Council approves amended Clay Street Devco agreement and adds legal position on first reading

The Common Council of the City of Hobart unanimously approved two formal actions at its Feb. 4, 2026 meeting.

The council approved Resolution 2026-06, which authorizes an amended development agreement between the City and Clay Street Devco, LLC. Director of Development Marcos Rodriquez said the amendment extends the original March 2023 agreement to reflect construction delays; Attorney Richard Anderson told the council that construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The motion to approve was made by Councilmember Brezik and seconded by Councilmember Kara; the vote was recorded as all aye, motion carried (6-0).

On first reading the council approved Ordinance 2026-03 to add a position and amend the salary range in the legal department and to transfer appropriations within the 2026 general fund budget. City Attorney McCarthy explained that adding in-house legal capacity will improve efficiency and departmental responsiveness; Mayor Huddlestun said the legal department is currently stretched. The ordinance passed first reading on a roll-call vote, with a motion by Councilmember Brezik and a second by Councilmember Waldrop, recorded as all aye (6-0). As a first-reading approval, the ordinance will return for the required next reading(s) before final adoption.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 2026-06 (Clay Street Devco, LLC): Motion Brezik; second Kara. Outcome: approved (6-0). Attorney Richard Anderson stated projected construction completion by end of 2027. - Ordinance 2026-03 (add legal-department position; transfer appropriations): Motion Brezik; second Waldrop. Outcome: approved on first reading (6-0). Further readings required for final adoption.

No other formal votes on ordinances or resolutions were recorded during this session. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.