During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the preservation of Princess Place and the implementation of a new ordinance prohibiting smoking and vaping in county parks.

Concerns were raised regarding the deteriorating condition of Princess Place, with officials expressing alarm over its state. A proposal was made to allocate seed money from the upcoming budget to initiate restoration efforts, ensuring the historic building does not fall into further disrepair. This topic is set to be revisited in December during budget priority discussions.

In another key agenda item, the board unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance that bans smoking and vaping in county parks, aligning with state law. The ordinance allows for exceptions for unfiltered cigars, a point of contention among board members. Commissioner Sullivan highlighted the limitations imposed by state legislation, which prevents local authorities from banning cigar smoking in parks, despite public concerns. The board acknowledged that even with the new ordinance, cigar smoking would still be permitted, a situation attributed to the influence of the cigar lobby.

Additionally, the meeting included a quasi-judicial hearing regarding an appeal related to outdoor storage at a specific location, with board members reviewing resident communications as part of the process. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address these pressing issues in future sessions, reflecting the board's ongoing engagement with community concerns.