The Public Meeting Index

The Transportation and Environment Committee (T&E) met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 1:30 PM in a hybrid format. The committee reviewed three major reports: a vehicle abatement audit, a city infrastructure strategy semi-annual status report, and the Vision Zero traffic safety status report. All three reports were accepted by the committee. Public comments were heard on several items, and an open forum concluded the meeting. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were presented or discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2 (Infrastructure Strategy): Jordan Muldause (District 3, speaking on own behalf) praised DOT's post-project analysis and urged better public communication of success stories. He also suggested adding projects like Reimagining Santa Clara Street and King Road Complete Streets to the priority list. - Item 3 (Vision Zero): Jordan Muldause (on own behalf) supported keeping Ewart Road open for cyclists, noted that safety is not always the top priority in projects, and called for updating the eight-year-old Complete Street Design Guide. He also requested publishing the KSI heat map online. - Item 3 (Vision Zero): A virtual speaker (Devon, District 3) thanked the committee and urged keeping Ewart Road open as a vital connector, especially during rainy season flooding. - Open Forum: Jordan Muldause (on own behalf) advocated for making transportation and environment a top council priority. Another speaker (District 1 resident, 40-year resident) raised concerns about environmental impacts at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (water use, pollution, wildlife corridors). A virtual speaker (Brian) commented that driver behavior is worsening and expressed skepticism about change. Discussion Items 1. CC 26-102 Vehicle Abatement Audit Report - Presentation: Joe Royce (City Auditor) presented findings from an audit of the DOT vehicle abatement program. Key statistics: between July 2025 and March 2026, about 10,000 cases (3,650 from SJ 311, 6,350 from proactive patrols). The audit found opportunities to improve timeliness, oversight, and customer service. Three main findings: (1) expediting case closures (e.g., clarifying towing guidelines for expired registration, considering a two-inspection model), (2) improving proactive patrol targeting and performance measures, and (3) enhancing documentation, supervisory oversight, and customer communication (including language translation). Eight recommendations were made. - DOT Response: John Ristow (Director of Transportation) thanked the audit team and concurred with all findings and recommendations. - Committee Discussion: Councilmember Ortiz commended the 98% of cases closed within 14 days and 80% resolved through voluntary compliance. He supported a data-driven approach to proactive patrols and better communication with residents when cases are closed. Chair Cohen noted improvements over the years and discussed the 72-hour parking ordinance; DOT explained they no longer enforce extended parking stay but retain the ordinance for problem vehicles. The three-inspection model was debated: DOT prefers it for cost and efficiency, noting that other cities use different models. The audit's recommendation to expedite towing of severely blighted vehicles (e.g., on jacks, blocks) was emphasized. 2. CC 26-100 City Infrastructure Strategy Semi-Annual Status Report - Presentation: Manuel Pineda (Deputy City Manager) reported that 57% of eight work streams are rated green, 43% yellow, none red. The committee also received a special presentation from DOT on a new data-driven evaluation framework for transportation projects. Zahi Khatab (Acting Deputy Director) and Lamb Cruz (Division Manager) explained that evaluations are integrated from design phase, using before-and-after data (crashes, speeds, volumes, bike/ped counts). Examples: Lee Avenue (fewer speeders, more bicyclists) and Center Road (grant-funded HSIP project). Hillsdale Avenue quick-build project: after two years, total and injury crashes decreased, no KSI crashes, speeds lower. Planned evaluations: 4 quick-builds per year, 13 grant-funded capital projects, 33 speed cameras (with required evaluations), and 4 red light cameras. - Committee Discussion: Vice Mayor Foley praised Hillsdale results and advocated for street narrowing. Councilmember Tordillos supported better publicizing success stories and the iterative evaluation process. Chair Cohen suggested sharing post-project data with council offices. The report was accepted (5-0). 3. CC 26-101 Vision Zero Traffic Safety Status Report - Presentation: Vice Mayor Foley read the names of 22 individuals killed since the last meeting, including Hacinta Rosenda's Reyes (31-year-old mother of two) and others. Lam Cruz presented data: 2025 fatalities decreased 16% (41 vs. 49 in 2024), but 2026 fatalities are up. 58% of KSIs occurred on roads with speed limits ≥35 mph; pedestrians 31%, bicyclists 16%. Speeding and red-light running associated with 32% of KSIs. DUI crashes at highest in 10 years (20% of fatalities). Tools: safer street design, speed management (59 segments lowered), automated enforcement (4 red-light cameras issued 6,500+ violations, 43% reduction in detections; speed cameras to activate December 2026, citations February 2027). BPAC report (Anne Ferris) highlighted trail maintenance, school safety, and keeping Ewart Road open for cyclists. Lieutenant Hatzenbueler (SJPD) reported increased DUI checkpoints (6 to 8), distracted driver enforcement, and school education programs. - Committee Discussion: Councilmember Ortiz expressed frustration over the Ocala/Capital Expressway fatality (county jurisdiction) and asked about interagency coordination. DOT described the process of reviewing incidents with county roads and VTA (construction project). Ortiz noted that residents don't distinguish jurisdictions. Vice Mayor Foley questioned how to meet the 30% fatality reduction goal by 2030 given flat numbers; DOT cited DUI enforcement and infrastructure improvements. Foley asked about red-light camera citation data (violations vs. tickets) and expansion criteria. E-bike safety was discussed: Lieutenant Hatzenbueler noted that e-bikes are increasing KSIs and that SJPD is developing training materials for officers and schools. Trail maintenance coordination (parks department) and Ewart Road closure (temporarily postponed) were also addressed. Chair Cohen requested disaggregated KSI data to see if e-bikes are offsetting improvements elsewhere. The report was accepted (5-0). Key Outcomes - Vehicle Abatement Audit: The committee accepted the audit report (motion by Ortiz, second by Cohen). Vote: 4-0 (Foley absent). The report will be cross-referenced to the October 27, 2026 City Council meeting. DOT will implement the eight recommendations. - City Infrastructure Strategy: The committee accepted the semi-annual status report and the DOT evaluation presentation. Vote: 5-0. - Vision Zero Report: The committee accepted the status report. Vote: 5-0. Next steps include continued implementation of speed cameras, red-light camera program review, DUI enforcement, and e-bike education. DOT will provide disaggregated KSI data (including e-bike involvement) to the committee. - Open Forum: No formal actions taken.

