Judge Roy Altman’s address was a focal point of the meeting, where he was recognized for his public stance against anti-Semitism. Mayor Howard Weinberg presented Judge Altman with a certificate of special recognition, commending his devotion to fighting hatred and persecution. Judge Altman’s speech was both educational and notable, as he drew on historical and contemporary examples to illustrate the enduring nature of anti-Semitism. He recounted his recent trips to Israel, where he led groups of federal judges to provide them with a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the country. His visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, was particularly impactful. He shared how early Nazi propaganda had depicted Jews in conflicting negative stereotypes, emphasizing the absurdity of such characterizations and the pernicious persistence of anti-Semitic narratives.

Judge Altman also connected these historical examples to modern-day incidents of anti-Semitism. He referenced past and recent events, such as the casting controversy in a Netflix documentary and the hostility faced by Jewish musicians, to underscore the continuity of such prejudices. His remarks extended to the portrayal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in media and academia, contesting claims of genocide in Gaza and defending the IDF’s adherence to protocols aimed at minimizing civilian casualties. Altman stressed the importance of accurate narratives to prevent violence against Jews, drawing parallels to historical figures who opposed genocides. His speech concluded on a hopeful note.

Following Judge Altman’s address, the council proceeded with its agenda, which included several discussions on zoning and land use regulations. A significant proposal involved allowing a maximum of 70 dwelling units per acre for developments incorporating Hero housing, contingent on conditional use approval. This proposal had been previously discussed in a workshop, and the council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance.

Additionally, the council addressed a small-scale amendment to the city’s Comprehensive Plan, with an applicant requesting a deferral until the July 1, 2025, meeting. A similar deferral was requested for amendments to the official zoning map for the same tract of land. These deferrals were in line with a pattern of postponing decisions on related zoning variances and conditional use approvals until the same future meeting date.

During the meeting, a resolution was introduced to approve a conditional use for a project providing Hero housing units, with a proposed density of 65 dwelling units per acre. The plan included requests for increased height limits and reduced minimum floor areas. The council agreed to incorporate a green space condition into the development plan, and the resolution was passed with unanimous support.

The meeting also touched on amending parking restrictions and regulations for commercial vehicles within residentially zoned areas. This amendment was prompted by a rise in commercial vehicle activity causing safety concerns among residents. After a discussion emphasizing the urgency of the issue, the council voted in favor of the ordinance.

In financial matters, the council approved a mid-year budget amendment for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to address unanticipated funding needs. The amendments included allocations for basketball court improvements and roofing repairs at city facilities.

The council also received an update on the school construction project, highlighting the issuance of a request for proposals for design services and plans to select a construction manager soon.