The Public Meeting Index

The Committee of the Whole convened on September 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM to address a range of agenda items including general public comment, two public hearings on zoning map amendments, property sales, and committee referrals. The meeting featured extensive testimony from residents, business owners, and community advocates, with significant debate on land use proposals. Public Comments & Testimony - Tenant housing complaint: A resident alleged systemic pest issues, landlord retaliation, and sexual harassment at a building on the west side. Councilmember Latisha Johnson and others noted that retaliation is illegal and referred the matter to the Right to Counsel program and law enforcement. - General speakers: Multiple callers addressed corruption (The Rattler, Owner Papa), support for community programs (Betty Varner, William M. Davis), grocery store bottle return violations (Renisha), union issues (Ronald Foster), and transportation needs (Cunningham). - 1020 Public hearing comment: Jai Singletary, Executive Director of Woodbridge Neighborhood Development, expressed support for the PD rezoning for Detroit Metal Shaping, noting community engagement and that no objections were raised. The Dixon family (most impacted neighbor) also voiced support via a caller. - 1030 Public hearing comment: The majority of speakers opposed the gas station component—citing traffic, crime, and existing gas stations—while some (Betty Varner, Councilmember Callaway) supported the grocery and hot food aspects. Speakers included residents, business owners (including a competing station owner), and community leaders. Councilmember Callaway gave strong support. Discussion Items - 1020 Public Hearing – Rezoning to PD (5130 14th St & 2150 Putnam St): The City Planning Commission (CPC) recommended rezoning from R2 to Planned Development (PD) to allow Detroit Metal Shaping, a custom vehicle fabrication business, to relocate from Hamtramck. The petitioner (Tanya Stapleton) expressed concerns that PD introduces ambiguity compared to the originally requested M3 zoning, citing a BSEED determination that the use is M3. CPC Director Marcel Todd stated that law and building departments confirmed a clear path via PD, and that the PD is written with greater specificity to address concerns. Council questions focused on noise, air quality, employee count (6–15), and compatibility with adjacent residences. The CPC noted the PD limits uses to M1 by-right plus residential lofts and requires screening within one year. - 1030 Public Hearing – Rezoning to B4 (15321 Wyoming St): The petitioner (Thamer Dabish) requested rezoning from B2 to B4 to redevelop a former McDonald's into a gas station with six fuel pumps, a grocery store, hot food bar, and three EV charging stations. The CPC staff analysis found the rezoning suitable, noting the site is already split-zoned (B2/B4) and that the B4 portion already permits a gas station. Community opposition centered on traffic, crime, and competition from existing stations; petitioner argued that deed restrictions prevent a standalone restaurant and that he is investing over $1 million to provide healthy food access in a food desert. The petitioner also stated that he will close at 9 PM and hire locally. - Unfinished Business & New Business: - Item 7.1 (property sale of 16 homes) was removed from the agenda. - Item 7.2 (request for report on landlords owning 10+ properties) brought back in one week. - Item 7.3 (questions on housing issues) brought back on a date to be determined. - Item 7.4 (good faith housing ordinance) brought back in one week. - Item 7.5 (property sale on Joy Road to Charity Missionary Baptist Church) approved (motion carried). - Item 8.1 (contract) referred to Neighborhood and Community Services committee. - Item 8.2 (property sale at 6317 Big O Street) – Councilmember Santiago-Romero raised concerns about land use compliance and suggested adding reverters in future sales. The item was approved without a reverter. - Items 8.3 and 8.4 (property sales at Finkel Avenue and Van Dyke Street) approved. - Member reports were suspended. Key Outcomes - 1020 Public Hearing (PD Rezoning): Motion to approve the rezoning to PD and send to formal with a recommendation to approve passed without objection. - 1030 Public Hearing (B4 Rezoning): Motion to send to formal without recommendation (allowing further council discussion) passed without objection. - All other agenda items (property sales, referrals) were handled as motions and passed unanimously or as noted.

The Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners Committee of the Whole met on September 24, 2026 (the meeting was held on September 23, 2026) with 9 commissioners present and 3 excused. The meeting included public hearings on the Uptown Business Improvement District (BID) annual work plan and budget, and the Quarry Meadows major subdivision, along with consideration of several other communications and petitions. Public Comments & Testimony - Communication 2026-434 (BID Work Plan & Budget): A proponent from 2000 Roberts Avenue expressed full support for the BID's work plan and budget, stating it is "pretty sweet." No opponents spoke. - Communication 2026-450 (Quarry Meadows Subdivision): Multiple proponents testified. Michaela Hack (4635 South Wyoming Street) supported the subdivision but urged improvements to pedestrian safety, including standalone paths on South Arizona and Warren Avenues, and raised concerns about overflow parking during events at nearby fields. Another proponent from 2000 Roberts Avenue praised the project and the developer's track record. Wynne Randall, principal of Margaret Leary Elementary, supported the development and suggested using cash-in-lieu funds for a permanent walking path. No opponents spoke. Discussion Items - Uptown BID Annual Work Plan & Budget (Communication 2026-434): Director of Community Development Karen Burns explained the public hearing required by Montana law to review the BID's work plan and budget. An amendment to resolution 2024-61 was introduced to correct a decimal point error in the parking lot assessment table. No commissioner questions were raised. - Quarry Meadows Major Subdivision (Communication 2026-450): Staff planners Julia Crane and Joella Thomas presented a proposal by Jeffrey Properties LLC to create 66 residential lots on 17.4 acres near Margaret Leary Elementary School. Key details: lots range from 6,300–12,700 sq ft; public water and sewer; three access points; interior roads privately maintained by an HOA; sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and street lights required; parkland dedication satisfied by a cash-in-lieu payment of $118,523 based on 11% of land area; stormwater plan approved by Public Works; weed management plan required. Commissioners discussed snow storage, water pressure, stormwater maintenance enforcement, use of cash-in-lieu funds for park improvements (e.g., playground equipment at Margaret Leary), garbage collection (front pickup by McGree Trucking), interaction with the new zoning code (lots likely conform to new code; setback reduction expected), and financing of street lights (staff noted the council could require a special improvement district during developer ownership). Staff and applicant engineer Forrest Johnson responded: water modeling showed no pressure issues; stormwater maintenance can be compelled under Chapter 32; cash-in-lieu funds are held in trust and managed by Parks and Rec for improvements serving the neighborhood. - Other Communications: Several communications were acted upon or held in abeyance. Communications related to land sales, surplus property, street vacations, and bid openings were either placed on file, cross-referenced with other actions, or continued pending future meetings. Chairman Morgan noted there would be no meeting on September 30, 2026 due to the fifth Wednesday of the month. Key Outcomes - Communication 2026-434 (BID): Motion to place on file passed 9-0. - Communication 2026-450 (Quarry Meadows): Motion to place on file passed 9-0. - Communication 2026-411 (Mammoth Park sale): Placed on file and cross-referenced with Communication 2026-457 (9-1 vote). - Communication 2026-432 (vacant lot purchase): Placed on file and cross-referenced with Communication 2026-456 (9-0). - Communication 2026-438 (petition public hearing): Placed on file (9-0). - Communication 2026-440 (right-of-way purchase): Placed on file and cross-referenced with Communication 2026-458 (9-0). - Several communications held in abeyance pending future dates: Communications 2026-384, 2026-410, 2026-461, 2026-462, 2026-463, and Petitions 2026-01 and 2026-02. - The meeting adjourned following public comment (none offered).

