The Public Meeting Index

The Minneapolis Budget Committee, chaired by Aisha Chugtai, convened on September 24, 2026, to review the mayor's recommended 2027 budget for the Health Department and the Climate Legacy Initiative (CLI). The meeting included presentations from Interim Health Commissioner Heidi Ritchie and Deputy Commissioner Patrick Hanlin, followed by extensive councilmember discussion. The recommended budgets reflect significant reductions due to a difficult funding environment, including loss of grants and franchise fee volatility. Health Department Budget Presentation - Interim Commissioner Heidi Ritchie presented the 2027 Health Department budget of $45.4 million, a 10% decrease from 2026's $50.5 million. The budget preserves core public health functions while making a one-time $1.37 million opioid settlement fund investment in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Key reductions include elimination of eight FTEs (three from the Homegrown program, one vacant school-based clinic health education position, two from the Climate Legacy Initiative, and two others) and $3.66 million in CLI contractual services. The department's revenue forecast is $2.3 million lower than 2026, with a $3.5 million loss in special revenue (grants) partially offset by a $1.2 million general fund increase from cost recovery. 48% of funding comes from the general fund, 52% from grants and special revenue. Impacts include reduced capacity for lead hazard remediation, slower program implementation, and fewer community services. Climate Legacy Initiative (CLI) Budget Presentation - Deputy Commissioner Patrick Hanlin presented the CLI budget, showing a decrease from approximately $11.5 million in 2026 to $7.59 million in 2027, a reduction of about $3.9 million. The initiative is funded by franchise fees. Reductions affect programs across multiple departments: Health (largest share), CPED, Public Works, and OPS Administration. Proposed cuts include three FTEs ($424,000) and $3.66 million in contractual services. Program-level impacts include: a 32.2% cut to residential and commercial Green Cost Share, resulting in an estimated 300 fewer residential weatherization projects and 72 fewer businesses served; a 52% cut to Green Careers (50% reduction in programming); a 59% cut to workforce development (50% reduction in placements); a 50% cut to biochar (operations stalled); and 50% cuts to zero waste and utility assistance. The EV car share program would not see service area reduction but reduced expansion. Discussion Items - Councilmember Wansley clarified that the $1.37 million opioid investment is not new general fund money but ongoing annual allocation from existing settlement funds. - Councilmember Stevenson questioned the impact of position cuts, particularly the school-based clinic health education position, and the effect on lead testing events. She also asked about the department's relationship with Hennepin County and the reliability of grant-funded programming. - Councilmember Chavez expressed concerns about the elimination of the Homegrown program, which rescued 265,000 pounds of food during the pandemic and serves over 7,200 residents through community contracts. She also noted the impact of cuts on lead poisoning services and tree planting. - Councilmember Rainville noted the department's growth in grant-funded programs and asked about the reliability of grants; Commissioner Ritchie stated some grants are stable while others are competitive and at risk. - Councilmember Schaefer asked about the department's foundational responsibilities under Minnesota Statute 145A and the process for managing grants and admin adds. - Councilmember Warren argued that services like lead testing are also provided by the county via PMAP and WIC, questioning duplication. - Deputy Commissioner Hanlin placed cli cuts in context of climate urgency: 2024 was the hottest year on record, and CO2 levels are 50% higher than any time in human history. He stated that to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets, current efforts must scale by 5-8 times, but these cuts move the city further from goals. - Councilmember Vita raised concerns about federal retreat from climate action and the impact on green jobs and workforce training. - Councilmember Stevenson asked whether CLI cuts would affect affordability; Hanlin said they would reduce energy savings for assisted properties but the scale is not yet citywide. - Councilmember Wansley expressed disappointment that $4 million in CLI funding won last year is now being redirected due to overspending by the police department, and questioned why biochar facility completion requires additional funding; a note was made for follow up on capital funding eligibility. - Councilmember Chugtai questioned the OPS administration line ($200,000) in the clI budget, requesting justification for its prioritization over cuts to utility assistance and food access. Key Outcomes - The Health Department report was filed. - The Climate Legacy Initiative report was filed. - Several items were noted for administrative follow up: details on lead testing events, impact of homegrown elimination on garden leases and compost, capital funding criteria for biochar, and OPS admin role justification. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:30 a.m. (estimated), with the next meeting scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026 at 10 a.m. to receive the Minneapolis Police Department budget presentation.

