Harrisburg Council Holds Public Hearing on Zoning Amendments and Trails Plan Contract

The Harrisburg City Council meeting held on December 13, 2024, focused on several key issues, including zoning amendments, professional service contracts, and infrastructure improvements.

The meeting began with a public hearing scheduled for 6 PM, aimed at gathering community input on proposed amendments to the city’s zoning regulations, specifically concerning accessory uses and structures. This hearing is part of the council's ongoing efforts to engage residents in local governance and ensure that zoning laws reflect community needs.

One of the significant agenda items was the amendment to the professional services contract with Tool Design Group LLC for the Harrisburg Trails Plan. Chad Eby from the Planning and Zoning Department explained that the amendment would extend the contract by three months to accommodate necessary meetings with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). This extension will allow the city to finalize discussions with the planning commission and complete the project in the first quarter of the following year. Importantly, there will be no increase in the contract amount.

The council also approved a proposal from Local Plan and Code Consulting, which involves a fee of $20.25 for plan review and code consulting services. This service is crucial for reviewing non-residential projects, such as commercial buildings and multi-family units. The city has relied on this consulting service for several years, with expenditures expected to rise significantly due to increased construction activity.

Additionally, the council discussed a change order for asphalt paving and concrete repairs in the Homesites Addition, amounting to $26,137.74. However, this item faced opposition, with council members voting against it.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city council's commitment to improving local infrastructure and engaging with residents on zoning matters, setting the stage for continued development in Harrisburg.