The Public Meeting Index

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors met in regular session on October 27, 2026, with all 11 members present. The Board approved consent items, completed unfinished business, acted on leases and appointments, recognized community members and city employees, heard public comment, and unanimously concurred in the Mayor’s emergency proclamation for anticipated El Niño storms. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 22, 2026 meeting minutes by an 11-0 roll call vote. - Passed the consent calendar (Items 1–14), including 14 litigation settlements/unlitigated claims: Genasci Dairy, Inc. et al. ($400,000 to the City); Primitivo Ramirez ($100,000); N.T. ($1,500,000); S.A. ($500,000); Tammy Lynn Moore ($126,000); Barbara Kavanagh ($100,000); Tami Stewart ($50,000); George Murphy ($150,000); Henry Faust ($52,500); Kristina K. Hall ($50,000); Joe Fong and Soon Kang ($350,000); iHeartMedia Entertainment, Inc. ($141,686); Owen Equipment Sales ($121,257.81); and Mark Caro ($72,447). Unfinished Business - Finally passed an ordinance providing small hardware retailers a gross receipts tax credit retroactive to January 1, 2026, for tax years 2026–2035. - Finally passed a $658,000 appropriation to the Department of Elections for the statewide November 2026 election; the ordinance required two-thirds approval for the $308,000 portion for salaries, overtime, fringe benefits, and non-personnel services. - Finally passed six ordinances implementing first amendments to 2024–2027 MOUs with six city unions, extending terms through June 30, 2031, including base wage increases for FY2027-28 through FY2030-31 and a commitment not to lay off permanent civil service employees through June 30, 2029. - Finally passed ordinances amending the Housing Code (minimum ceiling heights of 7 feet for habitable rooms and 6 feet 8 inches for other rooms), requiring disclosure of total monthly residential rental costs including fees, revising Planning Code mezzanine/story-count thresholds, and prohibiting eviction for nonpayment of rent below HUD fair-market-rent standards. - Finally passed amended surveillance technology policies for the Department of Elections and the Fire Department, and a Recorder notification program ordinance. New Business - Adopted a resolution authorizing an amended and restated San Francisco Wholesale Produce Market lease with the San Francisco Market Corporation, including separate parcel leases to obtain private construction loans. - Adopted 10 resolutions approving two-year term extensions for Airport Commission concession leases at SFO, including Sunglass Hut, L’Occitane, Marshall Retail Group, Park Café Group, Lady Luck Gourmet, Andalé Management, High Flying Foods, Sidewalk Juice, and Rylo Management. - Adopted a resolution retroactively accepting a FEMA grant through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for the 2025 Next Generation Warning System Grant Program. The agenda listed the grant as $238,480; the Clerk’s reading described it as a $238,000 grant. - Passed on first reading an ordinance revising firearm and ammunition procurement qualifications and waiver provisions. - Approved mayoral reappointment of Nabihah Azim to the Treasure Island Development Authority Board (term ending April 28, 2030), appointment of Ryan Jang to the Building Inspection Commission (term ending July 1, 2028), and appointment of Steven Lee to the Veterans Affairs Council (term ending March 17, 2027). - Adopted a committee report resolution supporting the transfer of a Type 21 off-sale and Type 86 educational tasting liquor license to T&T Supermarket at 2675 Geary Boulevard, with conditions to be requested from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Special Order: Commendations - Presented a commendation to Matt Hansen, retiring Director of Risk Management after more than 20 years of city service; the risk portfolio overseen included nearly $25 billion in property assets and major events such as the 2013 America’s Cup, 2023 APEC, and championship celebrations. - Presented a commendation to Joseph San Juan, also known as DJ Parlay, a 911 dispatcher retiring after 26 years with the Department of Emergency Management. - Honored five immigrant peer health and rights educators, or promotoras, for their community work; Supervisor Chen sponsored the recognition. - Recognized Italian Community Services for 110 years of service in San Francisco. - Recognized the Lincoln High School Dragon Boat team and CYC for their achievements at the IDBF Club Crew World Championships, including eight medals (three gold, four silver, one bronze), a world record of 1:59.61 in the 18-and-under open 500-meter standard boat race, and CYC’s bronze medal in the 250-meter race. - Recognized Mary Clip, a longtime volunteer trash picker at Twin Peaks, and Alma Robinson, Executive Director of California Lawyers for the Arts, for their contributions to the city. Roll Call Introductions - President Mandelman introduced an ordinance to simplify Commercial Vacancy Tax filings by eliminating filing requirements for tenants and subtenants in occupied storefronts while retaining them for vacant spaces, citing a $158 penalty for non-filing even when a property is occupied. - He also requested a hearing on city agencies’ collection of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data, citing a UC Berkeley report and noting that the number of transgender and nonbinary people experiencing homelessness more than doubled between 2022 and 2024. - He introduced resolutions declaring October 29, 2026, Golden State Valkyries Day; initiating landmark designation for six Duboce Triangle historic districts; and declaring November 8, 2026, Diwali Day. - Supervisor Walton introduced an extension to the Interim Data Center Moratorium for 10 months and 15 days, citing recent moratoriums in Richmond, Oakland, and Hayward, and the need for an evidence-based regulatory framework. - Supervisor Wong introduced a resolution on street tree maintenance and sidewalk safety, putting on record Public Works’ commitments to finish the first pruning cycle by year’s end, move to about 25,000 prunings per year, complete a new tree inventory and sidewalk damage assessment, and report progress in six months. - Supervisor Chan introduced a resolution urging the San Francisco Employees’ Retirement System and CalPERS to review AI-related concentration and correlated risks and urging Congress to reject corporate bailouts after an AI market downturn. - Supervisor Chen introduced a resolution affirming election integrity, supporting election workers, and opposing intimidation of election officials and voters ahead of the November 2026 election. Public Comments & Testimony - Reverend Amos C. Brown, pastor of Third Baptist Church and former