The Social Services and Human Relations Board (SSHRB) held its regular September meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026, starting at 7:04 PM and adjourning at 8:39 PM. The meeting included presentations on the Rise Up Alameda Guaranteed Income Pilot Program final report, review and approval of the FY2026-27 work plan, updates from work groups, and a status update on Dignity Village funding and long-term sustainability. The board also received staff communications and member announcements. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during any of the agenda items. Discussion Items - Rise Up Alameda Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Final Report – Jackie McKenna, Development Manager for Base for Use and Economic Development, presented the final 24-month report. The program provided $1,000 per month for two years to 150 low-income households in Alameda, selected by lottery from 2,368 applicants. Key findings included: 35% of participants had more than $500 in savings (vs. 12% control), 16% went into debt (vs. 27% control), and participants reported lower psychological distress and perceived stress. No consistent impacts were found on housing or food security. The program was funded by ARPA ($4.6 million) and is not currently planned for a second phase due to lack of funding. Jackie noted that a short film and participant profiles are available at RiseUpAlameda.org, and a celebration event, "Guaranteed Income Works," is scheduled for October 13, 2026, featuring former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs. Board members expressed strong support for the program and discussed the need to change narratives about poverty in Alameda. They also inquired about participant demographics and the control group; Jackie noted that the control group was income-eligible but not matched on age or other factors. The presentation concluded with a video featuring a long-time Alameda resident and program participant named Dolores. - FY2026-27 Work Plan Review and Approval – The board reviewed and discussed the draft work plan developed over recent months. The plan includes goals for community needs assessment (conducting two community circle meetings and a service provider survey), the Belonging at Home committee (partnering with AUSD and ACCYF for United Against Hate Week, launching a public awareness campaign on reporting hate acts, reviewing the Alameda United Against Hate action plan, attending CARES team meetings, and hosting a volunteer of the year award), and the Domestic Violence Task Force (hosting task force meetings twice a year, increasing community visibility, and conducting biannual presentations). The board approved the work plan with an amendment to replace "city's plan to end homelessness" with "HHS strategic plan" in the Belonging at Home section. - Work Group Reports – The Domestic Violence Task Force reported planning a meeting on October 5-6 to engage members during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Belonging at Home committee had no additional updates beyond work plan discussions. Gerald Bryant reported on United Against Hate Week activities, noting that a presentation on online hate and bullying is being arranged for the next board meeting and that posters will be distributed citywide. - Dignity Village Funding and Long-Term Sustainability – Simone Falls, Division Manager, presented an update on Dignity Village, an interim housing site developed with a state Home Key grant and other funding. Current funding (including $1.2 million from the general fund) is anticipated to sustain operations through FY2027-28. The city is exploring options for long-term sustainability: requesting Alameda County to use Measure W funds (a memo was sent to the Board of Supervisors, but the county currently only sustains shelter beds already in their portfolio, which does not include Dignity Village), transitioning the site to permanent supportive housing (potentially combining units to add kitchens or purchasing a hotel), or relocating the program. The city expects to bring a recommendation to City Council by the end of 2026. Board members expressed concerns about site operations and requested more transparency; Simone offered to connect board members with the resident advisory board and noted improved operations under a new provider. The board discussed the possibility of sending a memo in support of Measure W funding to Supervisor Tam. - Staff Communications – Simone Falls and Shelby Neal provided updates: the residential rehabilitation program has launched with increased applications due to a shift to low-income renters; the CDBG award agreement from HUD is under review; a new administrative specialist, Deja Barrett, has joined; and a free community film screening of "Beyond the Bridge" will be held on Wednesday, September 30 at 5:30 PM, co-hosted by President Gerald Bryant. - Board Communications – Gerald Bryant announced his participation in the film screening and emphasized the importance of addressing homelessness openly. Sam mentioned Alameda Pride events on October 10. Gerald also proposed a meetup for the Black community on December 1st at a West End location. Key Outcomes - The board approved the FY2026-27 work plan (unanimous voice vote) with an amendment to reference the HHS strategic plan instead of the city's plan to end homelessness. - The board received the Rise Up Alameda final report and expressed strong support for the program's continuation pending future funding. - Staff will provide board members with the memo sent to the Board of Supervisors regarding Measure W funding for Dignity Village. - The board agreed to explore connecting with the Dignity Village resident advisory board for more direct feedback on operations.

