A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to addressing the presence of dumpsters on city streets, which has been a source of complaints from residents. Council members discussed the current lack of regulation surrounding dumpsters rented through private companies. The absence of a clear ordinance has led to confusion about responsibility and enforcement when these dumpsters obstruct street space, especially during home cleanouts. The council expressed concerns about the visibility and obstruction caused by dumpsters left on curbs for extended periods, potentially leading to unsightly conditions and public discontent.

To address these issues, a member suggested implementing a 30-day limit on residential dumpsters, requiring a permit to notify the city of the dumpster’s presence and duration. This proposal aims to balance the need for residents to conduct significant cleanouts with the city’s responsibility to maintain public spaces. The council agreed on the necessity of drafting an ordinance that would establish clear guidelines for dumpster usage, including defining what constitutes a reasonable duration for a dumpster on a residential property. The conversation highlighted the importance of timely communication with residents about dumpster rentals and their duration, with a draft ordinance proposed to set these guidelines in motion.

Simultaneously, the council navigated the complexities of ongoing repairs at the Ada City Event Center. Alex Schwarzoff from Interstate Engineering reported on the structural repairs, focusing on the installation of steel rods to stabilize a wall leaning by nearly six inches. Although the contractor anticipated completing the project by the end of March, the timeline was contingent on the arrival of delayed materials. Financial aspects of the project were scrutinized, particularly a change order requesting $85,000 from the contractor, which was contested due to the perceived gap between the reported completion percentage and actual work done. Concerns were raised about a substantial portion of the payment being attributed to materials rather than completed work, which led to debate about payment allocation based on tangible progress. The council emphasized the need for vigilance in monitoring the project’s advancement and ensuring contractor adherence to deadlines and financial agreements.

The meeting also addressed challenges at the Deco Center, particularly the installation of a new hot tub. Demolition costs had increased due to the removal of additional structures, including an old hot tub and pipes. Concerns about compliance with state regulations on access points were discussed, with debates about the best location for the new hot tub to ensure safety standards are met. The council considered various options, including removing an existing sauna to accommodate the new installation. Despite these logistical challenges, there was optimism about the Deco Center’s progress, with equipment expected to arrive shortly.

Further discussions at the meeting involved a proposal to auction old equipment, including seized police department vehicles, and deliberations on advertising expenditures for the Norman County Raceway. The council considered reallocating funds from donations to cover potential advertising costs, with plans to explore package deals with a vendor named Jake. Additionally, the Northern States Power Capacity Agreement was addressed, noting a 6% cost increase. Although last year’s budget surplus could cover this increase, the council acknowledged the need to monitor the impact on future budgets and potentially adjust electricity rates if necessary.

Committee updates followed, with the approval of repairs to two wells and resolutions for new loans to businesses. The Beautification Committee discussed allocating funds for cemetery improvements, including straightening gravestones and installing more durable flag and star holders. Mowing bids were also discussed, with a window for submissions recently opened.