The Public Meeting Index

The City of Ocala Code Enforcement Special Magistrate, Jeremiah Blocker, presided over a hearing on September 30, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM and adjourning at 10:50 AM. Twelve code enforcement cases were heard, covering violations such as overgrown weeds, unpermitted structures, dangerous buildings, and stormwater noncompliance. The magistrate issued rulings including fines, compliance deadlines, and orders to abate violations. New Business – Code Enforcement Cases - CE26-1088 (Inspector Liviu Eaglen): Respondent James Anderson Estate et al. – Dangerous building at 155 NW 16th Ter. Respondent’s brother, Jamal Anderson, requested an extension, citing the property owner’s disability and fixed income. The magistrate ordered compliance by October 29, 2026, with a $250/day fine for non-compliance and costs of $161.30. - CE26-0763 (Inspector Liviu Eaglen): Respondent Johnny Gunsby Jr. – Unpermitted shed at 716 W Silver Springs Pl. The magistrate ordered removal or permitting by October 29, 2026, with a $100/day fine and costs of $204.24. - CE26-0838 (Inspector Stephen Knight): Respondent Wahi Pana LLC – Overgrowth and dead tree at 1600 block NE 2nd St. The magistrate ordered cutting and cleaning by October 29, 2026, with a $50/day fine and costs of $174.30. - CE26-0872 (Inspector Liviu Eaglen): Respondent Noorani Hospitality LLC – Overgrowth at 3621 W Silver Springs Blvd. The magistrate ordered compliance by October 29, 2026, with a $50/day fine and costs of $213.60. - CE26-0880 (Inspector Osias Ferreira): Respondent TBMII LLC – Overgrowth at 5800 SW 31st St. Inspector noted recurring complaints since 2021. The magistrate ordered compliance by October 29, 2026, with a $50/day fine and costs of $169.70. - CE26-1092 (Inspector Robert Moore): Respondent Christina Ramdoolar – Repeat violator for overgrowth at 918 SW 2nd St. The magistrate imposed a $50/day fine from August 8, 2026 (date violation discovered), plus an additional $50/day if not abated by October 29, 2026, and costs of $125.64. - CE26-1102 (Inspector Liviu Eaglen): Respondent Alice K. Shumon – Dangerous building and unpermitted repairs at 980 NW Martin Luther King Ave. The property was damaged by a car chase crash. The magistrate ordered permitting and repair or demolition by October 29, 2026, with a $250/day fine for non-compliance. - CE26-1165 (Inspector Liviu Eaglen): Respondent Williams Estate – Repeat violator for overgrowth at 2705 NE 2nd Ave. The magistrate imposed a $50/day fine from August 17, 2026, plus additional fines if not abated by October 29, 2026, and costs of $174.36. - CE26-1222 (Inspector Liviu Eaglen): Respondent Gaston Estate – Repeat violator for overgrowth at 304 NW 21st Ave. The magistrate imposed a $50/day fine from the date of violation discovery, with compliance by October 29, 2026, and costs of $167.45. - ENV26-0045 (Inspector Jeffrey Guilbault): Respondent Six Gun Corners LLC – Overgrowth and non-conformance with approved site plan (fence missing) at 4900 block E Silver Springs Blvd. The magistrate ordered cutting/cleaning and fence repair by October 29, 2026, with a $50/day fine for weeds and a $150/day fine for site plan non-compliance, plus costs of $320.91. - ENV26-0231 (Inspector Jeffrey Guilbault): Respondent Southern Impression Homes LLC – Overgrowth and stormwater violations at 1469 NW 27th Cir. The property owner’s son was unaware of ownership. The magistrate ordered cutting/cleaning and installation of erosion controls by October 29, 2026, with a $50/day fine and costs of $236.34. - ENV26-0405 (Inspector Robert Moore): Respondent Joseph Strohmeier – Repeat violator for overgrowth at 612 SW 2nd St. Property had tents occupied by homeless individuals. The magistrate imposed a $50/day fine from August 28, 2026, with additional fines if not abated by October 29, 2026. Key Outcomes - All respondents were ordered to achieve compliance by Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM or 7:00 AM on Friday, October 30, 2026, depending on the violation type. - Fines ranged from $50 to $250 per day for non-compliance, with repeat violators facing retroactive fines from the date the violation was discovered. - Administrative costs and prosecution fees were assessed against each respondent. - The magistrate accepted all evidence and testimony into the record and adjourned the hearing at 10:50 AM.

