A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the feasibility report for the 2025 Capital Improvements project. This report outlined plans for comprehensive street reconstruction in a designated area bounded by Trunk Highway 71, Sinclair Lewis, Ash Street, and 9th Street South. The deteriorating state of these streets was highlighted with slides showing substantial degradation, missing curb sections, and numerous patches, particularly on 6th Street and Bert Street. The council plans to execute the project in two phases, with Phase One in 2025 and Phase Two in 2026.

The feasibility report also addressed outdated sanitary and water lines, which are currently inadequate for modern needs, particularly in terms of fire protection. The plan includes replacing these lines with larger, eight-inch ones to meet contemporary standards. Another component involves overhauling the storm sewer system, which is approximately 80 years old and under-sized for future upgrades to Trunk Highway 71. The proposed upgrades will enhance the system’s capacity to handle ten-year storm events.

The report further proposed the installation of new sidewalks in areas lacking them to improve pedestrian access. The sidewalks are strategically planned for both sides of roads between Pine and Ash Street, with safe crossing points considered. The feasibility report concluded with a cost estimate for the entire work scope, excluding some elements to allow for future considerations. No immediate decisions were made, leaving room for further discussion in future sessions.

Concerns were raised about storm sewers beneath residential properties, which are over 80 years old, posing potential risks of collapse or failure. Solutions like rehabilitating the existing sewer or replacing it with a larger pipe were discussed, with the latter requiring careful planning due to existing connections. The discussion also covered the redesign of street widths to standardize them at 36 feet, with concrete curb and gutter installations. Specific assessments were outlined, indicating a total of about $2.6 million for city costs and around $1.8 million for public utilities, with future storm sewer assessments projected at $461,000.

The council member highlighted the necessity of sidewalks on Eighth Street for children’s safety. The feasibility of narrowing the roadway to accommodate sidewalks was considered for final design considerations. The timing of storm sewer work in relation to the Highway 71 project was also deliberated, with a consensus that the sewer work must precede the highway project due to water runoff.

The meeting also addressed ongoing utility infrastructure issues, particularly concerning storm sewer and water lines. The infrastructure’s age, cited as six to seven years old, poses a potential collapse risk. A project update on the truck stop stormwater initiative revealed challenges, such as buried debris requiring additional excavation and a catch basin inadvertently buried due to raised grading.

The Park Board report noted campground occupancy slightly higher than in 2023, with the community garden fencing project on hold pending additional funding. Trail maintenance and expansion were evaluated, and a decision was made to forgo a grant for constructing a fitness court, with plans to reconsider in 2025. A family movie night was scheduled at Tower Field, with baseball field improvements planned after a period of stagnation.

The Economic Development Authority reported progress on industrial park lot sales and ongoing discussions with Tractor Supply, with housing developments also underway. A public hearing on the infrastructure project was scheduled for September 11 at 6:30 p.m., with the council agreeing to present the full project scope initially, allowing for public feedback.

The council also discussed illegal dumping at the City brush and compost sites, considering video surveillance to monitor the area. The budget workshop was scheduled for August 28, with department heads preparing proposed 2025 budgets. The consent agenda included claims approval totaling $982,500 and a temporary premise extension for an anniversary event.