The Land Use and Transportation Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors met on October 5, 2026, chaired by Supervisor Mirna Melgar. The committee considered six items: a landmark expansion for the Compton's Cafeteria Riot site, an ordinance to limit evictions for small rent debts, a requirement for total rent disclosure in listings, a mezzanine definition alignment with building codes, a ceiling height reduction for habitable rooms, and an interim moratorium on data centers. All items were advanced to the full Board of Supervisors. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were considered. Public Comments & Testimony Public comment was taken on each agenda item. For the Compton's landmark, speakers including Compton's ex-coalition members, community advocates, and a former resident expressed strong support for the expansion, emphasizing the site's international importance to transgender history and the need to eventually protect the interior against owner Geo Group's resistance. On the eviction ordinance, tenant counselors and residents shared stories of families displaced over small debts, urging passage; a landlord representative argued for a trigger law pending a state Supreme Court decision. The rent disclosure item drew support for transparency and a request from the Coalition for Better Housing to limit early termination rights. Ceiling height reduction received broad support from homeowners, housing advocates, and a property owner who faced code violations for decades. Data center moratorium speakers overwhelmingly supported the pause, citing environmental justice, noise, water use, and the clustering of industrial uses in District 10; one industry veteran offered guidance during the study period. Discussion Items 1. Landmark Amendment for Compton's Cafeteria Riot Site (Item 1) Supervisor Bilal Mahmoud presented a clerical amendment to expand the landmark boundary to the entire exterior of the building at 101-121 Taylor Street, with an added finding urging future reconsideration of interior protection. The interior was excluded due to inability to verify current conditions after property owner Geo Group denied access. The committee voted unanimously to adopt clerical amendments, duplicate the file with an additional finding urging reconsideration, and send the amended original to the full board with a positive recommendation. 2. Eviction Threshold Ordinance (Item 2) Supervisor Jackie Fielder introduced a measure to prevent evictions for unpaid rent below the annual HUD fair market rent for an equivalent-sized unit. Fielder noted that evictions are at a 10-year high, over half are for nonpayment, and approximately 25% of nonpayment cases involve debts below the proposed threshold. Supervisor Matt Dorsey and others voiced support, describing the policy as a buffer against displacement. The committee voted 3-0 to recommend the ordinance to the full board. 3. No Hidden Rent Act (Item 3) Supervisor Mahmoud’s ordinance requires online listings and leases to disclose a "total estimated cost" including all recurring fees, and allows tenants to terminate leases early if fees were not adequately disclosed. Non-substantive amendments were adopted to clarify intent. The committee voted 3-0 to recommend the amended ordinance. 4. Mezzanine Story Count Alignment (Item 4) A technical ordinance to align the Planning Code's mezzanine definition with the more expansive Building Code definition, previously amended and continued. No public comment. The committee voted 3-0 to send it to the full board. 5. Ceiling Height Reduction for Habitable Rooms (Item 5) Supervisor Alan Wong’s ordinance reduces minimum ceiling height from 7'6" to 7'0" for habitable rooms and to 6'8" for other rooms in existing buildings, matching state residential code. Supporters argued it would unlock thousands of existing in-law units for legalization. The committee voted 3-0 to adopt amendments and recommend the amended ordinance. 6. Interim Data Center Moratorium (Item 6) Supervisor Shamann Walton proposed a 45-day urgency moratorium to halt data center approvals citywide while studying energy, water, air quality, and cumulative impacts, particularly in overburdened District 10. Supervisor Dorsey offered clarifying amendments to exempt accessory computing uses (e.g., server rooms) and routine repair/maintenance. The committee voted 3-0 to adopt the amendments and forward the moratorium as a committee report to the full board. Key Outcomes - Compton's Landmark: Clerical amendments adopted; original file sent to full board (3-0); duplicate file continued to call of chair with a finding urging future interior protection. - Eviction Threshold: Ordinance recommended to full board (3-0). - No Hidden Rent Act: Amended and recommended to full board (3-0). - Mezzanine Definition: Recommended to full board (3-0). - Ceiling Height Reduction: Amended and recommended to full board (3-0). - Data Center Moratorium: Amended and sent as committee report to full board for consideration on October 6, 2026 (3-0).

