The Public Meeting Index

The Powell Operations Committee met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The committee approved minutes from August 18, 2026, discussed proposed massage parlor regulations, and received an update on a tree trimming initiative. Key outcomes included direction to staff to draft a registration-based ordinance for massage businesses and plans for an HOA meeting on tree maintenance. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the August 18, 2026 Operations Committee meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. Discussion Items - Massage Parlor Regulations: Staff and the Police Chief presented a review of options for regulating massage businesses, following prior discussions in 2015 and 2019 and recent investigations. The presentation outlined three policy directions: (1) zoning and state licensing only (least burdensome), (2) registration with operating standards (middle ground), and (3) comprehensive local licensing (most burdensome). The Chief recommended option 2, building on the city's 2019 draft ordinance, to avoid duplicating state licensing while adding tools such as owner background checks, operating hour limits, employee rosters, and a ban on sleeping on premises. Committee members expressed support for option 2, favoring a registration model with background checks (every renewal) and operating hour restrictions. Discussion included whether to exempt existing businesses (grandfathering) and whether to cover mobile or in-home massage. The Law Director concurred with the recommended approach. The City Manager noted a pending referendum on the zoning code that could affect the timeline. Other Business - Tree Committee Update: Chairman Carlson reported on efforts to coordinate with HOAs to address low-hanging limbs that interfere with snow plows. The city has received responses from only seven of twenty-plus HOAs. An HOA meeting is planned for October 21 or 22, 2026 to develop a uniform tree trimming policy. Key Outcomes - The committee directed staff to prepare a revised massage ordinance based on Option 2 (registration model) incorporating: owner/operator background checks, operating hour limits, employee rosters, prohibition of sleeping on premises, and exemptions for state-licensed professionals such as chiropractors, physicians, and cosmetologists. The draft will return to the Operations Committee for further review before consideration by City Council. - Staff will contact remaining HOAs to increase participation in the tree trimming initiative. The tree committee will present a proposed policy at the upcoming HOA meeting.

On September 15, 2026, the Huntington Beach City Council held a regular meeting starting at 6:00 PM following a closed session. The council addressed consent calendar items, heard extensive public comments, debated several agenda items including lobbyist contracts, commemorative plaques, capital projects, and the creation of an art center committee. Key decisions included approving the America 250 plaque (5-2), the Main Street Library 75th anniversary plaque (5-2), the Harbor dock replacement (7-0), and tabling the Newland House restoration for two weeks. The council also voted to delay action on lobbyist contracts for two weeks and directed staff to bring back a resolution to form an Art Center Committee. Consent Calendar - Items 13, 15, 17, 18, and 21 were approved unanimously (7-0) after items 14, 16, 20, 22, and 23 were pulled for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy Ryder criticized the council for lack of transparency, lawsuits, and using city reserves, accusing them of ignoring voters. - Brenda Glenn, a city council candidate, argued that the council’s focus on national headlines and lawsuits has wasted taxpayer money, citing a $170,000 penalty for the housing element and a $1.8 billion infrastructure backlog. - Wendy Rencon opposed the council majority’s efforts on library privatization, book restrictions, and the Pacific Air Show settlement, and supported the “Surf City Four” candidates. - Elaine Bauer Keeley updated the public on Friends of the Library’s $825,000 donation MOU and urged caution on forming an art commission, noting the existing Art Center Foundation’s role. - Dr. Gerald Chapman, a former Art Center Foundation member, supported item 24 (Art Center committee), recommending the council learn from past successes like Celebration Plaza. - Alex Kess, a 12-year-old resident, presented 1,356 signatures asking the council to support state-level e-bike safety reforms (minimum age 16, speedometers, licensing, safety fund), citing a 1,557% increase in e-bike injuries since 2018. - Several speakers opposed item 24, arguing it would disrupt the current successful professional staff at the Art Center, while others supported it to give local artists more opportunities. - Additional speakers addressed police contract contributions, housing litigation costs, library conditions, and called for fiscal responsibility and transparency. Discussion Items - Item 14: Lobbyist Contracts (Kahn, Soares and Conway for state; Stapleton & Associates for federal) – Councilmember Williams questioned the $504,000 total cost and proposed delaying for further review of return on investment. Vice Mayor Twining noted the state lobbyist may be ineffective due to hostile relations in Sacramento. Motion to postpone two weeks for staff to analyze historical ROI passed 7-0. - Item 16: Main Street Library 75th Anniversary Plaque – Debate centered on including council members’ names. Councilmember Gruel proposed a substitute motion to allow any council member to replace their name with a community member, which failed 2-5. The original plaque design was approved 5-2 with Councilmember Gruel and Williams voting no. - Item 20: Newland House Museum & Water Tower Restoration – Councilmember