Rochester City Council Meeting - Feb. 11, 2019

The Rochester City Council meeting of February 11, 2019, included consideration of zoning changes for the mixed-use and office districts, with discussion of trailway setbacks, access, residential protections, and future development. Council advanced the mixed-use zoning item on first reading and approved the office-district item on first reading, with one dissenting vote. The planning staff said trailway access and design standards would be developed with the trail commissions; the proposed standards could shape future development but were not yet adopted. Council also approved several special-event applications. No RFPs, vendor selections, or contract awards were identified.

In its midyear financial update, the city reported $13.3 million in expenditures and said department spending was generally tracking below the halfway point of the budget. Ludlow construction was reported as under budget to date, though spring work and remaining invoices were still pending. Council discussed reviewing the city’s investment policy. A motion to send proposed charter-amendment language concerning the sale of city property to the Attorney General for review passed; the meeting also ended with approval to enter closed session for contract negotiations, with no contract details provided.