MILTON — Here are a few things to make note of following the City Council’s May 10 meeting.
1. Contract renewal keeps traffic light cameras operating in Milton
The city council unanimously approved signing a contract renewal which would keep red light cameras in operation within city limits.
City Manager Brian Watkins said the five-year renewal with American Traffic Solutions Inc. would include reduced operating costs. Previously the cameras operated at a cost of $4,750 a month the price has been reduced to $4,250.
Like the previous contract, the renewal will include a revenue neutral clause, meaning the company would have to write off any year-end debt accumulated by the city in the traffic camera program.
2. Council votes on language concerning Sunday alcohol sales
The results were the same when it came to voting on the language for an upcoming ballot item concerning Sunday alcohol sales in Milton.
The language was approved despite two nay votes from Council Members Patsy Lunsford and Grady Hester. Both council members voted the same during this month’s executive committee meeting.
The language ‘Should the City Council of the City of Milton Florida amend the Milton Code of Ordinances to provide for Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages? YES or NO’ will be submitted to the county’s Supervisor of Elections office with the intent to appear on the General Election ballot.
3. Officials narrow search for lobbying firm
A review committee consisting of Watkins, City Attorney Heather Lindsay, Council members Ashley Lay, Grady Hester and Jimmy Messick have narrowed down the list of potential lobbying firms from 11 to four.
Anfield Consulting, Ballard Partners, Liberty Partners and Southern Strategy Group will undergo an interview process with the council at an upcoming meeting. Watkins said the lobbying firm would serve in the city’s best interests.
One example would be advocating for legislative funding for a new wastewater treatment facility.
4. City to inquire about joining Climate Adaptation Task Force
The council voted in favor of having the city manager further inquire about possibly joining the city of Pensacola’s ‘Climate Adaptation Task Force.’
In an email to the city from Dan Kraher, the Council Executive of Pensacola, the city in a partnership with the Environmental Advisory Board is seeking possible participation from local municipalities to be part of the task force.
The email said the task force has objectives and goals in addressing potential issues concerning climate change. Those objectives include the development adaptation and mitigation strategies for withstanding the adverse impacts of climate change, developing a program to encourage residents, business owners and organizations to participate in a climate change plan and develop strategies in obtaining state or federal grants, energy costs savings and other financial resources to benefit government operations, homeowners, businesses and organizations which conserve energy and are green friendly.
5. Date set for public hearing regarding potential rezoning of Stewart Street
City officials invite residents who own property along the Stewart Street corridor to their second public hearing concerning possible rezoning in the area.
The meeting will take place 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 2 at city hall, 6738 Dixon Street in Milton. Property owners along Stewart Street will be notified by mail.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Traffic light cameras, Sunday alcohol sales among Milton Council hot topics