The Public Meeting Index

The Birmingham City Council met on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in Council Chambers. The agenda listed a 9:30 A.M. start; the meeting was called to order at 9:36 A.M. Minutes for August 4, 2026 through October 27, 2026 were not ready. After an invocation by Dr. Timothy J. Woods Sr. and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Clinton Woods, the council heard the Mayor's report, approved the consent agenda, acted on three separate items, and heard two public speakers. Consent Calendar - All designated consent items were approved by one motion with no separate discussion. No items were removed for public hearing. Items 35 and 53 were withdrawn. - Alcohol and towing licenses: approved beer/wine and liquor license transfers or issuances for Pike Road Market & Meats, Welcome Mart, One Stop Gas, The Upper Deck 2.0, and Nikki’s Event Center; approved a towing service license for Hamid Mehvari / United Towing & Transport to operate 13 wreckers. - Public nuisance abatement: approved removal of numerous inoperable vehicles and a resolution covering 136 weed/noxious-growth properties, with a public hearing set for December 8, 2026. - Budget amendments: transferred Neighborhood Allocation funds for traffic calming from South Eastlake ($5,357.10), Roebuck ($4,017.83), and Killough Springs ($5,357.10) to the Capital Improvement Fund. - Agreements and grants: approved funding for Be Kind Birmingham ($4,500), Childcare Resources ($5,000), Community Care Development Network ($10,000), Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation Foundation ($43,500), Vulcan Park Foundation ($1,500), Green Hands Growing Futures ($2,000), Bush Hills yard signs ($343.75), East Brownville sign paint ($300), and Crestline pet-related supplies ($2,000). - Capital and procurement: approved $174,400 and $15,000 right-of-way payments to Natarcia Johnson for the Pratt Highway Bridge project; contracts for Linn Henley Library HVAC repair ($23,650), Division of Youth Services door control repair ($4,740.51), LEHR Upfitters emergency lighting equipment, D&D Fire Protection SCBA hydrostatic testing ($12,050), and itemized and advanced expense accounts. - Amendments and corrections: Item 40 was amended to a total of $7,500, adding $6,000 in Councilor Smith discretionary funds for Jackson-Olin High School baseball/softball, Wenonah High School culinary arts/hospitality, and Birmingham City Schools Fine Arts. Item 43 was amended to a total of $6,150, adding $5,000 from Councilor Smith, with $1,150 for the holiday open house and $3,850 for library general operating needs. The clerk corrected Item 45’s termination date to June 30, 2029. Mayor's Report and Presentations - Mayor Woodfin urged Birmingham residents to vote, linking the right to vote to the sacrifices of Civil Rights foot soldiers; he noted at the start of the meeting that polls had been open for 2 hours and 41 minutes. He also reminded the council of the state of homelessness summit on Friday, November 6, 2026. - The council recognized International Project Management Day on November 5, 2026. Nicole Sarzano and Rosalind Parks of PMI Central Alabama accepted the proclamation; PMI CAC serves more than 700 members. - Representatives of the Greater Alabama Council of Scouting America, including Bear Scout Matthew Diaz, promoted the Scouting for Food drive and asked residents to donate canned goods to the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. - A delegation from Hitachi, Japan, Birmingham’s sister city for 44 years, was welcomed. Deputy Mayor Hideo Yoshinari presented a cherry blossom artwork and expressed appreciation for the partnership. - Mayor Woodfin noted three homicides over the weekend, with two suspects officially charged. He said the third occurred in a building in Councilor Smitherman’s district that the city had been trying to get the owner to secure, and that the City Attorney’s office and the DNA team would be more aggressive. - Mayor Woodfin reported on the 85th Magic City Classic: roughly 130,000 people on the Legion Field grounds, about 70,000 inside the stadium, more than 100,000 at the parade, and ticket buyers from 34 states. He stressed that the post-game shooting occurred across the street from Legion Field after the event, not on the Classic campus. He stated there were nine victims; eight had their lives forever changed, with five stable, one serious, one critical, and Dra Sean, a recent Parker High School graduate, killed. A 17-year-old has been charged with murder; a Glock switch conversion was involved. Mayor Woodfin praised BPD’s response and the $16 million recruitment/retention investment, proposed possible regional cooperation with Jefferson County mayors, and called on parents and the community to hold young people accountable. Council President Alexander and Councilor Smitherman echoed support for the Classic and called for continued violence prevention and post-game strategy work. Council and District Updates - Council members provided neighborhood meeting schedules, district events, and board recruitment notices. - Expirations announced included Birmingham Library Board vacancies and part-time special municipal judge positions. - Applications for full-time and part-time municipal court judge positions are open until November 17, 2026; resumes should be sent to Isola.hall@birminghamal.gov. - A special called Committee of the Whole meeting was set for November 4, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Malik Hassan Bay, 4925 Avenue R, Birmingham 35208, identified as an indigenous Moorish American and a food vendor of six years. He said compliance officers had recently interfered with his vending despite prior acceptance, invoked Indigenous rights, and asked the city to educate its officers and leave him alone so he could continue supporting his family. - Ricky Green, 5600 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35206, raised concerns about conditions in the Birmingham City Jail. He described the conditions as inhumane, citing rat infestation, inadequate HVAC for inmates, and lack of sanitary napkins for women. He suggested transferring inmates to the county jail, considering a metropolitan/regional jail, and sending some inmates to rehabilitation or mental health care instead of jail. Discussion Items - Item 38 (Ordinance, permanent operation): Approved an intergovernmental agreement with Jefferson County for infrastructure improvements to Rex Lake Road. The project includes approximately 0.13 miles within Birmingham and approximately 1.63 miles in unincorporated Jefferson County; the term is not to exceed three years and total cost is not to exceed $96,616.31. Funding source is DOT 046CP-Street Resurfacing. Passed. - Item 50 (Resolution): Reappointed Jeff Habercroft, an attorney and civil engineer, to the Birmingham Parking Authority for a term ending October 31, 2030. Passed. - Item 62 (Resolution): Set a public hearing for December 8, 2026, to consider an ordinance repealing Title 2 and Title 3 of the Birmingham Zoning Ordinance, Ordinance No. 15-133, as amended, to remove obsolete provisions. Case No. ZAC2026-08010. Passed. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved, including amended Items 40 and 43, and with Items 35 and 53 withdrawn. - Item 38, Item 50, and Item 62 were approved. - A public hearing was set for December 8, 2026, for the zoning ordinance repeal and for weed/noxious-growth property abatements. - The council approved by voice vote a congratulatory resolution for Ron “Papa Jack” Jackson. - Municipal court judge applications are due by November 17, 2026; a special Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for November 4, 2026. - Mayor Woodfin committed to continuing regional discussions on youth violence, including a possible memorandum of understanding with Jefferson County mayors.

