The Public Meeting Index

The Zoning Board of Stamford, Connecticut, met on October 27, 2026, at 6:32 PM via Zoom. Chair David Stein presided. The meeting focused on several continuances, approvals of zoning map and text changes, and a discussion on updated regulations for the former CD (now CMC) district. All votes were unanimous (5-0). Consent Calendar - Minutes from October 19, 2026: Approved 5-0 without changes. Discussion Items - Application 226-27 (City Transportation Dept. Zoning Text Change): Continued to November 9, 2026, pending completion of board assignments and applicant obligations. - Application 226-20 (Zoning Text Change): Continued to November 9, 2026. - Applications 226-09 & 226-10 (McDonald’s Drive-Through – Map Change & Special Permit): Continued to November 9, 2026 at applicant’s request. - Application 226-26 (Text Change related to 226-20): Continued to November 9, 2026. - Application 226-25 (Map Change companion to 226-26): Continued to November 9, 2026. - Application 226-29 (110 High Ridge Road Map Change): Continued to November 9, 2026 to allow applicant to respond to public comments. The Planning Board had unanimously recommended approval on September 22, 2026, finding the change in harmony with the 2035 Comprehensive Plan (MU3). - Application 226-23 (CSC District Map Change): Approved 5-0. This rezones the only CSC district (Ridgeway Shopping Center) to CL (Limited Business) as well as a small CN lot (currently a daycare). Board discussion noted that the CN property owner had not been notified, but the change does not restrict their existing use. - Application 226-24 (CSC District Text Change): Approved 5-0. Removes the CSC district from regulations, with clarifying language requested by the shopping center owner ensuring non-conformities may continue. - Application 226-28 (CSPR Text Change): Approved 5-0. Simplifies exemptions from seven categories to four main ones, deleting the exemption for single-family homes outside flood hazard areas (based on state statute change). - Application 226-14 (CD/CMC Text Change): Added to agenda and approved 5-0 after discussion. Key changes include renaming CD to CMC, adding a purpose section, updating designation criteria, and introducing townhouse development options with adjusted residential density divider (RDD) from 2000 to 1750 square feet. The board also added site design requirements, including architectural standards, screening, and sidewalk requirements. All new development in the district will require a special permit with public hearing. Key Outcomes - Approvals: Applications 226-23, 226-24, 226-28, and 226-14 were all approved 5-0. - Continuances: All other listed applications were continued to the next meeting on November 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM. - Next Meeting: The November 9 agenda will include all continuances plus two new applications: 780 Summer Street (conversion/expansion of vacant office) and the final site plan for Stamford Hospital parking lots.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA. Commissioner Chakira Johnson (District 4) presided. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation by Pastor Dr. C.L. May, and two proclamations. After extensive public comment and public hearings, the board approved several zoning items, appointments, contracts, and grants, deferred numerous items to the November 10, 2026 BOC meeting, and debated public safety, homelessness, and animal restraint ordinances. Presentations - Commissioner Michelle Long Spears (District 2) presented a proclamation honoring Andrew Keenan, retiring executive director of Callanwolde Fine Arts Center after nine years of service, and celebrated the naming of the Andrew Keenan Amphitheater. She also announced a future District 2 Andrew Keenan Artist Fund. - Commissioner Long Spears and Police Chief Scott Richards presented a proclamation recognizing Public Safety and Law Enforcement Mental Health Awareness, honoring police, fire, EMS, 911 dispatchers, corrections, animal enforcement, and behavioral health professionals. Public Comments & Testimony - Jack Hafley (Environmental Working Group, Necessary Trouble) urged strict data-center definitions and regulations before any moratorium lift, saying without action residents remain exposed to developers. - Jan Dunaway (District 4) said two non-resident Shadowbox representatives improperly took public comment slots at the Oct. 13 meeting and called for a health/environmental study to protect wetlands near Constitution Lake Park. - Stephen Benny criticized the commission's attendance, communication, and meeting schedule, saying it rejected over 95% of Charter Review Commission recommendations. - Mike Mann, a 40-year Coralwood Drive resident, asked for an environmental impact study for a potential 5.56-acre development at 2966 La Vista Road and sought transparency when rezoning is not required. - Keanu Jones Moore (District 3) opposed data centers and the urban camping/drifting ordinance and supported independent civilian oversight of Digital Shield surveillance. - Richard Fetter opposed data centers, citing Shadowbox's requested 651 megawatts compared with Columbus, Georgia's roughly 560 