The council’s handling of contracts related to first responders emerged as a point of discussion. A member raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding current and previous contracts mentioned in a letter dated May 27th from Jason. Highlighting the importance of public awareness, the member suggested that such matters should be discussed openly rather than in private workshops. This prompted a debate on whether a special meeting should be convened to address these contracts, with some advocating for their inclusion in regular council business.

In another key agenda item, the council reviewed and approved several grants aimed at enhancing the city’s emergency response capabilities. The Armor Grant, amounting to $38,640, was approved to acquire eight radios, with a matching cost of $2,000. A DNR grant of $8,000 was also approved for pagers for the fire department and first responders. The council emphasized the need for better documentation of these funds, referencing past audits that questioned the sources of such monies. A resolution was proposed to formalize the acceptance of these grants.

Amidst these discussions, the council also addressed community concerns during the public forum. Resident Michael Tater expressed frustration about the High Plains Co-op’s propane tank near his property, noting that promised trees meant to obscure the tank had died. Tater urged the council to enforce the agreement made with the co-op. Another resident, Joy Bzinger, corrected a misstatement regarding a grant received by the 55-plus seniors group, clarifying that it was for the Age Friendly Oronoco Area. Bzinger advocated for inclusivity in city budget decisions, emphasizing the need for accessible parks for residents of all ages, particularly those with mobility issues.

The council further discussed budgeting practices and potential enhancements to the city’s financial management systems. A focus was placed on the integration of new software that would allow for improved utility billing options, such as autopay and paperless billing. This enhancement aimed to streamline processes and respond to community requests for better payment options. The council also noted the inclusion of Oakwood Meadows into the city’s billing system, though acknowledging an outstanding interest amount of nearly $30,000.

Attention then turned to long-term strategic planning, with proposals to engage a consultant to help define a clear vision and mission for the city. Although there was strong support for this initiative, concerns were raised about the cost and timing, particularly given the busy budget season. Some members suggested issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to explore competitive pricing for consulting services. This strategic planning was framed as crucial for aligning budgetary decisions with future goals, though some advocated for postponing this process until after the Gold Rush event in the fall.

The proposals included maintenance tasks such as seal coating, crack filling, and blacktop patching, with an emphasis on flexible funding to adjust projects based on budgetary needs. There was also approval for replacing picnic tables and playground mulch, with assurances that these improvements were within the budget.