The council approved a change to the on-call pay policy for Public Works employees. Previously, employees received time and a half for two hours of weekend work, but this was deemed inefficient as tasks could often be completed in about 30 minutes. The new policy compensates staff for 10 hours of on-call duty weekly, allowing them to flexibly schedule these hours across the week. This change ensures staff are available for emergencies and routine tasks such as checking ponds and water towers. Employees must respond to emergencies within 30 minutes and are responsible for coordinating additional support during incidents like storm sewer collapses. The policy’s approval was accompanied by appreciation for public works employees’ efforts.

Another major topic was updates to the police department’s body-worn camera policy. While the police chief was absent due to training, the council reviewed recommendations from the League of Minnesota Cities, which highlighted the city’s strong performance in video audits and officer feedback. Updates focused on enhancing audit carefulness, particularly ensuring consistent redaction of names. The council passed the proposed policy changes to maintain transparency and accountability within the police force.

The council also discussed a proposed trip to Washington, D.C., for professional development related to the wastewater treatment plant. Scheduled for the first week of April, this trip aims to engage with the EPA and potentially secure funding for a project important to addressing challenges from a growing ethanol plant in the region. The wastewater facility’s ability to recycle water back into the ethanol plant positions it as significant for both economic development and environmental sustainability. The council approved a budget of approximately $1,300 for the trip, covering registration, hotel, and flight expenses.

Addressing private service line insurance was another focal point. The city has encountered multiple private service line breaks, leading to costly repairs for residents. The council discussed the lack of insurance coverage for these lines and highlighted the availability of the SLWA insurance program as a resource. Emphasizing that the city does not profit from the insurance, the council aimed to help residents mitigate unexpected repair costs.

The council considered changes to ambulance billing services due to concerns about the current provider, Expert Billing. Issues included a lack of communication and delayed payment collections. A potential switch to Metro Billing was discussed, with expectations of improved service and efficiency. Metro Billing, experienced with similar-sized municipalities, offers better turnaround times for reports and a slightly lower cost per report. The council appeared in favor of transitioning to Metro Billing, starting March 1st, to alleviate administrative burdens and ensure timely collections.