The most noteworthy development during the meeting was the council’s unanimous decision to proceed with safety enhancements at the intersection of Second Street and Sherburn Avenue. The proposed changes aim to address longstanding issues related to traffic flow and pedestrian safety around the Superette area. The plan involves replacing the existing open curb cuts with higher curbs to prevent vehicles from encroaching onto pedestrian areas. Additionally, the proposal includes relocating sidewalks and installing crosswalks to facilitate safer pedestrian access, particularly benefiting children in the community. The project, estimated to cost $64,000, received a more competitive bid of $47,956 from Grant’s construction team. The council expressed appreciation for the collaboration between city staff and external partners, with members noting the anticipated positive impact on the community’s entrance. The construction is slated to begin once road restrictions are lifted, likely in May, and is expected to be completed by mid-July.

The meeting also saw discussions on vital upgrades to the city’s infrastructure, particularly concerning HVAC systems. The council approved a resolution for an HVAC upgrade at the industrial RAZ building, where the existing system, installed in 1994, was deemed inadequate. The new system, which includes heating and cooling solutions, is necessary to maintain electronic control equipment and pumps. Two quotes were considered, with the selected proposal from STR at $36,200, fitting well within the $42,000 budgeted in the capital improvement plan. The meeting also addressed the replacement of the HVAC unit at the wastewater treatment plant’s sampling room. The council favored a $46,900 proposal from SCR, lower than the competing bid, due to its efficiency and alignment with the city’s operational needs.

In labor relations, the council tackled two major agreements set to expire at the end of the year. A one-year agreement was reached with the police union, incorporating a 3% wage increase and adjustments to holiday pay and uniform allowances. This agreement allows for future adjustments based on a compensation study planned for 2026. Similarly, a three-year agreement was finalized with the public works union, featuring a consistent 3% annual wage increase and a reopener clause linked to the compensation study’s findings. Key changes included on-call pay adjustments and the addition of paid family medical leave. Both agreements were approved without opposition.

The council meeting also featured a presentation by Mr. Sanders on a development agreement with Ryan Hubbert for the Avalon Estates project. Hubbert has acquired the remaining undeveloped lots and committed to completing necessary public improvements on Birdie Lane. The agreement, crafted by the city attorney, provides Hubbert the option to either include the work in the city’s 2026 street projects or hire his contractor. The council showed optimism about the project’s impact on the local housing market.

Another agenda item was the need to replace the public works fuel system, as the current system’s software had become obsolete following the manufacturer’s closure. The council agreed to proceed with Northland Petroleum Service’s proposal for a standalone system, which the city will own outright, negating any ongoing fees associated with cloud-based systems. The decision was deemed financially prudent, considering the city’s initial budget for a software-only solution. The council approved the proposal at a cost not exceeding $18,100.