The meeting’s most pressing matter was the approval of a bond issuance for street reconstruction, introduced by Todd Hagen from Ellers and Associates. Hagen outlined the specifics of the bond, which is to be used for a five-year street reconstruction financing plan. He emphasized the necessity of using a general obligation street reconstruction plan bond, funded entirely through property taxes, due to the city’s inability to meet the assessment thresholds required for typical improvement bonds. The bond issuance, identified as the 475 bond, aims to address street improvements in compliance with state law. The council approved the resolution to adopt the street reconstruction plan and provide preliminary approval for the bond issuance without opposition.

The council then turned its attention to a resolution supporting the acquisition of property on Danger Road by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD). The property, crucial for regional water management efforts, is adjacent to land already owned by the MCWD and plays a role in the district’s water management plan. The Planning Commission had previously reviewed and unanimously recommended support for the acquisition. The watershed district representative explained the strategic value of the property, highlighting its potential for regional water quality treatment for Jennings Bay, an impaired water body. The council unanimously passed a resolution of support for the property’s acquisition.

Infrastructure funding, particularly for water utility projects, was another focal point of the meeting. The city is advocating for state-funded general obligation bonds to support water infrastructure across the township, described as “six miles by six miles” and larger than neighboring communities. The urgency for funding was stressed, as the city will not know the outcome of their request until the legislative session concludes.

The council also deliberated over the city’s communication strategy in relation to upcoming changes in water utility billing. A proposal to hire a communication firm to assist with outreach initiatives, at a cost of approximately $18,000 over 30 months, was presented. The proposal aimed to improve communication with residents about the transition from quarterly to monthly billing. Despite mixed reactions from council members regarding the necessity of such expenditure, the proposal was approved with a vote of 3-1. The decision emphasized the importance of effective communication to maintain trust and transparency with residents, highlighting past challenges where inadequate communication led to resident dissatisfaction and confusion.

A discussion on the city’s cable fund revealed declining revenues due to the shift from traditional cable services to streaming options. The council considered whether to maintain the cable fund or revert its activities to the general fund, as franchise fees from cable providers like Mediacom have decreased. The fund’s historical role in supporting communications-related expenditures was noted, and the council agreed to monitor the situation further.

Additionally, the meeting addressed various budget items, including the storm surface water budget and the recycling fund. The storm surface water fund maintained its rate, while the recycling fund faced a significant balance decrease, prompting a proposed fee increase to cover rising waste management costs. The council acknowledged the need for a balanced approach to managing fund balances and service rates to ensure sustainability and accessibility for residents.