Change in Payroll and Compensation Policy (Policy Number 2110)

Dissent: One council member initially expressed concern about 'paying benefits for hours that are not being actually worked' but ultimately voted in favor after hearing clarifications on industry standards and the policy's intent.

Moved by Council Member [0:12:47] · Seconded by Council Member [0:12:57]

The discussion focused on adjusting Policy 2110 to ensure full-time firefighters' pay remains consistent when they use ESST, vacation, or holiday hours. Currently, taking time off reduces their overall pay due to the loss of calculated overtime hours within their 21-day schedule cycle. This often leads firefighters to trade shifts, potentially resulting in them working consecutive 48-96 hour shifts or accumulating excess accrued time that must be paid out or lost. The proposed change, which is common in comparable cities, aims to encourage the use of earned time off, prevent overwork, and could be budget-neutral by reducing year-end payouts.

Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit for 9591 60th Street (NYP Landscape Supply)

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member Hearn [0:41:00] · Seconded by Council Member [0:41:09]

The item addressed a request by NYP Landscape Supply for text amendments to city code to define and regulate 'landscape supply' in agricultural zones, and to expand their CUP footprint. Neighbor concerns primarily centered on: the definition's inclusion of pesticides/fertilizers and 'property maintenance services' (perceived as too commercial); potential increase in heavy vehicle traffic on Highway 36 (a 65 mph zone); and the expansion violating a 'no expansion' clause from the original 1988 CUP. The applicant clarified they do not store pesticides, do not expect a traffic increase, and have made efforts to be a good neighbor. Council members generally expressed support for agricultural landowners finding ways to make their land profitable while preserving its agricultural character, viewing this as preferable to residential development.

Conditional Use Permit for 9591 60th Street (NYP Landscape Supply)

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member [0:44:00] · Seconded by Council Member Hearn [0:44:17]

Following the approval of the zoning text amendment, the council moved to consider the specific Conditional Use Permit for NYP Landscape Supply. This permit would allow the expansion of the landscape supply sales business at 9591 60th Street, subject to the conditions and findings outlined in the staff report. These conditions included maintaining hours of operation, screening, setback requirements, meeting new performance standards, and obtaining necessary watershed permits.

Tap and Ladder / Machete Update: Plan B Discussion

Dissent: Council expressed unanimous strong opposition to the 'Plan B' concept, directing the developer to proceed with the original Machete restaurant plan.

Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A

The development team for the downtown projects (Tap and Ladder for the Fire Station, Machete for the Parks Building) sought flexibility in their development agreement due to economic challenges affecting Machete's existing restaurants. They proposed a 'Plan B' for the Parks Building, described as a 'Four Alarm Fund' concept (a commercial, 'strip mall type' use), and requested a longer timeline for the Parks Building development. Council members strongly rejected the Plan B, emphasizing that the original Machete restaurant concept was chosen through a competitive RFP process and was integral to their vision for downtown. They agreed to move forward with a single development agreement for both sites, with Tap and Ladder and the original Machete restaurant concept, and to negotiate a specific, non-open-ended timeline for the Machete development with city staff.