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Laurel council advances curfew and utility-construction ordinances, tables public-comment policy
Summary
On May 18 the Laurel Mayor & Council approved first readings of two ordinances — a curfew amendment (Ordinance 2026-2) and a utility construction/repair provision (Ordinance 2026-3) — and voted to table a new public-participation policy for one month to allow additional review.
Town Manager Jamie Smith presented first readings of two ordinances at the May 18 Mayor & Council meeting and the council advanced each by unanimous recorded vote.
Ordinance 2026-2 would update Chapter 69 (curfew) to apply to people 18 and under for all days of the week, permit officers to use discretion informed by training when assessing age, allow officers to issue written warnings at the scene and set a minimum $50 fine for a first offense. Police Chief Robert Kracyla and Captain Bryan were present and available to answer questions. The council accepted the first reading 6–0 with one vacancy.
Ordinance 2026-3 would amend Chapter 157 (Utility Construction and Repair) so that the town contracts with an approved contractor to install water and sewer service lines in town roadways and requires payment of the installation fee at the time a building permit is issued. Council accepted the first reading 6–0.
Mayor Carlos Oliveras also presented a draft Public Participation Policy that would require speakers to sign in, identify name and address on the record, and limit public-comment time to three minutes per speaker (with a total public-comment cap of 30 minutes and a possible extension of up to two additional minutes in limited cases). Councilman George Lodato moved to table the policy for further review; the motion carried 6–0. Council asked staff to return the policy for discussion at the next regular meeting.
What happens next: Both ordinances will return for a subsequent reading/consideration per the town's ordinance process; the Public Participation Policy will be considered again after staff and council members review the draft.
