The most notable discussion centered on the proposed tree preservation ordinance, aimed at amending the city’s administrative code to include guidelines for preserving trees in city-sponsored projects. The ordinance has been in development for six months, and although the council acknowledged the progress made, it was not ready for final adoption. Directors tasked with the ordinance’s development detailed their efforts, which included consultations with Third Horizon Consulting and focus on essential elements like tree surveys, preservation plans, construction protections, and public engagement.

Community involvement was highlighted by Ms. Alice, representing a public input group dedicated to tree preservation. She underscored the group’s commitment, sharing that “we’ve put in at least a hundred hours, if not more,” and stressed the need for clear, enforceable language in the ordinance. Ms. Alice requested the inclusion of group members in the policymaking process to ensure community representation, emphasizing the balance between ecological health and development needs.

The council deliberated on the complexities of coordinating with state, federal, and county agencies on larger projects, acknowledging that while the city cannot legally mandate external compliance, mutual interest in aligning practices exists. Concerns regarding staffing and funding necessary for the ordinance’s implementation were raised, with the directors affirming that resource allocation would be addressed in future departmental updates.

The council agreed to lay over the ordinance discussion until December 10, recognizing the importance of aligning the ordinance with accompanying policies and addressing public concerns about timing.

In other council business, the ordinance to convert a block of Margaret Street from a one-way to a two-way street was adopted without opposition. Council members expressed support and gratitude towards city staff for their work on this change.

A first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 130 of the legislative code was also discussed. Mr. Engelbrecht from the Office of Financial Services explained that the amendments would clarify existing language and allow for more efficient management of utility responses, preventing delays for property owners seeking to vacate rights-of-way. The council appeared satisfied with the proposed changes, setting the ordinance for a public hearing the following week.

The meeting then transitioned into a public hearing section. A resolution to approve a rate amendment request from Energy Park Utility Company was passed unanimously after no public comments were received. Similarly, the council approved a sound level variance for the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Parish School’s upcoming county fair, with Michael Reif advocating for the event’s longstanding tradition.

A representative from the Lumen Christi Catholic Community addressed the council about their upcoming parish fair, emphasizing its community focus and clarifying that no fireworks would occur this year. The council adopted the resolution related to the fair event and approved a sound level variance for the community’s block party scheduled for September 6.

The council also addressed a contentious issue regarding a vacant building registration fee for a property on Hague Avenue. Ms. Mormon recounted the property’s history, noting a demolition in the late 2010s that left an accessory structure. The new owners, who purchased the property in May 2023, faced issues with permits and were subsequently cited for the vacant building program. Miscommunication with the Department of Safety and Inspections led the owners to believe they were not subject to the fees, and they were reportedly told to ignore assessment letters.

The council debated the potential reduction of the original $5,075 assessment to $2,537, acknowledging the miscommunication but emphasizing the necessity of the fee. A motion was proposed to lay over the discussion for two weeks, allowing the property owners to provide additional documentation to support their claims. The motion passed, setting the resolution to return for discussion on September 10.