In a development, the Sauk Centre ambulance department received a grant of $3,866 from Compeer Financial under its Community Giving Program. This grant marks the first instance of the ambulance department securing such funding, which will be used to enhance public safety equipment. The council swiftly moved to accept this grant. Additionally, the promotion of Sarah Larson from probationary EMT to EMT B1 was unanimously approved, recognizing her improved skills and surpassing patient contact expectations during her probationary period.

A key agenda item was the public hearing on the certification of delinquent utility and service bills, which amounts to $3,431. The council discussed the timeline for affected parties to clear their debts by November 15, 2024, to avoid the accrual of interest. Multiple notifications had been sent to the individuals concerned, emphasizing the city’s effort to resolve the unpaid accounts. The resolution to certify these accounts was passed unanimously.

The meeting also touched on the Police Department’s August report, highlighting a consistent level of activity with a particular focus on traffic enforcement. Over 40 speeding tickets were issued, and there were citations related to wireless device usage. The department noted a marked decrease in traffic crashes, attributing this to effective policing strategies. Furthermore, the department successfully underwent an audit from the Juvenile Justice compliance coordinator, allowing for updates to their juvenile handling procedures.

Discussions on public works included the acquisition of new vehicles for the park and public works departments, with recently acquired vehicles replacing older ones. The bids from the auction of the older vehicles were accepted, with a 2002 Ford F250 and a 2002 Ford F350 with plow sold for $3,626 and $88,000, respectively. A resolution for various building improvement projects was introduced, with plans to advertise for bids and set a timeline for contract awards.

The council addressed a request for exemption from the winter parking ordinance along First Street, particularly affecting the Old Mill area. Due to construction-related constraints on off-street parking, an exemption was sought, but concerns about setting a precedent led the council to maintain the existing ordinance while exploring alternative solutions.

The Park Board reported ongoing projects, including collaboration with local baseball associations for new batting cages at Tower View Park and long-term improvements for baseball fields. Additionally, plans for a Freedom Rock and an upcoming beer run event were greenlighted. The Economic Development Authority updated the council on progress with utility extensions for a Tractor Supply store and layout changes for a Quick Trip proposal due to regulatory requirements.

In unfinished business, the council considered a potential easement request over the wastewater treatment plant property and discussed a property owner’s willingness to sell land that includes a billboard. The public utility is set to further deliberate on these matters.