The Public Meeting Index

The Rochester City Council held a study session on September 14, 2026, to discuss the 2027 supplemental recommended operating budget, a payment card processing fee analysis, and the 2026 mid-year action plan. The session lasted from approximately 3:30 p.m. to after 6:30 p.m., with no formal votes taken; instead, staff received direction for preparing future resolutions and policies. 2027 Supplemental Recommended Operating Budget - Staff presented a recommended tax levy increase of 5.59% (to $124.9 million) and a total budget of $799.3 million (including Rochester Public Utilities). The increase is driven by capital improvements, equipment stabilization, and decision packages. - Councilmember Palmer proposed reducing the contingency fund from $1 million to $500,000 to lower the levy increase to 5.21%, matching the preliminary market value growth of 5.21%. Several council members (Keene, Wall, Miller) opposed, arguing the contingency provides necessary margin and that the reduction is a one-time budget trick that would not produce ongoing savings. No consensus was reached; staff will prepare the preliminary levy resolution reflecting the 5.59% increase but with the option for council to adjust at the September 21st action meeting. - A request for $100,000 in AnyPath Home funding was discussed. The council generally supported using one-time state affordable housing aid (projected $249,000 in 2027) rather than adding the amount to the property tax levy. Councilmember Doring preferred a levy-based approach, but the majority favored state aid. Staff will include a designation of $100,000 from that aid for AnyPath Home in the preliminary budget resolution. - Council Communications: Staff recommended MailChimp as an opt-in email tool ($9,300/year). Mayor Norton and several council members expressed disappointment, preferring a more robust platform like Indigov that allows geographic targeting and two-way communication. No direction was given; staff noted the current contract expires in November and a policy discussion will continue. - Shared Services: Deputy Administrator Parrish highlighted potential efficiencies in IT, fleet, GIS, and finance, but noted limited progress due to governance and cultural challenges. Council encouraged staff to sequence deeper dives into specific areas for future study sessions. - Mayor’s Initiatives & Council Travel Budget: Council President Schubring raised the possibility of combining council travel and training budgets into one pool, and of having council oversight over mayor’s initiative spending (currently $30,000). Mayor Norton defended the separate budget, noting her initiatives are funded by the council-approved budget and are reported monthly. Councilmember Palmer and Fredericks supported maintaining the mayor’s discretion. No changes were adopted; the topic may be revisited in a future study session on boards and commissions. Payment Card Processing Fee Analysis - Finance Manager Anderson presented a detailed analysis of the city’s 21 merchant IDs, six acquiring banks, and an average processing fee of 4.86% on credit card transactions, costing the city approximately $511,000 in 2025 (excluding pass-through fees). - The city could implement a surcharge or convenience fee (up to 5% per state statute) to recover most of the cost. Staff recommended a uniform 3% fee for most transactions, with some flat-fee options for small-ticket items (e.g., 25 cents for under-$3 purchases). The proposed policy would be broad, allowing the finance director to adjust fees by merchant as needed. - Council generally supported moving forward with a user-pay model, but raised concerns about alternatives for services where credit cards are the only payment method (e.g., parking ramps, bus fare via mobile app). Councilmember Keene cautioned against unintended customer frustration. Staff will bring a formal policy and implementation plan to a future meeting. 2026 Mid-Year Action Plan - Deputy Administrator Parrish reported that most action plan items are on track, with a few off-track items (e.g., some capital projects). The action plan links strategic priorities to departmental initiatives and is used to inform budget decisions. - Key updates included: 36 lead service lines replaced (RPU); 702 housing units supported through sales tax investment; 10% growth in transit ridership; progress on the ERP project (one go-live in fall 2027); and the $42.8 million Public Works/Parks Maintenance Center nearing completion. - Council asked about metrics for short-term rentals, lead service line funding, and air quality public communication. Staff will follow up on data trends and opportunities for more visible air quality information. - Councilmember Keene questioned whether the action plan is the best management tool; staff acknowledged continuous improvement and noted that a strategic priorities update will occur in early 2027, which may refine the action plan. Key Outcomes - Preliminary Levy Resolution: Staff will prepare the resolution with the 5.59% levy increase and $100,000 for AnyPath Home funded from state affordable housing aid. Council may adjust at the September 21 action meeting. - Contingency Reduction: No direction to reduce contingency; the 5.59% levy recommendation stands for now. - Payment Card Fee Policy: Staff will develop a policy to implement a surcharge/convenience fee, targeting cost recovery, and return to council for adoption. - Future Study Sessions: The next study session on September 28 will cover housing access, mode shift, and stormwater credit policy; October 12 will include the Red Owl/Time Theater history, youth council trip report, and parks and recreation marketing updates. - ERP Project: On track for a single go-live in fall 2027.

