The Public Meeting Index

The Brookings City Council met at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in the Council Chambers at the Brookings City & County Government Center. All council members were present, and there were no contracts or change orders on the agenda. The Council approved the agenda and consent calendar, introduced the 2027 appropriations ordinance, adopted two ordinances, held a public hearing and approved a lease, approved two resolutions, and received reports from the SDSU Student Association and city staff. No public comments were made during Open Forum or on listed agenda items. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously by roll call. It included: City Council meeting minutes of October 13, 2026 (ID 26-0428); temporary alcohol / special event alcoholic beverage licenses from existing license holders (ID 26-0430); and Resolution 26-067 authorizing a three-year agreement for OpenGov Budgeting Software (RES 26-067). Presentations & Reports - SDSU Student Association representative Jackie Mollison reported on Hobo Week and homecoming activities, the Student Association parade float, newly approved bowling and pre-optometry club constitutions, upcoming athletic events, and campus efforts to encourage voter participation around Election Day. She also noted that students were excited about the possible Menards development. Councilmembers briefly discussed dressing up for next year's meeting at Mollison's suggestion. - Samantha Beckman presented the October 2026 City Progress Report, which included: the Mayor's Holiday Celebration and Awards on December 2 at 5:00 PM at the Dakota Bank Center; absentee voting deadline November 2 and Election Day November 3 with polls open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Western Avenue overlay and two drainage projects nearing completion; airport snow removal equipment building bid awarded with completion expected next summer; police SROs earning NASRO practitioner recognition after nearly 200 hours of specialized training; library flooring replacement and Friends of the Library book sale proceeds of just over $10,000; an October 18 community food forest open house; a pollinator bioblitz with just over 1,300 observations and 299 pollinator/plant species; activity center membership pricing with a $50 Hy-Vee gift card drawing incentive; and the Public Information Office receiving its first Savvy Award at the 3CMA conference and being named a Diamond Award finalist among nearly 1,250 entries in 37 categories. First Reading: 2027 Appropriations Ordinance (ORD 26-030) - Finance Director Ashley Rynch presented a balanced proposed 2027 budget of $77,376,579, including $23.7 million in the general fund, $21.6 million in enterprise funds, $16.4 million in special revenue and tax increment financing funds, and $15.7 million for the capital improvement plan. The overall budget increased by $4.8 million, or 6.7%, from 2026, primarily due to capital and infrastructure projects. - Rynch noted that 2027 is the final year of the approximately $1 million annual commitments to the SDSU Performing Arts Center and Brookings Health System. Since the September workshops, staff increased the Research Park contribution to $110,000 by reducing the Dakota Bank Center contribution and added an engineering technician funded by the Storm Drainage Fund rather than the general fund; there are no additional general fund employees. The general fund is balanced at $23.7 million, up $770,000, or 3.35%, from 2026. Sales tax growth is assumed at 2.5% and property tax growth at 3.327%. Sales tax provides 46% of general fund revenues, property tax 19%, and transfers 15%, totaling about 80%. Police, public works, parks/recreation/forestry, and fire together make up about 73% of general fund spending. - Councilmember Hager expressed concerns about Research Park funding, saying she had voted no on the earlier proposal and found the follow-up memo unsatisfactory. She cited inconsistent online information, more than half of the 40 tenants lacking a website or listing Brookings as a place of business, and questioned whether 101 jobs could be trusted without adequate staff data. She said she planned to support the overall budget and would not make another counterproposal, but wanted the concerns on the public record. - Councilmember Specker asked whether the new engineering technician is paid from the storm drainage special revenue fund; Rynch confirmed it is not paid from the general fund. Specker also asked about the proposed 2027 budget's online availability; Rynch said it is not yet online. - The second reading and action, together with the 10-year capital improvement plan and consolidated fee schedule, are scheduled for November 10, 2026. Second Reading and Action: Trails, Sidewalks, and Shared-Use Pathways (ORD 26-026) - Interim Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Josh Bowman presented the ordinance establishing rules for bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micro-mobility devices. It distinguishes pedestrian-oriented sidewalks from shared-use trails, gives pedestrians the right of way, requires users to keep right and pass left, and prohibits Class 3 e-bikes, ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, reckless operation, damage, and obstruction. Implementation would emphasize education first, with enforcement tools available if needed. - Councilmember Specker asked about the 15 mph speed limit on shared-use trails and the prohibition on Class 3 e-bikes; staff explained that Class 3 devices are larger, heavier, and more like motorcycles in speed and danger. Councilmember Hager asked about communicating the ordinance to law enforcement; the Mayor said the police chief had already been asked to discuss it with officers. - The ordinance was approved unanimously by roll call. Second Reading and Action: 2026 Budget Amendment No. 8 (ORD 26-035) - Finance Director Rynch explained that the Dakota Bank Center is projecting a year-end operating variance of approximately $193,000. The ordinance authorizes transferring up to that amount from existing 3B tax fund reserves, but only as needed based on monthly cash analysis. 2026 is the final year of the Dakota Bank Center's separate cash management structure before its funds move into the city's pooled accounts on January 1, 2027. - The ordinance was approved unanimously. Public Hearing and Action: Lease to University of Northwestern - St. Paul (RES 26-066) - Public Works Director John Thompson presented a resolution authorizing a lease with the University of Northwestern - St. Paul for radio equipment on the grain silo structure at 210 Front Street, the old co-op elevator. The initial term is one year with automatic renewals for up to five additional one-year terms. The 2026 lease rate is $325 per month plus $85 per month for utilities, increasing 3.5% each year. Public notice for the hearing was published October 13, 2026, under SDCL 9-12-5.2. - In response to Councilmember Doran, Thompson said the radio equipment can remain and would not interfere with future development of the property. The equipment transmits KNWC 1270 AM. - The resolution was approved unanimously. Other Business: Supplemental Grant Appropriation (RES 26-068) - Finance Director Rynch presented Resolution 26-068, authorizing a supplemental appropriation of $17,104.50 in grant revenue and corresponding equipment expenditures in the Capital Improvement Plan Fund. The Brookings Fire Department received the funds through South Dakota's volunteer firefighter personal protective equipment grant program established by Senate Bill 136. Staff confirmed there is no local match and the grant covers 100% of the designated equipment, which will be new structural gear. - The resolution was approved unanimously. Other Business: Property Transfer to Brookings Regional Growth Alliance / Menards (RES 26-069) - Community Development Director Mike Struck presented Resolution 26-069, authorizing the transfer of approximately 29.5 acres from the City of Brookings to the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance, which will then transfer and sell the property to Menard Inc. Menards plans to construct an approximately 200,000-square-foot home improvement store on the property just north of Target. The January 2026 appraisal valued the land at $4.50 per square foot, the same price at which the developable land will be sold; the total sum is approximately $5,390,550. The city will retain the south 70 feet for right-of-way and extend Capitol Street; roughly 27.5 acres will be sold as developable land, and about two acres of drainage areas will be owned and maintained by Menards and not charged. - Councilmember Specker asked for clarification on the land amount, and Struck explained the acreage breakdown. Councilmember Doran said the public is excited about the development and asked how to stay involved; Struck said the future rezoning and any tax increment financing district would require public hearings at both the Planning Commission and City Council. The schedule anticipates entitlements in 2027, construction in spring 2028, and a store opening in 2029. - Councilmember Wendell thanked staff for being responsive to Menards and said national retailers help grow the city's sales tax base. The Mayor commented that retailers make location decisions when they believe they can be profitable and the city needs to be ready when they decide to proceed. - The resolution was approved unanimously. Future Meetings and Closing - Deputy Mayor Nick Wendell announced he would preside over a special joint city/county canvass meeting on November 5, 2026. The November 10, 2026 meeting will include liquor/wine renewals, a Solventum PFAS update, and second reading and possible action on the 2027 budget. - The Council adjourned after completing its business. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda, ORD 26-026, ORD 26-035, RES 26-066, RES 26-068, and RES 26-069, all by unanimous roll-call votes. - Introduced ORD 26-030, the 2027 Appropriations Ordinance, with second reading and action scheduled for November 10, 2026. - Received the SDSU Student Association update and the October 2026 City Progress Report.

