Notes from Jan. 20 City Council meeting:

In the public forum, council voted to allow a resident to install a chain link fence even though the historic district rules frown on those fences. Councilman Compretta said there are other chain link fences in the neighborhood, which he represents, and said the area shouldn’t be in the historic district anyway. Which begs the question: why do we have these rules if they can so easily be ignored?

Among the opinions expressed during the public forum:

“Throw away” the proposed sand beach vendor ordinance and just lease fire pits, chairs and umbrellas instead. (Ordinance was sent to P&Z for public hearing before final adoption.)

Council members should “show the public you really care” by attending such functions as last weekend’s CASA Mardi Gras Gala.

Why would the council spend $20,000 on a wave action study of the harbor when everybody already knows how the wind and waves behave.

Ward 6 roadside pickup is spotty.

The city website needs to be updated.

In other agenda action, city attorney Rafferty still doesn’t have E&O insurance; city dumpsite discussion delayed; sale of Garden Center might get hung up because of its FEMA funding; Rod Ward quit the Harbor Commission and council didn’t replace him; council agrees to hire attorney to defend building department employee Greg Favre trespassing charge; and Krewe of Seahorse Lundi Gras parade reverses route to start at Depot.