The Public Meeting Index

The meeting on September 10, 2026 featured a brief discussion on automated vehicle technology. Only a short transcript excerpt is available, with no agenda or minutes provided. Discussion Items - A speaker, likely a city or planning official, addressed the status of self-automated vehicles in Kentucky. They noted that the state's planning department, particularly the Frankfort Central Office, is at the forefront of this issue nationally. The speaker mentioned that while some states are more active, Kentucky has enabling legislation for freight platooning of automated trucks. However, automated vehicle deployment has not yet been observed in the state. The discussion appeared to be an informal update rather than a formal proposal or decision. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or formal actions were taken in the available transcript.

A brief business session was held on September 10, 2026, at 7:15 PM. The meeting began with discussion of the approval of minutes from the September 3, 2026 business session. The audit report and pay equity study were deferred to the next business session. The citizen satisfaction survey report was introduced, but technical audio issues interrupted the proceedings and no substantive decisions or votes were recorded. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes for the September 3, 2026 business session was listed as the first item. No motion or vote outcome is reflected in the transcript. Discussion Items - The audit report and pay equity study were held for discussion at the next business session. - The citizen satisfaction survey report was introduced briefly before technical audio difficulties (loud feedback, remote connection issues) prevented further discussion. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes were recorded during this meeting. The only action identified was the deferral of the audit report and pay equity study to a future session.

Chaired by Commissioner Ladina Bolton (Super District 7), with Commissioners Nicole Masaya and Marita Davis Johnson, the committee met on September 10, 2026, at 7:15 PM. The agenda covered approval of minutes, three appointments to the Region III Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Advisory Council, several contracts (claims management, undercover vehicles, fire rescue equipment), a resolution to rename a police precinct, and a proposed ordinance to regulate pet shop sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits. Due to time constraints, two scheduled updates from police and fire departments were held over. Consent Calendar - Item 2026-1286 – Minutes from August 18, 2026. Approved unanimously without discussion. Discussion Items - EMS Advisory Council Appointments (Items 2026-1150, 1151, 1152) – The committee interviewed three candidates for posts on the Region III EMS Council. - Interim Deputy Fire Chief Winfred O. Smith (Post 4): Highlighted 17 years of experience with DeKalb Fire Rescue, including data analysis and current role overseeing EMS operations. Answered questions on evaluating emergency response zones, addressing hospital turnover delays and workforce shortages, and balancing county priorities with regional collaboration. - Dr. Michael Carr (Reappointment, Post 3): Emergency physician at Emory University, subspecialty in EMS and disaster medicine. Emphasized the “silver glacier” aging population, hospital capacity challenges, and the need for preventive care through mobile integrated health programs. - Samuel Sharter (Post 2): Assistant vice president at Emory’s crisis management office, served on the council since 2007 (currently vice chair). Background as former ER director and EMT. Discussed workforce competition, system overload, and the role of telemedicine and preventive care. - All three candidates received unanimous approval (see Key Outcomes). - Item 2026-1209 – Claims Management Contract – Request to ratify and extend a contract with Alternative Claims Management LLC (ACM) through December 2029, with an amount not to exceed $30,000 for ancillary services. The county’s Risk Manager reported that DeKalb experiences about 600 vehicle accidents per year, with 50% being the county’s fault. Prior to ACM, the county’s collection rate was about 75 cents on the dollar; ACM has achieved a 95% collection rate. In year one, ACM recovered over $1.3 million, and average annual recoveries are now about $600,000 (Year-to-date: $379,000). Commissioners asked about collection rates and fees; it was clarified that ACM receives 50% of amounts collected for diminished value and loss of use, but 0% on property damage. Approved unanimously. - Item 2026-1154 – Undercover Vehicle Rental – Change order to extend a rental agreement with Budget Car and Truck Rental through November 2027, increasing funds to $76,641.60, for covert operations vehicles. Grant-funded. Approved unanimously. - Item 