supervisor, urged the Board to act on reparations by supporting the Fillmore Heritage Building as a community asset for the African American community, saying an apology should be followed by action. - Beverly Upton, Executive Director of the San Francisco Domestic Violence Consortium, thanked the Board for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and praised the city’s leadership on domestic violence prevention and intervention. - Several speakers urged the Board to ban the retail sale of live animals in pet stores, citing a unanimous recommendation by the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare and similar action in West Hollywood. - A Tenderloin resident described a 46-day elevator outage in her building followed by a breakdown after 14 days, and asked the Board to examine enforcement and standards for essential building equipment and tenant accommodations. - A speaker requested a public hearing on renewal of the city’s Flock Safety contract, raising concerns about license-plate searches, alleged illegal officer use, data retention, and whether the cameras reduce crime. - A speaker suggested Juana Briones de Miranda as a historically appropriate alternative for renaming Cesar Chavez Street and noted a petition about the proposed name. - A remote caller thanked the Board for tenant protections and urged more rental assistance and changes to public-comment scheduling and Board responsiveness. - Other commenters addressed police accountability and sexual assault investigation practices, praised city staff, highlighted Fillmore district development projects, and raised concerns about AI-related risks. For Adoption Without Committee Reference and Imperative Agenda - Adopted Items 51–54 together by 11-0 vote: two Park, Recreation and Open Space Advisory Council appointments (Henry Rittenberg and John Katz), a legislative expense account for California State Association of Counties representation, and a process for an official misconduct hearing regarding Commissioner William Palmer. - Adopted Item 49, recognizing October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, after remarks by Supervisor Melgar. - Adopted Item 50, commending immigrant peer health and immigrant rights educators as Promotoras Day on October 27, 2026, after remarks by Supervisor Chen. - Voted 11-0 to concur in the Mayor’s October 23, 2026 proclamation of a local emergency due to anticipated severe storms from El Niño conditions, authorizing expedited city procurement and contract actions. A public comment period was held, and the Board then voted to approve. Key Outcomes - All consent items and unfinished business items were approved without objection; the consent calendar, items 51–54, and the emergency concurrence were approved by 11-0 roll call votes. - The Board passed six MOU amendments, multiple housing and tenant protection ordinances, a $658,000 election appropriation, 10 airport lease extensions, and a firearm and ammunition procurement ordinance on first reading. - Supervisors introduced new legislation, including a commercial vacancy tax filing simplification, a Data Center Moratorium extension request, a street tree maintenance resolution, and an AI investment risk resolution. - Newly introduced legislation will appear on the final meeting minutes; upcoming items include the Planning Department’s November 10 data-center report, a Board hearing on SOGI data collection, and a six-month progress update on street tree maintenance.

The Bellevue Parks and Community Services Board met on October 27, 2026, with a quorum present. The board unanimously approved the agenda and the September 2026 meeting minutes, heard two public comments, received a director’s report, discussed the joint update of the Parks and Open Space System Plan and Recreation Program Plan, approved its third-quarter 2026 report to city council, and set the next meeting for November 18, 2026. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved unanimously. - September 2026 regular meeting minutes approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Tony Andrews, an online speaker, described himself as a recent resident of the Verdon town homes near Bell Red and 130th. He expressed strong support for the proposed Bell Red Park and for zoning changes that would bring more residential density, retail, and dining. He opposed the proposal to extend Spring Boulevard through the small park, calling it unnecessary and expensive, and recommended a bike/pedestrian path along that corridor to improve east-west connections. - Alex Zimmerman (registered on the sign-in sheet as Alex Emmerman), president of Stand Up America, spoke against what he described as a proposed additional $1 billion in city taxes. He claimed Bellevue’s budget is about $1 billion and its GDP exceeds $150 billion, and he said Amazon, Google, and Microsoft control city government. He made derogatory comments about the mayor and city council, and stated that many Chinese and Indian residents in Bellevue are quiet and afraid to speak, referencing recent federal visa rules. He said money affects everyone and urged the board to consider the financial burden on residents. Director’s Report and Board Communications - Director Meredith Betty reported on the Capital Improvement Plan progress report and a successful summer ranger program, with additional statistics included in the board packet. She noted that city budget adoption is underway; staff presented the previous evening under two strategic target areas, a public hearing was noted for the 27th, further council conversation is scheduled for November 3, and adoption is targeted for November 17. She also highlighted upcoming events, including Youth Link’s Gumbo Night, Kelsey Creek Farm trick-or-treating, a Dia de los Muertos celebration at Crossroads Community Center, and a new Bellevue Botanical Garden Society executive director, Dave Martine. - Board members shared updates, including Eileen’s announcement that this was her last meeting because she had accepted a city business transformation position. Several members thanked her for her service. Other updates included the Kelsey Creek Farm Fair, the Arbor Day planting at Lewis Creek Park with approximately 62 volunteers, the Lake Hills boat-themed park renovation, and Bellevue Essentials site visits. Discussion Items Long-Range Plan Updates: Parks and Open Space System Plan and Recreation Program Plan - Senior Park Planners Ryan Walker and Betsy Anderson presented a joint kickoff for updating two plans concurrently. The Parks and Open Space System Plan was last updated in 2022 and is on a six-year cycle; the Recreation Program Plan was last updated in 2023 and is on a three-year cycle. Both are expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The board will provide a