A highlight of the meeting was the special recognition given to Council Member Ron Chaple for his contributions to the community. The mayor, Andrew Kelly, introduced the surprise recognition, which centered on Chaple’s involvement in organizing events for children during holiday seasons. Miss Kim King, in her address, praised Chaple for his dedication and revealed a custom-made wooden plaque crafted by her nephew. This plaque was intended to honor Chaple’s efforts and was to be displayed in the park. The presentation was met with applause from attendees, and Chaple expressed appreciation for the acknowledgment, bringing a warm and communal atmosphere to the proceedings.

Following this recognition, the discussion shifted to the incident report from the fire department. Chief Higgins detailed the department’s response to multiple fire-related calls on August 7, including a deliberately set vehicle fire by a juvenile. A notable achievement was highlighted when a rookie firefighter, Raul, performed life-saving CPR on a 61-year-old female victim. This report underscored the challenges and important role of the fire department in the community.

Attention then turned to a more contentious topic: the approval of a task order for engineering services related to a 2025 roadway resurfacing project. Elizabeth Moore from Ankor Engineering presented the task order and addressed pricing concerns raised in a previous meeting. The proposed cost of $120,000 for just over two miles of paving, rising to $160,000 with additional fees, drew scrutiny. Moore clarified that the fee included $25,000 for surveying and $5,000 for geotechnical investigations, reducing the actual engineering fee to approximately $80,000. She defended the pricing by explaining the complexities involved, such as drainage grading and traffic maintenance, while emphasizing the firm’s longstanding relationship with the city.

A council member raised the issue of whether the project could benefit from competitive bidding. The representative acknowledged the potential of competitive bidding but pointed out the state statute requiring that engineers be hired based on qualifications rather than fees. A debate ensued over whether the existing contract with Ankor Engineering, a sole provider for over two decades, should continue or be opened to other firms to ensure competitive pricing.

Despite these concerns, a motion to proceed with the task order was made and seconded, resulting in a majority vote in favor, although one member dissented. This decision highlighted ongoing discussions about fiscal responsibility and the need for potential changes in procurement practices.

The council also addressed legislative changes affecting the platting process. A representative summarized recent statutory changes that shifted plat approval authority from the city council to an administrative body. The council discussed who should assume this new role, with suggestions ranging from a council member to a city employee. Ultimately, they agreed to designate the public works department for this responsibility, pending a formal resolution for future approval.

Additional agenda items included the first reading of an ordinance related to utility services, aimed at amending provisions of Chapter 82 of the code of ordinances. This ordinance received unanimous support and is scheduled for a second reading in 14 days. The council also declared an old police car as surplus, with unanimous approval for its disposal.

Briefly, the meeting touched on community events, with reminders of an upcoming Labor Day potluck featuring a pig roast and activities for children. The council discussed establishing specific park closing times to facilitate enforcement of park rules, with a suggestion to close parks at 10 PM.

Finally, the council deliberated on a pending litigation matter regarding Park Point, involving a dispute over ownership of facilities. The city’s insurance carrier recommended dismissing the case without pursuing costs against the plaintiff, which would allow the city to retain ownership of a generator and a chain-link fence. The debate revealed differing opinions on whether to pursue attorney fees, with a motion to dismiss the case being approved, despite some reservations.