What: interim amendments to the city's River Hazard Area regulations, plus a letter stating the Council's intent to make them permanent, after a FEMA review found the city out of compliance.
Where it stands: on 2026-09-09 the Council approved the interim changes and authorized the Mayor to sign the letter, both 5-0 after a public hearing.
Next: the letter commits the Council to making the changes permanent; no date is stated in the minutes.
Details
Planning Director Miller said FEMA reviewed the River Hazard Area regulations as part of Community Rating System verification and found the city out of compliance with Class 8 requirements.
Hearing opened 6:36 PM and closed 6:38 PM. The only speaker, Stephen Whitaker, addressed the Council's two-minute limit on public comment rather than the regulations. Mr. Miller answered Council questions.
Motion 1: Councilor Jim Sheridan moved to approve the interim changes; Councilor Paul Costello seconded; carried 5-0.
Motion 2: Councilor Costello moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the letter; Councilor Sheridan seconded; carried 5-0.
Sal Alfano was excused.
Earlier meetings
2026-05-13 (item 2026-191, second reading): Mayor Marc Gwinn opened a public hearing at 7:25 p.m. and closed it at 7:32 p.m. Mike Miller reviewed the major changes to River Hazard Area regulations. Stephen Whitaker spoke in favor of allowing owners to create affordable housing units on the first floor. Mr. Miller said first-floor residential use is allowed but units must meet current code, which could require flood proofing or elevation, and short-term housing is permitted. Councilor Cary Brown moved to approve the amendments as presented; Councilor Sal Alfano seconded; carried 5-0 (2026-05-13 - City Council).