Council Extends Sprinkler Ban, Approves Opioid Settlement

Introduction

The Government Operations Committee Meeting held on December 9, 2021, focused on key safety and infrastructure measures, including extending the residential sprinkler moratorium, joining a national opioid settlement, and approving a road improvement project. The meeting lasted approximately 13 minutes and 44 seconds and involved swift approvals for significant city projects and legal agreements.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Approval of Agreement with Gartner Consulting

The committee approved a $43,300 agreement with Gartner Consulting to provide IT research and consulting services, citing the firm's history of delivering valuable cost-saving insights.

2. Extension of Residential Sprinkler Moratorium

A one-year extension of the moratorium on sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings was approved, with city officials emphasizing ongoing discussions over cost concerns and the upcoming adoption of the 2021 building code.

3. Participation in National Opioid Settlement

The city voted to opt-in to the National Multi-State Coalition Opioid Settlement, ensuring eligibility for funding to support opioid response and abatement programs. Officials highlighted a January 2nd deadline for participation.

4. Foundry Business Park Road Improvements

A resurfacing project in the Foundry Business Park was approved, utilizing expiring TIF funds to complete critical roadwork. Work will begin in the spring.

5. Parking Deck and Camera Grant Update

The planned parking deck presentation was postponed, pending updates on a grant application for additional security cameras, with further discussions expected in January.

Decisions Made

• Approved Gartner Consulting agreement for IT services

• Extended residential sprinkler moratorium until 2022 or adoption of new code

• Authorized city participation in the opioid settlement

• Approved resurfacing contract for Foundry Business Park

• Deferred parking deck presentation until grant status is confirmed

Action Items

• City staff to finalize consulting contract

• Fire Department to enforce sprinkler moratorium

• Legal team to submit opioid settlement paperwork

• Public Works to coordinate spring resurfacing project

• City to monitor grant application before scheduling deck presentation

Important Notes

• The sprinkler moratorium has been extended multiple times, with builders and realtors citing cost concerns.

• The opioid settlement is an opt-in lawsuit that requires quick action to secure funding for local initiatives.

• The TIF district funding for the roadwork expires December 31, creating urgency for project approval.

Meeting Timeline

• 0:00 – 0:25: Roll call and agenda approval

• 0:59 – 1:57: Gartner Consulting contract discussion and approval

• 1:57 – 5:28: Sprinkler moratorium extension debate and vote

• 5:28 – 9:29: Opioid settlement resolution review and approval

• 9:29 – 11:17: Foundry Business Park project discussion and vote

• 11:17 – 13:44: Parking deck discussion and meeting adjournment

Conclusion

The December 9, 2021, Government Operations Committee Meeting underscored the city’s commitment to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and strategic planning. By extending the sprinkler moratorium, joining the opioid settlement, and approving infrastructure improvements, officials demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns and leveraging funding opportunities. Future updates are expected on the parking deck project and grant funding.