The meeting began with the election of new city leadership. Commissioner Willie Hawkins was unanimously elected as the new Mayor, succeeding the outgoing leader. The role of Vice Mayor was filled by Gary Ashcraft, following a nomination process. The election of these officials marked a period of transition for the city, characterized by applause and expressions of gratitude towards departing officeholders. This ceremonial change set the stage for more discussions regarding the city’s development trajectory.

The central issue of the meeting was the ongoing debate over the city’s approach to downtown development, specifically involving the G3 and C2 projects. Some members advocated for bringing in consultants with land development and economic strategy experience to guide the commission through complex negotiations. They emphasized the importance of having a land use attorney present to ensure the city is adequately prepared for upcoming projects and to avoid past mistakes.

However, this proposal met resistance from others who were concerned about possible delays and disruptions to established plans and agreements. One participant stressed the urgency of acting promptly on the G3 and C2 projects, noting that “once that land is developed, we don’t have another shot at this.” They argued that the commission should focus on executing existing plans rather than introducing new ideas or people, which could create confusion and hinder progress. This concern was echoed by another member who expressed discomfort with changing the current direction.

Amidst these debates, some members recalled prior delays experienced during the master planning process, emphasizing the need to avoid repeating such setbacks. They noted that the master plan had already laid out guidelines for development and questioned the necessity of additional input beyond its recommendations. Despite the disagreements, there was a shared understanding that the commission must balance speed with thoroughness to make informed decisions that reflect the community’s best interests.

In addition to the development discussions, the commission addressed concerns raised by residents regarding the fluoridation of the city’s water supply. Jacqueline Realat and Nicole King, among others, voiced their opposition to fluoride, citing health risks and advocating for its removal. King’s arguments included references to fluoride being classified as a neurotoxin and echoed the state Surgeon General’s stance against its use in municipal water systems. These concerns prompted calls for the commission to reconsider the practice and prioritize public health.

Another notable topic was the city’s approach to collaborating with developers. A verbal agreement that resulted in the use of “faux brick” materials highlighted the need for clearer development guidelines and ordinances. Participants stressed the importance of educating and empowering commission members to effectively communicate the city’s expectations to developers. They emphasized that while collaboration is important, the city must take the lead in defining its vision and requirements for development projects.

The meeting also included a proposal for a commission workshop scheduled for January 13th, aimed at fostering collaboration among members and discussing downtown development. The workshop was seen as an opportunity to align on goals and expectations, with an emphasis on open communication and collective decision-making. The commission expressed a desire to conduct these discussions publicly rather than in private settings to ensure transparency and build a strong team capable of engaging effectively with developers.

Technical issues with the meeting’s audio system were noted, with concerns about the accessibility of discussions for the public. The commission acknowledged the need to resolve these issues to maintain effective communication within the newly renovated chamber.