The Programs & Services Committee approved the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Appointment of Mary Fitzgerald to the Parks and Recreation Commission: Approved 4-0 (Councilor Farrell not voting). Mary Fitzgerald expressed her dedication to making PRC programming more accessible to marginalized individuals.
- Appointment of Mark Feldhusen to the Parks and Recreation Commission: Approved 4-0 (Councilor Farrell not voting). Mark Feldhusen discussed his previous service and involvement in rewriting the Commission’s manual.
- Appointment of Caitlin Cusick to the Parks and Recreation Commission: Approved 3-0-1 (Councilor Malakie abstained, Councilor Farrell not voting). Caitlin Cusick emphasized the importance of community building through recreation.
The Committee held the following items:
- Requesting update on leaf-blower landscaper registration and enforcement ordinance: Held 4-0 (Councilor Farrell not voting). The Commissioner of Inspectional Services and Acting Police Chief agreed that restrictions that did not change during the year would be easier for the public to understand. The Acting Police Chief stated that changes to the ordinance have alleviated concerns of the police and they will begin enforcing the ordinance again. The Inspectional Services Department had seen 183 complaints where landscapers were in compliance, 140 violations were issued, and 104 warnings. This was slightly less than last year.
- Request for review and strengthening of Sec. 20-13 Noise Control standards for repetitive impulsive sound: Held 5-0. Discussions included potential modifications to construction noise regulations to protect abutters from excessive sound. The City attorney expressed concern that such an ordinance could conflict with the state building code.
- Requesting complete review and appropriate changes to the Rules of the City Council: Held 5-0. Plans for the first meeting of the Rules Subcommittee were confirmed.