City Council Study Session – September 8, 2025

The City Council held a study session on September 8, 2025, to discuss seven agenda items including vehicle purchases, grant applications, a rezoning proposal, a subdivision plat, and future agenda items. No formal votes were taken; staff recommendations were presented for future council action.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar was presented; all items were discussed individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public testimony was offered during the meeting. A neighboring resident made an inquiry to staff prior to the meeting regarding the Elmwood rezone (item 5).

Discussion Items

• Bid Award for One Half-Ton Pickup Truck: Fleet coordinator Heather Kaplinski presented a bid award to Fremont Chevrolet GMC for a 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 4WD crew cab at $42,792. The truck will replace a 2005 Sierra with 106,000+ miles. Three bids received; Fremont was lowest. Council discussed replacement criteria (age, mileage, cost) and the importance of adhering to replacement schedules to avoid funding shortfalls. Staff recommended approval.
• Bid Award for One-Ton Dually Flatbed Pickup: Heather Kaplinski presented a bid award to Sheridan Motor GMC for a 2026 Chevy Silverado 3500 at $60,498. Four bids received; Sheridan was lowest. The new truck will replace a 2015 Silverado in the recycling fleet, which will be transferred to the landfill; a 22-year-old GMC with 122,000+ miles will be surplused. Staff recommended approval.
• CDBG Grant Application for Hub on Smith Parking Lot: City engineer Thomas Marneau presented Resolution 25-25 to apply for a $1,277,000 Community Development Block Grant for parking lot improvements at the Hub on Smith. Total project cost is $3.2 million; secured funds include $1 million from Whitney Benefits, $500,000 from CAP tax, and $423,000 from a previous MRG grant. The lot will be reconstructed with concrete, ADA accessible sidewalks, and a new grease interceptor. No match is required for this grant. Application due September 30, 2025; award notification January 2026. Council questioned the cost and grease interceptor need. Staff clarified the cost estimate has not changed.
• Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant Acceptance: Public works director Hans Mercer presented acceptance of a $200,000 federal planning and demonstration grant (with a $50,000 city match from public benefit funds) to develop a comprehensive safety action plan. A councilmember noted the grant award is $200,000 (not $250,000 as initially stated) due to the 20% match. The grant will fund data collection and stakeholder collaboration to identify roadway safety improvements. Council discussed potential scope including pedestrian crossings and coordination with existing transportation plans. Staff also provided a West Corridor update: a feasibility study RFP for crossing Gillespie Draw is due September 24, 2025, using existing city funds after a BUILD grant was not awarded.
• Rezone of 31.82 Acres (Elmwood Rezone): Planner Kelly Schroeder presented PL-25-24, a request to rezone 31.82 acres from R1 to B1 on East 5th Street (Tank Hill area). The applicant intends to develop multifamily residential with potential commercial use. Adjacent zoning includes B2, B1, and R1. Staff recommended approval with a condition to correct boundary errors on the rezone exhibit prior to final council action. Council discussed utility capacity and potential impact on the sewer line under 5th Street. Public works noted flow monitors are planned, and a project will be ready when needed.
• Outlaw Commercial Park Final Plat: Planner Kelly Schroeder presented PL-25-27, a county subdivision of 8.5 acres into seven commercial lots on Brundage Lane, within the joint planning area. The property is zoned I2 by the county; city staff reviewed for conformance with the future land use plan. No public comments received. Staff recommended certification that the plat conforms to rules and regulations. Council discussed service provision (police, fire) for areas outside city limits; mutual aid agreements cover fire response.
• General Discussion of Future Agenda Items: City administrator Stuart McCray reported progress on Smith Alley negotiations, reminded council of Operation Greenlight (November 4-11) with a presentation at the October regular meeting, clarified that the city took a $424,000 budget reduction affecting equipment purchases, and provided a history of the Hub on Smith funding (original MRG request was $1 million). Council member requested an update on the Station RV Park expansion; staff confirmed phased construction is ongoing with compliance tracking for Chapter 25 (RV park code) and entryway corridor standards.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; all items are expected to appear on future council action agendas.
• Staff recommended approval for the two vehicle bid awards (amounts: $42,792 and $60,498).
• Council directed staff to proceed with the CDBG grant application for the Hub on Smith parking lot.
• Council authorized acceptance of the SS4A grant ($200,000 federal + $50,000 city match) with the public works director designated as authorized representative.
• Planning commission will consider the Elmwood rezone (PL-25-24) with a condition to correct the boundary exhibit before final council approval.
• City council certified the Outlaw Commercial Park final plat as in conformance with joint planning area rules.
• The West Corridor feasibility study RFP is due September 24, 2025; results expected within approximately one year.
• Station RV Park expansion is under active monitoring; final checks required before phase two occupancy.