During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions centered around the adoption of various resolutions and public hearings related to city assessments and development agreements. The council unanimously approved a motion to adopt staff recommendations regarding tax assessments, which now total $572,192.25 for 530 parcels, reflecting a reduction due to payments received from property owners.

The meeting also featured public hearings on the annual levy of assessments for maintenance districts and a development agreement for the adaptive reuse of a historic property. The council expressed gratitude to local construction company HDC Construction Inc. for their investment in the city, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing downtown Ontario.

A notable point of contention arose during discussions on a planned unit development ordinance, where council members debated the height of buildings in downtown. Mayor Pro Tem raised concerns about the proposed four- and five-story buildings, advocating for a maximum of four stories to maintain a suburban feel. However, other council members defended the need for taller structures to attract investment and support the city’s growth strategy.

The council ultimately decided to maintain the existing policy allowing for four-story buildings, with a focus on ensuring adequate parking and supporting developers' rights. The discussions highlighted the ongoing balancing act between community preferences and the necessity for urban development as Ontario continues to evolve into a more densely populated area. The meeting concluded with a commitment to uphold the city’s development policies while addressing community concerns.