The Public Meeting Index

The Appointments and Briefings Committee met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 7:02 PM in Council Chambers. The agenda included citizen input, an appointment to the Election Commission, a host community agreement for a cannabis business, updates on County Street construction, South End sewage odor complaints, and an update on South Coast Renewables litigation. Several items were tabled, and one appointment was forwarded to the full council. Public Comments & Testimony - William Lacey (914 Lucy Street) spoke about unsafe driving by New Bedford police officers on Lucy Street. He described an incident at dusk on a long summer day where three police Ford Explorer SUVs transited from Bartlett Street to LaPage Street at speeds over 50 mph with lights only, activating sirens only after reaching Route 18 and Cushnet Avenue. He expressed concern for pedestrian safety, noting a recent fatal accident involving a five-year-old autistic boy. He suggested enacting a quiet time for sirens (10 p.m. to 5 a.m.) and urged the council to prevent future incidents. He answered a question confirming the time was near sunset (8:30 p.m.). - Items 1c (Carmen Norman), 1d (Catherine Synnott), and 1e (Brian Santerre) were not addressed as speakers were absent; 1d and 1e were rescheduled to the October meeting. Discussion Items - Appointment of Brian J. Sousa to the Election Commission: Sousa, a lifelong New Bedford resident with prior service as an auxiliary police officer, EMT, police officer, pastor, and deputy director of emergency management, answered questions about accountability (to voters and election laws) and his motivation (election integrity). Councillor Burgo and Baptiste expressed support despite delays in the appointment process. A motion to correct the spelling of his name from "Sousa" to "Sousa" with a Z was made but deemed unnecessary. The committee voted to report the appointment to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. - Host Community Agreement (HCA) for Houz of Diesel (THConnect, LLC): City Solicitor Eric Jaikes reported that the HCA screening committee met, reviewed the proposal, found technical errors, sent questions, and received responses that afternoon. He stated he was satisfied and expected likely approval, but could not commit for the whole committee. Shamar James, CEO, and Connie Sousa expressed readiness and asked the city to adopt the CCC template to expedite the process. Councillor Baptiste praised the thorough application. Councillor Gomes emphasized continuing progress. The item was tabled to allow further review. - County Street Construction Project: Jim Costa (Wastewater Superintendent, DPI) provided an update: phase two (Rivett Street to Allen Street) utility work is complete, binder pavement installed, sidewalk work will finish this fall. Phase three coordination with Eversource is beginning. Councillor Pereira requested better temporary yellow line markings for safety. Councillor Baptiste raised concerns about residential access, trash pickup, and mail delivery during construction. Councillor Lopes asked to keep one lane open and minimize porta-potty placement duration, especially before snow. Costa confirmed these would be addressed. The item was tabled. - South End Sewage Odor Complaints: Councillor Pereira and others discussed ongoing odor issues near the South Rodney French Boulevard treatment facility. Jim Costa provided a summary of 2026 odor complaint logs (calls to Veolia, texts/calls to DPI, and NB 311 reports). Councillor Pereira noted that the administration had claimed only out-of-town residents complain, contradicting a petition from South End residents. Residents Tracy Wallace and Wendy Morrill questioned whether NB 311 complaints are effectively logged and pushed to Veolia without city follow-up. They reported that a resident who called the plant directly was told the employee did not know how to handle it. Public-facing data from Veolia’s odor monitors is expected soon. The item was tabled pending further review in the Environmental Affairs Committee. - South Coast Renewables (formerly Parallel Products) Appeal: Wendy Morrill updated that an appeal hearing was held on September 3, 2026, with 17 community members (including Councillor Choquette and former Councillor Morad) present. The judge asked clarifying questions of attorneys for SCR, the Board of Health, and Conservation Law Foundation. The judge acknowledged the community’s interest and noted the hearing was unusually long. A decision is due by October 23, 2026. Morrill hopes the Board of Health’s denial is upheld. The item was tabled. Key Outcomes - Brian J. Sousa appointment to the Election Commission was voted to be reported to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation (voice vote, no opposition). Spelling of his name was corrected to "Sousa" with a Z. - Items 3 (Houz of Diesel), 4 (County Street), 5 (South End odor), and 6 (South Coast Renewables) were all tabled by voice votes. - Items 7 and 8 were waived and reported out to the full council with no further action. - Meeting adjourned at 7:58 PM.

