Council are back after a much needed two-week holiday break sitting for a regular session Thursday morning with a 61-item agenda, 48 requiring a vote. None being more contentious than another vote related to the South Howard Flood Relief project. This time accepting modifications to the previously approved grant agreement with the state.
Additionally council will be voting on items ranging from accepting a donation of a $9,604.50 bike trailer (Item 4) for the police department to a $16 million contract for landfill disposal (Item 49.) Included in the items on this week’s agenda are several that were continued from December—improvements at Gadsden Park and Julian B. Lane dock, Lowry Park shoreline improvements, and use of tree trust fund for PIPES projects.
Nothing will be voted on but the discussion is scheduled to start on the closeout of the FY25 budget and identifying appropriated but unspent funds. Last year that number was $25.5 million with a majority used to replenish the hurricane fund and the remainder appropriated for paving, stormwater, and flood assistance grants…