The Tulsa Development Authority (TDA) met on September 24, 2026, to consider routine consent items, an amended development finance agreement for the Vulcan project, monthly financial and staff reports, and a resolution to reallocate Model Cities funds. Additionally, the board received an update from the Greenwood Legacy Corporation (GLC) on the Kirkpatrick Heights Greenwood Master Plan implementation. Key votes included approval of the consent agenda, the Vulcan project agreement (with one abstention), and a resolution to redirect $115,000 to the Community Impact Initiative. Consent Calendar - The board approved the consent agenda (items A through D) unanimously on a roll call vote. The items were routine and repetitive, including the acknowledgement of the mayor's appointment for chair and vice chair of TDA. Discussion Items Amended Development Finance Agreement (Vulcan Project) - Staff presented the amended and restated development finance agreement for the Vulcan project with 501 Boston Partners LC. John Wideman, bond counsel, explained the bond issue, historical tax credits, and the state leverage act. The board's obligation is to collect taxes and transfer them to the trustee bank to pay the bonds. Tyler Duncan recused himself due to a potential conflict and abstained from voting. The motion to approve passed 8-0 (with one abstention). A point of order noted that the October resolution would require a three-quarters vote. Monthly Financial Report - Lynn presented the financial report for August. Key revenue items: parking operations were $400,000 below year-to-date target, attributed to timing issues and event scheduling. Lease revenue of $146,000 is expected in October. TIP program administration will be $380,000 vs. budgeted $330,000. Parking makes up 56% of the entity's budget. A trustee raised concerns about over-reliance on parking revenue and suggested diversifying revenue streams, noting the MOU with Williams and the potential sale of parking assets. The five-year Treasury note is at 5%, and staff is looking to increase investment yields. The pooled cash balance was approximately $480,000 before a $212,000 city transfer. Monthly Staff Report - Renita provided an update on the TAO rebranding, new website (TAO.org) launching the week of October 5th, and new signage at Tisdale Parkway, downtown entrance, and Riverline. Staff headcount is 17 plus one intern; hiring for real estate coordinator and board secretary is underway with over 50 applicants. Staff goals will align with the strategic plan. - Gary provided updates on current projects: Philcade, Crutchfield, Pearl catalytic project, and Peacock on the Parkway (three new TIF districts, passed LDART, heading to planning commission). Future projects include South Tulsa districts (61st & Memorial, Ridge & Norris) with up to eight districts. Kirkpatrick Heights TIFIA grant milestones: infrastructure analysis due by end of month, development scenarios in November, community engagement meeting. The city's director of housing indicated the core site could be a candidate for $5 million in infrastructure money from the Improve Our Tulsa package. A joint RFP with the GLC for the northwest portion of the site (missing middle housing) is expected in December. Community Impact Initiative (CII) has four cohort members; South Haven Neighborhood Association is seeking a new fiscal agent. - Ashley reported on real estate: reviewing capital repairs budget for parking, working with Wallace on structural repair drawings, closing with Robisons scheduled for 9/29, and planning for the 2027 Developer Expo in February. - Community development: CII implementation, TIFIA grant work, and partnership with the Greenwood Legacy Corporation (GLC). A new cooperative agreement and land transfer agreement are being drafted. - Michelle reported on small business: Kitchen 66 training modules in Spanish, builders and backers cohort, target of 300 businesses per year for personalized coaching. Business services: helping developers create spec industrial space (six buildings upcoming, 100k to 400k sq ft). Business attraction: Taiwan trade visit, EPA brownfields grant ($500,000) awarded. Robison's work with TMUA to extend sanitary sewer to support Fair Oaks and the southern parcel. Greenwood Legacy Corporation (GLC) Presentation - Dr. Lana Turner Addison, GLC board chair, provided an update. GLC has transitioned from organizational development to implementation of the Kirkpatrick Heights Greenwood Master Plan. Governance: board of five members, expanding to nine plus seats for Council of Elders and resident council (max 11). Financial: 2026 budget $427,837, currently $100,000 under budget; estimated $1.5 million remaining after 2026. Council of Elders inauguration ceremony set for October 24th. Priorities over next 60 days: evaluate board nominations, advance executive director search (interim ED soon), complete council on-boarding, and continue land conveyance preparation. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Item 5 (Vulcan project): Motion to approve the amended development finance agreement passed 8-0, with Tyler Duncan abstaining due to recusal. - Resolution to reallocate Model Cities funds: The board unanimously approved a resolution to use $115,000 from the Model Cities fund to support the Community Impact Initiative (CII) for the next year. The funds were discovered by Lynn during financial cleanup, and the city consented to reallocation. The money will be used to sustain the CII program, which builds capacity in neighborhood associations. The board will separately approve the specific usage. - Monthly financial report was received and discussed; no formal vote. - Monthly staff report was received; no formal vote. - GLC update was presented and discussed; no formal action required.

