The most notable topic of the meeting was the renewal of the city’s liability insurance. Bob Cummings from Security State Insurance provided an in-depth overview of the process. He emphasized the city’s strong track record, with minimal claims since 1986, except for a flooding incident at the library in 2021. The renewal included adjustments due to the new liquor store and city hall, which increased the property premium because of the higher value of insured properties. Despite this increase, overall rates for property and liability insurance saw an 8% reduction, attributed largely to a favorable experience modification. Cummings detailed the various aspects of the policy, including automobile premiums, mobile property coverage, and a $1 million liquor liability policy separate from the municipal liability coverage.

Cummings recommended the council consider an excess liability policy to safeguard against potential high-stakes civil suits, particularly those related to police or employment issues. He also clarified that while fireworks coverage is not included in the main policy, it can be acquired at a reasonable cost for events. Additionally, the insurance package ensures coverage against internal crime, with a $250,000 limit, and he noted specific details about equipment breakdown coverage and rates for insuring nearly $50 million in property.

The council also heavily focused on the urban forest management plan, initiated with a grant from the Department of Natural Resources. Although funding for tree removals was not secured, resources were allocated to develop the plan in collaboration with an external contractor. The initiative included an inventory of 50 tree species, highlighting that 87% of the prevalent white spruce trees exhibited defoliation due to spruce budworm, projecting a loss of approximately 1,900 trees over the next decade.

The plan aims to maintain no net canopy loss, with a 10% increase in tree canopy supported by planting 400 trees annually. Financial considerations estimate costs exceeding one million dollars over ten years, with nearly half dedicated to tree removals. The council identified the need for further grant funding to alleviate financial burdens on homeowners for hazardous tree removals. The urban forest management plan also emphasized educating residents on proper tree care as part of its maintenance protocols.

In other discussions, a member highlighted the need for efficient communication and job completion as the city navigates its third year of certain projects. With the holiday season approaching, there was urgency to finalize matters to avoid delays. Additionally, upcoming meetings with county administrators will address priority issues, including joint powers agreements, while preparations for visits from the House and Senate Bonding Committees are underway.

Concerns about sophisticated scams targeting local applicants were raised, with fraudulent emails requesting payments for fees. The council stressed the importance of informing applicants about potential scams, noting that the familiarity within the small town often prevents such scams from succeeding.

Finally, the council reviewed the annual performance evaluation process, proposing timeline tweaks for earlier feedback deadlines. This adjustment aims to allow decisions about salary increases before the new year. The council also discussed the importance of having a concrete plan for tree management, referencing previous successful grant applications for stormwater management.