The Deltona City Commission held a regular meeting on September 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM (Public Forum) to 7:50 PM. The agenda included consent items, a public hearing on affordable housing code updates under the Live Local Act, adoption of the tentative millage and budget for FY 2026-2027, and an appointment to the Planning and Zoning Board. Commissioners voted on several items with split outcomes. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of August 24, 2026 regular meeting and August 31, 2026 special meeting. - Approved proclamations: National Service Dog Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Festival of Nations, Good Neighbor Day, Manufacturing Day, and a newly added NAACP Proclamation. - Approved Resolution 2026-81 awarding Bid 26026 for fertilizers and chemicals to Howard Fertilizer & Chemicals Company, Inc., SiteOne Landscape Supply, LLC, and Rentokil North America, Inc. DBA: Target Specialty Products. - Approved Resolution 2026-78 reaffirming annual assessment rates for Lake McGarity ($0), Solid Waste ($287.76 per parcel), Stormwater ($210.00 per equivalent residential unit, with scheduled future increases), Streetlighting, and Nuisance Abatement for FY 2026-2027. - Approved Resolution 2026-83 adopting the Amended Master Fee Schedule for FY 2026, incorporating Parks and Community Events fee changes. - The consent agenda passed on a 5–2 vote (Commissioner Howington and Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez dissenting). Public Comments & Testimony - Resident Pat Blocker urged the city to cut “wants” (festivals, events) from the budget to preserve funding for essential services, particularly if Amendment 3 passes. - Resident Temple cited Florida Statute 166.04971 and questioned the necessity of items such as multiple sheriff’s deputies, helicopter service, and heavy vehicles, calling for a re-prioritization of spending. - Resident Kathy Bryan cautioned that Amendment 3 would shift the tax burden, not eliminate it, and that special assessments would disproportionately affect newer residents; she also expressed concern that the Parks budget exceeds Public Works. Discussion Items Ordinance 16-2026 – Live Local Act Update (First Reading) - Community Development Services Director Jordan presented a proposal to update Chapter 76 of the Land Development Code to conform with House Bill 1389, effective July 1, 2026. Key changes: expanded eligibility to certain Planned Unit Developments, government-owned property, and religious institutions; removal of a 35% non-residential requirement (state now limits such requirements to 10%); and continued administrative review without discretionary commission approval. - A resident (former Planning and Zoning Board member) voiced concern that the new height provision (highest building within one mile or three stories) could allow nine‑story structures citywide, referencing Halifax Hospital as a potential benchmark. - Commissioner Colwell asked about incorporating green building certification; staff and the City Attorney noted that such a requirement might be considered a prohibited workaround under the revised statute but agreed to explore options for second reading. - Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez questioned whether the commission retains any approval authority; she was told individual projects meeting state criteria are approved administratively. - The Planning and Zoning Board had recommended approval 5–2 on August 19, 2026. Tentative Millage (Resolution 2026-79) and Tentative Budget (Resolution 2026-80) - Finance Director McKinney and Deputy City Manager presented a combined overview. The tentative millage rate is 6.4948 mills per $1,000 of taxable value, a 0.00% increase from the rolled-back rate, yielding approximately $36.5 million in ad valorem proceeds. The total tentative citywide budget is $177,524,364, with a General Fund of $78,682,518. - Staff delivered a detailed presentation on proposed Amendment 3 (property tax limitation), which could reduce city property tax revenue by up to 43%, requiring a shift of $12 million in the first year and $17 million in the second year. The city’s fund balance might cover such losses for about five years if policies were changed, but ongoing service levels would be affected. Special assessments and contract reductions were discussed as potential mitigations. - Commissioner Howington opposed the millage rate, arguing for a lower rate and greater conservatism given the potential revenue loss; she also noted that the consent agenda had already increased stormwater fees by $20/year while the budget included nearly $700,000 for promotional events. - Commissioner Colwell expressed concern about “fluff” in the budget and stated he could not support it as presented. - The tentative millage resolution passed 5–2 (Commissioners Colwell and Howington dissenting). - The tentative budget resolution passed 4–3 (Commissioners Colwell, Howington, and Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez dissenting). Appointment to Planning and Zoning Board (Item 9-D) - Commissioner Howington moved to appoint Timothy Blodgett as the District 4 representative to the Planning and Zoning Board, noting the seat had been vacant for 128 days. The motion carried 6–1 (Commissioner Nabicht dissenting). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved (5–2). - Ordinance 16-2026 Approved on First Reading (5–2); second reading scheduled for October 5, 2026. - Resolution 2026-79 (Tentative Millage) Adopted (5–2). - Resolution 2026-80 (Tentative Budget) Adopted (4–3). - Item 9-C (FDEP Grant for Aquifer Injection Well) Pulled by staff for further coordination with consultant and partner agencies. - Timothy Blodgett Appointed to Planning and Zoning Board (6–1). - Future Agenda Items Added: AI expedited permitting presentation (Commissioner Colwell), ADA program update presentation (Commissioner Howington), and presentation from D-Ranch and Conservation Florida on their ECHO grant plans (Commissioner Heriot).