The Zoning Board of Appeals of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, met on September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM in the Jim Brey Conference Room at City Hall. The board considered one variance appeal, approved prior meeting minutes, and unanimously voted to deny the requested variance. All votes were 5-0. Approval of Minutes - Motion to approve the April 21, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals minutes was made by Mrotek, seconded by DeZeeuw, and carried unanimously (5-0). Public Comments - No public comments were recorded during the meeting. Discussion and Action Item: 26-0792 Variance Appeal – 1611 Green Street - Applicant: Luis Garcia Minjares - Property: 1611 Green Street, Manitowoc, WI (Tax Key 595-001-032) - Request: A variance from Municipal Ordinance 15.390(5)(d) to permit construction of a porch roof 20 feet wide projecting 9 feet into the designated front yard setback. - Applicant absent: The applicant did not appear at the meeting. - Staff testimony: Building Inspection Supervisor S. Keil stated that the staff report was accurate. - Board discussion: Acting Chairperson Jean Wakefield read the staff analysis of the three hardship tests. Board members discussed that the three hardship tests were not proven and that the project had commenced without an approved building permit. Key Outcomes - Motion to deny the variance was made by DeZeeuw, seconded by Zimmerman. The board voted unanimously (5-0) to affirm the decision of the Building Inspector and deny the variance because the applicant did not meet the burden of proof nor provide evidence satisfying all three hardship tests under State Statutes. - Motion to adjourn was made by Zimmerman, seconded by Mrotek, and carried unanimously (5-0) at 5:08 PM. Note: The raw transcript provided contained only a brief, unrelated statement and did not include the substantive discussion. This summary is based on the official meeting minutes and agenda.

The source material for this meeting is empty. No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided, so no substantive summary of the proceedings can be produced. Note on Source Material - The agenda was marked as not available. - The minutes were marked as not available. - The raw transcription was blank. Because no discussion items, public comments, or votes were recorded in the available materials, any attempt to summarize specific topics, speaker positions, or decisions would be speculative and inaccurate. No actions or outcomes can be reported.