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM at City Hall with a quorum present. The commission discussed arts education and Proposition 28 funding, reviewed a temporary public art application for Winn Park, received a presentation on the Martin Luther King Jr. Library RFQ for public sculpture, and launched a new session of the Race Equity Ad Hoc Committee. Two consent calendar items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the minutes of the August 10, 2026 meeting and the Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Follow-Up Log. The motion passed with no opposition and no abstentions. Public Comments & Testimony - On Item 3 (Arts Education): Caleb Sanders, a professional musician and composer, stated he is a product of strong arts education and expressed full support for continued funding. Timothy Gay, a Sacramento resident and transplant from Detroit, also voiced strong support for arts education, citing its lifelong benefits. - On Item 4 (Temporary Public Art): Lambert Davis questioned why the artist Daniel Tran was not present to speak and contrasted this with a previous applicant who attended in person. He expressed general support for the project but noted the discrepancy. - On Item 6 (Race Equity Ad Hoc): Lambert Davis urged the commission to recognize the 80th anniversary of the Del Paso Heights community at City Council, emphasizing the importance of equity for long-standing residents. Timothy Gay advocated that the cultural equity statement should explicitly include storytelling as a core element. - On Matters Not on the Agenda: Lambert Davis repeated the call for Del Paso Heights recognition. Caleb Sanders highlighted that many live musicians are unaware of the commission and identified barriers such as paperwork, permitting, and parking fees. Timothy Gay criticized the city's entertainment permit fees, stating they harm small venues and musicians, and urged elimination of those barriers. Discussion Items - Item 3: Sacramento Arts Education Efforts and Proposition 28 Discussion Alison Tagley (Executive Director, Friends of Sacramento Arts) and CJ D'Angelis (Arts Integration Coordinator, Sacramento County Office of Education) presented. They noted that Prop 28 provides approximately $1 billion per year statewide for arts education, with an 80% requirement for certificated/classified staff and 20% for materials and community partnerships. Funding is permanent, per-pupil, with extra for Title I students. They encouraged parents to ask school principals how funds are used. Commissioner Dr. Winlock praised the collaborative efforts among the city, county, and advocacy groups. Chair Lavulo asked about a specific school (John Still) not appearing on the allocation list; CJ explained that schools have individual plans and that AB 2440 may require posting plans on school websites. Commissioner Smith inquired about expanded learning and after-school programming; CJ clarified that Prop 28 funds are intended for school-day use, though districts can waive the 80/20 split. - Item 4: Phase 1 Review - Temporary Public Art Application - Daniel Tran - Winn Park Donald Gensler presented the application for a sculpture with a pipevine planting at Winn Park. The artist, Daniel Tran, has already installed the sculpture as part of the Coordinates Dispatch exhibition and seeks a five-year temporary placement with a possible five-year extension. The project is self-funded. Commissioners discussed maintenance concerns based on a similar project at Southside Park, and staff noted that a maintenance plan would be required. The commission voted unanimously to allow the application to advance to Phase 2 review. - Item 5: Martin Luther King Jr. Library RFQ Presentation Donald Gensler presented the Request for Qualifications for a permanent public sculpture at the MLK Library entrance. The budget is $151,500 (including a $1,500 design fee). The artwork must be a relief panel or sculptural wall hanging with a civil rights theme. The RFQ is now open, with an information session on October 12, deadline October 26, panel review in December, artist selection by end of December, and installation targeted for December 2027. The rubric awards extra points for artists with a relationship to the area or subject matter. - Item 6: 2026 Race Equity Ad Hoc Committee - Session 2 of 6 Dr. Winlock outlined the ad hoc committee’s plan to revisit the commission’s cultural equity statement, originally developed about 15 years ago. The committee will meet in three Zoom sessions (Sept 24, Oct 8, Nov 19 from 3–5 PM) and will present recommendations at the January 2027 commission meeting. Discussion areas include how the cultural equity statement is guiding work, whether it needs updates, and examples of best practices. Commissioners suggested including elder communities and storytelling. Participating commissioners are Eisenberg, Hershey, Orozco, Smith, and Winlock. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved unanimously. - Item 4 motion to advance Daniel Tran’s temporary public art to Phase 2 passed unanimously. - No other votes were taken; Items 3, 5, and 6 were for receive and comment/discuss. - Next meeting is Monday, October 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM (first Monday instead of second). No December meeting; next in January 2027. - The commission has two open seats (Districts 6 and 7). - Director’s Report highlighted upcoming events: Art in Public Places Birds & Benches workshop (Sept 26), MLK Library RFQ info session (Oct 12) and deadline (Oct 26), and professional development scholarships for individual artists (applications through Sept 21).

The Appointments Committee of the Westchester County Board of Legislators met on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains, NY. Chair Anant Nambiar called the meeting to order at 4:06 PM; the committee adjourned at 4:47 PM. Legislators Margaret Cunzio and Jennifer Puja participated remotely. The committee unanimously approved four sets of prior meeting minutes and unanimously recommended the appointment of Kevin Winn to the Westchester County Storm Water Advisory Board, with the full Board vote expected at the evening session. Minutes Approval - The committee approved the May 18, 2026 minutes by a unanimous roll-call vote (5-0). - The committee approved the May 26, 2026, June 29, 2026, and August 31, 2026 minutes together in one unanimous motion (5-0). Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-376 — Appointment of Kevin Winn to the Storm Water Advisory Board: The resolution would appoint Winn for the term June 25, 2026 through December 31, 2027. (The agenda lists the appointee as 'Kevin Winn'; the transcript initially renders the name as 'Kevin Wynne.') - Winn described his roughly 35 years in public works and engineering, including 19 years as Commissioner of Public Works for the Town of Bedford, with significant experience in stormwater, sewage, and municipal infrastructure. He said the board advises the county on stormwater problems and on administering grant funds for municipal stormwater improvements. - On county-municipal coordination, Winn said drainage problems are often regional and tied to entire basins rather than single municipalities, that engineering models can identify bottlenecks and cost-effective solutions, and that rainfall intensity — not just total rainfall — may require updated storm models. - Chair Nambiar noted that flooding is one of the biggest challenges in his district, and the discussion highlighted that Rye received approximately seven inches of rain within a few hours during a recent storm, described as extreme intensity. - It was noted during the discussion that the county is taking on new watershed studies — including a refresh of a roughly 10-year-old Sound Shore watershed study — within the next six to twelve months, with assistance from third-party firms. - Legislator Erica Pierce expressed strong support for Winn, calling him a 'fantastic choice' and citing his work as Bedford's Public Works Commissioner. She emphasized that solving flooding in one place can push water and problems to another location, making a municipal voice at the county table valuable. - The committee voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the appointment. Chair Nambiar noted that he would cast his vote at the evening full Board of Legislators meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from the May 18, 2026 meeting (5-0). - Approved minutes from the May 26, 2026, June 29, 2026, and August 31, 2026 meetings (5-0). - Approved Resolution 2026-376 appointing Kevin Winn to the Westchester County Storm Water Advisory Board for the term June 25, 2026 to December 31, 2027 (5-0), with referral to the full Board for the evening session. - Meeting adjourned at 4:47 PM.

The Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission met on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM in City Hall, Room 301-B, and adjourned at 4:57 PM. Chair Jordan Morales led the meeting. Present were Ann Pieper Eisenbrown, Matt Jarosz, Patricia Keating Kahn, Sally Peltz, Nicholas Hans Robinson, and Jordan Morales; Ald. Robert Bauman was excused. Commissioner Jarosz left at 4:50 PM, so votes on later agenda items were 5-0. Consent Calendar (Staff-Approved Certificates of Appropriateness, Items 7-22) - The commission approved all 16 staff-approved Certificates of Appropriateness in one motion (6-0, Bauman excused): - 260558: chimney flashing, tile roof repair, and tuck pointing at 2401 N. Grant Boulevard. - 260559: replacement of a damaged storefront at 1025-1027 W. Historic Mitchell Street. Note: this file number also appears as item 3, and the commission voted on it in both places. - 260560: stucco repair and in-kind cedar shingle replacement at 2421 N. Terrace Avenue. - 260561: re-facing an existing monument sign and installing a rear wall at 2133 W. Wisconsin Avenue (Grand Avenue Congregational Church). - 260580: masonry and gutter repair at 2857 N. Grant Boulevard. - 260581: HVAC installation at 2546 N. Summit Avenue. - 260585: wood replacement fences at 3022 W. State Street. - 260600: landscaping, roof repair, and temporary window removal at 2359 N. Wahl Avenue. - 260601: wood fence at 834 N. 26th Street. - 260602: roof shingle replacement at 2717 E. Bradford Avenue. - 260614: metal driveway gate at 2585 N. Summit Avenue. - 260624: spot siding repair and replacement at 1814 N. 1st Street. - 260669: roof repairs at 3107 W. Kilbourn Avenue. - 260685: landscaping modifications at the Milwaukee Auditorium (High Life Theater) and Milwaukee Arena (Panther Arena), 400-500 W. Kilbourn Avenue. - 260687: reconstruction of the tennis courts in Lake Park, 3233 E. Newberry Boulevard. - 260689: roof replacement for shed dormer and dormer repair at 2635 N. Terrace Avenue. Public Comments & Testimony - Rese Schneider and Bob Schneider, Stella's parents, testified in favor of the Kilbourn/Reservoir Park playground. They described their daughter's disability after brain tumor surgery and her statement that 'playgrounds aren't for me,' which inspired the project. They expressed strong support for creating an inclusive play space where all children feel they belong. - Katherine Hannah, owner of properties on North Bremen Street, said she supports accessible playgrounds and praised the investment, but said neighbors were taken aback by the scale of the development. She raised concerns about changes to the hill, tree preservation, swing sets, bathroom maintenance, concession viability, and parking congestion during concerts and events. - Christine Privetti, of North Booth Street, said she supports the park and donated to Stella's Playground, but raised long-range concerns about bathroom maintenance, past drug use and safety issues, picnic shelter reservations, night-time pressure, marketing the park as a national attraction, and increased trash. - Nicole Heinle, of North Bremen Street, supported the concept but worried about parking, noting that streets around the park currently have no restrictions and asking whether new restrictions or meters might follow. - Gerald Roesch, vice president of the congregation and a member since 1944, testified in favor of designating the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Incarnation. He said designation would help the church qualify for grants, including those for historically Black congregations, to fund an interior elevator and roof repairs. Discussion Items - Item 1 - Kilbourn/Reservoir Park Playground (260622): Staff planner Tim Askin presented a proposal by Milwaukee Water Works and MKE Parks. The plan would renovate the unused comfort station into accessible bathrooms with a potential concession stand, add picnic shelters set one foot from the building, and install a dragon-themed playground designed with KOMPAN and Kahler Slater. The playground would include about 25,000 square feet of playable surface, sensory areas, enlarged basketball courts, and a switchback trail up the hill. The City of Milwaukee contributed $200,000; approximately $1.5 million has been raised toward a $2 million goal through private fundraising and in-kind partners. The commission asked for a lower roof pitch on the shelters and directed that the proposed steel slab doors be replaced with a more historic design such as a five-panel door. Parks staff said there is no plan for off-street parking, but accessible on-street spaces are planned near Meinecke and Fratney, and that park topography would be preserved. The project was approved unanimously. - Item 2 - Mothball Status at 2544 N. Sherman Boulevard (251648): Jennifer Luckett requested a six-month extension of mothball status for a non-compliant chain link fence. She said a neighbor will not allow tree removal on the shared property line, has been uncooperative and threatening, and she has a municipal court date on October 15. The commission approved the extension and suggested she contact the City Attorney's office. - Item 3 - Storefront Replacement at 1025-1027 W. Historic Mitchell Street (260559): Staff described replacing a car-damaged storefront with dark anodized bronze aluminum, tile details, and spandrel glass in the transom. Staff recommended conditions requiring transom trim so only full squares of the spandrel glass pattern are visible, a different single-color tile instead of a gradient faux-stone tile, and replacement of all tile. There were no objections, and the commission approved with those conditions. - Item 4 - Historic Designation of the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Incarnation (260608): Staff planner Tim Askin presented the cultural and social history. The church was founded in 1917 as an English Lutheran tent mission, and the current Neo-Gothic Lannon stone building was designed by architect Hugo Haeuser in 1923. The designation excludes the parsonage at 1510 W. Keefe Avenue at the applicant's request; the parsonage currently serves as a food pantry. The property was found significant for its role in racial