A significant part of the meeting revolved around the fire department’s request for a wage increase. Currently, firefighters earn $14.25 per hour, and there was a push to raise this to $20 per hour, aligning it more closely with Minnesota’s average of $18.90 per hour for similar roles. The council acknowledged the firefighters as the lowest-paid part-time city employees and recognized the importance of a fair adjustment. Inclusion in the cost of living adjustment (COLA) program was also discussed to ensure wages remain competitive in future years. The proposal to offset this wage increase by reducing the Economic Development Authority (EDA) demolition fund from $35,000 to $25,000 was considered.

Parallel to discussions about the fire department, the council addressed the police department’s vehicle requirements. The need for a new squad vehicle was underscored, with the current fleet experiencing considerable wear and repair costs. A council member highlighted that the department’s existing vehicle had incurred $13,000 to $15,000 in repairs over the past 18 months, emphasizing the urgency for an upgrade. A decision on whether to purchase an SUV or a sedan was debated, with the former preferred for its beneficial ground clearance. The importance of a timely order was stressed. The council agreed to consult with the police chief for further clarification and ensure that the department’s needs align with budgetary constraints.

Another topic was the discussion on comprehensive infrastructure planning. The council considered relocating and expanding City Hall, police department facilities, and public works. These projects, estimated to cost over $1,000,000, might necessitate bonding if expenditures exceed this amount. The proposals included consolidating city departments to improve coordination and efficiency, with a strong emphasis on planning for the city’s needs over the next thirty years. The council underscored the importance of incorporating a generator to ensure power during outages, particularly for emergency services.

The council also deliberated on the architectural development for these projects. Two architect-engineering quotes were presented, and Rett Architecture was favored due to positive past experiences and recommendations. The importance of aligning the project scope with financial realities was highlighted, and the council expressed urgency in organizing timely meetings to facilitate decision-making processes. The timeline for the architectural project included a kickoff meeting scheduled for September 18, with subsequent design phases culminating in an occupancy certificate expected by November 26.

In addition to these discussions, the council addressed the allocation of funds from the Ada Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) into the advertising budget for promoting the city’s upcoming 150th anniversary celebration. With insufficient activity from the AEDC, the council decided to redirect these funds to enhance the anniversary’s promotional efforts. A social meeting was scheduled for September 28 to engage community members and stakeholders in generating ideas for the celebration, focusing on community involvement and collaboration among local organizations.

The council also reviewed the city’s budget, noting the necessity of preparing for the September meeting where the preliminary levy would be set. Concerns were raised regarding the current financial situation, particularly contingent liabilities such as cost-of-living adjustments and insurance increases. The surplus had decreased from the previous year, although transfers from the electrical fund into the general fund had increased. Interest revenue from certificates of deposit was notably lower than in past years, prompting discussions on reallocating funds for better interest accrual.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the public works building and engineering estimates, considering two architect-engineering quotes. The council emphasized the importance of selecting a service provider that ensures quality over simply choosing the lowest bid. The decision appeared to favor Rett Architecture, pending council approval, with insurance covering either bid.