On 2026-11-03, the San Leandro City Council met and was called to order at 7:01 p.m.; it adjourned at 8:14 p.m. All seven members were present, including Councilmember Bolt by teleconference. The agenda and transcript refer to Monday, November 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.; this summary uses the provided meeting date of 2026-11-03. The council issued a Native American Heritage Month proclamation, approved a four-item consent calendar that included an El Niño emergency proclamation, heard extensive public comment, and unanimously adopted the 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. No public hearings or presentations were scheduled. Recognitions - Mayor Juan Gonzalez III read a proclamation declaring November 2026 Native American Heritage Month. It cited the 2020 U.S. Census figure of 9.6 million people self-identifying as American Indian and Alaska Native, 575 federally recognized Native nations, and 109 federally recognized tribes in California, while noting unrecognized tribes such as the Ohlone continue seeking federal recognition. Honoree Merilyn Chot Brown, a San Leandro resident and Comanche descendant, thanked the council and discussed her family and 35 years mentoring Native and financially struggling students at UC Berkeley. No vote was taken. Consent Calendar - Items included: 5a, accept the 2026 third-quarter investment report ended September 30, 2026; 5b, authorize a $20,000 Play for All grant from the California Library Association and California State Library for the San Leandro Public Library; 5c, proclaim a local emergency related to the 2026 El Niño weather pattern; and 5d, approve minutes from the October 12 special and October 19 regular meetings. - Councilmember Bowen pulled item 5c for clarification. The City Manager said the emergency proclamation supports preparation and potential FEMA reimbursement; the coming season was predicted to be significantly worse than the 2022-23 storm season; the county had not declared an emergency; and no cost estimate was yet available. Motion by Councilmember James Aguilar, seconded by Councilmember Victor Aguilar; the full consent calendar was adopted 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - General non-agenda comment: Cindy Vosendom, a Mission Bay Mobile Home Park resident, asked how seniors fit into the city emergency plan; she sought an evacuation plan for 366 homes near the shoreline, alerts for seniors without technology, shelter information, and plans for residents with mobility issues. - Mike Katz Lakabe urged San Leandro to ban new data centers like Oakland, Hayward, Richmond, Oakley, Pittsburg, and San Francisco; end the Flock contract over 86 AI-powered cameras; and stated ballot positions: yes on Props 4 and 40, no on 38, 39, 41, 42, and 43. - Sarah Bailey said Lake Chabot Road is open for emergency use and potential evacuation, that evacuation exits and routes off Bayo Vista Hill are unchanged, and that the slides should be repaired so police and fire can use the road; she cited cost estimates rising from $10 million in 2023 to $15 million in January 2025. - Online, Douglas Spaulding encouraged voting and use of official drop boxes and spoke about civic debate; Alvaro Ramos urged voting and opposed Props 43, 42, 41, 45, and 39. - LHMP testimony: Ann Kaywood thanked staff and said the plan documents Lake Chabot Road as a vital fire evacuation route for Bayo Vista and vulnerable residents over age 70 and those with language barriers; she supported repairing and reopening it to two-way traffic and thanked Mayor Gonzalez and Assemblymember Liz Ortega for $1.5 million and additional state funding. - Paul Wellenkamp thanked staff, said he read the plan and found it well prepared; he noted the public survey's top threats as earthquakes and wildfire and supported earthquake retrofit and Lake Chabot Road reopening. - Deborah Acosta used a Noah story and said Mission Bay homeowners were notified only on Thursday; she called for city leadership and park owners to take responsibility for infrastructure. - Online LHMP comments: Douglas Spaulding said the plan's highest priority is earthquakes and seismic events, not wildfire; urged rebuilding three firehouses; supported repairing Lake Chabot Road for evacuation but opposed opening it to two-way traffic; questioned treatment of drought, landslides, and flooding; and urged use of the resiliency network led by Kimberly Anderson. Alvaro Ramos said infectious disease and public health are overlooked and criticized HHS Secretary Kennedy on vaccines and FDA food inspections, citing COVID deaths, long COVID, and preventable outbreaks. Discussion Items - 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan: Emergency Services Specialist Elizabeth Bestman and consultant Dylan Kirby presented. Adoption is required every five years and is needed for FEMA mitigation funding; FEMA had conditionally approved the draft. The plan is a long-term risk-reduction plan, not an emergency response or construction plan; the two-year update involved three planning team meetings, 668 survey participants, public comment, and Cal OES/FEMA review. Hazards include earthquakes, flooding, severe storms, wildfire smoke, climate change, and cybersecurity. - Council questions: Bowen asked about prioritization; Kirby described STAPLE E-style scoring using 25 criteria and higher priority for projects with existing funding or policy support, such as Lake Chabot Road, the tree master plan, and General Plan 2035. Public Works Director Sheila Marquises said the CIP includes Lake Chabot Road Phase 1 for slides 1 and 4; Phase 2 for slides 2 and 3 is in the 10-year plan but unfunded. Flood preparation includes sandbags, street sweeping, king-tide staffing, barricades, storm-drain clearing, and weekly coordination. On public health, Kirby said infectious disease response was left to Alameda County health and could be added in a future cycle. On cybersecurity, staff said a plan exists but a sensitive briefing would occur in closed session. The Neptune flood protection/levee project is mitigation action 22 and is not fully funded; the Vice Mayor cited the 10-year capital plan page 47 with an estimated cost of about $5.25 million and a $3.8 million funding gap. Council Reports & Announcements - Councilmember James Aguilar highlighted election resources vote.org and CalMatters. - Councilmember Bowen noted San Leandro is one of three districts fully in the reusable program, urged rain-season traffic caution, praised public works and community development for 24-hour emergency response, and promoted the new community preservation webpage. - The Vice Mayor cited Roosevelt Fall Fest on October 24, an elected women's leadership forum at the YWCA in Berkeley, and the adopt-a-drain program. - Mayor Gonzalez urged moving cars for street sweeping, praised the retail broker event, Gate 510 leasing and 2027 openings, Ghirardelli Chocolate's community service day, multilingual communication, Donna Reed's approximately $80,000 donation for a children's technology corner, Congresswoman Simon's mayors meeting on data centers, and public comment on Air District heat-pump water heater rules before the Wednesday vote. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar adopted 7-0, including the El Niño local emergency proclamation after clarification. - 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted 7-0; next step is final FEMA approval, restoring compliance and grant eligibility. - No public hearings or presentations were scheduled; no council requests to schedule agenda items were made. - Meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.