integration in the 1960s under Pastor Charles Loon, the music school boycotts, anti-busing protests, community organizing after the 1981 death of Ernest Lacy, and its association with Reverend Dennis Jacobson, co-founder of MICA (Milwaukee Inner City Churches Allied for Hope). Staff recommended approval under criteria F1, F3, F6, and F9. After a public hearing, the commission recommended adoption and assigned the resolution to the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee. - Item 5 - Rear Deck and Patio Doors at 2328 E. Back Bay Street (260613): Staff planner Andrew Stern presented a proposal for the Charles Sprague Forsythe House. The work would remove a non-historic bay window, add solid wood French doors, and build a cedar deck with turned balusters matching the house's existing design. Staff recommended approval with conditions to finalize door, baluster, and rail details. The commission approved unanimously. - Item 6 - Detached Garage at 1060 E. Juneau Avenue (260623): Staff planner Andrew Stern presented a proposal for the George P. Miller House. The detached garage would be set back, mostly out of street view, and built of cream brick with wood carriage-style doors. Lot lines and access easements are being adjusted. Staff recommended approval with conditions on materials, door and light details, and roofing, including that no termination bars be visible from ground level. The commission approved unanimously. - Item 24 - CLG Review of Greyhound Terminal and Office Building (260666): Staff planner Andrew Stern presented the National Register nomination for the Greyhound Terminal and Office Building at 633 W. Wisconsin Avenue. The nomination is based on mid-20th century transportation history, not architectural merit. The building, designed by Robert Lee Hall and Associates and developed by Bloomfield Building Industries, opened its bus terminal in February 1965 and served more than 200 buses per day. Greyhound operated there until 2017. Staff recommended supporting the nomination under Criterion A: Transportation History. The commission supported the nomination 5-0. - Item 25 - CLG Review of Milwaukee County Department of Welfare Building (260718): Staff planner Andrew Stern presented the National Register nomination for 1220 W. Vliet Street. The building was constructed for Schuster's department store in 1910, expanded in 1923, and became the Milwaukee County Department of Welfare in 1963. The nomination is under Criterion A for social history, politics, and government, with a period of significance from 1963 to 1986. The site is associated with welfare program growth, civil rights activism, protests, and sit-ins, as well as later welfare reform controversies. A $9.3 million federal funding cut in 1983 and major renovation in 1986 mark the end of the period. The building is now being renovated by Gorman and Company into workforce and affordable housing. The commission supported the nomination 5-0. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously (6-0, Bauman excused): Item 1 (Kilbourn/Reservoir Park playground), Item 2 (mothball status), Item 3 (storefront replacement), Item 5 (rear deck), and Item 6 (detached garage). - Recommended for adoption and assigned to the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee (6-0, Bauman excused): Item 4 (permanent historic designation of the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Incarnation). - Approved the consent block of staff-approved Certificates of Appropriateness (6-0, Bauman excused): Items 7-22. - Approved the minutes from the August 3, 2026 meeting. - Supported National Register nominations for the Greyhound Terminal and the Milwaukee County Department of Welfare building (5-0, with Jarosz and Bauman excused). - Announcement: The Wisconsin Local History and Historic Preservation Conference is scheduled for October 14-16, 2026, in downtown Milwaukee. - Meeting adjourned at 4:57 PM.

The Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee met Monday, September 14, 2026, convening at 1:04 p.m. and adjourning at 4:20 p.m. in Council Chamber, City Hall, Jacksonville. Five members were present (Chair Chris Miller, Vice Chair Tyrona Clark-Murray, Jimmy Peluso, Ron Salem, and Mone' Holder); Matt Carlucci was excused and Kevin Carrico was absent/unexcused. The committee considered more than 40 agenda items, including an electric-bicycle ordinance, a JSO artificial-intelligence grant, social-service and public-safety appropriations, affordable-housing land donations, and a JEA bond authorization. Public Comments & Testimony - Carnell Oliver spoke against 2026-0672, the proposed no-cost donation of city-owned property at 1725 East 22nd St. to Destined for a Change, Inc. for affordable housing. He claimed Councilmember Pittman bypassed proper process, alleged Sunshine Law and civil-rights violations, and asked the committee not to take up the bill. He also expressed the position that council members should be full-time and called for accountability. Discussion Items - Electric bicycle ordinance (2026-0570): CM Boylan presented a rules substitute that added a shared-use path definition, set a 15 MPH maximum speed for electric bicycles on sidewalks and shared-use paths, required helmets for riders under 16, removed the minimum age, made careless or unsafe operation a violation without proof of speed, authorized City-posted restrictions and signage, and created a standardized retailer education sign. The committee adopted an amendment fixing the retailer-signage effective date as December 1, 2026. A JSO representative agreed with CM Salem that the state reckless-driving statute has more enforcement teeth and that enforcing speed limits without adequate signage is difficult; JSO said it would likely use the state statute, and JSO did not support a minimum age. The substitute was approved 4-1 with CM Salem voting no; CM Peluso said he might later explore an age requirement for app-based e-bikes. Chair Miller confirmed the ordinance and state law require riders to yield to pedestrians. - JSO AI grant (2026-0667): The committee considered accepting $1,916,232 from the Florida State Board of Immigration Enforcement for JSO, with no City match, for a Peregrine AI