megawatts, and warned ratepayers would pay rising costs. - Jordan Moses opposed both data centers and the drifting ordinance. - Tana Harris Bosselman opposed the urban camping ordinance, saying people with disabilities are approximately three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population and could be swept up by enforcement. - Sam Levy urged removal of the urban camping ordinance, saying police should not perform coordinated entry and that the county has only three street outreach professionals. - A District 4 resident questioned what DeKalb residents would gain from data centers and warned of environmental harm to future generations. - Rosalind McIntyre described seeing the Shadowbox CEO enter before doors opened and questioned why non-residents spoke before resident speakers. - Cheryl Dudley opposed data centers, citing infrastructure strain, water and power use, AI job displacement, and connection to seismic activity. - Al Chapman (King's Road Subdivision) opposed the development at 3053 West Chapel Road, saying stop dumping on South DeKalb. - Akeela McDaniel urged a no vote on the urban camping ordinance, asking for measurable commitments on shelter capacity, enforcement costs, and funded housing responses. - Gina Mangum said what you're selling, we're not buying, arguing proposed data-center definitions would allow a 5-million-square-foot campus and opposing Commissioner Bolton's proposal. Public Hearings - 2026-0143 (Gresham Road): Staff recommended approval of a substitute rezoning from R-75 to MR-1 for a mixed residential community with 10 conditions. Applicant Michelle Battle described cottage-style homes along Gresham Road, townhomes in the interior, and constraints from stream buffers and a gas easement. Opponents Jocelyn O'Neill and Shelley Johnson (Johnson's Learning Center) raised lack of access to the plan and traffic concerns. The board tabled the item to display the site plan, then voted to defer it to the November 10 BOC for decision only. - 2026-1401 (Old Hickory Street traffic calming): Approved with no opposition at no cost to the county. - 2026-1495 (Constitution Road right-of-way taking): Approved; cost to county $97,505. - 2026-1496 (Constitution Road temporary easement): Approved; cost to county $2,205. Decision-Only Items - 2026-1101 (4850 Redan Road drive-through SLUP): Staff maintained a denial recommendation based on SLUP criteria, but the board approved the special land use permit with seven conditions addressing walkways, raised crossings, queue analysis, lighting, and buffers. - 2026-1106 (729 Old Briarcliff Road rezoning to MR-1): Approved with six conditions for up to 14 townhome units. Commissioner Long Spears said district offices investigated opposition concerns about advertising, TV tower fall zones, and tree preservation and noted 40% of the site would remain permanently undisturbed. Appointments - Kendra Price appointed to Post 4 of the DeKalb County Community Service Board. - Angela Chambliss appointed to Post 3 of the DeKalb County Board of Family and Children Services. - Ronald Mangum deferred to the November 10 BOC with a stop in PECS for an interview. Consent Calendar - The board approved a 17-item consent agenda including minutes, District 1 mental health funding, District 2 animal welfare and pet enclosure allocations, District 3 community and probate court allocations, District 5 ARP interest fund allocations for eviction/utility assistance and food distribution, District 7 community programming allocations, a Juvenile Court grant, and a traffic signal change order. - Minutes from the Oct. 13, 2026 BOC meeting and the Oct. 20, 2026 special called meeting were deferred to November 10. Preliminary Items - Approved: government relations consulting with Peachtree Government Relations, LLC ($72,000); Farm Fresh Mobile Market services with Retaaza, LLC ($378,000); technology solutions cooperative agreement with MGT Impact Solutions, LLC ($224,583); substitutes for pest control and fire extinguisher contracts; multiple Watershed Management change orders and renewals; election operations rental of about 96,280 sq ft at 5615 Memorial Drive; UGA Cooperative Extension personnel agreement ($154,373); transfer/easement to Brookhaven; SPLOST I design funding for a joint fire/police training facility ($490,797); several recreation, parks, and human services contracts; and HUD Community Project Funding grant acceptances for park projects. - Also approved: SafeHouse Outreach rental assistance; declaration of 30 surplus county-owned properties for transfer to the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority; creation of a Georgia Power easement at Exchange Park; and renaming a portion of Lithonia Park as DeKalb Lithonia Park. - Authorized the purchase of the YMCA property at 2565 Snapfinger Road; commissioners praised the acquisition as preserving a community recreation amenity. - Deferred to the November 10 BOC: C-PACER program authorization and outsourcing the Office of Economic Development to DeKalb Development Corporation (up to $1,975,000); Affordable Housing Fund homeless services allocation substitute; 2026 Human Services Grants ($650,000) and Victim Assistance Grants ($200,000); capital asset inventory change order; general contractor services and architect/engineering change orders; on-call construction management services; Arabia Mountain rental agreements; machine shop services and Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant construction management; nuisance abatement contract; and several other committee-recommended items. Discussion Items - Animal Restraint and Transportation Ordinance (2026-0596): Commissioner Bolton originally moved to defer to ERPS. Commissioner Long Spears offered a substitute to approve an amended tethering ordinance adding an exception for temporary tethering while an owner is receiving government services. The substitute motion failed; the board then voted to defer the substitute to the Nov. 10 BOC with a prior stop in ERPS. Commissioner Bolton said she would not support language with unintended consequences for unhoused residents receiving services. - Non-Discrimination Ordinance amendment (2026-1218): Deferred to the Nov. 10 BOC with a stop in ERPS. Commissioner Long Spears said it would strengthen housing protections and enforcement and was still being reviewed by the law department. - Urban Camping/Public Safety Ordinance (2026-0550): Approved 5-2. Sponsor Commissioner Massiah said the ordinance addressed public safety behaviors such as aggressive panhandling and unauthorized camping, not simply homelessness. Commissioners Terry, Long Spears, and Bolton raised concerns about enforcement, service capacity, and the need for trauma-informed outreach. Commissioner Patrick noted the board's joint policy statement on compassionate homelessness response. A motion to reconsider was ruled out because the mover was on the losing side. Key Outcomes - Approved zoning/land-use items at 4850 Redan Road and 729 Old Briarcliff Road; approved traffic calming and two right-of-way/temporary easement resolutions; deferred the Gresham Road rezoning to Nov. 10. - Approved the urban camping ordinance 5-2 and rejected reconsideration. - Deferred the animal tethering ordinance substitute, non-discrimination amendment, electric landscape rebate program, and Digital Shield civilian oversight resolution to committee stops before Nov. 10. - Approved numerous appointments, consent items, contracts, grants, and the YMCA purchase; deferred a large group of preliminary items to the Nov. 10 BOC meeting. The meeting recessed for lunch shortly after noon, reconvened, completed the remaining agenda, and adjourned without an executive session.

Lake Havasu City Council met on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 5:30 PM. All seven councilmembers were present, with Councilmember Campbell recusing herself from one vote. The agenda included a consent calendar, public comments, recognitions, a detailed Go Lake Havasu update, and eight public hearings. Council approved multiple contracts and resolutions, with votes ranging from unanimous to a 5-1 split. Consent Calendar - Approved the October 13, 2026 City Council regular meeting minutes (ID 26-5437) and called an executive session for November 10, 2026 at 4:30 PM (ID 26-5438). Motion by Councilmember Coke, second by Vice Mayor Diaz; passed 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - During the open call to the public, resident Bonnie Toy criticized rising business license fees, asserting that fee increases coincided with a decline in new businesses. She also argued that state law coerces voters by calling rejection of projects a waste of taxpayer money, which she said is the state's fault, not voters'. - During the Go Lake Havasu public hearing, Bob Barrett requested that presentation materials be posted online before meetings, and asked for more detailed metrics to evaluate whether Go Lake Havasu is meeting its primary objective of attracting tourists and visitors. He estimated the incremental tax revenue at $500,000 but questioned whether the underlying cell-phone data proved those were new visitors. - Also during the Go Lake Havasu hearing, Bonnie Toy asked about the agreement that funds would revert to the city, and was told the reversion clause applies only upon dissolution. - At the Island Treatment Plant hearing, a speaker questioned the lack of a line-item breakdown for the $498,826 design fee and the meaning of "staff negotiated price." Sharon Wallace asked about the timeline and was told construction would take about three years and include redundancy between plants. Discussion Items - Go Lake Havasu Update (ID 26-5423): Go Lake Havasu board members presented progress since May 1. Chairman John Westergaard reported that the executive director search had narrowed from 19 candidates to two finalists, with a meet-and-greet scheduled in the next two weeks. The organization used Destinations International for roughly $1,000 and terminated its contract with 62 Above for website/digital marketing services. David Robbins said the website, built by Tempest, had been repaired and staff trained, and pay-per-click marketing was eliminated during the rebuild. Social media specialist Tanya Pickren reported annual views grew from 3.4 million to 4.8 million (39% increase), with organic views rising from 1.2 million to 