The meeting’s primary focus was a public hearing concerning the certification of unpaid utility bills. Resident Tom Shoemaker addressed the council, describing his ordeal with ongoing utility charges despite requesting service disconnection in March or early April of the previous year. Shoemaker expressed frustration that the service was not terminated as requested, resulting in a significant unpaid balance of $4,565.02. He sought to have these charges forgiven and requested reimbursement for $1,427 in payments made since his initial disconnection request. Shoemaker stated, “I have made numerous requests to have it shut off and ask for explanations about why it was not shut off. None satisfactory and continued to get billed for it.”

The council engaged in discussions on the specifics of the billing amounts and the city’s procedures for service disconnection. It was revealed that efforts to disconnect the service were hampered by a broken curb stop, which was not repaired until late September or early October. Shoemaker emphasized that he had provided check numbers and dates of payments to substantiate his claims, highlighting the ongoing charges as unjust. He remarked, “The current charges… the only way I could get the thing turned off was to accrue $4,565.02 in past due billing.”

The council members expressed a desire to resolve the matter promptly but emphasized the need for accurate documentation before making any decisions. One member noted, “We have to know the facts. I’m not voting on something just grasping for numbers out of the air.” There was a collective agreement to gather necessary records to ensure a fair resolution, acknowledging shared responsibility for the miscommunication and handling of the disconnection request.

Following the utility billing discussion, the council addressed infrastructure-related topics, including street updates and repairs. A representative reported on recent studies regarding catch basins and presented a quote for concrete work in three specific areas. The proposed work included regrading the curb and gutter at the catch basin located at H and Willard, repairing sidewalk panels in poor condition at the city park, and addressing issues with sidewalk panels east of the bell tower. A motion was made to approve the expenditure, with the stipulation that if the county declined approval, the city would bear the full cost of $6,900. The urgency of completing the work before winter was noted, alongside the importance of thorough assessments to prevent misuse of funds.

The council also discussed sidewalk maintenance strategies, specifically the Safe Step program, which aims to rectify areas where concrete has heaved. The program’s success in other communities was highlighted, and there were plans to schedule their services in Good Thunder soon. Concerns about snowplow damage to sidewalks near the fire station reinforced the need for immediate action on repairs to enhance safety and accessibility for all residents.

In addition to infrastructure issues, the council reviewed updates to personnel policies and health insurance plans. Key modifications included annual performance reviews for full-time employees, standardized paid time off (PTO) policies, and the inclusion of provisions for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Changes to health and dental insurance options were considered, with the council reviewing a proposed high-deductible health insurance plan and a new dental insurance plan. The proposed plans aimed to balance cost savings with employee benefits.