2026-1049 – Fire Rescue Equipment Ratification – Ratification of a purchase order for multi-user hardline communication system, handheld gas detector, and portable air distribution box from Safeware Inc. Amount not to exceed $114,566.45 (substitute). The purchase was made using FIFA grant funds ($1.4 million) with a short expenditure deadline. Approved unanimously. - Item 2026-1306 – Rename East Precinct for Chief Eddie Moody – Resolution to rename the DeKalb County Police Department East Precinct in honor of Chief Eddie Moody, the department’s first African American chief, who also created the Junior Police Academy and the Crime Analysis Unit. Commissioner Davis Johnson sponsored the item. Chief Mirtha (current police chief) spoke in support, noting Moody’s mentorship. Commissioner Bolton highlighted that the precinct building was originally a segregated school that Moody attended. Unanimously approved. - Item 2026-0728 – Pet Shop Ordinance (Deferred) – Proposed ordinance to prohibit retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops, while allowing adoption events with shelters/rescues. Ariel Lefkovith (Humane World for Animals) presented, noting that no pet shops currently operate in DeKalb County, and 17 Georgia localities have similar laws. She cited risks of puppy mills, predatory financing, and consumer protection. Commissioners asked about enforcement (currently no county inspections – state handles pet shops) and requested two-week deferral to refine definitions (e.g., “gestating canine,” record-keeping for non-selling establishments). Deferred unanimously. Key Outcomes - Appointments approved (all unanimous): - Interim Deputy Fire Chief Winfred O. Smith (Post 4, Region III EMS Council) – Item 2026-1150 - Dr. Michael Carr (Reappointment, Post 3) – Item 2026-1151 - Samuel Sharter (Post 2) – Item 2026-1152 - Claims management contract (Item 2026-1209) – Approved. - Undercover vehicle rental extension (Item 2026-1154) – Approved. - Fire rescue equipment ratification (Item 2026-1049, substitute amount) – Approved. - Resolution to rename East Precinct after Chief Eddie Moody (Item 2026-1306) – Approved. - Pet shop ordinance (Item 2026-0728) – Deferred two weeks for revisions. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 PM. Two agenda items (police and fire updates) were held over due to time.

The Education and Human Services Standing Committee of the Richmond City Council met on September 10, 2026, at 7:15 PM under the leadership of Vice Chair Jones (acting Chair). All members were present except Ms. Lynch, establishing a quorum. The meeting covered updates on the restructuring of the non-departmental grant process (now the Richmond Thrives grant program), a facilities modernization plan from Richmond Public Schools, approval of a grant ordinance for the juvenile detention center, and various announcements from the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the July 9, 2026 Education and Human Services Standing Committee meeting as presented, with no amendments or corrections. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the committee regarding items not on the agenda. The public comment period was opened and closed with no speakers. Discussion Items - Richmond Thrives Grant Program Update: Dominic Merritt, Senior Policy Advisor with the Office of the DCO for Human Services, presented an update on the new grant-making process. The program, formerly the non-departmental grant process, is now managed by three outside grantmakers covering four priority areas: arts and culture, children and families, economic mobility, and health. Merritt noted that the transition aimed to increase accountability, accessibility, and community impact. Key details included: a 10% administrative overhead across all priority areas (below the 15% cap), application windows closing within two weeks of the kickoff, and a turnaround time of three to four months from application to fund disbursement (versus roughly 10 months in the previous system). Councilmember Breton expressed strong support for the process, noting improvements in rigor and accessibility. He asked about administrative costs and reporting. Merritt confirmed that no more than 15% goes to admin (actual 10%) and that the city will provide detailed summaries to council. Vice Chair Jones inquired about the role of organizations that previously received non-departmental funding and also applied for the new grants; Merritt clarified that grantmakers cannot apply to themselves and that the city hopes to fund the best service providers, with adjustments to priority areas possible after first-year results. Jones also suggested reinstating a training program for nonprofits on grant writing and capacity building, which Merritt acknowledged as valuable. - Richmond Public Schools Facilities Modernization Plan: Patrick Harrell, Chief Operating Officer for Richmond Public Schools, joined by