The Public Meeting Index
The Public Meeting IndexOn September 9, 2026, the Chapel Hill Town Council held its first fall session meeting at 6:00 PM in Council Chamber. The meeting included three proclamations, public comments on the People's Channel, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, and a detailed discussion on the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) update. The council also voted to enter closed session. Opening and Proclamations - Hispanic Heritage Month: Proclamation celebrating Hispanic and Latino communities with the theme "Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future Together." - Co-Responder/Crisis Week: Proclamation honoring compassionate early intervention for mental health and substance use needs. - Patriot Day: Proclamation commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, honoring first responders and inviting a moment of silence. Announcements by Council Members - Mayor Anderson announced Open Chapel Hill Days on September 19 and October 3, and reminded of the next council work session on September 16. - Council Member Miller-Foushee invited the community to celebrate 30 years of Empowerment Inc. on September 19. - Council Member McMahon shared his role on the Go Triangle board and interest in transit-oriented development. - Mayor Pro Tem Berry noted September is Hunger Action Month. - Council Member Nollert highlighted resources from the North Carolina Housing Coalition and Budget and Tax Center about proposed constitutional amendments affecting local government services. Public Comments & Testimony - Jesse Basker (volunteer with People's Channel): Expressed full support for the People's Channel as a community resource providing equipment, training, and youth camps. Urged continued funding. - Billy Nicholson (producer): Stated the People's Channel gives a voice to the people, helps build community, and is a valuable medium. Asked council to support funding. - Abdullah Muhammad (religious leader): Emphasized the People's Channel builds bridges, especially for sharing the message of Islam, and promotes peace and harmony. Requested continued support. Following public comments, Mayor Pro Tem Berry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Miller-Foushee, to direct staff to provide more information about funding challenges and possibilities for the People's Channel. The motion passed 8-1 (Council Member Rivers opposed). Consent Calendar The consent agenda was approved unanimously by a motion from Council Member Ryan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. It included: - Item 4: Annual Re-Appropriate Funds for Prior Year Encumbrances Budget Ordinance Amendment (O-1). - Item 5: 2026-2027 Public Housing Capital Fund Program Plan (R-1 and O-2). - Item 6: FY27 Governor's Highway Safety Program Grant Application (R-2, $183,785). - Item 7: Town Code Chapter 2, Article IV Amendment: Campaign Contribution Limitations (O-3, maximum individual contribution $390, disclosure exemption $40). - Item 8: June 10, 17, and 22, 2026 Meeting Minutes. - Item 9: Closed Session Minutes (various dates). - Item 10: Past Unapproved Minutes (various dates). - Item 11: 2026 Council Meeting Schedule Amendment. Discussion Items: Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) Update Staff presented an overview of the draft LUMO, focusing on three key interests: user friendliness, economic development and land use, and built environment/public realm. The presentation covered buy-right development