The Hooksett Conservation Commission met on October 5, 2026, at 4:34 PM. Three of five voting members (Joe Carroll Woodburn, co-chair; Alan Stein, co-chair; Philip Fitonitas, member) constituted a quorum, with one guest (Diane Hennessy) and later-arriving member Bob Marker. The meeting covered routine approvals, several informational updates, and key decisions on property acquisitions, invoices, and commission finances. Consent Calendar - Minutes of September 14, 2026: Approved with two corrections – changing "council" to "counsel" (line 210) and adding text about Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation and Trails (line 129). Voice vote passed unanimously. - Invoice – Stantec ($976.50): For an already-approved contract; paid from the Conservation Land Improvement Fund. Motion carried 3–0. - Invoice – Bear Paw Regional Greenways ($1,912.50): For Quimby Mountain conservation planning work; paid from the Conservation Land Improvement Fund. Motion carried 2–0 (Phil Fitonitas abstained citing his Bear Paw board membership). Public Comments & Testimony No formal public comments were taken. An email from a resident about trail issues (bikes, trash, downed trees, a handrail suggestion) was noted as informational. Discussion Items - Clay Pond Stewardship Plan: Moosewood Ecologic is conducting fieldwork; a draft report is expected in November. - Clay Pond Easement Monitoring: Bear Paw performed monitoring; no new findings. ATV evidence persists but is hard to attribute. The class six road (North Candia Road) allows motorized vehicles. - Hooks at Riverwalk Trail – Invasive Treatment: Paul completed first treatment on Field 3; mowing of Field 1 planned for mid-October (after pollinating season). The contractor is a licensed forester following DES regulations. - Boardwalk Maintenance: Emergency repairs on a sun-damaged boardwalk; decking failure attributed to UV exposure. Engineering specs needed; possible future replacement. KNA Civil Engineering was identified as a town contractor. - Access for All Guardrail Options: Three quotes received – chain‑link ($2,900+), wrought‑iron ($7,400), and custom welded pipe ($19,000–$21,000). Code enforcement confirmed no building code requirement. Commission leaning toward a wood post-and-board solution; will pursue a supplier contact. - Access for All Project Review: Kawanis Club donated $20,000. Commission discussed recognition (proclamation, plaque). Wheelchair testing with Jim Sullivan confirmed grade is manageable but surface is slightly bumpy; surface may compact over time. - Bench Donation: Estelle Smith donated $2,000 (pending Town Council approval). Members compared concrete/ironwood benches ($1,200–$1,400) and synthetic composite benches ($1,049 for 8 ft). Quotes will be gathered for a decision at next meeting. - Heads Pond Kiosk: Volunteer‑led rehab planned; few hundred dollars in supplies needed. Bear Paw is helping with a trail map. - Quimby Mountain: Cost estimate for entire project is delayed (contact on vacation). Easement monitoring found no major issues; minor rock wall repairs will be handled by volunteers. - Pinnacle Park Monitoring: Responded to abutter Tringali’s complaint about dead trees on slope – volunteer cleanup completed. Graffiti at summit remains; no new encroachments. - Natural Resources Inventory (NRI): Preliminary discussions with UNH Cooperative Extension and Moosewood Ecological. Scope and cost still under consideration; commission expressed strong interest in pursuing a town-wide NRI. - Heaney Property (27 acres, abutting Cauley School): Owner asking $75,000; easement establishment costs estimated at $60,000–$80,000. After discussion, commission voted to notify owner they are not interested in purchasing. - Casey Drive Site Walk: Scheduled for October 24 at 9:30 AM; informational. - Beavers at Riverwalk: Beavers have returned, building a dam that floods an abutter’s yard. DPW is handling; commission will monitor trail flooding and consider mitigation if needed. - Field Four (Riverwalk) – Farmer Non‑compliance: Certified letter to farmer has not been delivered (possible mail service issue). Commission will explore alternative service options; may cancel the 10‑year agreement. - NHACC Conference: Saturday, November 7, at Pembroke Academy. Commission approved reimbursement for up to three members at $70 each (if registered by October 23; $85 after). - Invoice Process Streamlining: A new form was introduced to streamline invoice approvals. - Prospective Member: Mr. Lacas expressed interest but is not yet a Hooksett resident; commission noted he may apply once he moves in. - Old Home Day & Kowanis 5K Run: Successful events; approximately 80 participants in the run; no incidents on the access trail. - Land Swap Request: Mr. Griazzo (map 4, lot 17) requested a partial land swap. Commission voted to invite him to the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Minutes and Invoices approved as described above. - Heaney Property: Motion to notify owner that conservation commission is not interested in purchasing carried (2 ayes, no opposed, no abstentions). - NHACC Conference Attendance: Motion to authorize up to three members at a cost of $70 each passed unanimously. - Land Swap Discussion: Motion to invite Mr. Griazzo to the next meeting passed unanimously. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned by unanimous consent.

