A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion of financial strategies for the water treatment project. Shannon Sweeney from the Public Development Authority detailed the temporary financing plan required to connect the city to the East Range water system. The project is estimated to cost $27.6 million, covering construction engineering, water storage improvements, and facility buy-in. Complicating the financial landscape is the East Range Board’s request for a $5 million state appropriation, overlapping with the project budget. Sweeney emphasized the necessity of coordinating with East Range representatives to prevent redundant state requests.

The council was briefed on the project’s funding strategy, which includes a $10 million cap on the water infrastructure fund grant and additional loan options based on affordability calculations. Sweeney advised that initiating the design phase could enhance the project’s position on funding lists and secure favorable interest rates. The proposed temporary financing structure allows for a three-year term, with a possibility of refinancing for an additional three years, potentially improving credit quality through state credit enhancement applications.

Moreover, the council approved a resolution for a general obligation water amendment. The strategy included capitalizing interest to avoid immediate payments, with $190,000 earmarked for debt service account proceeds during the planning phase. The expected financing package aims to accumulate funds to cover construction interest through grants.

In personnel matters, the council approved the hiring of Tamika Defo as the new blight officer, following a recommendation from the hiring committee. Defo was selected for her customer service skills and experience at Fort Carson, Colorado. Her appointment is pending a background check and drug testing. Additionally, Josh Benda was appointed as the new public utilities director after an internal posting. Benda, who has extensive experience with the city and previous work in Aurora Gilbert, received unanimous support for his new role.

The council also addressed the necessity of upgrading city staff computers currently running Windows 10, which will lose support after October. The proposed upgrades, including hardware replacement, were tabled for further investigation of cost-effective alternatives.

Discussions continued on a proposed lease related to a telecommunications tower site plan. The council reviewed the plan, emphasizing the need for resolution approval to allow development to proceed. The lease negotiations are expected to be ongoing, with discussions around future rental spots for antennas and potential royalty fees. Despite the rural location’s lower lease amounts compared to urban areas, the council moved forward by approving the site plan contingent on planning and zoning approval.

Further, the council handled financial matters, including a pay request from St. Louis County for a water and sewer project, totaling $817,738.82. Despite concerns about project progress, the request was approved without opposition. The council also approved the closure of the city office for staff training on September 8th and 9th, emphasizing the importance of formal training for managing the utility billing system.

Lastly, the council discussed the need to establish campground rates promptly to facilitate the upcoming campsite lottery application process. While no specific dates were set for a special budget meeting, coordination on council schedules was suggested to address this and other matters.