thresholds, incentives for community benefits, new zoning districts (e.g., RD), transition rules, and design standards. Council members asked clarifying questions about: - Buy-right thresholds (cumulative 30,000 sq ft residential + 40,000 sq ft non-residential baseline). - Impact of January 2026 density changes on development applications. - Role of the Community Design Commission (CDC) and potential sunset. - Stepbacks as massing vs. aesthetic elements. - Street tree requirements and amenity space activation. - Need for visuals to understand how rules apply on the ground. Public Comments on LUMO: - Greg Gerdeaux (homeowner): Noted the LUMO lacks references to children's play spaces; urged adding athletic instruction or youth athletic uses in residential districts. Submitted written language. - Barbara Driscoll (Conservation Chair, New Hope Bird Alliance): Concerned about impacts on stormwater, canopy loss, and biodiversity. Requested native planting requirements, bird-safe design, and a stormwater overlay. - David Shanzer (Chair, Lake Forest Association): Highlighted inadequate stormwater protection in the Booker Creek watershed; noted exemptions for many housing types from downstream analysis. Asked for developers to pay for infrastructure. - Jeanette Bench (Parks Commission member): Echoed flooding concerns and need for neighborhood parks. - Daniel Ying (resident): Criticized collector road designations as inconsistent; called for refinement. - John Sadler (resident): Warned of cumulative impacts of buy-right development on stormwater and traffic; suggested integrating street design with land use. Council Discussion and Straw Polls: Council debated process for making changes to the draft LUMO. They agreed to use straw polls to gauge interest on further information requests. Key outcomes from straw polls: - Visuals for R zones with density bonuses: Requested. - Downtown/town center design and displacement: Council asked for a work session on downtown, including LUMO-related components and potential overlay for historic areas. - Design requirements and cost/technology implications: Withdrawn after staff noted it was not a fruitful discussion. - Ban on certain uses near schools (e.g., vape shops): Requested more information. - Eliminate collector roads as density trigger: Strong consensus; staff to provide options (overlay or zoning with criteria like proximity to schools, greenways, transit). - Overlay districts for stormwater, downtown, and complete community: Council expressed interest in exploring options; staff to bring information. - Children's play spaces and active uses in zones: Requested understanding. - Native plantings and invasive species: More information requested, likely to be addressed in next session. Staff confirmed all requests were reasonable but noted timelines for detailed proposals. Key Outcomes - Motion on People's Channel: Passed 8-1 to receive more information. - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - LUMO Update: Received and filed; council directed staff to provide additional information on multiple topics (visuals, collector roads, overlays, downtown design, children's play spaces, native plantings, and use restrictions near schools). - Closed Session: Motion to enter closed session under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) and (a)(3) to discuss 150 East Rosemary Street and attorney-client privilege passed unanimously. The meeting recessed to Room 102.
No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.