The Wichita City Council met on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM in City Council Chambers. The meeting featured three proclamations, significant public testimony regarding the eviction of the Chapin Park unhoused encampment, and a full agenda of financial reports, policy approvals, and capital improvement initiations. Council members responded to housing concerns and approved most items on the agenda. Proclamations - Kansas Injury Prevention Day (November 18, 2026): Presented to Ascension Via Christi, which will light city landmarks green November 16–20 to promote injury prevention awareness. - National Aviation History Month (November 2026): Presented to the Kansas Aviation Museum, recognizing Wichita’s heritage as the "Air Capital of the World" and the museum’s role in STEM education. - Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas Day (November 22, 2026): Presented to Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas, celebrating 15 years and over 12,000 girls served. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the October 27, 2026 regular meeting (7-0). - Approved Consent Agenda Items 1–11, including licenses, water improvement plans, Wichita Ice Center agreement extension, sidewalk design agreement, advisory board minutes, proclamation votes, FBI Safe Streets Task Force participation, first reading of IRBs for Orpheum Theatre and 333 English LLC (Arnold Building), and Airport Special Facilities Revenue Bonds for Hangar Dynamics Jabara LLC. - Approved the Board of Bids and Contracts report (5-0-1), authorizing contracts for Botanica Boardwalk renovation ($147,076), HVAC replacement at 13 residential sites ($110,854.64), orthophosphate change order ($576,720 annual), and license plate reader/gunshot detection maintenance extension ($259,208.63), among others. Public Comments & Testimony Five speakers addressed the Council, mainly about the Chapin Park eviction and homelessness. - AlmaAnn Jones (District 6): Criticized the eviction and the city’s approach, highlighting barriers (pets, safety, lack of trust) and called for safe, dignified alternatives. - Rachel Perry (District not stated): Proposed a transitional homestead (New Narnia Village) with basic amenities and case management, citing successful models in Portland and Denver. - Jack Long (Chapin Park resident, District 6): Noted he is the first to be housed since July; urged the city to be accountable and to address pet and security needs. - Unnamed speaker (District 6, likely Doug): Quoted a report on high utilizers of behavioral health, arguing that the current system is ineffective and expensive, and that understanding root causes is essential. - Elison Figaroa (District 3): Condemned the eviction’s environmental damage and demanded a mandatory 66-foot riparian buffer along all waterways with enforceable protections and public reporting. Councilmember Shepherd apologized for not doing more and asked the City Manager for a Chapin Park review report (expected by end of December). Councilmember Hoheisel noted only 2 of 91 engaged residents used the shelter and acknowledged dog-related barriers. Both recognized the need for better resources and landlord participation. Discussion Items 1. Quarterly Financial Report (Period Ended September 30, 2026) Finance Director Mark Manning reported that general fund revenues are outperforming expectations, especially sales and property taxes, while expenditures are slightly above budget due to public safety wage growth. A small surplus is expected. The parking fund has a negative cash balance of -$309,141, attributed to high capital costs and slower Old Town revenue; remedies are being developed. Total debt stands at $1.6 billion. ARPA funds are nearly fully spent ($700K remaining). Approved (6-0). 2. Pooled Funds Investment Policy Two clarifications: adding explicit definitions of government-sponsored enterprises and extending weighted average maturity from 400 to 450 days to improve returns. Approved (6-0). 3. Golf Fund Budget Adjustment Golf manager Jesse Kaufman noted a hot, dry summer increased water and chemical costs. Revenues through September were $5.93 million; 143,222 rounds played (now 160,000). Requested $650,000 in adjustments ($450K reallocated, $200K new expenditure authority), bringing revised expenditure budget to $6,142,561. Projected net margin: $424,023. Approved (6-0). 4. Wichita Public Library Capital Improvement Program Initiation Library Director Jamie Nix presented four projects: ALL furnishings/equipment ($1.1M, with $200K from Library Foundation), Robert Layton Family Place Libraries at all branches ($197,500, $100K from Foundation), public art ($81,000), and annual maintenance ($300,000). Total funding $1,878,000 (GO bonds $1.578M + Foundation $300K). Before the presentation, Nix provided an update on the civic action passport (700+ online participants, 46 completed) and high early voting turnout at the Advanced Learning Library. Approved (6-0). 5. Parking System Maintenance Initiation $4 million in GO bonds (2026 and 2027 CIP) to address deferred maintenance at eight city-owned parking garages, focusing on structural repairs, stairwells, lighting, and security. Priority projects include Emporia, Cinema, and City Hall garages. Approved (6-0). 6. Railroad Agreements - BNSF Agreement (21st Street North): $780,858 for railroad signal and surfacing; final pre-bid step. Approved (6-0). - Delano/Chisholm Path & Prairie Sunset Trail: $230,419 railroad agreement plus initiation of $1 million ongoing bikeways funding, revised total budget $5.56 million. Approved (6-0). 7. Conditional Use (CON2026-00124): Entertainment establishment at 721 N Wabash. Approved with MAPC conditions and modified hours: Sunday–Thursday noon–10pm, Friday–Saturday 9am–1am. Vote 6-0. 