This summary covers the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board meeting on 2026-10-27. The supplied transcript opens with the chair calling the meeting to order on 'Monday, October 26th, 2026,' so the transcript date does not match the supplied date; no agenda or minutes were available. The board approved routine items, heard extensive public comment, overturned a curb-cut approval, and recommended parking, taxicab, and car-share changes. Consent Calendar - Board approved prior meeting minutes by voice vote. - Consent item: residential parking permit restriction addition on the 1000 block of Princess Street. The board approved it by voice vote with no opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - Casey Kane, former board member, spoke during the non-docket public comment period. He requested written and oral updates on East Abingdon Drive bike lanes, South Pickett Street corridor improvements, Jameson Avenue pedestrian safety improvements, and Jordan Street safety improvements, and asked staff to restore time stamps to meeting minutes. Staff later provided updates: East Abingdon is pending National Park Service coordination and may be installed winter 2026-27 as part of the Mount Vernon Trail detour; South Pickett was moved to spring because of contractor scheduling and cold-weather risk; Jameson Avenue is expected this fall; Jordan Street was postponed to spring. - On no-turn-on-red items, Casey Kane supported the city's work, suggested standardizing sign appearance and placement, removing obstructions, and pairing signs with education and enforcement. An online speaker supported no-turn-on-red restrictions and leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs). Christopher Wilk spoke in support of the Old Town no-turn-on-red proposal, citing foot traffic on King Street and predictability for visitors. Two online speakers also supported the Old Town restriction. - On the 4118 Clifford Avenue curb-cut appeal, Duncan Blair, attorney for the property owner, argued that the board should use the clear-error standard and uphold the director's decision. Neighbors Ashley Preston and Sarah Friedman opposed the curb cut, citing loss of on-street parking, sidewalk overhang, drainage and tree-root concerns, a manhole, and safety for children and people with limited mobility; Preston noted the development plans were modified and were 100% complete as of October 13. - On Old Town parking changes, Molly Conway, former parent at Washington Street Preschool, supported modifying the 112 South Columbus Street loading zone to school hours. Jody Maynard, owner of a building at the corner of King and North Alfred, supported adding parking where a loading zone had been and opposed moving a loading zone back to North Alfred, citing early-morning delivery problems and noise. - On the taxicab biennial review, several City Cab representatives and drivers - Jamal Said, Daniel Hadgu, Serifella Pakelli, Abdullah Yusuf, and Ingrid Rivera - supported recommending 80 additional City Cab certificates. They described the driver-owned cooperative model, a waiting list of drivers, the need for marketing and dispatch investment, accessible service goals, and concern about airport rule changes that put taxis at a competitive disadvantage. - During written updates, Casey Kane raised safety concerns about the Wilkes Street and Patrick Street detour for the Heritage project: trip hazards, moved or missing barriers, incomplete signage, and sidewalk closures that he said conflict with city guidelines. He asked staff to share his photo documentation and to answer who approved the closures. Discussion Items No-turn-on-red restrictions - docket items 4 and 5 - For item 4, staff recommended no-turn-on-red restrictions at all approaches at the locations transcribed as Mount Vernon Avenue, Fleet Road, Quaker Lane, Janney's Lane, and Seminary Road. Casey Kane spoke in support; staff said national standards call for a post-mounted sign plus a signal-mounted sign and that the city prefers the red-ball sign, though signal weight and wind-load constraints can limit placement. Staff estimated only about 50-60% of existing signs have both locations. The board adopted the recommendation unanimously. - For item 5, staff proposed no-turn-on-red restrictions at all signalized intersections in Old Town bounded by First Street to the north, the city boundary to the south, Telegraph Road and the railroad tracks to the west, and the Potomac River to the east, paired with LPIs. Staff reported 121 pedestrian crashes in Old Town during the study period, 73 at signalized intersections; of those, 41 (56%) involved left turns on green, 9 (12%) right turns on red, 10 (14%) other incidents, 8 (11%) unknown, and 5 (7%) crossing against the signal. Board member Rosemary asked whether targeting high-crash corridors would be better; staff responded that a Safe System approach is proactive and holistic, that severe crashes are rising, and that a piecemeal approach has left gaps. The recommendation passed 5-1, with Rosemary opposed. Curb-cut appeal - 4118 Clifford Avenue - The board first voted to rescind its prior denial so it could apply the clear-error standard. Staff noted this was the first time in recent years the board had overturned a director-approved curb cut and that code criteria are being updated. Public speakers argued both sides. After discussion, a motion to uphold the director's approval of the curb cut failed, 2-4. A subsequent motion to overturn the director's approval passed, effectively denying the curb cut. Board members who supported overturning cited inconsistency with a prior curb-cut decision, loss of street parking, sidewalk-overhang risk, and safety concerns. Old Town parking changes - Staff presented a package to remove or modify underutilized loading zones, motor-coach loading zones, a taxi stand, a disability space, and a 20-minute parking zone, and to add parking in several locations, including North and South Washington Street, King Street, North Columbus Street, and North Alfred Street. The package also included modifying loading-zone hours at 112 South Columbus Street to 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays, reducing paid meter hours on the 200 and 300 blocks of North Washington Street to end at 5 p.m., metering the west side of the 100 block of South Patrick Street, and placing a 60-foot loading zone on North Alfred near King. - The board adopted an amendment removing a proposed one-space parking addition at the 100 block of North Columbus Street near King Street, leaving the scooter corral in place. The final motion, equal to the staff recommendation minus that item, passed unanimously. Taxicab biennial review - Board member Mark recused himself from this item because a family member is employed by Uber; he said the city attorney found no conflict, but he recused to avoid any appearance of one. Staff summarized the biennial review, current fares, vehicle age limits, and the recent history of City Cab. City Cab previously requested 180 certificates, the board recommended 180 in September 2025, and the city manager granted 80 in December 2025; City Cab began operations in February 2026 and requested an additional 80 certificates in August 2026. Staff