City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. The hour of 7 o'clock having arrived, I will call to order this regular meeting of the Keene City Council. This meeting is being broadcast live on the City of Keene YouTube channel and Spectrum channel 1302. The video is also streamed on the city's website and is posted by the end of the next business day barring any technical difficulties. If you would like to receive an electronic City Council packet to reference while viewing future broadcasts please contact the city clerk's office during business hours or go to the city's website and subscribe to the city meetings e-mail list. The agenda is also accessible from any mobile device. I'd like to ask the clerk to please call the roll.

Randi Elfilio here Michelle a chalice here. Catherine I workman. Brian Jay Lake here Jacob are families here or eat open here. Robert C Williams here. Philip and Jones present Chris E Roberts and Tina a bad boy. Edward J Haas there. Laura E Ruttle Miller here. Molly V Ellis here Thomas F powers here. It's late screen while here.

And I'd like to ask. Councilor chad born would you please lead us in the pledge of allegiance.

And well that was just in this one nation under individual with that really just as far.

Like to recognize culture Greenwald for a motion to adopt the minutes of the previous meeting.

Thank you your honor I move to accept the minutes of the June 4th 2026 meeting as presented second.

Second by council powers. I'd like to just call to our attention on page one 40. At the top of the page continuation paragraph. When I was doing some quick math on the impact on the tax rate of downshifting meals and rooms and retirement costs that I had said that that would be account for about 6% of the city council's revenue raised through taxation. So with were those fully funded at previous rates. Our tax revenues would be 6% lower and we would have higher state appropriations anyway that the clerk tells me that will be a scrivener error corrected. But it's particularly relevant to our conversation this evening about later in the agenda about the budget and just want to call it to our attention. Okay. Any other anybody else have any notes. Minutes of the last meeting. Very good. See a show of hands all those in favor. Motion carries unanimously. 14 to 0. I was in tonight's. We have a June birthday once again we recognize Molly Ellis and her birthday which occurred earlier in the month but happy birthday my again. Well you've got the so a big event coming up. Offer the quick announcement.

Yeah, happy birthday to me. Yes, my 250th birthday is July 4th so I hope that you will all be there to celebrate with me we have between 50 and 60 groups signed up for the parade so it's it's going to be it's going to be a real showstopper so come on out.

And thank you great. The Independence Day celebration it begins on July 3rd with the swamp at Independence Day. Eve so they have a game that begins at 6.30 and the fireworks begin at 9.30 and they're just they're expecting thousands of people to to be in attendance. Particularly at the time of the fireworks so It's a great way to start the 4th of July holiday weekend which is a weekend this year. July 3rd being a Friday July 4th being a Saturday begins with the 4 on the 4th road race. And people should be signing up for that now if they intend to either walk the 4 mile course or run the 4 mile course. And same-day registrations, I think they can do it, but they take off at 7.30 on the walkers and 8 o'clock on the runners. And then at 11 o'clock, the Monadnock 250th Independence Day celebration begins with the parade down Main Street and continues with festival activities beginning around 12 o'clock at 2 locations around downtown and railroad Square. There'll be a bunch of activities and check program guides that will be available for details on those but there'll be a lot of celebration activities bands. Nelson town band and the King jazz orchestra. Among others. a petting zoo. Yeah, lots of fun. And then the other location is over at Wyman Tavern where they'll be the historical society having period specific crafts and tour of the Wyman Tavern and other festivities taking place over there and we'll have transportation going up and down Main Street to support that also be a movie at the colonial theater people need a respite in a place to cool down. During the day. So that covers the 4th of July celebration but before that and tomorrow. Council workmen would want me to stand in for her and remind folks of the juneteenth celebration beginning at 5 o'clock tomorrow evening at Fuller Park. at the Keene Park and Recreation Center. It's the sixth time that the city's Human Rights Committee is sponsoring a Juneteenth celebration. And yeah, it's a very worthwhile and meaningful event and look forward to seeing people there. Some other dates that there are we've got a city council fiscal policies workshop that is on Tuesday, June 30th at 6PM here in the council chambers. So hopefully you will put that on your calendar and not be surprised by the city clerks bulletins. And then a reminder that the council break will be in August it begins after our regular council meeting of August 6.

Those meetings on the 6th.

