The Edgewater City Council met Tuesday, August 15th for their regular bi-monthly business meeting. All council members were in attendance, either in person or virtually. As always the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the consent agenda was unanimously adopted.
The meeting usually begins with updates from the city staff, and this week there were several. First up was Sustainability Coordinator Paige Johnson. Ms. Johnson encouraged the public to take the tree survey on the Envision Edgewater website, as well as to check out the various QR codes placed on trees around town. She also encouraged the public to submit their favorite photos of Edgewater’s trees as part of a contest the city is holding.
Next up was Deputy City Manager and Director of Community Development Jocelyn Mills. Ms. Mills gave a brief update on the progress of the Edgewater Comprehensive Plan, which has wrapped up Phase 1 and is moving into Phase 2 which will include a housing analysis and economic study.
Next was City Manager Dan Maples. Mr. Maples introduced Edgewater PD’s new Commander Berghahn, who spoke briefly. Mr. Maples also gave a brief update on the progress of the city’s Mental Health Plan.
Communications and Events Director Kalah Hardt followed, inviting the public to the Movie in the Park next weekend and expressing everyone’s excitement for the upcoming Edgewater Hometown Festival.
The last staff update came from City Clerk Lenore Pedroza, who will now be giving regular updates to the council now that she is a department head under the new city staff reorganization. Ms. Pedroza informed the council and public she has been busy getting ready for the 2023 election.
Following city staff updates, the meeting was opened to public comments on non-agenda items. Edgewater resident Larry Welshon took the podium to laud the city staff, citing several positive interactions, as well as express concern that they may be worked too hard, based on the late hours some of the city communications he received had been sent.
Up next on the Agenda was the 2nd reading of an ordinance to buy the property at 5440 W. 25th Avenue. Council went through the required formality of reading all the city properties, as required. The meeting deviated from the agenda here, while City Manager Maples retrieved a complete list from his office. Council shared their public comments here, with many welcoming Commander Berghahn and thoughts for the victims of the Maui Wildfire. Mr. Maples returned with the required list of properties. There was some spirited discussion and questions about the city taking on another property, but ultimately the council voted unanimously to purchase the property. Based on council and staff comments during the meeting, no decision has yet been made as to what the city plans with the property. For now, it appears it will continue operating as it has in the past.
Lastly, there was a discussion of upcoming agenda items and the meeting was adjourned. Edgewater City Council meets regularly every other Tuesday. Meetings are open to the public and can be attended either in person at the Edgewater Civic Center or virtually through the city website.
Thank you for sharing my public comment regarding the hardworking City staff. Any reason why you decided not to share my comment urging caution on the purchase of 5440 West 25th Avenue? Is it because it was a little critical? For those who care, I suggested caution because the City is purchasing this property with no inspections. The building we just purchased is of the right age for asbestos containing materials, yet we bought it without knowing whether or not that one environmental hazard is present (not to mention many other potential issues).