recommended accepting the review and maintaining current regulations. The board instead moved to accept the review with the exception of recommending that the city authorize 80 additional City Cab certificates. The motion passed with Mark recused. Car share policy update - Staff asked the board to recommend that city council repeal the 2013 on-street car share resolution (Resolution 2540) and amend city code to create a permanent car share program, including both stationary on-street car-share spaces and free-floating citywide car share. Staff explained that the current program is limited to Old Town and Carlyle, only one on-street car-share space exists, and the change would future-proof the city and respond to resident demand. The board unanimously recommended the repeal and code amendment. Written updates, Vision Zero, and budget priorities - Alex Carroll presented a Vision Zero update. From 2020 to 2025, there were 145 fatal or severe crashes; fatal crashes trended slightly downward (2023 had zero fatal crashes), while severe crashes and their share of total crashes trended upward. Pedestrian crashes were the largest share, followed by angle crashes, with over one-third of fatal/severe crashes involving pedestrians. The city's High Injury Network guides prioritization. 2026 accomplishments included two speed-limit reductions, six school-zone speed cameras, more than 50 crossing improvements, two miles of new bike lanes, about a dozen LPIs and no-turn-on-red restrictions, more than 30 traffic calming treatments, and three new grants. Upcoming work includes South Pickett Street, Sanger Avenue, West End high-crash intersection audits (public comment open through November 6), Seminary West safety improvements, and Jordan Street. Staff also noted the city will update its Vision Zero Action Plan. Crash data come from VDOT reportable crashes, so the data are likely an undercount. - The board discussed draft budget priorities. It directed staff to revise the priorities by elevating DASH/transit funding and combined sidewalk/pedestrian/disabled-access projects, adding full funding for the Neighborhood Transportation Improvement Program, and changing school-trip language to walking/biking/micro-mobility. Staff said comments were due shortly after the meeting. - In commissioner updates, Kirsten reported that the Transportation Commission had completed work on budget and legislative priorities and provided input on the Duke Street land use plan, which is scheduled for city council action in December. Key Outcomes - Approved prior meeting minutes. - Approved the residential parking permit restriction addition for the 1000 block of Princess Street. - Recommended no-turn-on-red restrictions for the item 4 locations unanimously. - Recommended Old Town-wide no-turn-on-red restrictions, 5-1. - Rescinded the prior curb-cut denial at 4118 Clifford Avenue, failed to uphold the director's approval 2-4, then voted to overturn the director's approval. - Recommended the Old Town parking package, as amended, unanimously. - Accepted the taxicab biennial review with a recommendation to authorize 80 additional City Cab certificates; Mark recused. - Recommended repeal of Resolution 2540 and adoption of a new car share program chapter unanimously. - Directed staff to revise budget priorities along the lines described above. - Next meeting scheduled for Monday, December 7, 2026.

The Clarksville Redevelopment Commission met on October 27, 2026, to approve routine items, receive project updates on several major developments, and pass resolutions to support the Clockworks project and amend TIF allocation areas. The commission also authorized staff to begin negotiations on River Falls Mall common area maintenance costs. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the 92-26 regular meeting and the 92-26 executive session meeting, with a correction noted for member April's absence. Discussion Items - Project Updates: - Josh reported that the Main Street flood wall project is awaiting installation of the flap gate structure (40 feet of road remaining). He stated that the Shields Access Road project is substantially complete; the contractor finished the punch list, allowing final closeout. An amendment for additional inspection costs due to a three-month extension (from July 6 to September 30) was later approved. - Richard updated on South Clark Boulevard: right-of-way acquisition and utility relocations continuing; new easements signed. For the Forge project, two concrete panels on Main Street may need removal, asphalt material was found in parking lot fill, and a revised dirt handling agreement has been sent for signature. - Tammy provided photos of the flap gate installation at Riverside Drive and Main Street. Main Street is closed for approximately three months for the structure installation. The flap gate itself will be installed later. - David presented drone photos of the George project. Progress includes under-slab utilities, framing to third floor, masonry on tower C (90% complete), and upcoming slab pours in November. Foundations along Main Street are the last foundation work. - River Falls Mall CAM Costs: Glenn presented a preliminary estimate of $110,000–$140,000 for common area maintenance (CAM) costs based on three months of data from CPP. He proposed a 15% allocation for the theater property owned by Coil Group ($16,500–$13,375). Commissioners expressed concern about the limited data and potential inaccuracies. Glenn requested permission to start discussions with Coil, explaining that the final cost would be reconciled annually as a zero-sum arrangement. The commission voted to authorize Glenn to proceed with negotiations. - Staff Reports: Chris announced he would bring a similar resolution for the Main & Clark property at the next meeting. Tammy noted the need to approve the spending plan in November (deadline December 1) and discussed meeting dates: November 24 (Tuesday before Thanksgiving) and December 22 (before Christmas). Members indicated availability. Harrison is working on extending an EPA Brownfield grant ($250,000 remaining) and seeking reimbursements. Key Outcomes - Approved Amendment 1 for Shields Access Road: Increased the professional services contract with Jacoby Tombs and Lands, LLC by $45,000 to a revised total of $225,000 due to project delays. Vote: unanimous. - Approved Resolution 2026 R-14: Committed up to $8.66 million in local TIF revenues over four years as matching support for the Clockworks project, leveraging a $10 million Indiana Economic Development Corporation grant through the Lilly Endowment LiNk and Remediation Program. Vote: unanimous. - Approved Resolution 2026 R-15: Amended the declaratory resolution for the Clarksville Commercial Economic Development Area to create South Clarksville Allocation Area 4, removing the Clark’s Landing property (estimated $215.7 million development) from the legacy TIF district. This action does not commit financing. Vote: unanimous. - Authorized Staff to Negotiate CAM Costs: The commission approved Glenn to begin discussions with Coil Group regarding common area maintenance charges for the River Falls Mall theater property, based on a 15% estimated allocation. The final amount will be reconciled annually.