This hearing on Docket 1335, sponsored by Councillors Flynn, Fitzgerald, and Culpepper, addressed the prolonged closure of the Blackstone Community Center pool in the South End. No representatives from the Boston Public Schools (BPS), Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), or the Mayor's office attended despite invitations. Community leaders and advocates testified about the pool's importance as a racial justice and public safety issue, the lack of public facilities in the South End, and the need for an independent engineering study to determine repairs. The committee committed to rescheduling a community-based hearing and continuing advocacy for funding. Public Comments & Testimony - Jonathan Alves, President of the Washington Harrison Neighborhood Association, expressed disappointment at the empty chamber and the administration's absence. He highlighted that the indoor pool could serve year-round and that its closure disproportionately affects low-income families of color who cannot afford private swim lessons. He called for prioritization of the pool and noted that many kids he spoke with have never been to the beach due to lack of swim skills. - Steve Fox, Chair of the South End Forum, described the South End as a "public facility desert" – the library has been closed for three years, and the Blackstone Community Center itself is in disrepair (e.g., heating issues). He noted that the pool has been closed for nearly three decades and that the community has had to seek alternatives like the YMCA and Sheraton pool. - Representative John Moran (State Rep, 9th Suffolk) emphasized the mental and physical health benefits of the pool, especially for children from low-income households. He supported bolstering the Friends of Blackstone School and suggested leveraging resources from the South End Village Academy. - Several letters were read into the record by Councillor Flynn, including from Vanessa Calderon Rosado (EBA/Villa Victoria), Christina Lopez (South End Village Academy), Friends of Blackstone School, and Carolyn Fascato (Soccer Unity Project). All letters stressed the pool's role in equity, public health, youth development, and water safety, and called for immediate funding and repairs. Discussion Items - Councillor Flynn provided history: the Blackstone School and pool serve a diverse, low-income community including Ruth Barkley Apartments, Villa Victoria, Cathedral Housing, and Castle Square. He framed the closure as a racial justice issue, noting that 16 of 18 BCYF pools reopened in summer 2026 except Blackstone and Mirabella. He stated that a full renovation would take years and that an independent engineering study is needed to assess repair feasibility. - Councillor Murphy (Chair) shared data on capital budget breakdowns: the FY24-28 plan had $2M for Blackstone pool, but the FY26-30 revised table showed zero planned for FY25-26. He questioned why seasonal outdoor pools were prioritized over this year-round indoor facility and noted no public reopening date or itemized repair estimate exists. - Councillor Fitzgerald expressed support and noted similar pool issues at the Murphy School in Dorchester. - Councillor Warrell arrived late and expressed support, reminding that budget season is approaching and that staffing as well as infrastructure must be considered. - The administration's absence was repeatedly criticized. Councillor Flynn noted that a BPS/Red Sox event at the school was scheduled the same day as the hearing, creating a conflict that frustrated residents. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken. The hearing was informational. - Committee will keep docket open and reschedule a community hearing at the Blackstone School in the evening (likely November 2026) to allow broader public participation and compel administration attendance. - Councillor Flynn and the panel committed to continued advocacy, with Flynn stating he will not accept the pool remaining closed and will push for budget funding. - The need for an independent engineering study was reaffirmed; no official study has been publicly released.

The Public Improvement Commission convened on September 24, 2026, with a full quorum, at the recorded meeting time of 15:00 UTC (the agenda listed 10:00 AM). The Commission approved the previous meeting's minutes, unanimously approved four public hearing petitions related to work on Fullerton Street and 545 Center Street, and discussed two new-business presentations scheduled to return on October 8, 2026. No public testimony was offered during the meeting. Consent Calendar - No formal consent calendar was listed. As a routine action, the Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the September 3, 2026 PIC meeting; no edits or public comments were offered. Public Hearings - Fullerton Street, Boston Proper - widening/relocation and highway easement: The Commission approved a petition by ARE-MA Region Number 87 Tenant LLC for widening and relocation of right-of-way lines on Fullerton Street and acceptance of a highway easement near 201 Brookline Avenue, as shown on a plan dated August 26, 2026. John Moser of VHB, the project civil engineer, said the proposal was a continuation of and modification to approved 2019 plans. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. - Fullerton Street, Boston Proper - pedestrian easement: The Commission approved a related petition by the same applicant for acceptance of a pedestrian easement adjacent to Fullerton Street, on the southwesterly side of 201 Brookline Avenue, as shown on a plan dated August 26, 2026. Moser described it as an amended and restated easement from the 2019 approved plan, with an additional pedestrian easement on the west side. Motion passed unanimously. - Fullerton Street, Boston Proper - specific repairs: The Commission approved a petition by ARE-MA Region Number 87 Tenant LLC for curb relocation, sidewalk reconstruction, structural soil, new and relocated pedestrian ramps, specialty pavements, street lighting infrastructure, street trees, planters, landscaping, irrigation infrastructure, and driveway curb cuts, shown on two sheets dated September 1, 2026. Moser noted coordination with Boston Street Lighting, the Disabilities Commission, and the Boston Transportation Department, including a new mid-block crossing and short-term parking. Motion passed unanimously. - 545 Center Street (Forbes Building) - specific repairs: The Commission approved a petition by 545 Center Street LLC for curb, sidewalk, and pedestrian ramp construction, new and relocated specialty pavement, street lighting infrastructure, driveway curb cuts, and a bus shelter along Center Street and VFW Parkway; plans were dated August 2026 and comprised five sheets. Carla Chaffee of Nixon Peabody, for the applicant, said the work is part of a substantial rehabilitation of 147 affordable units in Jamaica Plain, with BPDA board approval from September 2023. Chris Odney of NICH Engineering described an approximately eight-foot-wide concrete sidewalk, an MBTA-coordinated bus shelter, a new street light, retention of compliant ramps, and reconstruction of one existing reciprocal ramp at the intersection as a point of transition because the sidewalk runs into the side of the building. PIC staff relayed Planning Department comments received the previous afternoon: a missing section of curb along Beauford Road should be replaced; care should be taken where resin-bound aggregate meets the private grass area so the sidewalk surface does not fail; and a rolled-curb detail at the private trees should be added before final mylars. A commissioner asked the team to coordinate with the Streets Cabinet on accessibility compliance for grades once the survey is available. Motion passed unanimously. New Business - 471 Commercial Street, Boston Proper - North End Community Center specific repairs: Gregory Rideau of the Public Facilities Department introduced a petition by the City of Boston Public Facilities Department, describing it as a high-priority project for the North End Community Center, with property management and Boston Centers for Youth and Families. Steve Engler of Sasaki presented the streetscape scope. The proposal includes reconstruction of a non-compliant curb ramp at the Foster Street/Commercial Street intersection, closure of an existing curb cut to the former Mirabella pool/splash pad parking area with a 20-foot mountable curb while preserving fire access, a reconstructed curb ramp, detectable warning panels, pavement markings for the grade-separated bike path crossing, restoration of signals if affected, a new 20-foot-wide fire lane on the west side formed by mountable curb, and two reserved spaces for drop-off and BCYF staff van/pool maintenance use in a stretch currently resident parking. The plan also includes in-kind reconstruction of the asphalt bike path, standard concrete sidewalk with heavy-duty concrete at fire lanes, trapezoidal delineators between sidewalk and bike path as requested by the Disabilities Commission, relocation of a light pole and a fire department street box/pull station, and replacement of two removed trees (one dead oak and one small Chinese elm relocated by the city) with new trees. No changes to the right-of-way are proposed beyond curb work and closing the driveway curb cut. In response to a commissioner, Engler said the fire lane is needed because the building is long and hemmed in by the Coast Guard and the ball fields, and the configuration allows fire truck access around the building. The chair indicated the project would return on October 8, 2026. - 90 Allendale Street, West Roxbury - specific repairs: Attorney John Pugini presented on behalf of the applicant, with project engineer Jim DeCullo, for work arising from an approved eight-unit residential development. The petition involves reconstruction of about 225 linear feet of sidewalk and reduction of a curb cut. Pugini said the existing stamped concrete sidewalk presents as brick and is proposed to be replaced with regular flat Portland-cement concrete, which would not match the existing condition; he initially described the curb-cut reduction as being from 24 to 22 feet. DeCullo described the site as an existing single-family residence served by a 12.5-foot-wide driveway on a steep grade, to be replaced by eight units served by a 22-foot-wide common driveway. He said the currently 26-foot-wide curb cut would be moved east and reduced to 22 feet, replacing a 35-foot section from the existing curb-cut opening to the proposed new opening with smooth concrete. The transcript therefore contains a conflict between the attorney's 24-to-22-foot and the engineer's 26-to-22-foot description of the curb-cut reduction. A commissioner asked that the plans be updated to reflect the material change; the proponent agreed. PIC staff asked the applicant to coordinate with the Office of Neighborhood Services to notify the neighborhood that the existing imprinted asphalt sidewalk, as characterized by staff, would be replaced with cement concrete. The proponent said October 8, 2026 would provide enough time for revisions. - 8 Burning Street, Roxbury - earth retention license: The Commission took up a