Kennedy questioned the $628,600 cost and revenue generation; staff noted $170,000 annual barn revenue and $82,000 operating costs. Councilmember Gruel requested a deeper financial analysis. Motion to table for two weeks passed 7-0. - Item 22: Harbour Dock Demolition and Replacement – Discussion focused on receiving only one bid ($416,000 total including contingencies). Councilmember Gruel expressed concern about lack of competition and asked staff to verify outreach efforts. After staff listed 14 firms that pulled plans, the council voted to approve the contract with South Shore Marine Construction 7-0. - Item 23: America 250 Plaque at Pier Plaza – Councilmember Gruel made a substitute motion to include specific local heroes (Medal of Honor recipient Chris Carr and veteran Mike Ali) instead of council names, which failed 1-6. The original staff design honoring all veterans was approved 5-2 with Councilmember Gruel and Williams voting no. - Item 24: Creating an Art Center Committee – Introduced by Mayor McKeon, Councilman Burns, and Councilman Kennedy. Supporters argued it would enhance the art center, increase revenue, and involve residents similar to the successful City Celebration Committee. Opponents cited redundancy with the existing Community and Library Services Commission. Motion to direct staff to return with a resolution establishing a Brown Act committee passed 5-2. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (Items 13, 15, 17, 18, 21): Approved 7-0. - Item 14 (Lobbyist Contracts): Delayed two weeks for staff analysis of historical benefits; return at next meeting. - Item 16 (Library Plaque): Approved as presented 5-2 (Gruel, Williams against). - Item 20 (Newland House Restoration): Tabled for two weeks to review financial details; return at next meeting. - Item 22 (Harbour Docks): Approved 7-0. - Item 23 (America 250 Plaque): Approved as presented 5-2 (Gruel, Williams against). - Item 24 (Art Center Committee): Motion to bring back a resolution establishing the committee passed 5-2 (Gruel, Williams against). - The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2026.

The City Council met on September 15, 2026 to discuss a variety of topics including updates on community development projects, public safety improvements, and fiscal year budgeting. The meeting included reports from various city departments and several public comments regarding local initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the previous meeting - Authorized routine payments and financial reports Public Comments & Testimony - Several residents voiced support for the proposed new community park, citing a need for green space in the downtown area - A local business owner expressed concerns about planned street closures during upcoming construction, requesting better communication from the city Discussion Items - Community Park Development: The Parks Department presented design renderings and a projected cost analysis for the new park. Councilmembers discussed funding sources and the timeline for public input sessions. - Public Safety Grant: A proposal to apply for a state grant to fund additional police body cameras and training was introduced. Councilmembers debated the cost-sharing requirements. - FY 2027 Budget Overview: The Finance Director delivered a preliminary budget forecast, noting projected revenue increases from property taxes and sales tax. Key Outcomes - Council voted 4-2 to proceed with the next phase of the community park development, including a community feedback period - Approved the submission of the public safety grant application by a 5-1 vote - Set a special budget workshop for September 29, 2026 to review detailed spending proposals

On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the Jonesboro City Council convened at 5:30 PM in the Municipal Center. Mayor Harold Copenhaver called the meeting to order. Roll call showed 10 members present and 2 absent. The meeting began with special presentations, then moved through the consent agenda, resolutions removed from consent, new business, unfinished business, mayor's reports, council reports, and public comments. Special Presentations - The city received the 2026 Government Recycler of the Year Award, recognized for its team approach to recycling involving the Sanitation Department, Code Enforcement, and the Keep Jonesboro Beautiful Committee. It was noted that the city was the only one recognized among its peers in the state. - Glass recycling efforts have diverted approximately 13,000 pounds of glass from the waste stream, with partnerships including Embassy Suites. - Through the city's partnership with EcoWorks and Jonesboro Human Development Center, approximately 8,000 pounds of cardboard were diverted from the landfill in the past month, while also creating jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. - Several community volunteers were recognized for their dedication to youth sports and parks programs, presented by the Mayor for their service and leadership. - Council member Janice Porter attended a meeting with the University of Arkansas landscape architecture students and expressed excitement about the new partnership. Consent Agenda - MIN-26:085: Minutes from the September 1, 2026 City Council meeting were approved by voice vote. - RES-26:105: A resolution to execute a traffic control device agreement to maintain control devices was passed. - RES-26:106 through RES-26:118 (multiple resolutions): Municipal liens were placed on various properties for code enforcement violation amounts ranging from $275 to $615. All passed by voice vote. - RES-26:120: A resolution to enter into an agreement with Farmers & Merchants Bank for banking depository services was passed. - RES-26:119: Removed from consent agenda at the request of Code Enforcement. Council member Brian Emison moved