The Harrisonburg City Council met at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Council Chambers. No public hearings or special recognitions were held. Council approved the consent agenda, a letter opposing proposed decennial census changes, the 2027 Legislative Agenda, and an appointment to the Harrisonburg Electric Commission. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the October 13, 2026 City Council meeting. - Approved special event applications for the Veterans Parade on Sunday, November 8, 2026; HDR's Winter Wonderfest and Harrisonburg's Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2026; and the Rocktown Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 26, 2026. - Approved a zoning text amendment to include qualifying manufactured homes in the definition of 'Dwelling, single-family'. - Approved Eastern Mennonite School's request to amend the master plan at 701 and 801 Parkwood Drive and 1251 Virginia Avenue. - Approved a Zoning Ordinance amendment to reduce the minimum lot width for single-family detached dwellings in the R-8 district. Public Comments & Testimony - A community member, speaking at the last council meeting before the election, warned about unplanned growth, comparing Iowa's rising cancer rates and Northern Virginia's data center buildout to challenges Harrisonburg could face; they urged residents to attend the candidate forum and vote. - Isaac Felix, 1115 Commercial Court, expressed support for a collective bargaining ordinance for school bus drivers. He cited low wages compared with other CDL jobs, driver retention challenges, the example of Charlottesville, and the importance of investing in bus drivers so they can safely transport students. - No callers phoned in during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Census comment letter (7A): City Manager Banks presented a letter opposing the U.S. Department of Commerce's proposal to alter demographic questions and residence criteria for the Decennial Census. Council members noted that the change could exclude foreign-born residents, who represent about 20% of Harrisonburg's population, and could jeopardize federal funding including approximately $5 million for school nutrition and $4-5 million for transportation. Council accepted the letter as written; it was authored by Amy Snyder. - 2027 Legislative Agenda (7B): Brian Vandenberg, Assistant to the City Manager, reviewed the final version, which retained the policy principles of protecting local authority and funding state mandates. Revisions included changing the public sector collective bargaining priority to add state funding for administration and arbitration costs and protect council approval over budget-impacting negotiations; adding state funding for local affordable housing and workforce housing initiatives; allowing urban redevelopment funds to support local small businesses; and adding new priorities for English learner education funding and data center accountability based on Governor Spanberger's Executive Order 22. Budget requests included child care facilities expansion grants, a water storage tank, the Virginia Homeless Solutions Program, and new stormwater funding for the Northeast neighborhood. Council and Staff Updates - Council members attended a Parks and Recreation event and the Zoning Ordinance Update Project (ZOOP) session at SIMS. - One council member reported plans to attend COP 31 in Turkey and to be absent from both November council meetings. - Council reported on the Healthy Community Collaborative's quarterly meeting and Deputy Chief Quisenberry's retirement event. - Council participated in a launching meeting for an AI workforce initiative with university presidents from JMU, EMU, Bridgewater, and Blue Ridge, along with workforce partners; Senator Warner may attend a follow-up session. - Council highlighted the Lights on After School event on October 22 and discussed the $17 billion Meta settlement, with Virginia receiving $353 million, advocating that some funds support after-school programs and youth services. Boards and Commissions - After reviewing applicants Craig Anders, Edward Yoder, and Aaron Ludwig, and noting the HEC board's need for accounting expertise, Council unanimously appointed Edward Yoder to the Harrisonburg Electric Commission. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Census comment letter approved unanimously as written. - 2027 Legislative Agenda adopted unanimously. - Edward Yoder appointed to HEC unanimously. - The agenda included a closed session item for legal consultation, but the transcript reflects no closed session before adjournment; the meeting adjourned after the HEC appointment.

The Weatherford City Council met for a regular session on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Weatherford City Hall. Mayor Paul Paschall was absent, and Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith presided. The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM and adjourned at 6:32 PM. Key actions included the approval of a conditional use permit for a fueling station, the annexation and rezoning of a 48-acre portion of the Heritage Park Estates development, and the rescheduling of a future council meeting. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the October 13, 2026, meeting were approved. - Items 6b through 6i were approved en bloc. These included the purchase of IT hardware and services ($424,000), a change order for Service Center Restroom renovations ($11,846.12), final plat approvals for the North Weatherford Business Park Addition and Hook'em Subdivision, a public safety radio maintenance agreement with Motorola Solutions ($400,314), a new five-year agreement with the Weatherford Mountain Bike Club, furniture purchases for the Development Services and Parks Admin Office ($277,655.91), and a sidewalk license agreement at 114 Austin Avenue. - Item 6a (FY26 4th Quarter Investment Report) was pulled by Councilmember Luke Williams. He questioned the decrease in the portfolio's weighted average maturity (from 286 to 263 days) and the benchmark lagging despite increased earnings. CFO Dawn Brooks explained the trends are seasonal as securities mature near the fiscal year end before new purchases are made in the winter, and that the fixed portfolio cannot instantly track the rapidly rising 1-year T-bill index, which increased over 100 basis points in the last six months. The report was accepted unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 7b (Annexation): Lynn Baber of Timber Cove Court addressed the council during the public hearing on the Heritage Park Estates annexation. She questioned the decision to annex only a 48-acre portion of the larger 145-acre development, arguing it would create a "donut hole" of unincorporated county land surrounded by the city. She expressed concerns over split first responder jurisdictions, disparities in library privileges, and questions about solid waste fees between city and county residents within the same development. - Items 7a, 7c, & 9: No members of the public spoke on the CUP for the fueling station, the Heritage Park Estates zoning amendment, or during the general citizen comments on non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Item 7a – Conditional Use Permit (Fueling Station): Scott McDonald (Development Services) presented a request for a CUP at 1802 Old Brock Road. The previous permit had expired due to a lack of activity within 12 months. The applicant, Tony Ragagliano, noted the delay was due to working through TxDOT permitting for a single access point on the service road. The project will include conditions to prevent the station from operating as a truck stop, including a ban on overnight semi parking and no diesel billboard or trailblazer advertising. Staff recommended approval, and the ordinance was approved unanimously. - Item 7b – Annexation (Heritage Park Estates): Scott McDonald presented the voluntary annexation of a 48-acre tract. The land is part of a larger 145-acre residential development. The annexed area will include 68 total lots (34 of approximately one acre and 34 of 9,000 to 12,000 square feet) with private streets, a gated entrance, and architectural standards. In response to public comments, staff clarified that the remainder of the overall development is already platted and partially owned by individuals, and an adjacent parcel is owned by the school district for a future elementary school. There will be no free services; all utility and solid waste rates will be paid by the users per standard rate structures. The annexation ordinance was adopted unanimously. - Item 7c – Zoning Change (Heritage Park Estates): The council considered a zoning map amendment from Agricultural (AG) to Single Family 7.5 with a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay for the newly annexed 48 acres. City Manager James Hotopp confirmed that the developer has a strong track record and has always performed as agreed on previous projects. The ordinance was approved unanimously. - Item 7d – Meeting Rescheduling: City Manager Hotopp requested the rescheduling of the regular council meeting from Tuesday, February 23, 2027, to Monday, February 22, 2027, at 6:00 PM to accommodate the Parker County Day in Austin legislative event. The council approved the change unanimously. Key Outcomes - CUP Approved: Ordinance O2026-36 (Conditional Use Permit for Fueling Station at 1802 Old Brock Road) was approved unanimously with conditions, including a 12-month construction start deadline and 30-month completion deadline. - Annexation Approved: Ordinance O2026-37 (Voluntary Annexation of 48 acres by Westoplex Development Group LLC) was adopted unanimously. - Zoning Approved: The Development Agreement for Heritage Park Estates was authorized, and Ordinance O2026-38 (Zoning Map Amendment to SF 7.5 with PUD Overlay) was adopted unanimously. - Meeting Rescheduled: The February 23, 2027, City Council meeting was officially moved to Monday, February 22, 2027, at 6:00 PM.

