During the meeting, there was a dialouge about the police department’s current staffing structure, emphasizing the necessity for a sergeant position to bolster nightly supervision. It was noted that the department has been operating with only one squad during late-night hours, which raised concerns about adequate coverage. The potential benefits of a sergeant position included increased supervision and better operational capacity during critical times, even when call volumes are low. The council discussed whether the position should be filled internally or opened to external candidates, considering the influx of new officers who may require additional guidance.

The council also explored the feasibility of adding an investigator role, which was presented as a strategic move to allow day shift officers to focus on proactive policing rather than administrative tasks. The challenges of hiring part-time officers were highlighted, with a shortage of candidates willing to fill these roles due to other full-time commitments.

A council member proposed compiling three months of staffing data to better understand the impact of different positions on the department’s operations. The idea was to provide comprehensive information on the number of officers scheduled for shifts and the potential effects of adding a sergeant or investigator. The council acknowledged that the new police chief would need time to acclimate to his role.

In addition to police staffing, the council considered the budget implications of these changes. A proposal was made to include funding for the new position in the preliminary budget for September 2, with flexibility for reevaluation by December. This approach would give the police chief time to establish his vision for the department and integrate a new officer, allowing the council to avoid rushed decisions amidst ongoing changes.

Water management strategies also garnered attention at the meeting, particularly concerning the city’s golf course and irrigation needs. The council discussed the substantial water usage required to maintain the water levels of specific holes on the golf course, emphasizing the need for efficient stormwater management. A project was presented to enhance water features and alleviate pressure on the city’s wells and pumps. The council reviewed the ongoing cart path replacement project, which is in its second year of a four-year plan, and budget allocations for clubhouse updates.

The council also addressed infrastructure improvements, with discussions on drainage issues along the trail near Edgewood and upcoming street projects. A proposal to create a collection system for effective drainage management was considered. The council explored funding options, including Municipal State Aid, and discussed the implications of planned bridge construction on future street improvements.

Other topics included community initiatives and postal service changes, with a council member reporting on a nonprofit roundtable and expressing frustration over a lack of communication about post office operational changes. Concerns were raised about the accessibility of proposed PO box placements and potential impacts on local businesses. The council also discussed cybersecurity measures, emphasizing the need for careful planning regarding the scope of a penetration test for city systems.