to postpone indefinitely; motion passed 10-0 (2 absent). Resolutions Removed from Consent Agenda - RES-26:072: Resolution to condemn property at 2210 Willow Rd. Passed 10-2 (Council members Charles Coleman and Ann Williams voted nay). - RES-26:123: Resolution certifying local government endorsement for SANY Nutrition Group LLC to participate in the Tax Back Program. Passed 10-2 (Coleman and Williams nays). - RES-26:124: Resolution requested by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to amend the lease agreement for the Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center. Passed 11-1 (Ann Williams nay). Council discussion clarified that the Nature Center would remain open, contrary to earlier concerns. The Mayor noted Representative Tosh contacted the Game and Fish director to ensure the center stayed open, emphasizing its importance to kids and the community. New Business (Ordinances on First Reading) - ORD-26:036: Ordinance to amend Section 1-7 of the Code of Ordinances to change general penalty to match state law. Held at one reading. - ORD-26:037: Ordinance for approval of a private club permit for 141 Prime Restaurant. Held at one reading. Public Comments & Testimony - James Elwin Hines (508 Ridge Crest, Jonesboro) objected to the location of the private club permit for 141 Prime Restaurant, stating it was "way too close to an elementary school" and that parents with children at that school would object. - Marty Lilly (2300 Pleasant Grove Road, attorney for Key Construction and Shannon Elaine Key) stated that all necessary information had been provided in council packets and offered to answer any questions. - A resident (73-year-old woman) complained about a city ditch that had not been mowed, noting she cannot afford to pay $7,500 to have it mowed and expressed concerns about safety and liability. She stated the ditch is a nuisance and that the city has not addressed it since 2007. - Another speaker discussed concerns about the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) process, questioning the need for BZA, consistency in variances (citing differences in how Southern Hills and a Caraway/Parker Road development were treated), and the appeal process for denials going directly to court versus city council for MAPC denials. They urged updating ordinances to be fairer and more transparent. Discussion Items - Zoning Ordinance Change for 1411 Southern Ridge Blvd. (ORD-26:030): An ordinance to amend zoning boundaries from PD-M Multi-Family Use to PD-M Commercial Use for property at 1411 Southern Ridge Boulevard, as requested by Jeremy Bevill on behalf of Southern Hills Apartments Development, LLC. The ordinance was on third reading and passed 10-2 (Coleman and Williams nays). - Pedestrian Safety: Council members discussed the recent public safety committee meeting focusing on pedestrian safety, highlighting its importance for those with limited transportation options. - Future Update: Council member LJ Bryant requested a future update on the issue of "loadering" and the Attorney General's recent actions using officers to cite individuals, expressing interest in how that affects the city. - Delta Peanut Factory: Council member John Street asked for an update on the Delta Peanut Factory's ability to handle this year's crop. The Mayor indicated conversations were ongoing among the ownership, and the Chamber was working with them, noting the situation affects many farmers. - MPO Meeting: Council member John Street reported that the MPO meeting that day focused on pedestrian safety and ongoing construction progress. Mayor's Reports - Paint the Town Red (September 11): A partnership with Arkansas State University, the Chamber, and Downtown Jonesboro Alliance that included a block party, bringing the community together ahead of A-State football. - Arkansas Recycling Award: Recognized for the team approach to recycling, awarded on September 1 in Hot Springs. - Turtle Creek Wetlands Project: A reimagining project in partnership with the University of Arkansas Department of Landscape Architecture, Keep Jonesboro Beautiful, and the Engineering Department to transform stormwater drainage property into usable green space, including an outdoor classroom. - 25th Anniversary of September 11th: The city participated in Patriot Day services; a proclamation was issued declaring September 11 a National Day of Remembrance in Jonesboro. Community partners provided meals for first responders. - Jonesboro vs. Valley View Football Game: The renewed cross-town matchup on September 11 drew over 6,000 attendees; Valley View won 30-21. The Mayor commended the school spirit and community participation. - Innovation Facility: A two-hour meeting was held with the owners of a new 200,000 sq ft facility (Innovation), with ownership from Japan praising the city's ability to achieve things not seen elsewhere in the U.S. - Upcoming Events: Jack Deacon Swim Meet, Mothers of Angels Butterfly Release, Jonesboro Fun Day, Sunset Sessions, United Way Day of Caring, Northeast Arkansas District Fair, Recovery in the Streets, and Downtown Jonesboro Barbecue Festival. City Council Reports - No reports from members other than those noted in presentations and discussion items. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved (10-0). - RES-26:119 (municipal lien for 1506 Pratt Circle) postponed indefinitely (10-0). - RES-26:072 (condemnation of 2210 Willow Rd.) passed (10-2). - RES-26:123 (SANY Nutrition Group endorsement for Tax Back Program) passed (10-2). - RES-26:124 (AGFC lease amendment for Crowley's Ridge Nature Center) passed (11-1). - ORD-26:036 and ORD-26:037 held at one reading. - ORD-26:031, ORD-26:032, ORD-26:033 held at second reading, moving to third reading. - ORD-26:030 (zoning change for 1411 Southern Ridge Blvd.) passed (10-2). - Meeting adjourned by motion.

