Matthew Barnaby presented his Eagle Scout project, which involves painting markers on city streets to aid firefighters in locating hydrants more efficiently. The project was met with approval from the council, and the importance of signing the necessary paperwork to initiate the project was underscored.

Furthermore, the council addressed the completion of the Col Devon Nexter Road Project and the successful execution of the 2024 Bayfest by committee members and volunteers, as acknowledged in resolution number 129. The dedication and positive impact of the Bayfest contributors were saluted, and the resolution was unanimously passed.

The Economic Development Committee’s activities were highlighted, focusing on aligning projects with the master plan, redevelopment, and environmental initiatives.

The council discussed and amended ordinance number 12 related to tree and shrub maintenance, and during public comments, a community member addressed concerns about the maintenance and design of the boat ramp gate. The discussion was steered towards the safety and maintenance plan in place to address these issues.

Ordinance number 13, focusing on residential parking permits, was introduced, and the council fielded questions from the public about the conversion of a hotel into apartments and housing development on M Landon Road. Concerns about the boat ramp’s design and maintenance were reiterated, with specific issues such as the absence of facilities like restrooms and trash cans being brought up. The council assured that these concerns would be discussed and considered further.

The debate over the ‘carry in, carry out’ policy for trash disposal in public areas evolved around the challenges of attracting wildlife and ensuring cleanliness. Concerns regarding the condition of cleats at the boat ramps and the ownership of the ramp itself were also voiced, emphasizing safety hazards and the need for regular maintenance.

Several resolutions were addressed during the meeting, including those related to the dedication by rider for boat ramp gate fees, estimated tax billing, and fees for using boat ramps. The council authorized the appointment of a consultant for a stormwater pump station project and acknowledged the hiring of full-time laborers. Modernization of the Open Public Records Act was called for, and purchases for the police department, such as utility interceptors, were discussed. A significant resolution passed authorized the tax council to settle pending tax appeals, and discussions on the amendment of designated depositories for the calendar year 2024 took place.

The meeting also touched on old business, like the West Maryland Avenue street vacation, and a member of the public voiced their concerns about the city’s involvement in a contentious permit application. Inquiries about the timeline for a bond ordinance were made before the council moved to adjourn the meeting.