The Stuart City Council discussed several items presented by Economic Development Director Kristen Renslow during their recent meeting.

Renslow presented an application letter for a Community Development Block Grant for Stuart Rescue to help mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, as one of the service provider’s staff previously tested positive for the virus. The Council approved applying for a requested amount of about $13,851 for two air and surface disinfection lamps, a disinfectant sprayer with mixing dispenser and chemicals, and a lifting chair. Next, the Council approved promoting the fourth Stuart Police Officer from part-time to full-time, pending compliance with the COPS Hiring Program Grant they have been awarded to help fund this promotion. The Council also discussed two tax increment financing requests, and approved two separate motions to refer the requests to their financial adviser Chip Schultz. Renslow also updated the Council on Alicia Geil’s purchase of the former Farmers Fire Mutual Insurance building located on North Division Street to open a childcare center. Renslow says at a future meeting the Council will need to rezone the building to commercial.