The Tulsa Native American Commission held its regular monthly meeting on September 15, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The meeting began with a roll call of member organizations and a land acknowledgment. Commissioners approved the previous meeting's minutes with one abstention. Reports from the chair, vice chair, and director of tribal policy and partnerships were delivered, followed by committee reports and public comments. Key discussions included the 10th annual Native American Day celebration, a potential official city holiday, updates on the Council Oak Park and trail naming, and a possible purchase of the former Spirit Bank building for a cultural center. Public Comments & Testimony - Aaron (a plant porter) expressed frustration over unclear responsibility for Council Oak Park maintenance after its transfer, noting that city staff and vendors were still showing up to mow despite the transfer. He requested clarity and suggested using native plants. He also announced a Keep Oklahoma Beautiful grant for native wildflower seeds (1,200 sq ft) at the site, deadline extended to September 30. He recommended the "Muscogee Trail" name for the Midland Valley Trail and urged a right of first refusal agreement for the Spirit Bank property. He also noted the 50th anniversary of Council Oak's listing on the National Register on September 29 at the Brute Hotel. Discussion Items - Chair Report (Matt Roberts): Highlighted the University of Tulsa's matriculation ceremony, where the Native American Student Association performed an honor song. He noted TU President Stacey Leeds' history lesson about TU's origins as a Native American boarding school. The ceremony included bagpipes and an honor song, reflecting positive partnerships. - Vice Chair Report (Daniel Carter): Expressed encouragement about recent positive developments: Osage representation on commission, a Cherokee president at TU, tribal flags in schools, and partnerships with universities. Emphasized the importance of being ready to serve when called. - Director's Report (Amanda Swope): Provided updates on: the Gilcrease Museum deaccessioning one item to the Tihone tribe; loan of "White Man's Buffalo" to Denver Art Museum; a cultural center grant application was not submitted this year due to timing but will be pursued in 2025; Council Oak Park foundation events on September 29; the need to clarify city maintenance responsibilities after the park transfer; the Tukabachi Trail naming still pending with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation; intention to bring a folk festival to Tulsa; her participation in the Obama Foundation leadership program; outreach to OCH Minerals Council about developer coordination; attendance at Cherokee Nation holiday and Muscogee Nation citizen services building ribbon cutting; and work on an education campaign for working with tribes. - Holiday Discussion: Commissioner Bible raised the idea of a more official city holiday (city closed) rather than just a day of recognition like Native American Day. Director Swope said the commission is open to recommendations and noted previous reluctance to make October 12 a holiday due to volunteer needs. The culture committee will take up the discussion after Native American Day. - Committee Reports: - Native American Day Committee: 10th anniversary celebration is three weeks away. Planning is in high gear. Volunteer slots are nearly full with strong student participation from Booker T. Washington, Holland Hall, Bishop Kelly. T-shirt sales are live. Dutch Ceremonial Grounds will lead a stump dance. Insurance application signed. - Dream Keepers Committee: 29th annual awards; 16 nominees so far. Awards will be presented on October 12 at 3:30 PM on stage, with formal ceremony at November commission meeting. - Education Committee: TPS Indian Ed high school native summit on September 19, college fair; culture camp on September 26 with Lindy Waters III Foundation; Union Public Schools also holding events including a fall bash with speaker Jonathan Josha Badoni. - Parks Committee (Cheryl Cornwell): Park design nearly finalized; construction to start after Native American Day. Groundbreaking planned with Chamber of Commerce. Working on larger flag for Council Oak. Spirit Bank sold to Bank First; Commissioner Cornwell asked to be first in line to purchase the building for a potential cultural center. Fundraising for signage and wayfinding still needed; match for grant is covered. - Bylaws Committee (Daniel Carter): Postponed by one month to refine proposed changes; will distribute materials ahead of time. Key Outcomes - The meeting minutes from the previous meeting were approved with one abstention. - The culture committee will discuss a potential official city holiday (city closure) and provide a recommendation to the commission. - The Native American Day celebration is on track for October 12, 2026, with strong community support. - The parks chair will pursue a right of first refusal for the former Spirit Bank building adjacent to the park for a cultural center. - The folk festival initiative is seeking letters of support from represented organizations. - The Tukabachi Trail naming remains pending with the Muscogee Creek Nation, with the name included as an option. - Commission members were reminded of upcoming events: 918 Day (September 20) with performance, and the NCAI general session in Palm Springs in October.