The Public Facilities Commission (PFC) convened on September 30, 2026, with Commissioners Larry Mamoli and Donald Wright present, along with legal advisor TT Lee and staff from the Public Facilities Department (PFD) and the Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH). The meeting approved routine minutes and then considered seven items: one from PFD for a contract award and six from MOH including ground leases, extensions, and conveyances. All votes were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The Commission approved the draft meeting minutes from August 26, 2026, for the Mayor's Office of Housing via roll call (2-0). Discussion Items - PFD Vote 1 – Contract Award for Ruth Batson Academy Feasibility Study: Senior Project Manager Guy Diacevedo presented a request to award a contract to CHA Consulting Inc. for Owner's Project Manager (OPM) services for the Ruth Batson Academy project at 315 Mount Fernist Street, Dorchester. The not-to-exceed contract price is $661,176, including $596,276 for base fees and $64,900 for additional services, through October 1, 2028. The project involves a feasibility study and schematic design for the existing school built in 1967, which has 55 classrooms, 50 out of compliance with MSBA standards, and a building condition score of 9 (below district average of 28). The MSBA approved CHA Consulting on September 14, 2026. The Commission approved the award unanimously. - MOH Vote 1 – Ground Lease to United States Postal Service: Jamie Smith presented a request for a five-year ground lease (with two five-year renewal options) to USPS for a 39,645 sq ft parcel at Railroad Street, West Roxbury, at $60,000 annual rent initially (below estimated market value of $181,000). The lease ensures continued postal services and minimizes traffic impacts. Approved unanimously. - MOH Vote 2 – Extension for Easy Street LLC, Hyde Park: Request to extend tentative developer designation by six months (from 18 to 24 months total) for a three-family dwelling on Fort Adams Street. The developer needs to secure final permits from BWSC and ISD. Approved unanimously. - MOH Vote 3 – Extension for Community Land Trust Inc., Hyde Park: Teresa Stratula requested a 12-month extension (total 24 months) for CLT to finalize site designs and Conservation Commission approvals for an open space project adjacent to the Neponset River. Approved unanimously. - MOH Vote 4 – Conveyance to Boston Food Forest Coalition, Dorchester: Request for conveyance of two parcels (total 11,741 sq ft) at Norfolk Street for $400 to BFFC to develop a food forest with performance stage, seating, and edible plantings. The project is complementary to a nearby BPDA parcel. Approved unanimously. - MOH Vote 5 – Extension for New Urban Collaborative and Lower Roxbury Community Corp, Roxbury: Tiara Satchel requested a 12-month extension (from 36 to 48 months total) for a mixed-use, mixed-income development at 40-50 Warren Street, including 35 affordable homeownership units and co-working space. The team awaits the next Commonwealth Builder funding round. Approved unanimously. - MOH Vote 6 – Amendments for Cruise Development Corporation, Roxbury: Joe Backer requested amendments to the ground lease for parcels at 135 Dudley Street and Washington Street. Changes include a single 99-year lease term (replacing 59+40), revised land area to 67,664 sq ft, and an option to purchase the reversionary interest at lease end to protect affordable homeownership units. Commissioner Wright filed a disclosure notice and participated. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All seven votes (one PFD, six MOH) were approved by unanimous roll call (2-0). - The Commission approved a $661,176 OPM contract for the Ruth Batson Academy feasibility study. - The Commission authorized a five-year ground lease to USPS for $60,000/year in West Roxbury. - Four time extensions were granted: Easy Street LLC (6 mo), CLT (12 mo), New Urban Collaborative (12 mo), and Cruise Development Corp (lease amendments). - One conveyance was approved: Boston Food Forest Coalition for $400 to develop open space in Dorchester.

2026年9月30日上午9:36至下午1:13，在约翰·A·威尔逊大厦123室及Zoom平台上，人类服务委员会（主席Matt Freuman，第三选区议员）召开了监督圆桌会议，探讨无家可归者机构间委员会（ICH）的未来。会议旨在审议ICH的法定职责、组织结构、人员配置和预算角色，并考虑即将到来的市长政府和新的五年战略计划。公众证人包括利益相关方和倡导者，政府证人包括ICH执行主任和副卫生与人类服务市长办公室代表。未进行任何投票；会议仅收集信息以供未来立法参考。 公众证词与见证 - Jean-Michel Giraud（友谊之地总裁兼首席执行官）：强调ICH自2005年成立以来已取得成就，但资金不足和人员不足限制了其能力。他主张ICH应在预算制定中发挥更积极的作用，加强与市长的直接联系，改善区域协调，并通过定期报告和明确责任分担提高透明度和问责制。 - Lena Mano（友谊之地倡导主任，ICH全委委员）：支持Giraud的治理改革建议，并主张ICH应获得更大的权威和预算影响力，包括由执行主任与市长直接联系，有权召集机构负责人，以及建立年度综合预算建议以提交市长。 - Kelly Sweeney McShane（希望社区首席执行官）：自2005年以来一直参与ICH工作，她建议修订立法，将ICH的核心职责聚焦于五项基本内容：五年战略计划、年度工作计划、年度更新、冬季计划和作为护理连续体（CoC）治理委员会。她指出，年度更新仅发布过一次，并建议根据人员配置能力重新调整立法要求。她估计，在明确优先事项和城市机构参与的情况下，2至3名全职员工可能足够。 - Rachel White（DC行动青年倡导副部长，ICH青年委员会联合主席）：重点关注青年无家可归问题，呼吁重建ICH能力，恢复专门针对青年无家可归问题的战略，建立有偿青年咨询委员会，并加强问责机制。她指出，2025财年DHS报告了1600多名青年单人无家可归系统服务对象，另有1100多名通过成人系统寻求帮助的人曾接受过青年系统服务。 - Andy Wasnick（玛丽亚姆厨房政策主任）：强调ICH在社区与政府合作中的重要性，主张至少应通过立法规定最低员工人数，并可将DHS或其他机构人员提供后勤支持作为应急措施。他呼吁赋予执行主任或政府官员更多权力以动员机构，并指出诸如住房券匹配过程中的问题可以更好解决。 - Amber Harding（华盛顿无家可归者法律诊所执行主任）：提出结构性关切，认为ICH缺乏独立性，受市长政治议程影响过大。她建议由清晰价值观指导ICH工作，执行主任直接向市长报告并享有一定独立性，赋予主任权力要求机构和提供商解决问题，减少具有投票权的机构数量，并广泛咨询无家可归者意见。她批评了市长政府未有效执行HSRA，并举例说DHS拒绝为冬季计划提供数据。 - Amanda Chesney（天主教慈善机构住房与无家可归服务执行主任）：指出ICH需要更明确的授权和权威，对TCP（社区合作机构）等非政府组织缺乏监督，并建议解决区域性问题。她认为ICH应更接近市长或拥有更多权力，并注意到近些年ICH共识建设多于成果实施。 - Kate Coventry（DC财政政策研究所立法策略主任，ICH投票成员）：强调ICH在城市机构协调中的关键作用，例如冬季计划依赖多个机构合作。她建议增加带薪员工，并提供技术援助以提高ICH效率，特别是会议主持和反馈转化为解决方案的能力。她指出当前只有两名员工，可能难以完成新的战略计划和法定职责。 