The most significant item on the agenda was the approval of the purchase of property located at 2232 2nd Avenue East. The council finalized an agreement to acquire the property for $5,000 from the current owner, Kutasa, intending to repurpose it for housing the police department. The agreement allows the current owner until September 30, 2024, to relocate, and includes provisions for moving expenses. There were discussions about the readiness to begin renovations, with indications that the current owners had already vacated the premises. This decision is part of the city’s broader strategy to enhance public safety infrastructure.

In another critical decision, the council approved a recommendation from Public Works to advertise for the Sixth Street lead service water replacement project. Funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health, this initiative aims to replace lead service lines in 27 houses between Fifth and Sixth Streets. This project is part of a larger federal effort to eliminate lead services, and it encompasses both water and sewer lateral work. The council emphasized the importance of health safety, despite previously low lead levels in the local water supply. The project will require collaboration with plumbers for internal connections to comply with plumbing codes.

The council also set a public hearing for the proposed assessment of the cost of improvements for paving Fifth Avenue West, scheduled for September 16, 2024.

Additionally, the council renewed employee benefits for 2025, specifically life insurance and long-term disability insurance, with rates remaining unchanged from the previous year.

Another notable agenda item was the approval of a license application for Timber Pins Bowling Center. The application included on-sale liquor, on-sale Sunday restaurant, bowling alley, and pool tables. A council member highlighted the community’s demand for such recreational facilities, expressing enthusiasm for the reopening of the bowling alley. The motion carried without further discussion.

The council approved the appointment of Richard De Benedict to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board. De Benedict was the sole applicant, and his appointment was approved without opposition. This step is critical for the continued functioning and oversight of housing and redevelopment activities in the city.

A significant topic of discussion was the street replacement project involving the inspection of water lines. The council encouraged public participation, emphasizing that the program currently covers 100% of the costs for homeowners. Residents were urged to send in pictures of their water lines via cell phone to ensure inclusion in the inspection list. There was a discussion about sewer laterals and sump pumps, with the city investigating sewer laterals as part of the water line replacement. The potential requirement for homeowners to add sump pumps if they are not in compliance with city sewer ordinances was also addressed. The city aims to secure financing from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for homeowners.

The council also discussed amending the salaries of the mayor and council members. The proposed changes included an increase in per meeting pay, with the new rates taking effect on January 1, 2025, following the next general election. The per meeting rate adjustments were clarified, with a $10 increase in the per meeting rate. The motion passed with a vote of 3 to 1.

Reports from various boards, committees, and department heads were presented, including positive feedback from a police fundraising event and updates on a successful sludge reduction program. The police chief noted that the police and sheriff’s departments raised approximately $850 during a rooftop donut event at Dunkin’s, highlighting community support for law enforcement. The sludge reduction program increased the capacity of local ponds, adding 14 million gallons of storage capacity over two years.