In light of the impending transition within the city council, the urgency of appointing an interim city administrator was a focal point of discussion. The council members stressed the importance of having a dedicated interim administrator to maintain continuity in city management. They agreed to replicate the previous selection process by consulting the League of Minnesota Cities for candidate recommendations. A council member suggested involving an individual named Keith Hiller in the interview process, given his prior experience. However, the council reached a consensus that the personnel committee should initiate the search and contact Keith for his availability and willingness to assist.

To expedite the appointment, the council decided to reach out to a list of candidates provided by the League and sought recommendations from both the city attorney and labor attorney. A motion was made and passed unanimously for the personnel committee to contact these potential candidates and compile a list for Keith to conduct initial interviews. The selected candidates would then be presented to the council for further consideration. Jennifer, participating remotely, confirmed access to the League’s list from the previous search, which could serve as a foundation for the current process.

Parallel to these efforts, the council deliberated on compensation adjustments for the city clerk and finance specialist due to their expanded responsibilities. A motion was proposed to set the compensation at grade 20, step one, specifically at $48.93 per hour, with retroactive pay to take effect from the Wednesday following the last meeting. This motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

The council also explored committee roles and appointments, referencing city ordinances that outline the processes for commissions and committees. There was a push to review these ordinances, acknowledging that any changes would necessitate formal amendments. Some council members expressed a preference for a streamlined approach to governance.

A council member pointed out a disconnect in information sharing among council members, particularly regarding budget matters related to roadwork and other issues. They emphasized the importance of ensuring all council members are informed about discussions held in committee meetings to maintain a cohesive understanding of city operations. There was consensus that the council should not direct staff but allow the city administrator to facilitate communication between council and department heads.

The topic of enhancing public safety through the installation of an additional warning siren in Nisswa was also brought to the table. Residents in the southern part of the city expressed concerns about not being able to hear existing sirens during alerts. Information was shared from a contact with Dan from Federal Warning Systems regarding potential new siren locations that could enhance coverage, especially near water bodies to extend the sound range.

The estimated cost for a new siren, including potential additional expenses for electrical hookups and land acquisition, was discussed. A council member questioned whether residents were indoors or outdoors when they could not hear the sirens, noting that sirens are typically designed to alert those outside. The council recognized the need for public education on alternative alert systems, such as a county alert app, which could notify residents via smartphones.

Deliberations on the cost implications of installing a new siren led to hesitance in allocating over $35,000 without a clear need. A suggestion was made for community members to contribute towards the funding. The council also considered using private land for installation to mitigate costs associated with land acquisition. The discussion concluded with an agreement to gather more information on potential siren locations and costs before making a decision, while emphasizing public education on existing alert systems.