This meeting of the Richmond City Council's Organizational Development Standing Committee on October 5, 2026, served as a preliminary budget work session for FY2028. The committee received a real estate assessment forecast, a comprehensive fiscal outlook from the administration and external consultants, and heard individual councilmembers' budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. No binding votes were taken on substantive matters. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the September 8, 2026, meeting were approved without amendment. (Motion to approve electronic participation for Councilmember Lynch passed unanimously: 8-0-0; ayes from Breton, Gibson, Jones, Trammell, Abubacher, Jordan, Newbill, and the chair.) Discussion Items - Real Estate Assessor's Office Update: City Assessor Richie McKeithen forecasted a 4.5% increase in taxable real property for the next reassessment (due June 2027), down from the 6.5% increase in the prior cycle. He cited rising interest rates (approximately 7.5%), inflation, and gas prices over $4/gallon as moderating factors. Councilmembers Gibson and Burton questioned the basis and timeline, noting the 18-month gap since the last full reassessment. McKeithen acknowledged he is not an economist and will revisit the forecast in spring 2027. He agreed to provide additional data on interim valuations and modeled assumptions. - City Fiscal Outlook: Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II reported the city's fiscal health is sound but faces headwinds from a slowing economy, higher costs, and commitments. He highlighted the 4.5% growth projection, existing collective bargaining agreements, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (2.5% of prior year real estate tax collections), pension obligation bonds ($10 million annual debt service for 22 years), and capital reinvestment needs. PFM consultants (Danielle Scott Parker, Ashley Anywhere) presented a five-year baseline forecast showing structural deficits in FY2028–2030, potentially forcing the city below its fund balance policy by FY2030 under status-quo assumptions. They noted revenue growth (3–4% annually) has been outpaced by expenditure growth (7–9% annually), driven by personnel (41% of general fund), RPS contributions (23%), and debt service. PFM stressed that upcoming collective bargaining negotiations will be a critical determinant of fiscal trajectory. Mayor Avula echoed the need for collaborative, long-term planning and reiterated commitments to workforce investment, economic development, safety, and service delivery. Councilmembers Gibson, Abubacher, Trammell, and Jones raised questions about tax cuts, the Diamond District financing, code refresh, and coordination with previous consultant Davenport. The CAO committed to providing a written response to councilmember questions within 30 days. - FY2028 City Council Budget Priorities: Council Chief of Staff Mr. Warren read out individual councilmember priorities by district. Key themes included: transportation and after-school programs (District 1), spot blight funding and fare-free GRTC (District 2), staffing for code enforcement and urban forestry (District 3), sidewalk and park infrastructure (District 4), family shelter and violence prevention (District 5), landlord-tenant services and farmers markets (District 6, via Lynch), Health Equity and Child Care Trust Funds (District 7), retiree COLA increases and road maintenance (District 8), arts, senior resources, and food programs (District 9). These will be compiled into a resolution with an appendix. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on budget or policy items. - Councilmembers directed the administration to provide additional data on assessment modeling, new construction revenue, delinquent tax collections, and Diamond District debt service within 30 days. - The committee will continue budget discussions in subsequent meetings. Council staff will draft a resolution reflecting the identified budget priority themes. - The meeting adjourned without further action.

The Historic Preservation Commission convened at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, in City Hall Room 301-A and adjourned at 3:44 p.m. Minutes list five members present — Bauman, Morales, Jarosz, Keating Kahn, and Peltz — with Pieper Eisenbrown excused; Keating Kahn arrived at 3:09 p.m. The agenda lists Nicholas Hans Robinson, but the minutes do not list him as present or excused. Consent Calendar - Approved the staff-approved Certificates of Appropriateness for items 6–16: 2017 N. Terrace Ave. (tuck pointing and AC infill), 2328 E. Back Bay (HVAC), 822 N. 24th St. (exhaust vents and porch repairs), 930 W. State St./1027 N. 9th St. at St. Benedict the Moor Church (masonry repair and tuck pointing), 2210–2212 N. Lake Drive (porch repairs), 2579 N. 47th St. (rear-yard landscaping and grading), 4365 N. 25th St. (roof replacement), 2728 N. Sherman Blvd. (solid wood fence), 132 W. Reservoir Ave. (porch repairs), 1945 N. 1st St. (new wood fence), and 1041 E. Ogden Ave. (decorative rear balcony). Minutes record individual 5–0 votes for each; the transcript reflects an en bloc approval, and item 14 lists no recorded second. - Approved the minutes of the September 14, 2026 meeting without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Trevor Schrieb, applicant for 2908 W. McKinley Blvd., agreed with staff's recommended denial of the proposed vinyl windows and steel doors and asked for guidance on restoring the building as close to original as possible. The commission suggested staff provide a list of specialized window contractors, specifically mentioning Wade in Milwaukee. - Haley Hall of Modern Exterior, contractor for 1021 E. Brady St., argued for approval of wood-clad vinyl first-floor windows by saying they would match existing upper-floor vinyl windows installed without a COA prior to 2009 and improve efficiency for tenants. For the siding item, Hall argued that full cedar replacement would allow installation of Tyvek for moisture protection. - Christina Klose, owner of 830 E. Brady St., supported the historic site plaque and said she wants to promote the Brady Street Historic District beyond its entertainment-district identity. She described buying the former foreclosure about 10–11 years ago, completing extensive repairs, and her longstanding interest in history from her work in the City Clerk's Office and with HPC. Discussion Items - Item 1 (200878): LaShanda Anderson, owner of 2863 N. Grant Blvd. in the Grant Boulevard Historic District, appeared for the mothball-status COA and updated the commission on her window project. Staff member Tim Askin said window work is anticipated to begin in spring 2027; structural porch issues had taken financial priority over functional window repairs, causing understandable delays. The commission confirmed a prior COA for column replacement at the property had been completed successfully. The resolution was adopted 4–0, with Keating Kahn recorded excused for that vote; the minutes also list her as present after her 3:09 p.m. arrival. - Item 2 (260710): The request was for 35 historic