recommendation to council for the system plan and an endorsement for the recreation program plan. - Staff explained that the system plan implements the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and the 2025 Diversity Advantage Plan, communicates the long-term vision, informs the Capital Improvement Program, supports voter-approved levies expiring in 2028 and 2031, is required for state Recreation and Conservation Office grants and CAPRA accreditation, and guides partnerships such as the East Trail with King County. - The recreation plan defines the city’s role as a recreation provider, focuses on removing barriers to access, and includes four guiding principles and four goals related to access, community needs, community building, and individual health and wellness. It also supports CAPRA accreditation. - Community engagement will include summer pop-ups already completed, six fall focus groups, random-sample and open surveys, winter community meetings, outreach through community-based organizations, and an interactive online platform. Staff will use GIS and equity analysis, including a level-of-service assessment with walkable access within one-third of a mile, participation data, and satisfaction data. - The timeline runs from the current define/scoping phase through spring 2027 priority and gap identification, a summer 2027 draft plan, a winter board workshop, and adoption or endorsement at the end of 2027. - In discussion, board members raised the need for youth engagement, pop-ups at everyday destinations such as grocery stores and libraries, consideration of age distribution and school closures in siting parks, an equity index, park facility gaps, mental health and wellness, outdoor and forest-school-style camps, high demand for affordable recreation programs, senior program continuity, trails and connectivity for underserved areas such as Bell Red and Eastgate, and culturally diverse programming. Staff said they would incorporate the input and welcomed additional emailed suggestions before the next check-in in February 2027. Third Quarter 2026 Report and Communication to Council - Cameron presented the draft third-quarter 2026 board report, summarizing board activities from July and September, including the budget review, the Bell Red neighborhood park master planning process, and a presentation on the Bellevue Naturalist/ranger program. The board voted unanimously to transmit the report to city council as presented. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved unanimously. - September 2026 meeting minutes approved unanimously. - Third-quarter 2026 report and communication to council approved unanimously for transmittal. - No formal vote was taken on the long-range plan updates; the board provided feedback and will continue the discussion at a winter workshop, with the next anticipated check-in in February 2027. - The next regular board meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2026, and will include a presentation from the city’s Office of Housing and homelessness outreach staff.

The Town of Chapel Hill Community Design Commission (CDC) met virtually at 5:30 p.m. on October 27, 2026, to consider a consent-agenda elevation update for South Creek Building 11 and a new business elevation review for the 110 Jay Street affordable housing project. Before any official action could be taken, only three commission members were present. With four members required for a quorum, Chair Patrick Brennan dismissed the meeting and directed staff to carry the items to a November meeting. Consent Calendar - South Creek-Building 11 [26-0371]: Staff requested review of revised project elevations identified during a Planning/Zoning preliminary inspection. The ordinance specifies CDC review of building elevations but does not require approval or action. No action was taken because the commission lacked a quorum. - 110 Jay Street-Affordable Housing [26-0372]: Staff asked the commission to review elevations for an affordable housing project. The agenda noted that the project only requires CDC review and that no action is required or requested. This item was not considered on its merits before adjournment. Public Comments & Testimony - Lee Bauman, applicant for the South Creek Building 11 project, briefly explained that the only change was to the color of the doors and louvers from green to black/dark bronze. He said they were trying to obtain approvals in November and needed the change to get a certificate of occupancy for the building. He also suggested that staff or the commission consider an earlier or special meeting so applicants are not held up on a simple box-checking item. Discussion Items - Staff reviewed the agenda and asked the commission to choose meeting dates for November and December. The options presented were Nov. 9, Nov. 12, Nov. 19, Dec. 7, and Dec. 10, 2026. Chair Brennan proposed finalizing dates by email because not all commissioners were present. - Councilmember Amy Ryan provided updates on the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO). She said a council work session was scheduled for the next night and that a final vote was hoped for Nov. 11, 2026, with the option to extend the public hearing if needed. - Councilmember Ryan discussed the council's shift away from quasi-judicial reviews, including special use permits, and described ongoing efforts to rethink boards and commissions so community input is meaningful. She also mentioned planning to prioritize stormwater ordinance changes the following spring and cited placemaking approaches used elsewhere, such as design checklists emphasizing sidewalks, shade trees, and public spaces. - Chair Brennan thanked Councilmember Ryan for her engagement and said he had drafted a resolution to preserve meaningful CDC involvement, including a possible design competition to incentivize and reward local developers and architects. Councilmember Ryan said she would share the resolution with other council members and work to put it on a council agenda. Key Outcomes - The meeting was dismissed without a formal vote because only three of the four required commission members were present. Present members were Chair Patrick Brennan and Commissioners Kelsey Brinkley and Racheal Tushabe. Commissioner Jim Faron could not join due to technology issues, and Commissioner Kim Hans was unable to attend. - The South Creek Building 11 and 110 Jay Street items were deferred to a November meeting. - Staff were directed to finalize November and December meeting dates by email within the next few days and to notify applicants of the rescheduled agenda. - In response to the applicant's request, the chair and staff indicated openness to a special earlier meeting or an earlier November date to avoid delaying the South Creek certificate of occupancy.

