Shelby City Council advances agenda items
A series of items were acted upon at the May 6 Shelby City Council meeting that addressed infrastructure, potential changes to incoming employee benefits, and commemorative proclamations, all designed to enhance community welfare and historical preservation in the community.
A key focus of the session was the passing of Resolution No. 16-2024, which plays a role in the city’s infrastructure efforts.
This resolution authorizes the mayor, acting as the director of public service, to acquire rights of easement for the Shelby Avenue watermain replacement project.
A companion piece of legislation, Resolution No. 17-2024, also was adopted. Sponsored by Councilmember Steve Mclaughlin, this resolution approves the plans and authorizes the mayor, acting as director of public service, to advertise for bids and enter into a contract for the Shelby Avenue waterline replacement Project.
In other business, the council held a first reading on Ordinance No. 8-2024, aimed at bolstering Shelby’s position as an employer of choice.
This ordinance revises Section 260.10 concerning vacations in the Codified Ordinances to provide more competitive vacation benefits to potential hires with experience elsewhere.
The new provision would allow the mayor, as the director of public service, to grant qualified new hires with five years or more of applicable experience a vacation schedule at an advanced accrual rate. This amendment reflects a strategic move to attract skilled workers by enhancing the city’s employment
benefits.
The legislative language is still being worked on to possibly include other provisions or to change the five-year time frame mentioned.
At the request of Shelby City Councilman Charles Roub, Shelby law director
Gordon Eyster plans to provide a legal opinion on how potential passage of the legislation would affect certain existing employees of the municipal government.
Another resolution, No. 15-2024, was adopted to safeguard Shelby’s architectural heritage. It officially endorses design guidelines prepared by Perspectus Historic Architecture and the Shelby Historic Preservation Commission.
These guidelines were formulated following a consultation process that began with a request for proposals, evaluation of submissions, and a final agreement with the consulting firm, ensuring future developments and renovations maintain a consistent aesthetic that reflects Shelby’s historical values.
The vote on the ordinance was 4-1 with Roub casting the no vote, expressing his displeasure with prior historic preservation decisions that he described as not being in the interests of a downtown area building owner.
Further addressing residential infrastructure concerns, the council adopted Resolution No. 18-2024, which permits the mayor to enter into a marketing agreement with Utility Service Partners Private Label, Inc., d/b/a Service Line Warranties of America.
This resolution introduces a comprehensive warranty program covering repairs to residential external water service
lines, sewer laterals, and in-home plumbing systems, providing homeowners with options to manage these essential services.
The meeting also featured two significant proclamations by Mayor Steve Schag. The first proclamation designated May as Poppy Month, recognizing the distribution of Buddy Poppies by the American Legion Auxiliary as a gesture of remembrance and support for veterans and their families.
This initiative urges community members to contribute to the welfare of disabled and needy veterans through donations for Buddy Poppies.
Additionally, Mayor Schag proclaimed May as Mental Health Month.
This proclamation emphasizes the importance of mental health and substance use disorder treatment, advocating for increased public and private sector participation in promoting mental health awareness.
It calls upon the citizens, government agencies, businesses, and schools in Shelby to recommit to community wellness by providing better access to mental health services and supporting recovery.
In terms of ongoing projects, the development of the Purple Heart Trail was discussed under unfinished business, symbolizing the city’s ongoing commitment to honoring military service. A special ceremony is planned for the beginning of the next council meeting on May 20 when Purple Heart recipients in the area will be honored. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.
Check upcoming editions of the Shelby Daily Globe for a closer look at issues before the council