We want to check that well real quick. And and then other meetings later in that month will not occur so The August 20th and September 3rd meetings of the council are canceled all standing committees in August are canceled and this includes the PLD meeting on August 12th the finance committee meeting on August 13th and August 27th and the MSF I meeting on August 26th and all regular meetings of the council will resume on September 9th with the planning licenses and development committee and September 10th with the finance operations and personnel committee. It is the 6th. Thank you. A piece of really good news for our downtown project and the teen downtown group. I want to thank the teen downtown group for having put together a coalition that submitted a grant request to northern northern borders regional Commission. That was funded. The announcement was made just a couple days ago to them. It's a grant that is designed specifically to help support the 100 small businesses in downtown Keene that employ around 825 people. And to have a number of community building activities that are driven to promoting and marketing our downtown to creating events and experiences in the downtown areas providing direct support to businesses and just straight up capacity building for groups that can bring activity and sponsor activities in the downtown area. So this great news. I know councilor Haas you're an active member of the King downtown group. And rather than increasing or choosing yourself. We give you a little bit of shout out today for helping the group mobilize and apply for these great funds. The city manager and I both were active in helping promote this grant as well. So that's the good news. We were going to recognize Joe Conti tonight, but I heard from Joe earlier today. Joe is the director of the Keene Jazz Orchestra. I'm sorry, the Keene Concert Band at the Keene High School. And Joe was going to be here tonight to talk about the activities and awards that the Keene High School Music Department received recently as they competed in the 2026 Music in the Parks Festival held at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. Music in the parks is a nationally recognized educational music festival that brings together students performing ensembles from across the country to perform before professional adjudicators and receive valuable educational feedback the festival celebrates musical excellence achievement and growth Coleman any in the awards ceremony honoring participating students and programs. The Keene high school music department led by Joe Conti the band director Abby Hall the choral director and Amanda Paul the orchestra director reported the following awards and distinctions earned the Keene high school string orchestra took second place. The Keene high school choir took first place in their division. The Keene high school concert band took first in their division and best overall concert band The Keene Music Department won an esprit de corps award, presented to the school that best exemplifies spirit, support, behavior, musicality, and presentation among all participating schools. And then one of their band directors, band participants, a student, Ezekiel Ariz, won the outstanding student pianist award, Ezekiel is a junior at the high school so maybe we can invite him sometime to be recognized personally. These achievements reflect not only exceptional musical talent but also the dedication, teamwork, character and professionalism demonstrated by the students and educators of the Keene High School Music Department. Their success is a source of pride for the entire city of Keene and serves as an outstanding example of the value of arts education in our community and on behalf of the city council and residents of Keene I want to extend our congratulations to all the students directors staff families and supporters who contributed to the remarkable accomplishments of these students so let's give them a round of applause and what the somebody except for them. Yes, and they can watch the video, and Clark's just said she can even send that to them. That's great. Okay, digging into our agenda then for the evening, we have several communications that we want to recognize.

We do. Our first communication is from Kenneth Cost, and this is an update on the stewardship of 100 Church Street and a request to make the location a permanent pocket park.

and will refer this letter to municipal services finance facilities and infrastructure committee.

Continuing our next communication is from counselor Greenwald and he is putting on record conflict of interest with the old Elm Street right away discontinuance resolution are 2026 22 that was submitted in May and goes to MSF eyes next week.

You have a letter from council Greenwald in our packet is there any exception to his request to be recuse himself from those considerations. Seeing none you're so recused.

Thank you for informing us.

Next we have

communication from Councillor Jones and this is a request to consider some additional land use definitions to be potentially added to the land development code.

And we'll refer Councillor Jones' letter to the Joint Planning Board and Planning Licenses and Development Committee's next meeting.

Our final communication is from Brett Amy Phelan of the Harris Center for Conservation Education and This feeling is giving an update on the amphibian crossing program. This year and extending their gratitude for the city's support.

And I hope it will will file. This feelings letter is informational but I hope that you will read it and find some pleasure and humor in the accuracy of their census which is clearly detailed in in her letter. The number of yes considering a question.

Some of my constituents have asked about the amphibian tunnel that is to be built. I mean the Indians are asking.

When they they are word to residents.

I think the question in there was when I'm not exactly I'm not exactly sure when the question I normally get is is the city of Keene paying for and I can answer that and say no we're not that's through a grant and donation and volunteers.

Thank you for the clarification. Okay, we have a number of council committee reports from the evening to the clerk.

So our first is a planning licenses and development committee report and it relates to the keynote city Rotary clubs requests for the license for the tomorrow marathon and on a vote of 5 to 0 the planning licenses and development committee recommends that the city council grant a revocable license to the keynote city Rotary club. to conduct the Clarence tomorrow marathon on Sunday, September 27th 2026 subject to the licensing requirements identified in the staff report, including associated road closures all permissions granted here in our subject to compliance with the city approved safety protocol document which becomes a part of this license.

I'd like to recognize also feel you know for motion. We're going to carry out the intent of the committee report second.

