City Council - Ordinance Committee

Ordinance Committee Minutes September 20, 2022 Members present: Councilor Derby, Councilor Riley, Councilor Peake Members absent: Also in Attendance: Councilor Gomez Meeting called to order by Councilor Derby at 6:00 pm. 1. Public Speak Time: Shelly Fournier – spoke in favor of Bethlehem House’s programs, volunteers, and concerns about the CPC Ordinance. She offered general provisions on deceptive practices. Frank Sharon – spoke against the CPC Ordinance and in favor of Bethlehem House. Bob Sass – spoke against the CPC Ordinance and asked that it be withdrawn. 2. Approval of August 4, 2022, meeting notes: The Committee is still missing meeting minutes from March 22, March 29, and May 9 meetings. Councilor Riley reached out to Karin Camihort about gaining access to former Rothschild’s document archives for minutes to be officially approved for the public record. 3. New Business: Request to amend city ordinances – storage of unregistered vehicles  Councilors debated new language proposed which would prohibit tarps or other materials to cover vehicles if the covered vehicle is still discernible as a vehicle. Pending attorney review, a motion was made by Councilor Riley, and Councilor Peake Seconded. Vote: 3-0 Approved to amend the city ordinance with language as presented on the September 7th City Council Agenda. 4. Continuing Business: Ordinance Amendment for Vacant Storefronts  Members of EDIC and the Building Commissioner who were asked to attend did not show for conversations related to vacant storefronts. Councilors had conversations concerning the roles and obligations of Councilors and City employees to attend meetings when requested and to be mindful of how ordinances contribute to City employee workloads.  Councilor Riley suggested reaching out to the director of Council on Aging for collaboration with the Senior Tax Work Off program. Perhaps a resident in the community could take on the extra work in exchange for a tax credit.  Councilor Derby also proposed a 3rd party entity that could enforce compliance with ordinance regulations.   Councilors had conversations about provisions related to properties owned by LLC’s that are legal entities other than persons.  Lastly, a conversation concerning inspection authority being granted to Police, Fire, and the Health Department was supported by the Committee if a public safety or public health emergency required immediate inspections. Next regular meeting: October 4 at 6:00pm. Councilor Peake made a motion to adjourn, and Councilor Riley seconded. Vote: 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM Respectfully Submitted, Councilor Brad Riley Clerk to the Ordinance Committee