request to the October 27, 2026 meeting so the applicant could further explain the hardship. - BOA-24109 – 8408 South Delaware Avenue: Mark Capron of Wallace Design Collective requested a special exception to amend a previously approved site plan for a college or university use in the RM-1 district. The existing building is approximately 27,000 square feet, and the new proposal adds an 11,000-square-foot, one-story building for classrooms and cancer research associated with Oral Roberts University. The board approved the special exception unanimously. - BOA-24110 – 4467 North Rockford Avenue: Mark Capron requested a special exception to permit a market- or community-supported farm in the RS-3 district on behalf of City Lights Foundation. The farm would support a 75-unit residential community, with orchards, gardens, and chicken coops, and produce would be for internal resident use. The board approved the special exception unanimously. - BOA-24111 – 246 East 27th Street South: Bill Powers requested a variance to reduce the minimum open space per unit requirement from 50% to 46% of lot area for a nonconforming lot in the RS-3 district. The variance would allow a carport to be built over an existing driveway without changing the lot's pervious area. The board approved the variance unanimously. - BOA-24112 – 1528 East 55th Place South: Darlene Bennett requested a variance to reduce the required 25-foot street setback to 12 feet 3 inches for an existing garage/carport structure that had been built without a permit. The board denied the variance unanimously, finding the hardship insufficient and not unique to the property. Staff noted that removing the walls and garage door to revert to a carport could be an alternative path. - BOA-24113 – 3106 South Gary Avenue: Mike Thedford of Wallace Design Collective requested a special exception to extend an exterior building wall with a non-conforming rear setback, reducing the required rear setback from 25 feet to 16 feet for a garage expansion. Neighbors opposed the expansion due to existing water runoff and flooding concerns. The board approved the special exception 4-1, noting that drainage review would occur during the building permit process. - BOA-24115 – Flat Rock Creek Trails (multiple properties north of East 36th Street North between North Peoria Avenue and North Lewis Avenue): Dylan Siers of the Tulsa Parks and Recreation Department requested a special exception to permit parks and recreation use in the AG, RMH, and RS-3 districts for approximately 200 acres of city-owned parkland at Flat Rock Creek. The proposal includes about 9 miles of soft-surface trails and two parking lots. After extensive public comment, the board voted to continue the item to the December 8, 2026 meeting to allow for additional community outreach and an open house. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from Meetings 1390 and 1391. - Approved unanimously: BOA-24105 (special exception and variance), BOA-24109, BOA-24110, BOA-24111, and BOA-24113 (special exception, 4-1). - Denied unanimously: BOA-24112 (street setback variance). - Continued to October 27, 2026: BOA-24114 and the variance portion of BOA-24108. - Continued to December 8, 2026: BOA-24115 (Flat Rock Creek trails). - Withdrawn: BOA-24106. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:10 p.m.