8. Zone Change (ZON2026-00040): Duplex development at 3601 N Arkansas. Denied due to strong community opposition and lack of applicant engagement at DAB meeting. Motion to override MAPC and deny passed 6-0 (supermajority required due to protests exceeding 20%). Key Outcomes - Chapin Park and Homelessness: Council received public criticism and promised a review report. No action taken on public agenda items, but council committed to exploring transitional homesteading, pet-friendly policies, and improved landlord engagement. - Administrative Approvals: All finance and capital items approved as recommended (6-0 or 7-0). Quarterly report received and filed; investment policy, golf adjustment, library CIP, parking maintenance, and railroad agreements authorized. - Planning Actions: Conditional use approved; zone change denied. - Other: Free transit rides to polls on Election Day; City Clerk Shanita recognized for achieving Certified Municipal Clerk designation.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on November 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers, Courthouse Room 300, Saint Paul, MN. Six commissioners were present and Commissioner Ortega was excused. The board approved routine items, held two ordinance public hearings with no testimony, postponed two watershed district appointments, approved a road operations and maintenance agreement, reconsidered and approved an amended tax-forfeited property sale agreement, and received county operations and commissioner updates. Consent Calendar - Approved the November 3, 2026 agenda (2026-433) and the October 27, 2026 minutes (2026-434) by roll call vote. - Approved the appointment of Stephan Makie, District 7, to the Ramsey County Library Advisory Board for a three-year term beginning November 3, 2026 (2026-219). - Approved appointments to the Capital Improvement Program Advisory Committee (2026-413) for terms beginning November 3, 2026 and ending August 30, 2028: Tim David (District 1), Mark Houge (District 1), Erica Leversedge (District 3), Robert McClain (District 4), and Natalie Parsons (At-Large). Public Comments & Testimony - The board opened a public hearing on the proposed Environmental Services Department Ordinance and a public hearing on the proposed ordinance abolishing the Enterprise and Administrative Services Department. No members of the public testified at either hearing, and both hearings were declared closed. Discussion Items - Ordinance procedures: The board waived the second reading and held a public hearing for the proposed Environmental Services Department Ordinance (2026-429), and did the same for the ordinance abolishing the Enterprise and Administrative Services Department (2026-405). No ordinance adoption vote was taken during these hearings. - Postponement of watershed district appointments: Commissioner McGuire pulled items 2026-397 and 2026-407, the appointments of Val Eisele to the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District and Brian Strub to the Rice Creek Watershed District. County Manager Becker stated that additional clarity on the selection process was needed, including recent legislative changes, and that staff would work with the parks department, county attorney's office, and chief clerk to return the items. The board voted to postpone both appointments. - Operations & Maintenance Agreement for Primer Tracer access road (2026-418): Deputy County Manager Carrie Collins explained that SPQR Arden Hills, LLC acquired the former Primer Tracer site and needed to be added as a party to the county's blanket easement with the Army for the Rice Creek North Regional Trail corridor. The O&M agreement covering roadway, utilities, and stormwater facilities is a required easement step and is not an endorsement of any future development on the site. The board approved the agreement and authorized the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute it. - Reconsideration of amended MOU for 1179 Seminary Avenue West (2026-411): Commissioner Moran requested reconsideration after the item was initially approved, to understand the tax-forfeited property sale process. Staff explained the county's ongoing tax-forfeited property sale program, including the move to online auctions in 2024, and County Manager Becker noted that the amendment changes the affordable housing development partner from CAP RW to Dayton Danes Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services. The board then approved the amended MOU. County Connections and Commissioner Updates - County Manager's Office reported that Operation Greenlight will illuminate county buildings green from November 4 through November 11, 2026, in support of veterans. - The county manager reported that more than 80,000 voters had cast absentee, mail, or early ballots through the day before the election, compared with 55,000 at the same point four years earlier and 102,000 in the 2024 presidential cycle. Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with 2,000 election judges deployed at more than 165 polling places. Unofficial results were expected between 10 p.m. and midnight. - Commissioner McGuire thanked election workers and highlighted recycling and energy board work, including 1.3 million pounds of waste diverted since 2020 through reduce, reuse, and recycle programs. - Commissioner Miller noted that across Ramsey County there are more than 2,090 multi-unit properties and approximately 42% of housing units are in multi-unit buildings, underscoring the importance of expanding food scrap recycling. Miller also expressed concern about ensuring supportive services are funded along with new supportive housing, citing a tour of Prior Crossing. - Commissioner Moran reported on youth homelessness meetings, the Prior Crossing youth housing tour, and selection to a National Association of Counties youth housing and homelessness task force. - Commissioner McMurtry announced the Rice Street Phase 2 completion celebration on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the North End Community Center. - Other commissioner updates covered community events, workforce and business programs, watershed engagement, and youth civic engagement. Key Outcomes - Approved agenda and minutes. - Waived second readings and held public hearings for two ordinances; no public testimony was received. - Postponed appointments to the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District and Rice Creek Watershed District. - Approved the Library Advisory Board and Capital Improvement Program Advisory Committee appointments. - Approved the Operations & Maintenance Agreement with SPQR Arden Hills, LLC. - Reconsidered and approved the first amendment to the memorandum of understanding for the sale of the tax-forfeited property at 1179 Seminary Avenue West.