petition listed under the name Demark Doyne, but the proponent was not online. The chair said the matter would have to be attempted again in a few weeks. Key Outcomes - The Commission unanimously approved the September 3, 2026 minutes. - The Commission unanimously approved all four public hearing petitions: the Fullerton Street widening/relocation and highway easement, the Fullerton pedestrian easement, the Fullerton specific repairs, and the 545 Center Street specific repairs. - Project teams for 545 Center Street and 90 Allendale Street were directed to incorporate staff comments and update plans before returning; 471 Commercial Street and 90 Allendale Street are expected back on October 8, 2026. - The earth retention license petition for 8 Burning Street was not heard because the proponent was absent; it is expected to be rescheduled in a few weeks. - The Commission adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

The Cleveland County Tax Roll Correction Board convened on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Cleveland County Office Building, 201 South Jones, Suite 200, Norman, OK 73069. The agenda included the call to order, roll call, approval of prior meeting minutes, public comment, a discussion and possible action on a complaint for erroneous assessment and petition for correction, new business, board member statements, and adjournment. Board members on the agenda were Chairman Rusty Grissom, Vice-Chairman Chuck R. Thompson, and Member Douglas Warr; County Clerk Pam Howlett was also listed. Meeting Administration - The agenda states the meeting was scheduled for 9:30 AM; the source material timestamp indicates 15:00 UTC (10:00 AM CDT), so there may be a discrepancy between the scheduled and recorded time. - The agenda states that notice of the meeting was properly posted on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Minutes Approval - Agenda Item 1 was discussion and possible action to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held Thursday, August 27, 2026. No minutes or transcript were provided, so the outcome of this item cannot be confirmed. Public Comments & Testimony - The agenda allowed public comments on listed items on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to two minutes per person for a total of ten minutes, with a completed Request to Speak form. No public comments were documented in the available source material. Discussion Items - Agenda Item 2 was discussion and possible action regarding a Complaint for Erroneous Assessment and Petition for Correction. The agenda did not describe the specific complaint, and the transcript was empty, so no positions, details, or arguments from the discussion are available. Key Outcomes - No votes, approvals, denials, deferrals, directives, referrals, or other actions can be confirmed from the provided agenda alone. The minutes and transcript were not available, limiting verification of any decisions made during the meeting.

The Parks Committee, chaired by Common Councillor Hanna Aronreich and joined by Councillors Hudson, Nave, and later Monto, heard an annual update on the Deer and Tick Management Program from Chief Development Officer Eric Ennis. Commissioner Saisha Bird also attended. Discussion focused on Lyme disease trends, deer culling results, reductions in motor vehicle collisions, and potential program expansions. Discussion Items - Eric Ennis reported that Lyme disease cases in Onondaga County number 300-400 annually and are rising. SUNY Upstate's tick testing saw a 145% increase in submissions from 2024 to 2025, a 70% rise in reported tick encounters, and 35% of tested ticks contained at least one tick-borne pathogen. - Ennis presented deer removal data: 147 deer were removed in the past season (93 via sharpshooting, 54 via trap-and-euthanize), bringing the cumulative total to 780 deer since 2019. The venison (3,972 lbs) was donated to the Food Bank of Central New York, providing nearly 16,000 meals. - Motor vehicle collisions with deer have dropped sharply: in the Northwest quadrant from 18 in 2023 to 1 so far in 2026; in the Southeast from 24 to 3. Ennis acknowledged that unreported collisions may be missing from police data. - Councillor Aronreich asked about coordinating with SUNY Upstate and Pfizer/Moderna to make Syracuse a hub for Lyme vaccine distribution when available. Ennis committed to exploring the partnership. - Councillor Nave reported increasing deer activity in Woodlawn Cemetery and the Northeast side, urging site expansion to those areas. Ennis confirmed the city is open to adding North Side sites. - Councillor Aronreich proposed innovative tick-control measures: introducing chickens or guinea fowl in parks under USDA/Cornell supervision, and distributing tick tubes (permethrin-soaked cotton in cardboard) to residents for yard use. Ennis expressed support for piloting these ideas and working with partners. - The urban deer management pilot is awaiting the Governor's signature for a three-year extension, having passed the State Senate and Assembly. Key Outcomes - The deer management program will continue into its seventh season beginning December 2026, pending DEC permit approval and the Governor's signature on the pilot extension. - The city will actively explore expanding deer removal sites to the North Side, including Woodlawn Cemetery. - The mayor's office will investigate partnerships for Lyme vaccine distribution and preventive tick-control innovations (tick tubes, biological controls). - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was adjourned early with consensus on next steps.

The Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC) of Benicia met on September 24, 2026 to consider a continued design review application for a residence at 469 West J Street. The meeting included approval of prior meeting minutes, public comment, and deliberation leading to a unanimous approval of the project with specific conditions. Consent Calendar - The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from its June 25, 2026 meeting via a roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Carroll (neighbor) expressed strong support for the revised design, stating it was a "major improvement" over the July submission due to reduced massing, an appropriate Craftsman style, and better materials. He requested that planning staff provide early guidance to future applicants to avoid conflict. - Mr. Nalbiara (neighbor, 453 West J Street) thanked the applicant for his efforts and the revisions made. - Wayne Eisenhart (neighbor, 480 West J Street) urged the Commission and applicant to preserve a historic concrete retaining wall on the street frontage, which he described as a unifying feature over 100 years old found on several properties in the neighborhood. - Sarah Eisenhardt expressed gratitude to the Commission and the applicant for the collaborative process and the resulting design changes. - Applicant Israel Dela Cruz thanked the subcommittee (Chair Reynolds and Commissioner Twala) and staff (Hugo McMillan) for their guidance. He confirmed that the mature street tree on the south frontage would remain and the exterior cladding would be Hardie board composite siding and shingles. Discussion Items - 469 West J Street Design Review Associate Planner Hugo McMillan presented the revised project. The original proposal, heard on June 25, 2026, included a third-floor addition and was continued to allow revisions. A subcommittee met with the applicant in late July. The revised plan removes the third floor, limits the rear and side additions, and changes materials. Key Discussion Points: - Height: The structure height increases from 24.5 ft to 25 ft. A commissioner noted this increase differs slightly from a general finding statement in the staff report. - Setbacks: The front entry stairs are an existing non-conforming condition that is not being expanded by the proposal. Commission members acknowledged that strictly enforcing modern setbacks in this historic district context was not appropriate. - Street Tree: Commissioner Nearlin raised the issue of the mature street tree. The applicant confirmed the tree is shown to remain on the plans and will be retained. - Retaining Wall: A significant discussion focused on the historic concrete retaining wall along the sidewalk, specifically on the east side of the entry stairs. Commissioners explored options to preserve it, while the applicant noted that building code requirements for drainage might necessitate cutting into or replacing it. Commissioners suggested a condition requiring a compatible replacement if preservation is infeasible. - Materials: The proposed exterior finishes (horizontal lap siding and shingles) were reviewed and deemed appropriate for the Conservation Plan guidelines. The applicant confirmed the use of a composite material (Hardie board). Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Chair Reynolds made a motion to approve the design review application as submitted, with two specific conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner St. Clair. - Conditions of Approval: 1. The existing mature street tree on the south frontage shall remain. 2. Staff shall work with the applicant to either preserve the historic retaining wall located on the east side of the front entry stairs. If replacement is necessary due to structural or code requirements, the replacement must be built to be compatible with the historic character of the original wall. - Result: The motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote of 6-0. Staff Communications & Commissioner Introductions - Staff welcomed Commissioners St. Clair and Nearlin, who were attending their first regular meeting. Both briefly introduced themselves and their interest in historic preservation. - Staff reminded all Commissioners to complete the online Open Government training if they had not done so already. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 PM.

The Bloomington City Council met on September 24, 2026, in a special session to introduce five 2027 budget-related ordinances and then immediately convened as a Committee of the Whole to review them. No agenda or minutes were supplied; this summary is based on the raw transcript. The committee segment of the transcript says 'Today is Wednesday, September 23rd,' which conflicts with the supplied meeting date of September 24; the date used here follows the supplied timestamp. Committee of the Whole votes are non-binding do-pass recommendations to a future council meeting. Special Session Proceedings - The special session opened at 6:30 p.m. with roll call. - Councilmember Rosenbarger announced she will be absent for medical reasons until November and may attend remotely on October 5. - Councilmember Stasberg announced a Park Board special meeting on Monday, September 28, at 5:30 p.m. at Switchyard Park to review long-range capital investment priorities, including pool repairs and the ice rink. - By voice vote, with no audible opposition, the council introduced and referred to the Committee of the Whole: - Appropriation Ordinance 2026-02, establishing the 2027 civil city budget and tax rates. - Appropriation Ordinance 2026-03, setting the Bloomington Transit Corporation 2027 budget and tax rates. - Ordinance 2026-25, fixing 2027 police and fire sworn personnel salaries. - Ordinance 2026-26, fixing 2027 salaries for appointed officers, non-union employees, and AFSCME employees. - Ordinance 2026-28, fixing 2027 salaries for Bloomington City Clerk employees. Public Comments & Testimony - Kevin Keel spoke during the civil city budget hearing. He said he tried to trace the public safety local income tax fund and the PSAP/911 dispatch fund, citing a $2.481 million historical net cash calculation, a $1 million transfer to the new PSAP fund in 2025, a $1.481 million transfer in April 2026, an estimated $3.2 million in city PSAP funds held by the Monroe County auditor, and the unavailability of