The Taylor City Council met on September 15, 2026, with Mayor Woolley presiding. The council approved an amended agenda and the September 1, 2026 minutes, adopted the consent agenda, and acted on a full regular agenda, including the FY 2027 budget amendment, a CDBG public hearing, the second reading of a fireworks ordinance amendment, and the award of the 2026 CDBG road construction contract. The council also recognized Hall of Fame inductees, and the mayor and clerk gave storm-recovery and election updates. Note: This summary is based on a partially garbled raw transcript; unclear passages are reported as stated rather than interpreted. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved with the deletion of item 7.19 and the addition of items 7.22 and 7.23 (CDBG road construction). - Minutes of the September 1, 2026 meeting approved. - Consent agenda approved unanimously; the mayor noted it comprised routine items. Public Hearing — Program Year 2025 CDBG CAPER - The council opened a public hearing on the Program Year 2025 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, which was attached to the agenda and made public. - Staff said one additional drawdown of roughly $50,000–$100,000 will cover expenses incurred before June 30, 2026. - The city spent 100% of CDBG expenditures on low- and moderate-income benefit; no demolitions or other non-eligible activities were undertaken. - Approximately $60,000 was spent on housing rehabilitation, with additional expenditures pending. - No public comment was offered; the hearing closed and the motion carried. Regular Agenda — Motions Approved - City budget amendment 2027-001 (dated September 15, 2026) — approved. - Data National, sole source, AS400 hosting, one-year term, $27,394, from the general fund — approved. - Recoast, sole-source service covering the PaperCut and Intercard value loader with reader and cards — approved. - School Resource Officer (Beacons) Agreement with Lincoln Park Public School District and the City of Taylor, from signing through June 30, 2029 — approved. - Payment of $16,199 to National Faith Home Buyers for down-payment assistance (HOME grant, home buyer 2026-005) — approved. - One Community Development employee to attend the Michigan Community Development Association all-conference — approved. - Professional services agreement with a biomedical-waste sole-source vendor — approved. - Columbia Collision repair of Squad 2, not to exceed $18,970, funded from the general fund fire repair budget — approved. - IGA work order 47242 with Wayne County for North Line Road cost sharing — approved. - MI Custom, sole source, additional precinct banners, not to exceed $2,274, from general fund election supplies — approved. - 2026 CDBG road construction contract to Construction Incorporated, lowest qualified bidder: $330,110, plus a 10% contingency of $33,011 — approved. - Hennessy Construction, engineering/inspection/testing for CDBG 2026 — approved. Ordinance — Fireworks (Second Reading) - The council gave second reading to an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 22, Article 54, Section 97 (fireworks). - A dissenting council member said he supports reasonable regulation and public safety but did not believe restricting lawful businesses is the answer; he had made the same point before the first-reading vote so residents would know what the revision would not do. - On the requested roll-call vote, Council Members Armstrong and Thomas voted no; the ordinance carried. Presentations — Hall of Fame - A speaker honored Earl Jones and the other inductees. Jones ran the fastest 600-meter time in the nation as a senior (high school and collegiate) and earned a full-ride scholarship, as did the speaker. - Jones coached Taylor Junior Football for more than four decades. Three of his former assistants became Division I head coaches, including Lloyd Carr at Michigan. The speaker described how he became a coach himself when a team could not find one, with his wife playfully noting that meant the end of “homemaker” projects that year. - The speaker said Jones taught that you are not better than anybody else and that you do what you can to help people. - A community representative thanked the city, parks and recreation, and Mayor Woolley for first-aid support at city events and said the event will move to a different date next year. Council and Mayor Updates - Redevelopment of the former Masco headquarters: after about six years vacant, the iconic building is expected to anchor a new multi-use project. A council member noted the approvals are conditional, so any change would go back through planning; another said Taylor would be the first downriver city to have this kind of project; and a member who has long watched the surrounding residential area (strong housing on both sides) asked that residents’ feedback be gathered. - Mayor Woolley said he is content to serve as mayor and is not running for any other position. He reflected that when he first joined the council the city was emerging from a deficit. - Storm response: DTE outages were down to about 1% of customers; brush pickup is continuing, and the compost center is accepting free drop-off through next week. A council member said those who control the situation need “a come to Jesus meeting” and “can’t hand them all the cards,” and the discussion noted the difficulty of tree-removal decisions because “every time we cut a tree down we got people that are throwing a fit.” - Parks: major renovations have been made at Lakes of Taylor, and work is now moving to the Meadows course. - City clerk: absentee ballots will be mailed on or by September 24; four ballot drop boxes are located across the city; voter information is available through the Michigan Voter Information Center. Key Outcomes - All consent-calendar items and regular agenda motions carried. The only roll-call vote recorded was on the fireworks ordinance, which carried with Armstrong and Thomas voting no. - The CAPER public hearing was closed; a final drawdown of approximately $50,000–$100,000 remains. - The 2026 CDBG road construction contract was awarded at $330,110 plus a $33,011 contingency. - Absentee ballots mail by September 24; free compost drop-off and brush pickup continue through next week.

