One notable issue was the funding for parks and trails, with council members voicing concerns about whether current fees sufficiently cover maintenance and development needs. The park dedication fee, currently set at $2,000 for new single-family home developments, was deemed inadequate for maintaining and upgrading park facilities. One council member highlighted the disparity in funding compared to neighboring cities, emphasizing, “we’ve got a very, very good and dedicated team there that doesn’t have the funding that a lot of cities around us do have.” This sentiment was echoed by others who noted the need for essential upgrades, including replacing aging playground equipment and addressing vandalism.

The discussion detailed the financial challenges facing city parks, with one council member pointing out the high costs associated with replacing playground equipment, stating, “when we’re talking $50,000 for, you know, new swing sets and playground equipment because our other stuff is falling apart,” it becomes evident that the current financing is insufficient. The possibility of increasing the park dedication fee to $4,000 was considered, with a view to eventually restoring it to the previous amount of $6,000 if necessary. Additionally, the introduction of a separate trail fee was proposed, with suggestions that developers could either construct trails themselves or contribute financially to trail development.

Council members acknowledged the potential impact of increased fees on developers but expressed confidence in their financial capacity. One member referenced a specific development by Capstone, stating, “when I look at what they’re putting in, they can afford it.” This discussion also touched on the responsibilities of developers concerning trail maintenance, particularly during winter, to ensure year-round accessibility. The council explored how to integrate sidewalks with the trail system, considering whether sidewalks could substitute for trails in some cases, especially in cul-de-sacs, which typically have reduced traffic.

A proposal to increase the park dedication fee to $4,000 and introduce a trail fee of $1,000 per property was put forward, with the acknowledgment that these changes would apply only to new developments following their adoption. The matter was referred to the parks committee for further input.

In a separate agenda item, the council revisited the topic of council member salaries. The last adjustment occurred in 2005, and the council acknowledged the increased responsibilities resulting from the transition of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to the council, which entails additional meetings and time commitments. It was noted that any salary increase would not take effect until January 1, 2027, complying with state law that prevents immediate raises to protect the integrity of the process. The current monthly salaries are $525 for the mayor and $475 for council members. The council leaned towards a 10% increase, which would result in salaries of $577.50 for the mayor and $522.50 for council members. This proposed change would add approximately $960 to the budget, a small fraction of the overall budget. There was general support for the notion of a 10% increase, along with a provision for future cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).

Finally, the council addressed the future of animal containment services, prompted by a letter from the Animal Humane Society announcing the discontinuation of impound services. The organization would continue to accept stray animals from the public, offer low-cost veterinary care, and partner with law enforcement on animal cruelty cases at no charge. The council considered whether the city should continue providing these services or explore alternative arrangements, as neighboring cities like Ham Lake are seeking solutions. Options included allowing individuals to take strays to the Humane Society themselves or considering other animal control service providers. A suggestion was made to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to explore available options for animal control services, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment of the current situation.