Coastline Coffee, having already invested in renovations, outlined a vibrant schedule of monthly events designed to attract residents and visitors. These include a “Riverwalk Morning Market,” “Riverwalk Social” with live music and food trucks, and a “Riverwalk Live” event, among others. The company also committed to hosting at least two events per month, a stipulation not previously enforced with the former licensee, Bristol.

The agreement with Coastline Coffee not only advances the development of the Riverwalk but also promises to enhance the community’s social landscape through regular, vibrant events.

In parallel, the meeting addressed the issue of reckless driving among local youth. Concern was raised about damage to city property and the safety risks posed by these behaviors. The police chief detailed incidents of vandalism, noting that the average age of those involved was around 16. He highlighted the importance of community involvement in reporting such incidents, which has already led to several arrests. The council discussed potential deterrents, such as installing landscaping or boulders, and underscored the necessity of parental accountability.

A noteworthy aspect of the council’s approach was the emphasis on community cooperation, with calls for residents to report incidents captured on home security cameras. There was also discussion about the need for a non-emergency line to facilitate reporting of vandalism and reckless driving.

In addition to these two main topics, the council addressed various other matters. The fiscal health of the city was discussed, with assurances from the city manager that recent financial issues were isolated incidents rather than systemic problems. The manager detailed the city’s robust budget and the clean audit results from previous years. He also recounted an emergency incident involving the fire department, which faced evacuation due to mold, emphasizing the city’s responsiveness to unforeseen challenges.

Moreover, the council approved ordinance changes affecting land use and zoning, aimed at promoting better land management practices. This included amendments to the future land use map and rezoning efforts to reduce residential density and accommodate new developments. The council also took steps to align with state legislation by establishing procedures for reviewing certified recovery residences.

The meeting concluded with reports on the financial status of the city’s pension funds, which showed positive growth, and expressions of goodwill among council members as they exchanged holiday greetings.