The most pressing topic was the council’s decision not to renew a contract with a company that had been suggested to be the sole provider of certain services in the city. The council members expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress and tangible outcomes from the partnership, leading to a motion to terminate the contract. The motion passed without opposition. The discussion revealed a broader concern about limited options available to the city, with the company being described as “pretty much the only game in town.” Consequently, the council decided to rely more heavily on the EDA, despite ongoing doubts about its effectiveness.

The dialogue surrounding the EDA highlighted a significant frustration with its performance and the perceived lack of substantial results. Concerns were raised about the city’s financial investment in the EDA, which amounts to approximately $16,400 annually. Members questioned the justification for this expenditure, given the infrequent meetings and minimal engagement. The council expressed skepticism about the EDA’s ability to secure grants and its overall impact on local economic development, with one member noting the absence of successful grant applications.

Another focal point of the meeting was the issue of animal control, specifically the management of dogs running loose in neighborhoods. Confusion arose regarding the responsibilities of city staff and police, leading to frustration among residents. There were reports of a deputy attempting to address a loose dog situation but ultimately failing to resolve it to the community’s satisfaction. The council acknowledged the need for clearer protocols and suggested a meeting between the mayor, city administrator, and sheriff’s department to improve communication and enforcement of city ordinances.

The council also deliberated on the city’s swimming pool finances, discussing potential rate adjustments to address its financial deficit. Despite being a valuable community asset, the pool has consistently operated at a loss, prompting discussions about revisiting entry fees. Opinions were mixed, with some advocating for gradual increases to prevent future financial strain, while others cautioned against raising rates too high, fearing it could deter families from using the facility. Suggestions included implementing a tiered pricing system to benefit lower-income families and incentivizing early pass purchases.

Additionally, the council approved a water fee schedule that included a 5% increase for three years. The decision was made unanimously. This was complemented by discussions on other city financial matters, including the renewal of tobacco licenses for local establishments, which passed without issue.

The meeting also addressed public works concerns, notably the challenges associated with snow plow procurement and water meter issues. The council noted an inability to secure a second snow plow due to budget constraints, with potential plans to revisit this in March. Water meter errors, especially in households with dual meters, were discussed, with assurances provided that follow-up actions would be taken to address the issues.

In a gesture of appreciation, a council member presented a plaque to Joe Benda, acknowledging his service to the city. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the hard work put in by various individuals, including the city attorney and administrator, highlighting the collaborative efforts required to navigate the city’s issues.