The Rochester Public Utility (RPU) Board met on October 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the RPU Community Room. The Board unanimously approved a consent agenda covering routine items, passed several regular agenda items including budgets and rate tariffs, received informational updates on groundwater modeling and a land purchase, and discussed revisions to Board Policy 22. The meeting adjourned at 5:25 PM, followed by an outdoor ceremony for the new solar array on the RPU building. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 29, 2026 meeting. - Reviewed accounts payable for 09/11/2026 to 10/09/2026 totaling $20,939,657.80. - Approved revised Board Policy 11: Safety Program (formerly Worker Safety). - Approved a resolution for 2026 and 2027 hourly power line clearance tree services with Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC, including overtime and double-time rates, and a one-year contract extension through December 31, 2027. - Ratified Amendment No. 2 to the USIC contract for underground locating services, extending the term and revising pricing. - Adopted a resolution supporting continued participation in the Climate-Smart Counties and Communities (CCC) program through June 2029 and accepting up to $27,000 in technical-support grant funds for 2027 projects. Public Comments & Testimony - Fred Carlson addressed the Board to thank them for quickly resolving a street light replacement issue on a footbridge near Elton Hills Drive, noting that five new lights were installed within two days of his email to the Board. Discussion Items - Solar on RPU Building Ceremony (Informational): Jake Shones, Residential Energy Advisor, reported that the City and RPU were awarded 20 solar projects totaling 766 kW capacity, costing about $2.7 million, offset by $1.9 million in state grants and up to $810,000 in federal tax incentives. 12 projects are already operational. The RPU Service Center system (39.5 kW, 92 panels) will produce an estimated 64,734 kWh/year, covering 4-5% of the building's load. The Board postponed the outdoor ceremony to the end of the meeting. - Safety Moment: James Keltgen, Director of IT, discussed the recent “PHP to Shell” vulnerabilities (zero-day exploits) and emphasized the importance of patching, asset inventory, and layered security defenses for utility resilience. - 2026-2027 Insurance Renewals (Approved): Shavonn Eastlee, Manager of Purchasing, presented renewals totaling $1,834,526.12, a 5.43% increase over the prior year. The portfolio maintains coverage with the League of Minnesota Cities Trust, Aegis, Travelers, StarTech, and switches cyber liability from Great American to Crum & Forster for better pricing and similar coverage. The largest increase (18.44%) was in generation asset insurance (StarTech), partly due to a prior claim at GT1. - Solicitation of Underwriter for 2027A Bonds (Approved): Peter Hogan, Assistant GM of Administration, explained the request to authorize an RFP for a senior managing underwriter for proposed Electric Utility Revenue and Refunding Bonds (Series 2027A). The bonds would finance up to $141 million for the Mount Simon project and $32 million for Grid North transmission, with potential refunding of $80 million in 2017 bonds. A selection committee (City Finance Director, RPU Finance Director, RPU Assistant GM, RPU GM, with Baker Tilly as advisor) would evaluate proposals. No bonds are issued by this action; a parameters resolution will follow in December/January. - 2027 Supplemental Electric Utility Budget (Approved): The Board approved the $141 million capital budget (down $100 million from original due to insurance coverage for Cascade Creek and earlier-than-expected permits for Mount Simon). Management recommended reducing the previously approved 6% general rate increase to 4%, resulting from lower debt service and a reduced wholesale power cost adjustment. The average residential customer will see about $5.17/month increase. - 2027 Supplemental Water Utility Budget (Approved): The Board approved operating and capital budgets incorporating the previously approved 9.0% rate adjustment. A $3.23 million project for Kalmar Township was included. Average residential water bill will increase about $1.78/month. - 2027 Electric and Water Utilities Rate Tariff (Approved): Two separate motions approved the fee and tariff adjustments effective January 1, 2027. The electric tariff includes a new section addressing large loads (including computational loads), allowing evaluation and potential creation of new rate structures. The water tariff remains unchanged from previously approved levels. - Water System Master Plan and Groundwater Study Update (Informational): Todd Blomstrom, Assistant GM of Operations, presented initial results from groundwater modeling. Three scenarios were tested for future water supply (through 2085): using only the Jordan aquifer, only the Tunnel City aquifer, or only the Mount Simon aquifer. The Jordan option showed good yield but increased stream flow diversion and negative impacts on calcareous fens. Tunnel City showed poor yield (exceeding DNR thresholds for drawdown) but neutral surface water impacts. Mount Simon showed good yield and positive recovery trends for streams and fens, but may require treatment for water quality. Next steps include evaluating surface water options and optimizing hybrid scenarios. RPU launched a public website, “Water for Tomorrow,” and will present results to the City Council on November 23. - North Broadway Land Purchase Update (Informational): Scott Nickels, Director of Power Delivery, reported a signed purchase agreement for two parcels adjacent to the RPU Service Center for $2.725 million (under the budgeted $2.8 million). The land is intended for a future substation (needed in 5-10 years for northeast load growth) and interim yard expansion. Due diligence (environmental, title, geotech) is underway; a reassignment agreement to RPU is expected in January. The purchase is within appraised value and aligns with existing Board Policy 22. - Board Policy 22: Acquisition and Disposal of Interest in Real Property (No Action): General Manager Tim McCollough presented proposed revisions to Policy 22, reorganized for clarity and including key changes: allowing land acquisitions up to slightly over appraised value if justified to avoid condemnation, clarifying the $100,000 threshold requiring Board/Council action, and adding language on easements and disposal of idle land. The Board supported the direction; the revised policy will return for approval at the next meeting. - General Manager’s Report: Tim McCollough noted two major Mount Simon-related decisions (groundwater study results and PUC approval for local siting authority) and the commencement of the Silver Lake dam project (lake drained). He thanked staff for their efforts and invited board members to the “Haunted Hallways” event on October 31. - Division Reports & Metrics: No questions or discussion. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items (4.A–4.F) approved unanimously. - Regular agenda items 5.A–5.E approved unanimously with separate motions for each budget and rate tariff. - The underwriter selection process for 2027A bonds will proceed to the Rochester Common Council for authorization. - The 2027 electric rate will increase by 4% (reduced from previously approved 6%), with new large-load tariff language. - The water utility will implement the previously approved 9.0% rate adjustment. - Groundwater modeling continues; surface water alternatives will be evaluated; a decision on future water supply is expected by December 2026, with cost estimates in Q1 2027. - The North Broadway land purchase will move forward after due diligence, with a formal action anticipated in January 2027. - Revised Board Policy 22 will be brought back for approval at the next meeting. - Meeting adjourned at 5:25 PM; the Board then participated in the solar ceremony outside.

