One of the most discussions revolved around the approval of Resolution 2024-70, which adopted the preliminary tax levy for 2025. The proposed levy totaled $2,684,231, with allocations including a general fund of $1,969,731, special revenue funds of $188,500, and debt service funds of $526,000. After a brief but thorough discussion, the resolution was unanimously approved.

Following this, Resolution 2024-71, which involved approving the preliminary budget for 2025, was brought to the table. The updated budget incorporated suggestions from a previous budget workshop, presenting an expense budget of approximately $17.5 million across various funds, including the general fund, sinking fund, special revenue, tax increment, debt service, and capital projects. This resolution also faced no opposition and passed unanimously after a motion and second were proposed.

Another resolution discussed was 2024-72. The city reviews unpaid invoices annually, which can include charges for fire calls, lot mowing, sidewalk repairs, and utility bills. The total amount for these assessments was reported to be $5,564. The public hearing for property owners was proposed for October 2, 2024. Questions about the notification process for property owners were addressed. The resolution passed with unanimous support after a motion and second.

Resolution 2024-73 was another focal point, authorizing the development of specifications for the 2025 building improvement project. City staff had identified costs around $1.2 million for repairs and improvements needed for City Hall and the Civic Arena, including roofing and air handling systems. The resolution aimed to initiate the bidding process early enough to begin the project in spring, avoiding delays that could extend into summer. The motion was presented, seconded, and subsequently approved without opposition.

The Council also tackled Resolution 2024-75, which authorized the purchase of a new police vehicle. The Chief of Police sought permission to order a vehicle due to lengthy delivery times. Quotes were presented from several vendors, with the Durango emerging as the most cost-effective option with a shorter lead time. A motion was made to approve the resolution, and after a brief discussion, it passed unanimously.

During the meeting, various reports and presentations were also addressed. The park board report highlighted campground occupancy rates, trail maintenance, and expansion plans. Notably, a bridge from another city could alter plans for a trail from the campground to Hickman. The park board also discussed a potential school project to create a camper cabin and rescheduled a movie night in the park to June 2025 after a previous weather-related cancellation. Representatives from the baseball association discussed needed improvements at the Towerville ballfield. The G Gratum Club expressed satisfaction with improvements to the Little Red Schoolhouse but requested further electrical work.

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) report followed, focusing on the Tractor Supply project, including a lot split application and a variance for the fence height surrounding the outdoor display area. The report also mentioned construction beginning on two houses in the fifth lot of Author’s Edition, with a third house expected to start soon. The Aerosmith project developer exercised extensions on the due diligence period, with a Quick Trip convenience store anticipated for early spring construction. A council member raised concerns about a blocked road approach off Highway 28 due to piles of dirt, explained by wet conditions delaying the necessary work.

The Council then reviewed the appointment of campground managers for the 2025 camping season. Mark and Kathy Whitman, who managed the campground in 2024, expressed interest in returning, recommending another work camper couple to share responsibilities. The logistics of the arrangement, including the allocation of camper sites for the managers, were discussed, and the appointments were unanimously approved.

A request from the ambulance director for the advancement of Libby Matthews to step two of the driver EMR pay scale, due to her impending five-year anniversary with the department, was approved without opposition. The resignation of Donna Borman, the Senior Center coordinator since March 1997, was also discussed, with her retirement set for September 27, 2024. Plans for filling her position were considered, with discussions about advertising for a replacement and ensuring continuity in operations at the Senior Center.