windows and two balcony doors at the Edwin Roane House, a cross-gable residence built in 1901 by Henry Mesmer and Son. Staff recommended denial because the proposed white vinyl windows and steel doors are not approved materials in the Cold Spring Park Historic District. Staff noted the applicants' quote for new windows and doors exceeded $84,000 and that restoration work could be eligible for a 25% Wisconsin historic homeowners tax credit. The resolution was placed on file 5–0. - Item 3 (260711): The proposal was to replace 12 first-floor windows at 1021 E. Brady St. with wood-clad vinyl double-hung windows. Staff recommended denial, noting vinyl windows have never been approved by the HPC and the original wood windows appeared salvageable through weather stripping and waterproofing; upper-floor vinyl windows had been installed without a COA prior to 2009. The resolution was placed on file 5–0. - Item 4 (260712): The proposal was to replace all exterior siding at 1021 E. Brady St. with new cedar siding matching the existing profile, including scalloped fish-scale shingles. Staff and the commission opposed wholesale removal, with staff estimating only 20–25% of boards actually needed replacement. The commission denied full replacement but noted that a COA for selective replacement of damaged boards could be approved more quickly at staff level. The resolution was placed on file 5–0. - Item 5 (260716): The commission approved a historic site plaque for 830 E. Brady St., a workers' cottage built in the 1880s, with a proposed name of Duhig-McGuire House; staff will work with the owner on exact language. Staff said the property housed a priest from St. John the Evangelist Cathedral and operated as a speakeasy in the 1930s. The commission suggested promoting the plaque program with the local Business Improvement District and Ald. Alex Brower. The transcript indicates plaques cost about $300–$350 and are paid by owners. The resolution was adopted 5–0. Updates & Announcements - Staff announced the Local History and Historic Preservation Conference would be held the following week, October 14–16, in downtown Milwaukee; registration had closed the previous Wednesday. Key Outcomes - Adopted item 1 (mothball status, 2863 N. Grant Blvd.) 4–0. - Denied/placed on file items 2, 3, and 4 by 5–0 votes. - Approved item 5 (historic site plaque, 830 E. Brady St.) 5–0. - Approved staff-approved COAs in items 6–16 (minutes record 5–0 votes for each). - Approved the September 14, 2026 minutes without objection and adjourned at 3:44 p.m.

The Appointments Committee of the Westchester County Board of Legislators met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Committee Room at the Michaelian Office Building. Committee Chair Anant Nambiar presided. The meeting was livestreamed via WebEx. Six legislators were present in person or remotely: Legislators Nambiar, Clements, Cunzio, Puja, Ulaj, and Gashi. The committee considered and unanimously approved seven appointments to various county boards and commissions. All motions to sign and refer items to the full Board of Legislators passed by a vote of 6-0. Consent Calendar No consent calendar was used. Each appointment was voted on individually. Discussion Items Appointments to County Boards 1. APPT-Board of Plumbing Examiners-De Almeida (2026-474) Deputy Commissioner Hernan Almeida, a professional engineer, was appointed as a member and Chair of the County Board of Plumbing Examiners. He has served on the board for two years and also serves on the Electrical Board and other county boards. During discussion, Legislator Puja asked about ensuring quorum, noting past difficulties. Almeida stated he would emphasize attendance and, as Chair, would pass along names of potential new members. Legislator Gashi reported that the County Executive had confirmed reaching out to Local 21 for a representative, and noted that certain positions are by necessity filled by Local 21 members. Legislator Puja stressed the importance of Local 21 having a voice. The appointment was referred to the full Board with a 6-0 vote. 2. APPT-Women's Advisory Board-Mauriell (2026-171) Kasia Mauriell was appointed to the Westchester County Women's Advisory Board. She shared her background working in a state legislator's office and her previous service on the African American Advisory Board. She expressed interest in addressing challenges such as confidential voter registration for domestic violence survivors. She noted the group is a “great group of women” and she is honored to contribute. The appointment passed 6-0. 3. APPT-Parks, Recreation & Conservation Board-Cummings (2026-239) Robert Cummings was reappointed to the Parks, Recreation & Conservation Board. He has lived in South Salem for 27 years, volunteered on county parks for over 25 years, and has experience with friends' groups and municipal interactions. He emphasized communication between municipalities and the county as an area for improvement. Legislator Clements asked about opportunities to improve municipal-county interaction; Cummings cited the need for multiple communication channels. The appointment passed 6-0. 4. APPT-Traffic Safety Board-Milanes (2026-432) Nzinga Milanes was appointed as a North-of-287 member of the Westchester County Traffic Safety Board. She is involved in disability advocacy (including paratransit) and previously worked in government. She shared her personal experience with cancer treatment and her desire to use her time to serve. She noted her familiarity with county transportation from years of travel across Westchester. The appointment passed 6-0. 5. APPT-Board of Plumbing Examiners-McGlinchey (2026-473) Craig McGlinchey was appointed to the County Board of Plumbing Examiners. He has been a plumber since 1982 (Local 86), later started his own business, and trains apprentices. He sees the role as ensuring rules, regulations, and safety for the community. He noted his business is in Westchester. The appointment passed 6-0. 6. APPT-Youth Board-Boone (2026-480) Denver Boone, a junior at Portsmouth (and a Mount Vernon resident), was appointed to the County Youth Board. He is involved with the League (an organization for young Black men), is team president of Capital League, vice president of his Jack and Joe chapter, and runs a game development club. He expressed interest in helping peers in the Westchester community. The appointment passed 6-0. 7. APPT-Youth Board-Innocent (2026-481) Alana Innocent, a Mount Vernon resident attending the Masters School, was appointed to the County Youth Board. She volunteers at nursing homes, White Plains Hospital, and her local church, and serves on a children's board at her school. She emphasized that everyone's voice matters and she wants to be a voice for youth. The appointment passed 6-0. Key Outcomes - All seven appointments were unanimously approved by the committee and referred to the full Board of Legislators for final approval. - The committee discussed the importance of Local 21 representation on the Plumbing Board and noted that the County Executive had reached out to Local 21 for a nominee. - The meeting adjourned at 4:43 PM.

