One notable topics at the city council meeting involved the city’s towing ordinance and the acceptance of various payment methods by towing companies. Council members engaged in a debate about whether the current ordinance was being effectively enforced, with some members suggesting that residents should report to the police department if a towing company did not accept their credit card. This topic touched upon the larger issue of ensuring consumer protection and the role of local government in business operations.

The discussion also branched out into the possibility of updating the ordinance to include all electronic payments, with suggestions to encompass payment methods such as Apple Pay and Cash App. This proposal aimed to modernize the city’s approach to financial transactions, though it also raised the question of how involved the city should be in mandating specific payment options for private businesses.

In conjunction with the towing ordinance, council members also discussed the impact of providing free parking during the Chamber of Commerce’s annual sidewalk sale. Concerns were raised about whether the incentive truly benefited the community and led to suggestions of conducting a comprehensive study on the city’s parking practices.

On the infrastructure front, the city engineer provided updates on a variety of projects, including road improvements, drainage projects, and the status of playground grants. These updates were essential as they directly affected city operations and residents’ daily lives. The engineer reported on the upcoming road construction and the repair status of a wall on Engle Street. Additionally, the council discussed pedestrian safety near schools and the future of the Tryon Pool, acknowledging the need for repairs and potential collaboration with the school district.

During the public session, residents voiced their concerns on various issues. A resident highlighted the difficulty seniors face with parking and demanded paving for a deteriorated street. Allegations of anti-Semitism and racism within the city council were brought up by another resident, citing recent personnel changes in the police department. Discussions on public health were also raised, with a resident discussing high COVID-19 levels detected in wastewater and advocating for the city to pursue grant opportunities for age-friendly initiatives. Concerns about unpermitted landscapers operating on weekends and the impact of a food truck on public safety were also presented.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed the city’s approach to assisting veterans, emphasizing the importance of providing them with accurate and accessible information about tax exemptions and benefits. There was a consensus on the need to make this information readily available, potentially through the city’s website, to better support returning veterans.

In light of resident concerns on financial management, the council scrutinized the city’s expenditure, particularly questioning a duplicate charge in the Police Department’s expenses. After discussion, it was clarified that the charges were for ammunition for police training and the replacement of parking meter heads. Additionally, the council examined the summer intern program funding, seeking clarity on the number of participants and the allocation of funds.

The meeting concluded with a transition into a closed session to discuss matters that required confidentiality, including the ammunition purchase brought up by a resident during the public comment period.