The city council held a special session on September 23, 2026 (recorded as September 24, 2026), focused on three parks-related agenda items: an update on intergovernmental agreement (IGA) negotiations with North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District (NCPRD), a discussion on the future of parks operations and maintenance (OM) funding, and an update on Milwaukee Bay Park Phase 3 capital project. The meeting included public testimony, extensive council deliberation, and unanimous votes. Public Comments & Testimony - Jacob Sherman, a community member, expressed full support for the city leaving NCPRD, characterizing the relationship as an “abusive relationship.” He thanked staff and council for their efforts and urged the council to move forward with creating an independent parks department. He expressed interest in exploring scenarios B1.2 and B2 (specific funding and service-level options) and requested more information on how the 75-cent rate compares to other districts. Discussion Items 1. IGA Negotiations Update - City Manager Emma Sagor provided a history since January 2025: the city sought to restart Milwaukee Bay Park Phase 3 (stalled since 2022). NCPRD agreed to discuss only if the city amended the cooperative IGA. After 20+ staff meetings and six elected-to-elected sessions, two agreements were drafted: an addendum to the cooperative IGA and a specific IGA for Milwaukee Bay Park. The city’s “gives” included assuming capital maintenance at the Milwaukee Community Center (estimated $560,000–$1 million over 5 years) and ongoing costs; NCPRD’s “gains” included $3.1 million in SDCs, $900,000 in Metro local share, and a trolley trail grant. The city council approved the agreements on April 21, 2026. However, NCPRD delayed a vote in June, asked for DAC input, and in August the DAC recommended approval with conditions (regional input, parking, levy support, utility costs). In September, the NCPRD board again postponed, citing need for more time and scheduling a work session (reportedly in executive session). The city manager noted that NCPRD has not fully paid utility bills (over $45,000 outstanding). - Mayor Beatty expressed frustration, calling NCPRD’s actions “dithering” and “moving the goalposts.” He stated, “I don't think it's a good deal for us anymore,” and recommended withdrawing from the IGAs. - Council President Massey detailed the expanded scope (master IGA, parking, regional input, levy support) that went beyond original negotiations. He noted the NCPRD levy has not been raised since 1990 despite 155% CPI increase and 180–250% construction cost increases. He argued the deal “keeps getting worse” and said, “I think the time is now” to end negotiations. - Councillor (Coserbody) stated the city has been “decisive” but NCPRD is “like a bad boyfriend” stringing them along; it’s time to “pull the plug.” - Councillor Salinger questioned the DAC’s additional items (regional input, parking, levy support) that were not part of the original negotiations. She noted that the NCPRD board has not communicated directly since June, representing a lack of transparent, collaborative leadership. She agreed that the process feels like “a delay on purpose.” - Council discussed a resolution to rescind authorization for the city manager to sign the IGAs. The resolution was introduced and amended (council president’s change: “unilaterally changing the scope” instead of “withdrawing”). 2. Future of Parks Operations & Maintenance Funding - City Manager Sagor and Public Works Director Peter presented an analysis of OM costs if the city proceeds with all planned capital projects (Milwaukee Bay Park, Metro community choice grants, etc.). Without new revenue, the city would face approximately $200,000 annually in additional OM costs. Scenarios included: - Stay in NCPRD: new revenue needed (utility fee $2.50–$4/month, or 7 cents tax rate), or cut services. - Leave NCPRD: at current 54-cent rate, all parks except Community Center and North Clackamas ball fields would be covered (deficit if all parks included); at 75-cent rate, all parks could be funded with a reserve. - Enhanced service level (+20%) would require 75 cents but still run a deficit. - The city does not currently have a parks department; all OM is done by NCPRD. Happy Valley’s departure experience was shared. - Councillors discussed concerns about affordability, equity, and the need for deep community engagement, particularly with vulnerable populations. - Council President Massey favored leaving but had questions about the Community Center and ball fields. He warned that a 54-cent levy might fail due to insufficient service expectations. - Councillor (Coserbody) emphasized fiscal responsibility and the city’s affordability goal, noting that any tax increase disproportionately affects low-income residents and seniors. He opposed rushing into higher rates and stressed the need for a broader conversation about budget trade-offs. - Councillor Salinger supported leaving but wanted robust community meetings with specific scenarios, not just surveys. - Council President (Anderson) suggested the 54-cent rate could be a no-tax-increase option, and a system plan would help determine long-term investments. - Consensus emerged to explore departure from NCPRD and to communicate that intent, including asking NCPRD to drop its pending Supreme Court appeal (a case on the city’s right to leave the district under ORS 222). 3. Milwaukee Bay Park Capital Project Update - Public Works Director Peter presented the procurement plan: a sole-source contract with Not Studio (former Two Ink, the project’s original designer) to complete design from 50% to 100% construction documents, and a competitive solicitation for a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC). - The CMGC will provide cost estimating, constructibility reviews, and a guaranteed maximum price. Awards expected: Not Studio in October 2026, CMGC in January 2027. - The city manager noted that a $658,000 Metro trolley trail grant (currently held by NCPRD) is needed and discussion with NCPRD about assignment should follow the appeal request. - The city also applied for a federal LWCF grant (due November 12), and will reapply for a state grant in 2027 after better timeline alignment. Key Outcomes - Unanimous vote (4-0) to approve a resolution rescinding the city manager’s authorization to sign the IGAs with NCPRD, effectively ending the negotiation process. The resolution was adopted on September 23, 2026. - Council consensus to direct the mayor and negotiation team to send a letter to NCPRD stating the city’s intent to explore departure from the district and requesting that NCPRD drop its Supreme Court appeal. The city manager was also asked to informally communicate this direction to NCPRD’s administrator. - Council directed staff to return at the earliest opportunity (targeting October 6) with proposals for community engagement (deep, inclusive meetings with specific scenarios), timeline options for a potential May 2027 parks levy or permanent rate increase, and additional financial analysis (e.g., hybrid progressive tax, impact on affordability). - Staff was also asked to discuss with NCPRD the assignment of the trolley trail grant, but the appeal drop is the priority. - The city will move forward with Milwaukee Bay Park Phase 3 independently, using the CMGC and design contracts as presented.

