0:00The commission approved an ordinance to amend the city’s official zoning map, transitioning several properties from industrial to commercial zoning. The mayor acknowledged that this topic had been previously discussed and required no further explanation. The motion passed with unanimous support, signaling the commission’s alignment on encouraging commercial development in these areas.

11:19The meeting also highlighted the progress on park developments, with the mayor reporting updates on Ronelli Park and Carlo Park. Notable improvements included the installation of pickleball courts and enhancements to basketball courts. The mayor projected that the pickleball courts would be operational within three to four weeks. Additionally, a contract was revisited to ensure proper drainage and infrastructural integrity. The mayor emphasized that securing court reservations would remain free unless future staffing needs arose.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the necessity and future of the Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Board and the Youth Advisory Board. One commissioner expressed frustration over the redundancy of these boards with the existing Planning and Zoning Board, sparking a debate about their effectiveness. The mayor acknowledged the boards’ value but proposed a dialogue with an absent commissioner who had helped establish them.

0:00In other business, the commission approved a resolution to select the successful bidder for food catering services at the Mildred and Cod Pepper Senior Activity Centers. An amendment was necessary to specify Construction Catering Inc. as the contractor in the resolution’s language. Both the amendment and the motion as amended passed unanimously.

The commission also approved a resolution for a new lease of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for the city’s police department. The deputy chief of police explained that the new lease would result in a monthly savings of approximately $240, as it involved leasing one less motorcycle than before. The new motorcycles would include upgraded features, such as additional battery capacity and enhanced storage for equipment. This resolution passed unanimously.

11:19Additionally, the commission addressed a resolution for the purchase of a new forklift, confirming that the purchase was budgeted. This resolution passed unanimously.

The meeting also featured the passage of a resolution adopting updated employment rules and regulations, with one commissioner expressing gratitude for the hard work put into the employee handbook, which had not been updated since 1984. This move was seen as essential for providing clear guidelines for city employees.