For what feels like the millionth time, the City Council this week discussed the marijuana Host Community Agreement process. It was decided that we will not accept HCA applications unless there is an open HCA. When one becomes available, notice will be posted and applications will be accepted.

Caps on other license types were discussed. It was decided that there will be no caps for cultivation, manufacturing, and delivery licenses. A motion was also approved to have the Law Department explore the proposal to allow delivery to co-locate with retail.

Another bit of exciting news for the proposed public safety facility. The City Council approved a "Determination of Uniqueness" for 90 County Street. This is the first step in proceeding with the purchase of the property for the location of the public safety facility.

Lastly, the Procurement Department and Chief Financial Officer ordinances that were advanced last week were passed from a first reading to a second reading.

Last week, the Ordinance Committee, followed by the City Council, voted to advance ordinances for the creation of a Procurement Department and Chief Financial Officer. These positions are long overdue, and they will play key roles in ensuring the long-term financial success of the City utilizing best practices such as economic forecasting and performance measurement.

The City Council also voted to approve a promotional posting for the position of Assessor as a result of the upcoming retirement of a member of the Board of Assessors. The Board of Assessors has spent considerable effort creating a Strategic Plan and putting succession planning into place in order to encourage its employees to advance themselves and climb the career ladder in this field. For that reason, I am confident that a promotional posting for this position is in the best interest of the City.

At this week's meeting, the City Solicitor informed the City Council that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has made a payment of $530,720.89 to the City as payment of the amount due in November of 2019. Another payment is expected for the amount outstanding for November of 2020.

The ordinance to remove the residency requirement for Assessors and the fee waiver ordinance were both approved for final passage from a third reading to be ordained.