The meeting’s most discussion was led by Kathy from Habitat for Humanity, who provided an overview of the organization’s contributions to housing in Morrison County since 1998. Kathy outlined that Habitat had constructed one house annually, with three homes built in Pierz itself. She emphasized the critical role stable housing plays in children’s education, citing data on volunteer labor and the rising costs of construction, which have escalated from $75 per square foot in 2019 to $167 for their latest projects.

Kathy highlighted the state housing tax credit contribution program, which allows businesses and taxpayers to support local housing projects by redirecting their tax payments. She noted that Morrison County and Habitat each received $112,000 last year for housing initiatives. One project funded by this grant involved installing trailer skirting for a low-income senior citizen in Pierz to help cut down utility costs.

The council was urged to consider an upcoming grant opportunity under the Greater Minnesota Small Tier 2 CI’s Housing Aid Package. Kathy proposed that the city apply for the grant and transfer the funds to Habitat, facilitating affordable housing projects such as aging-in-place modifications for seniors. She also discussed potential financing options with a local bank and a possible collaboration with the Little Falls School District, where carpentry students could participate in building projects.

Council members expressed keen interest in these proposals.

The meeting also addressed the resignation of Jacob Singer, a firefighter who had served since December 2015. The fire department representative expressed gratitude for Singer’s contributions, which leave the department with 29 firefighters, just under their preferred 30 due to call load and availability. The council accepted his resignation, acknowledging his valuable service.

Additionally, the council heard from the park board, which introduced two new members and discussed the expansion of parking facilities due to new structures. The possibility of removing trees along the river to facilitate parking expansion and the relocation of a playground closer to the swimming area was considered, though concerns about flood zone restrictions were noted.

The park department’s hiring process was debated, with suggestions to first hire a director who could participate in selecting an assistant. This sparked a conversation on the implications of such hiring sequences and the potential delays it might cause.

Financial matters were also addressed, with the treasurer’s report showing a balance of $3,469,258 at the end of December and claims totaling $299,500. The council approved both the treasurer’s and claims reports unanimously.

Zach, the superintendent of parks, proposed selling six of the oldest golf carts to purchase newer models. The council also discussed the warranty specifications for “wearable parts” of the golf carts, agreeing to seek clarification from the supplier.

Public Works updates included the servicing of nearly all equipment and improvements in the plowing sequence, leading to faster service. A proposal for a billboard near the golf course was approved, with confirmations from relevant authorities ensuring no objections to the installation.

The City Administrator reported on year-end tasks, including the preparation of tax forms and membership renewals, and the beginning of interviews for various city positions. A notable decision was made to approve a PTO payout for an employee named Tony, amounting to $4,850.48 before taxes.