A discussion dominated the council meeting regarding the planned infrastructure improvements for several streets, particularly focusing on Third Street and Plane View Street. These streets have limited widths—24 feet for Third Street and feet for Plane View Street—necessitating replacements “in kind” due to constrained rights-of-way. The project will involve replacing concrete sidewalks, with potential piecemeal repairs, especially where sewer and water services intersect. The storm sewer system, relatively new from the 1990s, will be preserved when possible, but full replacement of the sanitary sewer and storm sewer is planned to minimize groundwater infiltration.

The water main upgrades will include upsizing the Second Street main to 12 inches and Lur Avenue to 10 inches, aligning with the city’s long-term infrastructure plan. The project, estimated at $6.1 million, aligns closely with the city’s capital improvement plan. However, concerns arose regarding right-of-way easements, particularly on Third Street north of Lur, where the 30-foot width poses challenges for effective sewer line construction. A recommendation was made to increase the easement by an additional 10 feet on each side to facilitate construction.

The council also deliberated on the city’s assessment policy, which has not been consistently followed in recent years. A proposed assessment rate for an 80-foot-wide parcel totaled just over $35,000, historically viewed as excessive. It was suggested to engage a third party for a special benefit analysis to determine a more reasonable assessment rate. The council moved to call for a public hearing regarding the proposed improvements, facilitating further community input. The motion passed, with a majority expressing support for continuing with the necessary procedural steps.

Another agenda item was the hiring of a new administrative clerk. The council received approximately 80 applications for the position. An interview committee selected eight finalists and unanimously recommended Jodie Barta for the role. A conditional offer was extended to her, with a start date of October 14th, contingent on meeting employment requirements. Barta was present during the announcement, and the council expressed enthusiasm about her joining the team. The motion to hire Barta was unanimously approved.

The council also addressed a variance request concerning a property on Ray Avenue. The request, previously discussed at a public hearing, sought permission to encroach into the required side yard setback for drainage improvements and additional parking. Despite receiving support from a neighboring property owner, the Planning Commission recommended denying the request based on city code standards. Council members expressed differing opinions on the matter, with some advocating for a flexible interpretation of the code, considering the community support and potential property enhancements. Property owner Troy Jansen emphasized the necessity of the proposed improvements for drainage and parking. Despite the conflicting views, no final decision was detailed in the meeting summary.

Additionally, there was a discussion about purchasing a new skid loader trailer for the Public Works department. The current practice of using a dump trailer was deemed inefficient and unsafe. The proposed purchase fell within the capital outlay budget, and the motion to approve the purchase was unanimously passed.

The council also debated the purchase of a wheel loader, priced at $162,000, above the budgeted amount. Concerns were raised about the timing and financial impact of the purchase. Some members recognized the long-term value and necessity of the loader, while others suggested exploring used options first. The council ultimately approved the purchase, with the understanding that existing funds would be rearranged to accommodate the expenditure.

The meeting included a resolution adopting the preliminary budget and levy for 2025. The city administrator highlighted the necessity of maintaining public safety and addressing aging infrastructure. The preliminary budget and tax levy were approved without opposition.

In other updates, the council discussed efforts to address IT issues affecting the Sheriff’s Department, park vandalism incidents, and surveillance camera effectiveness. The Public Works department provided updates on generator installations at well sites and City Hall, noting delays due to equipment lead times. The council also reflected on the mayor’s contributions as they prepared to leave office, expressing gratitude for their leadership.