A major focus of the meeting was the wastewater treatment plant’s capacity and the need for a study mandated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to ensure the plant remains compliant with operational limits. The study is nearing completion, with improvements and population estimates being considered. The council debated whether it would be more feasible to enhance the existing pond system or transition to a mechanical plant, given the potential long-term costs associated with the latter. The plant, originally expected to last 50 years, is currently at the halfway point of its projected lifespan, prompting a discussion on incremental studies for future capacity needs. The council underscored the importance of organizing all necessary data before conducting any further studies.

Budget considerations were another crucial aspect of the meeting, with discussions spanning various city departments. Notably, there was a proposed $15,000 allocation for repainting over 300 fire hydrants in the city. However, it was noted that this amount would not cover even half of the hydrants, leading to a debate over whether to use a more expensive, durable paint or opt for a less costly water-based option. There was a consensus to gather further cost information to determine the best approach moving forward, with the possibility of repainting all hydrants at once next year for cost efficiency.

The meeting also delved into the city’s general budget, addressing allocations for chemicals at the water treatment plant, water meters, and public works equipment. A specific discussion arose around the necessity of a $6,000 hydrant gate valve wrench, essential for ensuring the operational readiness of hydrants and gate valves, especially for the fire district. The council also considered safety training and technology upgrades, with funds allocated for necessary updates to address connectivity issues with the current Verizon hotspot system.

The topic of wage increases came up, highlighting a rise in salaries from $136,000 in 2022 to $186,000 in 2023, attributed to the hiring of a utility manager. The council also reviewed a generator service agreement to ensure regular maintenance and testing for readiness, and a budget allocation for auditing services and engineering costs was discussed, with a specific mention of a required wastewater treatment plant meter calibration for MPCA compliance.

In addition to infrastructure and budget discussions, the council explored the refurbishment of local parks, notably Rum River Meadows Park. Given the park’s high usage, there were concerns about the aging equipment, leading to a debate on whether to expedite improvements. The council considered utilizing park dedication funds for potential upgrades, emphasizing the need to reassess timelines for replacement in the capital improvement plan.

Another area of focus was the city’s approach to street lighting, with the need for replacement poles and a request for clarification on budgeting for street light infill. The council also addressed the compressor for the community center’s fire suppression system, stressing the importance of regular maintenance to prevent failures.

Furthermore, the meeting covered the economic implications of the city’s liquor store operations. Discussions included part-time salaries, administrative wages, office supplies, and training costs. The council considered the practicality of attending the Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association (MMBA) conference, emphasizing the value of staff development and industry insights gained from such events. Additionally, the council scrutinized technology expenses, including IT services and subscription costs, to ensure optimal value for the city.

As the meeting progressed, the council examined the city’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, discussing the necessity of reviewing documents to assess their viability for future projects. The potential for new TIF districts and the importance of maintaining a budget for TIF consulting was highlighted.