The council’s decision to adjust the annual benefit level for the Fire Relief Association was a key focus. The proposed increase in the payout from $10,000 to $10,700 per year of service was unanimously approved. This adjustment ensures that a firefighter with 20 years of service would receive a total retirement benefit of $100,000. The change keeps the fund at approximately 110% funded, adhering to the association’s guidelines. The council’s discussion confirmed that all years of service would now be calculated at this new higher amount, providing clarity and consistency for the firefighters’ retirement benefits. The funds for this increase were confirmed to be sourced from the Fire Relief Association, not affecting the city’s general fund.

Following this, the council deliberated on a resolution for an inter-fund loan to purchase a replacement tender apparatus for the fire department. The loan, totaling $660,000 at a 0% interest rate, would be drawn from the city’s water and sewer improvement funds. This financial maneuver allows the city to manage the purchase of a new fire truck, which had been bid on previously, with a repayment plan set over eight years. Discussions included potential revenue from the sale of the old tender vehicle to reduce annual payments on the loan. The council considered the idea of investing the loan amount instead, which was deemed an interesting prospect worth exploring further with the finance officer. Ultimately, the resolution for the inter-fund loan was adopted unanimously.

Community safety was further emphasized with a $25,000 grant focused on enhancing road safety along Highway 95. This grant aims to reduce traffic violations through increased enforcement over the summer, targeting issues such as crosswalk violations and distracted driving. The police department’s plan includes scheduling officers for overtime shifts to ensure these safety measures are effectively implemented. The grant, secured with the help of Officer Cornell, is expected to bolster community safety efforts, particularly during the busy summer months.

In addition to fire and road safety discussions, the council addressed zoning matters with an application from Bergin Custom Construction. The application sought variances and a conditional use permit for an existing substandard house on Lakeside Drive. The project involves significant remodeling, including floodproofing measures to bring the property into compliance with current standards. The Planning Commission had previously approved the application with conditions, and the council’s discussion clarified the extent of the planned renovations.

The council also focused on amendments to the cemetery ordinance, updating practices concerning grave site markers. The proposed changes aim to align the ordinance with current practices, allowing for more than one headstone per grave site and clarifying burial request timelines. A council member raised concerns about language restricting minors from visiting the cemetery unaccompanied, prompting a discussion on the need for clarity and potential revisions to avoid unnecessary restrictions on children visiting relatives’ graves.

Local events and community engagement were highlighted, with reports on the successful Memorial Day Parade and upcoming events such as the Party in the Park and the Flag Day ceremony. The council noted increased community interest, evidenced by a rise in tour requests for the police department and active participation in local events. Updates from other committees included discussions on noise concerns related to increased air traffic from Lake Elmo Airport and ongoing projects led by the St. Croix Valley Foundation to facilitate direct donations to Bayport.

As the meeting drew to a close, council members provided updates from their liaison roles.