During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the management of funds related to fire-damaged properties and addressed community safety concerns regarding traffic at a local intersection.

Council members clarified the process of holding funds for property rehabilitation, emphasizing that the city retains money until property owners complete necessary repairs. This measure ensures that if properties are not rehabilitated, the city can proceed with demolition without incurring additional costs. The funds are kept in a non-interest bearing account, and while the general fund generates nominal interest, there is no obligation to pay interest on these specific funds.

The council also moved to expedite the release of funds for property owners awaiting checks, with assurances that payments could be processed by the end of the week. This decision was prompted by inquiries from residents about delays in receiving their funds.

In a separate discussion, a resident raised concerns about traffic safety at the intersection of Greenwood and Mark Streets, citing multiple accidents in recent years. The resident urged the council to consider implementing traffic calming measures, such as stop signs or speed bumps, to reduce speeding and enhance safety for children and pedestrians in the area. Council members acknowledged the need for a traffic study and expressed their commitment to addressing the issue, including potential enforcement measures and the installation of speed indicators.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for all city employees to complete mandatory fraud training, which is now required for both new and current employees. This initiative aims to enhance accountability and transparency within city operations.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's proactive approach to financial management and community safety, as well as their responsiveness to resident concerns.