Council members acknowledged the confusion surrounding the ordinance’s wording, with differing interpretations about whether parking should be based on the current or following calendar day. The enforcement of the ordinance also raised concerns, particularly in residential areas with limited parking. Suggestions for clearer communication were made, including simplifying the language to “on even calendar days, park on the even side of the street,” to alleviate misunderstandings.

The council discussed implementing a public education campaign to inform residents of the proposed changes. Ideas such as sending out letters, utilizing social media, and distributing calendars were proposed to ensure residents are aware of the new regulations. The conversation also touched on the possibility of establishing a customer relationship management (CRM) system to facilitate mass messaging, although privacy concerns were noted.

Ultimately, the council decided to gather more public input before making a final decision. The city staff was instructed to prepare communication to inform residents about the potential ordinance. The council emphasized the importance of public education and cooperation for the successful implementation of any new rules, preferring a proactive rather than reactive approach.

In another discussion, the council addressed the impending retirement of the city clerk, Patty Hazy, after nearly two decades of service. This announcement necessitated the posting of a job opening to find her replacement. The council agreed to standard advertising procedures to attract suitable candidates for the position.

Additionally, the council discussed multiple infrastructure and community development topics. A resolution was introduced regarding a local road improvement project on Ninth Street, with the council seeking $755,000 in funding from MDOT to alleviate congestion near local schools. The resolution passed unanimously, though the chances of receiving the full funding amount were described as slim.

The council also approved amendments to zoning regulations in the R2 district, aligning side yard setbacks with those in the R1 district. A resolution concerning tax increment financing district boundaries was passed, removing undeveloped parcels to comply with statutory requirements. Furthermore, a contamination investigation grant application was approved to assess potential soil issues before redevelopment.

The meeting included a presentation on the police department’s activities, noting a slight increase in incidents compared to the previous year. The department’s collaboration with local schools on a reunification program for active threats was highlighted.

The council faced a decision regarding a lease agreement with Verizon, which proposed renegotiating the lease for space on a city water tower. The current lease, initiated in 2014, had increased annually, with Verizon seeking to transition to smaller 5G sites. The council deliberated the financial implications of accepting Verizon’s proposal versus maintaining the existing lease, with potential revenue differences projected over the long term. Concerns about future cell service and the reliability of Verizon’s operations were discussed, with a suggestion to consult T-Mobile for additional insights.

The council’s discussions also touched on routine matters such as approving solid waste assessments and vehicle purchases. The sale of a city-owned pickup truck was approved, and the council reviewed the appointment process for various city boards, emphasizing the importance of residency requirements for certain positions.