讨论项目 - 预算角色与权力：多个证人主张ICH应在预算制定中发挥更积极的作用，包括提前参与市政府预算审议并提出建议。主席Freuman和证人讨论了可能的结构，如年度报告或需求评估，既尊重市长最终权力，又确保社区意见得到考虑。 - ICH的位置与主任指挥线：讨论聚焦于ICH是否应设在副卫生与人类服务市长办公室内，还是移到城市管理员办公室更合适，以便直接联系市长。政府和公众证人对此看法不一，但普遍同意ICH需要更多的政治支持。 - 人员配置与能力：ICH执行主任Teresa Scylla证实，由于预算削减，她在10月1日后将仅剩一人。她解释说，已调整结构，将委员会和工作组从19个减少到11个，并交替安排会议，以应对人员不足。证人指出，缺乏人员配置导致职责履行不足，超过300人参与了Homeward DC 3.0计划开发。 - 问责与监督：讨论了关于TCP审计和HSRA要求的系统年度审计未执行的担忧。Scylla表示不知道有此类审计，并要求与DHS讨论以确定是否已执行。还提到ICH的投诉和报复处理机制未得到落实。 - 区域协调：多位证人建议ICH应加强区域合作，但Amber Harding和Andy Wasnick警告称，区域责任分配数据不足，且辖区间流动复杂，需更多数据支持。执行主任提到与PG县和蒙哥马利县的区域协议，并希望通过COG开展额外工作。 - 青年无家可归：Rachel White和议员Zachary Parker强调了青年无家可归问题需要专门策略，包括重新评估“坚实根基”计划，建立补偿性青年咨询委员会，并确保青年在决策中有实际发言权。执行主任承认需要更多青年参与，但指出当前缺乏联邦资金支持。 关键成果 - 圆桌会议未进行正式投票或做出决定，但记录了证词供未来立法参考。 - 主席表示将考虑对ICH进行立法改革，并可能举办额外听证会，包括与青年服务提供者进行交流。 - 会议记录提交截止日期为10月14日下午5点，通过在线听证系统提交。 - 初步一致意见包括需要增加ICH员工配置、明确核心职责、建立年度更新机制、促进区域协作和增强独立性的需求。

The Montgomery County Council Public Safety Committee met on September 30, 2026, for a morning work session (agenda time 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) to review two bills: Expedited Bill 16-26, the Financial Exploitation Protection Act, and Bill 36-26, updating the Fire and Emergency Services Commission (FESC). The committee advanced both bills to the full County Council. Public Comments & Testimony - Staff reported that public hearing testimony on Bill 16-26 was entirely in favor of the bill, and no amendments were pending. - Tim Mulligan, a volunteer with the Office of Consumer Protection, said FBI estimates show scams are by far the largest source of financial losses in the United States. He described a case involving a 72-year-old woman with $450,000 missing from her bank account; the funds were traced to Canada and a front person was arrested, but the money was not recovered. - Russell Hartongue, president of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association (MCVFRA), representing 19 local fire rescue departments, presented the association’s position that the FESC must review and approve all applicable fire and rescue policy documents, including fire chief general orders. He argued interim orders should not be used to circumvent required stakeholder and commission review. - A county executive branch representative said the executive appreciates the FESC’s work, does not want to undermine career and volunteer support, and believes legal ambiguities should be clarified in the law rather than left to interpretation. - Battalion Chief Ashley Robinson said Fire Chief Smedley has directed a collaborative policy process and that the department has adopted MCVFRA suggestions; she noted that when no feedback is received, the department assumes agreement. Discussion Items Expedited Bill 16-26 – Consumer Protection Amendments (Financial Exploitation Protection Act) - Chair Sidney Katz explained the bill aligns Montgomery County consumer protection law with Maryland state law and gives the Office of Consumer Protection additional tools to deter deceptive trade practices targeting vulnerable residents and adults 68 years or older. - Staff said the bill also expressly authorizes mediation programs, expands the current narrow definition of consumer transactions, and has minimal fiscal impact, indeterminate economic impact, a positive racial equity and social justice impact, and no climate impact. - Eric Friedman of the Office of Consumer Protection and Tim Mulligan said the expanded authority would allow investigation of romance scams, investment scams, fake utilities or government agencies, and cases where jurisdiction under the old code was unclear. - Councilmember Kristin Mink voiced strong support, calling the prior lack of authority a major gap that needed to be fixed. Chair Katz also thanked groups serving people with intellectual disabilities, such as SEAC, noting the protections are important for residents living independently. - The committee voted 3–0 by acclamation to recommend the bill to the full Council; Chair Katz noted it would be 4–0 with Councilmember Stewart’s vote. Bill 36-26 – Fire and Emergency Services Commission Duties and Responsibilities - Lead sponsor Councilmember Dawn Luedtke said the FESC was created when the county blended its fire service and is an extra procedural layer for volunteer, career, and public input on department policy. She said the bill fixes open-ended issues such as the timing of the annual report, tiebreakers, and interim health and safety orders. - Staff summarized key changes: at least a 30-day public comment period for proposed policies or regulations; a 60-day FESC review window; deemed approval if FESC does not act; regulations then move through the county’s Administrative Procedure Act process; notice of disapproval within five days; and interim orders lasting 90 days that can continue while full review is pending. - MCVFRA representatives raised concerns that fire chief general orders are no longer sent to the FESC and that association comments are sometimes not acted on. Councilmember Luedtke responded that the career and volunteer groups already have review rights under collective bargaining agreements, and that notice-and-comment processes require consideration, not adoption, of every comment. - The committee reviewed last-minute county executive amendments: expanding FESC public membership from three to five members to match the five regional service centers, limiting FESC review of emergency communication center dispatch matters to fire and rescue protocols, adding an explicit collective bargaining agreement exclusion, and allowing the