Second by Council Jones has a little for the more positive simple things that come before the council. You know another positive event in the demand marathon obviously is very popular and very successful for the city of Keene and that's it obviously is internationally famous the PLD committee voted 5 nothing to approve full council will also thank you.

Any questions comments. Seeing none all those in favor show your hands motion carries unanimously thank you.

And our next item is a Planning Licenses and Development Committee report relative to the Keene Music Festival request for their annual license. And on a vote of 5-0, the Planning Licenses and Development Committee recommends that the City Council grant a revocable license to the Keene Music Festival to use downtown city rights-of-way to conduct the Keene Music Festival on Saturday, September 5, 2026, subject to the licensing requirements identified in the staff report. including associated road closures and authorization of free parking all permissions granted here in our subject to compliance with the city approved safety protocol document which becomes a part of this license.

Recognize calls for Philly again think we're motion would carry out the intent of the committee report second second by calls for Jones and calls are for you again.

Good news for September. This is a music festival downtown which is also turned out to be a very successful event to the point where now so many bands apply for they have to read through which ones they're going to accept so more positive news and for September and so much good news September nobody even know this construction downtown. Council committee voted 5 nothing to approve hopeful council also.

Comments or questions. Seeing none all those in favor. Motion carries unanimously.

Next, we have a Planning Licenses and Development Committee report relative to the warrant for unlicensed dogs. And on a vote of 5-0, the Planning Licenses and Development Committee recommends the City Council issue a warrant for unlicensed dogs pursuant to New Hampshire RSA 466-14 and the Keene Police Department and City Clerk's Office be directed to issue a civil forfeiture to those dog owners who have failed to license their dog by April 30, 2026.

And again recognize comes from Philly. Motion.

We carry on the intent of the committee report second second more good news if you a license your dog bad news if you did. This is following up with a state law that all your poochies have to have the license as of April 30th if you did not and you're on the delinquent list. See the city clerk's office and see what they can do for you. Committee voted 5 nothing to approve this hopeful council also.

Council has.

Yeah, thank you, your honor. This is a thing we're obliged to do for the state. It's a negative revenue opportunity for us. We don't make any money on it. We don't even cover our costs on this. So I mentioned this in the committee meeting, and I look forward in future years, maybe we don't need to invest so much effort into what's a money-losing effort for us. We don't need to do so much advertising and chasing people. Just let it happen. But we can talk about that as go forward support the warrant and let's see if we can send some money next year.

There are other elements in this report including the fact that there were fewer notices needing to be sent out in this year. So good work getting that information out to people and getting compliance. Like the clerk has a comment.

After the fact our staff reviewed our efforts and the one piece of it that is costly to us aside from actually running the program which were obligated to do is the newspaper posting and the other efforts that seem like they might be costly are really quite inexpensive we do a robo call. I think we pay $50 to do the robo call And we used to make those phone calls. So that's a huge improvement. We would not want to get rid of that. And then the second thing that we do is postcards only to those that don't give us email addresses. So it's a small segment of the full larger group of people. We send out about 300 postcards at a cost of maybe $150. So it's a good bang for your buck for $200. So just to put that out there.

And the record here says $600 is what was collected. So anyway, the math will become fuzzier or clearer down the road. All right. And the names of dogs, that was, was there a clear winner between Bella, Daisy, Luna, or Lucy? Oh, so Bella is the clear winner. All right. There are no more comments or questions. All those in favor?

It's filed informational. Thank you. Moving on to finance operations and personnel.

We're moving on to a finance organization and personnel committee report relative to the public works department benchmarking and strategic plan consultant selection not a vote of 5 to 0 the finance organization personnel committee recommends that the city manager be authorized to do all things necessary to negotiate and execute a professional services agreement with matrix consulting group for the public works department benchmarking and strategic plan project in an amount not to exceed $85,000.

Recognize concert powers for the motion.

Thank you. I moved to carry out the intent of the committee report.

2nd, 2nd, and my concert chat morning council powers. For the committee, thank you.

Your honor. Um. This item is in the, in the budget of the public works department, and it's a, it's a new concept that's being used in government. It's used in business all the time. And when you think about it, it's really the right way to do business. When you have a reviewing process of other set of eyes looking at all of your operations and has the time and the ability to assimilate all kinds of good information and additional information. So the city went out with our SP there were 5 firms that responded to this 3 were interviewed based on their submissions and my understanding is the top 2 candidates are very close very very good at their presentation which would would result in a very good project One of them had done some work for the city way back in the olden days. It's a good business process will be very helpful. And I think it will really help us be able to be real responsible about all the duties we have to perform in the city for the public. Another set of eyes. So very, very positive, well received. And our committee unanimously recommended that this be adopted by the city council.

