The Stuart City Council met in regular session Monday.

The Council discussed the proposed development agreement with Karl Chevrolet for their new expansion plan. They tabled action on the agreement due to final negotiations on the agreement. They did however approve entering into General Obligation bond practices up to $2.325 million. Despite no formal agreement, the dealership has begun the expansion efforts in belief that an agreement will be finalized by the next Council meeting, before the end of the month.

The Council then approved the resolution adopting the final proposed plan, with a modification regarding new construction, for the 2018 Stuart Housing Urban Revitalization Area, as well as an ordinance designating that area. Other action items approved include: a fund transfer of no more than $85,000 from the General Fund for the Economic Development Director position, a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) grant for the roof repair project at the Stuart Rec Center, $2,000 to Project Restore for the annual ballet performance and Christmas concert at the Stuart Saints Center, and setting a public hearing for the sale of the property at 308 North Main Street.

The Council then continued its discussion on employee wages for the current fiscal year. Once again no formal action was taken on the wages as the Council felt there needed to be continued discussion on insurance benefits for certain employees before they could be fully approved.

Finally the Council approved moving the Friends Church sign from its current location to the telephone poll just north of the Depot, pending approval from the telephone company. The sign was removed at the request of the Depot Committee as they felt it violated separation of church and state.