The Infrastructure Committee met on Wednesday, September 24, 2026, at 7:06 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber. Chair Alderman O'Brien presided with a quorum of four members present (O'Brien, Dowd, Smith, and Lopez arrived later). The meeting focused on a presentation by parking consultant Andy Hill regarding a proposed residential parking permit pilot program for the area around Property Possible development, followed by committee discussion and a vote to continue developing the program. Consent Calendar - Delayed Ordinance 026-024 (additional stop signs at Front and Abbott Streets) to the next meeting at the request of prime sponsor Alderman Klee, who could not attend. - Accepted and placed on file a communication from Wayne, Senior Traffic Engineer, supporting Ordinance 026-024; requested reprint for next meeting. Discussion Items - Residential Parking Pilot Program Presentation: Parking Manager Jill Stansfield introduced consultant Andy Hill (Thornton Tomassetti) who outlined: - Existing parking program history: started as a pilot in 2013 with 20 streets and 400 permits at $10/year, expanded and made permanent in 2016, currently 33 streets and up to 550 permits. - The proposed pilot area (roughly a four-block area) currently has 128 residential units supported by 460 off-street spaces, but 12 properties are under-supplied by 42 spaces. The area could support up to 152 on-street spaces. - The upcoming Property Possible development (385 units, 450 spaces, about 1.1 spaces per unit) is expected to create a gap of about 128 spaces, potentially spilling into surrounding streets. Combined shortfall could be 167 vehicles competing for 152 spaces. - State law now forbids mandating more than one parking space per residential unit, but developers can provide more if they choose. - Three permit distribution models were discussed: 'hunting license' (unlimited permits), 'prescription' (restricted to certain residents), and 'lottery' (limited number of permits). The lottery model was recommended as fairest. - Pilot would have five phases: identification, due diligence, proposal preparation, public forum, and issuance. It would include quarterly evaluations and a final annual review. - Estimated costs: $115,000 one-time physical preparation (signs, curb markings, etc.), $9,000 engineering review, and $90,000+ annual administrative/monitoring costs. Total initial cost around $200,000. - Committee members raised questions about parking model fairness, enforcement, snow emergencies, costs, and applicability to other wards. Alderman Johnson expressed frustration about delays and cost, noting her previous attempt for Ward 5 overnight parking was not fully explored. She requested a complete breakdown of consultant invoices. - Fire Marshal Devati and DPW representative stated they had no objections and supported the approach. Police Lieutenant commented on technical details and suggested considering mobility-impaired residents. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously (all present members in favor, no opposed) to recommend that staff continue developing the pilot program and report back with more detailed costs and permit fee structures. - The program will aim to be self-sufficient, with permit fees potentially covering costs. - Next steps include staff refining cost estimates, identifying funding, engaging with the Property Possible developer to reduce spillover, and preparing a formal proposal for the full Board of Aldermen. - Meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

The Judiciary Committee of Butte Silver-Bow, Montana met on September 24, 2026, to consider several agenda items including a moratorium on data center development, property sales, a business improvement district, and an interim zoning ordinance for hyperscale data centers. All commissioners (Shea, Thatcher, Callahan, Healy, Gerbrand) and County Attorney Umrufe were present. The meeting was called to order for September 23, 2026, but the recording timestamp indicates the meeting occurred on September 24, 2026. Discussion Items - Communication 2026-435 (Data Center Moratorium): Commissioner Shea requested the Council's concurrence to direct the county attorney to prepare a temporary moratorium on data center development approvals. A motion to hold the communication in abeyance passed with 5 votes in favor and 1 opposed. - Resolution 2026-54 (Business Improvement District 1): This resolution amended Resolution 2024-61 to correct the assessment table and method for