Thank you.

I just want to say that I did have questions from my constituents for the $85,000 going to a consultant. And I contacted the Public Works Director who very graciously, I said, I just need some bullet points to be able to respond to constituents as to what this $85,000 is going to do. I have the bullet points and if you're interested in me sharing them with you, please just email me. I'd be happy to send them out and that way you can have them too. It's a large amount of money and people are feeling very tender about money right now. So I just, I wanted to feel more comfortable and I'm happy to share that with you as well. And I appreciate the effort on the Public Works Director to be responsive. Oh, sorry.

I think the

comment from yeah, just that you're going to share that public works director for responding to my request for bullet points to explain the purpose of the $85,000 cut consultant contract that we are discussing I appreciated that and for all the counselors if you'd like to have that information, I'm happy to share it with you. Thank you.

And I think that the city manager is in the process of sending that all the counselors as we speak. Okay, no further comments. All those in favor of the motion. Passes unanimously. Thank you very much.

And next item is a finance organization and personnel committee report relative to the authorization to execute him and dad not T hanger corporation lease agreement and on a vote of 5 to 0 the finance organization and personnel committee recommends that the manager be authorized to do all things necessary to execute execute them and add not T hanger lease agreement between the city of Keene and then add not T hanger corporation. The surrender of the existing lease the notice of lease and any related documents necessary to complete the lease transaction.

Recognize calls for powers for the motion. Thank you, your honor moved to carry out the intent of the committee report second second by consular Chad Warren calls for power is the committee.

Thank you. Our leases at the airport are renewal on a periodic basis. This particular one required that the existing lease be terminated and rearrange because different parties are involved. same piece of properties. Same amount of space being used so based on the standard format and following s s a regulations which can make it cumbersome. One was put back together by the airport director and city manager and on your authorization should be able to sign it includes the ability to increase The parameters of how the least put together in terms of economics and there's an escalator. For every year and it's a 10 year lease much like every other one and this was also unanimous by the committee. Thank you.

Any comments or questions from counselors and seeing none all those in favor.

Motion carries unanimously.

And next we have another finance finance organization personnel committee report. This is an informational update on the status of the public works fiscal year 2026 operating budget.

And we will file this as information. I would call this though to all the counselors tension. This is teeing up some future action by the council once the fiscal year ends. So take a look at where some budget pinch points that have occurred in public works over the course of the fiscal year and know that as this gets clear as we approach the end of the fiscal year they'll be an item that city manager over and back. Later.

And next we have a finance organization personnel committee report relative to engineering services for the court Street well field upgrade project and then on a vote of 5 to 0 the finance organization personnel committee recommends that the manager be authorized to do all things necessary to negotiate and execute a contract with Weston and Samson engineers for engineering services for the court Street well field update project for an amount not to exceed 542,000 dollars 40 542,200 dollars.

We also powers for the motion.

Thank you are moved to carry out the intent of the committee report second second my culture Chad one calls for powers for the committee. Thank you are. This is from the water sewer section of our operations and certainly be from the fund water fund and this is a pretty significant project is pretty important because our well feels are our source of drinking water and in this case. Some of the buildings there were built in the 60's and not only are they aging like some of us and there's some different regulations that keep coming up that we have to make sure we're on top of. So a couple of different reviews have been done prior to this point where an RFP was put out for an engineering firm to come forward and give us a proposal in this case there's only a single submission Western Samson centering firm that's well known in this business and has done work for us in the past and their proposal was right on target for what we need to do and within the parameters that was put forward and the wreck although you negotiate the final recommendation the financial part of it has been reviewed by the public works department it's within the parameters that we would normally see for pricing so it is recommended that we unanimously approve this thank you.

Any comments or questions on this country. Seeing none. All those in favor. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you move on now to the city manager's report okay left one for you.

