The discussion about the police shooting of Chamar dominated the public comment period, with his mother and other community members expressing frustration over the perceived lack of transparency and delay in the investigation. Over a thousand people had signed a petition on change.org demanding justice, and the community sought answers regarding the release of unedited body camera footage and the status of the internal affairs investigation. Council members confirmed the internal review had concluded, with officers involved returning to active duty soon. Chamar’s mother, visibly emotional, stated her determination to attend every council meeting until justice was served, calling for new leadership and transparency. The council acknowledged the community’s anguish, with a commitment to providing a timeline for releasing the footage.

In addition to the significant public outcry, the council discussed the management of property registrations, a topic that incited debate over whether to keep the registry in-house or outsource it. A council member highlighted the financial implications of outsourcing, noting that if managed externally, the city would receive only 65% of the fees collected. The discussion revealed disagreements among council members about the effectiveness of in-house management versus potential benefits of outsourcing, with a consensus to table the decision for further data gathering on software costs and potential revenue impacts.

Attention then shifted to comprehensive plan amendments, sparking conversations around developer incentives and density bonuses. Concerns were raised about the clarity of these incentives, with calls for transparency to prevent developer exploitation. The proposed framework allows developers to exceed maximum density under certain conditions, expanding urban mixed-use boundaries. Council members expressed a desire for a deeper understanding of the implications of these changes, particularly how they intersect with community development goals.

Utility rate adjustments were also a significant topic, with discussions on proposed increases for water, sewer, and solid waste services. The city faces a financial shortfall, necessitating a review of utility rates to ensure long-term sustainability. The proposed adjustments include a 5% increase in water and sewer rates, with concerns raised about how these hikes would affect residents, particularly those already struggling financially. A council member emphasized the need for transparency in communicating the reasons behind rate increases to residents.

The meeting also touched on the selection process for a new city manager, with discussions about the qualities desired in a candidate. Vice Mayor Cole and other council members expressed the importance of finding a manager who could effectively lead and engage with the community. Despite facing challenges in securing a diverse candidate pool, the council resolved to interview the remaining candidates, with hopes of finding a leader who aligns with community values and priorities.

The council addressed several other administrative and community issues, including the potential outsourcing of the registry for foreclosed and vacant properties, a comprehensive open space ordinance, and the implementation of a sewer project.