One notable issue was the Bushman Road Project, discussed in depth by an administrator named Paul. He updated the council on the project’s status, noting that design plans were 60 to 70% complete. A recent open house for property owners along Bushman Road drew attention, with discussions centering on right-of-way impacts and potential tree loss due to construction. Residents were concerned about the effects of moving the road south near power poles, which could cost over half a million dollars, according to a 2021 study by Bolton and Mink. Despite these concerns, the council decided to adhere to the recommendations of the 2021 report, avoiding alternative alignments that would have increased costs and environmental impacts.

Public comments revealed contrasting perspectives, with one resident, Bill Toof, proposing a pay raise for council members to improve diligence. He also raised concerns about a lack of permits for an upcoming disc golf event. Another resident, Gary Bachan, criticized the state of rental properties, citing disruptive incidents and poor investigations as reasons for community members leaving Breezy Point.

The council also considered a new ordinance, presented by the chief of police, which would extend existing camping prohibitions to include public property. This measure aims to prevent camping on public lands and minimum maintenance roads. The council agreed to the first reading of the ordinance, with a second reading and public comments scheduled for the following month.

In other discussions, the council approved the purchase of a new police vehicle, a 2025 police Tahoe, at an anticipated cost of $60,000. This purchase is part of the upcoming year’s budget and addresses delays in acquiring squad cars experienced post-COVID. The council also addressed a temporary wage increase for the deputy clerk, owing to additional responsibilities assumed after the departure of the administrator and assistant administrator. Concerns about the increase’s comparability to other communities were discussed, but the council ultimately approved the raise.

Further discussions highlighted the urgency of repairing Shoreview Lane, with permits secured from the DNR and Corps of Engineers. The council authorized advertising for bids, emphasizing the need to prevent further damage during the winter months. The repair project, primarily driven by ice damage, is expected to be completed by May 2025.

The council also addressed issues related to traffic and speed enforcement. A speed study on Dove Street confirmed the correct speed limit as 30 miles per hour, leading to the replacement of an incorrect sign. Additionally, data collection efforts were planned for Suffolk Road, where speeding concerns had been reported. The council agreed to move a speed sign to this location to gather accurate data on traffic behavior.

Other topics included updates on the community garden project, with adjustments made to facilitate long-term maintenance. The council also discussed the ad hoc streets committee’s progress and the need for effective enforcement of event permits. The meeting concluded with discussions on scheduling a budget workshop to ensure thorough financial planning.