The City Council on Jan. 5 voted to receive and file the resignation of Craig Fairbanks from the Housing Commission. Council discussion noted that city rules and longstanding practice prohibit serving concurrently on the council and on certain city boards, prompting Fairbanks to resign his commission seat.

Kim Jordan thanked Fairbanks for his service during public comment. Councilors and the city attorney confirmed that because Fairbanks had participated in Housing Commission votes related to several matters now before the council, it was appropriate for him to abstain from those specific resolution items.

Council then considered three previously pulled resolution items together: a resolution to approve and authorize an amended forgivable loan agreement and promissory note tied to a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) owner‑occupied rehabilitation at 115 Birchwood Street (item 16), acceptance of contract and bond from Municipal Pipe Tool Company LLC for the 2025 sanitary sewer rehabilitation project (item 22), and a resolution receiving and filing and setting Jan. 2, 2026 as the public hearing date on plan specifications and cost estimates for the South Main Street sanitary sewer extension project (item 25). The clerk recorded six votes in favor and one abstention; Fairbanks abstained on the three items because of his prior Housing Commission involvement.

Councilors commended Fairbanks for proactively addressing potential conflicts by resigning from the commission, and the motions to approve the grouped items carried by roll call with the recorded abstention.