The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee of the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council held a budget hearing on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Assembly Room. The committee reviewed the proposed 2027 budgets for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD). The meeting was marked by heated public testimony and disruptions related to the recent fatal police shooting of Dallas Jet, with several audience members removed for disorderly conduct. IMPD Budget Presentation Chief Tanya Terry and CFO Deb Hall presented IMPD's 2027 budget request. Chief Terry highlighted progress in violent crime reduction, with double-digit declines in homicides and nonfatal shootings, and a 25% drop in property crime over five years. She emphasized that youth involvement in violence remains a concern, noting that the proportion of youth in nonfatal shootings rose by 5.5% even as overall numbers fell. The department has 1,383 sworn officers, 360 short of the authorized strength of 1,743. The current recruit class is the largest in four years, with over 30 recruits. The budget request includes $41 million more than the previous year, with 79% allocated to personnel. Key items include funding for union-negotiated raises, overtime to cover staffing shortages, and 180 new vehicles (short of the 300 needed annually). Chief Terry addressed the Dallas Jet shooting, stating that evidence shows Jet fired a round that struck an officer's vest, and that both investigations are ongoing. She reaffirmed that IMPD does not ask about immigration status and is not participating in federal immigration sweeps. Concerns about ALPR (license plate reader) misuse were addressed: a new policy requires every search to be tied to a case number, and daily audits are now conducted. The department is also moving to a 10-hour shift model, which was popular with officers. IFD Budget Presentation Chief Ernest Malone and CFO Dawn Sykes-Randall presented IFD's 2027 budget request of $298.9 million, an increase driven largely by 50 firefighters transitioning from a SAFER grant to the general fund and higher pension contributions. IFD has 1,276 sworn firefighters and 48 civilian staff. Chief Malone highlighted the department's international accreditation and ISO Class 1 rating (only 127 out of 30,000 U.S. fire departments hold both). The budget includes 65 new recruits to keep pace with attrition. New initiatives include the Pulse Point app (to alert CPR-trained bystanders) and a station replacement plan that prioritizes the 10 most in-need stations. Unfunded requests included an administrative vehicle replacement plan, dedicated station repair funding, additional fire gear, three administrative positions, and an adjustment to the overtime work factor. The department has a 20-year station replacement plan, with Station 24 on the East Side ranking high on the list. IFD's fleet is in strong shape following a completed 10-year apparatus replacement plan. Public Comments & Testimony Numerous community members spoke during public testimony, many expressing outrage over the Dallas Jet shooting and demanding accountability. Speakers criticized the budget request, arguing that funds should be reallocated from IMPD and that the department has failed to provide transparency. Several speakers called for the release of full body camera footage and for systemic changes to public safety. Others raised concerns about ALPRs, immigration enforcement, and the high cost of overtime. A few speakers praised Chief Terry's leadership but urged more community engagement. Family members of Dallas Jet addressed the committee, seeking truth and justice. One speaker, Torian Everett, encouraged the council to support the strategic plan and community engagement efforts. Discussion Items Committee members questioned Chief Terry and Chief Malone extensively. Councilor Perkins noted that IMPD consumes 25% of the city's budget and questioned the use of funds for overtime given chronic vacancies. Councilor Brown pressed for details on ALPR auditing and expressed frustration over the department's response to immigration enforcement operations. Councilor Boots raised traffic enforcement concerns, and Councilor Hart asked about retention and the need for a recruitment pipeline. Councilors generally praised IFD's presentation and leadership, with Councilor Hart calling it the best budget presentation he had seen. Several members expressed interest in fire consolidation to reduce property taxes. Councilor Perkins clarified that Pike Township has no interest in consolidation. Councilor Wells inquired about IFD's unfunded requests, which included additional vehicles, station repairs, and administrative support. The meeting concluded with no votes taken, as it was solely a hearing. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the hearing. - The committee will continue to review the proposed budgets for further consideration. - Chief Terry committed to providing additional data on vehicle usage and ALPR audits. - Chief Malone noted that IFD's 20-year station replacement plan prioritizes Station 24 but requires additional funding for construction. - The meeting was adjourned after public testimony, with the understanding that budget discussions would proceed through the normal legislative process.
