During a recent city council meeting, key discussions centered around public safety initiatives and proposed changes to local ordinances.
City Manager updates indicated that certain budgetary items would be carried forward into the next fiscal year, with a focus on enhancing police training programs. Chief of Police Todd Pillsbury elaborated on the \"Bleppy\" program, which aims to train new officers who have not yet attended the police academy. The department hopes to send two recruits to the 18-week training course, with aspirations to hire an additional three officers to bolster community safety.
In another significant agenda item, the council addressed a proposed amendment to the city code concerning fire protection regulations, specifically regarding fire pits and campfires. This initiative arose from resident concerns about safety and proximity of fires to properties. The Ordinance Review Committee has been actively reviewing similar regulations from other municipalities to ensure the new rules effectively address these concerns. Code Enforcement Officer Chris McNeil was present to provide insights and answer questions related to the proposed ordinance.
The council unanimously approved the carry-forward items from the current fiscal year to the next, signaling a commitment to ongoing public safety and community welfare initiatives.