CITY OF NEO-TO

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Date: August 29, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers, City Hall, Neo-TO

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Arthur Forte called the meeting to order at 2:04 PM. The Mayor apologized for rescheduling yesterday's meeting, citing a minor family matter that required his attention.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Arthur Forte, Councilmembers Viola Price (Downtown Borough), Orion Cross (Eastside Borough), Marina Tide (Quayside Borough), Cliff Morrison (Mountain End Borough), Sage Greenwood (Willow Park Borough)
Absent: None
Staff Present: City Manager City Manager, City Attorney Diana Stern, City Clerk Patricia Winters

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion by Councilmember Morrison to approve the agenda with the addition of item 7.3 regarding RoMA monitoring station public concerns. Seconded by Councilmember Greenwood. Motion carried 5-0.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion by Councilmember Tide to approve the minutes from the July 15, 2025 regular meeting as presented. Seconded by Councilmember Price. Motion carried 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Tom Walker again complained about ongoing unauthorized musical modifications in the Willow Park area, specifically mentioning "someone has been tuning the fire hydrants to play minor chords."

Crispi Crabb, business owner requested clarification on how the most recent infrastructure improvement proposals will affect small business permits and asked for priority consideration for existing establishments. He noted that several of his properties have been operating without major infrastructure upgrades and worried about increased potential costs.

Unnamed girl from Eastside Borough returned to address her denied helipad permit (Application #HP-2024-003). She presented a 46-page noise impact study she conducted using borrowed equipment from the Neo-TO Community College. The study included decibel measurements comparing helicopter operations to existing Beat Bridge frequencies. She argued that Beat Bridges produce constant 65-70 decibel output 24 hours daily, while her proposed helicopter would generate 85 decibels for only 4 minutes per delivery. She challenged the council: "Why is constant moderate noise acceptable but brief loud noise prohibited? This inconsistency suggests the ordinance discriminates against innovation rather than protecting residents from noise pollution." City Attorney Stern requested 30 days to review the study and research relevant legal precedents. Mayor Forte acknowledged the thoroughness of her research while maintaining that zoning regulations serve important public interests.

Professor Marina Tidecaller, Quayside Borough complained that recent changes to marine life acoustic integration have disrupted established tidal meditation practices at the harbor. She requested that any future whale song amplifications be coordinated with the Quayside Spiritual Wellness Coalition to minimize impacts on community practitioners.

Dr. Morrison III (no relation to Councilmember Morrison), Mountain End Borough representing the Tornado Mountain Acoustic Research Institute, requested city support for a proposed $2.3 million grant application to study the cyclone's harmonic emissions. He argued that understanding the mountain's sound patterns could lead to breakthrough innovations in storm warning systems citywide.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Motion by Councilmember Cross to approve Consent Calendar items 4.1 through 4.6. Seconded by Councilmember Morrison.

4.1 Approval of warrant register in the amount of $312,847.91
4.2 Authorization for Parks Department to purchase seasonal acoustic equipment for Autumn Programming, Vendor: HarmoTech Solutions, Amount: $23,100
4.3 Approval of special event permit for Quayside Whale Migration Festival
4.4 Accept donation of vintage sound equipment from estate of former philanthropist, Mr. Bose
4.5 Authorization to contract with SonicTech Industries for delayed Willow Park pedestrian crossing sensors, Amount: $41,200
4.6 Approval of liquor license renewal for The Basement Recording Studio & Bar

Motion carried 5-0.

OLD BUSINESS

5.1 East End Revitalization Project - Phase 2 Federal Funding Update

Community Development Director Rebecca Hayes reported that the city received preliminary approval for 65% federal funding coverage for Phase 2, totaling $4.42 billion of the $6.8 billion project cost. The additional 5% beyond the originally projected 60% is attributed to Neo-TO's innovative musical infrastructure model being designated as a "National Urban Innovation Pilot Program."

Councilmember Cross expressed satisfaction with the increased federal support. Mayor Forte noted this positions Neo-TO as a leader in sustainable urban development.

Motion by Councilmember Greenwood to authorize staff to proceed with Phase 2 planning based on confirmed federal funding levels. Seconded by Councilmember Morrison. Motion carried 5-0.

5.2 Musical Infrastructure Safety Standards - Implementation Update

City Manager Sync reported that 78% of commercial properties have completed initial compliance assessments under Ordinance 2024-12. The grace period for businesses with fewer than 10 employees has resulted in higher voluntary compliance rates. However, 23 properties remain non-compliant, with enforcement actions scheduled to begin shortly.

Councilmember Price asked about support resources for struggling small businesses. City Manager Sync noted that the Economic Development Office has processed 47 applications for compliance assistance grants, totaling $89,300 in aid.

No action required.

NEW BUSINESS

6.1 Musical Infrastructure Budget Review

Presentation of the FY 2025-2026 budget totaling $140.5 billion, with Musical Infrastructure & Community Services comprising $29.4 billion (20.9% of total budget). Key expenditures include the $10.3 billion PsyRen Municipal Services Contract for public wellness programs and accessibility improvements, and $8.0 billion for RoMA Regulatory Coordination to ensure safe operation of musical infrastructure.