2.8 million (now 60% of totals). She launched a community engagement tour featuring local businesses, accumulating nearly one million views. Christina Gallo reported lodging revenue increased by $10 million year-over-year, generating approximately $200,000 in additional sales tax and $300,000 in bed tax. She cited Zartico data showing visitor spending percentages at local businesses, including Burgers by the Bridge (75%), The Chair (73%), Barley Brothers (70%), and Safeway (62%). Councilmember Dolan expressed strong concern that taxpayer-funded social features provided free advertising for select businesses and said competitors could view it as unfair. GLH representatives defended the practice as standard DMO marketing and said all businesses could opt in. The council also discussed the funding agreement's dissolution clause: funds and assets revert to the city only if Go Lake Havasu dissolves, not if the city simply terminates the contract. Councilmember Moses defended the board, noting it consists of tourism industry members who pay the taxes. Councilmembers suggested addressing contract language in future negotiations. No formal action was taken. - Island Treatment Plant Headworks Project (ID 26-5419): Staff requested approval of a $498,826 design contract with Ardurra Group. Councilmember Lynn asked why it was not competitively bid; staff explained that state law allows direct selection under $500,000 and that qualifications are critical for this wastewater entry point. Public testimony raised cost questions, and staff referred to the detailed fee schedule available online. Planning includes $5.5 million in future construction budgets. - North Havasu Tank and Distribution Line (ID 26-5433): Staff requested a $222,895 construction management agreement with Tank Industry Consultants for specialized welding and coating inspections. Councilmember Dolan noted the city's nonprofit water utility keeps costs down. - Other public hearing items received brief discussion before approval, including the parks board appointment, fiscal sustainability policy, police furniture purchase, Pima Wash 8 stabilization, and hot mix asphalt repairs. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26-3957 – Appointed Taylor Skelton as a student member of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board with a term ending June 30, 2028. Motion by Dolan, second by Coke; passed 7-0. - Resolution 26-3958 – Adopted the Fiscal Sustainability Policy, incorporating the fee-review process directed at the October 13 meeting. Motion by Dolan, second by Diaz; passed 7-0. - Police Facility Furniture – Approved the cooperative purchase with Educational Furnishings of Arizona, LLC (dba Arizona Furnishings) for $500,877.43. Motion by Dolan, second by Coke; passed 7-0. - Island Treatment Plant Headworks Design – Approved the professional services agreement with Ardurra Group, Inc. for $498,826. Motion by Dolan, second by Diaz; passed 7-0. - North Havasu Tank Construction Management – Approved the professional services agreement with Tank Industry Consultants, Inc. for $222,895. Motion by Coke, second by Campbell; passed 7-0. - Pima Wash 8 Phase II Stabilization – Awarded Job Order Contract Task Order No. 3 to Perco Rock Company for $1,616,626. Motion by Diaz, second by Campbell; passed 7-0. - FY 2026-27 Hot Mix Asphalt Repairs – Awarded the bid to Pioneer Earth Movers, Inc. for $439,700. Motion by Diaz, second by Lin; passed 5-1, with Councilmember Moses opposing and Councilmember Campbell recused. Future Meetings - The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM. The November 24, 2026 meeting at 5:30 PM will include the swearing-in of new council members.

The Edmonds City Council met on October 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations, public hearings on the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the 2027-2028 biennium budget, and two statewide ballot initiatives (IL26-001 and IL26-638). The council also addressed a park impact fee study, the mayor's finance update, and approved the consent agenda. Key decisions included the adoption of resolutions opposing both ballot initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from previous meetings (October 13, 14, 20, 2026). - Approved claim checks, wire payments, payroll, and benefit checks. - Approved lien placement 3 on Civic Park property for Boys & Girls Club. - Approved Waterfront Buoy Permit Contract Amendment 1. - Approved Interlocal Agreement for Allied Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT). - Approved Washington Traffic Safety Commission agreements. - Approved amendment to Professional Services Agreement for Yost & Seaview Reservoirs Project. Public Comments & Testimony - General Comments: Multiple residents spoke about the 20% utility tax increase on water bills, expressing concern over affordability for low-income residents. Others urged the council to focus on economic development to generate revenue rather than raising taxes. One resident criticized the council's consideration of statewide initiatives, arguing it was beyond their scope and a misuse of city resources. Another questioned the process for citizen-proposed resolutions, citing