the business improvement district. After a public hearing, the committee voted to move the resolution to final reading pending the public hearing. Motion passed unanimously. - Resolution 2026-60 (Sale to Patty and Chris Salmonson): The committee amended the resolution to correct the legal description and grantee names. The motion to move to final reading as amended passed unanimously. - Resolution 2026-61 (Sale to Paul Vinoy): Similar correction was made to strike language referencing community development and add the grantee name. Moved to final reading as amended, passed unanimously. - Resolution 2026-62 (PACE Program Repeal and Replacement): This resolution repeals Resolution 2024-04 and establishes a PACE program for Butte Silver-Bow. Moved to final reading, passed 6-0 (Commissioner Healy voted aye after initial call). - Council Bill 2026-03 (Hyperscale Data Center Interim Zoning Ordinance): County Attorney Umrufe presented the ordinance imposing a six-month moratorium on hyperscale data center approvals, with definitions intentionally left blank for public and committee input. Commissioners discussed the interplay with a related ballot initiative pending before the state Supreme Court. Commissioner Thatcher requested that commissioners who toured data center sites present findings to the committee. A motion to hold the bill in abeyance passed unanimously. - Claims: Two refund claims were approved: a $260 golf membership refund and a $100 demolition bond refund. Motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Communication 2026-435 (temporary moratorium on data center approvals) held in abeyance. - Resolutions 2026-54, 2026-60 (as amended), 2026-61 (as amended), and 2026-62 all moved to final reading for full council consideration. - Council Bill 2026-03 (interim zoning moratorium on hyperscale data centers) held in abeyance to allow further definition and coordination with the ad hoc committee report and ballot initiative. - Two financial claims approved. No public comments were recorded during the meeting.

The Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Committee met on September 24, 2026, at 6:01 PM, with all members present. The meeting included discussions on curb ramp construction funding, maintenance vs. capital definitions, project evaluation criteria, and nomination form improvements. Public Comments & Testimony - During the maintenance discussion, a public commenter recommended replacing the term "maintenance" with "capital replacement" in the charter, citing IRS standards (betterment, adaptation, restoration) to allow a capital replacement fund for damaged NCIP-funded assets. Discussion Items - Moonriss Avenue / Via Arbolus Curb Ramp Construction: Staff reported nine bids averaging $97,000, requiring an additional $100,000 beyond the $25,000 budget. The committee voted to recommend closing the project out (unanimous, with one abstention). The submitter already resubmitted for the next cycle. - Maintenance vs. Capital Improvements: Staff and Parks Manager Tys Norton presented examples of ongoing maintenance costs (e.g., radar speed signs: $200/year per site; graffiti removal: $160,000/year citywide). The charter prohibits NCIP funding for ordinary maintenance. Discussion explored options like purchasing spare parts within project budgets or establishing a capital replacement fund, but no action was taken. - Project Evaluation Criteria: Staff presented a list of criteria (year nominated, defunded status, new facility, budget concerns, outside agency coordination, neighbor support) and highlighted eight projects that met all criteria. No action; informational only. - Select Projects to Review: The committee voted to request in-depth presentations on seven of the eight flagged projects (excluding one already closing). Motion passed 11-0-1 (Vista abstained). - Nomination Form Improvements: Discussion on adding a cover sheet defining capital projects, requiring neighbor support sign sheets, and including a section for the NCIP district representative’s review. No action; will continue at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Vote on Moonriss Avenue curb ramps: Motion to recommend closing out the project passed unanimously (all ayes, one absent? actually roll call: all ayes). - Vote on project review presentations: Motion to schedule presentations on the seven flagged projects passed (11 ayes, 1 abstention). - Next meeting: Scheduled for October 7, 2026. The preliminary nomination review meeting is also set for that date.