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission held the first of two required public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget on September 9, 2026, at 5:01 PM in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Community Room. All five commissioners were present: Mayor Dean J. Trantalis, Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen, Commissioner John C. Herbst, Commissioner Steven Glassman, and Commissioner Pam Beasley-Pittman. The hearing covered the Sunrise Key Neighborhood Improvement District budget, the citywide tentative millage rate, the five-year Capital Improvement Plan, and the overall tentative budget and personnel complement. No members of the public spoke during any of the public comment periods. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak on any agenda item. Discussion Items BGT-1 – Fiscal Year 2027 Sunrise Key Neighborhood Improvement District Tentative Millage Rate and Tentative Budget The acting city manager presented that the district’s board had voted on May 26, 2026, to set a millage rate of 1.000 mil, which would generate an estimated $230,072 in tax revenue to support a $230,072 operating budget. This millage rate is 1.62% above the rolled-back rate of 0.9841 mils. The commission voted unanimously to adopt both the tentative millage rate and the tentative budget. BGT-2 – Fiscal Year 2027 Tentative Millage Rate (4.1193) for the City of Fort Lauderdale The acting city manager explained that the city’s recommended tentative millage rate of 4.1193 maintains the current rate (unchanged for 19 years) but exceeds the rolled-back rate of 3.9408 by 4.53%. The aggregate tentative millage rate including the Sunrise Key dependent district is 4.128, which is 4.52% above the aggregate rolled-back rate of 3.9444. The millage rate supports $14.4 million in salary and wage increases, $27.5 million in transfers to the capital projects fund, and $6.1 million in fringe benefit increases. The resolution also set debt service millage rates: 0.0168 for 2011A bonds, 0.0745 for the public safety bond, 0.1138 for the parks bond, and 0.0165 for the 2015 refunding bonds. The resolution was adopted 4-1, with Commissioner Herbst voting nay. BGT-3 – Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (FY 2027-2031) The commission tentatively approved the Capital Improvement Plan covering October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031. The resolution also tentatively appropriated the FY 2027 portion and reappropriated unspent balances from FY 2026. The vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Herbst dissenting. BGT-4 – Fiscal Year 2027 Tentative Budget and Personnel Complement The acting city manager presented adjustments made since the July 2, 2026, proposed budget. General fund revenue increased by $1,287,635 (updated ad valorem estimates, in-house litigation staffing revenue, Wilton Manors fire prevention services revenue) and decreased by $786,725 (updated state revenue estimates, completed cost allocation study). General fund expenditure adjustments included a $2,165,105 decrease in transfers to the capital projects fund, a $1,577,843 increase for the microtransit program, a $532,517 net increase in salaries/wages/operations, a $337,294 increase for in-house litigation staff, a $193,899 increase for fire rescue staff supporting Wilton Manors, and a $24,462 increase in the CRA transfer. The tentative general fund budget is $560,602,242. Other fund changes included a $7,333,324 decrease in the water and sewer fund (using interest earnings instead of fund balance, with no impact on capital improvement schedules), a $2,727,257 decrease in the transportation surtax fund, a $2,070,042 decrease in the stormwater fund, and several smaller adjustments. The annual fire assessment rate increases by $403 to $444 per residential unit. The total all-funds tentative budget is $1,283,327,106. The resolution was adopted 4-1, with Commissioner Herbst dissenting. Key Outcomes - BGT-1 (Sunrise Key NID) : Unanimously adopted the tentative millage rate of 1.000 mil and tentative budget of $230,072. - BGT-2 (Citywide Tentative Millage Rate 4.1193) : Adopted 4-1 (Herbst nay). The final public hearing for this rate will be held September 14, 2026, at 5:01 PM. - BGT-3 (Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan) : Adopted 4-1 (Herbst nay). The final adoption hearing will be September 14, 2026, at 5:01 PM. - BGT-4 (Tentative Budget and Personnel Complement) : Adopted 4-1 (Herbst nay). The tentative all-funds budget is $1,283,327,106. The final budget hearing is set for September 14, 2026, at 5:01 PM.
