This move was prompted by the imminent audit deadline of March 31, necessitating her expertise to ensure a seamless audit process. The council debated the merits of contracting versus employing Danielle, with considerations of her contractual terms, including the lack of benefits associated with contract work, which could necessitate higher compensation. Despite concerns about potential short-term solutions hindering long-term staffing goals, the council acknowledged Danielle’s invaluable contributions, with one member highlighting her worth with the remark, “She is worth her weight in gold.”

This decision to contract Danielle dovetailed with broader discussions about the search for a new finance director. The council was briefed on the challenges faced in attracting candidates who meet the necessary qualifications. A consensus emerged on obtaining quotes from executive search firms to expedite the hiring process.

The meeting also addressed the implications of hiring both a finance director and a staff accountant, with an estimated total cost of $283,757.83 deemed manageable within the existing budget. However, council members debated whether to classify the finance director’s role as temporary or permanent, with some supporting flexibility in the contract’s duration to allow for reevaluation.

Transitioning to other city matters, the council revisited the ongoing airport project, with attention on the environmental assessment (EA) process and its extended timeline. Initially projected to complete in 18 months, the EA now spans 31 months, prompting frustrations among council members. This delay has critical financial implications, with $7.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds at risk if timelines are not met. The council explored possibilities of leveraging relationships with legislative delegates to expedite the process, emphasizing the urgency of securing funding for the runway extension and addressing legal reviews required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Discussions also highlighted the intertwined fate of Gene Hurley Park and the airport project. The council sought to clarify that the park’s potential closure or relocation is not linked to airport expansions, addressing federal requirements and ensuring compliance with funding stipulations. This clarification is vital to avoid triggering regulatory reviews that could further delay the project. Council members stressed the importance of thorough documentation to support the city’s position and fulfill federal obligations.

In addressing infrastructure, the council tackled maintenance issues, such as sidewalks at John Bow and North 20th Street, where the county’s transfer of maintenance responsibility highlighted the need for regular upkeep. Concerns about fencing at Florence Park were also raised, with the council directing the city manager to explore reallocating funds from the library budget for this purpose.

The meeting concluded with ongoing debates over historic preservation guidelines for the city’s districts. Residents expressed concerns about potential financial burdens imposed by new standards, emphasizing property rights and the need for clarity on whether guidelines would evolve into enforceable regulations. The council reassured residents that the standards aim to offer guidance without imposing strict mandates, focusing on preserving the district’s visual integrity. The dialogue underscored the challenge of balancing historical preservation with economic realities faced by property owners.