An ordinance that would amend the City code for licensing requirements for public vendors, and a resolution that sets a date for a public hearing to condemn structures, were part of the regular city commission meeting on Wednesday, April 16.
After consultations with City Clerk Stacey Smith, commissioners tabled an ordinance that would amend the City's vending code to include vending on private property. Further discussion will take place before the ordinance is voted on.
Upon the recommendation of Bruno Rehbein, the City's building inspector, commissioners unanimously passed Resolution 2025-2199 that set the date of June 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., for a public hearing for the condemnation of structures at 427 East 15th Street.
Rehbein stated that the property is very blighted and hasn’t had utilities for over 20 years.
The condemnation process allows the City to force action on a blighted and dilapidated building or property, but often times the City ends up with the costs of demolition, and it is rarely recovered from abandoned properties.
During staff reports, Shane Kisby, the City's public works director, reported that the annual citywide cleanup was completed. Among the items city crews removed were 398 tires - 5.37 tons - and 57 truckloads of tree limbs.
Jeremy Arnold, the City's director of utilities, stated that the City will begin testing and flushing hydrants from April 28 through May 2. Flushing will begin at 6 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, and 7 a.m. Wednesday through Friday. "One of the main things we're doing here is testing the fire hydrants to make sure they work properly," Arnold said. "The functionality of the fire hydrants is a priority, and we also want to descale the water mains."
Residents may experience water discoloration, which may be an inconvenience but is not harmful. Residents should inspect the tap water for discoloration before doing laundry. The water should clear up in a day or so.
Commissioners then met in executive session for 15 minutes with City Manager Amy Lange, City Attorney Justin Ferrell, and Police Chief Brent Gering. No action was taken.
With no further action items on the agenda, the meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.