fire chief to withdraw a pending policy before FESC action. - Committee members and panelists discussed whether expanding public members would shift the FESC's voting balance; the committee did not finalize that decision and directed staff to prepare the amendments for the full Council packet instead of voting on them in committee. - It was clarified that the withdrawal provision would apply only to items pending before the FESC, not to rescission of existing policies, which remains governed by collective bargaining and Office of Labor Relations processes. A suggestion was made to continue discussions on rescissions separately with the Office of Labor Relations. Key Outcomes - Bill 16-26 was recommended to the full County Council by a 3–0 vote, with no amendments. - Bill 36-26 was recommended to the full County Council by acclamation. Staff was directed to draft amendments for full Council covering public membership expansion (from three to five, with details to be resolved), limiting ECC dispatch review to fire and rescue matters, adding a collective bargaining agreement exclusion, and allowing withdrawal of pending FESC items. - The committee agreed that continued conversations are needed with MCVFRA and the Office of Labor Relations on policy-rescission concerns and that the FESC annual report should be discussed by the Public Safety Committee in the future.

A hybrid zoning hearing was held before Hearing Examiner Warren Mickens on September 30, 2026, to consider a special exception application by Dasari Real Estate II, LLC to construct and operate a Kiddie Academy childcare center at 1550 Robert Crain Highway in Bowie, MD. The proposed facility would serve up to 154 children, include a 5,086-square-foot outdoor play area, and operate from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The applicant presented testimony from corporate representatives, the owner, a land use planning expert, and an engineer. No members of the public spoke in opposition. The hearing was adjourned with the record left open for staff input on one contested condition. Discussion Items - Project Overview: The applicant seeks a special exception for a daycare center in the CGO (Commercial, General and Office) zone on a 1.55-acre vacant parcel at the southwest intersection of Crain Highway (US 301) and Fife Way. The facility will employ approximately 35 staff and provide 48 parking spaces (16 required). - Corporate Testimony: Jenna Albers, Development Approvals Manager for Kiddie Academy Corporate, stated the franchise system includes over 382 locations in 40 states and that the site was approved by their site committee. She confirmed the franchisee (Mamatha Dasari) will own and operate the center independently. - Owner Testimony: Mamatha Dasari testified she has 15 years of experience operating two other Kiddie Academy locations in Prince George's County (Lanham) and Baltimore County. She stated the outdoor play area will be limited to 77 children at one time with separate zones for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. She agreed to staff-recommended conditions limiting playground use to 7 a.m.–5 p.m. and daylight hours, and extinguishing exterior lighting by 11 p.m. - Land Use Expert Testimony: Eduardo Diaz Campbell, admitted as an expert in land use planning, testified that the proposal meets all eight general criteria for special exception approval under Section 27-3604E, as well as specific daycare standards in Section 27-5402X. He stated the technical staff report concurred that all criteria are met, subject to conditions (pages 11–14 of staff report). - Contested Condition – Sidewalk: The applicant objected to staff condition 3C requiring a 5-foot sidewalk along the entire property frontage on Adamson Way and Fife Way. Diaz Campbell argued that Adamson Way is properly classified as an alley under the zoning ordinance, making it exempt from the sidewalk requirement under condition 9A of the 2020 preliminary plan of subdivision. He further stated that placing a sidewalk on the subject property would require removal of existing trees, light poles, and landscaping, and would narrow a 10-foot buffer to 5 feet. The applicant’s engineer, Mr. Milkovich, confirmed that constructing a sidewalk on-site would require easements, relocation of utilities, and reduce usable space for parking or the playground. - Staff Conditions – Deletions: The applicant requested deletion of several staff conditions (3E, 3F, 3G, 3J, 3N, 3R, and part of 3J) on the grounds that corrections (e.g., tree canopy calculations, outdoor play area hours note, subdivision name, north arrow, lighting note, photometric plan details) had already been incorporated into revised plans (Exhibits 40, 41, 44). The examiner noted that condition 3C would be referred back to staff for comment. - Objection to Expert Testimony: People's Zoning Council (Mr. Brown) initially objected to Mr. Diaz Campbell adopting the attorney-drafted statement of justification as his own, arguing an expert cannot adopt the conclusions of the hiring attorney. The objection was resolved when the applicant agreed to submit an independent expert report under Mr. Diaz Campbell’s signature. Key Outcomes - No final decision was made. The hearing examiner kept the record open to allow the technical staff an opportunity to provide input on condition 3C (sidewalk on Adamson Way). - The examiner noted that the applicant's proposed deletions of other conditions (3E, 3F, 3G, 3J, 3N, 3R) appeared to be resolved by plan revisions, but final approval awaits resolution of the sidewalk issue. - The applicant agreed to all other staff-recommended conditions, including those related to playground hours, lighting, fencing details, and bicycle racks. - The record will remain open for an unspecified period pending staff comments.