analytical platform, a two-year software subscription, and staff costs; the grant term runs February 17, 2025, to June 30, 2027. CM Peluso moved to defer because there is no citywide AI/data policy, expressing concern about where data would be stored and who could access it. JSO Chief Chris King and Bill Clement said JSO data would remain internally controlled, a draft JSO AI policy was ready, and a deferral could jeopardize procurement and implementation. The deferral was denied 2-3 (Holder and Peluso yes; Clark-Murray, Miller, and Salem no), and the bill was approved 4-1 (Peluso no). - Exchange Club Family Center appropriation (2026-0673): The amendment to correct the entity name and exhibits passed 5-0. The underlying $204,000 direct appropriation for the FY 2026-27 Exchange Parent Aide Program failed to report out on a 3-2 vote (Miller and Salem no; Clark-Murray, Peluso, and Holder yes). Executive Director Sue Watson testified that the organization's PSG application remained in draft status because of a technical issue; she said 90 adults had completed the program with no subsequent DCF contact for reported child abuse. CM Salem opposed the request as an end-run around the PSG and budget process. Because the committee vote was 3-2, the bill remains in committee unless discharged by the Council President; a motion to reconsider failed 2-3. - Jax Yacht Charters grant (2026-0721): The committee approved the emergency declaration and a technical amendment, then failed to report the $70,000 reimbursement grant for Coast Guard-required repairs to the Royal Princess dinner cruise vessel. The vote was 3-2 (Miller, Peluso, and Holder yes; Clark-Murray and Salem no). Owner Leslie Bellanich said the repairs were just completed and the business needed help bridging costs; the two-year agreement requires retaining 5 jobs, continuing vessel operation, and conducting at least 24 public events annually, with a clawback of funds if terms are not met. CM Peluso supported it as comparable to DIA incentives for downtown businesses; Vice Chair Clark-Murray said she did not see a sufficient benefit to the City. The bill remains in committee unless discharged. - 8000-1 LLC / Arlington Expressway redevelopment (2026-0588): Approved 5-0 after a rules amendment increased the 75% REV grant from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000, extended the payout from 10 to 11 years, and increased the private capital investment figure from $20,000,000 to $28,500,000 for the completed 95 market-rate residential units. Steve Diebenow said the prior REV grant lapsed after the project missed the December 31, 2024 deadline, that actual costs were about $28.5 million, and that the agreement was unusual. Chair Miller voiced concern about renegotiating incentives after completion. Council Auditor's Office and OED confirmed the land purchase is not included in the ROI calculation. - PSG Micro-Grant Program (2026-0624): Approved 5-0 after an amendment allowing a maximum 50% advance of a micro-grant award, with the remaining 50% paid after documentation of the initial advance is approved. Grants are set at $10,000-$20,000; the Public Service Grant Council will score applications. The Council Auditor's Office said 10% would be most consistent with the Code, but CM Salem called 50% a reasonable compromise; grants staff said they were comfortable with carry-forward language and controls. An agenda bullet still described the waiver as allowing 100% advance, but the approved amendment limited the initial advance to 50%. - JEA bond authorization (2026-0634): Approved 5-0. The resolution authorizes JEA to issue electric system bonds up to $3.9 billion, water and sewer system bonds up to $3.7 billion, and district energy bonds up to $150 million, with current debt outstanding included and estimated to cover borrowing needs for 3-4 years. JEA Treasurer A.J. Souto said total JEA debt service, including Plant Vogtle commitments, exceeds $500 million annually. CM Salem expressed concern about rate pressure on taxpayers; CM Peluso said JEA needs its own power generation to avoid rising third-party costs. Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals - Deferred at request of sponsors or for listed reasons: 2024-0966 (Live Oak settlement, CM Carrico), 2025-0361 (retiree adjustment payments, CM White), 2026-0227 (abortion expenditure prohibition, CM Diamond), 2026-0320 (Police & Fire Pension Board governance, CM White), 2026-0377 (Downtown Entertainment District report, CM Johnson), 2026-0662 (Deep Creek CDD, noticing requirements), 2026-0672 (DFAC property, CM Pittman), and 2026-0677 (Springfield Lofts, CM M. Carlucci). Public hearing for 2026-0644 (Cedar Point Preserve rename to Middlebrook Preserve) was opened and closed; the item is deferred for Historic Preservation Commission review. - Withdrawn: 2026-0666, $150,000 Salvation Army Homeless to Work appropriation, withdrawn 5-0 at the request of CM M. Carlucci. - Second reads/rereferrals: 2026-0698 (State of the River Report), 2026-0700 (Gateway completion grants), 2026-0701 (JSO headquarters, JSO warehouse consolidation, JFRD CO2 system), 2026-0702 (Sisters of St. Joseph honorary street designation), 2026-0705 (surplus truck to Volunteer Life Saving Corps), 2026-0706 (Downtown Economic Development Fund earnings), 2026-0707 (Emergency Solutions Grant), 2026-0709 (Council Rules quorum change), 2026-0720 (Pablo Creek Conservation Area management agreement), and 2026-0740 (Lofts at Southbank extension). - Unanimously approved emergency and routine items, all 5-0 unless noted: 2026-0663 ($31,227 fitness council carryover), 2026-0668 ($55,000 Minds of the Future Foundation direct contract), 2026-0669 (Operation Boost contract extension to December 31, 2026), 2026-0670 ($103,549 JU manatee study amendment), 2026-0675 (Jax Golf Management golf-cart lease amendment), 2026-0676 (four surplus lots donated to DKS Community Development LLC for affordable housing; combined assessed value $24,617), 2026-0678 ($50,000 Manatee Tank Youth Pitch Competition; $40,000 for microgrants and $10,000 administrative), 2026-0688 (Historic Stanton School grant extension, $143,710 obligated), 2026-0699 (hospital special-assessment exemption for CMS tax-waiver