A series of proposed ordinance changes in the City of Clinton codebook filled the City Council chambers with residents ready to share their thoughts on the issue.

Prior to the public comment period, Mayor Helen Michelassi clarified several portions of the proposed ordinances that were recently amended over concerns noted by the community. The first was regarding feeding feral animals. 

Another ordinance revision regarding trees on properties, the Mayor called a miscommunication, and notes much of it mirrors legislation from the State of Illinois. 

There was also confusion regarding whether the ordinances were going to be voted on at Tuesday's meeting - to which Mayor Michelassi noted they would not be voted on despite a recent filing of the ordinances suggesting they would be.

Finally, property upkeep has been a hot topic in recent months in Clinton, and there was also clarification provided regarding the fine structure for those citations.

Commissioner John Wise addressed some of the developments of recent days and some social media chatter. He stresses the changes were meant to be discussed and there was never any intent to vote on the proposed changes on Tuesday.

Commissioner Wise's comments were met with a bit of pushback as he described the process the Council takes when passing ordinance changes.

Public comment highlighted support for the trap, neuter, and release program through Second Chance for Pets while also noting their support for things like the number of vehicles on a property, and issues regarding the use of "chalk" in a graffiti ordinance.