The Housing and Commercial Loan Committee (HCLC) convened on September 30, 2026, at 14:15. The meeting included introductions of new board members, approval of prior meeting minutes, discussion and votes on six funding items, a modification request, and an ethics training presentation. Roll Call & Opening - Present: Patricia Royal, Bill Ramos, Kevin Deeb, Ben Fernandez, Gregory Gay, Pierre Rutledge, Annie Lord, David Snow, Munir Daniel, Brandon Cook, Armando Caso. Also present: Raymond Bedate (City Attorney). - Lobbyist notification was read. - Minutes of the July 15, 2026, meeting were approved on a motion by Annie Lord, seconded by Gregory Gay. Discussion Items Item 2 – 750-754 Northwest Street Building Repairs - Staff requested $250,000 in CDBG funds to correct building deficiencies required for a 40/10-year recertification. The building, over 50 years old, is owned by the city and was foreclosed upon in 2017 after previous HOME funding issues. - Property Manager Delilah Pinhasov reported that a structural/electrical inspection was conducted two weeks prior, but a detailed repair list from the architectural firm is still pending. The $250,000 is an initial estimate; staff will return with precise costs. - Discussion: Board members questioned the basis for the amount given no punch list yet. Previous allocations of $350,000 (200,000 in Dec 2023 and 150,000 in Sep 2024) were noted as already spent. The building is occupied; some vacant units may allow temporary relocation if needed. - Key Outcome: Motion to approve $250,000 (by [member], seconded by Gregory Gay) passed. Staff must provide detailed repair breakdown later. Item 3 – Greater St. Paul AME / Dragonfly Investment – 3574 William Avenue - The project (two buildings: four-unit and duplex, all rental at 50-65% AMI) is 60% complete. An additional $250,000 was requested due to foundation issues discovered in the duplex (75% of structure needing rebuild) and historic preservation window requirements. - Dragonfly representative Amanda De Seta explained that the duplex lacked a proper foundation, requiring demolition and new construction. The front units are nearly finished; one tenant recently passed away. - Key Outcome: Motion to approve $250,000 (by [member], seconded by Gregory Gay) passed. Item 4 – River Place (JMR 1890 LLC) – Funding Swap - Staff recommended deobligating $1,634,420 in HOME funds previously approved for this project and replacing them with District 3 public benefit funds from the same pot. Developer Julio Rodriguez confirmed the project is ready to go; permit renewal expected in November. - Key Outcome: Motion to approve the swap (by Ben Fernandez, seconded by Annie Lord) passed unanimously. Item 5 – Station 27 – Partial Funding Swap - The project at 2815 SW 27th Terrace (15 units, mixed-income, plus commercial space) had $1,697,110 in HOME funds approved in 2025. Staff identified $600,000 in replacement funds ($400,000 in GO bonds and $200,000 from a settlement) to partially deobligate HOME funds. The remaining gap will be brought back in November; the developer is under construction and using own resources. - Discussion: Board member requested more documentation and deferred information; but after clarifying the need to move quickly, the motion carried. - Key Outcome: Motion to approve the $600,000 partial swap (by Gregory Gay, seconded by David Snow) passed. Staff will return for the balance. Item 6 – SG Little Havana – Funding Swap - To accommodate the River Place swap, $1,634,420 in HOME funds was moved from SG Little Havana (previously $4M HOME + $4M public benefit) to River Place, and an equal amount of public benefit moved back to SG Little Havana. Total $8M funding for SG Little Havana unchanged. - Michael Leu (Swire Glow Group) confirmed all 300 senior units are below 80% AMI, with 172 HOME-assisted units targeting very low income. - Key Outcome: Motion to approve the swap (by Armando Caso, seconded by Annie Lord) passed. Item C – Hideaway Bay (Miami-Dade Homeless Trust) – Scope Modification - The Homeless Trust requested modifying the loan agreement for the hotel-to-housing conversion (Hideaway Bay, 10821 Caribbean Blvd). The city’s $8 million in HOME-ARP funds, originally approved for acquisition and kitchenette installation, will now be used solely for acquisition; kitchenette work will be covered by other county funds. The property (107 units, 57 city-assisted, all senior) is fully leased. - Executive Director Vicki Millette: “One out of every four people entering homelessness is 55+.” The kitchenettes will be installed without displacing tenants. - Key Outcome: Motion to approve the scope modification (by [member], seconded) passed. Ethics Presentation - Raymond Bedate (City Attorney) delivered a mandatory ethics refresher covering Florida Sunshine Law, voting conflicts, gifts, public records, and parliamentary procedure. Board members were reminded of an upcoming ethics certification on October 6, 2026, and requirements to file financial interest statements. Key Outcomes Summary - All funding requests and swaps were approved as recommended by staff. - The committee directed staff to provide detailed cost breakdowns for the NW Street building repairs. - No additional funding was approved beyond the amounts stated. - The next regular meeting will be scheduled per committee rules.

