The meeting commenced with a public hearing on a franchise agreement with Midco, a key topic due to its potential to enhance fiber service citywide. A county commissioner strongly advocated for the agreement, emphasizing its importance for economic development and the necessity of reliable internet service for critical institutions like schools and city hall. However, the scale of the project raised concerns from the public works director about the ability of existing city staff to handle the anticipated increase in utility locates required for cable installation. To address this, it was proposed that the city negotiate terms with Midco to potentially contract a third party to manage these locates at Midco’s expense. This would mitigate the burden on city resources and ensure that the project proceeds smoothly.

In response to these concerns, Midco has agreed to reduce its daily installation rate from 1,500 feet to 750 feet. The company also committed to notifying residents two weeks in advance of any street work to minimize disruptions.

The council also addressed the purchase of a new street sweeper, a decision driven by the condition of the current equipment and budgetary considerations. A motion was passed to purchase a 2017 model, which was deemed cost-effective and had fewer operational hours compared to an older 2015 model. The decision was supported by financial reserves, specifically from the Steen Street reserves. There was also some light-hearted discussion about the possibility of switching models if a better deal emerged.

Budget discussions continued with the presentation of the sanitary sewer budget. A rate increase set to take effect in January will see the base fee rise from $13 to $13.50, a change designed to be less burdensome for residents than adjusting the usage rate.

The meeting also covered updates on insurance rates, which are set to decrease in the coming year due to improved workplace safety among employees. This reduction will affect property, casualty, and workers’ compensation insurance, providing some financial relief to the city.

Additionally, the council reviewed the golf course budget, which incorporated a conservative approach considering recent changes and ongoing improvements. Discussions touched on health insurance cost structures and the accounting process for Junior Golf Association-supported projects, with some members questioning the current method of fund allocation. Revenue projections from golf course events were scrutinized, with clarifications provided on how tournament fees and merchandise sales are recorded.

The meeting concluded with a focus on improving operational efficiency at the golf course, driven by a new staff member eager to leverage recently implemented software to enhance customer service and streamline processes.