The council session opened with A discussion about a new city government role, with Commissioner Catherine Horn questioning the legality of appointing someone to a position before it has been formally created. “We are going to try and appoint somebody to a position that doesn’t exist and then create position,” Horn stated. Mayor Michael Collins and City Administrator Michael D. defended the change, explaining that the title shift was proposed to better reflect the duties currently performed and to ensure the role was aligned with non-civil service status. They argued it was necessary to rectify a historic misalignment of duties and to offer civil service protection for employees in this new capacity.

The debate over the new position continued with considerations about the qualifications and accountability required for the role.

Beyond administrative maneuvers, the council addressed concerns brought forward during the public comment period. Lillian Feld expressed gratitude for the city’s attention to the “contractor containment ordinance” and suggested that workshops for builders could be instrumental in enhancing compliance with city regulations. Commissioner Maury Blumberg expressed doubt regarding the effectiveness of such workshops, remarking, “once an ordinance is place and somebody gets that first fine, they’ll be driving [ratting] everybody else out.”

The council also tackled several resolutions and motions, including the approval of bill payments and claims. The consent agenda featured multiple resolutions, among them significant infrastructure undertakings such as the Winchester Avenue reconstruction, the 2023 road program, and the Adams Avenue storm sewer pump station project. The council was briefed on the completion of phase one of the water meter replacement program and the nearing conclusion of the batting cage project. The firehouse one historic City Hall floodproofing project was noted to be moving forward with a set date for contractor mobilization.

Furthermore, updates on ongoing projects were presented, such as the Office of Emergency Management’s bathymetric survey and the Shelter Island restoration site. The council reviewed grant applications and the status of capital projects, including the Washington Avenue streetscape project and the bulkhead cut-throughs at the beach on S. Surrey Avenue and Benson Avenue.

The installation of new storm water ordinances was another point of focus, particularly ordinances pertaining to privately owned salt storage and tree removal. Questions arose concerning who would bear the financial responsibility for the library park evaluation. Additionally, the meeting touched on the wood meter project and the citywide replacement of LED lighting.

The fire department raised an issue about the necessity of receiving direct emergency calls, emphasizing the importance of efficient communication in emergencies. A resident inquired about the storm water ordinance and the library budget.