Awesome. Just a couple of things for you this evening. First of all, in regards to the presentation by the Public Works Department at FOP, we know that there are going to be some overages in the water and sewer department and also the transfer station. The difference with the transfer station is that those overages, the more that we dispose of, the more fees we actually bring in. And so that's offset. But it's really teeing up, as the mayor said, a conversation after the year closes to come in and probably have to move some money around. You're going to hear a similar thing from the fire department. We've mentioned this in the past, but they are scheduled to go to the next FOP meeting and have the same conversation about overtime. And so The reason we can't actually make the adjustments right now is we need to close out the year, and it'll actually be sometime in July before we do that, so it'll be August by the time we come in. But we didn't want you to be caught by surprise, so these are informational reports about something that is coming later. On your desk this evening, so we already talked about the Fiscal Policy Workshop. It's scheduled for June 30th at 6 p.m. here in Council Chambers. And I placed a copy of the city's current fiscal policies on your desk for review. Adoption of these policies is in many ways the beginning of the fiscal 28 budget process, believe it or not. This is really where it begins with these fiscal policies. Because these policies establish the parameters that really is the guidance for the city manager's proposed budget. The finance department will be presenting a handful of recommended policy changes for your consideration. Right now we're looking at changing in the fiscal policy the billing percentage amount for ambulance because the law changed on that. So we can increase that. Also we're looking at just deleting the section on self-funded health insurance. We haven't done that in at least a decade. And adjusting the language related to the annual review of revenues and really that should be something we do at budget time every year. And so just making that more clear. We have another meeting internally coming up to see if there's anything else that we need to clean up. And so we'll do that and then we'll have a presentation for you the night of that workshop. Any recommendations that come out of that workshop are then sent to FOP for review and it actually then gets back to the council for adoption because I believe it's a resolution that moves its way through the process. The other thing I put on your desk this evening is just some information about Robin Hood Park so the Robin Hood parks renovation steering committee held its first meeting it was on June 8th at 5.30 the committee was established as a city manager steering committee to help guide future planning recommendations for the park the group represents a diverse cross section of the community. including families, retirees, program users, environmental advocates, trail stewards, and individuals focused on accessibility. And so in your packet, you also have a list of the committee members as well. So to help frame the committee's work, we also provided what you have this evening, which is the 2023 Robin Hood Park conceptual plans and the 2023 flash vote results. So that work was really done to build a basis for the budget and for the capital plan for this project. There was some early work on what are we actually talking about in terms of scope for Robin Hood Park. It became very clear the pool was important to everyone. And so that was something that there was a lot of conversation about. And then really the rest of the park, what happens with it. From that work you see the two concept plans that are on your desk and really now this steering committee is going to be giving input as to in which direction they are going to go. The city recently approved funding for the phase one pool rehabilitation work to position the project for construction immediately following the conclusion of the 2026 summer season. So that's going to be the first phase of work that's going to happen at Robin Hood. And given the aggressive schedule, they're really focused on that design work right now so that they can maintain a September 2026 construction schedule. And those plans for the pool will be presented at the July 22nd MSFI meeting. And we're planning on a bid in August, so early August, August 10th, for a September bid opening and contract award for September 14th. So it's a tight deadline. Right now it's just looking at what are we going to do with the pool. We know we're going to rehab it. We know we're not replacing it. But there are some things that need to happen in terms of improving accessibility. And so that is the conversation that's happening right now. And then they will be moving into the other elements of the park and more information will be provided. I do have two city councilors on this committee. And I have members from East Keene participating as well. That's it for me.

Thank you very much. Okay.

We are moving to a report from the city department.

And this is a memorandum from the community development director. And along with it, we have an application for residential property revitalization zone tax relief under 79E colon 4 dash B. and this is for property located at 4.29 Elm Street and the recommendation is that the mayor said a public hearing regarding the residential property revitalization zone application submitted by H G Johnson real estate on behalf of Joe and Cheryl Baxter the owners of the property located at 4.29 Elm Street.

Going to refer this to the finance organization and personnel committee meeting of July 9th and set a public hearing for July 2nd 2026. at our council meeting beginning at 7.

And next we have a communication that came in from say our city planner and this has is a the resignation of Charles Redfern from the energy and climate committee.

And RECOGNIZE COUNSELOR GREENWALD FOR A MOTION SECOND SECOND BY COUNSELOR POWERS ANY COMMENTS SEEING NONE ALL THOSE IN FAVOR ACCEPTING THE RESIGNATION MOTION CARRIES INANIMOUSLY THANK YOU WE CONTINUE TO HAVE BENEFIT former council read for another city committee so it's just isn't backed out of everything yet.

Next we have more time items there are 3 this evening the first is from the planning licenses and development committee and it is the request to reinstate the college city commission second is also from PLD and this is a letter from air con related to the potential expansion of permitted use in certain zones. And then the final one is from finance organization personnel committee and it is the execution of a change order for engineering services with McFarland Johnson.

Okay more time is granted to these 3 items. The items for a second meeting.

We have a planning licenses and development committee report relative to ordinance 020 2602. And on a vote of 5 to 0, the Planning, Licenses, and Development Committee is recommending the adoption of O202602. And we have before us Ordinance O202602, an ordinance relating to the definition of family.

To recognize Councilor Filio for the motion. Thank you, Your Honor.

Move the adoption of Ordinance O2026-02. Second.

