The adoption of the 2025 preliminary levy and budget was a key focus, with Deputy City Administrator and Finance Director Mike D. presenting the details. The budget included a projected 3% increase in the general fund expenditure budget, amounting to approximately $195,300. This increase would correspond to a 3.1% increase in the levy to balance the budget. Key cost drivers included salary and benefits per union contracts, a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment for union and non-union members, and increased compensation for paid-on-call firefighters. While there was initial consideration of a salary increase for the Mayor and Council, it was decided to maintain those at current levels, with only commission members seeing increases.

Notable budget items included a 5% increase in the law enforcement contract, totaling $73,000, a $4,000 increase for Metro Inet to address cybersecurity issues, and a $177,000 decrease in election costs. Transfers to the equipment replacement and street capital funds were planned, with a $50,000 increase to street maintenance highlighted as essential to avoid future budgetary issues stemming from deferred maintenance. The city ended 2023 with a general fund balance of approximately $4.76 million, representing about 40% of the next year’s budget.

Safety concerns dominated the public forum, where resident Mark Wagner detailed issues with a neighbor alleged to be involved in illegal activities, including drug dealing. Wagner expressed frustration over the perceived lack of effective police action despite numerous calls. He recounted personal attacks on himself and his dog, describing the neighborhood as unsafe. Wagner’s concerns were echoed by another resident, emphasizing the increasing disturbances, including unregistered vehicles, transient individuals, and suspected drug activity.

Residents questioned the effectiveness of law enforcement responses and suggested that posting no trespassing signs could empower law enforcement to address trespassers more effectively.

Additionally, the council discussed a resolution concerning the handling of election judges and post-election reviews. Carrie Frost, the administrative coordinator and elections expert, raised concerns about the feasibility of implementing a post-election review due to a shortage of election judges. Frost emphasized the need for recruiting more judges and maintaining party balance among them. The council considered increasing the pay for election judges by $4 an hour, a substantial raise of 35-37%, to help attract more candidates.

Public input included a proposal from Robert Kersner to limit the number of precincts involved in the review and adjust the scope of hand counting to accommodate available resources. The council ultimately voted on a resolution with an amendment that a hand count would only occur in elections where the difference between first and second place was less than 20%.

The council also addressed a variance request concerning the placement of a detached accessory structure on a property, which the Planning Commission had recommended for approval. The homeowner proposed placing a garage near the front lot line due to the property’s layout and existing easements. The council deliberated over conditions to ensure the new structure would match the primary residence’s exterior, addressing neighbors’ concerns about the visual impact.

In other business, the council reviewed a concept plan for a proposed three-lot rural subdivision and discussed the rezoning of parcels from R2 to B2 along West Highway 65. The rezoning, recommended by the Planning Commission, raised concerns about potential noise and light pollution from future businesses. The council also explored the implications of ecological preservation measures on a proposed development, highlighting the need for flexibility in zoning codes to protect various species and wetlands.

The meeting concluded with departmental reports, recognizing the efforts of the Public Works crew and the fire department in response to recent storm events. The council discussed the possibility of establishing a drop-off site for storm debris, reflecting residents’ concerns. Further updates included information about the Cedar Creek ecosystem scientific reserve and ongoing storm recovery efforts.