The La Crosse Arts and Culture Board convened on November 3, 2026, at La Crosse City Hall. (Note: The agenda and transcript reflect an 8:30 AM start time, while the provided meeting metadata specifies a 2:30 PM UTC timestamp.) The board approved previous minutes, received an update on the proposed Arts Week 2027, conducted member introductions, and held a substantial discussion on the board's future direction, funding, and the need for a strategic planning session. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting. The vote was unanimous, with member Joshua Walden not yet present for roll call. Public Comments & Testimony - No separate public comment period was held. The meeting consisted of board discussion and a presentation from arts organizations. Discussion Items - Update on Arts Week 2027 (Item 26-1121): Representatives from four major arts organizations—Alison Chris (Pump House Regional Arts Center), Eric Vos (La Crosse Community Theater), Teddy Eck (Cooley Arts), and Eva Marie (La Crosse Symphony Orchestra)—presented plans for an Arts Week in 2027. The week is planned to span from the existing Artspire festival (14th year) to Juneteenth. The group described the initiative as a way to coordinate existing events, share marketing, and avoid scheduling conflicts. They expressed a desire for the Arts Board to eventually act as an umbrella partner or subcommittee, but stated no immediate funding was being requested. Board members discussed potential funding conflicts (e.g., organizations being disqualified from other grants by participating), and staff clarified open meetings implications. Member Mary Cate Westling volunteered to serve as the board's liaison to the planning committee. Director Jay Odegaard offered logistical and permitting support and suggested the city could help administer grants to avoid disqualifying organizations from other funding sources. - Introductions (Item 26-1122): Board members, including newer members, and city staff introduced themselves. Members highlighted their professional backgrounds in arts administration, theater, production, digital marketing, county government, and city government. - Discussion on Future of Board Initiatives and Strategic Planning (Item 26-1120): - Context: Arts Coordinator Jackie Merku informed the board that a scheduled strategic planning session with the Mayor was canceled. She outlined a projected budget of $25,000 for 2027, consisting of a $10,000 carryover and a $15,000 operating line item. She noted the current grant program was closed for the year with two small grants (totaling $1,500) unspent. - Staffing and Role: Merku and Director Jay Odegaard expressed doubt that the grant program could continue without dedicated staff support, noting the Arts Coordinator position was eliminated due to $750,000 in department budget cuts over two years. Odegaard characterized the board’s historical role as an advisory and governing body rather than an implementation body. - Board Positions: - Paige Manges strongly advocated for maintaining the grant program or a hybrid model to ensure community-driven art selection and avoid exclusionary curation. She requested dedicated time for strategic planning. - Dillon McArdle provided historical context, stating the grant program has been the board's most successful mechanism for getting art into the community. He cautioned against returning to an ad-hoc project model without fairness safeguards. - Kelly Leibold supported the grant program and suggested a formal facilitated strategic planning session, similar to what the county has done. She also raised the idea of a Poet Laureate program. - Alex Fowler raised a specific concern about organizations potentially losing eligibility for other grants (e.g., from Explore La Crosse) by participating in collective events. - Next Steps: The board agreed to pursue a strategic planning session in December 2026, ideally with the Mayor, to address the board's future direction, funding model (grant, hybrid, or curated), and the implications of the recent name change to include "culture." Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on Arts Week 2027 or future funding models. - The board verbally committed to scheduling a strategic planning session for December 2026. - Mary Cate Westling was identified as the board's representative for the Arts Week 2027 planning committee. - The city committed to exploring logistical and grant administration support for Arts Week. - The Arts Week planning group will proceed with a survey of local arts organizations and continue logo and marketing development. - The board acknowledged the 2026 grant cycle is closed and will use the December strategic session to determine the 2027 approach.

