The council’s decision to approve the 4% tax levy increase emerged as a significant focal point of the meeting. The increase equates to about an additional $15 annually for the average household. The council members debated the implications of the levy options, with one option maintaining a higher surplus of $92,000 compared to the $82,000 resulting from the approved increase. The measure was seen as a necessary step to balance fiscal responsibilities, considering the rising property values that positively influence tax revenues.

Alongside deliberations on the tax levy, the council engaged in discussions concerning the budget for the city’s 150th anniversary celebration. A request for $10,000 was met with concerns about its sufficiency, given the event’s anticipated scale. Despite these reservations, the council passed a motion to adopt the final budget, which included necessary adjustments to credit card fees based on actual expenditures.

Another major topic at the meeting was the construction of a new public works building. Council members acknowledged the necessity for a field study to facilitate the project’s progression. The proposed engineering contract, valued at $5,000, would cover essential civil engineering services, including the relocation of sewer, water, and electrical lines. However, the timing and necessity of the contract prompted a degree of caution among some members, who expressed concerns about approving expenditures for a project not yet fully sanctioned.

The meeting also addressed compliance issues at the Deco Center, particularly concerning its hot tub and locker room doors. The hot tub failed state inspections due to non-compliance with plumbing standards, and while the equipment appeared visually acceptable, it remained “not legal” until the necessary corrections were implemented. Similarly, the locker room doors required replacement to meet state safety regulations, mandating specific features such as a plunger lock and a handle positioned at least four feet above the ground to prevent unauthorized access by young children. The council recognized these issues as critical safety concerns that needed urgent resolution.

The city’s 150th anniversary planning was another topic of interest, with a recent meeting yielding productive outcomes. A proposal for a community time capsule was introduced, intended to engage residents and preserve local history. The concept involved placing a time capsule at the Public Works building, with space for 200 individual capsules. Each capsule would be sold for $35 to $40, allowing community members to contribute items for future generations. The council expressed enthusiasm for the idea, considering it a unique means of fostering community involvement and commemorating the city’s milestone.

In addition to these discussions, the council considered a pay application of $24,718 to Rent Architecture for 70% completion of a schematic design. This payment marked the initial processing under a $140,000 contract. The council also reviewed funding requests from local organizations, emphasizing the importance of accountability and representation in financial requests. The sentiment was echoed that groups seeking financial support should be present at meetings to justify their needs.