The Kearney City Council met on October 27, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Council Member Kurt Schmidt was absent; all other members were present. The meeting was brief, consisting of consent agenda approvals, a purchasing code amendment, and community announcements. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the minutes from the regular meeting of October 13, 2026, and amended minutes from August 11, 2026. - Claims: Approved the claims report. - Hearing Date: Set November 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. for public hearings on Planning Commission recommendations. - Keno License (Resolution 2026-130): Approved a keno-type lottery operation request by Endgame West, LLC (dba Big Red Keno) for Kearney Golf & Pickle, Inc. (dba Drop Zone) at 101 11th Avenue. - Change Order (Resolution 2026-131): Approved Change Order No. 2-Final for the 2025 Part 4 Improvements (Box Butte), reflecting a decrease of $40,646.00 submitted by Midlands Contracting, Inc. and approved by Miller & Associates. - Property Agreement (Resolution 2026-132): Approved a Property Maintenance and Lease Agreement between the City and Mathew Anderson for a tract of land adjacent to Patriot Park. - Agricultural Deferral: Approved an application for Special Assessment for Agricultural Deferral submitted by FirsTier Bank for specified tracts of land. Consent Agenda Ordinances - Ordinance No. 8833 (Purchasing Code): The council voted to suspend the three-reading rule and approved the ordinance on final passage. The ordinance amends Article 15 of the City Code to: - Increase the minimum bidding amount requirements to $90,000.00 in Sections 1-1505, 1-1506, and 1-1507. - Remove the $3,000 purchase limit and allow the purchasing agent or their designee to establish authorized purchasing thresholds (Sections 1-1506, 1-1507, 1-1512). - Increase the minimum surplus stock requirements to $40,000.00 in Section 1-1519. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered testimony or addressed the council. Reports & Community Announcements - A council member congratulated the Carna Catholic softball team on winning a state championship and commended the city for providing an escort and showing strong community support. - A council member reported on the lighting of the Archway, the fireworks display, and Kearney High School receiving a superior rating at a major band contest, praising the community's ability to host large events. - Mayor Jonathan Nikkila recalled the excitement of state competitions and celebrated the city's role in hosting them. He also announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Dryden Park for a joint improvement project between UNK softball and the City of Kearney. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda (Resolution Nos. 2026-130, 2026-131, 2026-132, and the agricultural deferral application) was approved by a vote of 4-0 (Schmidt absent). - Ordinance No. 8833 amending the purchasing code was adopted by a 4-0 vote. - The meeting was adjourned.

The Lehi City Council met for a pre-council work session at 4:30 p.m. and a regular session at 7:00 p.m. on October 27, 2026, in the Lehi City Council Chambers (131 N. 100 E., Lehi, Utah). The pre-council featured department outlook presentations from Parks, Streets, Engineering, Finance, and Administration, followed by a working discussion on General Plan goals and policies. The regular session included an Epilepsy Awareness Month proclamation, a citizen award, the consent agenda, a Lehi Redevelopment Agency (RDA) meeting, a budget amendment public hearing, a concept plan request, a zone change, and an annexation. A closed session was held from approximately 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. before the regular session. Consent Calendar - Resolution 2026-67 approving an agreement with Hughes General Contractors, Inc. for the Public Works Storage Building was approved 5-0. Councilmember Lockhart noted the project is a significant investment of over $10 million and is needed because the city lacks adequate storage for current and future equipment under the public works master plan. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizen input was opened at 7:31 p.m. and closed with no speakers. - Public hearings for the FY 2026-2027 Budget Amendment and the Logan Annexation were opened and closed with no public testimony. Pre-Council Presentations and Reports - Parks Department (Greg): The cemetery master plan for the upper cemetery includes a new office building, memorial event space, and expanded tree canopy; Lakeview Park is about 70% complete and will open in spring; the courthouse relocation to the old city hall is in design, with architectural work expected to conclude around May-June; playground replacements are out to bid for Olympic Park and Chapel Valley Parks; staffing requests include one trails position, one leisure parks position, and a volunteer coordinator. - Streets Department (BJ Benson): The next budget cycle will request one street-sign operator and a fifth concrete crew member, with an asphalt operator possible by 2030. A city tree study identified over 2,000 trees, over half of which are undesirable species in planter strips. Last winter brought 3.7 inches of snow; the coming winter forecast is 50-65 inches. The city estimates $10,000 of salt per storm and has both salt bays full. - Engineering (Brad Kennison): Staffing projections include a project manager next year, an engineer technician, a CAD technician by 2030, and a land surveyor/design engineer by 2031. Major projects include 2300 West right-of-way acquisition (20 properties, construction expected spring 2028), Pony Express Parkway (30% design, construction targeted 2028), the SR-92 pedestrian bridge, the FrontRunner trail (UDOT-funded), and the Point of the Mountain connector design study. CDBG-funded sidewalks are prioritized by proximity to schools and parks. Five traffic signals are planned over five years, including Willow Lane/Main Street and 850 East/200 South. Sewer work includes the Willow Lane pump station (80% design) and trunk lines along 17th West, plus a sewer bore under I-15 to enable development in the station area plan bowl. - Finance (Dean Lundell): The 9-person department handles about 800 accounts payable checks per month, pays 1,100 employees biweekly, processes about 450 utility billing applications monthly, and serves about 32,500 power customers. The department budget is just under $1.6 million, with 85% for staffing and 60% funded through utility funds. The ERP system (Caselle) may need replacement in the future, which could cost several hundred thousand dollars per year. - Administration: Future personnel requests will shift several part-time positions to full-time (events, communications, venue coordinator for the community room), add an HR training coordinator, and eventually add a videographer/graphic designer. Staff noted long-term interest in a concert or convention center through a partnership with the county or private sector. Working Discussion: General Plan Goals and Policies - Staff (Kim and Mike) presented maps highlighting conflict areas where heavy commercial and light industrial zoning touches residential designations, including the Walker property/Hadco area and a neighborhood southeast of it. They showed SketchUp visualizations of current buffering standards (8-foot fencing, required trees, setback distances) comparing warehouse and retail building scenarios from a residential backyard view. - Council members discussed creating transition or buffer zones (potentially modeled on the Walker development agreement) between residential and more intense uses, possibly including a new zone with limited uses such as office space. Council requested an overlay map showing undeveloped land to distinguish current vs. future conflict areas. - The council expressed support for a targeted, mini general-plan update rather than a wholesale revision, with public open houses for property owner input. Staff will refine the maps, and council members will review