Board Chair Fernandez, presented the community engagement process for prioritizing school facility upgrades. Harrell outlined the current facilities plan (nearing completion with Richmond High School for the Arts, Maury Street Campus, and Woodville Elementary remaining), and the need for a new five-to-ten-year plan. Key statistics: RPS average building age is 62 years; 36% of buildings are over 50 years old; 20% are over 100 years old. An independent assessment identified $680 million in deferred maintenance needs over 20 years, while annual capital funding is approximately $2.5 million (with a recent one-time boost of $10 million from council). Community input sessions are being held in each district; two had occurred by the meeting date, with seven more scheduled. The activity involves ranking 26 schools by priority based on building condition, enrollment trends, and student needs. Both Harrell and Vice Chair Jones noted that the sessions were powerful in shifting participants from advocating for their own schools to recognizing citywide needs. Jones and Breton praised the process and committed to attending upcoming sessions. - Ordinance 2026-191: Acceptance of Grant Funds for Juvenile Detention Center: Greg Hopkins (Director of Justice Services) presented the ordinance authorizing acceptance of $137,038 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for the juvenile detention center. The funds are one-time and will be used to transform the facility into a trauma-informed environment, including furniture, painting, acoustic padding, and youth-friendly visitation spaces. The ordinance received no public opposition or support. Councilmember Breton questioned the one-time nature of the expenditures; Hopkins confirmed they are all one-time investments (e.g., furniture, painting, equipment). Vice Chair Jones expressed support for humanizing the facility. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval. - DCAO Updates: Dr. Popovich, DCAO for Human Services, provided three updates. First, she introduced Lamont Barnes as the new Senior Policy Advisor for the Office of Gun Violence Prevention (succeeding Greg Hopkins). Second, she highlighted September as Library Card Month and noted a 35% increase in summer reading participation over four years through the summer internship program. Third, she announced the launch of the Central VA Resource Navigator website (centralvaresourcenavigator.org), a comprehensive, vetted directory of over 130 behavioral health and substance use resources, developed in partnership with Henrico County and the region. The website is available 24/7 and is especially timely for National Recovery Month. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the July 9, 2026 EHS committee meeting. - Recommended approval of Ordinance 2026-191 (accepting $137,038 for juvenile detention center improvements) by a unanimous voice vote (Vice Chair Jones and Councilmember Breton voting aye). - Received updates on the Richmond Thrives grant program, RPS facilities planning, and DCAO activities with no formal votes required. - Next meeting scheduled for October 8, 2026, with anticipated agenda items including an update on early childhood enrollment from the Office of Children and Families and an update on homeless services strategic planning. - Vice Chair Jones formally introduced her new liaison, Catherine Brown, who will be available for 9th district needs.

The Van City Council held a regular meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Van City Hall. The meeting covered a range of administrative, public safety, and community development items, including the selection of a new EMS provider, a citizen request to remove stop signs, and multiple budget approvals. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the August 13, 2026 regular meeting and the financial report. Public Comments & Testimony - Timothy Sims (150 West Florida Street, resident of 29 years) requested lowering the speed limit on West Florida Street from 30 mph to 15 mph, citing narrow, winding road conditions that make travel dangerous and prevent children from playing outside. He offered to purchase signs. - Richard Callaway (First Call Restoration, Van native) presented a proposed "Victims Assistance Program" to provide free emergency board-up and tarp-up services for residential fire victims at no cost to the city, fire department, or homeowner, with no endorsement or exclusive referral required. He requested continued discussion on implementation. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report: September sales tax allocation figures not yet received; radar trailer placed on Florida Street to collect speed data; water well 3 test results were excellent, proceeding with boring; the annual fishing day is being prepared with a new dock and sponsor Faith Co. - Information and Discussion: - Hazard Mitigation Plan: Submitted action items to remain eligible for grant funds, including weather radios, safe room incentives in building codes, drought-tolerant landscaping, and flood warning signs. - Oil Festival Parade & Halloween Event: Council members expressed willingness to participate in a parade entry (e.g., in a truck with top hats) and a Halloween event with children; no formal action taken. - City Hall Remodel: Discussed possible relocation of the library to the EDC's Movie House and subsequent remodeling of City Hall. City Manager noted significant costs and emphasized the need for a workshop to define objectives (accessible parking, IT, public services) before committing to a plan. - Action Items: - EMS Provider Selection: Mayor Burns recused himself. Council discussed chronic poor response times (20–30 minutes vs. contractual 8:59), lack of improvement, and an existing contract expiring June 2028. A motion passed to enter a contract with a new provider to begin no later than June 2028 and simultaneously terminate the current contract due to default. - Stop Signs at West Kansas & Cherry: A citizen argued signs were installed without proper traffic study and are not warranted. Council discussed a similar precedent and agreed to conduct a traffic study (similar to the prior Magnolia study) before deciding removal. The City Manager will collect speed/car counts and accident data. - FY2025-2026 Budget Amendment: Passed to reallocate EDC payroll reimbursements and document a $95,000 hotel/motel tax transfer to an interest-bearing savings account for transparency; no net expenditure changes. - EDC Budget FY2026-2027: Approved, including a new $40,000 Business Improvement Grant (BIG) and continuation of a Facade Grant, with projects over $10,000 requiring council approval. - Certification of Unopposed Candidates: Approved. - Cancellation of November 3, 2026 General Election: Approved, saving approximately $5,000 due to no contested races. - Destruction of Outdated Records: Approved per state retention standards; documentation provided. Key Outcomes - New EMS Provider: Council voted to authorize a contract with a new provider (start date no later than June 2028) and initiate default termination of the current provider. Mayor Burns recused himself. (Motion made and seconded; all others voted aye.) - Stop Sign Study: City Manager will conduct a traffic study of the West Kansas and Cherry Street intersection; signs will remain in place pending results. - Budget Amendments: Both the FY2025-2026 amendment and the FY2026-2027 EDC budget were approved unanimously. - Election Cancellation: The November 3, 2026 general election was canceled due to unopposed candidates; savings of $5,000. - Florida Street: Immediate actions include mowing and tree trimming on the south side to improve visibility, plus radar data collection. - Next Steps: City Manager noted a rough draft of a subdivision ordinance (including potential tree preservation language) will be brought to the October 24 meeting (special meeting set for September 24).

The Stanwood City Council convened on September 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM (adjourning at 8:35 PM) with Councilmember Bergman excused from attendance. The primary focus was a detailed presentation by Police Chief Jason Toner on the city's Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, followed by extensive public comment for and against the program. The council also debated and adopted Resolution 2026-15, updating the city's personnel policy to allow for paid time off conversion. Consent Calendar - Councilmembers approved vouchers and payroll, the meeting minutes from August 13, 2026, and the appointment of Matthew Mattson to the Parks and Trails Advisory Committee. The motion (by Councilmember Wheatley, seconded by Councilmember Hicks) carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony Flock Safety Cameras - Peter Bevington (Camano Island): Opposed the renewal of the Flock Safety contract, arguing the system constitutes AI-powered mass surveillance that creates an inherent risk of abuse which outweighs its safety benefits. - Tim Schmitt (Stanwood): Expressed support for retaining the cameras but urged the council to implement better policies to govern their use and address privacy concerns, advocating for reform over elimination. - Tanya Lopez (Camano Island): Strongly opposed the cameras, reporting that her family's two vehicles were logged 97 times in 21 days by the Stanwood cameras. She cited a Wired magazine article on Flock's expanding AI capabilities and argued such pervasive government surveillance is a deep invasion of privacy. - Mary Ellen Wood (Warm Beach): Urged the council to let the Flock contract expire, stating her discomfort with mass data collection would lead her to shift her shopping to communities without such systems. - Abigail Gae (Stanwood): Called the program a misallocation of funds and an invasion of privacy