Seconded by Councilor Jones and recognized Councilor Filio.

Thank you. As you're probably aware, it's been an ongoing discussion for a while now. And basically what we're trying to do is make sure that we're in a step with legal definition of family along with the state. Also next month we're going to be having a public hearing concerning an ordinance on short-term rentals. These two ordinances are going to have to go hand in hand and coordinate with each other. So basically what this ordinance does is make sure that the legal definition matches the state's definition and we set ourselves up for the next ordinance in legal fashion. So we voted a 5-0 at committee. Hope full council will also. Thank you.

The culture Jones.

Thank you. Mister mayor.

I just want to say the best way to explain this to the public is the golden girls come to King.

Okay.

I don't know.

I think what he really meant is three's company comes to Keene.

Yeah, that one I understood a little more closely. There were three Golden Girls, I guess he interpreted you correctly. I hope so. All right. Seeing no further comment, we need a roll call on this.

Council Philly oh yes, yes, it's Alice yes, absolutely yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Motion carries unanimously.

So next we're going to take up. Some table items that relate to the passing of a budget and related items for fiscal year 2627. This has been the topic of conversation. In Council committees and the Council public hearing last week. Or last meeting. I'm going to call forward item l 3 which is the fiscal year budget resolution it sets up the conversation on the other 2 related items that relate to the budget so as the clerk to read the motion.

And this is that we have a finance organization and personnel committee report which was filed at the last meeting and the underlying resolution was retained as unfinished business until this evening. And so we have for us now resolution R202609C and a resolution relating to the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget. And there be it resolved by the city council of the city of keen as follows that the sum of 32,941,678 dollars be raised by taxation during the current year which together with 47,283,711 dollars for estimated operating revenues. aggregating 80 million $225,389 is hereby appropriated for the use of the several departments of the city government and further that the sum of 5 million $446 in 5. $533 pardon me be appropriated for capital expenditures and capital reserve appropriations in the city's proprietary funds funded by the use of capital reserves fund balance and current revenues for the fiscal year beginning July 21, July 1, 2026, as attached here to and made a part thereof.

Recognize Councilor Powers for a motion on this.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I move for the adoption of Resolution 202609-C. Seconded by Councilor Lake, Councilor Powers for the Committee. Thank you your honor. This is the culmination of a year's worth of work. The way out our work for the next year and while it is a lot of money covers all of our items covered by taxation. Various funds and brings in some some of the bond money is accounted for and in this area as well as grants so this this is our work plan. not only needs to be but this is our plan and it's certainly identifies a lot of work for every single department so we first say thanks to everybody that's contributed. Every department. Everybody in city Hall. Also the counselors have contributed to some way as well as the public and gotten comments to get emails. Your phone calls see people in the grocery store to get the message of what they think about and how they think it should operate. I judge from the public comments this time around that they believe we're doing OK based on what we need to do and some of the comments I heard was not doing enough. But they know that they know that if they were to do more I think we should do more but we can't there's only so much money. So this represents a very solid budget for the next year. And it has you know the threads within it or the outlines of the CIP for future years. but it's laid out the home and small work for the next year. And I hope that you won't unanimously as this budget. The following. Thank you.

They close bars.

Those philia you want to applaud House of powers and the finance committee for the work they put into this. That's a green wall and I have both chair of the finance committee and it's a it's a brutal task passing a budget. But I like what council Greenwald and I went through when we chair the finance committee. We didn't have the downshifting that council powers had to face with his committee this year. With that said I want to commend the city manager and staff and for pointing out how much more we're doing with so much less. You just can't go into a budget year like we do every year and find out how many millions you're starting in the whole that's just an unsustainable way to do business. What the state has done to the city and other communities is unforgivable. With that said you know what they've done. If things don't change in caucus this year we've reached many of our taxpayers to reach an unsustainable level that they can no longer afford with that said we can only we can only do with what we've got. But the mayor also for pointing out that just how much that downshifting has cost us in percentage of taxes and for those out there that say our taxes are too high. I agree with you your they are and I hope you call the governor of the state Legislature to say this will not stand. Thank you.