the plan's 16 goals to identify priorities. This will be an ongoing monthly work item. Mayor and Council Reports - A council member reported a library board concern that updated code language prevents alternate members from participating in discussion unless substituting for a voting member; the member suggested this may fit formal bodies like the planning commission but not the less formal library board. - Council thanked the mayor and staff for the 2300 West solution funding a sidewalk and fence, noting neighbors are thrilled. - Council recognized the North Lake Park community event held with Utah County over the weekend. - Upcoming items: Lehi Junction historical marker unveiling November 7 at 11 a.m.; Hutching Museum events including the Skinwalker Ranch presentation (November 6-7) and the Magical Museum (November 20-21); Lehi Temple groundbreaking announced for December 5 (invitation only). Legislative watch items include a possible cap on municipal reserves, property tax discussions, and possible removal of moderate income housing goals. Presentations and Awards (Regular Session) - Epilepsy Awareness Month Proclamation: The mayor read the proclamation, and Sarah Hansen of the Epilepsy Foundation of Utah accepted. Statistics cited: nearly 3.4 million people in the U.S. including 34,000 in Utah live with active epilepsy; 30-40% of people with epilepsy have uncontrolled seizures; 25% of the public would be nervous around a person with epilepsy; 1 in 26 people develop epilepsy in their lifetime. November was proclaimed Epilepsy Awareness Month. - Citizen Award: Tara Sandstrom received a Certificate of Recognition from the Lehi City Police Department for placing herself in the path of a moving vehicle on September 16, 2016, to protect children she was helping across an intersection. Redevelopment Agency Session The council recessed into the Lehi Redevelopment Agency meeting at approximately 7:34 p.m. to consider Resolution R-2026-09, an economic development agreement with Garff Properties (Metal Point LLC) for new car dealership incentives. - Staff (Marlon) explained that the existing 2019 community reinvestment area (CRA) provides $250,000 incentives for the first three dealerships; two are used (Land Rover Jaguar and Porsche), with one remaining. The proposed new agreement created a $1.5 million incentive bucket for up to four additional new-car dealerships, drawn down as impact fees are incurred. - The RDA has recouped about $600,000 and has approximately $6.6 million in obligations, including reimbursement to the city for Ashton Boulevard right-of-way and prior incentives. If dealerships are built every other year, the RDA projects it could pay off its obligations and still come out about $2.4 million ahead before the CRA expires in 2039. A council member confirmed the incentive is funded through sales tax increment rebates generated by the dealerships themselves, not from general fund appropriations. - A council member raised the state Prohibition on Retail Facility Incentive Payments Act; staff stated the dealerships qualify for an exception because their retail sales floor space is under 20,000 square feet (only about a quarter of gross building area is retail space). - Councilmember Newell made the successful motion to table R-2026-09 with direction to staff to prepare a revised agreement including: honor the 2019 agreement with the remaining $250,000 applied to the next new dealership; a Toyota-specific impact fee credit up to $500,000 (no unused credit carries to another building); building permit issued before January 1, 2030 (deadline pauses up to 12 months for a state franchise protest); the store must open within 18 months of permit issuance; and the dealership must operate in Lehi for 15 years or repay the credit pro-rata. - Other council members expressed positions during discussion: one member initially proposed a $1 million cap with $250,000 per-dealership buckets, building-permit milestones every two years, and a 10-year stay covenant. Another council member criticized retail incentives as incentive wars that enrich developers and transfer economic activity, citing the city's prior $1 million incentive to bring Porsche/Audi from Orem and that dealership's later relocation within Lehi after the CRA ended. - Outcome: The board voted 5-0 to table the resolution with the direction to bring back a written agreement at the first meeting in November. Discussion Items and Public Hearings - Budget Amendment FY 2026-2027 (Resolution 2026-68): The public hearing was opened and closed at 8:49 p.m. with no comments. The amendment includes carryover budget items, $300,000 for Station 81 redesign, $25,000 for risk damage (matching the city's insurance deductible), and use of proceeds from selling small parcels of park land to property owners who had encroached on city property. One council member noted Station 81 redesign had been discussed during the June budget sessions; staff said they would review records to ensure it was included. Approved 5-0. - Tapley Project Concept (58 South 300 West): Petitioner Tapley Mitchell, a disabled veteran, proposed adding four townhome units while retaining existing structures, with two covered carport parking spaces per unit. The property is in a Mixed Use zone; because the city changed the mixed-use code in July to require 50% commercial uses and 30% individual ownership, the project became non-conforming. Since no formal application was filed before the change, the applicant could not be grandfathered. The council voted 4-1 to table the concept plan with direction to staff to draft a development agreement consistent with the proposal, including carports, waiver of the commercial requirement, and waiver of the individual ownership requirement. Councilmember Lockhart voted no, stating a preference for fixing the mixed-use code rather than creating another development agreement. Staff was also directed to bring a mixed-use code review to a future work session. - 802 West State Street Zone Change (Ordinance 49-2026): Petitioner Lawrence Snow requested changing 0.72 acres from Mixed Use to Heavy Commercial; he owns the adjacent 830 and 850 parcels, already Heavy Commercial, and plans retail uses on the site. Staff confirmed the 8-foot buffering wall requirement still applies if a neighboring property within the Mixed Use zone is used residentially, unless waived by the neighbor. The ordinance was approved 5-0 with DRC comments and a general plan consistency finding. - Logan Annexation (Resolution 2026-64 and Ordinance 50-2026): The public hearing was opened and closed at 9:37 p.m. with no comments. The council first approved the annexation agreement 5-0 for 2.68 acres at approximately 1300 S 1700 W with R-1-22 and TH-5 (transitional holding) zoning. During the ordinance discussion, petitioner Danny Logan stated he intended to annex only about half an acre around his home, not the full 2.68 acres; the plat submitted by his engineer showed the entire parcel being annexed. The council voted 5-0 to table Ordinance 50-2026 and rescind Resolution 2026-64 to clarify whether Utah County will allow annexation of a portion of a single unified parcel. The item is scheduled to return at the November 10 council meeting. Key Outcomes - Closed session: entered by unanimous roll call at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the Timpanogos Room under Utah Code 52-4-205. - Consent agenda (Resolution 2026-67): approved 5-0. - RDA Resolution R-2026-09: tabled 5-0 with specific revised terms and instruction to return in November. - Budget amendment (Resolution 2026-68): approved 5-0. - Tapley Project Concept: tabled 4-1 with direction for a development agreement and separate mixed-use code review; Councilmember Lockhart dissenting. - Ordinance 49-2026 (802 W State Street): approved 5-0. - Logan Annexation: Resolution 2026-64 initially approved 5-0 then rescinded 5-0; Ordinance 50-2026 tabled 5-0; return November 10. - Items 6.5 and 6.6 (Library Board alternate appointments, Resolutions 2026-66 and 2026-65) were not reached before adjournment.

