A major focus was on potential grant funding for the downtown district’s design and improvements. The council debated utilizing a grant program to address long-standing issues such as stormwater management, accessibility, and neighborhood blight. Concerns were raised about the practicality of spending grant funds on design versus projects with immediate impacts. One council member emphasized the need for practical applications of the grant, recalling past successful infrastructure projects and advocating for executing existing designs over extensive new planning.

The potential grant amount, ranging from $600,000 to $750,000, was discussed with an emphasis on community revitalization. The council considered the cost implications of constructing sidewalks and explored the feasibility of multi-use paths, drawing comparisons to previous projects on Walton Road. Public input was deemed critical to shaping these projects, with plans for further meetings to gather community feedback and finalize the grant application by the October 31 deadline.

In other discussions, the council addressed a new contract with Axon Enterprise for police body cameras. The council approved the contract unanimously.

The council also deliberated on an amendment to the employee leave sell-back program. There was a consensus to refine policy language. The council aimed to reward retention while maintaining fairness in eligibility criteria.

Another agenda item was the proposal for a dog park, with the Dog Park Task Force recommending a site near Highway 90 for its existing amenities and accessibility. The council directed staff to develop preliminary cost estimates and stressed the importance of accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

The meeting addressed ongoing construction delays at a city project, with a request for a contract extension to November 15. Concerns were expressed about the potential for further delays and the absence of liquidated damages in the contract. The council decided to table the discussion and request the contractor’s representative to attend the next meeting for direct negotiation on the completion timeline.

The council also discussed the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which offers funding for projects benefiting low to moderate-income populations or addressing urgent community needs. A representative from Liberty Partners outlined the program’s criteria and potential funding range, emphasizing the importance of aligning projects with city objectives.

Lastly, the council reviewed city management agreements, including the employment contract for City Manager Kobe Townsen. The draft agreement, effective October 29, 2024, included comprehensive health insurance coverage. The council approved the agreement amid applause.