The Newport Historic District Commission met at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 43 Broadway, Newport, Rhode Island. Members took up certificate-of-appropriateness extensions, a plan modification, summary approvals, and public hearings on residential additions, a garage-to-accessory-dwelling-unit conversion, and window/door replacement at a contributing property. Approval of Minutes - The commission approved the August 11, 2026 minutes with no amendments. Action Items - 75 Brenton LLC, 75 Brenton Road (Plat 43, Lot 24): approved an additional one-year extension for a previously approved pergola on the upper terrace. - 7 Red Cross Ave., LLC (Plat 26, Lot 44): approved a two-year extension of a previously approved Certificate of Appropriateness for a new detached structure. - John Vincze, 9 Cherry Street (Plat 12, Lot 033): approved a modification to a previously approved plan. The applicant said the original architect was no longer available and sought, among other changes, approval to use a composite-type product; the commission noted composite materials have been approved before on non-contributing buildings. Summary Approvals - Keith Fagan, 4 1/2 Kay Terrace (Plat 22, Lot 126): approved by summary approval for construction of a front porch, infill of the existing second-floor rear deck to create a bathroom, and rear mahogany work. - John Studer, 401 Bellevue Avenue, Unit 120 (Plat 35, Lot 275): approved as an abbreviated summary for a rear exterior staircase, with the condition that final materials be submitted to the planner for approval in line with commission guidelines. Public Hearings and Discussion Items - Plat 22, Lot 99 (contributing garage-to-accessory-dwelling-unit conversion): discussion focused on severely deteriorated wall studs and the loss of historic material. A commissioner objected that removing historic material would be gone forever and was not consistent with the standards the commission holds other applicants to. No decision is recorded in the transcript. - Nancy Flynn, 59 Bridge Street (Plat 16, Lot 57): the applicant presented two alternatives for a rear addition and submitted a report from Professor Honorado, an expert previously recognized by the commission. The applicant argued the addition was modest, was for a first-floor bedroom for aging in place, and met the certificate-of-appropriateness standard. Some commissioners said Alternative B changed the proportions and read as a new addition rather than an extension. A motion to approve Version B was made and approved. - Carbon View Limited LLC, 562 Bellevue Avenue (Plat 37, Lot 12): the applicant requested approval to replace doors and windows with in-kind custom wood windows with insulated impact-resistant glazing and simulated divided light, also responding to windborne-debris-protection requirements in the state building code. A commissioner noted that most or all of Newport is now in the relevant wind zone, so the commission needs clarity on how to apply the standard. Commissioners noted a disconnect between the evidentiary record and the applicant's statements; the chair said clear expert evidence that existing windows were beyond repair was needed, and energy efficiency was not a relevant factor. The application was continued so the applicant would appear at the beginning of the next hearing. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of August 11, 2026. - Approved the 75 Brenton Road pergola extension. - Approved the 7 Red Cross Avenue two-year Certificate of Appropriateness extension. - Approved the 9 Cherry Street plan modification. - Approved summary approval for 4 1/2 Kay Terrace and abbreviated summary approval for 401 Bellevue Avenue with a materials condition. - Approved 59 Bridge Street, Version B. - Continued 562 Bellevue Avenue pending expert evidence on window repair/replacement. - The chair closed the meeting after stating that a matter raised during new or old business was not on the agenda. - The available transcript does not include individual roll-call vote tallies.

