What happened on Sunday, 19 October 2025
Town of Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts
At a meeting on Oct. 16, 2025, the Town of Lakeville Building Reuse Subcommittee heard a presentation from Apollo Project Management about a proposed building assessment of the town hall and discussed reuse options, septic constraints, energy-code upgrades and public-engagement plans.
Town of Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts
Consultants presented three scenarios — conservation‑focused, employment‑focused and a hybrid — for the former sandpit site; the board expressed broad support for a balanced hybrid (scenario C) and asked consultants for follow‑up options and comparables.
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
Committee members discussed frequent requests to convert commercial buildings to apartments, Assembly Bill 449 (accessory dwelling unit legislation) and plans for a zoning rewrite; staff recommended pausing the multi-dwelling ad‑hoc committee work until the state bill's outcome is clear.
Taft, Kern County, California
Senator Shannon Grove and Congressman Vince Fong spoke at a Taft Oil Dorado Days event, praising recently passed SB 237 and urging expanded oil production, pipeline volume certainty and use of carbon-capture enhanced oil recovery to avoid refinery closures and higher fuel costs.
Hempstead, Nassau County, New York
The Town of Hempstead board presented its preliminary 2026 budget and moved to include estimated ending fund balances and amend the deputy supervisor’s compensation. The plan would reduce the town tax levy by $5 million (an 18% cut to the general fund levy the board controls), but residents raised concerns about a projected use of reserves and the
Missoula, Missoula County, Montana
Multiple speakers at the Missoula "No Kings" rally highlighted long-standing barriers to tribal participation in Montana elections and urged voter registration, outreach and protection of ballot access for Indigenous communities.
Missoula, Missoula County, Montana
At the Missoula 'No Kings' rally, immigration lawyer Carrie Hong and other speakers described ICE operations as violent and called for protections for immigrants, urging local sanctuary and welcome actions and opposing deportations.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
The Local Planning Agency recommended that the City Commission move exterior color and material regulations from Chapter 150 into the land development regulations (Chapter 265), adopt a city color palette by resolution, and allow black, dark brown or dark gray as accent colors on up to 25% of exterior wall surfaces.
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
The committee approved sending a draft citation-ordinance amendment to towns for review. The draft updates code cross-references and proposes raising citation deposit amounts (staff proposed $100 increases) as part of stronger enforcement of zoning violations.
Hempstead, Nassau County, New York
The Town of Hempstead Town Board on Oct. 16, 2025 approved a resolution ratifying and confirming the deputy supervisor's compensation. Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby recused herself from debate and the vote. Members of the public questioned the timing and size of the pay action during the public hearing on the preliminary budget.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
A commissioner reported that two residents offered to donate Romero Britto designs to wrap five new lifeguard towers. Commissioners discussed code compliance, maintenance, permitting and public engagement; staff will return with options and public-feedback plans.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
Owners at the Ocean View condominium asked the commission during public comment to intervene after the association presented a third assessment and a proposed $13 million loan; speakers alleged inflated figures, possible mismanagement and conflicts of interest and said they had filed complaints with the state.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
The commission approved a second amendment to BEA Architects’ project agreement to continue design work on renovations at 18050 Collins Avenue, raising the contract total to $416,018.88. The item prompted extended discussion among commissioners about scope, costs and whether the building department should relocate to the site.
Missoula, Missoula County, Montana
At a Missoula rally, an immunologist warned that recent federal personnel changes and advisory committee removals could increase vaccine hesitancy and public-health risk; speaker urged reliance on established scientific advisory bodies.
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
The committee approved the final county subdivision plat (Sugarbush Phase 2) in the Town of Bass Lake, accepting staff and surveyor findings that the plat complies with county subdivision ordinance; no additional conditions were placed.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
Commissioners debated amending rules to allow limited remote voting for emergencies or unavoidable absences. The city attorney and clerk warned the commission that Florida law and the city charter pose legal limits; commissioners asked the manager and attorney to research options and return with recommendations.
