The council’s decision to engage Rett Architects for the Public Works Building emerged as a focal point of the meeting. After reviewing two bids—one from Rett Architects at $141,600 and another from an unnamed firm at $115,230—council members opted for Rett Architects. This decision was based on feedback from engineers who vouched for the firm’s quality despite the higher cost. The council underscored the importance of prioritizing quality over cost, with one member remarking, “sometimes the lowest bid is not the best bid.” The motion to proceed with Rett Architects was passed unanimously.

The council also discussed the future of city facilities, particularly City Hall and the police department. Members emphasized the need for long-term planning, considering a thirty-year horizon for facility improvements. Various options were presented, including relocating City Hall and public works, and consolidating the police and fire departments under one roof. A generator for the new building was deemed essential for maintaining critical services during power outages. A member emphasized, “If you’re gonna do it, do it right,” highlighting the need for a reliable and functional structure.

Acknowledging the financial implications, the council noted that any expenditures beyond the current budget of just over $1,000,000 would likely necessitate bonding. The formation of a committee to guide the architect was debated, with a preference for including members from the public works committee to maintain efficiency. The urgency of setting up meetings before the architect’s initial visit was recognized to ensure clear direction and to avoid delays that could increase costs.

The meeting also delved into budget planning for the upcoming year. The council reviewed a preliminary budget based on a proposed 6% levy, with discussions about potentially reducing it to 4%, which would decrease the budget or surplus by $10,000. The surplus was a componet of the discussion, given uncertainties around cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and insurance rates. The council also examined the impact of declining interest revenue from certificates of deposit, with balances in the rollover account reported at $2,800,000.

Personnel compensation was another significant topic, particularly concerning the fire department’s request for a wage increase for part-time employees. The council discussed raising wages from $14.25 to $20 per hour, with an estimated annual impact of $6,325. Members expressed a willingness to consider this increase, aligning it with the COLA plan that other city employees benefit from. A suggestion to adjust the Economic Development Authority’s demolition fund from $35,000 to $25,000 was made to offset the wage increase without altering the overall levy.

In terms of police department needs, the council addressed the necessity of replacing an aging squad car, with repair costs for the current vehicle reaching $15,000 over eighteen months. The council debated the suitability of acquiring another SUV versus a sedan, considering practical concerns such as ground clearance. The urgency of making a decision was stressed, as it can take six to seven months for vehicle delivery. The council acknowledged the importance of determining vehicle specifications before the next meeting to ensure timely procurement.

Another topic of interest was the upcoming 150th anniversary celebrations of the city. The council discussed reallocating funds from the Advertising and Promotions Committee to the Economic Development Authority’s advertising budget to promote the event. Planning for the anniversary included a social meeting on September 28 to gather community input and ideas, with a focus on involving various organizations to ensure broad participation. Council members noted the importance of avoiding overlapping events and emphasized the need for a well-planned program to mark the occasion.