The New Braunfels City Council held a special meeting on September 30, 2026, convening at 6:03 p.m. and adjourning at 10:00 p.m. The meeting included a proclamation, four workshop presentations, an executive session, and the postponement of one item. No binding votes were taken; council provided direction on several proposed code amendments. Proclamation: National Night Out - Mayor French proclaimed October 6, 2026, as National Night Out. Chief Flores and police department members accepted. Chief Flores noted 87 neighborhood parties are planned, up from 78 the previous year. Workshop A: Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Program - Chief Osvaldo Flores and Deputy Chief Hobbs delivered a detailed presentation on the ALPR program, which uses 57 Flock cameras (47 active) on public roadways. The program is primarily funded through Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) grants (80%) with limited city match, totaling approximately $760,000 over four fiscal years. Since implementation in May 2025, ALPR has contributed to 94 arrests (90 adults, 4 juveniles) and supported cases including stolen vehicle recoveries, an armed robbery suspect apprehension, and the safe location of an 85-year-old missing woman with dementia. The department has robust safeguards: monthly internal and quarterly external audits, 30-day data retention, restricted access to authorized personnel, and strict prohibitions against misuse. Data sharing with outside agencies has been disabled since August/September 2026; the department is evaluating formal memoranda of understanding for any future requests. The state grant funding is currently paused, but Flock provided a 90-day grace period with no interruption in service. The chief stated that any future expenditure would require council approval and that he would not immediately seek general fund support if grants are discontinued. Public comment included support from Timothy Davis, Todd Henson (police officers association president), and David Warmke; concerns about privacy and data sharing from Anonymous (Texas Privacy Coalition) and Jason Dunsmore; and questions about public records from Larry Lane. Council members expressed support for the program, with Mayor French emphasizing its value. No action was taken. Workshop B: New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) Expenditure for Gener8tor Incubator - Jonathan Packard (Chamber of Commerce) and Robert Pieroni (Gener8tor) proposed a three-year, $1.2 million partnership to bring Gener8tor’s G Beta pre-accelerator program to New Braunfels. The non-dilutive program aims to identify scalable, venture-ready startups, provide intensive seven-week coaching, and connect them to investors without taking equity. Gener8tor has operated in 50 cities, worked with 2,300+ startups, and generated $4 billion in financing and 16,000 jobs. Public comment: David Warmke questioned the fit given New Braunfels’ lack of a major research university, and Julie King opposed, citing existing local resources (Spark, SBDC) and suggesting the funds could be better used elsewhere. Council discussion touched on program metrics, how it complements existing business support, and the requirement for startups to be local. Councilmember Carter expressed hope the program would target professional careers. Several members were generally favorable but sought more detail. No action was taken; the item was a first presentation. Workshop C: Code Amendments – Parking on Unimproved Surfaces, Sidewalk Installation, Drainage Plans - Garry Ford and Gwen Estrada outlined three proposed code clarifications. For parking on unimproved surfaces, staff proposed prohibiting parking on grass and requiring pervious or impervious surfaces like pavers or bordered gravel, to address drainage, community appearance, and code enforcement concerns. For sidewalk installation, they proposed adding an escrow fee option for property owners who cannot immediately install sidewalks required at permit, allowing the city to install them later as part of a broader network. For drainage plans at building permits, they proposed clarifying language to require drainage plans for large homes in older subdivisions without master drainage plans, resolving current ambiguity. Public comment: David Warmke asked about sidewalk widths and bike facilities. Council discussion: On parking, opinions were divided between aesthetic and enforcement concerns versus impacts on low-income residents; staff will return with multiple options (full prohibition, allowances with conditions, etc.). The sidewalk escrow option was well-received. The drainage clarification was supported. Staff will draft ordinances and return for formal action. Workshop D: Code Amendments – Vehicles for Hire (Pedicabs, General Shuttle Services, Horse-Drawn Carriages) - Garry Ford, Elizabeth Dupont, and Assistant Chief David Blevins presented recommendations. For pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages, staff and police recommended removing them from the code, citing safety, enforcement difficulties, narrow downtown streets, and animal welfare concerns. For general shuttle services (e.g., between downtown and Gruene), staff proposed creating a new ordinance and franchise agreement to permit operations with designated loading zones, addressing increasing interest. Council discussion: Most members opposed pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages, with councilmember Shaw noting animal welfare and councilmember Edwards citing infrastructure limitations. The shuttle service was strongly supported. Direction: staff to draft amendments removing pedicab and horse-drawn carriage provisions (with a potential phase-out period) and to develop a new regulatory framework for shuttle services. Executive Session - Council deliberated the terms of employment of the Interim City Attorney under Texas Government Code Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters). No action was taken in open session. Adjournment and Postponements - The presentation on proposed modifications to solid waste residential services rates was moved to the October 12, 2026, city council meeting without objection. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