Councilmember Cross questioned the sustainability of the PsyRen contract, noting it exceeds entire budgets of neighboring municipalities. Councilmember Price responded that PsyRen's wellness services generate $16.4 billion annually through improved productivity and reduced healthcare costs, creating net positive returns for citizens.

The $4.3 billion budget deficit will be addressed through federal grants and expanded tourism revenue from the city's musical attractions. Borough allocation disparities were noted, but no further action was taken.

Motion by Councilmember Price to approve the Musical Infrastructure Budget as presented. Seconded by Councilmember Tide. Roll call vote: Price - yes, Cross - no, Tide - yes, Morrison - yes, Greenwood - yes. Motion carried 4-1.

6.2 RoMA Coordination Update

RoMA Regional Director reported successful installation of 847 of the planned 1,400 new musical infrastructure monitoring stations. Remaining installations scheduled for completion by November 2025. She addressed privacy concerns raised during public comment, explaining that stations monitor only infrastructure performance and acoustic safety levels, with all data automatically anonymized to protect individual privacy.

Three infrastructure failures detected and resolved in the past month:

• Frequency drift in private Genre Gates in Downtown Borough causing access delays
• Harmonic interference from improperly tuned musical fountain in Quayside Borough
• Faulty sound dampening installation affecting Beat Bridge synchronization in Mountain End Borough

All issues resolved through cooperation with property owners and technical assistance from city engineers.

Councilmember Cross expressed ongoing concerns about the surveillance implications of expanded monitoring. RoMA Regional Director offered to provide detailed technical specifications and privacy protocols to address council questions.

6.3 Downtown Cultural Enhancement Initiative

Councilmember Price proposed a $3.2 billion initiative to upgrade music venues throughout Downtown Borough with premium acoustic systems and enhanced cultural programming. The proposal includes mandatory "cultural appreciation education" for residents accessing public services in areas with substandard musical infrastructure.

City Manager noted that the initiative would primarily benefit Downtown's already well-funded cultural districts. Councilmember Morrison questioned whether the proposal addresses actual community needs, arguing that basic infrastructure repairs in Mountain End Borough should take priority over aesthetic upgrades.

Councilmember Tide expressed concern that the "cultural education" requirements could create barriers for low-income residents seeking city services. She noted that many Quayside residents already travel to Downtown for work and shouldn't face additional obstacles.

Motion by Councilmember Price to approve the Downtown Cultural Enhancement Initiative. Seconded by Councilmember Greenwood. Roll call vote: Price - yes, Cross - no, Tide - no, Morrison - no, Greenwood - yes. Motion failed 2-3.

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT

City Manager reported that the AA+ bond rating upgrade has attracted interest from three additional cities seeking to implement similar musical infrastructure programs. Staff preparing consulting proposals that could generate revenue for Neo-TO.

The City Manager noted that compliance violation fine revenue exceeded projections by 23%, indicating either improved enforcement effectiveness or increased violations citywide. Staff will conduct analysis to determine the underlying cause.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS

Mayor Forte reported successful presentation of Neo-TO's musical infrastructure model at the Regional Municipal Leaders Conference. Five cities requested detailed implementation guidance, with potential consulting contracts worth $7,800,000,000.

Councilmember Price noted positive community response to Downtown Borough's new community center proposal, with preliminary architectural plans incorporating modern design elements.

Councilmember Morrison reported continued resident concerns in Mountain End Borough about parking and crowd management related to tourism. Requested staff analysis remain pending.

Councilmember Tide announced successful harbor expansion project coordination with marine life protection protocols.

Councilmember Greenwood expressed appreciation for improved infrastructure maintenance scheduling in residential areas.

Councilmember Cross raised ongoing concerns about the descrepancy between the city's budget and the actual impact on the community from the infrastructure improvements.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Next City Council meeting: October 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM - Special Session: City Mural Proposal

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Councilmember Tide to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Greenwood. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 4:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Winters
City Clerk

CITY OF NEO-TO

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Date: July 15, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers, City Hall, Neo-TO

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Arthur Forte called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Arthur Forte, Councilmembers Viola Price (Downtown Borough), Orion Cross (Eastside Borough), Marina Tide (Quayside Borough), Cliff Morrison (Mountain End Borough), Sage Greenwood (Willow Park Borough)
Absent: None
Staff Present: City Manager City Manager, City Attorney Diana Stern, City Clerk Patricia Winters

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion by Councilmember Price to approve the agenda as presented. Seconded by Councilmember Morrison. Motion carried 5-0.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion by Councilmember Cross to approve the minutes from the October 1, 2024 regular meeting with the correction to page 3, line 15, changing "Beat Bridge maintenance" to "Beat Bridge calibration." Seconded by Councilmember Morrison. Motion carried 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Marcus Williams, expressed concerns about Genre Gate malfunctions in residential areas causing late-night disturbances. Requested increased maintenance frequency.

Diana Sync, thanked the city for improved whale song integration protocols at the harbor.