The City Council and the Oakland Redevelopment Successor Agency met concurrently on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 3:34 PM in the City Council Chamber. Council President Kevin Jenkins presided. Seven members were initially present (Councilmember Houston arrived late), and the meeting adjourned at 7:11 PM. The agenda was reordered to hear Items 5.1, 5.2, and 4.1 first, followed by the Consent Calendar. Key actions included approving the police commission slate, ratifying a five-year police union contract, and receiving the annual HUD performance report. Public comment was extensive, with 62 speakers during Open Forum and many more speaking on specific items. Consent Calendar - Minutes (Item 6.1): Approved for July 13 and July 21, 2026. - Emergency Declarations (Items 6.2-6.4): Renewed declarations for HIV/AIDS, medical cannabis access, and homelessness. - Cultural Affairs Commission Enabling Ordinance (Item 6.5): Final passage of amendments to commission operations. - Seminary Point Debt and Rent Forgiveness (Item 6.6): Final passage of up to $40,000 forgiveness contingent on property sale. - Celebrating Oakland Pride (Item 6.8): Resolution honoring LGBTQ+ leaders and the 16th Pride Parade. - Legal Settlement – Unauthorized Pursuit (Item 6.9): $17,000,000 settlement in Estate of Lolomania Soakai case. Councilmember Fife voted no. - Honoring Nicia De’Lovely (Item 6.10): Resolution honoring the poet and activist. - Public Nuisance Settlement (Item 6.11): Settlement with defendants totaling $114,000. - Kaiser Workforce Development Grant (Item 6.12): Accepted $1,000,000 grant (with authority to accept up to $2,000,000 more) for workforce and interim housing pilot. - Transformative Climate Communities Grants (Item 6.13): Authorized application for up to $55,000,000 and accepted $27,770,000 for West and East Oakland projects. - Hunger Action Month (Item 6.14): Recognized September 2026. - Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Item 6.15): Proclaimed October 2026. - Community Policing Advisory Board Appointment (Item 6.16): Confirmed Donald Dalke. - Children’s Fairyland Board Reappointment (Item 6.17): Confirmed Dr. Javay Ross. - OPD-U.S. Marshals MOU (Item 6.21): Extended through September 30, 2031. - League of Cities Delegate (Item 6.22): Appointed Councilmember Ramachandran as voting delegate, Councilmember Brown as alternate. - Withdrawn Items: Items 6.7 (signage contract), 6.18 (Head Start), 6.19 (OPD-ATF MOU), and 6.20 (OPD-DEA MOU) were withdrawn per Rule 28. The Consent Calendar was approved 8-0, with Councilmember Fife registering a no vote on Item 6.9. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 5.1 – Police Commission Appointments: Four speakers addressed the selection process. Some criticized the exclusion of candidate Omar Farmer, alleging politicization, while others urged approval of the slate (Ricardo Garcia-Acosta and Joey Harrison). - Item 5.2 – OPOA MOU: Fourteen speakers spoke, most in opposition. Critics from Local 21 and community groups argued the contract lacked overtime caps, ignored city auditor recommendations, disadvantaged other city unions, and would worsen budget deficits. A few speakers supported the contract, citing officer retention needs. - Item 4.1 – CAPER Public Hearing: One speaker (Ms. Sada Olabala) questioned whether HUD funds were being used in accordance with sanctuary city policies and if foundational Black Americans were being prioritized. - Open Forum / Public Comments: 62 speakers participated, the vast majority urging the Council to pass a moratorium on AI data centers in Oakland. They cited environmental harm (water/energy use), public health risks, noise pollution, job displacement, and the influence of tech billionaires. Many thanked Councilmember Fife for introducing an urgency moratorium (not on this agenda but upcoming). Additional speakers raised concerns about Flock cameras, the encampment abatement policy, and data justice. One speaker honored Nicia De’Lovely during the consent calendar public comment. Discussion Items - Item 5.1 – Selection Panel Nominations for Police Commissioner: City Administrator staff (Alex) detailed a rigorous recruitment process that yielded 45 applicants, narrowed to 10 interview candidates, and ultimately a final slate of Ricardo Garcia-Acosta and Joey Harrison. Councilmember Fife expressed disappointment, alleging the process was problematic and politically motivated. Councilmember Houston questioned why nominees could not be voted on separately (City Attorney cited Charter Section 604 requiring a slate vote). The nominees pledged independence and commitment to exiting federal oversight. Approved 7-1. - Item 5.2 – Police Officers’ Association MOU: Human Resources Director Mary Howe presented a five-year tentative agreement (2026-2031) covering rank-and-file and manager units. Key terms: 14% base wage increase, a 10% employee contribution to health care (ongoing savings), a 3% employee pick-up of retirement costs, increased longevity pay to retain officers, a “Me Too” clause linking future union gains, and clarified civilianization procedures. Finance Director Brad Johnson explained the long-term fiscal benefits, including an estimated $2.1 million annual savings on healthcare by year five. Councilmember Fife questioned the fairness to other unions and the impact of the Me Too clause. Councilmember Gallo sought controls on overtime; staff noted the agreement includes a future reopen option when staffing reaches certain levels. Public comment overwhelmingly opposed. Approved 7-1, with the salary ordinance to receive second reading on October 6, 2026. - Item 4.1 – Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER): Housing and Community Development staff presented the 2025-2026 report for CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA grants (total $14 million). The report detailed outcomes for housing, anti-displacement, and economic development activities. Councilmember Fife inquired whether CDBG funds could support a social housing pilot; staff indicated they could be a future source. Public hearing opened and closed with one comment. Received and filed 8-0. Key Outcomes - Police Commission Appointments: Accepted slate of Ricardo Garcia-Acosta and Joey Harrison (7-1 vote; Fife no). - Police Union Contract: Approved three pieces of legislation (7-1; Fife no): 1. Rank-and-file MOU (PP1/PT1) 2. Managers MOU (UN2) 3. Salary ordinance amendment (first reading; final passage on October 6, 2026) - CAPER Report: Received and filed (8-0). - Consent Calendar: Approved (8-0) with Councilmember Fife voting no on Item 6.9 ($17 million settlement). - Other: The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 PM.

