The Atlantic City Council will hold their regular meeting this evening in their chambers at City Hall. The session begins at 5:30. During the meeting, Atlantic Police Chief Dave Erickson and Officer Christian Holzapfel will explain why they would like to shift away from the standard duty belts that hold multiple pieces of law enforcement equipment, to load bearing vests. The intent is to avoid low back pain (LBP). The vests will cost approximately $5,130 altogether. They have a five-year warranty. City Administrator John Lund researched the vests and is expected to recommend the Council approve the vests, which could be paid for using ample reserves from the Employee Benefits Fund.

In other business, the Council will discuss business incentives using the EDR Loan Fund. The City, Chamber and Cass-Atlantic Development Corporation (CADCO) have banded together with business leaders, to form an informal business task force to try and bring new business to the downtown area of Atlantic. John Lund says the City has the EDR Loan Fund available for economic development. The fund received the refunded TIF dollars provided to a business that failed to live up to its obligations. The Task Force proposes the City pledge $100,000 of the fund for CADCO’s revolving loan program. Chamber and CADCO officials will on hand to answer the Council’s questions on the proposal.

The Council will also hear recommendations in the form of a Transmittal Letter, from the Planning and Zoning Commission, with regard to two requests for changes to the Zoning Ordinance. One involves the lot at 602 Spruce Street, where there was a home that was demolished. The property was then deeded over to the City. A City employee and abutting property owner has requested to purchase the lot and constructing a pole building for use as a place to store his boat and camper. In other matters, the Council will hold a public hearing on an amendment of the FY 2018 Budget.

They’re also expected to act on orders appointing:

• Christina Bateman to the Community Promotion Commission
• Jim Behrens and Roger Herring to the Planning & Zoning Commission
• Dave Knudsen to the Board of Adjustment
• Mike Henningsen to the Airport Commission.