The meeting began with a discussion surrounding a zoning application for a variance request on Atlantic Avenue. The applicant sought to increase the building height from the allowable 35 feet to 38 feet to construct a third story, citing specific family medical needs. The family’s representative presented a case, emphasizing the necessity of an elevator for elderly family members and a physical therapy room for a family member recovering from a stroke and a severely autistic brother.

City staff argued that the application did not meet the standards for a variance, noting that the property did not exhibit any special conditions warranting an increase in height. They maintained that the current height regulations were equally applicable to all homes on Atlantic Avenue. Despite this, the applicant’s representative argued that the variance was essential for reasonable use of the property, citing changes in building codes and flood maps that had reduced usable interior space.

A medical professional submitted a letter detailing the health challenges faced by the family members. The applicant also received support from neighbors, with 14 letters backing the variance request.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around the technical and emotional aspects of the application. The Vice Mayor sought clarification on the necessity of the proposed modifications, prompting the applicant to share personal narratives about their family’s medical struggles. The Vice Mayor then questioned how this request could be reconciled with previous denials of similar applications, specifically referencing Golden Shores.

Technical details regarding the height of each floor were scrutinized, with suggestions to lower ceilings to meet height restrictions while still fulfilling the family’s needs. The debate also touched on the broader implications of the city’s outdated building codes, which have not been updated to address rising sea levels and climate change.

Ultimately, the commission voted on the motion to grant the variance, resulting in a narrow approval of 3 to 2. The commissioners who voted against the application acknowledged the emotional weight of the applicant’s situation but had reservations about deviating from the established codes.

Following the zoning variance discussion, the commission addressed procedural changes in the city’s ordinances. The city attorney reviewed amendments to Chapter 74 concerning rules of procedure. The commission also debated a notable change to the procurement code, specifically the removal of Section 7424, which would limit how vendors present products to the commission. Despite concerns about restricting access to new products, the ordinance was adopted with a 3 to 2 vote.

Attention then shifted to the commission’s support for Israel and its stance on international relations. A proposed resolution aimed to prohibit establishing sister city relationships with cities that support recognized terrorist organizations. The resolution sparked discussion, with public comments revealing both support and dissent. Some residents questioned the relevance of the sister city program, which is currently unfunded, and raised concerns about transparency and the allocation of taxpayer money for related travels.

A point of contention was whether maintaining the sister city language in the resolution was necessary. After a heated exchange, the commission reached a consensus to remove the sister city references, rendering the resolution more symbolic.

The meeting also covered several ordinances and resolutions related to city operations and finances. Among them was the approval of a $50,000 expenditure from the law enforcement trust fund to establish a new police unit and purchase a drone. The commission also awarded a contract for city landscaping services valued at $5.2 million over two years, despite public concerns about long-term financial implications.

In addition, the commission discussed a proposal from the National Drafts Federation to host a major checkers and drafts tournament in the city. The debate centered around the use of the Gateway facility and the potential costs associated with hosting the event. Commissioners expressed varying levels of support, balancing the intellectual benefits of the tournament against budgetary constraints and the need for fair access to city facilities.

The meeting concluded with discussions on community events and updates on city projects, including the installation of speed bumps in the Golden Shores area and efforts to digitize the building department’s processes. The commission emphasized the importance of transparency and communication with residents regarding these initiatives.