that does not make her feel safer, arguing it diminishes the character of the community. Closing Comments - Tim Schmitt: Thanked the Chief for his presentation and stated it alleviated his concerns, voicing support for retaining the cameras. - Tim Schmidt: Criticized the council for placing a public records settlement on the consent agenda in a previous meeting, arguing such a significant issue deserved a more prominent roll call vote. - Peter Bevington: Thanked the council and the community for engaging in what he characterized as a respectful and thorough democratic debate. Discussion Items Police CompStat Report & Flock Safety Camera Presentation - Chief Jason Toner delivered a comprehensive update on the city's Flock Safety ALPR cameras, emphasizing compliance with the new Washington State Senate Bill 602. Key updates included restricted search reasons (stolen vehicles, missing persons, felonies), a strict 21-day data retention policy, and the prohibition of sharing data with immigration enforcement. The city has 14 total cameras (13 actively operating, 1 off pending relocation away from a restricted zone). In the previous 30 days, the system captured 98,479 vehicles and generated 83 “hot list” hits (stolen vehicles or wanted persons flagged across agencies). The annual contract cost is $44,000. - Councilmembers questioned Chief Toner on the metrics of the “hot list” hits, the cost structure if cameras were removed, and the system's potential future capabilities. Chief Toner confirmed the system does not use facial recognition, and that independent probable cause is required for any stop, positioning the cameras as a force multiplier for the small police department. Adopt Resolution 2026-15: Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual Update - Director David Hammond presented a policy update creating an optional paid time off (PTO) conversion program for eligible non-represented employees aged 57 and older. The goal is to reduce the city’s accumulated PTO liability (recorded at $397,000 in 2025) and enable smoother succession planning. Employees would be required to use at least four weeks (160 hours) of PTO annually and would be limited in how much leave they could cash out upon retirement under the new program. - Councilmember Shepro raised concerns about the potential budget exposure if multiple senior employees utilized the program simultaneously, and he expressed doubt that the financial benefits of the policy outweighed its costs. - Councilmember Hicks echoed the need for full information and understanding before implementing the policy. - The motion passed on a vote of 4 to 2. (Councilmembers Gaumond, Cowan, Robb, and Wheatley in favor; Hicks and Shepro opposed). Key Outcomes - The consent agenda (vouchers, payroll, minutes, and PTAC appointment) was approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026-15 (Personnel Policy Update) was adopted on a vote of 4-2. - The upcoming Flock Safety contract renewal was positioned as a major decision for the council. Councilmember Shepro noted the absence of public opposition when the contract was originally approved two years ago, contrasting it with the high turnout and strongly held positions expressed during this meeting's public comment period. - Councilmember Shepro stated he came into the meeting prepared to vote for the Personnel Policy resolution but developed doubt based on the discussion, explaining his “no” vote. - Councilmember Robb welcomed new Parks and Trails Advisory Committee member Matthew Mattson and new Planning Manager Chris Holland.

This is the summary of the Burton City Council regular meeting held on September 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 4303 S. Center Road, Burton, MI 48519. The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM by Council President Gregory Fenner. All seven council members were present. Mayor Duane Haskins provided administrative reports covering ongoing infrastructure projects, grant funding, and upcoming events. Council members approved seven action items unanimously (7-0), including appointments, contracts, and a budget amendment. Public comments addressed demolition of a clubhouse, traffic safety, and neighborhood concerns. Consent Calendar - All agenda items were approved as presented, including seven sets of minutes from the August 17, 2026 special and regular meetings (all approved 7-0). - The consent calendar motion was made by Council Member Ellenburg with a second by Council Member Miller; all voted yes. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Dargel (6119 Hugh Street) requested that the city un-table demolition of the Southmoor clubhouse (4312 South Dort), citing it as a public hazard that could collapse. He also requested the Police Chief state the department's policy on Flock cameras. - Nicole Ferguson (8049 E. Bristol Road, Davison), representing For-mar park, thanked the city for a new sidewalk connecting Kelly Lake to For-mar. She reported seeing a “huge return on that investment” with increased trail usage. - Joan Lee (2259 E. Bristol Road, Burton) requested traffic control near Bendle School at the Bristol and Fern intersection. Her home has been struck by vehicles twice in three years, and she expressed concerns about speeding trucks, semis, four-wheelers, and motorcycles running the light. - Darren Sears (3513 Fern Avenue, Burton) described ongoing drug activity at a rental property (3509 Fern Avenue), stating the house is operated by a “slumlord.” He reported no sleep for two years, refused police response, and safety risks to children. He bought a firearm and security cameras for protection. - Hailey Sutcliff (3512 Fern Avenue, Burton) echoed concerns about 3509 and 3517 Fern Avenue, including drug activity, blocked mailboxes, and a registered sexual predator at 3517 Fern Avenue near a school. She also reported reckless dirt bike riding on the street. Discussion Items - Administrative Reports (Mayor Haskins): - Center Road water main project is continuing and expected to be complete before winter. - Burton Estates road re-paving will begin soon; letters to residents will go out next week. - Police and Fire Memorial is nearing completion. - Fire Prevention Open House: October 7, 2026 (Wednesday), 5:00–8:00 PM at Fire Station 2. - Blood Drive: September 11, 2026 (tomorrow) at Fire Station 2; sign-up on American Red Cross website. - Project Heats On (furnace cleaning/repair assistance) applications due October 2, 2026; event on October 16, 2026. Applications available on city website and at City Hall. - The city received $421,000 from the “new gas tax.” The mayor expressed uncertainty whether marijuana revenue is included and stated he has concerns because Burton opted into marijuana sales and may lose some of its approximately $600,000 in marijuana dividends if the law changed. - Requested scheduling of a Finance Meeting to discuss updated fee structures, noting the DPW department is “way behind.” - Committee Reports: - Council Member Johns reported that the Parks & Recreation Committee met and is planning holiday events. - Council Member Ellenburg reported the 911 Consortium General Membership Meeting was canceled due to lack of quorum; the Executive Board met and is settling 911 operator contracts with salary increases of 2%, 2%, and 3%. - Council Discussion: - Council Member Johns announced that an expectant mother in Burton signed up for RxKids, with a positive experience. He thanked the Clerk and administration for publicizing the program. - He also announced a free laundry program (“Loads of Love”) by Families and Children Together (FACT): Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Everclean Laundry (Center Road, north of Meijer). Families can get up to three free loads of washing and drying. - Council Action Items (all passed 7-0): 1. Payment of Attorney Odette invoices 1127 and 1128 (8/13/26–9/2/26) for $5,244.75. 2. Reappointment of Erica Edgington to the Planning Commission (term expires September 2029). Council Members Heffner and Fenner voiced support, calling her a “good commissioner.” 3. Employment agreement with Jody Grant as Deputy Police Chief, effective September 10, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Council President Fenner expressed impression of Grant. 4. Professional engineering contract with Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc. (OHM) for safety improvements at Belsay and Potter Road intersection, not to exceed $95,795.00. 5. Construction contract with Zito Construction for paving of Sitka Street, amount $359,893.00. 6. Authorization for the City Clerk to set a second public hearing for Monday, September 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM (or later) at City Hall, to hear comments on improvements and special assessments for Sitka Street Project 26-009-P. Council Member Heffner noted approval of the earlier time (6:30 PM vs. 5:30 PM). 7. Budget amendment within the Major Streets Fund: Increase Safety Project Belsay & Potter by $100,000; decrease Fund Balance by $100,000. Council Member Heffner commented the safety improvements have been needed for 30–40 years. Key Outcomes - All seven action items were approved unanimously (7-0). - A second public hearing for the Sitka Street special assessment district is scheduled for September 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM. - Council and administration committed to follow up on public concerns: traffic control at Bristol and Fern, police response to drug activity on Fern Avenue, Flock camera policy, and potential demolition of the Southmoor clubhouse. - The mayor’s request for a finance meeting to address fee structures (especially in DPW) is pending scheduling. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

