The council spent a portion of the meeting deliberating on infrastructure improvements, particularly the sidewalk replacement project. Several bids from contractors were reviewed, with discussions noting that the costs appeared high. One contractor, identified only as “WW,” was praised for previously completing satisfactory work in the area. Members recalled a recent concrete delivery cost being around $200 per yard, which shaped their perception of the current bids. An agreement was reached that the county would cover half the sidewalk project costs, easing budgetary concerns.

The council also considered the possibility of consolidating concrete work projects to maximize efficiency, especially with a contractor already present in town. A seven by seven concrete slab needed for a tank at a pond site was discussed, including plans for electrical work and ensuring the tank’s proper containment.

Moreover, the council emphasized the urgency of expediting a new building construction project, with electrical and logistical challenges at the forefront of the conversation. This project involved coordinating efforts to finalize the building size and layout while addressing utility connections and potential weather-related delays. A local contractor was identified as a preferred choice due to a competitive bid and past performance, with a consensus to consolidate work to streamline processes and reduce costs.

In addition to infrastructure, property maintenance challenges were a pressing topic. The council expressed concerns about dilapidated properties, some posing safety hazards. A systematic approach to addressing these properties was proposed, including sending notices to property owners and categorizing properties based on their condition. A consultant named Kennedy was mentioned as a resource to provide legal guidance on handling such issues.

Enforcement of property maintenance ordinances was debated, with suggestions to impose fines through property taxes for violations like unkempt yards. The council discussed fairness in targeting properties and emphasized prioritizing the most egregious cases, especially those generating frequent complaints. Abandoned vehicles and noxious weeds were also addressed, with plans for immediate action to manage these issues.

Additionally, the council tackled the topic of water meter readings and billing adjustments. Several meters had malfunctioned, leading to inaccurate billing for residents. The need for a methodical approach to rectify past billing errors was discussed, alongside potential rate increases to cover treatment and infrastructure costs. The council acknowledged the importance of community involvement in upcoming meetings to gauge public sentiment regarding these changes.

The meeting also covered updates on water and sewer systems, including dye testing to detect leaks and the maintenance of city equipment. Concerns about potential leaks during heavy rainfall were noted, with plans for further testing and video documentation to identify issues. Acknowledging infrastructure challenges, the council recognized the need for ongoing maintenance and improvements.