(PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
TACKLING OLD BUSINESS … Village Administrator Blair Campbell listens as Council Member Shawn Clark voices concerns with the proposed ordinance repeal.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Holiday City Village Council meeting mainly revisited discussions from the previous meeting. The October 17th meeting was called to order at 6:02pm. Roll call was taken by Mayor Pamela Clark.
In attendance was Cooper Clark, Shawn Clark, Jodie Faunce, Chelsea Funk, Jarrett Funk, Beau Zuver, Attorney Cara Wells, Village Administrator Blair Campbell, and Police Lieutenant Jennifer Hern. Absent was Fiscal Officer Lauri TenEyck-Rupp.
The pledge of allegiance followed before moving on to the approval of the meeting minutes from September 18th. Motioned by Cooper Clark and seconded by Jarrett Funk, it was approved by all members.
Mayor Clark introduced two ordinances to the council, ordinance 2024-5 for 2025 temporary appropriations and ordinance 2024-6 for amending compensation for officers and employees.
Shawn Clark questioned the Deputy Administrator being listed in the ordinance. Cara Wells explained that it remains in there to allow for flexibility if the role was to be added in the future.
Being as this was the first reading of both ordinances, further discussion will take place at the next meeting.
Reports followed with Mayor Clark giving the fiscal officer report. She listed the payments, receipts, and balance remaining as well as updated interest earned on investments. The report was approved by all being motioned by Jarrett Funk.
Clark continued with the mayor’s report where she shared highlights from the guest speaker at the Mayor’s Association meeting the previous night.
Administrator Campbell provided the visitor’s bureau update explaining upcoming plans for a Christmas caravan from Quality Inn through surrounding communities.
Campbell also updated the council on Montpelier water and sewage study and the rental agreement for crops, both discussed in the previous meeting. Mayor Clark spoke briefly about the planning commission and provided the upcoming meeting dates.
The meeting moved on to unfinished business with continued discussion on two topics. First is the repeal of Ordinance 2021-11 regarding the outlaw of marijuana sale and cultivation. It was decided at the last meeting to hand the issue over to zoning first before the council made any decision.
Several members voiced opinions and concerns regarding the potential sale of marijuana in Holiday City. Top concerns were how it would affect crime rates and property values.
Members were also concerned about whether the added revenue would be worth it. Positives that were highlighted included additional revenue as well as more business opportunities especially medically related.
Cara Wells advised that she could try to pull some data together to help the council get a better understanding of the risk and rewards.
Second topic was the hearing requested at the last meeting with the liquor licensing commission. Cara Wells explained that the form was received by the liquor licensing commission and that no other real updates have been provided.
While the form only allows two options, approve or object, the council was clear that they did not object but requested the hearing to get more information on the intent for sale.
Administrator Campbell reached out to the group through a letter as an address was the only contact information available. He had not received a response at the time of the meeting.
Administrator Campbell shared a few other updates before the meeting closed. One being the opening of Iron Horse Trail in Montpelier on October 26th. Cooper Clark, Mayor Clark and Administrator Campbell all stated that they planned to attend.
Campbell also provided an update from the real estate speaker invited to the previous meeting. He stated that the building construction company could come and present to the council in November, however the council declined the offer at this time.
Prior to adjournment, Jarrett Funk inquired about the siren which has been out of service for several months.
Administrator Campbell stated he had contacted one company and was looking to contact others but agreed that it was a high priority.
The meeting was then adjourned at 7:44 pm.