A key decision made by the council was the approval of an on-sale liquor license for a business located at 833 210th Street, currently operating as the Amico gas station. The applicant, Tony Donatell, outlined plans to remodel the existing convenience store and build out a bar, anticipating an opening in March. The public hearing for the liquor license application was conducted without any objections from the public. After the hearing, the council unanimously approved the application, signaling support for local business development and diversification.

The meeting also provided substantial updates on infrastructure projects, primarily focusing on road improvements aimed at enhancing connectivity and safety. The Public Works Director, Mr. Omi, presented details on the I-35 and County Road 50 interchange improvement project. This project is a major undertaking with an estimated cost of around $50 million, with efforts to secure funding underway. Feedback from a December neighborhood meeting, which included about 40 property owners, will guide the final project alignment. The construction is anticipated to begin in 2028, pending funding availability.

In addition to the interchange project, the expansion of 185th Street from Kenwood Trail to Ipava Avenue was discussed. Scheduled for bidding in early February, this project involves transforming the two-lane rural roadway into a four-lane divided highway. The expansion will also incorporate pedestrian trails and additional turn lanes, with construction set to commence in the summer. A roundabout is also planned for County Road 50 near Hamburg, with construction expected to take place this summer.

The council was briefed on the city’s utility division efforts, particularly a notable 20% decrease in water production compared to the previous year. This reduction was highlighted alongside the completion of an inventory of lead and copper service lines, a regulatory requirement from the EPA and Department of Health. Out of the 23,000 service lines surveyed, approximately 2,600 were identified as having unknown materials, prompting notifications to property owners. Only 300 responses had been received, indicating the need for further follow-up to determine the material composition of these lines, especially in homes built before 1980.

Environmental initiatives were also a focus, with the Environmental Services Department reporting on its management of over 100 acres of city land. The department’s efforts include vegetation management, emphasizing native plant varieties, and removing invasive species such as Buckthorn to boost biodiversity in community spaces like Valley Park and Ritter Farm. The department also achieved compliance with MS4 permit requirements, completed numerous inspections, and coordinated development reviews to enhance stormwater management.

Recycling initiatives were highlighted, with over 33,000 pounds of pumpkins composted, contributing to landfill waste reduction. A forestry report noted that 604 property owners were informed about the condition of ash trees on their properties. Efforts to combat ash tree infections were supported by a partnership with Rainbow Tree Care, resulting in over 1,350 trees being treated this year, backed by a $340,000 grant from the DNR for tree replacement in public areas.

The city council further announced the operational status of five public electric vehicle charging stations, installed in partnership with a private company. These stations, located at community sites such as the Heritage Center and City Hall, are available for public use with associated fees, supporting the city’s sustainable transportation goals.

In organizational matters, the council nominated and approved Council Member Michelle Volk as the acting mayor. This decision was made without opposition.