The most significant decision came with the council’s unanimous approval to move the regular meeting time from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. The proposal aimed to better accommodate residents’ schedules and was met with general approval among council members. The council discussed the historical timing of meetings and concluded that the change would not adversely affect operations. The new meeting time will be effective from October 15th, and the city administrator will ensure proper public announcements in designated locations such as the bank, post office, and online platforms.

During the meeting, the council also reviewed and approved several concrete permit applications. David Me submitted an application for a 12 by 15-foot patio on Park Avenue Southeast, which Planning and Zoning recommended for approval. Similarly, Jason Marik’s application for a new set of steps, sidewalk, and driveway on Summer Street was also approved. The Pier School District’s application for a 10 by 25-foot pad and a 5 by 29-foot sidewalk adjacent to the playground received the council’s nod as well. Additionally, an amendment to a previously approved permit for a shed at the Pierce Villa was discussed. The original permit required the shed to be positioned at least 20 feet off Oak Street, but a request was made to relocate it to the eastern edge of the parking lot. Considering the specific conditions set previously, the council agreed to amend the permit accordingly.

The council also addressed a gambling permit application for St. Joseph’s Church for an event scheduled for April 25, 2025, at the ballroom. A motion was made to approve the permit, and it passed unanimously.

An update on the city’s assessment policy was presented, spearheaded by a city representative. This policy had been in development since 2021 and aimed to align with the city of St. Joseph’s guidelines. The revised policy, which contained no changes from the previously reviewed draft, was adopted as a guideline rather than an ordinance.

Further project updates were provided, emphasizing the completion of all concrete work for the current project, with only minor patching remaining. The tasks included getting the topsoil in place, seeding, and installing signs, with plans to finalize these before the winter. The project would resume in early summer, likely in June. There was a discussion about the installation of street lights, with one council member inquiring about the delivery timeline for the poles, expected in December. The council expressed a strong preference for installing the poles as soon as they arrived to ensure adequate lighting for residents. It was confirmed that the bases for the poles had been installed, and all conduits were prepared, allowing installation during the winter months.

In personnel matters, Zach, representing the Parks department, introduced a candidate named Chad Felsky for a part-time position at the Park complex. Chad, currently a custodian at the local school and possessing a Class A CDL license, expressed interest in the role. Zach highlighted Chad’s solid background in maintenance from previous employment at resorts. A motion to hire Chad at a rate of $16 per hour for approximately 20 to 30 hours a week, with the potential for more hours depending on project demands, was put forward and passed without opposition.

The council also received updates on park maintenance. The aerification of existing greens and progress on the new nine-hole course were reported, with six fairways nearing completion. Adjustments to sprinklers were discussed due to some not functioning properly, leading to dry patches on the course. The removal of dam boards, which had been left in place longer due to favorable weather conditions, was planned for mid-next week.

The council members then shared their own updates, which included a workshop where various topics were discussed, such as permitting for peddler licenses and the forthcoming cannabis ordinance that needs addressing by the beginning of the year. There was deliberation on whether to manage the ordinance at the city level or pass it to Morrison County for oversight.