The most notable discussion centered around the council’s decision to transition snow removal responsibilities to city staff rather than relying on external contractors. This shift, set to commence immediately, redefines how snow will be managed after snowfall events. The council discussed at length the implications for property owners, emphasizing the importance of communicating the new model effectively to avoid misunderstandings about the costs and services provided.

Under the new plan, city staff will remove snow from sidewalks, with windrows—piles of snow left in the street after plowing—being addressed later. This change was met with some criticism, as windrows could impede traffic and make parking difficult in the downtown area. Council members discussed the operational challenges this presents and considered employing a contractor exclusively for windrow removal, which could offer a balanced approach without inflating costs for property owners.

The council underscored the need for transparency in communicating these changes. Despite some reservations, the council agreed that removing snow after every snowfall would benefit businesses by minimizing disruptions.

In addition to snow removal, the council addressed several infrastructure projects, including change orders for street reconstruction. The Wright Street and South 10th reconstruction project required larger temporary fire suppression supply lines, while the Beach and Oak Ridge project faced delays due to the need for a new detour route. The council approved these modifications, emphasizing their necessity for maintaining project timelines and compliance with city codes.

The meeting also featured discussions on a financial adjustment related to project delays. A $14,364.58 expense for traffic control signage was necessitated by an alternative detour, arising from the poor condition of 28th Street. This led to a deliberation regarding the fairness of passing these costs onto the city or the contractor, with the council ultimately approving the expenditure.

Another topic was the approval of ordinance 1592, a zoning text amendment allowing cannabis micro businesses in the Town Center zoning district. Community Development Director James Cranvic explained that the ordinance would permit such businesses to operate accessory greenhouses. Council members debated potential odor issues and included provisions for a two-year interim use permit with conditions to mitigate community concerns.

The council also discussed the approval of a variance request for a greenhouse operation with conditions regarding storage and the dismantling of the greenhouse if operations ceased. This led to an amendment allowing the greenhouse to revert to agricultural use, should cannabis operations be halted. The variance was approved unanimously.

Additionally, the council examined proposed changes to signage regulations, focusing on lighting requirements and digital billboards. There was consensus on the need for clearer regulations to prevent excessively bright signs from distracting drivers. A motion was made to recommend proposed changes and schedule a public hearing, with lighting discussions postponed for further consideration.

In terms of future planning, the council introduced the 2026-2035 capital improvement plan, approved with modifications discussed in a prior meeting. The plan includes annual sanitary sewer main lining projects and updated cost estimates for upcoming highway reconstructions.