In parallel with discussions on economic development, the meeting tackled contentious issues surrounding the city’s parking regulations. A proposed ordinance to amend parking rules, particularly in relation to sidewalk regulations, was presented. New stipulations would prohibit parking in rights-of-way and on swales, with exceptions for temporary social event parking. Concerns were raised about the ordinance’s impact on residents, especially those with senior family members or visitors, who might inadvertently find themselves in violation due to existing infrastructure changes, such as newly constructed sidewalks. Residents had reportedly been cited under current regulations before public notice of the proposed changes, leading to frustration about communication from the city.

One commissioner highlighted the irony of enforcing parking citations before the new ordinance was finalized, calling for a review of recent citations. They proposed a moratorium on enforcement actions until the new rules were settled, stressing the need for clarity and understanding among residents. The discussion revealed a consensus to reconsider certain sidewalk-related provisions and to explore alternative solutions that accommodate residents’ needs without compromising safety. Suggestions included introducing “no double parking” signs in specific areas and educating residents on parking regulations during high-traffic periods, such as holidays.

Beyond parking, the commission addressed the ongoing charter review process. With the city charter potentially being over a century old, the commission underscored the necessity of modernizing the document to reflect current community needs. A joint meeting with the Charter Review Committee was held to establish a collaborative framework, allowing the committee to work autonomously while aligning with the commission’s broader objectives. The residency requirement for city position candidates was highlighted as a key topic, emphasizing accountability for those managing budgets. Recommendations from the committee are expected to be presented to voters via referendum, further engaging the community in this critical process.

The meeting also included a review of infrastructure needs, notably the city’s water facilities. Concerns were expressed about the aging infrastructure at the West water plant, once a model for water management, now requiring significant investment to maintain drinking water quality. The commission acknowledged these challenges and assured residents that funding for upgrades would be prioritized to ensure continued excellence in water service. Discussions also touched on the potential use of artificial intelligence to streamline permitting processes, despite some residents expressing environmental concerns about AI’s energy consumption.

Public comments brought additional issues to the commission’s attention. Residents voiced concerns about traffic safety, noise nuisances from short-term rentals, and the need for better training in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care for city employees. One speaker emphasized the inadequacy of current victim services signage and urged the city to highlight resources like the 988 crisis hotline and the National Alliance on Mental Health. Another resident expressed dissatisfaction with beach conditions, advocating for improved access and cleanliness to attract local visitors.

The commission also revisited the ordinance addressing term limits for board members, supporting a proposal to allow waivers based on residency and business ownership. This ordinance aims to retain experienced volunteers on boards by mitigating term limit constraints. The commission unanimously approved the ordinance, recognizing the ongoing challenges in attracting volunteers and the value of institutional knowledge.

As the meeting concluded, the commission considered amendments to the ordinance on abandoned properties to enhance efficiency and enforce regulations. Proposed changes included shifting the registration fee structure and requiring registration for all vacant properties, not just those in foreclosure. This initiative aims to manage potential blight and prevent illegal activities associated with vacant properties.