Residents urge delay on planner contract and question late agenda additions; council approves consultant contract for Richard Hall

Public commentators raised procedural and staffing concerns about signing a planner contract before the incoming mayor assumes office. Jeff Blakely said the late addition of an item to the agenda "did not meet the five-business day prior to the meeting City Code" and warned last-minute additions have left some council members uninformed. Cheryl Germaine said a Facebook poll showed the new mayor should have input on the planner and questioned why a contract would be signed when the mayor-elect had not yet taken office.

Despite public concern about timing, the council approved a 2026 personal services contract for Richard Hall for planning and consultant services, not to exceed $40,000, by recorded vote (motion by Joshua Good, seconded by Margie Lee; Norris Yes, Good Yes, Lee Yes). Councilmembers and the city attorney discussed that the five-day posting requirement could be updated under the new administration, and the final budget was rescheduled so grant-related items could be addressed after the hiring and budget matters are settled.