City Council - Ordinance Committee

Ordinance Committee Minutes August 4, 2022 Members present: Councilor Derby, Councilor Peake, Councilor Riley Members absent: Bob Sass Also in Attendance: Councilor Zaret Meeting called to order by Councilor Derby at 6:00 pm 1. Public Speak Time: Bob Sass spoke on behalf of the Bethlehem House in relation to the Chapter 6 Amendment for Deceptive Advertising Practices of Limited Pregnancy Centers. He had concerns of people taking pictures of the Bethlehem House and the safety of the volunteers. Councilor Zaret gave an update on the process of the Deceptive Practices ordinance. He received an email from the mayor that no city resources will be used to have the Solicitor review the ordinance. He discussed separation of powers concerns for the mayor’s office to prevent the work of City Council. 2. Approval of the July 14th meeting notes: Councilor Peake made a motion to approve, Councilor Riley seconded, Vote: 3-0 Approved Committee minutes from prior meetings will be approved when received from former Councilor Rothschild. 3. Continuing Business: The committee discussed an email received from the Building Inspector with specific questions related to the Vacant Storefront Ordinance. Councilors discussed the “Registration” section of the Vacant Storefront ordinance and how a registry would be developed and displayed for vacant storefront properties for owners. Councilors discussed viable options in accordance with the ordinance language. Councilors also discussed exemption statuses, and specific guidelines permitting the police department or the fire department to do safety inspections on vacant buildings to determine whether utilities should be disconnected. Next regular meeting: August 18, 2022, at 6:00 pm. Councilor Peake made a motion to adjourn, and Councilor Riley seconded. Vote: 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:56 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Councilor Brad Riley Clerk to the Ordinance Committee