The Carrollton City Council held a combined Worksession and Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The worksession convened at 5:45 PM in the Council Briefing Room, where the council received a briefing on police technology and crime reduction strategies. The regular meeting began at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers, featuring a proclamation for Emergency Preparedness Month, approval of consent agenda items, a separate public comment period and vote on a consolidated Flock Safety contract, and council reports. Consent Calendar The following items were approved unanimously via consent, exclusive of Items 9 and 13, which were considered separately: - Item 8: Approval of the August 18, 2026 regular council meeting minutes. - Item 10: Authorization to enter into a three-year agreement with Esri for enterprise GIS software licensing at an annual cost of $157,564 (total not to exceed $472,692). - Item 11: Authorization for Change Order No. 1 with ESO Solutions for the Fire Department records management solution, increasing the total contract to $307,307.75. - Item 12: Authorization to renew agreements with various furniture vendors through Collin County cooperative agreements, not to exceed $880,000 for Fiscal Year 2027. - Item 14: Resolution authorizing an agreement with Metrocrest Services, Inc. for $629,092 in services plus $113,000 in CDBG funds for homelessness efforts. - Item 15: Resolution authorizing an agreement with Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas for $104,637 for Fiscal Year 2027. Item 9 (approval of September 1, 2026 minutes) was pulled for individual consideration and passed unanimously. Proclamation Mayor Steve Babick read a proclamation declaring September as Emergency Preparedness Month, recognizing the city’s emergency management staff and encouraging residents to prepare emergency kits and plans. Emergency Management Coordinator Jay Johnson accepted the proclamation and thanked the council for their support. Worksession Briefing: Police Use of Technology and Crime Reduction Strategies Police Chief Robert Arredondo, Assistant Chief Caleb West, and Commander Zach White presented the department’s crime reduction strategy, which has reduced overall crime by nearly 50% over four years. Key points: - The 2025 crime rate was 65% lower than 20 years ago, making Carrollton the fourth safest big city in the metroplex. - The strategy is intelligence-led and data-driven, focusing on people, places, behavior, and partnerships. - Technology tools include Flock Safety ALPRs (67 license plate readers and 15 PTZ cameras), a Real-Time Crime Center, drones (including Drone as First Responder), and Live 911. - The proposed Item 13 consolidates four existing Flock contracts into one three-year agreement with no new cameras or additional funding required. Annual cost is $398,258.34 (total $1,194,775.02), already budgeted. - Data retention is 30 days, with role-based access controls, permanent audit logs, and proactive misuse detection. No data is sold or shared with federal agencies or non-law enforcement entities. - The department has had zero substantiated cases of misuse of the Flock system, and the Chief committed to swift discipline for any future abuse. Public Comments & Testimony on Item 13 (Flock Safety Contract) A large number of residents and stakeholders spoke during the public comment period, with about 20 speakers presenting both opposition and support. Opposition arguments (from Jeffrey Faust, Brian Chandler, Hannah Fausto, Claire Neago, Kim Crossley, Kurt Booth, Arya Dean, Jonathan Bowen, Mark Baim, Nicholas Brown, Amara, Micah Dumont, John Etzel, Kenneth Vagans, Laurie Foster, Christian Hernandez, Amna Malik, James McAllister, Ketzia Mendez, Nicholas Solis, Joseph Sutton, Michelle Wiggington, and others) included: - Concerns about civil liberties, mass surveillance, and the "mosaic theory" that aggregated data can reveal intimate details of life. - The lack of a public hearing before deployment and the need for voter input. - Data stored in the cloud with a private company (Flock) raises cybersecurity risks; documented cases of officer misuse in other jurisdictions (stalking, false stops) were cited. - Opportunity costs: $1.2 million could be spent on traffic safety, officers, or infrastructure. - The Texas state government recently paused additional Flock purchases; Carrollton should follow suit. - Technical vulnerabilities in Flock devices, including open vulnerabilities in the NIST database, were noted by an IT professional. - A petition for certiorari is pending before the Supreme Court on whether ALPR database searches constitute a Fourth Amendment search. Support arguments (from Rusty Pendleton, Harold Vinson, Alexander Fincher, and others) included: - The technology is a critical force multiplier that has led to recovery of stolen vehicles, arrest of wanted persons, and solving of violent crimes. - Data retention is limited to 30 days, and strong internal controls and audits are in place. - License plates are publicly visible; no facial recognition or individual tracking occurs. - Carrollton’s police department has earned trust through transparency and results, and the chief has committed to accountability. - Without Flock, Carrollton would become a "hole in the donut" for criminals in the metro area. Discussion Items Councilmembers debated Item 13 at length before the vote: - Councilmember Fleming opposed, arguing that the interior camera network goes beyond perimeter security and that the public deserves a direct vote on such a surveillance program. - Councilmember Sutter supported, noting that similar data is already collected by private tech companies and that the cameras solve real crimes and protect the vulnerable. - Councilmember Axberg supported, expressing trust in the police department’s accountability and the council’s oversight role. - Councilmember Cline supported, emphasizing crime deterrence and not hamstringing the police. - Councilmember Watters supported, calling for continued community engagement and trust. - Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Carpenter supported, stating that the tools are legal and necessary, and that courts will ultimately decide constitutional questions. - Mayor Pro Tem Palomo supported, highlighting life-saving applications (Amber Alerts, missing persons) and the objective nature of plate-reading technology. - Mayor Babick noted that the city has reviewed case law and believes the contract is constitutional, and that if the law changes, the city will comply. Key Outcomes - Approval of consolidated Flock Safety contract (Item 13): The motion passed 7-1, with Councilmember Fleming dissenting. The three-year agreement for 82 cameras and software, valued at $1,194,775.02 (annual $398,258.34), was authorized. The city manager may execute the cooperative agreement. - Consent agenda items (8, 10-12, 14-15) were approved unanimously. - Minutes of September 1, 2026 (Item 9) were approved unanimously. - Emergency Preparedness Month was formally proclaimed. - Council members shared individual activity reports and recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, National Suicide Prevention Month, and various community events. An upcoming joint worksession with Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District was announced for October 27.

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.