The Green City Council held its regular committee meetings on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, beginning at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers at the City of Green Central Administration Building, 1755 Town Park Blvd. All seven committees met: Finance; Environment and Parks; Public Safety; Planning, Community and Economic Development; Rules and Personnel; Transportation, Connectivity and Storm Water; and Intergovernmental & Utilities. Committees considered a public art plan, a Quick Response Team grant application, vape/smoke shop regulations, a sewer jet equipment trade-in, fee schedule amendments, and service award changes. Committee sessions adjourned at 6:26 PM (Environment and Parks), 6:40 PM (Public Safety), 7:20 PM (Planning), 7:21 PM (Rules), and 7:30 PM (Transportation), with plans to reconvene at 7:45 PM for the regular council meeting. The meeting minutes were not available; this summary is based on the agenda and transcript. Consent Calendar - TMP-5533 — Approval of the October 13, 2026 Committee Meeting Minutes: approved unanimously by roll-call vote (all members present voting yes). - Discrepancy note: the agenda also listed TMP-5534 (Approval of the October 13, 2026 Council Meeting Minutes) under the Finance Committee's financial report, but the transcript records no discussion or action on that item. Public Comments & Testimony Public comment was taken during the Environment and Parks Committee's public art plan presentation: - A resident (referred to later in the discussion as Mr. Knapp) supported a public arts plan and program, noting that comparable high-performing cities generally have such plans or programs in place or in development. He urged that art represent Green's culture, be curated as part of a community narrative, and that the first installation be especially strong. He recommended funding through independent, self-funded mechanisms such as foundations and grants, not the city budget or park capital set-asides, and cautioned that residents could become activated if installations do not reflect local culture. - Shannon Bowman, a 20-year resident, Green Arts Focus Group member, and Green High School visual arts teacher for 31 years, urged support for the initiative. She said public art creates shared points of connection, shared ownership, and civic pride, and helps ensure Green is a community where residents belong rather than just a place to commute and sleep. - Sharon Masky, a local artist and 39-year resident, supported the plan. She said art creates beauty, meaning, and connection, and can make parks, streets, and public places more inviting, welcoming, and memorable. Discussion Items Finance Committee - 2026-R52 (second reading, passage requested): Resolution declaring certain Service Department equipment surplus to be traded in to offset part of the purchase price for a replacement, requesting reappropriation of funds, and declaring an emergency. Service Director Carr said the supplier quoted a $50,000 trade-in, making the net cost $324,672 for the replacement sewer jet machine with water-jet digging capability. The new equipment reduces the risk of cutting into underground utility lines. Carr said the purchase would allow the city to pull work in-house, saving about $60,000 from contractual catch basin and vault cleaning services, and potentially over $100,000 if all vault cleaning is done in-house; renting comparable equipment would cost $130,000 to $174,000 per year. Manufacturer training is included in the price. Council discussed possible equipment sharing through the council of governments; Brandenburg noted a similar mutual-aid attempt about 10 years ago involving Summit County and the City of Tallmadge did not succeed because larger cities were reluctant to share equipment during storms. The committee agreed to advance the resolution with second reading passage requested. Environment and Parks Committee - Land Studio Inc. Public Art Plan presentation: Community Development Administrator Sarah Herring said the 2024 comprehensive land use plan included an Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation chapter for the first time, and a 2025 grant from Arts Now (a Summit County cultural organization) funded development of the public art plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission made a favorable recommendation. Consultants Aaron Guido and Macy Nelson (Land Studio, Cleveland) presented the framework: 24 inspirational project concepts; four focus areas (town center, parks and natural spaces, schools, and corridors/gateways); and eight art typologies (murals, crosswalk art, installations, nature art, landmark art, functional art, quick activations, and mixed). Engagement included a public art personality quiz, about 40 community and staff interviews, and a temporary chalk/spray stencil event at Central Park. The plan's toolbox addresses oversight, a funding spreadsheet of about 35 potential sources, and review processes. Recommended first steps: establish an art board, designate a public art liaison, write policies, build a funding strategy, and prepare a first annual work plan. - 2026-27 (second reading): Ordinance adopting the public art plan. Council discussed the proposed public art liaison (likely a city employee, possibly in the planning department) and art board models (Cleveland, Shaker Heights, and Sandusky; some use hybrid project-specific stakeholder groups). The Mayor said no additional staff is needed, the board could be volunteers under planning that recommend to the Planning Commission, no public art funding is in the current budget (an initial project has some funding; other sources would be pursued), and community engagement identified nature and belonging as core values. Brandenburg raised concern about Section 3, which repeals conflicting codified ordinances, and requested a list of the codified ordinance changes before passage; the administration said follow-on ordinances (such as establishing a board) would come separately and agreed to provide the list. The item remains on second reading and is expected to return for a third reading and vote at the next meeting. Public Safety Committee - 2026-R53 (first reading, passage requested): Resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for a Quick Response Team (QRT) Program Grant from the Ohio