The Council Sustainability Committee (CSC) met on September 30, 2026, to review and recommend approval of the draft five-year community decarbonization plan "Climate Forward" and the 2024 community greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The committee also discussed reporting frequency for the GHG inventory and heard public comments on sustainability initiatives. Both items were approved unanimously and will be forwarded to the full City Council. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes of the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 5.1 – Climate Forward Plan: Multiple members of the public spoke. - A representative from GFMV (Carbon Free Mountain View) expressed support for the plan and suggested adding metrics such as jobs-housing balance, vehicle miles traveled, and gasoline sales, and urged tracking the percentage of electrified appliances. - A resident proposed a free bike-share program accessible with a library card, leveraging existing programs at local tech companies. - Bob Mayo urged the city to replace municipal gas water heaters with heat pump water heaters at a rate of 10% per year to build momentum and set an example. - Bruce England (Wisman Station Drive) emphasized collaboration across departments and with the Chamber of Commerce, noted the loss of bike shops, and called for incentives for HOAs and rental properties for heat pump water heaters. - John Scarborough highlighted the importance of affordable housing and equity, especially for renters, and proposed more green streets to encourage walking and biking. - Silja Paymer expressed concern about overemphasis on electric vehicles and urged prioritization of mode shift, e-bike charging, and green complete streets. - Item 5.2 – GHG Inventory: Two speakers commented. - Bruce Courtney urged the city to continue annual inventory reporting, noting that most other Bay Area cities do not report annually. He pointed out that 2023 data were substantially revised after initial reporting and that annual data allows for tracking refinements and recognizing large companies' zero-carbon purchases. - John Scarborough supported annual reporting but suggested a public dashboard to show both short-term changes and long-term trends. Discussion Items - 5.1 – Draft Five-Year Community Decarbonization Plan (Climate Forward): - Staff (Miss Lee and Rebecca Lucky) presented the plan, which includes 29 actions across four focus areas: clean buildings, clean transportation, zero waste, and ecosystem sequestration, plus integrated actions on funding and advocacy. The plan uses an adaptive planning approach, adjusting to changing state/regional policies (e.g., air district rules, REACH codes). Key discussion points: - Committee member Hicks asked about incentives, noting that local incentives have been cut. Staff reported new state and private incentives (e.g., from Rewiring America and Google) and highlighted the city's multifamily EV charger incentive that was fully reserved quickly. - Committee member Schoalter inquired about the municipal decarbonization plan, which is separate and will come to the committee in early 2027. - Discussion on time-of-sale energy evaluations: staff noted that their impact depends on regional rules; if air district rules are delayed, local policies become more valuable. - Members emphasized the importance of collaboration across departments, measuring success with clear metrics, and incorporating public input from letters (e.g., walkability policy, additional actions). - Committee expressed strong support for the plan's adaptive approach and recommended it to council with incorporation of public comments and letters. - 5.2 – 2024 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory: - Staff presented the inventory, showing that 2023-2024 average emissions were 33% below the 2015-2019 baseline. Transportation accounts for 61% of emissions, natural gas 21%. On-road transportation emissions declined 37% from baseline, energy emissions declined 68% (largely due to SVCE clean power). Staff asked the committee to accept the inventory and direct staff to explore adjusting the reporting frequency for the inventory. - Committee discussion: Members noted the value of annual data but considered balancing reporting frequency with other climate indicators. They agreed to accept the inventory and direct staff to explore options, including reporting frequency that provides actionable data for policy decisions, and to return to CSC in spring 2027 with the 2025 inventory and analysis. Key Outcomes - Motion on Climate Forward Plan: Approved unanimously to accept the draft plan with direction to incorporate committee and public comments, and to recommend its adoption to the City Council. - Motion on GHG Inventory: Approved unanimously to recommend that the City Council accept the 2024 community greenhouse gas emissions inventory, and to direct staff to explore adjusting the reporting frequency for future inventories, considering public access, council needs, and policy decision-making. Staff will report back in spring 2027. Committee Staff Comments - Chair Schoalter raised the topic of gas-powered leaf blowers. Staff reported on existing efforts: state ban on sale of new gas leaf blowers, a tool lending library at the Day Worker Center, outreach to landscapers, and support for city departments' transition. The committee discussed potential additional outreach (e.g., articles in city newsletters) but did not propose a local use ban. They noted the environmental justice aspects and encouraged hiring from the Day Worker Center. - Staff announced the next CSC meeting on October 14, 2026, which will be a daytime session in a different location to discuss sea level rise and El Niño preparations.