The Committee on Executive Management met in person to consider Resolution 26-210 (referred to as "Resolution 26-10" in one portion of the transcript), a proposed amendment to Council Rules restricting taxpayer-funded mass communications in the period immediately preceding an election. The meeting was called to order at 2:35 p.m. local time on Wednesday, September 23, 2026; the official meeting timestamp is 2026-09-24 00:31:04 UTC. The resolution is intended to draw a bright line between official constituent services and campaign activity. After testimony and discussion, the committee deferred the resolution. Public Comments & Testimony - Sandy Ma, Executive Director and Legal Counsel for the Honolulu Ethics Commission, testified on behalf of Ethics Commission staff; the Commission itself had not taken a formal position. She raised three concerns: (1) the resolution's threshold of 200 or fewer individuals is more restrictive than the federal standard of 500 or more pieces of mail; (2) the rule does not prohibit serial distribution, so a sender could send multiple mailings of 200 or fewer to circumvent the blackout; and (3) the City Clerk's office should be consulted so the 60-day blackout period is consistent with Hawaii's vote-by-mail ballot mailing schedule. Discussion Items - The Chair stated that Honolulu currently has no Council rule governing taxpayer-funded mass communications in an election year, while the state House of Representatives has long observed a 60-day blackout practice. The Chair acknowledged recent reporting on a constituent mailer but said the mailer was sent in compliance with the 60-day practice even though no written rule existed at the time. - Councilmember Nishimoto asked whether Ms. Ma's testimony was personal; Ms. Ma confirmed she spoke on behalf of Ethics Commission staff rather than the Commission. - Councilmember Okimoto noted the threshold was referred to inconsistently as "200 or less" versus "200 or more" and asked for clarification. Ms. Ma explained that existing Council Rule 37 permits distribution to 200 or fewer individuals and that her comment concerned the scope relative to the federal 500-piece standard. - Ms. Ma confirmed the state House of Representatives adopted a blackout period from June 3, 2026 through November 4, 2026, per a February 12, 2026 memo from Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura, and that the state Senate does not appear to have a blackout period. - Councilmember Okimoto floated the idea of using the candidate filing deadline (e.g., June 3) as a bright-line cutoff instead of counting back from Election Day. Ms. Ma declined to opine on election or filing deadlines, deferring to the City Clerk's office. - Councilmember Kia Aina (also transcribed as "Keanu" and "Kia Ayn" in the record) suggested inviting the City Clerk's office to a future meeting to provide input, since the Clerk's office oversees the vote-by-mail schedule. - Members also discussed limiting the restriction to members who are actually running for election or re-election. Key Outcomes - The committee agreed to defer Resolution 26-210 to allow time to resolve unanswered questions, including the serial-distribution loophole, the appropriate threshold, the timing of the blackout relative to vote-by-mail ballot distribution, and consultation with the City Clerk's office. - A future meeting will include input from the City Clerk's office. - No other agenda items were considered; the meeting was adjourned.