California Volunteers, Agencies under Office of the Governor, Executive, California
Speakers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California told a meeting that 140 children, mostly boys, are waiting for mentors and urged Central Valley residents to volunteer; speakers referenced Gov. Newsom's call for 10,000 male mentors and a $5 million commitment.
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
The zoning committee approved Conditional Use Permit 25-050 allowing a detached accessory structure on vacant land with a three-year deadline to build the principal dwelling and permit the accessory structure on the opposite side of the town road from the future home.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
At a regularly scheduled commission meeting, commissioners approved first readings of several ordinances, authorized multiple contract actions and budget adjustments, and voted to join a legal challenge to SB 180. Key purchases included two lifeguard towers and a seawall contract; several administrative and IT renewals were also approved.
Missoula, Missoula County, Montana
Organizers and speakers at a Missoula "No Kings" rally on Oct. 31 framed the event as a nonviolent show of popular power, urging voter registration, volunteerism and local organizing while touching on labor, free-speech and immigration concerns.
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
The committee approved Conditional Use Permit 25-049 for an in-home salon in the Town of Bass Lake, adding conditions that the business be limited to a single operator (one-chair/one-operator) and that parking comply with applicable laws and not block an easement road.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
Commissioners pressed staff for technical and cost details after staff said a peer review of a proposed injection‑well flood mitigation approach was canceled; staff said the design envisions modifying 10 existing wells and will be taken to bid.
Santa Cruz County, California
The Santa Cruz City Planning Commission voted unanimously Oct. 16 to forward staff’s Beaches and Bluffs hazard adaptation chapter to the Local Coastal Program update, endorsing a monitoring‑based, triggers‑and‑thresholds approach and initial SAMP projects for West Cliff, Manaka Beach and Seabright Eastcliff.
California Volunteers, Agencies under Office of the Governor, Executive, California
Speakers at a public event argued that volunteer service can both address social isolation and engage Californians in climate action, citing a recent U.S. Surgeon General declaration on loneliness and describing opportunities for short- and long-term service.
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
The committee approved a five-year renewal of conditional use permit 25-046 for a nonmetallic mineral extraction operation (gravel pit) in the Town of Sand Lake, requiring compliance with DNR rules and requesting a written neighbor agreement if crushing is to occur inside the 1,000-foot setback.
Santa Cruz County, California
The Santa Cruz City Planning Commission approved a consent-item permit for the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History to expand at 1305 East Cliff Drive after brief public comment about impacts to a small adjacent park. The vote carried with multiple yes votes and one abstention.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
A commissioner reported resident complaints about condominium companies reserving beach space by presetting chairs; commissioners asked staff for maps of current permits, clarification of rules and options including eliminating presetting or changing permit terms.
South River Public School District, School Districts, New Jersey
Superintendent Dr. Zurcher reported on a newly opened educational annex and CUSAC compliance scores; Mr. Crouch presented the district’s 2024–25 anti-bullying (HIB) self-assessment; and Dr. Trevisano reviewed NJSLA, ACCESS for ELLs and Dynamic Learning Maps results and next steps including a K–8 literacy coach grant and K–3 screening.
Arlington County, Virginia
Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia told the Arlington County Board that 2024 county-commissioned testing and 2025 Human Rights Initiative testing show ongoing discrimination by source of funds, familial status, national origin and disability; the group urged amending the human rights ordinance and prioritizing enforcement and education.
Taylor, School Districts, Florida
At the meeting the board approved the annual financial report, the 2025‑26 student progression plan, a memorandum of agreement with the ABLE Trust for $22,000, and several personnel‑related hour and position changes.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
After receiving a low compliance score from the Sea Turtle Conservancy on the city’s lighting ordinance, commissioners requested staff and the city attorney review ordinances and return with recommended updates that balance conservation and infrastructure needs.
