The council prioritized infrastructure as a key focus for the year, recognizing it as both a challenge and an opportunity. With infrastructure playing a role in community development and housing, the council aimed to establish a clear framework for future growth. Members emphasized the importance of understanding the city’s current infrastructure commitments before planning new developments. They agreed that infrastructure should not only present new opportunities but also ensure the maintenance of existing assets. This approach would help communicate the city’s intentions to developers and residents effectively, facilitating better planning and dialogues.

Concerns about the transformation of the community due to the influx of short-term rentals and second homes were raised. Members questioned how these changes would affect the local community’s fabric, emphasizing the need for active resident participation to maintain a healthy small-town atmosphere. Statistics on homesteaded homes versus vacation properties highlighted anxieties over the community’s long-term identity and affordability. The council discussed the role of infrastructure in supporting community engagement, considering zoning options that prioritize affordable housing over second homes for transient visitors. This debate centered on whether increasing housing stock through new developments would genuinely benefit the community or merely perpetuate the existing pattern of homes being used as secondary residences.

The council also explored financing options for infrastructure improvements, contemplating special levies or assessments on property owners. There was a consensus on the necessity for a nuanced approach to infrastructure planning, considering both immediate and long-term community needs to ensure developments align with the goal of fostering a cohesive and vibrant living environment.

In connection with infrastructure, the council discussed the differentiation between residential and commercial infrastructure needs, advocating for a clear vision that encompasses both and is communicated to the community. The idea of organic development was supported. The council considered successful models from other communities, particularly ski towns in Colorado, to address housing shortages for seasonal workers.

Local youth employment and declining school enrollment were also discussed, with concerns about the community’s future labor pool. The council reflected on the past when student employment was more prevalent and noted the current graduation rates’ impact on the local workforce. Infrastructure concerns, particularly the power grid’s capacity to support future developments, were highlighted. While a recent power outage was not due to capacity issues.

A substantial portion of the capital improvement plan focused on maintaining existing facilities and services, such as electricity, water, sewer, and streets. The council agreed on the importance of managing resources effectively, akin to a business, to prioritize maintenance alongside new developments. The presentation of a map illustrating past infrastructure projects over the last two decades underscored the focus on replacing existing utilities rather than creating new ones.

The council addressed the challenges of managing private developments, particularly the responsibilities and expectations associated with them. Questions arose about whether private developments should adhere to city standards and the implications if such developments reverted to city management. The necessity of thorough documentation, such as as-built drawings for all projects, was emphasized to facilitate future planning and discussions. A proposal to establish regular work sessions for ongoing infrastructure and capital improvement planning received positive feedback, with a preference for scheduling these sessions at the second meeting of each month.