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) met on October 27, 2026, with only three of five members present (Zach Ellison, Chuck, Grant). The meeting addressed a redocketing request for a conditional use at 1023 Franklin Street, a conditional use and height variance for an accessory dwelling unit at 460 North Riverside Drive, and a conditional use for a neighborhood-scale solar energy system on a former foundry sand fill site. All votes requiring three affirmative votes were impacted by the bare quorum. Redocketing Request – Grindstone Properties (BZA 26-52) - Applicant/Petitioner: Jeff Rocker, representing Mike (owner) of 1023 Franklin Street, requested redocketing of a previously denied conditional use to add a third dwelling unit in the basement of an existing two-unit duplex. The original denial occurred at a prior meeting. - Reason for Redocketing: Rocker argued that a substantial change in circumstances had occurred: the owner now has all construction permits (previously a misunderstanding), and the unit is nearly complete. He cited the city’s housing study, the need for affordable housing, and that the unit would not alter the building’s exterior or add street parking. The redocketing would allow a full public hearing in November. - Board Discussion: Chuck expressed opposition, citing the prior public opposition and concerns about fire code (egress window) and the owner’s lack of understanding of rules. Grant agreed with Chuck, noting the public had spoken and the board had decided. Zach Ellison saw enough change (permits, fire plan) to consider redocketing. The vote on a motion to approve redocketing resulted in 2 in favor (Zach, Grant) and 1 opposed (Chuck). Because three votes are required for a decision, the vote was declared indecisive, and the matter was automatically continued to the November 2026 meeting. - Key Outcome: The redocketing request will be reconsidered at the November meeting due to the indecisive vote. Neighbors will be re-noticed and can testify. Conditional Use & Height Variance – 460 North Riverside Drive (BZA 26-86 & 26-87) - Applicants: Lee and Elizabeth Bulka, owners of 460 North Riverside Drive. They requested a conditional use to permit an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) above a new two-story detached garage, and a variance of one foot (from 25 ft to 26 ft) in maximum accessory structure height. - Staff Presentation (Andreas Nietzsche): The property is zoned RS-2 (single-family residential). The proposed ADU would be 900 sq ft above a 1,000 sq ft garage, located at the five-foot side setback. The height variance is to allow 10-foot ceilings in the garage and a roof pitch matching the existing home. Staff noted the variance criteria: practical difficulty, character of the property not affected. - Applicant Testimony: The Bulkas stated the ADU is for their own use (home offices), not rental. The extra height (6 inches over max, rounded up to 1 ft for safety) is needed for functional living space and to match the existing home’s slope. They plan to coordinate exterior updates to match the main house. - Public Comment: Tom Dell (1063 Hummingburg Lane) spoke in support, stating the variance request was minimal and practical difficulty justified approval. - Board Discussion: Commissioners questioned the design and the applicants’ agreement to match materials. No opposition. - Votes: Motion to approve BZA 26-86 (conditional use) carried unanimously (3-0). Motion to approve BZA 26-87 (height variance) carried unanimously (3-0). Both included conditions per staff report. - Key Outcome: Approved. The ADU and garage can proceed with matching exterior materials and a 26-ft height. Conditional Use – HSI Solar Neighborhood Scale Solar Energy System (BZA 26-88) - Applicants/Petitioners: Mike Miller (1045 South Gladstone) and Brian Steinkamp (HSI Solar). Requested conditional use to install a neighborhood-scale solar energy system on two parcels (one a former foundry sand fill site, capped and closed by IDEM). The system includes ground-mounted panels on the capped landfill (ballasted, not penetrating) and roof-mounted panels on existing buildings. - Staff Presentation (Melissa Begley): The property is zoned I-3 (heavy industrial). The ground-mounted array is on a separate parcel due to lender requirements; it is electrically connected to the roof system on the other parcel. IDEM approved the ballasted installation. The system is behind-the-meter, serving only CE Systems (the business), not for grid export. - Applicant Testimony: Steinkamp explained the system is designed to avoid export; excess energy is minimal. The ground array is 14 inches high. IDEM required a rock cover to avoid vegetation spraying. This is the first IDEM-approved solar system on a closed foundry fill site in Indiana. - Public Comment: Tom Dell spoke in support, calling it a creative use of a closed landfill and a “no-brainer” to approve. - Board Discussion: Commissioners praised the innovation. No concerns raised. - Vote: Motion to approve BZA 26-88 carried unanimously (3-0). - Key Outcome: Approved. The solar system may be installed with conditions per staff report. Findings of Fact & Minutes - Findings of Fact: Motion to approve findings of fact from the agenda in mass carried unanimously. - Minutes: Minutes from August 25 and September 29, 2026 meetings were approved unanimously. Other Business - Next Meeting: The November meeting is moved up one week and will conflict with the City Council meeting. The BZA will meet downstairs; Emily Pinkston will sit in for the city attorney (who will attend City Council upstairs). - Redocketing Procedure Discussion: After the meeting, commissioners discussed the indecisive vote rule and the redocketing process. Chuck expressed concern that the redocketing allowed an “end run” around the prior denial. Staff clarified that a finding of substantial change is required and the board has discretion. Key Outcomes - Grindstone Properties redocketing continued to November 2026 meeting due to indecisive vote (2-1). - 460 North Riverside Drive ADU conditional use and height variance both approved (3-0). - HSI Solar conditional use approved (3-0). - Findings of fact and minutes approved. - November meeting date changed.

