One notable issue discussed was the potential creation of a legal pathway for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the city. With recent heavy rains, reported at over nine inches in ten days, the condition of grassy areas had deteriorated, raising concerns about safety and potential accidents involving children. Council members considered the possibility of applying for grant funding to establish a paved ATV path to address these safety concerns. Members noted the increasing ATV activity, which further substantiated the need for a designated pathway to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of residents.

Another prominent topic was the controversy surrounding new signage at Legion Field, which prohibits the use of golf carts. This decision, made collaboratively by maintenance staff and city council members, was aimed at protecting the field’s grass and ensuring the safety of children during sporting activities. However, the signs have sparked frustration among some residents. One resident, citing a physical ailment, expressed difficulty accessing the field without a golf cart. While the council acknowledged the need to accommodate individuals with physical limitations, the primary intent remained to manage the field’s use and prevent potential accidents involving children and vehicles.

Swimming lessons were also on the agenda, with discussions focused on the challenges of organizing this year’s sessions. With only three lifeguards available, the council considered canceling the first session due to low staffing. A proposal was put forward to relocate all lessons to the Geneva pool, which offered better safety and resources to meet the program’s needs. The Geneva pool’s concession stands would operate during lesson hours, potentially providing job opportunities for local youth. The council emphasized the need for approval from Geneva’s council, as the relocation required collaboration between the two municipalities.

Amid these discussions, the council reviewed the city’s grass ordinance, which mandates that property owners cut their grass within two weeks of receiving a compliance notification. The ordinance’s two-step process, involving a compliance form followed by a citation, was criticized for its inefficiency, particularly when grass has already grown a foot tall. The city charges $50 per hour for mowing non-compliant properties, a rate higher than local services, raising questions of fairness and process effectiveness.

Additional municipal matters included an upcoming audit presentation and a hydrology study. This discussion highlighted the historical evolution of negotiation practices and the importance of balanced approaches to labor issues.