The Ocean City Board of Port Wardens met Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland. The Board reviewed two minor and six major marine construction cases, approved the minutes of the August 13, 2026 meeting, and acted on the docketed applications. Staff recommendations covered cases PW 26-038 through PW 26-050 as advertised and posted. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The Board approved the minutes from the August 13, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - During the 805 Penguin Drive case, a speaker raised setback issues and said letters had been sent to Baltimore and that a stop order had been discussed. Board members responded that the new construction itself was not in the setback and that the Board was only dealing with the new construction portion. The speaker also described having to shrink a planned pier from six feet to five feet, or to three feet if two boat slips were kept, and referenced a person named Jackie not wanting “toys” around. Discussion Items - Minor Case PW 26-044 (321 White Heron Court): Staff read a request to install 132 linear feet of replacement vinyl bulkhead, not exceeding 18 inches channelward, with owner Phillip Creek and applicant Stacey Hart & Associates. Conditions included Town of Ocean City open-water bulkhead standard 8.0, an 18-inch channelward limit, engineered plans for bulkheads exceeding 100 feet in length, MDE approval at building permit application, and completion of all marine construction within 18 months of the Board decision. - Minor Case PW 26-045 (10607 Point Lookout Road): Staff read a request to repair, by vinyl replacement 18 inches channelward, about 60 linear feet of deteriorated timber batter-pile bulkhead with new batter-pile bulkhead, owner Mark Souders. Conditions included Town of Ocean City open-water standard 8.0, an 18-inch channelward limit, MDE approval at building permit application, and completion within 18 months. - Major Case PW 26-038 (227 N. Heron Drive): Staff read a request to install 60 feet of replacement vinyl bulkheading, construct a new 6-foot by 19-foot dock, drive two mooring piles, and install one boatlift, with all work extending 13.5 feet channelward; owner Mary Ring. The transcript reads “227 North Herring Drive” in one place, while the agenda lists 227 N. Heron Drive. Conditions included Town of Ocean City canal standard 6.1, an 18-inch channelward limit, five-foot setbacks and/or letters of no objection including any HOA, MDE approval, and completion within 18 months. - Major Case PW 26-046 (143 Pine Tree Road): Staff read a request to install 40 feet of replacement vinyl bulkhead including six batter piles, plus a boatlift, owner Brian Horn. Conditions included Town of Ocean City canal standard 6.1, an 18-inch channelward limit, a boatlift installed per manufacturer’s specifications not exceeding 31.5 feet channelward, MDE approval, and completion within 18 months. - Major Case PW 26-047 (603 Harbour Drive): Staff read a request to install 42 feet of new vinyl bulkhead 18 inches channelward, owner Carol Hunter. Conditions stated that all existing marine structures rebuilt or reinstalled must meet Town marine construction standards and that the new bulkhead would bring maximum channelward extension to 38 feet. Five-foot setbacks and/or letters of no objection, MDE approval, and completion within 18 months were required. - Major Case PW 26-048 (1556 Teal Drive): Staff read a request to relocate an existing boatlift by removing two pilings, redriving them, and installing two new additional pilings, with a maximum channelward extension of 38 feet, owner Ty Williams. Conditions required pilings reinstalled under Town of Ocean City Marine Standards not exceeding 38 feet, MDE approval, and completion within 18 months. - Major Case PW 26-049 (778 94th Street, Unit 201, Slip 18): Staff read a request to install one boatlift on existing pilings with a maximum channelward extension of 28 feet, owner Christopher Shelton. Conditions included MDE approval and completion within 18 months. - Major Case PW 26-050 (805 Penguin Drive): Staff read a request to install a 6-foot by 44-foot perpendicular pier, owner Jacqueline DeGroft, applicant Stacey Hart & Associates. Discussion focused on setback concerns, existing pilings, and whether the Board could consider only new construction. The Board approved the project as part of the staff recommendation as advertised and posted. Key Outcomes - The Board approved the August 13, 2026 meeting minutes. - The Board approved all eight docketed applications: PW 26-044, PW 26-045, PW 26-038, PW 26-046, PW 26-047, PW 26-048, PW 26-049, and PW 26-050, subject to the conditions read into the record. Standard conditions included MDE approval at the time of building permit application and completion of all marine construction within 18 months of the Board’s decision. - The transcript records a voice vote call of “all in favor” near the end; no numerical tally was recorded.