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on October 27, 2026, with all council members present. The council approved routine minutes, held one public hearing on a town charter boundary amendment, and heard extended citizen comments about the town's Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) program. Council reports and announcements covered regional boards, upcoming events, transit ridership, and the town's comprehensive plan update. Consent Agenda - The council approved the Town Council minutes from October 6, 2026 and October 13, 2026 by unanimous vote. Public Hearing: Charter Boundary Amendment - Staff presented Resolution 10-D-26, a request to the Virginia General Assembly to amend Blacksburg Town Charter Section 1.02 to update the town's corporate boundaries. The change reflects an updated boundary survey completed in 2025 that corrected the 1973 boundary survey; the new boundary had already been adopted after public hearings by both the Town Council and the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors in 2025. Staff described the amendment as administrative. - No members of the public commented during the hearing. - The council discussed the matter briefly and approved Resolution 10-D-26 unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Jessica Latasti, a Montgomery County resident who identified with Blacksburg, said she filed a FOIA request for the town's Flock Safety contract and read contract language allowing Flock to access, use, preserve, or disclose data if legally required or based on a good-faith belief, plus a broad license for aggregated data. She asked the council to review the contract and remove the cameras. - Laura Brown, a Blacksburg resident, said organizing to deflock was a continuation of work for at-risk community members. She cited federal overreach concerns from Minneapolis, stated that 153 municipalities had discontinued Flock contracts as of September 2026, including Christiansburg, and argued that the problem is what happens to data in the cloud under corporate ownership. She called on the town to abandon the Flock partnership. - Dee Dee Reagan, who lives on Harding Avenue, said a Flock camera about 100 feet from her house appeared to be pointed toward her front yard, porch, and driveway. She cited the Fourth Amendment and mosaic theory and asked council members to consider how they would feel if a camera were pointed at their homes. - Connie Fitzsimmons, now living in Montgomery County's District A, read a list of Virginia counties and municipalities that have ended, suspended, or declined to continue Flock/ALPR contracts, including Montgomery County's suspension in September and nearby municipalities such as Christiansburg, Lynchburg, and Martinsville. - Dale Wimmerley, a Blacksburg resident speaking for the NRV Indivisible leadership team, said the group is concerned about possible election interference around the November 3 election and asked council members to publicly and loudly condemn any serious election interference, use press statements, and stand with residents in protest if it occurs. - A Radford-area resident said she avoids shopping in Blacksburg because she feels watched, and also raised concerns about handicap parking access and a preference for police foot patrols over camera surveillance. - Layla Dobis, a Radford resident who comes to Blacksburg for medical appointments, demanded no Flock cameras, no mass surveillance, and removal of installed cameras, saying the surveillance feels Orwellian and makes people avoid entering town. - Wade Correll, a Radford resident, said he does not want Americans spied on, questioned whether the public can trust technology company executives, and argued that such systems do not prevent crimes. He urged the council to vote down the surveillance systems. - Leslie Harwood, a Blacksburg resident, asked why the council had not already addressed the issue, citing Montgomery County's discontinuation, Arlington County's removal of 41 cameras over public trust, and Henrico County's termination. She called on the council to lead a public conversation rather than wait for the contract to expire. - An additional speaker detailed what he described as Flock's accuracy failures, citing a 71% inaccuracy rate in Rosefield, California, and multiple incidents in which misread license plates led to wrongful stops or arrests. - Nina Jaworski, a Blacksburg resident, said her son and other middle and high school students are uncomfortable with the cameras, questioned why the cameras are painted black, and said the constant surveillance sends a message that residents are guilty until proven innocent. Discussion Items - After citizen comments, the presiding council member thanked speakers and said the town is listening. He outlined current safeguards: Virginia state law limits ALPR use to specific law enforcement purposes, retains data for 21 days unless tied to an investigation, and restricts sharing. Blacksburg has shortened retention to 7 days, limited searches to violent crimes, missing persons, stolen vehicles, and active threats, and ended automatic data sharing with other agencies except Virginia Tech Police. The town has also declined data requests that do not meet its standards. He said the General Assembly will likely revisit ALPR in 2027. - Blacksburg Police Chief John Claire said he lives near a Flock camera and takes the concerns seriously. He said his focus is protecting Blacksburg's 50,000 residents and sometimes 110,000 visitors, especially during high-intensity events. The police department is exploring options with direct end-to-end control, town-owned equipment, and no off-site cloud storage, while avoiding a gap in capabilities. - A council member described the tension between concerns about Flock's for-profit cloud surveillance network and reasonable uses of ALPR, such as tracking an active shooter entering town or finding a trafficking victim. The council member said the town should explore alternative vendors without cloud storage where the town owns and controls the system end to end. Council Reports - The Planning Commission liaison reported on a work session about a future ordinance regulating cannabis facility locations and operations; staff will return in November with more information and the matter may come to council next year. - The New River Valley Passenger Rail Station Authority is targeting the third quarter of 2027, ideally before Virginia Tech's fall semester, with construction schedule risk cited as the main concern; the Radford overnight facility is progressing. - Other reports covered a tourism board update, Montgomery County's 250th anniversary celebration, the Montgomery County Economic Development Council, the New River Valley Agency on Aging, and a Public Arts Committee tour of Roanoke's public art. Council Announcements - Council members promoted the grand opening of The Local, Saturday downtown trick-or-treating, and the Blacksburg Holiday Parade during the Winter Lights festival on December 4, 2026. - Residents were reminded to vote before November 3, 2026, with information on three ballot amendments available in the lobby. - The town is beginning work on its comprehensive plan update, branded as Blacksburg Horizons; surveys and maps will accept input until December 18, with planning staff at the farmers market October 28 and October 31. - Blacksburg Transit received the inaugural Hill Spencer Ridership Award, moved just over 4.7 million passengers in 2025 (a 26% increase), and is recognized as the fifth largest transit system in Virginia. - The November 3 work session is canceled because it is Election Day; the next regular meeting is Tuesday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m., and the next work session is November 17. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously: minutes from October 6 and October 13, 2026. - Resolution 10-D-26 approved unanimously, authorizing the town to request a General Assembly amendment to Town Charter Section 1.02 for updated corporate boundaries. - No vote was taken on Flock Safety or ALPR; council members and the police chief said they will continue evaluating alternatives, including vendors with town-owned equipment and no off-site cloud storage. - The council noted current ALPR safeguards in Blacksburg and anticipates state legislative action on ALPR in 2027.