The primary focus of the council meeting was the introduction and discussion of Ordinance Number 15-2026, which proposed permitting cell towers in the Community Commercial (CC) zoning district through a conditional use permit (CUP). This amendment was prompted by an identified gap in wireless coverage within the city and the lack of available industrially zoned properties for new installations. Eddie Glendo from the community development department explained the specific requirements of the ordinance, including a minimum distance of one mile from existing towers and a 400-foot separation from residential buildings.

Legal counsel Mary Solic, representing the applicant Vertex Development, detailed the necessity of this ordinance by highlighting Verizon’s need for better coverage in the city center. Solic assured council members that the conditions outlined in the ordinance would prevent an overflow of tower applications, addressing potential concerns about an influx of such requests. The council, while considering the need for improved service, expressed concerns over the aesthetic impact of the proposed tower, especially its proximity to residential areas. This prompted discussions on the potential use of camouflage designs, such as towers resembling pine trees, to blend the structures into the urban landscape.

Public comments reflected diverse opinions on the matter. An engineer, identified as Stan Johnson, questioned the tower’s height and its structural type but remained ambivalent due to insufficient information.

Another issue addressed was the proposed operating millage rate for fiscal year 2027. The city manager presented a balanced budget using an operating millage of 6.2000 mills, the lowest rate in 18 years, yet still 1.95% above the rollback rate. Discussion ensued over whether to set the tentative rate at 6.2 or explore a higher rate like 6.3 to allow for potential budget adjustments. Concerns were raised about public perception of tax increases amid rising water and stormwater rates. A motion to set the millage rate at 6.3 initially failed, leading to the approval of a 6.2 rate, with council members emphasizing the importance of transparent communication with residents regarding budgetary decisions.

The council also explored initiatives to enhance citizen engagement, recognizing the importance of setting best practice examples for other cities. Members discussed the potential of hosting a citizen convention to improve community involvement. The city manager introduced a revised utility billing policy and proposed changing the agenda review format to collective online webinars instead of one-on-one pre-meeting discussions. This trial aims to increase process efficiency and allow public observation, though some members expressed concerns about losing the personal interaction provided by one-on-one meetings.

One individual accused the council of dishonesty, referencing a public opposition figure, while others criticized the proposed hiring of a public information officer, advocating instead for the promotion of the current community relations manager. Discussions on the importance of transparency and communication were prevalent.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to trial new engagement formats and a reminder for council members to engage in one-on-one budget discussions before the upcoming workshop.