The Stuart City Council met in regular session Monday.

The Council began the meeting by swearing in four new Reserve Officers to the Stuart Police Department. They are volunteers and will serve when needed.

Stuart Chamber of Commerce Vice President Loretta Sloss then addressed the Board on adjustments to park features and policies. The Council approved a patriotic rock to be placed at the pocket park as presented by Sloss. The rock includes an American flag etched on the front and would be purchased locally. She says the funds to purchase the rock would come from private donations and would not cost the City anything.

Sloss also made a request regarding the $50 reservation fee for the gazebo at Lawbaugh Park. “I’m wondering if we can forget it. Go back. I’m afraid (the fee) is going to cause problems…I would just like to see us just drop this charge and just go back to being in the community.”

The Council dropped the fee per Sloss’ request. However, reservations should still be made at the Gazebo for any large, formal gatherings. The Council also approved a resolution amending the City’s budget for the current fiscal year, following a public hearing with no objections. Other action items approved include: $400 for two registrations to the National Historic Preservation Commission Meeting in Des Moines; proceedings on a property tax sale at 308 North Harrison Street, along with a public hearing on the matter scheduled for June 11th at 6:30pm; setting the public hearing on a housing urban revitalization area, also for June 11th at 6:30pm; and a bond rate reduction on the Stuart Aquatic Center from 3.75%-2.82%, saving approximately $130,000 over the period of the payment schedule.

During Public Forum, Mayor Dick Cook encouraged residents to clean up their properties ahead of Memorial Day. He is trying to organize a City-wide clean-up effort, which would be the first since 2004. Karl Chevrolet Marketing Director Tony Mills also informed the Council that they have begun dirt work on their expansion project, and are waiting on final approval before beginning structural work.