a lack of transparency. - Public Hearing on CIP/CFP: Speakers advocated for including Marina Beach Park as a separate line item to improve grant eligibility for the Edmonds Marsh restoration. One resident questioned the status of the 'missing link' pedestrian project and the justification for litigation costs. Another supported adding Marina Beach Park to the long-range plan. - Public Hearing on 2027-2028 Budget: A resident (Ken Reedy) acknowledged progress but questioned long-term structural balance, revenue assumptions, and reserve adequacy. No other public testimony. - Public Hearings on Initiatives IL26-001 and IL26-638: Dozens of residents testified, with the majority urging the council to oppose both initiatives. Speakers argued that IL26-001 would endanger vulnerable students by requiring schools to out confidential information to parents, and IL26-638 would subject all girls to invasive exams, harm trans youth, and create barriers to sports participation. A few speakers supported the initiatives, citing parental rights and competitive fairness. Some urged the council to take no institutional position, citing the need for a policy on such matters. Discussion Items Presentations - National Arts and Humanities Month Proclamation: Mayor Rosen read the proclamation; Richard Chung of the Arts Commission accepted. The proclamation highlighted the economic and cultural impact of the arts in Edmonds. - Park Impact Fee Study and Code Revision: Burke consultants presented the draft study, recommending a shift from square-footage-based fees to per-bedroom fees for residential and more nuanced square-footage fees for non-residential uses. The recommended fees are lower than neighboring jurisdictions due to lower capital project values. Council members questioned the disparity and long-term revenue implications; staff agreed to provide historical collection comparisons. No action was taken. - Mayor's Finance Update: Mayor Rosen reported revenues exceeding expenses, an opioid settlement (small percentage), and increased planning/engineering fees. The fiscal sustainability task force had its first meeting. Public Hearings - 2027-2032 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Parks and Public Works staff presented a brief overview. The plan focuses on deferred maintenance, ADA improvements, and asset replacement. No new projects were added; 12 projects were added, 103 revised, 11 removed. Council discussed adding Marina Beach Park to the CIP (supported by Councilmember Payne) and questioned the timing of a neighborhood park acquisition in SE Edmonds. The public hearing was closed; adoption is scheduled for December 8. - 2027-2028 Proposed Biennium Budget: Finance Director presented a balanced budget for the biennium, highlighting a positive ending fund balance of $6.5 million but noting a structural gap reappearing after 2028. The budget does not include voter-approved measures. Council discussed the need for long-term revenue solutions, including economic development and state-level reforms. The public hearing was closed; adoption will follow further review. - Initiative IL26-001 (Parental Rights): A public hearing was held; testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Council then considered a motion to decline to take an institutional position and draft a policy for future ballot measure stances. The motion failed (2 in favor, 4 opposed, 1 absent). A subsequent motion to adopt a resolution opposing the initiative passed 4-0-3 (Councilmembers Olson, Dodge, and Barnett abstained; Eck, Chen, Payne, and Nand voted in favor). - Initiative IL26-638 (Athletics Participation): A public hearing was held; testimony was predominantly opposed. Council considered a motion to adopt a resolution opposing the initiative, which passed 4-0-3 (same abstentions as above). Council Business - Resolution on IL26-001: After debate, council adopted a resolution opposing Initiative Measure No. IL26-001, citing concerns over student safety and privacy. The resolution states the council's position that the initiative would harm vulnerable youth. - Resolution on IL26-638: Council adopted a resolution opposing Initiative Measure No. IL26-638, arguing it would create unnecessary barriers for all girls and discriminate against transgender students. The resolution opposes the initiative on fairness and safety grounds. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Park Impact Fee Study: Presented; no action taken. Staff to provide historical revenue comparisons. - CIP/CFP Public Hearing: Closed; council will consider adoption on December 8, 2026. Councilmember Payne will propose adding Marina Beach Park to the plan. - Budget Public Hearing: Closed; adoption pending further council work. - Resolutions on Initiatives: Council adopted resolutions opposing both IL26-001 and IL26-638 by votes of 4-0-3 (Eck, Chen, Payne, Nand in favor; Olson, Dodge, Barnett abstained). The resolutions express the council's opposition and will be communicated as the city's official position. - Next Steps: The council will draft a policy governing when it takes institutional positions on ballot measures. The fiscal sustainability task force continues its work.