The Cleveland City Council's Safety Committee met on September 30, 2026, to discuss the Fire and EMS Modernization Plan, including a comprehensive assessment of all 24 fire and EMS stations, and considered two pieces of legislation. The meeting began with an update on the recently completed police district renovations, then transitioned to a detailed presentation on the fire and EMS facility conditions, proposed repairs, renewals, and replacements, followed by extensive discussion among council members. Discussion Items - Police District Renovation Update: Director Drummond reported that renovations at all five police districts, costing $21 million, are on schedule to be completed by October 30, 2026. The project, executed by Leopardo, covered HVAC, roofs, flooring, lighting, and windows. Furniture upgrades will be proposed in the 2028 capital improvement plan. Councilman Conwell emphasized the need for quality environments for officers, and tours of the districts will be coordinated. - Fire and EMS Modernization Plan Presentation: Mark Dulick (City Architect) and Dwayne Van Dyck (Cordogan Clark Lesco) presented a two-year study of all 24 fire/EMS stations (excluding the new Station 26). The plan categorizes each station into three tiers: repair (all 24 stations, $30M estimated), renew (12 stations, $65M estimated), and replace (10 stations, $150M estimated). Total estimated program cost is approximately $245 million (in 2026 dollars). The goals are to improve health, safety, welfare (e.g., HVAC, EMS spaces) and functionality (female quarters, drive-through bays, ADA). Renewal is possible for stations with sufficient site area; replacement is needed for older U-shaped stations and those with limited expansion space (built 1940s-1950s). Funding for repair and renew ($100M) would come from an energy efficiency savings contract similar to the police district model, with legislation expected in late October or early November 2026. Replacement funding is not yet identified and would rely on future capital budgets. - Council Discussion and Concerns: - Councilman Jones raised issues about east-side disinvestment, calling for priority lists and emphasizing that fire stations are critical infrastructure. He also questioned funding sources, given other city needs. - Councilman Starr requested detailed priorities per station and data on fire hydrant-related calls and response times. - Councilman Conwell stressed the importance of preventive maintenance, community notification during renovations, and a master plan to monitor milestones. - Councilman Slife inquired about the decision-making process for replacement site selection (using dispatch area (Deccan) scores and response times), and requested the full report, including drive-time analysis and call volumes per station. - Councilwoman Hudson focused on EMS quarters, vehicle exhaust systems, indoor air quality studies, and requested prioritization based on health and safety impact on workers. - Councilwoman House-Jones asked about minority and union participation goals from contractors. - Councilman Jones (C. Jones) requested per-station productivity data (calls for service, working fires, response times) to evaluate system efficiency. - Legislation – Ordinance 1035-2026: Authorization to reimburse Cuyahoga County $81,277 for the city's share of maintaining the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) for fiscal years 2025-2026. The system is now housed at the county medical examiner's office. Councilman Jones questioned whether the city could purchase its own system to save costs. The ordinance was approved without objection. - Legislation – Ordinance 927-2026 (Land Swap): A property exchange with Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). The city will transfer the J. Glenn Smith Health Center (11110 St. Clair Ave) and two land bank parcels to CMSD for the new Glenville High School campus, plus a land bank lot near Denison Elementary. In exchange, CMSD will give the city the former Walton School site (for future Fire Station 24) and the Newton D. Baker School site (for redevelopment). The city will be responsible for demolition costs (estimated $1.3M for Walton, $1.3–1.5M for Newton D. Baker), with applications for state demolition grants (25% city match). The J. Glenn Smith demolition cost is not yet determined. Councilman Conwell expressed strong concerns about east-side disinvestment, the closure of the health center without clear replacement, and the loss of recreation facilities. Director Margolius clarified that the health department's services (STD testing, etc.) will relocate based on need; Metro Health plans to stay in Glenville. Councilman Conwell requested community meetings before any demolition. The ordinance was approved, with several council members voting no. Key Outcomes - The administration will bring legislation to City Council in October/November 2026 for a $100 million energy efficiency contract to fund repair and renewal of all 24 fire/EMS stations (two-year project). The replacement of 10 stations ($150M) will be addressed separately through future capital plans and site control. - Council requested detailed work lists per station, priority rankings, per-station call volumes, response time data, and a list of vacant firehouses with their uses. - The administration agreed to include a clause for preventive maintenance contracts in the upcoming legislation, similar to the police district model. - Ordinance 1035-2026 (AFIS reimbursement) passed unanimously. - Ordinance 927-2026 (land swap) passed with several no votes; further community engagement on health center relocation and recreation plans is required. - A meeting between Councilman Conwell and the YMCA is scheduled for October 4, 2026, to discuss milestones for a potential YMCA at the Glenville campus.