The Stuart City Council met in regular session last night. The Council approved submitting ads for a billing clerk and pursuing ads for the hiring of an economic developer.

City housing ordinances were the main topic of discussion. The Council approved a one-year extension on fences that fail to meet city code. All fences need to be properly installed by October 1st of 2018. Council member Matt Funk also addressed the Council on home utility inspection responsibility. Currently the City of Stuart places responsibility for utility inspections of houses on the market on realtors. Funk, a realtor, see this as a unique problem. “That’s only a city requirement. That’s not a state requirement, that’s not a county requirement. It’s only a local, City of Stuart, requirement.”

The Council then scheduled a special session on proposals to enter into a General Obligation Annual Appropriation Loan Agreement. The special session is Monday, September 25th at 5:30pm at City Hall. The Council also approved a 60 cent per hour raise on employee health insurance and a commercial fireworks permit with police and fire chief’s written consent. The Council will also look into fitting the pocket park on North Division Street with water and electricity.

The Council encourages the public to present feedback on city ordinances affecting housing and urban development.