City staff provided a status-and-information report covering several ongoing projects and programs.

Mr. Beata (staff) said the DCIP (Department of Defense) grant kickoff meeting went well, with representatives from the DOD's grant office attending on site. He noted that multiple city divisions — including engineering, finance and executive offices — participated in the kickoff and will coordinate with the federal administrators located in Arlington, Virginia.

Beata reported the city planted 176 trees this year to help restore the urban canopy after removals for emerald ash borer, and he noted the city did not receive a Morton Arboretum grant this cycle and will seek other funding sources.

On facilities, Beata said the City Services Center (formerly the Bethany project) is progressing: interior demolition and painting are complete in sections, carpeting is being installed and the project should be substantially complete by mid-March, with some staff already using portions of the facility.

Beata also described a small but growing Compass program of participating businesses (three businesses at present) that provide discounts to local customers; staff encouraged alderpersons to recruit additional participating restaurants and retailers.

Councilmembers raised winter-preparedness questions: public-works staff said equipment and crews are staged and ready for snow events, the city mailed notices about snow routes via utility bills and staff are working with the newly created community-engagement position to refine communications about plow routes and emergency parking rules. The public-works representative said large-scale towing for snow events would be reserved for severe "buffalo-style" storms and that tagging and enforcement for abandoned vehicles remains part of routine traffic and code enforcement work.

The city also reported success with leaf collection and other seasonal services, and staff encouraged residents to use the city's online reporting tools for abandoned vehicles and service requests.

No formal action was required on these informational items.