The Child Care Improvement Work Group, established by Council Resolution CR 15-2026, held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM virtually. The meeting was chaired by Council Chair Crystal Oriata (District 7) and facilitated by Dr. Rune Parakin, Director of the Education and Workforce Development Committee. Members introduced themselves and discussed the work group's charge to improve availability, affordability, and quality of child care in Prince George's County. The group reviewed the enabling legislation, a legislative package (CB14-CB18) introduced by Chair Oriata, and began identifying key barriers and opportunities. The meeting concluded with a schedule for future virtual meetings and a call for members to prepare remarks on state legislative changes. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Moore, a parent participant, shared her experience securing a pre-K seat for her child in the county's neighborhood school. She noted limited pre-K classrooms and the need to arrange aftercare transportation. She urged that child care seat expansion be partnered with new housing development in the county, particularly in Upper Marlborough. Discussion Items - Work Group Charge & Purpose: Dr. Parakin outlined three areas of work: (1) recommendations to improve permitting for child care facilities and streamline county review processes; (2) recommendations for state legislative changes related to licensing and funding; and (3) a final report including a plan for implementing a county universal child care program. - Legislative Package Overview: Budget and policy analyst Caleb Callender presented bills CB14-CB18, which established a child care navigator position (CB14), a grant program for providers (CB15), a scholarship program for families with children ages 0-3 (CB16), funding via the quality of life fund (CB17), and parental protections in enrollment contracts during hardships (CB18). - Member Introductions: Members shared their backgrounds and how they support child care, including representatives from Child Resource Connect, a child care center owner-operator, a family child care provider specializing in inclusive care, a parent and education committee member, MSDE's Division for Early Childhood, and Prince George's County Public Schools. - Discussion on Barriers and Opportunities: Members raised several concerns: - Natalie Coward (Child Resource Connect) highlighted provider mistrust in government programs, delays in scholarship payments, and the need for better synergy among county initiatives and sustained engagement. - Kiana Morant (center owner) noted that provider partnerships are crucial as centers close due to under-enrollment and a 13-14 month waitlist for child care vouchers. - Chair Oriata pointed to policy solutions such as aligning standards across after-school and daycare providers and making structural changes to pre-K programs to better fit working parents. - Alejandra Ladonio Gomez (parent) described a family child care provider facing a $30,000 sprinkler system requirement to expand from 8 to 12 children, calling for mindful policy on expansion barriers. - Andrea Searcy (PGCPS) emphasized incentivizing providers to serve younger children and expanding the mixed-delivery pre-K program to meet Blueprint goals of 50% public school and 50% private provider seats. - Keisha Maxwell (MSDE) welcomed conversations about licensing versus fire safety (e.g., sprinklers) and noted that afterschool programs often provide before- and after-care. Key Outcomes - Meeting Schedule: Future meetings will be held virtually on Wednesdays at 2:00 PM: September 23, October 14, October 28, November 11, and December 9, 2026. - Next Steps: Members were asked to review the legislative package and prepare to discuss state legislative changes to child care licensing and funding at the next meeting on September 23. A written summary of their remarks is requested for inclusion in the final report. - Decision: The work group will develop recommendations and a final report due December 1, 2026, with the group dissolving 90 days after transmitting recommendations. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned by motion and second, with all in favor.
The Dormont Borough Council held its voting session on September 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, 1444 Hillsdale Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. The meeting covered a consent agenda, multiple action items, and reports. Key actions included approving a $25,000 contribution to the Dormont Volunteer Firemen's Association, adopting the Active Transportation Plan, and authorizing several financial and administrative measures. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. Consent Calendar - Approved the resignations of Marc Ford from the Safe Mobility Commission and Crossing Guard Gordon Bushman, both effective August 17, 2026. - Approved Margaret Smith, Michael Scotto D'Antuono, and Luis Infante Rincon as volunteers with the Dormont Fire Department, as recommended by Chief Stakich. - Approved the July 2026 and August 2026 Police Department Reports, July and August 2026 Fire Department Reports, and the July 2026 Building and Code Enforcement Report. