Discussions around the potential demolition or renovation of a building on Main Street East consumed much of the council’s attention. The building, with a current valuation of negative $380,000 primarily due to expected demolition costs, sparked considerable debate due to its structural concerns and potential financial implications. One business owner voiced significant apprehension about the financial risks, noting that their business would be jeopardized if the renovation proved unsuccessful. The owner plans for addressing the building’s structural issues, including replacing parts of the roof and performing necessary tuck-pointing work on the brick facade.

The council weighed the estimated $400,000 renovation cost against the potential value the building could have post-renovation, which was speculated to be around $300,000. Concerns about the unknowns in the renovation process were raised, with participants emphasizing the need for thorough inspections and evaluations before making a definitive decision. The council ultimately decided to table the demolition bid, opting to gather more information on the building’s condition and explore potential solutions more deeply.

In parallel, the council reviewed the preliminary budget for 2025, which proposed a levy of $1,630,000—an increase of $140,000 from the previous year. The finance director noted that this would result in a tax rate change of 2.79%, bringing it to 47.67 per unit. There was a consensus that these preliminary figures are typically higher than the actual tax bills, as adjustments are often made before finalization. Additionally, the council discussed the cost of chipping the city’s brush pile, a necessary measure following an August tornado. The only estimate received for this task was $15,000, which would need to be covered by undesignated funds.

The hiring of Jackie Knell as the new finance director was another point of discussion. Knell, who will start at a salary of approximately $9,697.74, was selected after the council interviewed three candidates. The council will continue working with their current financial consultant during the transition, especially given the critical timing related to the budget and ongoing union negotiations.

Another prominent issue was the ongoing debate over flag etiquette and the display of the newly adopted Minnesota state flag. Several council members expressed varied opinions on the matter, with some indicating dissatisfaction with the process that led to the new flag’s design. One member suggested that decisions on flag displays could be based on public polls or surveys, although another cautioned against the practicality of such an approach. The council acknowledged the importance of community involvement in these decisions, ultimately agreeing to gather public opinions on the flag issue.

The council also addressed routine matters, including the approval of Alysa Lashinski for a part-time position in the police department. Lashinski, who has previous law enforcement experience, was hired contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment requirements. Additionally, the ambulance department received approval to purchase Bron IV pumps and a zent device, totaling $29,468.32.

An update was provided on the Melrose fire and natural disaster recovery fund grants, which had a current balance of $3,337.120. The Women of Today expressed a desire to step back from administering these funds, and the council decided to proceed with the Greater Melrose Community Foundation for future fund distribution.

The council revisited the topic of a vacant building registration ordinance, aimed at encouraging property owners to maintain their buildings and facilitate timely inspections. The discussion revealed differing opinions on the necessity and implications of such an ordinance, with some members arguing that it could help prevent future blight, while others expressed concerns about potential overreach and the burden on property owners. The matter was left unresolved, with council members agreeing to further explore the details and implications in future meetings.