Atwater Council approves public-comment timing change, park land purchase funding and cannabis monitoring renewal

At its Jan. 12 meeting, the Atwater City Council approved three procedural and budget actions that set near-term priorities for parks, regulation and public participation.

The council voted unanimously to move general public comment to immediately before the consent calendar, beginning tonight, a change proponents said will make it easier for residents — especially those who cannot stay late — to address the body.

Council members then approved a budget amendment to allocate funding to pursue acquisition of up to two properties for Osborne Park expansion. Staff said the amendment uses $900,000 of one-time general-fund money and park impact fees; the latter can be used only to buy new parkland and improvements on that land. Council approved the motion after staff said the amendment covers acquisition needs while further construction funding would come from other sources.

The council also authorized Amendment No. 2 to the professional services agreement with HDL Companies for cannabis monitoring and compliance services, a renewal with an annual cost of up to $86,615 paid through cannabis-related revenues. HDL representatives described the scope as background checks, inspections and coordination with the city’s code enforcement manager; staff said inspection costs are billed to the cannabis businesses through their regulatory permits.

All three items were approved following public comment and council discussion. No motions failed; recorded roll calls showed unanimous yes votes on the items moved separately from the consent calendar.

The council heard additional presentations from the fire and police departments, received public comment on homelessness and park safety, and concluded with district reports and a year-in-review from the mayor.