facilities), 2026-0703 ($50,000 sponsorships for 2027 Unity Classic and Juneteenth), 2026-0708 ($250,000 Blue Cypress Golf Course clubhouse; total project cost estimated at $2 million with $1.2 million from Jacksonville University), 2026-0710 ($55,000 Property Appraiser budget allocation), 2026-0711 ($141,120 FEMA hazard-mitigation acquisition/demolition, including $33,600 City match; $1,885.74 tax liens must be satisfied before acquisition), 2026-0712 ($91,181 carryover for District 11 Council Member initiatives), 2026-0714 ($717,482 for downtown public space maintenance; $154,800 for a Parks FTE and $562,682 for Downtown Vision, Inc.), 2026-0715 (Northside Community Involvement grant extension to March 31, 2027), 2026-0716 ($125,000 carryover for District 8 Council Member initiatives; LISC declined the grant over audit requirements), 2026-0717 ($400,000 carryover for film/TV incentive Project T), 2026-0718 (film office carryover), 2026-0719 ($50,310.25 to Ritz Chamber Players), 2026-0639 ($52,000 Edward Byrne JAG part-time data specialist; 2,000 part-time hours), and 2026-0724 (KHA license amendment for Managed Access to Child Health, Inc.). Key Outcomes - Electric-bicycle substitute approved 4-1; retailer-signage requirement effective December 1, 2026. - JSO AI grant approved 4-1 after a deferral motion failed 2-3. - PSG Micro-Grant Program and 8000-1 LLC REV grant amendments approved 5-0. - JEA bond authorization approved 5-0. - Exchange Club Family Center and Jax Yacht Charters bills each failed to report out on 3-2 votes; both remain in committee unless discharged by the Council President, and reconsideration of the Exchange Club bill failed 2-3. - Chair Miller agreed to schedule a Neighborhoods Committee discussion/workshop on grant audit, reporting, and insurance requirements after nonprofit concerns. - Listed emergency/routine items, land donations, grant extensions, and appropriations were approved 5-0; deferred and withdrawn items remain as noted. - The next regular meeting of the committee is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026.

The Government Operations Committee of the City of Frederick met on September 14, 2026, to discuss a proposal for an alternative funding mechanism for affordable housing, consider several charter amendments, and review other items. The meeting included presentations, public comments, and committee deliberation. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from August 3, 2026, and August 10, 2026, unanimously (3-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Ann Ryan (Frederick Housing Solutions Task Force, Frederick House) expressed support for the revolving loan fund concept, suggesting a pilot project using $5 million for innovative affordable housing initiatives, such as on church property or for single-room occupancy (SRO) units. - Danny Adams (Executive Officer, Frederick County Building Industry Association) supported creative public-private partnerships and recommended including vacancy rates in feasibility studies, ensuring qualification processes for rental and for-sale units. - Sharon Camper Cerez (resident, former housing policy analyst, Montgomery County National Park and Planning Commission) endorsed the revolving fund over a general fund set-aside, emphasized that a standalone commission (like HOC) is essential for integrity, and suggested using short-term rental hotel tax revenue to supplement the bond program. She also urged moving forward with form-based code and noted that the break-even for MPDUs in Montgomery County was at least 14.5%. Discussion Items - Proposal for Alternative Funding for Affordable Housing (Workshop Item A): Ryan Trout, a Frederick resident and volunteer, presented a concept for a $15 million bond-funded revolving loan fund ("Housing Accelerator Fund") to replace expensive private equity (16-22% returns) in the capital stack for mixed-income rental housing. The fund would lend at 5-7% interest, with savings used to create affordable units (e.g., 30-60% AMI). The bond would cost the city an estimated $1-1.2 million annually but generate $900,000 in interest, netting $100,000-$300,000 per year. Chattanooga and Montgomery County models were cited. Committee members discussed governance (housing authority vs. standalone entity), the need for a feasibility study, staffing costs, and potential to use MPDU fees. Chairwoman Nash indicated plans to draft an ordinance. - Charter Consideration: City Administration (Workshop Item D): Councilmember Brem proposed establishing a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) position appointed by the mayor but removable by council majority, elevating the Director of Planning and HR to cabinet-level, and requiring council advice and consent for terminations of such appointees. Councilmember Akins opposed, arguing redundancy and that the mayor should have flexibility. Councilmember Nash favored professionalizing management. No action taken; further discussion planned. - Charter Consideration: Public Property – Eminent Domain (Workshop Item B): Chairwoman Nash raised the topic for future discussion, noting other jurisdictions use eminent domain for vacant property enforcement and that a presentation on state practices may be appropriate. - Charter Consideration: Public Sidewalks (Workshop Item C): Councilmember Nash proposed language clarifying the city's authority over sidewalks while reserving the right to assume costs, pending a DPW sidewalk study and financial analysis. Committee supported the approach. - Old Business: Referenced a proposed charter amendments list for review. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on substantive items. - The committee agreed to proceed with drafting an ordinance for the Housing Accelerator Fund, including a feasibility study and governance structure. - Further discussions on charter amendments for administration, eminent domain, sidewalks, and public property disposition were scheduled for future meetings. - The chair directed staff to draft a short-term rental hotel tax ordinance, as previously discussed. - Committee members requested additional information on the use of MPDU funds, bond costs, and staffing implications for the housing fund.

