A primary focus of the council’s meeting was the review and amendment of the city’s fee schedule for 2025, particularly concerning businesses involved in cannabis sales. The council examined a proposed $100 application fee for a newly adopted cannabis ordinance. The city administrator clarified that the fee would uniformly apply to all cannabis retailers, regardless of the diversity of products sold, such as edibles and beverages. This uniformity prompted a council member to question whether a tiered fee structure could be more appropriate. The administrator confirmed the flat rate proposal, explaining that it aimed to simplify the fee structure. This sparked a broader conversation about the evolving nature of the cannabis market and the importance of aligning fees with varying levels of business activity.

In addition to cannabis-related discussions, the council addressed the city’s liquor licensing fees, including the $2,000 on-sale liquor fee. A council member sought clarification on whether this fee was dictated by state statute. Despite the potential for public input during the hearing, no citizens chose to speak, and the public hearing was closed unanimously.

Another agenda item was the approval of the sale of a 30-year-old air compressor from the fire department to Ryan Bower for $1,000. The council deliberated on the necessity of selling the outdated equipment, which had failed to attract formal offers during its listing period. The decision was driven by the need to manage resources effectively and generate revenue for new equipment, considering the high cost of the new compressor, which was approximately $56,000. The motion to approve the sale was passed without opposition.

The council also reviewed a quote from Fire Safety USA for a hose tester, with a maximum expenditure set at $49,512. Acquiring this equipment aims to streamline the hose testing process, allowing the fire department to conduct tests independently rather than relying on neighboring departments’ equipment. The purchase is expected to enhance operational efficiency and safety by ensuring compliance with NFPA standards. Funding for the hose tester will come from the fire budget, supplemented by a grant from the Taylor Family Farms Foundation and a pledge from the Lonsdale Fireman’s Relief Association. The motion to approve the purchase was passed unanimously.

Personnel changes within the fire department were another major topic. The council accepted the retirement letters of longtime firefighters Mike Geter and Dean Duban, who served the community for 30 and 32 years, respectively. The fire chief praised their dedication and contributions to the department and the community. These retirements were noted as impactful changes, creating vacancies that will require recruitment efforts. Additionally, the resignation of firefighter Joshua Diaz was accepted, effective December 31, 2024. Diaz cited demanding work hours and family time needs as reasons for his resignation. The council expressed gratitude for his service and professionalism, acknowledging the challenges of filling the resulting vacancies.

Infrastructure projects, particularly related to City Hall renovations, were also discussed. The council reviewed a change order amounting to $23,962 for the City Hall remodel project, which resulted from a deduct on the current fire alarm contract. The decision to continue with the existing alarm service provider, Custom Alarm, was justified by maintaining continuity and minimizing disruption, despite the architect’s absence at the meeting. The council supported sticking with the current provider to ensure seamless service.

The council also deliberated on the scheduling of city council work sessions, emphasizing the importance of coordinating with developers and setting clear goals. A proposal was made to hold one work session per month starting in February, allowing for engagement with advisory boards and deeper exploration of topics. The council recognized the need for clear goals and objectives, particularly for economic development and planning priorities, to ensure alignment with ongoing city projects and initiatives. The first work session was scheduled for February 6, 2025, at 7 p.m., with a focus on maintaining open communication with advisory boards and staff.

Lastly, the council addressed a $2,000 donation from Francon Bank and Trust for the Small Cities Development Program Grant Fund. This donation supports housing rehabilitation for moderate-income individuals, with funds allocated for lead-based paint remediation.