City Council
The Council approved a $305,000 deal tied to the 18th Street cell tower property and adopted several new/updated city rules and fees, including short-term rental and building-permit changes. It also denied a request to waive the city’s sex-offender residency restrictions and went into closed session for litigation strategy and employee performance.
Council approved an easement agreement tied to the 18th Street cell tower property, trading the City’s interest for a $305,000 lump-sum payment. That’s real money and a real property-rights decision, but it was bundled into the consent agenda with no separate discussion recorded.
Council adopted a major fee-schedule update (tabled from November) that raises some fees, changes short-term rental licensing costs, adds a harbor sludge tipping fee aimed at the Army Corps, and restructures building permit fees—with new caps added by amendment ($2,500 residential; $100,000 commercial).
Council denied an appeal seeking a waiver from the city’s sex-offender residency restrictions, siding with the Police Department’s recommendation to deny based on the application details and the ordinance standards.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO gave an update on the organization’s reach and growth since a 2021 merger, said many kids (especially boys) are waiting for mentors, highlighted local police involvement in schools, and asked residents to volunteer.
Speaking for the American Legion Auxiliary Unit, she thanked local groups, businesses, city staff, and volunteers for helping run the first Wreaths Across America event, including logistics like storage and snow removal, and said turnout was strong despite severe weather.
She relayed a resident question about whether people could get parking-ban notifications on their phones.
He relayed resident comments about Airbnbs and concerns that new fees were sent out before the Council voted on them.
She encouraged residents to keep contacting the Council so members understand how people feel about issues.
She relayed a resident question about permits and said she forwarded it to the Community Economic Development Director.