A highlight of the council meeting was the commendation of Officer Clemenson by the Police Chief, who expressed admiration for the officer’s role in the delivery of baby Imod Day Walters. The Chief presented Officer Clemenson with a certificate and a ribbon to be worn on her uniform. The Walters family attended the meeting and engaged in a photo opportunity, capturing the occasion. The Chief underlined the significance of such events in the career of a police officer and thanked the Walters family for their presence, acknowledging the positive impact on the community.

In addition to this recognition, the council received the 2024 annual report from the Zumbrota Police Department. The Chief highlighted changes in the report format, introduced by Sergeant Pasquali, which featured a fresh template incorporating key statistics and demographic data. Notably, there were no robbery reports during the year, and the burglary rate was kept low due to proactive policing. Traffic citations remained steady, reflecting consistent enforcement efforts. The report also emphasized the department’s focus on community engagement, with initiatives like “Coffee with a Cop” and school involvement aimed at fostering transparency and building positive relationships between officers and residents. These efforts were well-received, with no questions or clarifications requested from the council.

The meeting also covered operational updates, including the deployment of a radar trailer to monitor speeding. Though initially plagued by programming issues, these were resolved to ensure proper functioning. The Chief clarified that while stoplight cameras are not permitted in Minnesota, discussions on similar technology are ongoing in other states. The council approved a quote for outfitting a new police cruiser, a 2025 Ford Explorer, with some equipment repurposed from previous vehicles, leading to cost savings. A used light bar was also acquired, further reducing expenses.

City infrastructure improvements were another focal point, with updates on enhancements at City Hall. New flooring was installed in the main area and council chamber, described as both visually appealing and durable. Blinds were also planned to mitigate glare during daytime meetings. The conversation touched on the police station’s need for renovations, with council members awaiting a timeline for new flooring installations.

The Economic Development Authority’s recent loan to the Anderson Vet Clinic was discussed as part of efforts to expand services in Zumbrota. The $116,800 loan is intended to support the clinic’s relocation to a new site. The Chief commended the staff who facilitated the loan, though further details on the terms or the clinic’s specific expansion plans were not elaborated upon.

Additionally, the pool committee updated the council on its fundraising initiatives, targeting larger local businesses for support. These efforts aim to gather resources for future projects.