This meeting consisted of a microphone test and no substantive business was conducted. The agenda listed a work session, closed session, and regular session for October 6, 2026, but the provided transcript contains only a sound check. No minutes were available. A date discrepancy exists: the user-provided meeting date is October 5, 2026, while the agenda indicates October 6, 2026. No public comments, discussions, or decisions occurred.

The Government Operations Committee met on October 5, 2026, for a workshop on Frederick County Police Accountability Board operations, a mobile voting pilot proposal, and councilmember reviews of recent city studies. The agenda listed a 4:00 P.M. start. No votes on the workshop items are reflected in the transcript. Police Accountability Board Update - A county staff member supporting the Police Accountability Board (PAB) presented the structure required by the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021: counties must maintain a PAB, meet quarterly with law enforcement agencies, appoint civilians to the Administrative Charging Committee (ACC) and trial board rotation list, receive and review misconduct complaints, and submit an annual report. - The ACC reviews completed investigations and decides whether to administratively charge an officer; if charged, it recommends discipline consistent with the statewide disciplinary matrix. Trial boards adjudicate cases when officers reject recommended discipline and are composed of an active/retired administrative law judge, a civilian appointed by the PAB, and an officer of equal rank. Proceedings are public, and opinions are due within 45 days. - Covered law enforcement agencies are the Frederick Police Department, Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Brunswick Police Department, and Thurmont Police Department. The Frederick Police Department came under PAB jurisdiction on July 1, 2024, after its collective bargaining contract ended. - The county established the PAB in April 2022; the inaugural board was appointed July 5, 2022, and first met in August 2022. Meetings were monthly initially and later became quarterly. In 2025, the PAB held four regular quarterly meetings, two administrative meetings for appointments, annual report filing, and two special meetings. - The 2025 annual report is due by December 31 and goes to the county executive, county council, and the mayors of Frederick, Brunswick, and Thurmont. - Complaint data presented for 2025: 44 complaints were received, with 12 applicable complaints coming directly to the PAB and 32 filed directly with a law enforcement agency. The ACC reviewed 37 complaints, including carryovers from 2024, and recommended administrative charges in six cases, mostly alleged violations of agency policies and standards. - The 2025 report's recommendations include better complaint tracking, geographic and demographic trend analysis, record retention clarification, county and state policy alignment, tracking outreach impacts on reporting behavior, and considering state amendments to allow the ACC to recommend mandatory training even when no administrative charge is issued. - In Q&A, staff said state law supersedes local law, complaint numbers appear low compared with Baltimore City's more than 500 backlogged trial boards, jurisdiction-level breakdowns are available in the annual report, and officers may appeal trial board outcomes to circuit court. Mobile Voting Pilot Presentation - Brace Bennett, grassroots director of the Mobile Voting Project, presented a proposal to add secure smartphone voting as an optional voting method. The Mobile Voting Project is a nonpartisan nonprofit that provides grants and technical support for mobile voting pilots. - Bennett cited local turnout: in November 2025, roughly 14,000 of nearly 60,000 registered voters participated in Frederick's city election, about one in four; more than eight in ten of those who voted did so from home by mail or drop box. - He said mobile voting could help military and overseas voters, people with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, and voters facing scheduling or last-minute obstacles, and could provide an option if mail-in voting is further restricted. He also noted Frederick runs its own elections through the Board of Supervisors of Elections and the City Clerk, making a municipal pilot possible. - Case studies cited: Denver's 2019 municipal pilot for military voters and overseas civilians doubled turnout, and 100% of survey respondents preferred smartphone voting; a King County Conservation District election near Seattle tripled turnout, with 94% of voters returning ballots electronically even though mail and drop-box options remained available; Nevada has used electronic voting since 2014 and 20% of voters are now eligible to vote electronically. - The process described uses an app or secure link, multi-factor identity verification, an accessible multilingual ballot interface, encryption before the ballot leaves the phone, offline decryption, paper ballot printing, and a public bulletin with tracking numbers so voters can verify their ballot arrived and was counted. The core software is free and open source. - Bennett said the technology is designed to detect tampering, fake ballot insertion, and deletion attempts; no successful hacking attempts had been reported. Initial software costs can be $10,000 or less, and the Mobile Voting Project can provide grants for startup costs. - Bennett requested that Frederick partner on a pilot for the 2029 city election and urge the state legislature to pass authorizing legislation. He said Frederick previously sent a letter supporting SB 727 and HB 1066; Senator Karen Lewis Young was the lead sponsor and Delegate Ken Kerr was a co-sponsor. - In response to councilmember questions, Bennett said existing voting methods would remain available, mobile