The Butte-Silver Bow Public Works Committee met in the Courthouse Council Chamber to consider Communication 2026-454 from Commissioner Eric Mankins, District 9, requesting a no-parking zone on both sides of Washoe Road in front of the Butte Family YMCA and a 15 mph speed limit on that listed section of Washoe Road. Members present were Chair Eric Mankins, Trudy Healy, Russ O'Leary, and Dan Callahan. After discussion, the committee voted to forward the speed-limit recommendation to the Council and to refer the no-parking zone request to the Parking Commission for review. Note: the raw transcript opens by calling the meeting for September 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., while the supplied meeting date is September 24, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Colin Higgins, owner/operator of McKinsey River Pizza and a volunteer and past chair of the Butte Family YMCA board, expressed full support for the 15 mph speed limit. He cited the area's foot traffic, families, bicycles, Montana Dance Works nearby, and especially high traffic during swim meets, and said he already drives 15 to 20 mph through the area because children can suddenly run into the street. Discussion Items - Commissioner Mankins said YMCA director Stephanie Feist is in favor of the proposal and had good feedback, with suggestions including bullet points about proper traffic clearance and not delaying emergency services. He also stated that YMCA board members Paul Babb, Colin Higgins, and Jake Masters support the request. - Commissioner Mankins noted he has fielded calls about this section of road for the seven years he has served on the commission, and he reported that the YMCA is already asking members not to park on the street and plans to share supporting literature. - Public Works Director Neary said the speed-limit change would require Council approval, while the no-parking designation would have to go through the Parking Commission. He noted the YMCA parking lot is only about a quarter full and that no other businesses or people park on that street section. - Director Neary described the street as having two 12-foot driving lanes and two 8-foot shoulders, leaving no room for parking, and suggested yellow curb paint and signage would be sufficient. He stated that parking enforcement is not within his area. - Commissioner Callahan expressed support but cautioned that no-parking laws around town are often not enforced, so enforcement by the Parking Commission would be necessary. He observed that people park on the street during peak times because the YMCA's main parking lot is at the opposite end of the building from the entrance. - Commissioner O'Leary asked whether the no-parking restriction would apply only to the curved portion in front of the YMCA; Commissioner Mankins confirmed that it would apply to both sides of that curved section only. - Commissioner O'Leary also raised safety concerns about children playing near the street on the southeast end of the YMCA property. In response, Colin Higgins reported that YMCA board president Jake Masters' real estate group, Montana Realtors Association, is donating funds to build a fence around the grassy area and that the YMCA is looking for contractors. Key Outcomes - Commissioner Callahan moved to recommend changing the speed limit from Dewey to Hanson Road to 15 mph and to send the no-parking zone request to the Parking Commission, awaiting its response. Commissioner O'Leary seconded the motion. - The motion carried unanimously; the chair counted five affirmative votes to zero. - The speed-limit request will move forward to the Council, and the no-parking zone request will be reviewed by the Parking Commission and its director, Aguirre. - Commissioner Mankins said staff would report back to YMCA director Stephanie Feist and thanked Colin Higgins for attending.

The New York City Council Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Relations, chaired by Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams, met on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The committee held a hearing and voted unanimously on three resolutions establishing commemorative periods in New York City. Before public testimony, Chair Williams acknowledged the work of committee staff and interns on drafting the resolutions. Public Comments & Testimony - Sadiqi, Chair of the African Advisory Council, testified in strong support of Res 0607-2026 (African Immigrant Heritage Month). He argued that the resolution provides critical recognition and representation for the African immigrant community, which he noted includes nurses, doctors, small business owners, and community organizers. He provided statistics stating that approximately 167,000 African immigrants live in New York City (5.4% of the foreign-born population) and that roughly 60,000 reside in the Bronx. Discussion Items - Res 0184-2026 (Korean Cultural Awareness Day): Introduced by Councilmember Fadius, this resolution declares October 3 as Korean Cultural Awareness Day annually to commemorate the mythological beginning of the Korean people and celebrate their shared ancestry. - Res 0606-2026 (Black Pride Month): Introduced by Councilmember Althea Stevens, this resolution declares August as Black Pride Month. Councilmember Stevens delivered remarks on the history of the Black Pride movement in New York City, noting it was first organized by James Sanders in August 1997 and that the movement has a strong connection to the Bronx. She highlighted the inaugural Black Pride celebration held in the Bronx. - Res 0607-2026 (African Immigrant Heritage Month): Also introduced by Councilmember Stevens, this resolution declares September as African Immigrant Heritage Month. Councilmember Stevens emphasized the economic and cultural contributions of African immigrants, specifically noting the approximately 60,000 African immigrants living in the Bronx. Key Outcomes - Vote: All three resolutions (Res 0184-2026, Res 0606-2026, and Res 0607-2026) were considered and voted on in a single coupled roll call vote. - Tally: The resolutions were approved unanimously with a vote of 6 in the affirmative and 0 in the negative. Councilmember Ossé was absent. - Result: All items were adopted by the committee and will proceed to the full City Council.