A major focus of the meeting was the Minnesota Paid Family Medical Leave Act, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Council members expressed concerns about the financial burden the legislation might impose on taxpayers. One participant highlighted the necessity of integrating protective measures into future work or employment contracts, stressing the importance of preventing undue burdens from stacked paid leave and Paid Time Off (PTO). The city’s financial contribution, negotiated down to 7.6% from an initial 8.88%, will amount to approximately $27,317, shared equally with employee contributions. The capped benefit of $1,500 per week was noted, potentially causing confusion among employees about their financial entitlements.

The council discussed the potential impact on essential services, with concerns about operational challenges in schools and hospitals if several employees were to take leave simultaneously. The conversation steered towards reconsidering future employment contracts, possibly adjusting PTO allowances to offset new costs. The council decided to delay a decision on the vendor for administering the plan until the next meeting, allowing time to gather more information on financial guarantees and the implications of opting out of the state plan.

Traffic safety was another important topic, particularly at the intersection of 8th Avenue and Heritage near an intermediate school. Prompted by community feedback and safety concerns, a council member suggested adding a traffic control measure, such as a roundabout, in conjunction with upcoming repaving plans. County Commissioner Todd Christensen agreed, citing the intersection’s dangers, especially for children, and emphasized prioritizing it in future planning. The council also addressed speed limit changes on Whiskey Road, with ongoing discussions and state requirements for a formal speed study before any modifications.

The meeting also covered social media issues, with City Administrator Josie Wood acknowledging an inadvertent blocking of words and comments on the city’s Facebook page. Apologies were extended for the inconvenience, and measures were promised to prevent future occurrences. The council subsequently approved a service agreement for social media archiving to maintain compliance with data retention regulations, costing $1,728 annually, plus a $275 training fee. This initiative aims to digitize social media interactions.

Further discussions highlighted budgetary concerns, particularly the feasibility of a leaf pickup program. A council member expressed skepticism about its practicality. However, the high costs led to the proposal to remove this goal from the agenda, focusing instead on maintaining low taxes amidst rising employee costs.

The council also considered dynamic signage and a liquor store sign, emphasizing the need for relevant personnel to be present for discussions. The importance of understanding the return on investment for such signage was noted. The council plans to meet with the financial officer before the next meeting to address budgetary changes and questions. The urgency of preparing for the November 5th meeting was stressed, as it will be crucial for discussing budget drafts and potential adjustments.

Cannabis regulations and associated fees were briefly revisited, with concerns about inconsistent regulatory frameworks and the need for further research into enforcement mechanisms. The council agreed to gather more information before making decisions on fee structures and regulatory frameworks.