And for those who do pick up the phone or right use that 6 to 7%. Impact that the downshifting in retirement and room and meals. Revenue sharing is having on our annual budget. I too want to congratulate compliment. I know that the city's finance director together with our city manager held many hours and days of conversations with your directors. These directors are very conscious of the needs of the city and their departments and they've done a good job of LAYING THAT OUT BUT ALSO TRYING TO PROJECT IT OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS. I THINK THAT PUBLIC WORKS PLAN IS ONE OF THOSE THAT KIND OF RECOGNIZES WE CAN'T DO EVERYTHING AT ONCE AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE STAGED OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS AND I THINK YOU'VE TEED US UP FOR THAT EXPECTATION THAT THERE'S MORE TO BE DONE BUT THIS IS AS COUNCILOR POWERS POINTED OUT A BUDGET THAT ACCOMPLISHES A LOT AND SO TO THE FINANCE and operations and personnel committee. I think you folks calls for Chad born calls for late calls for Roberts culture Chalice you what you held many hours of hearings offered the community opportunities to have input invited letters and comments which were received. We had a spirited public hearing last week. MOSTLY IN SUPPORT OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WERE COMING FORWARD, ENTIRELY IN SUPPORT OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS COMING FORWARD. SO I THINK THAT WE'VE DONE AS WELL AS WE CAN, AND IT IS SOMETHING THAT I'M SURE WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO HEAR ABOUT, AS COUNCILOR FILIO SAYS. THE IMPACT NOT JUST OF THE CITY'S BUDGET THAT WE'RE PASSING, BUT OF THE SCHOOL BOARD'S and County County having the smallest part of the budget and the increase but when it wraps all together it is going to have a significant impact on on residential taxpayers. It is a reassessment year so folks are going to see it. Quite a different tax bill. When the final bills are sent out. Our tax rate is likely to be coming down, but overall the tax being paid is likely to be going up by 9%, I think is what we estimate. And that's significant. But we're getting the job done. And I think it's safe. I want to compliment this council. I think that you are a fiscally responsible group. but also a conscience. You carry the conscience of the city in trying to make the right decisions at the right time. And I think there are a lot of decisions that have gone into this. So I thank you all for your participation and the awareness that you've brought to your vote this evening. With that, any further comments? OK would you please follow up is actually just a simple majority this is the one I'm sorry.

It's a show of hands of the majority.

The simple majority that such show it is it is such an important. All those in favor of the budget as presented this evening. And the motion carries unanimously well done culture powers.

Okay we move on next.

To our budget. With much resolution now adopted we can take up items from table. And each will be considered in its own turn. First take up the fiscal 27 wage schedule ordinance 026 11.

And yes we have the 2026 2026 11 before us now this is an ordinance relating to class allocation in salary schedule.

Council powers for a motion.

Thank you honor move to carry out the intent of the committee report second.

Seconded by closer to board council powers.

Thank you are. So this is the The salary plan for all those that are not covered by a collective bargaining unit, including folks that are on part-time, shorter hours than a normal week. It's all laid out in this wage scale. I need to say that, I guess I don't need to say it. I'm going to say it. It has been a plan that has been around for years. And it's managed to spin state established and follow some real theory the class allocations of different positions. Maybe the same job in a different department but all of that's considered this is held together. I bet 30 years or more now. Most of us will say well not enough money in it, but it still is a system and for a city to be able to finance it to the degree that we've been able to is another problem to the situation. Therefore the 3%. This according to me for these positions maintains the consistency of this paper. It's consistent with what's going on with the labor groups. that pretty consistent with their awards over the next few years and it's really consistent with other communities around us. What's going on so I think it's a great great plan. And I hope you agree there's a one position that has a name change is one position that has a classification change and there's one that has a a funding source positions move from one department to the other. And it also includes the reclassification of the to an assistant planner in that position comes to us. Very well very much needed and a different concept dealing with it we have some some grant well local grant money but towards this for the next few years so that makes it even nicer and so much more inclusive when it happens. Please unanimously pass this thank you.

Comments from the council. seen this. A few times before it's been tabled and seeing none.

Counselor Philly of yes council chalice yes counselor late yes council families, yes council Tobin yes council Williams, yes, also Jones yes, also Robert you're also Chad Warren yes. I'm so hot. Yes, council riddle Miller, yes, I'm sorry Ellis yes, some powers. Yes, that's a green wall.

Yes, he carries unanimously. We'll move on to the last item on the agenda. Well, there's a whole series of items connected to this one. And but the clerk please read item l 2.

So unfortunately these are bond resolutions and we do need to take up each one separately and will be a roll call on each one so we will start at the beginning with. We have resolution are 2026 10 this is a resolution relating to appropriation of funds for the ash will it river green space project.

Any comments or questions so I'm sorry we need a motion.

Calls for powers make your honor move for the adoption of resolution to 0 to 6 dash and that be sure to my calls for chair or any colors.

Seeing none again these on resolutions have been through the committee and fact us. We've set it back to the committee. And it's been on our agenda for a couple of meetings. We all understand these items. But the clerk please call the roll.