Attorney General's Office. The Fire Chief said the QRT has operated for about 10 years, following up on substance use, overdose (including alcohol), and mental health calls. Licensed social worker Layla provides 24 hours per week under a separate One Ohio grant that expires at the end of 2027. The new grant is competitive, with awards from $10,000 to $100,000; the city is applying for the full $100,000, with no local match required. The application deadline is October 31. Funds would expand Layla's hours, training, or equipment. September statistics showed 18 interactions, including suicide attempts, suicidal ideations, an adult suicide by overdose, alcohol abuse problems, and altered mental status calls; the Chief also cited successful connections of veterans with VA resources and training for firefighters. The committee approved first reading passage. Planning, Community and Economic Development Committee - 2026-22AAA (fourth reading): Ordinance amending Chapter 157 to establish regulations for vape and smoke shops and smoke establishments. The legislation defines the uses, limits them to B4, B5, and I-1 zoning districts, prohibits locations within 1,000 feet of a parcel containing a school or licensed child care center, and — as revised October 27 — within 1,000 feet of a public park, public library, or place of worship (increased from the earlier 500 feet). A 150-foot residential setback also applies. Planning staff displayed a map showing the five existing vape shops, which would be non-conforming but grandfathered; the exemption is lost if a business closes for 180 days. A sale or transfer of the business would not end the grandfathering. Law Director Dean said the approach mirrors other Ohio municipalities and is defensible, though a legal challenge cannot be ruled out. Noble (a sponsor, along with Speight) said the legislation also addresses signage and aesthetics. Humphrey asked about the child care center definition; staff responded the rationale includes impaired drivers near child care centers. The committee moved to adopt the ordinance at the regular council meeting. - 2026-23 (fourth reading): Ordinance amending Section 157.134(7)(B)(3)(b), parking, loading, and stacking regulations. The change responds to frequent variance requests and sets residential driveway widths within 10 feet of the right-of-way at a maximum of 24 feet for two-car street-facing garages and 30 feet for three-car street-facing garages. The committee moved to adopt it at the regular council meeting. - 2026-24: Rezoning of approximately 27.8 acres on the west side of Massillon Road at Stein Road from I-1 (General Industrial) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential). The applicant has requested withdrawal; a formal withdrawal declaration will be made at the regular council meeting. - 2026-25 (second reading): Ordinance amending the zoning and right-of-way fee schedules adopted by Ordinance 2026-06. Three changes were presented: a fee for zoning verifications; a $300 fee (previously $40) for linear, multi-parcel utility conduit installations (e.g., gas, water, fiber); and a $100 road opening permit for single-parcel connections. Staff said utility companies found the fees acceptable. Meager and Neugebauer requested clarifying descriptions (e.g., "linear multi-parcel" and "single parcel connections"), and discussion addressed whether service connections are included in the linear permit. Neugebauer agreed to email proposed language; the item was held and will not pass that night. Rules and Personnel Committee - 2026-26 (third reading): Ordinance amending Section 32.03, Service Awards, of Chapter 32, replacing the 1992 policy to give the administration flexibility in gift types for employee service milestones (e.g., alternatives to clocks and watches). No new money is required. Speight stated he will make a motion to adopt at the regular council meeting. Transportation, Connectivity and Storm Water Committee - No legislation. Discussion included complaints about the contractor performing citywide concrete repairs: saw-cut slurry left on streets and materials that killed grass. The Service Director said the contractor is being required to pressure-wash and clean up, a pre-construction meeting was held, and the contractor is average but needs more hand-holding. Meager raised a resident complaint about unsafe contractor conduct and requested follow-up. Microsurfacing on Hackman Road and Mayfair Road caused significant rush-hour backups with no geofenced notifications or signage; the Mayor acknowledged the communications failure and said staff would improve messaging for future projects. Staff confirmed the Corporate Woods Parkway microsurfacing is the final surface. On pothole maintenance, staff said shallow concrete surface defects are difficult to patch and may require full-depth slab replacement; Noble suggested adding saw-cutting cleanup requirements to future contract specifications and coordinating a city street sweeper. Intergovernmental & Utilities Committee - No legislation. Student municipal representative Megan McKee reported that the first school quarter ended, the football season concluded without a playoff berth (a first in her high school years), and a daily "clue" announcement segment was not working well, taking about five minutes of first period. Key Outcomes - Approved the October 13, 2026 Committee Meeting Minutes unanimously. - 2026-R52 (sewer jet equipment trade-in): committee supported second reading passage; expected to appear on the council agenda. - 2026-27 (public art plan): read on second reading; will return for a third reading and vote; administration to provide a list of codified ordinance changes referenced by Section 3. - 2026-R53 (QRT grant): committee approved first reading passage; application deadline is October 31. - 2026-22AAA (vape/smoke shops): motion to adopt at the regular council meeting. - 2026-23 (driveway widths): motion to adopt at the regular council meeting. - 2026-24 (Massillon Road/Stein Road rezoning): applicant withdrawing; formal declaration at the regular council meeting. - 2026-25 (fee schedules): held for clarifying amendments; Neugebauer to provide proposed language. - 2026-26 (service awards): motion to adopt at the regular council meeting. - Council recessed; the regular council meeting was planned to reconvene at 7:45 PM.

