Another agenda item involved proposed changes to the city’s special assessment policy. The council considered extending the interest accrual term from 10 to 30 years, particularly affecting economic hardship cases. A motion to amend the policy was proposed but failed, with some council members expressing concern over imposing long-term interest burdens on residents facing financial difficulties. The council decided to revisit the policy, seeking to better distinguish between hardship and undeveloped property deferrals and ensure fairness in connection fees for those hooking up to city services at different times.

The meeting also addressed the library’s exterior mechanical repairs, with the council opting not to resurface the Maple Street parking lot as part of the project. Members argued that the cost should be covered by the parking lot fund, rather than increasing taxpayer expenses. The council approved the building repairs without including the parking lot resurfacing.

Additionally, the council accepted the resignations of two city employees and ratified the hiring of a new staff member with experience in street department operations and DOT inspections. The council also discussed the fire contract formula with townships, noting the need for a review of the agreements, which haven’t been updated in over a decade.