The Charlotte City Council met on Monday, September 14, 2026, in Room 267 of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center (600 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC). Mayor Robert Harrington presided, joined by Mayor Pro Tem James Mitchell and Council Members Dimple Ajmera, Dante Anderson, JD Mazuera Arias, Ed Driggs, Malcolm Graham, Renee Johnson, LaWana Mayfield, Joi Mayo, Kimberly Owens, and Victoria Watlington. The meeting was broadcast on the Government Channel, the City's Facebook page, and the City's YouTube channel. Prior to the formal business meeting, the council held a discussion session on the I-77 South Express Lanes project ahead of the September 23rd CRTPO vote. The formal agenda included proclamations, the consent calendar, an interlocal agreement with UNC Charlotte for campus police, and the sale of city-owned land for affordable housing. Proclamations - Council Member Owens read a proclamation recognizing the periods of March through May and September through November as Bird Safe Awareness Months, supported by community partners including Wing Haven, Mecklenburg Audubon, Charlotte Wildlife Stewards, Discovery Place, and UNC Charlotte. - Council Member Johnson read a proclamation recognizing September 2026 as Concussion Awareness Month in Charlotte. - Mayor Harrington read a proclamation recognizing September 19, 2026, as Mayor's Monarch Pledge Day, encouraging residents to participate in community activities supporting and celebrating monarch butterflies. Consent Calendar - The council approved consent agenda items 17 through 46 by motion. Item 16 was pulled from the consent block and considered separately. Other consent materials noted in the agenda included a Resolution for the Refund of Property Taxes with a list of taxpayers, and a professional services contract with Ardurra Group North Carolina following a May 1, 2026 RFP. Discussion Items Item 12 - Interlocal Agreement with UNC Charlotte for Campus Police Council Member Mayfield asked clarifying questions about the city's commitments under the agreement and the impact of agreements with other bodies, including the Centralina Regional Council. The item was approved as read. Item 14 - Sale of City-Owned Land for Affordable Housing The council considered the sale of city-owned land for affordable housing development, a property previously evaluated for affordable housing opportunities by city staff following a Request for Proposals issued November 26, 2024. The proposal included a 20-year affordability period during which units may not be leased at market rates, with assignment requiring the city's prior consent. Council Members Mayfield and Mayo questioned the 20-year affordability term. A motion to refer the item to committee for policy enhancements was made and discussed; one council member urged limiting the referral to this particular agenda item to avoid scope creep, while Council Member Driggs argued the council should see the item through rather than interfere at that point. Council Member Mitchell offered a separate motion to be considered after the referral vote. The referral was approved and the council proceeded to the next agenda item. I-77 South Express Lanes Discussion (Pre-Meeting Session) Staff briefed the council on the I-77 South expansion, explicitly recommending no position, to establish a common factual basis ahead of a council action scheduled for Monday, September 21st and the CRTPO vote on September 23rd. Key facts presented: - The project was proposed as two tolled express lanes in each direction along 11 miles of I-77 between the South Carolina state line and uptown Charlotte. - On May 20, 2026, Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mecklenburg County, Mint Hill, Monroe, and the MTC voted to rescind support for the project, totaling 47 weighted votes. - Staff cited a written NCDOT commitment letter as a change from prior oral assurances. - If CRTPO votes to support a P3 delivery option, the next steps would include a CRTPO working group of board members and their designees partnering with NCDOT to develop project objectives and priorities; once NCDOT drafts key terms, CRTPO would have 60 days to review prior to any public advertisement. - Staff reviewed the city's two steady-state budget models (transportation, and affordable housing/public facilities), noting that funds programmed for future bond referendums are not 'free and clear,' that a one-time fund-balance expenditure is not for operating and could generate questions, and that if payment is more likely than not, external auditors may require the city to expense it on its balance sheet before the end of the fiscal year. Staff also cited North Carolina law requiring every city expenditure to serve a public purpose with the primary benefit flowing to the city's own citizens. - Staff committed to compiling a summary of community input to share later that week, and noted that members of the public would be able to sign up to speak on the item at the September 21st council meeting after the agenda is published. Council member positions and concerns: - Council Member Driggs said the situation is 'driven by fear' and questioned whether the choice is between driving a harder bargain for better terms or saying no, asking what comes next if the council cannot reach agreement the following week. - A council member said the community where the project would be located does not support it; that they had not heard anyone other than the business community support it; that the city has no leverage it is willing to use; and that 'if you're not at the table, you are on the menu.' - Council Member Johnson asked whether property taxes could be raised and affordable housing reduced if the city does not move forward, noted the lack of cost details and dates for the $70 million figure, and said the council had spent more time talking about punishments than benefits. She also stated that, to her knowledge, there is no contract between the City of Charlotte and any developers or vendors associated with NCDOT related to the project, and asked what responsibility the state would have to ensure commitments are completed. - Council Member Mayo said the moment was not for pointing fingers at colleagues, since it was clear that not everyone had complete or near-complete information throughout the process. - Council Member Anderson said that if the council really wants to support I-77, it is about community benefits, and asked that the council move efficiently to the business meeting. - Council Member Owens said no one is going to get 100% of what they want. - One council member who voted to rescind support said their opposition was never about rejecting community benefits, but about going back to the drawing board to create a fair project for corridor residents. - Another council member said small business owners must receive full relocation expenses and business interruption compensation, and that the city should ask for far greater than that. - One member referenced an October 14, 2024 meeting at which the 'fine print' of the I-77 proposal reportedly showed the city council would not have much or any flexibility to say no. - One member noted the city has many priorities before the state government over the next year and a half, including expanding the HTA hospitality tax for economic development projects over the next two to three years. Housing Moratorium Extension Council leadership announced that the housing committee had voted to refer a proposal to extend the existing moratorium to full council. A detailed presentation is scheduled for September 28th, covering all work completed to date and a proposed extension timeline. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items 17 through 46 were approved; item 16 was considered separately. - Item 12 (interlocal agreement with UNC Charlotte for campus police) was approved. - Item 14 (sale of city-owned land for affordable housing) was referred to committee for policy enhancement discussion limited to that item. - The council is scheduled to take action on the I-77 South Express Lanes at its September 21st meeting, ahead of the CRTPO vote on September 23rd. - Staff will deliver a community input summary later in the week of September 14th. - A detailed housing moratorium extension presentation is scheduled for September 28th. Note on Transcript Discrepancies The transcript attributes several remarks to 'Council Member Adams,' 'Council Member Drake,' and 'Council Member Drags,' none of whom appear on the official September 14, 2026 attendance roster. These are likely transcription errors for Council Member Anderson and Council Member Driggs, who do appear in the transcript. This summary attributes those remarks accordingly.