The Danbury Planning Commission met on October 27, 2026, at 1:30 PM, with Chairman Finaldi presiding. Commissioners present included Kyocchio, Hofsetter, Nazario, Alan, and Sydney. The commission approved the September 23 minutes, considered an 824 referral for an easement on 16 Lily Drive, and discussed upcoming public hearings. Consent Calendar - Minutes of September 23, 2026: Approved with one abstention (Commissioner Kyocchio abstained due to non-attendance at that meeting). Discussion Items - 824 Referral: Abandonment of Existing Easement and Proposed New Easement on 16 Lily Drive: Deputy Planning Director Jennifer Eminger presented the staff report. The original property owner had planted evergreens on a storm drainage easement; the roots grew into and destroyed a 15-inch storm pipe, causing water damage to an adjacent property. The current owner proposes to install a new pipe, grant a new drainage easement to the city, and abandon the old easement. The new pipe is placed away from the trees, and the new easement agreement explicitly prohibits planting trees and structures. Staff recommended approval, conditioned on acceptance of required documentation, release of the existing easement, and final sign-off by corporation counsel and public works. - Commissioner Alan asked about the cost responsibility; Ms. Eminger confirmed the applicant pays all legal fees and installation costs. - Commissioner Hofsetter moved for a positive referral with the stated conditions; Commissioner Kyocchio seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved positive recommendation for the 16 Lily Drive easement referral, with conditions. - Approved the September 23, 2026 minutes. - Next regular meeting: November 4, 2026. - Public hearings scheduled for November 18, 2026: a special exception for 115 Mill Plain (conversion of former Rite Aid to medical/dental office within the Trader Joe's plaza) and a two-lot resubdivision on Locust Avenue. - Floodplain permits were noted for reference. The meeting adjourned.

At its Oct. 27, 2026 committee meeting, the Cleveland City Council reviewed and unanimously approved five emergency ordinances: transferring city-owned parcels to the Industrial Commercial Land Bank, correcting two landmark designations, designating the former State Vocational Planning Center as a Cleveland landmark, and accepting a $1 million HUD grant for the Nora Village recovery housing project. No public testimony was heard. Land Bank Transfers – Ordinance 1039-2026 - Ordinance 1039-2026 authorizes the director of community development, public health, and public works to transfer various permanent parcels to the Department of Development's Industrial Commercial Land Bank (ICLB) for future redevelopment. An amendment was accepted adding permanent parcel numbers 002-18-009 through 002-18-036 to the transfer list. - Development staff explained that placing properties in the ICLB avoids property taxes while sites are prepared for redevelopment and provides flexibility to issue RFPs/RFQs, transfer with councilmember support, and negotiate price. They also clarified that the ICLB is distinct from the residential land bank under codified ordinance section 183.021. - Sites discussed included the former Water Lake School property (3.2 acres, zoned two-family, on Detroit Avenue, acquired from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District last month); a West 99th/Lorain parking lot adjacent to the Cleveland Food Bank's West Side facility; former Warner & Swasey parcels at Carnegie and East 55th no longer needed for Public Works parking; the former Huff Norwood family health care center at East 55th and Superior, demolished in 2020; and the former Grace Mount School site, acquired in 2020, with a contract awarded to APD Urban Planning and Management for housing plus a half-acre green space. - Councilman Bishop asked about the Grace Mount site. Staff confirmed the city owns it under community development and began accruing taxes after acquiring it from CMSD; the land bank transfer would stop further tax liability. Staff also noted a legal question about whether property could be transferred directly from CMSD into the land bank. - The ordinance was approved without objection. Landmark Ordinance Corrections – Ordinances 1163-2026 and 1164-2026 - Ordinance 1163-2026 corrects a single digit in a permanent parcel number in the St. Jerome Church, School, Convent, and Rectory landmark designation, needed for filing with the county fiscal office. Landmarks staff confirmed there is no cost. It was approved without objection. - Ordinance 1164-2026 amends the St. Mary of the Assumption (St. Mary's Collinwood) Church, School, Gymnasium, and Rectory landmark designation by removing two parking lot parcels that were included in the legal description but are outside the described boundaries. Staff said the change does not affect the landmark designation. It was approved without objection. State Vocational Planning Center Landmark Designation – Ordinance 1203-2026 - Cleveland Landmarks Commission staff Rachel Pierce presented the designation request, nominated by Kismet Investments to enable use of state historic tax credits for redevelopment. The property is at Superior and Ansel Roads in Ward 8. - The building first served as an automotive showroom after Pontiac Improvement Company purchased the site in 1923 and hired architect William Ferguson. It later became the State Vocational Planning Center in 1966, serving the Hough and Glenville neighborhoods in response to the Vocational Education Act of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 1967, 1,536 Clevelanders were placed in jobs or training programs, and the following year 60% of applicants were placed in jobs. - The center was firebombed