One item at the meeting was the council’s decision to grant a special permit to Kamiski Automotive, a business that has been operating since 2014. The owner, Patrick J. Kamiski, sought to continue his automotive repair services under the same conditions as the previous owner. The need for a special permit arose when Kamiski attempted to establish a new bank account and was informed of the necessity of a business permit. During the session, Kamiski assured the council that his operations would remain unchanged, stating, “I’m not changing any of the business that has been done by the prior owner.”

Kamiski’s application addressed nine requirements, focusing on maintaining the neighborhood’s character, ensuring adequate parking, proper waste disposal, and avoiding any nuisance or hazard to adjacent properties. A city attorney’s office representative assisted in clarifying the process, while Kamiski acknowledged the council’s preference for clearer, bullet-pointed responses in future applications.

Davis inquired about any potential changes in the scale of operations or service hours, to which Kamiski responded, “We close at 5:30. No fuel sales or anything like that.”

The discussion revealed some initial confusion among council members about the business’s permit requirements, especially regarding light service and fuel sales. Kamiski clarified that his business model did not include fuel sales, focusing instead on oil changes and similar light automotive services. A council member reiterated, “You’re not just basic automotive oil changes and brakes. That’s it. We don’t need anything there.”

After a motion to grant the special permit for light service, excluding fuel sales, was seconded, the council voted unanimously in favor. The motion’s wording, referencing item 45 related to motor vehicle light service, was settled after some deliberation.

Alongside the automotive business permit discussion, the council also addressed the transfer of a special permit for a multifamily dwelling on Walnut Street, previously approved for the Walnut Heritage House Trust. The new owners, represented by John Gstau, confirmed compliance with the original conditions attached to the permit, which included submitting construction plans and clearing debris.

Concerns were raised by a neighbor, Mayor Tyranny, about ongoing construction activities at the site without the necessary plans being approved. The chair clarified that no construction should proceed until all required documents were submitted and approved. Tyranny was directed to discuss parking concerns with the building commissioner, as the special permit was already approved.

The meeting also touched upon administrative issues, including the signing of minutes and the absence of certain documentation. There was a noted confusion regarding last month’s meeting minutes, prompting discussions on the need for better preparation of documents for future meetings.