For a short video recapping the most recent City Council meeting, click the following link. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EjMFEPmb1/
For a transcript of the video, read below:
At City Council, they approved a variance request to adjust the boundaries of a lot on the corner of 7th and Dallas and turn it into two separate lots. The division creates a lot for the main house and a lot for the mother-in-law suite behind the house. The lot being on a corner was a key consideration in the council’s decision to approve the change.
After that the council approved funding for new police technology. Among other features, the tech package includes body cams that have real time translation services. This will make it so that officers don’t have to wait for a translator to arrive on scene.
Then the council approved the donation of 3 old police vehicles to the Santa Rosa police department. Donating vehicles helps departments that don’t have the budget for new vehicles. The donated vehicles would have otherwise been sent to auction.
Next our infrastructure director reported an issue on the drilling of the new water well. The bulldog well project ran into circulation issues while drilling. The city is looking at possible solutions to salvage the project but may have to try creating the new well at a different location.
Then we got an update from our museum director. She said that the museum will be unveiling a brand-new exhibit on July 1st. The “Stones and Bones” exhibit will be an extensive collection of unique rocks from the area.
Next the council approved a public celebration permit for the Artesia Arts Council’s Wild West Fest. This is the first step that allows them to continue with the rest of the state approval process. They will have to return to City Council for final event approval. If approved, the event would be allowed to have alcohol vendors on site.
After that the council discussed the idea of a new leadership position at city hall. The council decided against making the position a City Manager. The intent of the new position would be to assist the mayor and council as well as to oversee certain City departments. No formal action was taken. The council will think about potential job titles and descriptions before deciding on the specifics of the new position at the next City Council meeting.
This has been your city council recap. We hope you join us for our next meeting July 8th at City Hall.