Staff and commissioners reviewed the upcoming November 3, 2026 Planning Commission agenda during a briefing that began at 6:00 PM. No formal votes were taken; after hearing public comments, the chair said he would pull held-over items 32–35 and hear them in the regular meeting rather than automatically granting an indefinite hold. The briefing adjourned until 7:00 PM for the regular meeting. Staff Briefing on Agenda Items - Staff reviewed a first extension of time for waivers to reduce setbacks and separation for an accessory structure on a single-family property. An active code enforcement case exists, but the applicant removed a shed and cleaned part of the property; staff and the town board recommended approval, with two opposition letters received. - Staff reviewed a tentative map for one commercial lot, with staff and town board recommending approval. - Staff reviewed a vacation and abandonment of easements of interest and a portion of right-of-way, with staff and town board recommending approval; two support and two opposition letters were received. - For companion Red Rock overlay items 7–11, staff recommended approval of a plan amendment from Outlying Neighborhood (ON) to Ranch Estate Neighborhood (RN) on 5+ acres at one dwelling unit per acre, a zone change from RS-80 to RS-20, a vacation/abandonment, a one-foot retaining wall height increase waiver and design review, and a tentative map for 10 single-family lots on 5.3 acres. The Red Rock board did not meet due to a posting error, so the items were forwarded without a recommendation; opposition letters ranged from 11 to 13, with 2–3 support letters. - For similar companion items 12–16, staff recommended approval of an ON-to-RN plan amendment on 5.31 acres, an RS-80 to RS-20 zone change, a vacation/abandonment, a one-foot retaining wall height waiver, and a tentative map for 10 lots and common lots on 5.31 acres. The Red Rock board again did not meet; opposition ranged from 9 to 11 letters, with one support letter. - For companion items 17–21, staff recommended denial of the plan amendment from ON to Low Intensity Suburban Neighborhood, the RS-80 to RS-10 zone change, and the tentative map for 12 lots on 5.29 acres because the proposed density of up to two units per acre would be inconsistent with development patterns west of Walpei Way and would conflict with master plan policies preserving the open rural character of the Red Rock overlay and neighborhood preservation. Staff supported the vacation/abandonment, but not the wall-height waiver or design review; it could support the waiver for modified driveway geometrics. Opposition letters ranged from 16 to 19, with two support letters. - For vehicle wash companion items 22–25, staff supported the plan amendment from Mid-Intensity Suburban Neighborhood (MN) to Neighborhood Commercial on about two acres of a just-over-eight-acre site and the related RS-20 to CG zone change, but the town board recommended denial. Staff did not support the vacation/abandonment because the easements contained street lights and traffic control devices and full street improvements on Casis Avenue and Valley View Boulevard were not proposed, and did not support the use permit/design review because the site layout required waivers that could be reduced or eliminated through redesign. Opposition letters ranged from 10 to 16; one support letter was received for the zone change and use permit. - For item 26, a use permit for a refuse transfer station with waivers on 10 acres, staff and the town board recommended denial due to the high-intensity nature of the use and close proximity to nearby businesses; seven opposition letters were received. - For companion items 27–29, staff and the town board recommended approval of the vacation/abandonment, but recommended denial of waivers to increase retaining wall/fill height and reduce setbacks, and denial of the tentative map for 10 lots, because a redesign could avoid the waivers. Opposition letters numbered five and six. - For holdover item 30, a single-family home with an accessory dwelling unit built without a permit and an active code enforcement case, staff and the town board recommended denial because the construction preceded permits and the requests were self-imposed; 13 opposition letters were received. - For holdover item 31, waivers to reduce setbacks and building separations and increase hardscape for accessory living quarters constructed before permits, staff recommended denial and the town board recommended denial; three support and one opposition letter were received. - Staff reviewed item 36, a text amendment to allow banquet facilities in RS-80, RS-40, and RS-20 zones with a special use permit; one opposition letter was received and town board recommendations varied. - Staff noted that an upcoming ordinance will revise child care regulations in response to state licensing issues, and that no administrative items were on the briefing agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark Jensen, 5409 North Moapa Valley Boulevard, Overton, spoke with more than 20 community members for the third time in two months about items 32–35, a proposed residential development in downtown Overton. He said the applications had numerous flaws and should not be approved in their current form. He recounted that the applicant told the Moapa Valley Town Advisory Board on August 26 that the applications were complete, but the board unanimously recommended denial; the applicant then requested holds on September 1 and September 15, and on October 28 requested a third indefinite hold for unspecified reasons. He argued that Title 30 and Nevada law allow no more than two holds without good cause, that residents had driven 60 miles each way three times, and that 938 residents had signed a petition opposing the project. He asked the commission not to approve the indefinite hold and to consider recommending denial. - Luke Whitney, 293 Pescado Grande Avenue, Overton, said the repeated postponements burdened rural residents and created uncertainty. He said residents had called planning offices repeatedly and were told a hold was up to the commission, leaving them to monitor agendas for another 120-mile round trip. He asked the commission to require the applicant to explain the repeated holds on the record and to hear the application and recommend denial rather than grant another postponement or indefinite hold. Commission Discussion - Commissioner Kalarski expressed reluctance to approve Red Rock overlay items without a town board recommendation. Staff explained that the Red Rock board did not meet because of a posting error; the items were scheduled to go to the town board on November 23 and to the Board of County Commissioners on December 2. Commissioner Mohica added that the error was a librarian's error, not the county's, and that the preferred approach was not to delay the project further. - Commissioner Stone asked staff to read the applicant's letter requesting an indefinite hold on items 32–35. The letter, from Bob Gronau of Camp Kanford Krull on behalf of C Bay C Bay LLC Series Overton Ranch, requested holds from the November 3 Planning Commission and December 2 Board of County Commissioners hearings without stating a justification. Staff said an indefinite hold would mean held to no date until the applicant requests scheduling, and renotification would be required. - Commissioners asked about the earliest possible rescheduling if the hold were granted; staff estimated it could be heard as soon as December 15, and not before the next two meetings. Commissioner Kalarski expressed concern about neighbor notification and renotification fees after 90 days. A commissioner suggested that the applicant should re-notify and meet with the public in Moapa before returning, stating that as a preference. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the briefing. - After public comments, the chair said he would pull items 32–35 and hear them in the normal course of the regular meeting rather than automatically granting the indefinite hold; Commissioner Stone suggested hearing those items first. - The briefing adjourned until 7:00 PM for the regular Planning Commission meeting.

The meeting was scheduled for November 3, 2026, at 14:00 UTC. No agenda or minutes were available, and the raw transcript did not contain discernible discussion, staff reports, public testimony, or formal actions. The transcript consisted mostly of repeated or unclear phrases, including fragments such as “la forma de la comunidad,” “mayor parte,” and “vida,” with no coherent business identifiable. Agenda & Minutes - No agenda was provided. - No minutes were provided. Transcript Content - The raw transcription was largely unintelligible and did not permit identification of agenda items, speaker positions, proposals, or questions. - No clear statements of support, opposition, or concern from council members or members of the public could be identified. Key Outcomes - No motions, resolutions, votes, referrals, or next steps were identified in the available source material.

