Lynn Hirshman, Central City. The Central City Council passed two ordinances at their meeting on May 5. The first involved minor revisions to the Council’s Rules of Procedure, proposed “to clarify meeting procedures in the event that both the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem are absent from a Council meeting.

“The minor revisions to the Rules addressed in Ordinance 15-01 include the following:

Clarifying change in Rule 1 to delete reference to work sessions being held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, as that does not comport with current practice.

Clarifying change to Rule 1 to insert language addressing public participation at Council work sessions (allowed, but at City Council’s discretion and if time permits).

Insertion of new Rule 5 (Roles and Responsibilities of the Mayor Pro Tem) and new Rule 6 (Temporary Chair).

Renumbering the balance of the current Rules to account for the insertion of new Rule 5 and Rule 6.”

Although a public hearing had been called, there were no comments from the public and the ordinance was carried unanimously.

Lease agreement

The second ordinance followed from the economic development plan titled “Maintain Central, which provides public support for economic development projects in the City that foster, promote and enhance local economic development efforts.” The project envisions the City entering into long-term leases to enhance their efforts to provide space to incubate businesses which, “without such assistance … may not otherwise exist within the local economy. This economic development function also serves to occupy some of the empty historic spaces, which helps to preserve the historic buildings within the City.”

The particular premises listed in the proposed ordinance – 117 Main Street, 123 Main Street,  and 125 Main Street –  would “provide the City with overflow meeting space, a venue for showcasing public art, and space for special events or festivals.  The Premises also contains office space that could be used for the City’s economic development consultant and/or the Main Street Central City Program Director.” The City will maintain control of those spaces not completely occupied.

The leases are for $1.00 until December 31, 2016 and $1 per year after that for all three premises. Insurance costs are estimated at $1,500 per year. There will also be a loss of property tax revenue to the City.

Once again, there was no public comment, and the ordinance was carried unanimously.

A third proposed ordinance, dealing with  changing the Municipal Code to include various building codes, was referred to a work session on the request of Gary Pringey, City Building Official. The work session on building codes was scheduled for June 2 at 6:00 p.m.

Updates and Aldermen comments

Interviews have been completed for the new Public Works Director and an offer has been made. The new Director was scheduled to start work on May 18.

Alderman Shirley Voorhies reminded staff that as summer is approaching, the proposed exit from the Parkway near the KOA would be beneficial for safety.  City Manager Daniel Miera stated that since the City did not receive Reddi Grant funding, we are looking at additional grant opportunities and JVA is working on the design.

Alderman Judy Laratta added that with the summer season approaching, it is the time to get the DO NOT ENTER sign at the entrance to Main Street removed. Miera explained that JVA is working to finalize their exhibits for a presentation to Council.

The next Central City Council meeting is scheduled for May 19 at 7:00 p.m.