audited 2025 financials. He urged the city to present a clearer financial story for taxpayers: what the city has, what it owes, what it is trying to accomplish, what it will cost, and how success will be measured. - Eric Oost echoed Keel's request. He said the city's financial transparency portal publishes expenditures in split-warrant form without fractional accounting by fund, making it nearly impossible to track fund balances. He asked for more information in the portal and encouraged council members to independently verify budget information. - No public comment was offered on the transit, public safety salary, general salary, or clerk salary ordinances. Public comments were heard during the civil city budget hearing. Discussion Items Bloomington Transit 2027 Budget (Appropriation Ordinance 2026-03) - Krista Browning, BT controller, presented the proposed budget with a total of $37,589,658: $9.6 million personnel, $1.5 million materials and supplies, $3.9 million professional services, and $22.5 million capital. - Revenue projections included $1.8 million property tax revenue, $627,000 local income tax, $3.8 million ED LIT partnership funds, $2.5 million passenger fares, about $100,000 advertising, $17.8 million federal funds, and $2.6 million from the state Public Mass Transportation Fund. - BT reported a 2% union CBA wage increase, up to 3% for staff and administration, a 27.5% health insurance increase, a $177,000 decrease in diesel fuel costs, a $325,000 increase in electricity costs, and a $477,000 net increase in professional services. The fleet is about 45% electric with 18 full-time electric buses. - Councilmembers asked about the final year of the ED LIT agreement, long-term stability, health insurance pooling, fare increases, and administrative salary changes. Several answers were deferred to written follow-up. - Councilmember Rallo expressed concern that BT is exposed to fuel price variability because Indiana University no longer locks in diesel prices; BT budgeted diesel at $4.50 per gallon and unleaded at $3.50, while current diesel was about $6.50. Rallo said the city should return to locked-in pricing for fiscal stability. BT said it would likely cover fuel spikes from reserves, which were about $16 million at the end of August. - The committee's do-pass recommendation passed 7-0. Civil City Budget (Appropriation Ordinance 2026-02) - Controller McKim presented the state-required budget forms and said the last line of Form 4B is the best proxy for fund reserves. - The city budgeted a 9% health and life insurance increase to absorb the employees' share; the actual increase was 5.8%. HR Director Paycheck said the AIM trust has helped keep premium increases low and that the administration did not want to offset recent pay increases with higher employee health care costs. - Public Works Director Adam Wyson said the $2.5 million parking meter fund capital item is a placeholder for replacing aging garages, meters, and technology, with decisions still to go through the Transportation Commission. There was also discussion of a $600,000 ERP/budgeting software estimate. - Councilmember Stasberg raised concerns about spending two-thirds of the housing development fund in one year, saying large projects funded from it deserve more transparency; she also questioned the $2.5 million parking technology placeholder and the large drawdown of the parking meter fund from an estimated $4.5 million balance to under $800,000. She supported reducing the sanitation fund subsidy. - Councilmember Asari said he would propose roughly $7 million in cuts, including $3-4 million from the general fund, targeting the parking placeholder, the $600,000 ERP software, the $3 million housing development fund allocation, unfocused studies, one of three park guides, non-required travel, some vacant positions, and possibly reducing the non-union COLA from 2.7% to 2%. - Councilmember Piedmont Smith said she would cut the vacant transportation demand manager position and the vacant director of community engagement position, possibly repurposing the TDM position to a food systems/climate action staff role, and cut $10,000 for brand implementation. - Councilmember Zulik said she would have preferred a more equitable pay increase policy that did not widen the gap between higher- and lower-paid employees. - The committee's do-pass recommendation failed: 0 yes, 5 no, and 2 abstentions. Police and Fire Salary Ordinance (Ordinance 2026-25) - HR Director Paycheck said the ordinance reflects previously approved union contracts and 2027 budget decisions, with title and language updates. Councilmembers asked about non-contract pay tracking with CBAs, a training footnote, a clothing allotment, and position counts; Paycheck agreed to follow up in writing. - No public comment was offered. - The do-pass recommendation passed 7-0. Appointed Officers, Non-Union, and AFSCME Salary Ordinance (Ordinance 2026-26) - Paycheck presented the ordinance, including a 3% COLA for AFSCME, 2.7% for non-union employees, and an updated living wage. - Councilmember Piedmont Smith voted no because she wants to cut at least one position in the ordinance. - The do-pass recommendation passed 6-1. Clerk Salary Ordinance (Ordinance 2026-28) - Clerk Nicole Bolden presented the ordinance, noting only longevity increases for two staff members and no position or title changes. - Councilmembers discussed the structure of the clerk's office and thanked clerk staff for assisting the council office after the council lost its legal team. Clerk Bolden thanked her staff by name. - The do-pass recommendation passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - All five ordinances were introduced and referred to the Committee of the Whole by voice vote. - The committee recommended do-pass for the Bloomington Transit budget (7-0), the police/fire salary ordinance (7-0), the general salary ordinance (6-1), and the clerk salary ordinance (7-0). - The committee did not recommend do-pass for the 2027 civil city budget (0 yes, 5 no, 2 abstentions), with councilmembers signaling that substantial amendments are coming. - A council work session was scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, at 6:30 p.m. at McCloskey to discuss amendments and budget questions. - Budget adoption is expected to be considered at a council meeting on or after October 7, 2026.