The Bellevue City Council met on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation, public comments, reports, and several key decisions on the 2027-2028 preliminary budget, including transportation funding, fire station replacement, human services allocations, sustainability investments, and use of council contingency funds. The meeting lasted until approximately 8:35 PM with a break. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: Council minutes of October 20, 2026; Resolution 10679 authorizing up to $375,000 (2026) and $425,000 (2027) for ORCA card agreements with King County Metro; Resolution 10680 authorizing a purchase order with Catalyst Workplace Activation for workstation components and installation services for City Hall One West Tenant Improvement project, not to exceed $505,483. Public Comments & Testimony - Bob Armstead: Expressed shock, anger, and disappointment that some organizations threatened to not support the budget if community safety projects were not funded. He questioned how safety for children walking to school in the dark with no sidewalks or streetlights can be balanced against legacy projects. He referenced Vassa Park projects that have been pending for a long time. - Miriam Clithrow (Mary's Place, Prevention & Stability Director): Requested $75,000 for eviction prevention and rental assistance, noting Mary's Place can keep six families in their homes for the cost of serving one household in shelter. She emphasized prevention is cost-effective and advances equity (over 80% of families served are Black, Indigenous, and people of color). - Joanna Edwin (Bellevue Youth Council member and NCL volunteer): Requested $25,000 per year for two years for the Bellevue Farmers Market (a small volunteer-led nonprofit). She cited local economic impact (dollar spent directly with farmer has twice the local impact), health benefits for kids, and the market as a low-barrier community space. - Lavanya V. (PCA member): Criticized the city's climate numbers, stating the 2030 goal of 6,000 heat pump conversions is not possible at current pace (would take 24 years). She noted discrepancies in staff documents (4,800 tons vs. 3,220 tons) and said the Energy Smart East Side increase is not what it seems because half is moved from Green Bank loan support. She requested $3 million/year for Energy Smart East Side, decarbonization programs for small commercial/multifamily, and restored sustainability staff. - Court Olsen: Expressed worry that history is repeating itself with a big budget mistake on climate. He said the city's director of community development acknowledged EV charging support and public education are needed, but the current budget draft shows shameful and tragic underinvestment. - Patrick Hanks (Bellevue Chamber): Supported the draft 2027 state legislative agenda and amendments one and two, thanking staff for listening to council concerns. - Jennifer Fisher (Executive Director, Bellevue Life Spring): Thanked the Human Services Commission for recommended funding ($80,000 for rental assistance preventing 32 evictions; $143,000 for food support providing 3,200 children with meals). However, she noted it's not enough: so far this year, they have provided emergency rent assistance to 447 Bellevue households (1,638 residents). She asked for additional funding if available. - Ali Nasser Saeed: Raised concern about a new bicycle traffic light at 116th and Main that stops right-turning cars even when no bicycles are present, causing traffic backups. He suggested a sensor or button-activated light instead. - Julie Copp: Agreed with the previous speaker about bike lights. She spoke about land use code, saying developers are creating a land grab that removes trees and builds expensive townhouses that are not affordable. She called for repealing and revamping the middle housing code at the state level, with support from Bellevue's lobbyists. Discussion Items - Transgender Awareness Week & Day of Remembrance Proclamation: Deputy Mayor Hamilton read the proclamation declaring November 13-19, 2026 as Transgender Awareness Week and November 20 as Transgender Day of Remembrance in Bellevue. Ginger Chien, leader of Bellevue/Eastside PFLAG and advisor to ESIT Pride and PNW, spoke in support, noting the importance of visibility and the work of support groups for families. The council voted unanimously to adopt the proclamation. - Bellevue Community Court Update: Chief Prosecutor Stephen Penner and Probation Manager Craig Fritz reported on the program launched July 15, 2025. Key results: 42 participants opted in, 30 graduated (100% graduation rate), zero recidivism among graduates. Participants contributed 250+ hours of community service. The resource center (open Thursdays 1:30-3:30 PM) recorded 1,474 visits, 56 housing connections, and over 1,000 hot meals served. Council praised the program. - 2027 State Legislative Agenda: Staff presented two amendments based on prior feedback: (1) narrowing coordination with Association of Washington Cities (AWC) to Bellevue's specific legislative agenda; (2) adding language to advance state clean energy goals to meet local needs. Councilmembers expressed appreciation. The agenda was adopted unanimously. - 2027-2028 Preliminary Budget Deliberations – Transportation CIP: Staff presented a hybrid scenario 2B (0.1% sales tax from Transportation Benefit District, no $20 vehicle fee, plus $8 million one-time for neighborhood safety, returning $2 million to general fund). Council debated: Deputy Mayor Hamilton supported scenario 3 (sales tax + $20 fee) but could support 2B; Councilmember Robinson initially favored 3 but moved to 2B after learning Southeast 8th project is funded in both; Councilmember Samotovirria supported 2B citing affordability; Councilmember New Enhouse offered an amendment to put scenario 2B to voters in a February 2027 special election (amendment failed 1-6); Councilmember Bargava supported 2B; Mayor supported 2B. The main motion to adopt scenario 2B passed 6-1 (New Enhouse opposed). - Fire Station 6 Replacement: Staff proposed designating $15 million from municipal reserves to the fire long-range planning reserve for land acquisition to replace Fire Station 6 in the growing Bell-Red area. Council unanimously supported, citing public safety needs and firefighter working conditions. Motion passed. - Human Services Funding – Children and Family Sales Tax: Staff recommended allocating $2.046 million over the biennium from the new King County children and family sales tax (not a Bellevue tax) across six priority areas: 48.5% child care/early learning, 12.5% financial assistance, 10% shelter, 14% behavioral health, 12.5% other supportive services (including youth mentorship), and 2.5% food/basic needs. Council approved. - Human Services – Additional $500,000 One-Time Support: Staff proposed using $500,000 of one-time general fund