The Toledo City Plan Commission held a formal meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers at One Government Center. The meeting addressed multiple zone changes, a text amendment, and three local landmark designation requests. Several cases were deferred or withdrawn, and landmark designations for two Catholic churches generated significant public comment and debate. Consent Calendar (Procedural Actions) - Z26-0015 – Zone change at 2517 Fulton Street: The applicant requested and was granted a 60-day deferral to the November agenda, carried unanimously. - V-325-26 – Alley vacation north of Western Avenue: Withdrawn by the applicant. - SUP26-0019 – Special use permit for a daycare center at 662 Phillips Avenue: Postponed for 30 days. Discussion Items & Public Comments Z26-0016 – Zone Change for Toledo Zoo Parking Lot (866 Bartley Place) - Staff recommended approval, citing compatibility with existing land uses and nearby zoning. The applicant (Nathan Decker, 2700 Broadway) stated the change would bring a newly developed parking lot into the zoo's institutional campus master plan. One neighbor had general questions but no objection; a neighborhood meeting also drew no objections. The commission unanimously approved the zone change. M-5-26 – Text Amendment for Industrial Site Plan Review Threshold - The Plan Commission acted as applicant. Staff proposed exempting industrial site expansions disturbing less than 2,500 square feet from minor site plan review, replacing it with a certificate of zoning compliance. The amendment includes a clause allowing the planning director to require review when appropriate. No public correspondence was received, and the commission unanimously approved. The case goes to City Council on October 21, 2026. M-15-26 – Local Landmark Designation: Viking Lodge (1623–1627 Broadway) - The applicant (Julie Apt, 8 North St. Clair) requested designation for the building, built in 1916 and formerly a lodge. The owner (Mosaic Ministries) seeks historic tax credits for redevelopment into an early childhood education center and food pantry. One public speaker (John Doty) supported the designation in memory of his wife. No other correspondence was received. The commission unanimously approved, sending the case to City Council on October 21. M-16-26 – Local Landmark Designation: Sacred Heart Catholic Church (509 Oswald Street) - This case was initiated by City Council. Staff (Bill Harbert) presented the historic and architectural significance (German Gothic Romanesque, limestone construction, built 1900). The Diocese of Toledo, owner of the property, opposed the designation. Attorney Tom Antonini read a statement arguing the church had not been consulted, that the process interfered with religious property decisions under canon law and the First Amendment, and that the diocese would pursue legal remedies if the designation proceeded. The diocese stated Sacred Heart was in poor condition (basement issues) and that they had not requested this action. Public testimony was heavily in favor of preservation: 18 letters of support, 3 in opposition, and a 14-page petition with 100 signatures were received. Speakers included residents, a community organizer (Gary Linhart of One Voice for East Toledo), and a former parishioner (CJ Estelle, via letter) who described efforts to purchase the church and secure redevelopment funding. A licensed contractor and longtime parishioners challenged the diocese's repair estimates, claiming they were inflated. The commission debated the balance between private property rights and public preservation interest. A motion to approve passed 3-1 (Mominay, Whittington, Grossweiler in favor; Ricoff opposed). The case goes to City Council on October 21. M-17-26 – Local Landmark Designation: Good Shepherd Catholic Church (500 Clark Street) - Similar to Sacred Heart, this case was initiated by City Council. Staff described the building as a combination of Byzantine and Romanesque styles, with unique doming, and noted it appeared in fair condition. The Diocese opposed, arguing the designation was premature and that they had not been consulted. No current demolition plans were stated, but the diocese said the designation would not help their ongoing efforts to find a use. Public testimony supported designation, emphasizing the church's iconic dome and its role as a gateway to East Toledo. A motion to approve passed 3-1 (same split as Sacred Heart). The case goes to City Council on October 21. Key Outcomes - Z26-0016: Approved; forwarded to City Council Planning & Zoning Committee on October 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM. - M-5-26: Approved; similarly forwarded to City Council on October 21. - M-15-26: Approved; forwarded to City Council on October 21. - M-16-26: Approved (3-1); forwarded to City Council on October 21. - M-17-26: Approved (3-1); forwarded to City Council on October 21. - Z26-0015, V-325-26, SUP26-0019: Deferred or withdrawn as noted above. - Director’s Report: Richard Arnold briefed the commission on a City Council settlement (City of Toledo v. Singletary, $62,500) related to a denied group home, criticizing the secrecy and linking it to an unacted-upon text amendment from 2019. The commission also learned that a zoning code consultant will visit in the third week of October, with a special commission hearing tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 21 (date to be confirmed).