The meeting started at 6pm with all members present.
Police Chief Justin Todd made a power point presentation on the City’s 16 and under curfew. The temporary curfew went into effect in February and the Chief recommended continuing it for another 12 months. His presentation was data filled and showed no significant change in the overall crime statistics, but he said it had a favorable response within the community and the police force. It gives the police a reason to talk to youth who are out late and helps them get the kids home. The Chief stated that there were 18 violations with only 2 repeat offenders. With each violation, the Chief sent a letter home and talked to the parents. The Chief thought that the curfew was a very strong tool in the police tool box and recommended its extension. The Council voted 5/0 to have the attorney draw up the ordinance.
The Council approved a contract for street repair for a number of streets (about 15) throughout the City.
The Council approved the appointments of Susan Webb as a full HPC commissioner and Penny Introcasa as an alternate to the HPC. The Council is still looking for another Commissioner. Anyone interested should contact Tom Carroll, the City Manager.
Club Dujour on Chesapeake Court was discussed in detail. The issue is that the State has given a $500,000 grant to tear down the building so that the City can rezone it for affordable housing. The Council, lead by Sputty Cephas wants to repurpose the building, but is not sure how that can be accomplished. There are no funds to do what is projected to be a $1.8 million project. The City is going to put out feelers to see if any developers are interested. More to come on this.
The Council approved $30K to TVA Architectural firm to do preliminary drawings for the estimated $5 million City Hall Restoration project.
Upcoming Meetings:
Traffic and Safety – July 13th 1 pm Virtual Meeting
HPC – July 19th, Council Chambers, 6 pm
Council Work session to discuss possible Charter and procedural changes regarding special elections and vacancies in office — July 24, 5 to 6 at Council Chambers.
City and County joint work session – July 31 at the County Meeting room.
Planning and Zoning meeting – August 1 at 6pm in Council Chambers
No public Comments were made.
Adjourned at 6:51 after a very short meeting
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