During the public comment period, Goulet shared a series of troubling interactions with local law enforcement, expressing dissatisfaction with how her complaints were handled, particularly an incident involving alleged vandalism on her property. She described this act as a hate crime against Native American women, illustrating a disconnect between community members and the police. Goulet recounted being denied the opportunity to file a police report, saying, “When I was in here about the issue of my neighbor painting on my fence, I was told that I couldn’t file a police report.” Her narrative highlighted ongoing concerns about racial profiling, recounting a traffic stop where an officer suggested she could move if unhappy with living in the area. In response, Goulet firmly asserted, “To hell with you guys. I’m not moving,” emphasizing her commitment to remain in the community she had invested in.

Goulet’s address also included personal aspects, such as her family’s fear of immigration enforcement encounters, and she claimed her First Amendment rights were violated after posting a video about these concerns. She reported receiving a call from Hunter Rawson expressing dissatisfaction with her video, which she felt compounded her sense of oppression. Her demands for accountability were clear, stating, “I don’t know what needs to come out of this because now we’re seeking legal recourse,” indicating the potential for legal action. The gravity of her situation was underscored when she declared it was “life or death for some of us right now.” After her speech, a council member acknowledged her passion and urged her to stay, but no further public comments followed.

In recognition of positive contributions, Chief Ross presented the 2025 Dilworth Police Officer of the Year award to Officer Jacoby Stets for his dedication and professionalism, particularly his community outreach and mentorship efforts. The recognition segment was a notable contrast to the concerns raised earlier, with praise for Officer Stets’s efforts in maintaining staffing and service reliability within the department.

The council also discussed significant infrastructure projects, including the 34th Street North Water Main Extension. The city engineer provided an overview of this straightforward project, involving a 12-inch water main installation extending 6,000 feet, coordinated with developments at the Resco site. The timeline for advertisement and bidding was set to commence soon, with completion aimed for late summer to avoid cost inflation.

Attention then turned to zoning changes, specifically ordinance 26-02, which proposed rezoning parcels to light industrial use. Council members deliberated on the implications, with potential future uses discussed. The Planning Commission recommended rezoning, which the council approved unanimously.

Moreover, the council considered the preliminary and final plat for a new community center spanning 4.58 acres, including contributions from the developer and the dedication of 3rd Avenue Northeast. The Planning Commission had recommended approval, and the council unanimously supported moving forward with the development.

The 2025 strategic plan update was another focal point, addressing city vitality, economic development, and public safety. Initiatives such as maximizing investment in the community center and improving pedestrian accessibility were highlighted, alongside the ongoing development of a 72-unit housing complex. Public safety efforts included a focus on mental health issues in collaboration with Allied Connect.

Discussions also touched on organizational integrity and employee training, emphasizing technology improvements to enhance service delivery. Plans were made to allow residents to conduct business remotely, streamlining City Hall operations. The council addressed emergency management training.

The meeting also recognized the emotional weight of awards given to police officers for life-saving efforts. A legislative update from local representatives focused on future priorities and collaboration with neighboring communities.