Mary Hagen’s remarkable act of bravery stood out as a highlight of the council meeting. Hagen recounted how she performed CPR on a one-year-old boy who was not breathing during a flag football tournament. She described the chaotic scene and her swift actions, stating, “I ran over there and performed CPR,” which ultimately led to the child’s stabilization. The council expressed profound gratitude, and Hagen’s reunion with the child and his mother, who were present at the meeting, underscored the emotional impact of her heroic effort.

The meeting also featured the return of Obama Obala as a council member for the third ward, with an oath of office administered by Tom Danker. The room filled with applause. The council also took the opportunity to honor Chaplain Victor Ordonz with a letter of commendation for his dedication to the police department and community. Sergeant Osborne highlighted Ordonz’s integral role in the chaplain program, his support during critical incidents, and his uplifting presence, famously known for his homemade cinnamon rolls. As Ordonz transitions to a new position, Pastor Dan Melky was introduced as the new chaplain, with the council anticipating his future contributions.

Another topic was KSMQ Public Television’s update provided by Laura Archbold. Emphasizing a mission-based content strategy, Archbold discussed the importance of accessibility across various platforms and the station’s dedication to local storytelling. She highlighted a recent visit from Senator Klobuchar, which underscored the bipartisan significance of KSMQ’s work. Archbold noted that KSMQ’s content is only 28% PBS, allowing substantial room for local content creation. The council acknowledged the station’s role as a civic partner, emphasizing its importance in fostering community connections.

In terms of community development, several key resolutions were approved. A resolution for employee engagement training was passed unanimously after a brief discussion. Additionally, a resolution for an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation concerning the Oakland Avenue project was approved. This agreement designates MDOT as the fiscal agent for federal grants, facilitating the project’s construction schedule from 2025 through 2027.

The council also addressed the airport fuel system replacement, which had faced delays due to equipment production issues. An overview of the FAA-required spill prevention plan was provided, along with details of a grant covering 70% of the costs. This resolution received unanimous approval.

Furthermore, the council granted Dusty’s Bar and Lounge an expansion of its liquor license to include an outdoor area, following compliance with city requirements and inspections by Fire Chief McCoy.

Tourism and economic development were highlighted in a presentation by Nancy from Discover Austin, who reported on the economic impact of the American Junior Golf Association event, generating over $730,000 for the community. Plans for future events, such as the Grillin’ and Chillin’ competition, and promotional strategies like custom playing cards were discussed.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of local achievements, including council member Jason’s welcome to new member Obala and congratulations to recent graduates. He also noted the upcoming Fourth Avenue Fest and its alignment with community engagement goals. Laura highlighted June as Pride Month and discussed the municipal pool’s operational adjustments due to a lifeguard shortage, encouraging hiring efforts.