The Stuart City Council convened in regular session Wednesday night.

The meeting began with a presentation from residents Mollie Stiles and Dick Cook about a retention pond located west of South Adair Street between Southwest 6th and 7th streets near Kading Properties. Stiles asked the Council that a fence be constructed around the pond to avoid any drowning incidents since there is a school bus stop near the pond. The Council directed City Administrator Ashraf Ashour to contact Kading Properties about installing a fence, and contacting the West Central Valley School District transportation coordinator about possibly moving the bus drop-off location. Next, the Council approved the Stuart Revitalization Committee’s request for law enforcement during an inaugural “Bonnie and Clyde Run” that is planned to occur between Dexter and Stuart on White Pole Road on April 13th. The Council also approved the certificate of completion for the 2018 asphalt project and the fiscal year 2018 City audit.

Finally, Stuart Economic Development Director Kristen Renslow presented on several programs. She brought forward the new Blight Housing Program, which would focus on projects that aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight properties. Using Low-and-Moderate Income (LMI) funds from tax increment financing revenues, these redevelopment projects would result in affordable and safe housing benefitting LMI individuals or families. The Council approved the program, which would give a one-time forgivable loan of up to $10,000 to developers. With this new program the Council then approved Michael Johnson’s request of $4,000 for a blighted property located at 413 South Division Street. Renslow also gave updates on Wambold Housing Phases 1 and 2 projects. Phase 1 contains 32 lots that are now full, and Phase 2 has 23 usable lots with 19 interested parties, and one lot unusable for a house because of a gas easement which Renslow proposed to use for a park. Renslow also suggested the City start a third development with 15 acres that the Stuart Enterprise for Economic Development owns east of the high school. The Council directed City Engineer Forrest Aldrich to present figures for this possible development at their next Council meeting.