the day after it opened and was attacked twice in 1967; no prosecution resulted, and the attacks prompted legislation on firebombs. The center closed in 1982. The Light of Liberty Church used the building from 1991 to 2015, and Kismet Investments purchased it this year with plans for commercial use. - Staff said the nomination meets five landmark categories. In response to questions, staff noted Kismet is also working on the Hough Bank project in Council President Griffin's ward, and the Ward 8 council member signed the consent form. The ordinance was approved without objection. Nora Village HUD Grant – Ordinance 1243-2026 - Director of Development staff and NORA President/CEO Anita Bradley presented Ordinance 1243-2026, authorizing the city to apply for and accept a $1 million Community Project Funding grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and to enter into a grant agreement with the Northern Ohio Recovery Association (NORA) or its designee. - The grant requires no local match and no city financial backstop; it is not comparable to a HUD 108 loan. The performance period is Feb. 3, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2034. - The funds support Nora Village Phase 2: four 1,300-square-foot recovery housing units in two buildings, each with three bedrooms. Costs include new construction, site work, architecture and engineering, consulting, administrative/legal contingency, and equipment. Phase 1 was previously funded by a $500,000 city appropriation for four additional units. - The project was applied for and recorded as being in Ward 10 but is now located in Ward 8 after redistricting. Bradley said NORA's facilities are full and clients will come from existing programs and other recovery centers or the community. - Councilman Slife said he was 'dismayed' that four units cost about $1 million, though he acknowledged it is grant funding. Councilwoman Gray congratulated the project and welcomed it to the neighborhood. - The ordinance was approved without objection. Key Outcomes - All five ordinances — 1039-2026, 1163-2026, 1164-2026, 1203-2026, and 1243-2026 — were approved without objection. - The land bank transfer list was amended to add permanent parcel numbers. - The two landmark corrections and the new State Vocational Planning Center landmark designation were adopted. - The city was authorized to accept the $1 million HUD grant and execute the Nora Village grant agreement with NORA.

The Los Alamos County Council held a regular session on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Fire Station No. 3 in White Rock. The agenda included presentations, a public hearing on a major downtown redevelopment project, and policy discussions on wildfire legislation and environmental management. All seven councilors were present for the meeting that began at 6:00 PM. Presentations, Proclamations and Recognitions - Proclamation: Operation Green Light for Veterans (Nov 3-10, 2026): Councilor Cole read the proclamation. Eluterio Garcia, VFW Post 8874 Commander, accepted it and invited the community to obtain green lights from the VFW to display during the week. - Proclamation: National Native American Heritage Month (Nov 2026): Councilor Hermann read the proclamation. Lieutenant Governor Raymond Martinez from Pueblo de San Ildefonso accepted it, noting the 24 sovereign Indigenous Nations in New Mexico and looking forward to continued engagement with the county. - Los Alamos Medical Center CEO Presentation: CEO Michael H. Covert presented a status update. He reported a net revenue of $63 million against expenses of $46 million, resulting in $12 million in net income reinvested into the facility. The hospital has 200-220 employees, sees approximately 42,000 outpatient visits annually, and 7,200 emergency room visits annually with a current average of 650 per month. Covert identified priority growth areas including primary care (need for 4 additional physicians), cardiology, orthopedics, and gastroenterology. He discussed the closure of OBGYN services due to utilization dropping to only three births over several months, with the three OBGYN doctors leaving and care transitioning to nurse practitioners and midwives. Councilor Neil-Clinton questioned the impact on women's health. Covert cited housing costs and medical malpractice as the biggest recruitment challenges. He noted that telehealth currently provides 32 physicians in specialties like psychiatry and neurology. A new, top-tier MRI and CT scanner will be installed in December. Councilor Havemann raised community concerns about OBGYN access during emergencies. - Canyon Road Median Sustainability Redesign Presentation: Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker presented a conceptual design for eight medians on Canyon Road. The project supports the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan by reducing maintenance needs and improving staff safety, given high traffic volumes on the road. A survey of 112 residents combined preferred elements from two design options ("Bandelier" and "Plateau") into a single proposed design featuring colored gravels, stamped concrete, encased river rock, and xeriscape/low-maintenance plants. The Opinion of Probable Construction Cost (OPCC) is $546,115, which does not include overhead, contingency, or GRT. Council discussed worker safety during maintenance and questioned whether a zero-maintenance hardscape-only design was feasible. Public Comments & Testimony - North Mesa Bike Park (Public Comment at Start of Meeting): Six residents spoke in opposition to the proposed location of a bike park on the east side of North Mesa Park Road. Speakers (Georgia Strickfaden, Carol Branis, Jane Northholm, Richard Hughes, Irene Powell, Sean Levy) argued the natural