Perry council places zoning amendment on next agenda, schedules budget workshop and weighs website redesign

The City of Perry council on March 5 advanced administrative and community items, placing Zoning Ordinance amendment 407 — which would add definitions for “Community Cats” and “Community Cats – Caretaker” to Section 2.04 and Section 2.17(P) — on the next agenda for possible approval. The council’s motion to place the amendment on the agenda passed unanimously after the text was read to those present.

Clerk Shirley Smith reminded residents that nominating petitions for council seats are available at City Hall and must be returned by April 21, 2026, by 4 p.m. Council set a budget workshop for March 24, 2026 from 5–8 p.m. in Council Chambers to continue work on the 2026/2027 budget. Treasurer Meggen Galbreath, who chairs the Parks Committee, outlined upcoming community events including a seed and seedling swap at Veterans Park on April 25 and the fourth annual Family Fun Night on July 15; she said the committee will review the five‑year park plan ahead of the 2027 renewal and that she is applying for a T‑Mobile grant for Jubilee Park.

Clerk Shirley Smith also presented an informational proposal from Shumaker Technology Group for a full website redesign to meet ADA compliance requirements slated for 2027. The proposal was received as information only and will be considered as part of the upcoming budget process. Mayor Sue Hammond said the city must apply for congressional directed spending grants by the end of March, and she asked council to consider adding a possible appointment and compensation item for Treasurer Meggen Galbreath to the next agenda to recognize work she has done beyond her treasurer duties.

There were no public comments during the meeting. The council adjourned at 8:11 p.m.