Starwood Capital Group’s request for a lease extension became a focal point, sparking debate amongst the commissioners. Skepticism was voiced by both commissioners and a resident regarding the private equity firm’s long-term intentions, with the latter questioning the sincerity of Starwood’s financial contribution offers. The commissioners highlighted several issues at the property, including maintenance and pest control, and ultimately decided not to proceed with the lease extension at the current time, citing concerns over the terms and the potential impact on residents.

Environmental sustainability was another key theme, with the commissioners presenting proclamations for National Arbor Day and Earth Day. The city arborist and the chairperson of the Sustainability Committee were acknowledged for their efforts toward sustainability and environmental conservation. The discussion on sustainability was comprehensive, including the adoption of a city sustainability plan into the comprehensive plan, the organization of community engagement events, and the development of a vulnerability assessment.

The commission also navigated through complex cybersecurity concerns, approving a project proposal for water and wastewater utilities. The proposal, budgeted at $1.4 million, had already received $700,000 in ARPA funding and amounted to just over $1.2 million for hardware and implementation. The project had been vetted by a third party to ensure it met national standards and offered fair pricing.

An advanced software system for electronic plan review services was another technological advancement discussed. The system has been operational since 2021, eliminating paper submissions and reducing human error. The software’s integration with the current systems and its anticipated growth over the next five years justified an upgrade to a contract allowing for unlimited users, improving the permitting process. The new contract was noted to be more financially favorable than the previous one, with a lower percentage increase over five years.

The board deliberated on the installation of pickleball courts, with discussions on the specifications, pricing, and surface suitability. Concerns were raised about the immediate necessity of the decision, the condition of existing tennis courts, and the potential impact of the new surface on other activities. The Parks and Recreation Board’s input was deemed essential, with the possibility of a phased implementation suggested to evaluate the suitability of the proposed surface.

In matters of city governance, the commissioners discussed the designation of an acting city manager, identifying Fire Chief Scott Young as a top candidate and considering offering him ICM A courses. There was also a directive to proceed with discussions with Miss Colleen Flynn regarding the city attorney position, with the need for an interview highlighted.