grassland area is heavily used by walkers, supports native pollinators and wildlife, and that community outreach for the master plan was insufficient. They urged the Council to reconsider the alternative western location near the soccer fields and dog park. Wendy Burk Ryan, representing the Los Alamos Stable Owners Association, added safety concerns for horseback riders on trails shared with bikes. Chair Ryti noted no action was on the agenda for this item. - CB Fox/LEDA Project (During Public Hearing): Public comment was split. Supporters, including Sandy Jones (LACDC), Stephanie Knockley, and Janice Chris (SBDC Director), described the project as a catalytic opportunity to recapture retail leakage and create a vibrant downtown destination. Opponents, including Angie Gursett and Lisa Shin, argued the economic projections were inflated, that the project would cannibalize existing businesses, and that there is a severe labor shortage. They requested an outside expert review of the justification. Consent Calendar The Council approved eight routine agenda items by a single 7-0 vote. Items included an amendment to the Smartphone Meter Reading contract (extending through 2033, NTE $362,000); an on-call roofing services agreement with J3 Systems (NTE $2,000,000); a seven-year hanging flower basket contract with Los Alamos Landscaping and More ($390,557.04); an amendment to on-call engineering services increasing the aggregate cap from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000; a medical insurance amendment with Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico ($5,100,000, plus up to $300,000 from reserve funding); an amendment to the Unite Us platform agreement (extending to 2030, total NTE $455,344.53); acceptance of a gas utility system deed for Royal Crest Mobile Home Park; and a task order for the Tank 4A 18-inch transmission waterline repair ($460,000). Public Hearing: Ordinance No. 761 - CB Fox Redevelopment (LEDA Project) The public hearing was held for Ordinance 761, which would authorize a Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) project for 1735 Central Investment LLC to redevelop the vacant CB Fox building. The proposed $17.1 million project includes 28,150 square feet of mixed-use space: retail spaces, a food hall and commercial kitchen, a 20-room boutique hotel, and a rooftop bar. The developer requests $6 million in LEDA funds ($4 million grant, $2 million zero-interest loan), with funds held in escrow until the project is completed and meets performance metrics. Project partner Phil Gursky presented the plan, emphasizing community benefit including 25 full-time-equivalent jobs, increased GRT, and downtown activation. Council discussed potential impacts on local businesses and labor supply. Gursky noted plans to partner with local restaurants and train new workers. Councilor Ryti made a motion to continue the public hearing to November 17, 2026, with amendments to correct the employment figures (changing "6" to "25" FTE jobs) and extend the completion deadline from December 31, 2028, to June 30, 2029, with authority for staff to make consistent date changes. The motion passed 7-0. Discussion Items (Council Business) - Conflict of Interest Waiver (Strong in Nature): Judge Elizabeth Allen presented a request to waive a potential conflict of interest to contract with Strong in Nature for Juvenile SMART Recovery Program services (NTE $76,624.62). County Program Specialist Jamie Allbach is co-CEO of Strong in Nature and is married to the other co-CEO, Ryan Ramaker. The motion stated Ms. Allbach disclosed the relationship prior to the RFP, was recused from involvement, and Strong in Nature scored higher than the competitor while proposing costs 2.6 times lower. Council voted unanimously (7-0) to grant the waiver. - Fix Our Forests Act Support: Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg presented a request for Council to support the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471 / S. 1462), federal legislation designed to accelerate forest management and reduce catastrophic wildfire risks. Chief Litzenberg emphasized the act creates "firesheds," prioritizes high-risk areas, streamlines collaboration, and coordinates grant programs. Council expressed general support. Councilor Ryti moved to approve support while also recognizing the need for adequate funding, environmental protections, and community participation. The motion passed 7-0. - Hexavalent Chromium Plume Cleanup Letter: The Council discussed sending a letter to Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham requesting the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) regularly attend multi-stakeholder meetings regarding the hexavalent chromium plume cleanup. Councilor Ryti noted NMED's absence at the latest meeting delayed technical decisions. Councilor Rieger opposed the motion, preferring to see a finalized draft of the letter before voting. The motion to send the letter passed 6-1. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 761 Continued: The public hearing for the CB Fox LEDA project was continued to the November 17, 2026, Council meeting. Staff were directed to prepare an amended ordinance. - Conflict Waiver Approved: A waiver was granted (7-0) allowing the County to contract with Strong in Nature for Juvenile SMART Recovery services. - Resolution Approved: Council approved a resolution supporting the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471 / S. 1462) (7-0). - Letter Authorized: Council authorized a letter to the Governor requesting NMED attendance at chromium plume meetings (6-1). - Appointment: Jennifer Armstrong was appointed to the Art in Public Places Board for a partial term ending March 25, 2027, by a 7-0 roll call vote.