voting would be opt-in or proactively offered, no AI is baked into vendor systems, and the project is a nonprofit funded primarily by philanthropist Bradley Tusk, not by software vendors. Public Comments & Testimony - Stuart Harvey, a Frederick resident at 2020 Butterfield Overlook and a member of the city's Board of Supervisors of Elections, expressed skepticism about mobile voting. He said he would want to hear from officials in Denver, West Virginia, and Alaska about what worked and what did not. He noted that SB 727 and HB 1066 had a hearing but did not advance out of committee, and that Common Cause was among the opponents. He said mobile voting is speculative until authorizing legislation passes and may make the most sense for military and overseas voters because overseas mail ballots are often late and problematic. City Studies Discussion - The committee flipped agenda items B and C, so the mobile voting presentation came before the city studies discussion. - Green Streets study: a councilmember reported the plan is still in draft and the proposed ordinance/study is expected to come to the council by the end of the year. Goals include reducing heat islands, increasing tree canopy cover, stormwater management, environmental site design, improving water quality, reducing local flooding, meeting MS4 permit requirements, and building community character and health. The councilmember pointed to Appendix C for recommendations. - Housing Gap study: a councilmember said they are not opposed to affordable housing and know it is needed, but called some study numbers wonky. Over the last five years, Frederick County built about 3,500 fewer units than historically typical; the county built 296 multifamily units while the city permitted just over 2,100, making the city responsible for 87% of multifamily permitting during that period. The councilmember said the city needs to talk with the county about providing support if county production remains around 500 units or fewer per year and the bulk of housing falls to the city. - Tree Canopy study: a councilmember recommended inviting the sustainability team, city arborist, and Mobilize Frederick to comment on recommendations A-F. These include maintaining a broad age distribution and variety of trees, community education, integrating tree canopy data into planning decisions, investing in LIDAR, reassessing the canopy every three to five years, and using field data collection to complement the assessment. The councilmember noted Frederick's tree canopy percentage is lower than Baltimore's, partly because the city annexed cornfields with little existing tree cover in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s; afforestation began around 1992. Key Outcomes - No formal motions, votes, or resolutions on the workshop items were reflected in the transcript. - The committee received the Frederick County PAB update for information, with the annual report due by December 31. - Mobile voting was discussed but no decision was made; state authorizing legislation is needed before any pilot, and the request was to partner on a 2029 pilot. - City studies were informational: Green Streets is expected before the council by the end of the year, housing gap findings point to county coordination, and tree canopy follow-up would involve city staff and Mobilize Frederick.

The committee convened at 1:01 PM and adjourned at 3:20 PM. Chair Chris Miller presided. Present were Miller, Clark-Murray, Carlucci, Carrico, Peluso, Salem (until 3:03 PM), and Holder. The meeting covered 31 agenda items, including a major downtown development incentive package, public safety capital appropriations, a JTA financial crisis update, and numerous routine items. Consent Calendar - Item 8 (2026-0662) – Established the Deep Creek Community Development District (approx. 2,091.18 acres, 2,634 residential units). Approved 7-0. - Item 12 (2026-0698) – Appropriated $111,233 for the 19th State of the River Report for the Lower St. Johns River Basin (amended, approved 7-0). - Item 13 (2026-0700) – Appropriated $9,222,943 for completion grants for three Gateway Jax projects (Gateway N4, N5, N11). Approved 7-0. - Item 15 (2026-0702) – Established honorary street designation for the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine (amended, approved 7-0). - Item 16 (2026-0705) – Transferred a surplus 2015 Chevrolet Silverado (value $10,725) to Volunteer Life Saving Corps, Inc. for ocean rescue services. Approved 7-0. - Item 17 (2026-0706) – Appropriated $1,134,952.80 in investment pool earnings for Osprey River N4 project and DEDF forgivable loans (amended, approved 7-0). - Item 18 (2026-0707) – Appropriated $181,333.85 in Emergency Solutions Grant funds for emergency shelter operations (amended, approved 6-0). - Item 20 (2026-0720) – Approved intergovernmental management agreement with SJRWMD for Pablo Creek Conservation Area (capital improvements est. $200,000, completion in 2028). Approved 7-0. - Item 22 (2026-0740) – Extended timeline for Lofts at Southbank project (construction start by 9/1/27, completion by 5/1/29). Approved 6-0. - Item 7 (2026-0644) – Renamed Cedar Point Preserve to Middlebrook Preserve (amended, approved 7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Carnell Oliver expressed concern about JTA’s request for taxpayer dollars, calling for greater accountability of independent agencies, and referenced consolidation issues. - Eric Adler (owner of The Raven, a downtown boutique hotel) expressed strong support for the Pearl Square project (Item 6), stating a full-service grocery and pharmacy are essential for downtown growth and that projects like Pearl Square create confidence for small investors. - Keith Brown described downtown’s abandoned buildings, poor infrastructure, homelessness, and unaffordable housing, and asked local government for help. - Jim Emery (public comment card) indicated questions only for the volunteer life saving corps bill. Discussion Items 1. JTA Financial Update & Item 31 (2026-0780) – LOGT II Borrowing Authorization Cleveland Ferguson (JTA CEO) acknowledged the partnership with City Council. CFO Randall Barnes presented a detailed financial update: - FY26 budget was flawed due to optimistic revenue projections and unsupported costs. Sales tax revenues were $8.3M under budget, total shortfall $19M. - A February 2026 budget amendment addressed revenue shortfalls but cost reductions were insufficient. - Financial reporting issues included errors, lack of rigor in variance analysis, and overreporting of LOGT I revenues (corrected in Q3). - Current projected FY26 deficit: $39.9M. - For FY27, JTA cut professional services and made service changes worth $24.9M; reduction in force of 200 employees; pause Skyway passenger service (Nov 1) and NAVI (Dec 31). - Item 31 (2026-0780) allows JTA to borrow up to $30M from LOGT II funds (current balance $47M) to pay down a $25M line of credit and avoid $3M in interest. Funds must be repaid by 9/30/37 without interest. The bill passed as an emergency, 7-0. - Chair Miller noted the newly formed Financial Audit and Oversight (FAO) Select Committee will begin work (first meeting Oct 9) and aims to cooperate with JTA. - Council Member Carlucci asked about potential use of Emerald Trail capital dollars; Ferguson indicated a more holistic conversation is needed. 2. Item 14 (2026-0701) – JSO and JFRD Capital Appropriations Original bill appropriated $26M for JSO headquarters improvements, JSO warehouse consolidation ($10M), and JFRD CO2 removal system ($2M). The public safety contingency account was reduced during budget by $5.1M, and JSO discovered the warehouse purchase price was $15.45M (not $10M). Total shortfall: $10,587,427. - Council Member Salem moved to fund the gap from reserves (rather than debt). Philip Peterson (Council Auditor) confirmed reserves are healthy ($420M as of Sept 2025, with $120M in emergency reserves). The amendment passed unanimously. - Total appropriation increased to $31,450,000 (from reserves: $18,267,670 + $13,182,330). Approved 7-0. - JSO representatives (Bill Clement, Mike Shell) explained the need for consolidation: current facilities bursting with 755,000 pieces of evidence; purchasing one larger facility allows vacating two city-owned warehouses and exiting a $300K/year lease. A space assessment is underway. - Council Member Peluso raised concerns about the property’s market value ($4M) vs. purchase price ($15.45M); JSO said an appraisal came in $14.5M and the property includes multiple parcels. 3. Item 6 (2026-0541) – Gateway Jax / Pearl Square Incentive Package This was the most debated item, involving authorization of a REV grant (75%, 17-year, max $21,412,000) and a $28,250,000 completion grant for a mixed-use project with 259± residential units and at least 30,000 sq ft of grocery space (Publix or similar). - First Vote: A motion including technical amendments and an Auditor’s recommended amendment (reducing REV grant if grocery closes within 10-year lease) passed 5-2 (Miller, Salem opposed). Miller expressed concern about timing ahead of Amendment 3 vote (Nov 3). - Reconsideration: Council Member Peluso moved to reconsider to add a Streetscape Easement and Public Access Easement. Motion passed unanimously. The Peluso amendment was approved unanimously. Votes on final passage resulted in 6-0 (first time) then 5-1 (Miller opposed) due to a voting error, then finally 5-1 (Miller opposed) after proper roll call. - Key Speakers: - Colin Tarbert (DIA) opposed the Auditor’s amendment, noting negotiations allowed developer to keep REV grant if grocery closed through no fault of owner, with a cure period to backfill. He said the amendment removes that opportunity. - Cyndy Trimmer (Gateway Jax) agreed to concede to the Auditor’s request. She stated total Gateway Jax investment in Pearl Square is $1,269,518,000; completion grants total $87,196,000 (6.8%). The grocery store is not directly funded; investment is in the building. The economic impact (halo effect) of the grocery is estimated at $330–500 million in additional revenue to the city. - Council Members Carlucci and Peluso strongly supported the project, calling it critical for downtown revitalization. Carlucci said $23M is small compared to what the city faces if Amendment 3 passes. - Salem and Miller opposed due to timing (Amendment 3 vote) and fiscal caution. 4. Item 21 (2026-0721) – Jax Yacht Charter Grant (Failed) Proposed $70,000 reimbursement grant for repairs to the Royal Princess vessel. Original funding source lapsed; Council Member Carlucci moved to fund from reserves. Failed 1-6 (only Carlucci voted yes). The Auditor’s technical amendment (remove emergency language, correct scriveners) passed unanimously, but the bill failed 1-6. Several members voiced opposition, citing prior discussion and lack of support. Key Outcomes - Item 6 (2026-0541) – Approved as amended (5-1). Final vote: Miller nay. The approval includes technical amendments, Auditor’s amendment (reducing REV grant if grocery closes), and Peluso’s easement amendment. - Item 14 (2026-0701) – Approved as amended (7-0). Total $31,450,000 from reserves for JSO/JFRD projects. - Item 31 (2026-0780) – Approved as emergency as amended (7-0). JTA authorized to borrow up to $30M from LOGT II funds. - Item 21 (2026-0721) – Failed (1-6). No funding source resolved. - Multiple items deferred: Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11 were deferred at sponsor’s request. - Item 10 (2026-0673) – Withdrawn (7-0) by Council Member Carlucci after earlier failure in committee. - Item 19 (2026-0709) – Approved (5-2) after reconsideration. Amends Council Rule 2.210 to set quorum at a majority (4 members) instead of 5 (or 4 with two excused absences).