resources (freed up by TBD decision) for human services via the council-adopted contingency plan focusing on shelter, financial assistance, and food. Council approved. - Sustainability Programs: Staff proposed $1.5 million one-time funding for sustainability: $1 million for Energy Smart East Side heat pump incentives (low/moderate income), $200,000 for clean building incentives/audits, $150,000 for EV charging technical assistance in multifamily buildings, and $150,000 for outreach/education. Council debated effectiveness and goals. Councilmember New Enhouse asked about meeting 2030/2050 goals; staff confirmed even with additional funding, the city will not meet the 2030 community goal. Council approved the motion. - Council Contingency Items: Three items were approved: (1) $100,000 ($50,000/year) for markets and public space activation via the Community Programming Fund; (2) $50,000 for a study to accelerate ADU/DADU financing partnerships (part of Affordable Housing Action Plan); (3) $50,000 for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors utility bill assistance program. Key Outcomes - Transgender Awareness Week Proclamation: Adopted unanimously. - Community Court Update: Received with praise; program has 0% recidivism and 100% graduation rate. - 2027 State Legislative Agenda: Adopted as amended (unanimous). - Transportation CIP: Council directed staff to incorporate scenario 2B ($406 million over 10 years with TBD sales tax and $8 million one-time for neighborhood safety). Motion passed 6-1. - Fire Station 6: Directed staff to designate $15 million from municipal reserves for land acquisition (unanimous). - Human Services (Sales Tax): Approved distribution of $2.046 million over biennium across six categories (unanimous). - Human Services (One-Time): Approved $500,000 supplemental funding using contingency plan (unanimous). - Sustainability: Approved $1.5 million one-time for programs (unanimous). - Council Contingency: Approved $100,000 for markets, $50,000 for ADU/DADU study, $50,000 for utility assistance (all unanimous). - Councilmember Breyer's absence: Excused unanimously. - Next Steps: Final budget adoption scheduled for November 17, 2026. Staff will return with final documents incorporating council direction.

The Tempe City Council and Development Review Commission (DRC) held a joint meeting on November 3, 2026. The primary agenda item was an update on the draft Affordable Housing Development Bonus Program. Staff recommended not moving forward with the program due to significant opposition from both the public and the development community, and the council and commission reached a consensus to support this recommendation and explore alternative affordable housing strategies. Discussion Items Video Presentation of Approved Development Projects - Staff presented a short video showcasing development projects approved in the past few years. Affordable Housing Development Bonus Program Update - Principal Planner Jacob Payne and Development Services Manager Ryan Lebak presented the program, developed over the past year following council direction in May 2025. - Background: The presentation highlighted that 51% of Tempe renters and 23% of homeowners are cost-burdened (spending over 30% of income on housing). State law prohibits inclusionary zoning but allows voluntary incentive programs. - Program Mechanics: The proposed voluntary citywide overlay would allow developers to exceed base zoning density up to General Plan density limits in exchange for designating a percentage of units as affordable. Affordability tiers were 50%, 65%, or 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), with affordability guaranteed by a 30-year covenant. Bonuses included increased height and reduced parking requirements. - Public Feedback: Two public meetings and an online survey (210 responses) were conducted. While 58% of respondents supported creating more affordable housing, 56% opposed this specific draft program. Residents expressed desires for more guardrails, public hearings, affordability terms longer than 30 years, and stronger compliance assurances. - Developer Feedback: The city partnered with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to survey developers. Feedback indicated strong skepticism that the density and height bonuses compensated for the lost income from the 30-year covenant. Developers suggested focusing on workforce housing (80-120% AMI) instead of lower-income units, requested fewer regulations, and emphasized the need for certainty and expedited processes. - Council and Commission Discussion: - Mayor Corey Woods strongly supported the staff recommendation, noting the program lacked a constituency, with both residents and developers opposed. He challenged the development community to be better partners and cautioned residents against blocking affordable housing, referencing the 2024 bond election where 69% of voters approved $32 million for affordable housing. - Councilmember Bobby Nichols requested updated statistics on cost-burdened households and noted the topic would be taken up by the upcoming tenants and rental properties subcommittee. - Councilmember Nikki Amberg noted the unique situation of uniting residents and developers in opposition. She questioned how alternative programs (fee reductions, adaptive reuse) would overcome similar hurdles related to affordability terms and community opposition. - Commissioner Lloyd explored the state-mandated adaptive reuse program, noting no applicants have come forward, and discussed addressing gaps such as parking requirements. - Commissioner Miller noted developers did not provide specific alternative incentive thresholds, as their proformas are treated as proprietary. - Commissioner Young inquired about the number and type of developer respondents and suggested the city actively recruit affordable housing developers from outside the region. Key Outcomes - Consensus to Terminate Program: The council and DRC reached consensus to accept the staff recommendation not to move forward with the Affordable Housing Development Bonus Program in its current form. - Alternative Strategies: Staff will explore other methods to increase affordable housing, including updates to the Affordable Housing Fee Reduction program (expanding citywide eligibility), modifications to the state-mandated Adaptive Reuse program (to address parking barriers), and strengthening partnerships with the Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing. - Future Meeting Topics: Commissioners and council members proposed future agenda items, including a review of use permits for front yard parking (Commissioner Spears), a discussion on proactive vs. reactive code enforcement (Commissioner Miller), and an updated presentation on housing cost burden statistics (Councilmember Nichols). - The next scheduled joint meeting is Monday, May 24, 2027.