Council Philly. Yes, the challenge. Yes, absolutely. Yes, absolutely. Yes, absolutely. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Yes, and this is our 2026 12 it's a resolution relating to the appropriation of funds for the downtown infrastructure improvements and reconstruction project.

Those powers for motion.

Thank you, your honor move for the adopts adoption of resolution to 0 to 6 dash 12 seconds.

Also jealous seconds. Okay, any questions.

All the way council Philly has to tell us yes counseling. Yes, as a family. Yes, answer to open. Yes, House of Williams. Yes, I'll see Jones. Yes, I'm so Robert. I'm so chat. So it's a chat board. Yes, you can play us. Yes, that's the rental Miller. Yes, the council Ellis yes, yes, the powers. Yes, and so you want.

Moving on to a resolution or 2026 that's 13.

And this is a resolution relating to the appropriation of funds for the Gilbo have solar pavilion project.

That's part of the motion.

Thank you I move for the adoption of resolution to 0 to 6 dash 13.

Second to my council chairman. Any questions comments. The clerk please call the roll.

House affiliate yes, it's a challenge. Yes, absolutely yes, it's a family. Yes, it's been yes Council Williams. Yes, answer Jones. Yes, it's a Robert said yes, it's a Chad Warren. Yes, it's a pass. Yes, it's a rental Miller. Yes, answer Ellis. Yes, it's a powers. Yes, it's a free one.

Yes. Motion carries unanimously move on to our 2620 26 dash 14.

And this is a resolution relating to the appropriation of funds for the lower Winchester Street reconstructions.

As far as for a motion.

Thank you. I moved for the adoption of resolution 2026 dash 14.

2nd, 2nd, my counselor. See, no questions or comments with the club.

Council billy oh yes to challenge. Yes, so late yes, so badly yes tobin yes, so Williams, yes, yes, and so Robert you're Chad Warren, yes, so I still see a little Miller yes, so Ellis yes, so powers, yes, it's agreed us.

Motion carries unanimously we to resolution are 2026 state 15.

And this is a resolution relating to appropriation of funds for the roadway preservation and rehabilitation program.

House powers. Thank you, your honor move for the adoption of resolution to all to 6.1.5 second.

Second, Michael search at work. Any comments questions see no council fill you.

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes And this is a resolution relating to the appropriation of funds for the Robin Hood Park improvement project.

As far as you know, thank you honorable for the adoption of resolution to a 2, 6, 1, 6, second.

So my culture children. Any comments questions seeing none of these call.

Council billion just as a challenge. Yes, also late. Yes, also families. Yes, also told him yes, Council Williams. Yes, also Jones that's the Roberts and as a Chad boy. Yes, that's the past. Yes, also little Miller. Yes, that's the Ellis yes, and so powers. Yes, that's a green line.

Yes. Well, they'll take a resolution 2026. There are 17.

And this is a resolution relating to the appropriation of funds for the stormwater resiliency program.

Those powers for a motion.

Thank you your honor move for the adoption of resolution to or 2, 6, 17, second.

Second by calls for Chad word. Comments or questions. Seeing none but those calls.

Council billion yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Councilor Tobin gets Council William yes, I'll say John has some Roberts, yes, so Chad Warren, yes, that's the house. Council brother Miller, yes, Council Ellis, yes, that's the powers. Yes, that's a green loss.

She carries them asleep. Take up. Now resolution or 2026 dash 18 March or 5 test.

Yes, and this is a resolution relating to the appropriation of funds for the Martell court bypass project.

House powers for motion.

Thank you on a move for the adoption of resolution 2 or 2, 6, 18.

Second second by closer jet one. Any comments or questions.

The 3rd when he's called the House affiliate yes, it's a chalice yes counseling. Yes that leaves us to Tobin guess that's the Williams Jones yes, Council Roberts and that's a chance. Yes, that's the best that's the run of Miller yes, Ellis. Yes, council powers, yes, yes.

Two more to go resolution are 2026 dash 19.

This is a resolution relating to the appropriation of funds for the downtown sewer improvements program.

Those powers for motion.

Thank you your honor move for the adoption of resolution to 6, 1, 9, 2nd.

Second, I call search and learn. See no comments or questions with the club called.

House affiliate yes to challenge. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,

House powers for motion.

Thank you your honor move for the adoption of resolution to all to 6 to 0.

Second second by concert. Any comments.

Also Jones. The question here or is this for downtown or is this in general. The water distribution work distribution downtown it's.

This is in general this account, but much of the funds for this project is associated with the downtown project.

Thank you.

House affiliate has to challenge yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes

Again want to thank the House of powers for leading us through this and the manager for your leadership throughout the process. See no further actions before us this evening meeting is adjourned.