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Stockbridge council rejects private‑sale alley provision, approves contracts, hires officer
Summary
At its Nov. 20 meeting, the Village of Stockbridge council voted down a proposal to remove a restriction preventing private sale of an alley, approved routine contracts and a budget amendment, hired Officer Allen as full‑time, accepted a council resignation, and approved a DNR MOU and insurance renewal.
The Village of Stockbridge council on Nov. 20 rejected a change to Ordinance No. 2024-04-001.004 that would have allowed sale of a village alley at private sale, approved several contracts and financial actions, and took personnel steps in the police department.
President Ogden called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and the council immediately approved an amended agenda and several sets of minutes. During public comment, Tom Ford spoke about the Alleyway Ordinance and other attendees raised concerns directed at Interim Chief Tyler about past neighborhood issues; the council did not record any formal action in response to those comments.
The most consequential vote on the evening was a motion by Councilmember Cattell, supported by Councilmember Howlett, to remove section (1)(E) of Ordinance No. 2024-04-001.004 (the provision that would allow a private sale of the alley). The council recorded Aye — Cattell; Nay — Howlett, Good, Ogden; absent — Moorehouse and Fairbotham. The motion failed, leaving the ordinance provision in place.
On municipal finance, Councilmember Howlett moved, supported by Councilmember Good, to pay bills totaling $243,069.70; the roll call recorded Aye votes from Good, Howlett, Cattell and Ogden and the motion passed. The council also approved the Amended General Appropriation Act resolution (a budget amendment) after a motion by Howlett, supported by Cattell; the roll call again recorded unanimous support among members present.
The council approved the Yeo & Yeo contract renewal and adopted an Asset Capitalization & Useful Life Policy after motions by Howlett and Cattell. The council approved the MML insurance premium renewal in the amount of $29,543.
On public safety personnel, the council voted to hire Officer Allen to full‑time status (motion by Cattell, supported by Howlett) and approved posting a part‑time police position (motion by Howlett, supported by Ogden). The council also voted to decommission K9 Officer Mohawk and to offer the dog to his handler, Officer Smith, for purchase at $1.00.
In other business, the council accepted the resignation of councilmember Mellisa Powers-Taylor (motion by Howlett, supported by Cattell) and appointed Amanda Hahn to the SDDA board. The council approved its 2026 meeting schedule and named Cattell, Howlett and Ogden to the Village Police Committee. A DNR memorandum of understanding was approved as written.
The meeting ended after general public comment on transparency, police patrols and water irrigation meters; adjournment was approved at 8:40 p.m. The clerk signed the unapproved minutes.