The Richmond City Council held an informal meeting on September 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The primary agenda item was the review of the council docket for upcoming meetings. Council members discussed continuances, amendments, and referrals for numerous ordinances and resolutions. No public comments were taken. Key actions included retaining certain items on the consent agenda and continuing others to future council meetings. Consent Calendar - Items 2 and 3 (Ordinances 2026-102 and 2026-113) were amended at the July 27 council meeting and retained on the consent agenda for this evening. Discussion Items - Item 4 (Ordinance 2026-120): Continued to the September 28 council meeting. - Item 5 (Ordinance 2026-155): Continued to the September 28 council meeting per applicant's request. - Items 6-10 (Ordinances 2026-173, 174, 175, 176, 177): Planning commission recommended approval. Item 8 (Ordinance 2026-175) was continued to the September 28 meeting by consensus. - Item 11 (Ordinance 2026-178): Planning commission recommended approval with an amendment. The item is to be amended this evening and then continued to the September 28 meeting. Note: competing amendments exist, but only one will be voted on. - Items 12-13 (Ordinances 2026-179 and 2026-180): Planning commission recommended approval. Item 13 was continued to the September 28 meeting. - Item 14 (Ordinance 2026-181): Continued to the October 13 council meeting. - Items 15-16 (Ordinances 2026-182 and 2026-183): Planning commission recommended approval; no continuance noted. - Item 17 (Ordinance 2026-184): Continued to the November 9 council meeting. - Item 18 (Ordinance 2026-185): Planning commission recommended approval; no continuance noted. - Item 19 (Ordinance 2026-186): Planning commission recommended approval, amended this evening and continued to the September 28 meeting. - Item 20 (Ordinance 2026-187): Continued to the September 28 meeting. - Item 21 (Ordinance 2026-188): Planning commission recommended approval; no continuance noted. - Item 22 (Ordinance number not specified): Continued to the September 28 meeting. - Item 23 (Ordinance to establish Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Committee): Continued and referred to the September 22 Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee, then to the September 28 council meeting. - Item 24 (Ordinance 2026-191): No continuance noted. - Item 25 (Resolution 2026-R031): Organization development recommended continuance; referred to the September 22 Planning and Public Safety Standing Committee for recommendation, then continued to the September 28 council meeting. - Item 26 (Resolution 2026-R029): Scheduled to be amended and continued; per Ms. Gibson's request, it was instead continued to the October 13 council meeting to allow time for Gilpin resident feedback. Key Outcomes - Multiple ordinances and resolutions were continued to future meetings: September 28 (items 4,5,8,11,13,19,20,22,23,25), October 13 (items 14,26), and November 9 (item 17). - Items 2 and 3 remained on the consent agenda. - Items 15,16,18,21,24 were not continued and presumably remain on the agenda as recommended by the planning commission, but no formal action on them was taken during this informal meeting.

This work session was the second of two planned sessions on the Transient Lodging Tax (TLT). Staff presented recommendations for program refinements, sought council consensus on an event series sponsorship program, and discussed financial projections for TLT-funded programs. No public comment was taken, and no formal action was taken. Discussion Items - Program Refinements: Staff proposed two changes: (1) expand eligibility to allow government entities to apply for the tourism sponsorship grant, and (2) reduce the application submission deadline from 90 days to 30 days prior to the event. Council discussed the first proposal and reached consensus to limit expanded eligibility to the Forest Grove School District only, not all government entities. The rationale was to support school-hosted tournaments that draw tourism while avoiding dilution of funds for nonprofits. The 30-day deadline change was accepted without objection. - Event Series Sponsorship Program: Staff introduced a new program offering up to $20,000 maximum per event series, with a maximum of $5,000 per event with sponsorship tiers and $2,000 per event without. To qualify, an event series must meet at least three of six criteria (e.g., same location, same day of week, same target audience) and be organized by the same entity within one year. Council clarified that a series is defined as two or more events. The program was approved as proposed, with a note to include the “two or more” definition explicitly. - Financial Overview and Future Funding: The TLT fund currently has an unallocated balance of $180,000, with expected annual revenue of $160,000 (projected to grow 3% annually). Current allocations: public arts ($11,050), event sponsorship ($44,200), tourism marketing ($44,200), capital grant program ($11,050), and a portion of the economic development coordinator salary ($28,460). Total expenses are $138,960, leaving savings of $200,000. Staff proposed sunsetting the capital grant program due to low usage and redirecting its funds to event sponsorship. A five-year forecast was presented showing increasing reserves. Council expressed support for the proposed allocations. - Main Street Program Funding: A council member suggested allocating TLT funds to the Main Street program, referencing prior budget discussions. Other members noted the program was not part of the current proposal and that the work session was not a venue for formal motions. No consensus was reached to include Main Street funding at this time. Key Outcomes - Consensus reached on government entity eligibility: Only the Forest Grove School District will be added as an eligible applicant. Staff will amend the program accordingly. - Consensus reached on 30-day application deadline: Approved. - Event series sponsorship program approved with a definition of two or more events and meeting at least three of six criteria. - Capital grant program to be sunset as agreed by council. - Financial plan adopted as presented, with reserves set aside for future capital projects. - No action on Main Street program funding – council did not reach consensus to include it in TLT allocations at this time. - Staff will prepare a resolution amending the tourism sponsorship and capital grant programs to reflect council direction and incorporate TLT programming into future budget conversations.