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
After a public hearing with residents, campground owners and town officials, the Sawyer County Zoning Committee voted to forward an ordinance amendment ("Option F") to the county board recommending a 30% combined cap on park-model trailers and camping cabins in licensed campgrounds.
South River Public School District, School Districts, New Jersey
The South River Board of Education voted to adopt a consent resolution that approved the 2026–27 budget calendar, multiple vendor contracts (including district security cameras and ALEKS math), field-trip services and routine financial transfers.
Taylor, School Districts, Florida
The board approved a contract with Capital Solutions LLC to pursue legislative appropriations and local funding opportunities, including support for turfing the high‑school football field and building a regulation track.
Arlington County, Virginia
A public commenter asked the Arlington County Board to investigate alleged mistreatment, misused donations and insufficient training among staff at shelters operated by Path Forward, citing a personal dismissal from RPC and urging involvement of the county and DHS to strengthen oversight and client protections.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
A commissioner raised concerns that city social‑media posts have been attributed inconsistently, favoring the mayor. The commission asked the city manager to draft a policy to clarify institutional voice, attribution rules, and procedures for ceremonial or politically sensitive posts.
Taylor, School Districts, Florida
After a presentation on a proposed half‑cent local option sales tax, the Taylor County School Board approved a contract with ClearView Research to conduct a scientifically valid poll and help draft ballot language and initial guidance.
Municipal Court of Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
Two speakers exchanged remarks at the Municipal Court of Providence about traffic citations for a pizza delivery driver, who said multiple red-light fines and an $85 penalty exceed the value of the deliveries.
Town of Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts
The Planning Board voted to recommend Mark Kresge for appointment as an associate member and will forward the recommendation to the Select Board.
Arlington County, Virginia
The Arlington County Board unanimously approved its consent agenda, advancing an adaptive-reuse project that would add 296 residential units at 4100 Fairfax Drive, updating tenant-relocation guidelines, expanding stormwater credits to homeowners associations, and accepting multiple grants including $1.2 million in FHWA funds and $38 million in state transportation funds.
Arlington County, Virginia
Dozens of public commenters on Oct. 18 pressed the Arlington County Board on opposing views about Palestine and antisemitism: speakers urged divestment and criticized ties to defense/surveillance industries, while others warned about rising antisemitism locally and urged protections; the board reiterated that foreign policy is outside its jurisdiction but vowed to oppose hate and support reporting of incidents.
Taft, Kern County, California
The Western States Petroleum Association presented awards and recognitions at the Taft Oil Dorado Days program, honoring industry leader Les Clark and recognizing Mayor Dave Noor for long service; county supervisors presented a proclamation.
Town of Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts
The board endorsed an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan combining frontage from two adjacent Lombard Road parcels into a single new building lot; the board noted wetlands and Conservation Commission review will affect future buildability.
Hempstead, Nassau County, New York
The board opened a public hearing on the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District assessment roll (FY 2026), continued the afternoon portion of the hearing to 7:00 PM when no one in the afternoon session spoke, and later approved the assessment roll at the reconvened session.
Arlington County, Virginia
The Arlington County Board unanimously authorized advertising proposed amendments to county code chapter 14.3 on trespass towing, including raising the hookup/initial tow fee up to the state-allowed maximum and adding placard requirements for tow trucks; the board also directed staff to study fair-market towing values and report back by Dec. 13, 2025.
Hempstead, Nassau County, New York
The Town Board approved a resolution ratifying the deputy supervisor's compensation after the deputy briefly recused; public commenters questioned the deputy's hours, proximity to the election and whether the payroll change represented a raise.
Hempstead, Nassau County, New York
Supervisor told the Town Board the preliminary 2026 budget cuts the town's general-fund levy by $5 million and reduces staffing; the board voted to include estimated ending fund balances and amend deputy-supervisor compensation in the preliminary budget and continued the hearing to 7:00 PM amid public concerns about reserve use and transparency.