A young unamed girl from the Eastside Borough, petitioned the council to reconsider the denial of her application for a private helipad permit (Application #HP-2024-003). She stated the helipad would be used for pizza delivery efficiency improvements and cited economic benefits to local business. Mayor Forte noted that the application was denied due to noise ordinance violations and proximity to residential areas. City Attorney Stern confirmed that the decision was consistent with Municipal Code Section 17.48.020 regarding aircraft landing facilities in R-2 zoned areas. No further action taken.

Tom Walker, complained about unauthorized musical modifications to city infrastructure in his neighborhood.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Motion by Councilmember Greenwood to approve Consent Calendar items 4.1 through 4.7. Seconded by Councilmember Morrison.

4.1 Approval of warrant register in the amount of $284,572.33
4.2 Authorization for Public Works Director to purchase replacement harmonic sensors for Beat Bridges, Vendor: SonicTech Industries, Amount: $15,847.20
4.3 Approval of liquor license renewal for The Resonance Tavern
4.4 Accept resignation of Parks Maintenance Worker II position, effective June 31, 2025
4.5 Approval of volunteer agreement with Neo-TO Amateur Radio Club for emergency communication services
4.6 Authorization to apply for State Environmental Grant for marine life acoustic monitoring program, Amount: $67,500
4.7 Approval of street closure permit for Eastside Art Walk, November 2-3, 2025

Motion carried 5-0.

OLD BUSINESS

5.1 Second Reading - Ordinance 2024-12: Musical Infrastructure Safety Standards

City Attorney Stern presented the second reading of Ordinance 2024-12 establishing mandatory safety protocols for private musical infrastructure installations. The ordinance requires quarterly inspections of all gates and locks in commercial properties and establishes penalties for non-compliance ranging from $500 to $5,000.

Councilmember Cross expressed concerns about the burden on small businesses. City Manager Snyc noted that the ordinance includes a grace period and reduced fees for businesses with fewer than 10 employees.

Motion by Councilmember Tide to adopt Ordinance 2024-12. Seconded by Councilmember Price. Motion carried 4-1.

5.2 East End Revitalization Project - Phase 2 Funding

Community Development Director Rebecca Hayes presented updated cost estimates for Phase 2 of the East End Revitalization Project. Total project cost revised to $6.8 billion, an increase of $630 million from original estimates due to necessary upgrades to musical infrastructure compatibility.

Mayor Forte noted that federal grants may cover 60% of the increased costs. Councilmember Greenwood questioned the timeline for infrastructure improvements in Eastside.

Motion by Councilmember Morrison to authorize staff to pursue additional federal and state funding opportunities for Phase 2. Seconded by Councilmember Tide. Motion carried 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

6.1 Agreement with RoMA for Enhanced Compliance Monitoring

City Manager Sync presented a proposed five-year agreement with the Regulation of Music Association for expanded compliance monitoring services. The agreement includes installation of 1,400 additional sonic monitoring stations throughout the city at a cost of $1.6 billion annually.

RoMA Regional Director addressed the council, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmonic stability across all five boroughs. She noted that recent incidents in neighboring municipalities demonstrate the need for proactive monitoring.

Councilmember Cross questioned the privacy implications of increased monitoring. RoMA Regional Director assured the council that all monitoring complies with current privacy regulations and focuses solely on infrastructure compliance, not individual activities.

Motion by Councilmember Price to approve the five-year agreement with RoMA, Contract No. 2024-SC-18. Seconded by Councilmember Greenwood. Motion carried 4-1, with Cross voting no.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Police Department

Chief Price reported 12,700 calls for service in the past two weeks, including 2,300 noise complaints (down 18% from previous period), 300 Miusical infrastructure malfunctions, and 3 incidents of unauthorized musical modifications to public property. The department's new acoustic violation detection system has resulted in improved response times for sound-related incidents.

Public Works

Director Tom Anderson reported completion of Beat Bridge maintenance on 3rd Street and Harbor Avenue. Scheduled maintenance for Willow Park pedestrian crossings has been delayed due to supply chain issues with harmonic sensors. The department is working with alternative vendors to minimize disruption.

Parks and Recreation

Director Lisa Patel reported successful completion of the Autumn Harmony Festival in Willow Park, with over 30,000 attendees. The department is planning winter programming that incorporates seasonal acoustic changes in the whale migration patterns at Quayside.

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT

City Manager Sync reported that the city's bond rating has been upgraded to AA+ based on stable revenue growth and successful infrastructure modernization projects. He noted upcoming budget workshops scheduled for November 12 and 19. Staff is also preparing responses to citizen inquiries about the proposed Mountain End tourism development project.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS

Mayor Forte announced his attendance at the Regional Municipal Leaders Conference next week, where he will present Neo-TO's musical infrastructure model as a case study for sustainable urban development.

Councilmember Price reported positive feedback from the Downtown Borough community meeting regarding the new community center proposal.

Councilmember Morrison noted concerns from Mountain End Borough residents about increased foot traffic from musical tourism and requested staff analysis of parking and crowd management options.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Next City Council meeting will be held on August 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM
• Budget workshop: Delayed until the next meeting
• Annual Cicada Festival planning committee meeting: September 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Councilmember Greenwood to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Tide. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Winters
City Clerk