The Kent County Levy Court held a workshop on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, beginning at 6:30 PM in Caucus Room 230, 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE. Six commissioners were present, including Commissioner Scott participating by WebEx, and the acting president presided because the county president was home ill. The agenda focused on the ORPT grant resolution for a pickleball facility at Big Oak Park and the Economic Development Industrial Land Needs Assessment. There were no public commenters, and the workshop adjourned to the regular Levy Court meeting in the chambers. ORPT Grant Resolution – Big Oak Pickleball Facility - Staff introduced Resolution 4176, authorizing the county to apply for Outdoor Recreation Parks and Trails (ORPT) grant funding for a pickleball facility at Big Oak Park. The application was submitted the day before the workshop, and the grantor indicated it would accept the signed resolution after the fact; awards are expected around November. - The resolution confirms the project is moving forward, documents the county's intended 50% match, and designates the staff lead for the project. - Commissioner Sweeney asked why Big Oak was selected. Staff responded that northern Kent County had no outdoor pickleball facilities, while an earlier West Dover opportunity was not pursued due to financial concerns and the burden it would place on the recreation program. - Commissioner Sweeney voiced strong support, saying the facility is needed and county parks are excellent. - In response to commissioner questions, staff clarified that Levy Court had already voted 7-0 to fund the project, so the grant would defray up to 50% of the cost if funds are available. The resolution is a grant requirement demonstrating the full Levy Court's backing, similar to previous ORPT grant requests and sewer fund grant requests. - Commissioners voted 6-0 to move the resolution forward to the regular meeting agenda later that evening. Economic Development Industrial Land Needs Assessment - Staff presented findings from a professional consulting study of future industrial land needs in Kent County. The study began at the request of a municipality; six other municipalities collaborated, each contributing $1,000. The county and its economic development partners absorbed the remaining cost after a federal grant application for half of the cost was unsuccessful. - The study found strong demand and low vacancy, but limited infrastructure-ready large-format sites; most near-term sites are small. Rail-adjacent sites need protection, and meeting future demand requires balancing housing and industry. The core issue is site readiness, zoning, size, and location, not total acreage. - The study estimates approximately 1,700 acres are needed to support industrial development through 2041. - Industrial growth since 2020 has been concentrated in Dover and Milford, with new flex space in Smyrna's Duck Creek area leasing rapidly. National and local trends show high demand for distribution/warehousing, flex space, and data centers; medical offices are moderate nationally but likely strong locally; general industrial is more limited. - Two new industrial parks are expected online in Harrington and Milford; Harrington has rail access. Long-term sites are unevenly distributed, with many in unincorporated rail-available areas. Municipal snapshots: - Smyrna: strong industrial base and large distribution presence because of Walmart; 7% vacancy; future sites identified for possible annexation, including east of Route 1, though long-term sites would require annexation and growth changes. - Dover: 1.6% vacancy; identified sites east of Route 1, including the roughly 700-acre Dover Motorsports parcel and nearby mall property that could support future industrial development. - Wyoming: high availability but very small parcels, making large job-creating projects unlikely; opportunities are redevelopment/infill such as reworking the VEPCO industrial park. - Camden: limited manufacturing in the VEPCO park; about 75% of industrial space was built before 2000 and is Class B/C; rail-adjacent parcels were identified but need preservation and planning. - Harrington: a new industrial park with good rail-adjacent parcels is the main future opportunity; a 221,000-square-foot facility proposed for a data center did not go forward, and the existing, aging industrial inventory is difficult to reuse. - Milford: a new industrial park will provide future sites; existing food processing is landlocked with little room to grow. Commissioner discussion and next steps: - Staff recommended advancing the next generation of high-opportunity sites, raising municipal awareness, preserving rail-adjacent land, and creating a funding mechanism for future land acquisition. Staff noted that industrial land, once lost, is rarely regained. - A commissioner said the assessment deserves more in-depth review because industrial land has been discussed frequently; staff agreed to return for a deeper presentation after meeting with municipalities. - A commissioner noted that municipalities' identified annexation lands are not currently zoned industrial and would be annexed away from the county, and cautioned that this should not be framed as the county expanding its industrial footprint or inviting more data centers. Staff clarified the study's purpose is to help municipalities identify and preserve sites, not to expand the county's own industrial inventory. - A commissioner also requested a future update on the Garrison Lake project; staff responded that the project is moving and he would return when there is enough progress to report. Key Outcomes - Resolution 4176 for the ORPT grant application was advanced by a 6-0 vote to the September 15 regular meeting agenda. - No formal action was taken on the Industrial Land Needs Assessment; it was an informational workshop presentation. - Staff will come back with a deeper review of the land needs study after completing municipal outreach and will provide an update on the Garrison Lake project when appropriate. - The workshop adjourned to the regular Levy Court meeting in the chambers.