The council unanimously supported submitting applications for four grants, three focused on the Lum Park pedestrian bridge and one on Oak Street reconstruction. The grants encompass federal and state funding, with potential amounts reaching $1.25 million for Oak Street alone. These projects are part of an effort to leverage external funding to minimize local costs, with federal grants requiring an 80/20 match.

In other matters, the council awarded a contract to Tonion Tree Service LLC for $8,500 to remove 14 large ash trees. This decision was straightforward due to the project’s classification, which did not necessitate prevailing wages, allowing the council to accept the lowest bid.

Attention was also given to the adoption of a Transit Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policy plan, which the council approved to meet federal requirements. This plan will undergo further review by the Transportation Advisory Committee in the new year.

A financial discussion arose around the rejection of bids for the Water Reclamation backwash building project. The lowest bid exceeded the budget by nearly $4 million, prompting the council to ratify the utilities commission’s decision to reject all bids. The project, supported by a $5 million Minnesota state appropriation, remains postponed as the city seeks additional funding.