The most pressing topic during the meeting was the commencement of the search for a new city manager, a process necessitated by Charles Rudd’s impending exit. The need to define the necessary skills and qualifications for the role was emphasized, with the variability in city needs highlighted. The commission agreed to fill out an attributes questionnaire to aid in preparing a position announcement and detailed profile for potential candidates. The importance of advertising the position nationally to attract a diverse pool of candidates was underscored, with references made to utilizing resources like the International City Management Association’s newsletter. The timeline for the hiring process was proposed to include a 30-day period for applicants to submit resumes, with the commission reviewing candidates in batches to identify those who met specific criteria.

Further discussions touched on the importance of creating a favorable impression of the city for candidates, including tours of municipal facilities and public receptions to allow community members to interact with the candidates. The necessity of conducting thorough criminal and financial background checks was also stressed to avoid potential embarrassments.

In conjunction with the search for a new city manager, the meeting also saw the presentation of Mr. Michael Brart, a candidate for the interim city manager position. Brart outlined his extensive background in city and county government management across various states and expressed enthusiasm for returning to the area. He committed to a tenure of four to six months or longer, depending on the needs of the city, and emphasized his familiarity with the Putnam County region.

Another item on the agenda was the restoration of the historic Masonic Lodge, a project of considerable community interest. The building, noted for its role during the Civil Rights era, requires extensive renovations to meet safety codes and ADA accessibility requirements. Architect Rick Andals presented a two-phase plan focusing first on stabilizing the structure and then on making it accessible. The estimated costs for the renovations ranged from $700,000 to $1 million, lower than initial projections. The commission discussed potential grants and funding options, acknowledging the challenge for a small town to secure the necessary funds. Public works were suggested to take responsibility for maintaining the building in the interim to prevent further deterioration.

Community safety concerns also took center stage, particularly regarding the reckless behavior of individuals riding four-wheelers in town and the disturbances caused by homeless individuals. A resident recounted a frightening incident involving a four-wheeler and urged the council to find solutions. The mayor emphasized the importance of reporting incidents to law enforcement to ensure they are addressed. The captain of the sheriff’s department reported a decrease in reported crimes for the month, attributing the success to proactive community involvement and law enforcement actions.

The commission also addressed budgetary matters, approving the Community Redevelopment (CR) budget, which included allocations for grant programs and improvement projects within the Central CRA. Concerns were raised about the efficiency of fund allocation, particularly regarding the need for expertise in historic preservation and economic development. A proposal to hire a grant writer to enhance the city’s ability to secure funding for preservation efforts was discussed, with a consensus on the importance of strategic financial planning.

Additionally, the meeting covered various public works projects, including water and sewer improvements and the need for new vehicles in the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The commission approved a generator purchase for the water plant and discussed the annual tree plan, ultimately approving it after addressing specific concerns about tree measurements.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the adoption of the millage rate and budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The budget was characterized as a dynamic tool for planning, allowing for adjustments based on actual revenue and expenditures. The commission highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced budget and managing funds effectively to ensure the community’s needs are met.