A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the topic of affordable housing. A resident voiced strong concerns about the city’s inadequate response to flooding and stormwater management, particularly in light of recent hurricanes. He urged the council to reconsider a redevelopment site that involved tree removal, emphasizing its potential to worsen existing water management issues. The resident advocated for the identification of alternative sites for affordable housing to prevent exacerbating environmental concerns.

Council members responded by acknowledging their recent productive meetings with planners and housing attorneys. They stressed the urgency of addressing the city’s obligation to provide affordable housing units, particularly the five rental units required at the police station site. The council highlighted the importance of identifying suitable locations for housing in accordance with state requirements, while noting that the formation of an affordable housing committee was in progress, albeit with no immediate solutions expected.

The discussion also touched on well water contamination affecting local residents. The council planned to meet with representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection to facilitate a Q&A session. The potential impact of new developments on local water sources was another point of concern, with calls for thorough investigations into contamination sources.

Public safety and zoning were also prominent topics, with the council debating a proposal for a new fence on Swan Street. The proposed fence aimed to address safety concerns and flooding issues exacerbated by previous storms. The proposal sparked discussion about potential obstructions to stormwater flow and the need for expert input before making a decision. Ultimately, the council deferred the vote, opting to consult further with an engineer.

The meeting further addressed the city’s short-term rental ordinance, with council members expressing the need to regulate occupancy numbers to enhance safety. Proposed amendments included calculating allowable occupancy based on square footage and requiring floor plan submissions for rental applications. The Fire Marshal suggested biannual inspections to enforce these regulations. Council members debated the administrative burdens these changes might impose, alongside adjustments to application fees to support city efforts.

Resolution 139 2024, involving a $300,000 expenditure, was approved unanimously. The meeting also covered the approval of Resolution 140 D224, which discussed the installation of a fence within the city’s right-of-way. The council expressed concerns about stormwater management and safety, deciding to seek further engineering advice before moving forward.

Finally, the council discussed the formation of an ad hoc affordable housing committee. This committee aims to address housing issues through a flexible structure, engaging representatives from the planning and zoning boards, alongside residents. Discussions emphasized the importance of transparency and public engagement, with the committee expected to act as a prototype for future formal structures.