The council’s dialogue around lead service lines revolved around the city’s obligations under a state grant to notify residents with lead service lines or unidentified service line materials. These notifications have become an annual process and will continue until all unknowns are resolved. The city is required to inform residents about the materials used in service lines from their homes to the curb stop, which has led to inquiries from the public. The council emphasized the importance of participation in inspections, as it could impact individual home assessments. However, until the materials on the city side are identified, notifications will persist. A grant allocated for 2026 aims to aid in the replacement of lead service lines, representing a step towards reducing the number of unknowns. Although no immediate health concerns were reported, the council recognized the necessity of addressing potential risks associated with lead exposure.

In tandem with the lead service line discussion, the council addressed the management of PFAS in the city’s wastewater discharge. These “forever chemicals” present ongoing environmental challenges, and the city is conducting sampling to pinpoint sources. Collaboration with local industries is planned to mitigate this issue. The council acknowledged the significance of this initiative but did not elaborate on specific details.

Public safety during winter weather also garnered attention, with reminders about the winter parking ordinance. This ordinance prohibits street parking from midnight to 6:00 a.m. from November 1st to March 30th, facilitating efficient snow removal by public works. The police department’s efforts to enforce these regulations during recent snowfall were commended, although some vehicles were ticketed and towed due to non-compliance. The necessity of removing parked vehicles for effective snow clearing was emphasized, with the police department reiterating the importance of adherence to these rules for public safety and operational efficiency.

Another focal point of the meeting was the introduction and first reading of Ordinance 413, amending city code title 11 concerning fees, charges, and rates. A council member expressed gratitude for the decision not to increase water and sewer rates this year and to extend the summer sewer credit through October. The council acknowledged that anticipated community growth could offset potential revenue shortfalls from maintaining current rates.

The meeting also touched upon the library board’s update on their card policy, now allowing any born child to obtain a library card, aligning with neighboring libraries. Additionally, the community’s participation in the Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trot was highlighted, with 1,441 participants underscoring strong local engagement.

Further discussions included the fair zone ordinance, which was previously deliberated at the planning commission meeting. An upcoming meeting at city hall was scheduled to gather community opinions, as the previous meeting with the fair board saw limited attendance. The council agreed on making the proposed ordinance’s previous version accessible online for public review, emphasizing the importance of community feedback before finalizing any changes.

The meeting also covered a budget update for 2026, proposing a levy increase of 3.117%, a reduction from an earlier estimate of 10.8%. Concerns were raised regarding a decline in estimated taxable market value, potentially affecting the final tax rate. Council members discussed the implications of these changes on financial planning and tax statements.

Lastly, a conversation about the nursing home property ensued, with the owner expressing willingness to collaborate with the city on redevelopment or potential sale. The city reaffirmed its stance on not incurring demolition expenses but expressed support in seeking grants for redevelopment.