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded during the registered comments or public comment portions of the agenda. Discussion Items - Proclamation 4, 2026 — Hunger Action Month: Council approved designating September 2026 as “Hunger Action Month” in the Borough of Dormont. - Resolution No. 15, 2026 — Records Destruction: Authorized the destruction of specific borough records. - Ordinance No. 1661 (amending Ordinance No. 1659): Removed the prohibition on prepayment from the $1.5 million General Obligation Note Series A of 2026, aligning the ordinance with the note and closing certificate issued by Brentwood Bank. - Resolution No. 16, 2026: Appointed Dinsmore & Shohl LLP as Bond Counsel and PNC Capital Markets LLC as Investment Banker through December 31, 2027, for bond issuance advisory services; designated council and administration officers to assist in the process, and declared the Borough’s official intent to reimburse capital expenditures paid before bond issuance. - Active Transportation Plan: Motion to approve
The Planning & Zoning Commission met on September 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM to conduct routine business, including the approval of agenda and minutes and two replat requests. The meeting lasted approximately six minutes. Discussion Items - Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved by a motion from Commissioner Moore, seconded by Commissioner Garza, with all in favor. - Approval of Minutes (August 12, 2026): Commissioner Garza noted a correction: the minutes stated “Commissioner Martin did not know if he would build a structure” but should say “Mr. Santiago did not know.” With that correction, the minutes were approved by a motion from Commissioner Garza, seconded by Commissioner Moore, all in favor. - Replat of Colonnade Village Unit 1, Block 21, Lots 1-8: Planning & Zoning Administrator Michael Perkins presented a request to replat lots currently zoned for residential multifamily to accommodate residential single-family dwellings. The replat reduces lot sizes to create an additional lot, increasing the total by one. Commissioner Martin moved approval, seconded by Commissioner Moore. All in favor. - Replat of 1418 South Lea Street: Mr. Perkins presented a request to replat a metes-and-bounds tract into two units, preserving an existing access easement. Commissioner London asked clarifying questions about the property remaining metes-and-bounds and its definition. Commissioner Garza moved approval, seconded by Commissioner Garza (apparent self-second; transcribed as “second by Commissioner Garza”). All in favor. Key Outcomes - Approval of August 12, 2026 Minutes: Approved with a correction. - Replat of Colonnade Village Unit 1, Block 21, Lots 1-8: Approved (unanimous). - Replat of 1418 South Lea Street: Approved (unanimous). - Next Meeting: Scheduled for October 14, 2026 at 3:00 PM.
The Prince George's County Board of Appeals met virtually on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Chair Bower called the meeting to order with roll call confirming three members present: Chair Bower, Vice Chair Johnson, and Member Stanton. The board heard one variance case (V-33-26) for a security exemption and approved the minutes from the July 15, 2026 meeting. Three other cases were rescheduled. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 15, 2026 meeting. (Motion by Vice Chair Johnson, seconded by Member Stanton, vote 3-0.) Announcements & Rescheduling - Three cases were rescheduled: V-78-25 (Rita N. Amaya) and V-27-26 (Carlos Hernandez Lopez and Maribel Maria Reyes) were rescheduled to October 7, 2026; V-22-26 (Masresha Wolde and Tiruwork Testu) was rescheduled to September 23, 2026. Persons present for those cases were excused. Discussion Items - V-33-26 – Karen Lynette Johnson, Security Exemption Review for Fence (11201 Colorado Street, Clinton) - Applicant Testimony: Karen Johnson testified in support of her request to install a 6-foot tall vinyl privacy fence (with a 5-foot wide side gate) in the front yard, exceeding the allowable height by 2 feet. She cited ongoing security and safety concerns: trespassing, suspicious activity involving guns and drugs, illegal dumping, vandalism, theft, people parking and loitering, a slippery slope and hill causing falls, increased crime in the area, lack of privacy due to the corner lot location, and presence of stray animals. She noted that the fence would be professionally installed and would not obstruct drainage, utilities, or traffic visibility. She requested approval under security exemption provisions of Section 27-6610 of the zoning ordinance. - Witnesses in Support: - Reginald and Joyce Timmons (6821 Briar Cliff Drive, Clinton) testified in support. - Ronetta Pace (11200 Colorado Street, Clinton) testified in support. - Roger Simmons (6816 Drive, Clinton) attempted to testify but had camera issues and was not able to provide testimony; the board requires video for testimony. - The board heard no opposition. Key Outcomes - V-33-26 Approved: Member Stanton moved to approve the fence based on the security exemption under Section 27-6610. Vice Chair Johnson seconded. The motion carried 3-0 (Chair Bower aye, Vice Chair Johnson aye, Member Stanton aye). - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM without further business.
