DMR Associates, the firm working on the city’s master plan, highlighted the launch of a public survey and the collection of data from stakeholders such as council members, department heads, and planning board members. The firm emphasized the importance of public outreach, proposing a meeting in each ward to maximize resident participation. A debate ensued regarding the format of the public meetings, with a focus on ensuring two-hour sessions that included presentations and opportunities for public input.

The council went on to discuss financial matters, including the approval of payments of bills and claims, with a portion attributed to the city’s pension bill, which had seen an increase from the previous year. The Chief Financial Officer provided explanations for various expenses, including the benefits of joining a purchasing cooperative, while council members questioned and discussed the expenditures, particularly the pension costs.

Further financial discussions involved the purchasing cooperative, which aims to save money on specialty equipment for the Department of Public Works and the fire department. The council examined expenses such as liability insurance payments, vehicle repairs, and clean air exhaust removal system maintenance for the fire department. There was also a focus on expenditures related to the recreation department, library, and municipal court, with specific attention to legal interpreter services. Members sought clarifications on emergency tree removal and equipment purchases.

Regarding appointments, the council discussed adding names to the next meeting’s agenda for a vote on positions in the Traffic Advisory Committee and the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee. They also deliberated on renaming the Taylor Bliss House to the Englewood House to symbolize its inclusivity for all residents. The council addressed tax-related resolutions and recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

An ordinance for the Age-Friendly Advisory Committee was considered, with the council president acknowledging verbiage issues that needed resolution. The council expressed the need to review and update city committees, including the Access for All Committee, and sought a comprehensive list of all committees, their membership, and their activities. A proposed traffic and parking ordinance to restrict truck and trailer parking on certain streets was also discussed. Plans for paving Herzl and Livingston streets were reported, with an anticipated bidding process set for the summer.

Public concerns were brought up during the meeting, with one resident addressing the council about the city’s cannabis committee and its recommendation for regulated cannabis in Englewood. The resident highlighted the decrease in cannabis-related crimes in cities with regulated cannabis and pointed out the potential loss of tax revenue if residents purchase cannabis in neighboring cities. Another individual discussed an article in the Jewish Link, calling for better communication and unity within Englewood. Issues such as traffic, flooding, and racism were also raised, with a call for additional staffing in the Department of Public Works to mitigate flooding problems.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the regulation of cannabis in Englewood, focusing on concerns about the testing for harmful additives and the collection of taxes on cannabis products. The council deliberated on how to address the lack of testing and taxation, considering the implications for public safety and city revenue.