The Historic Landmarks Commission met on October 27, 2026, to conduct four public hearings related to historic properties: three landmark-designation requests paired with Mills Act historical property contracts and one Mills Act contract for an already-designated landmark. The commission recommended all four items to the City Council. Commissioner Kagura recused himself from Items 3A and 3B because of a family relationship with the applicants; Commissioner Camuso was absent and, as the applicant for Item 3C, did not participate in that item. Each application was presented as exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15331. The transcript spells the applicant family name inconsistently as Kogura, Kogora, and Kagura. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were listed or considered. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3A – Ben Leach, Preservation Action Council: expressed full support for the Kogura Company Building nomination and Mills Act contract, commended the Kogura family's stewardship, and said he hoped the Mills Act would become a tool for retaining legacy businesses. - Item 3B – Ben Leach: concurred with his earlier comments, supported the Cow Key Sixplex nomination, and commended the report for documenting the building's previously underappreciated history. - Item 3C – A public speaker expressed strong support for the Serpa Plumbing Buildings designation and the staff recommendation. - Item 3D – A public speaker strongly supported the Hotel De Anza Mills Act contract and praised the new owners' stewardship; Krista Van Land also spoke in support of the Mills Act for the Hotel De Anza. - Open Forum – Ben Leach reported on the California Preservation Foundation's statewide preservation conference scheduled for May 5-9, 2027, in San Jose. He said planning is underway, expected attendance is about 500, the conference has not been held in San Jose since 1996, and volunteers and transportation sponsors are needed for mobile workshops. Discussion Items Item 3A – Kogura Company Building (HL26-002 / MA26-001) - Staff and consultant Krista Van Land of Archives and Architecture presented the application for 231 Jackson Street, a 0.09-acre site with a two-story commercial building housing the Kogura Gift Shop and a contributing structure in the Japantown Historic District. San Jose's Japantown is one of only three remaining Japantowns in the United States. The building was associated with the Kita family's bathhouse, restaurant, and Cherry Blossom Shop, then purchased by the Kogura family in 1934 and given its distinctive Art Deco facade in 1936. During World War II, Executive Order 9066 authorized the forced removal of approximately 120,000 people; attorney J.B. Peckham held the property on the family's behalf during Japanese American incarceration. The report found the building eligible under four landmark criteria: 1, 3, 4, and 6. - Richard Kogura, a family owner, described the building's importance to older Japanese Americans as one of the few places that still looks as it did before the war, and noted that families sometimes bring elderly relatives with dementia into the store to help them reconnect with familiar surroundings. - Commissioner questions addressed Americans with Disabilities Act impacts on the storefront and whether the building would be restored to its original appearance. Staff and consultant responses said the work plan does not require major facade changes and that the full historical documentation is in the packet. - Staff recommended approval of the landmark designation and the Mills Act contract; the commission voted to recommend the item to the City Council. Item 3B – Cow Key Sixplex (HL26-004 / MA26-003) - Staff and Krista Van Land presented the application for 605 North Sixth Street, a one-story masonry commercial building currently used for storage and listed as a contributing structure in the Japantown Historic District. The building was constructed in 1888 by Chinese immigrant entrepreneur Charlie Cow Key, making it the oldest surviving building in Japantown and the oldest remaining structure from the Heinlenville Chinatown era. It later housed Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino businesses, including restaurants, barber shops, and gambling operations, and served as a community bulletin board. It was stuccoed in 1952 and 1961 before becoming part of the Kogura Company complex. - The eligibility findings covered criteria 1, 3, and 4. The proposed Mills Act contract includes a 10-year work plan focused on brick repair and structural stabilization. - Commissioner questions addressed brick restoration, earthquake or structural reinforcement, and interior configuration. The applicant noted that seismic and stability work is included in the repair plan and could be added as a separate line item if desired. - Staff recommended approval; the commission voted to recommend the designation and Mills Act contract to the City Council. Item 3C – William F. Serpa Plumbing Buildings (HL26-005 / MA26-005) - Staff and Krista Van Land presented the application for the four-building complex at 495-497 North 13th Street and 580-584 East Empire Street. The buildings housed William Serpa's plumbing and sheet metal business from about 1917 to 1960. The two North 13th Street buildings are Mission Revival commercial structures designed by architect Ralph Wykoff; the East Empire Street buildings include a 1928 companion building and a smaller garage-type building. The corner building was built in 1910 for well driller Manuel Smith and is now a laundromat. - The report relied on criteria 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7, noting Serpa's leadership in the building trades, the business's 20 employees by 1928, and the complex's association with Northside commercial history and Portuguese American families. - The Mills Act plan includes roof, stucco, sign, plumbing, electrical, termite, and drainage work over 10 years. Commissioner questions addressed the cornice details, the monitor-roof skylight, the timing of termite repair in year seven, and the proposed replica sign. Staff said the termite-repair timing concern would be reported back to the owner. - Commissioner Camuso, the owner and applicant, was absent and did not participate. The commission voted to recommend approval to the City Council. Item 3D – Hotel De Anza Mills Act Contract (MA26-004) - Staff presented the Mills Act contract application for 233 West Santa Clara Street, the Hotel De Anza, a designated city landmark and National Register property completed in 1931. Architect William H. Weeks designed the Art Deco and Spanish Colonial Revival hotel, which was financed by the San Jose Community Hotel Corporation through the sale of shares to more than 200 community members. - The proposed 10-year preservation plan covers boilers, roofing, exterior wood trim, the De Anza Room ceiling, elevator updates, cooling tower repair, sign painting, and exterior paint touch-up. - Applicant representative Sean Curtis answered commissioner questions, explaining that the hotel's closed-loop air-conditioning system uses boilers and a cooling tower; the boilers were not operating when the current owners purchased the property. Curtis said the hotel's reopening date is pending and hoped it would reopen in about a week. - Commissioner comments praised the owners' restoration work. The commission voted to recommend City Council approval of the Mills Act contract. Open Forum - Ben Leach provided the 2027 California Preservation Foundation conference update described under Public Comments & Testimony. No formal commission action was taken. Reports, Minutes, and Next Meeting - Staff reported no updates from the Planning Commission, City Council, or Planning Director on projects with historic-resource components. - Commissioner Cohen forwarded correspondence on vacant properties and code enforcement. Discussion noted that the former Church of Christ property remains in ownership limbo, that replaced fencing may not be structurally secured, and that fines for properties such as 404 South 2nd Street have reached roughly $330,000 and may increase to $500,000; the fines are court-imposed and attached to the property. - Staff reminded the commission and public of the proposed demolition-definition item PP26-003 and its web page. - The commission approved the August 5, 2026 action minutes. - The Design Review Subcommittee held no meetings in September or October 2026. - The next Historic Landmarks Commission meeting is scheduled for November 4, 2026, in Wing Rooms 118-120 at San Jose City Hall. Key Outcomes - Item 3A (Kogura Company Building): motion to recommend approval of HL26-002 and MA26-001 passed 4-0, with Commissioner Kagura recused and Commissioner Camuso absent. The City Council hearing date was stated as November 10, 2026. - Item 3B (Cow Key Sixplex): motion to recommend approval of HL26-004 and MA26-003 passed 4-0, with Commissioner Kagura recused and Commissioner Camuso absent. - Item 3C (Serpa Plumbing Buildings): motion to recommend approval of HL26-005 and MA26-005 passed 5-0, with Commissioner Camuso absent. - Item 3D (Hotel De Anza): motion to recommend approval of MA26-004 passed 5-0, with Commissioner Camuso absent. - The commission approved the August 5, 2026 meeting minutes. No items were considered under planning referrals, general business, or council referrals.

