The council meeting’s most issue revolved around the troubled property on Avenue, which residents called a “known drug house.” One resident detailed the dire situation, expressing frustration and fear over the ongoing challenges, including the presence of squatters and unsanitary living conditions. A “dilapidated meth lab trailer” was reportedly visible in the backyard, exacerbating fears about illegal activities. Despite multiple alerts to code enforcement, residents felt their concerns were not being effectively addressed, leading to a sense of hopelessness.

The distressed resident remarked, “he has ruined it for everybody,” highlighting the collective distress within the neighborhood. Another resident shared personal safety concerns, recounting an incident involving a threatening dog and a history of harassment from the property’s occupants. The impending release of the property’s owner from prison added to the anxiety, with a resident expressing, “I’m not looking forward to when he gets out,” doubting the owner’s rehabilitation prospects.

In response, council members expressed empathy and acknowledged the residents’ plight. One member promised to speak with the Chief of Police after a scheduled training session to devise a plan addressing the issues. Discussions revealed that water and sewer services to the property had been capped off for an extended period, yet residents suspected illegal water usage by the occupants. This further compounded frustrations as they speculated about ongoing disturbances and potential illicit activities, including the presence of a U-Haul truck and noises associated with construction tools.

Transitioning from this urgent matter, the council turned its attention to the appointment of a new police chief. With the current chief’s departure imminent, the council reviewed applications and appointed Paul Baxley to the position, citing his extensive background with the city. The decision was unanimous, and Baxley’s appointment was met with plans to confirm his start date soon.

Another topic during the meeting was the vandalism and maintenance issues at the local pier. A council member noted that one of the pier’s bathrooms was plugged, while the other showed signs of tampering. Littering and improper disposal of fish remains were also reported, leading to calls for citizens to report suspicious activity without direct confrontation. The council emphasized the importance of community vigilance to protect city facilities amid ongoing beautification efforts.

Discussions also touched on the need for funds to complete concrete work for a new pavilion at the park, with one council member pledging a personal donation of $10,000. The pavilion is intended for community activities, with plans to keep it available for public use at no rental charge, aside from a potential refundable cleanup fee. This donation underscored efforts to maintain and improve city amenities for local residents.

Concerns over homelessness contributing to issues at the pier were raised, with individuals reportedly using bathrooms as makeshift shelters. The mayor acknowledged these challenges and discussed potential measures, including locking facilities to prevent further vandalism if necessary.

The meeting also introduced the newly hired city clerk, described as hardworking and dedicated, with the mayor inviting the public to welcome her. Additionally, two upcoming meetings were announced, including one concerning a new hotel development anticipated to positively impact the city’s landscape.