Council approves first reading of Ordinance 746 rezone on 3-2 vote

The City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 746, a request to rezone a property, by a 3-2 roll call vote during tonight’s meeting. The vote advances the matter to a required second reading.

A council member who moved the motion said the first-reading approval gives the council time to examine an alternative location that has been discussed in Aspen Park and noted the rezoning has already been considered by planning and zoning. The mover also told the council that approval at first reading does not mean any construction—specifically a tower discussed during hearings—will begin immediately, because additional approvals are required.

Council members were asked for further comment before the roll call. The meeting record shows three affirmative votes and two negative votes; named roll-call responses included three “aye” votes and two recorded “no” votes, yielding a 3-2 result that passed the first reading.

Because this action was the ordinance’s first reading, the council said a second reading will follow at a later meeting, at which additional public notice and further discussion are expected. Council members also noted the matter has been reviewed previously by the planning and zoning body.

The council excused Council member Lawrence from voting on this item earlier in the meeting; staff said he left the room before the roll call. The council indicated more proceedings and public opportunities will occur before any building permits or construction could proceed.