The North Salem Town Board held a combined Regular Meeting and Worksession on October 27, 2026, from 5:30 PM (executive session) to approximately 9:00 PM. The agenda included two public hearings (Pabst Water District bond and Route 121 parking restrictions), a worksession on the 2027 tentative budget (Police Chief and Recreation Superintendent presentations), approval of minutes, and adoption of 13 resolutions. All votes were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Pabst Water District Public Hearing: Charles Vocal, a resident of the Northern Westchester Country Club area, asked about the number of users (72) and non-users (12), future billing structures (potential for metered usage), and the capital cost allocation among all district members. He also inquired about the location of the new treatment building. Another resident, Alison, asked about the holding tank location. - Route 121 Parking Public Hearing: No public testimony was offered; discussion involved board members and the Chief of Police. Discussion Items - Pabst Water District Improvement Project: Supervisor outlined the need to address PFOS/PFOA contamination (currently 10-14 parts per trillion, with a state health advisory level of 10 ppt and a planned reduction to 4 ppt by 2029). The project will construct a new treatment building, install filters that chemically bind PFAS, and relocate equipment to a district-owned lot. The total cost is estimated at $850,000, with a State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant covering 70% of eligible costs (up to $845,320), leaving 30% to be financed by bonds. The project awaits final NYS Department of Health approval. - Route 121 Parking Restrictions (Continued): The board debated whether to limit parking to weekends or retain a full-time no-parking zone. Council members noted safety concerns due to high traffic speeds (45 mph), sight distance issues, and pedestrian exposure. Chief Andrew reported that despite the current ordinance, crowds continue to gather, creating hazards. Councilwoman Cynthia advocated for a 24/7 no-parking rule, citing the state road’s speed limit and lack of crosswalks. Ultimately, the board decided to maintain the full-time prohibition already in law and directed the Supervisor to install “No Parking Anytime” signs. The board also noted that Route 121 will be closed from November 9 for approximately three months for a culvert replacement by the State DOT. - 2027 Budget – Police Department: Chief Tom Howley presented a budget for officer tasers (five-year agreement, $10,795), a replacement hybrid police vehicle (Ford hybrid, estimated $5850 for equipment transfer), and an increase in uniform allowance from $4,000 to $6,000. The Board encouraged the Chief to seek grants for the tasers. - 2027 Budget – Recreation Department: Superintendent Lauren Rosasco provided statistics: community center usage (highest on Wednesdays, with free classes well-attended); facility rental revenue (projected $18,000–$20,000 in 2026, up from about $10,000 in 2025); and a dramatic increase in home-delivered meals from 11–12 meals per day in 2025 to 20–24 in 2026. The 2025 actual cost for meals was $32,000, far exceeding the $18,500 budget. Through September 2026, over 3,200 meals had been served (vs. 3,000 in all of 2025). She requested an expense line for rental-related costs and part-time labor (10 hrs/week at $23/hr) for snow removal and facility upkeep. Key Outcomes - Public Hearings Closed: Both the Pabst Water District and Route 121 parking hearings were formally closed. - Pabst Water District Bond Resolution (Res. 13) Adopted: Unanimous roll-call vote (Peter, Catherine, Frank, Supervisor). Authorizes up to $850,000 in bonds; state grant will reimburse 70% of project costs. - Parking Ordinance Upheld: The existing 24/7 no-parking ordinance on Route 121 sections will be implemented with DOT permission; signs will be installed. - 2027 Budget Discussions: Police and Recreation budget requests were received for further review; specifics to be incorporated into the final 2027 town budget. - Resolutions Approved (all unanimous): - Res. 2 – Architectural Review Board Chair: Marjorie Soblack appointed (term to Dec 31, 2026). - Res. 3 – Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) Reappointments: Sharon Churcher and Jocko McKeon reappointed to Oct 31, 2028. - Res. 4 – CAC Reappointment (Robert Wasp): Reappointed to term ending Oct 31, 2028, with understanding that he will resign effective Dec 31, 2026. - Res. 5 – Acknowledgement of Retirement: Paul McCabe, Highway Department, retiring Dec 14, 2026. - Res. 6 – Acknowledgement of Resignation: Police Officer William Nemeth, effective Nov 15, 2026. - Res. 7 – Structural Inspection: $2,350 to Day & Stokosa Engineering for Community Center inspection. - Res. 8 – Water Supply Permits: $2,050 total annual fees for five water districts. - Res. 9 – Hach Service Agreement: $7,799 for turbidity equipment service (paid by NYC DEP). - Res. 10 – Electrical Panel Installation: $5,500 to Acorn Electrical for well 4 (Croton Falls Water District). - Res. 11 – Temporary Oil Tank: $960 to Envirostar for Delancey Hall. - Res. 12 – Porch Repair Bid: $36,600 to JTS Construction of Dutchess for Lobdel House. - Res. 14 – HVAC Cleaning: $3,800 to Lint-X for Delancey Hall cleaning. - Res. 15 – Historic Drawings: $500 agreement with Tim Farina for pen-and-ink artwork of two landmark properties (replacing previous contract with Richard O’Leary). - Meeting Adjourned: Approximately 9:00 PM.