WBV

Finance Director (Jane Doe) presented preliminary budget adjustments: projected shortfalls in general fund revenues, with pressures on fuel costs and employee health insurance.
Councilmember Smith asked about prioritizing delayed capital projects vs. maintaining service levels.
Councilmember Alvarez suggested a hiring freeze in non-essential departments until revenue stabilizes.
Consensus: staff will return with a two-column draft budget separating essential services from deferrable projects.

Police Chief Brown and Fire Chief Daniels reported staffing gaps: difficulty filling vacancies, reliance on overtime, and strain on morale.
Councilmember Lee floated recruitment incentives (signing bonuses, housing stipends), while others warned about long-term sustainability.
Councilmember White raised regional cooperation, asking staff to examine shared training academies or joint purchasing.
Staff to compile a menu of staffing incentive options and research on regional models.

Public Works Director Johnson outlined progress on major road resurfacing and utility upgrades, but flagged contractor delays.
Planning Director Collins updated on upcoming housing development applications and neighborhood rezoning considerations.
Council concerns: lack of public communication, especially when timelines shift.
Action item: staff to prepare a public-facing dashboard with project status, expected completion dates, and contractor accountability.

City Attorney’s Office outlined potential upcoming ordinance work:
- Short-term rental regulations (licensing, occupancy limits).
- Zoning code modernization (parking minimums, mixed-use allowances).
Councilmember Harris asked for examples from nearby municipalities with similar rental markets.
Agreement: gather comparative ordinances before drafting anything in-house; emphasize need for public hearings prior to introduction.

Parks & Recreation Director Miller briefed on programming needs, partnerships with nonprofits, and potential grants.
Councilmember Patel suggested exploring joint funding agreements with local foundations.
Councilmember Greene cautioned about public perception of private dollars influencing park policy — asked for transparency safeguards.

Staff assignments:

Finance: Return with revised budget framework (essentials vs. discretionary).
Public Works/Planning: Create and publish infrastructure dashboard.
Public Safety: Present staffing incentive options and regional partnership models.
Legal/Planning: Collect comparative research on zoning and short-term rental policies.

Council expects formal drafts and deliberation at the next regular meeting.

‍