The Board of Public Works met Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers and via Zoom, with a quorum present. The board heard two assessment appeals, approved a lift-station access road contract, and accepted change orders and pay estimates. All votes were unanimous. Noxious Weed Assessment Appeal – 1727 Johnston Drive - The appellant, identified as Ms. Jones, asked the board to waive or reduce the noxious weed assessments on the property. She described a recently finalized, contentious divorce, prior intimidation by her ex-husband, a delayed change of address, financial hardship as a low-income student, and said she had begun paying someone to maintain the property. - A board member said the city operates on a complaint-based system and had followed its protocol; the work was done by paid third-party contractors, the property's lawn is currently overgrown, and granting relief would place the cost on other city taxpayers. - In response to Alderman Recklberg, staff said the city does not offer installment plans for noxious weed assessments. The assessment is added to the tax bill and is due by January 31, but property owners may make partial payments before the assessment is placed on the tax roll. - The board voted unanimously to deny the appeal. The denial will be forwarded to the Common Council for final action on Monday, September 21, 2026, and the owner may address the council at that meeting. Snow Removal Assessment Appeal – 701 N. 7th Street - Landon Evey, a new Manitowoc resident and first-time home buyer, appealed the $300 snow removal assessment. He said he was unfamiliar with the city's sidewalk-clearing rule, received the invoice about two months after the event, and asked for the charge to be waived or reduced. - Staff explained that snow complaints are also complaint-based, and the ordinance requires snow on sidewalks at 6:00 a.m. to be removed by 8:00 p.m.; enforcement action can occur after that time and is not necessarily tied to a 24-hour deadline. The complaint in this case and Evey's shoveling occurred on the same day. - A board member proposed a one-time waiver with the condition that if a future snow violation occurs, the owner would have no right to appeal. The motion carried unanimously. - The waiver recommendation will also go to the Common Council on September 21, 2026. The board noted Evey's alderperson is likely Mike Cummings and suggested he confirm the outcome with that office. Agreement with Bob Braun Excavating, LLC - The board approved an agreement with Bob Braun Excavating, LLC to reconstruct the asphalt roadway within the access easement to the River Heights Lift Station for a contract price of $21,300.77. - City staff said two quotes were received and this was the lower of the two, and the work is a maintenance item for the driveway serving the lift station. Change Orders - Approved a first-and-final change order with Brickline Inc. for the 2026 epoxy pavement marking program, increasing the contract by $15,208.61, attributed to four new railroad-signal-related requirements and final quantities. - Approved a first-and-final change order with Silar Brothers Construction for the 2026 remove-and-replace sidewalks program, decreasing the contract by $61,811.77 and reducing contract time by 11 days. Staff cited final quantities and narrower, 4-foot sidewalks in the area compared with the 5-foot width used in estimates. Pay Estimates - Approved the following pay estimates unanimously: - Saddle Brothers Construction, estimate no. 1, 2026 remove/replace sidewalks, $28,877.65. - Air's Associates, estimate no. 9, 2026 sanitary sewer replacement, $1,516.55. - Brickline Inc., estimate no. 1, 2026 epoxy pavement marking program, $132,070.89. - Silver Brothers Construction, estimate no. 4 and final, 2026 remove/replace sidewalks, $3,397.00. - Farner Asphalt Sealers LLC, estimate no. 1 and final, seal coat program, $136,345.40. - Brickline Inc., estimate no. 2 and final, 2026 epoxy pavement marking program, $16,667.00. Key Outcomes - Denied the noxious weed assessment appeal for 1727 Johnston Drive. - Granted a one-time waiver of the snow removal assessment for 701 N. 7th Street, with no future appeal eligibility for a similar violation. - Approved the Bob Braun Excavating contract, both change orders, and all presented pay estimates. - Noted there were no contractor payroll affidavits. - Adjourned.