The discussion around Dundee Park revealed a deep community attachment to the area. Residents highlighted the lack of accessible parks in the vicinity and the challenges posed by the absence of sidewalks. One unnamed resident emphasized the park’s uniqueness and the community’s reliance on it. Brian Gordon, a neighboring resident, shared observations of families using the park and challenged the feasibility of selling the land, which he argued could disrupt community access due to potential private ownership complications. The park’s current utility as a peaceful family space starkly contrasted with larger, busier parks like Swinson Park.

Similarly, concerns were raised over the proposal to transform Dune Park into a dog park. Residents argued against this change, citing the abundance of nearby dog parks and past sanitary issues at Minowashta dog park. They emphasized Dune Park’s role as a vital green space for families, urging the council to rethink the proposal and consider the park’s current benefits to the community.

In addition to park-related issues, a portion of the meeting addressed grievances regarding the Orno Police Department’s leadership. Jay Nygard, a non-resident, criticized the handling of complaints against police officers, highlighting 38 complaints since 2011, most of which were dismissed. Nygard shared a personal incident involving his son and the police, which he claimed was mishandled and caused undue stress for his family. He called for improved leadership and accountability within the department.

The council also tackled city infrastructure matters, including discussions on the maintenance and repainting of Well 8 and Chateau water towers. The recoating of Well 8, prioritized due to its older status, was planned for next year, while Chateau is scheduled for 2027. Council members acknowledged the potential temporary discoloration in water distribution during Well 8’s maintenance. The council planned a workshop with KM Engineering to finalize the water towers’ design.

The meeting extended to financial planning and budget discussions for 2026, where a preliminary 6% levy increase was proposed, providing a financial buffer over the previous year’s 5% increase. Council members stressed the importance of maintaining flexibility to adjust the levy based on future funding developments. The potential acquisition of a $900,000 vacuum truck for the city’s numerous lift stations was also deliberated, highlighting the need for reliable infrastructure.

Staffing needs within the city’s public works department were brought to the forefront, with historical staffing levels scrutinized against current service demands. Council members expressed concerns over employee burnout and the necessity of evaluating staffing needs in light of increasing maintenance requirements. A suggestion was made to conduct a staffing study to better inform future budgetary decisions.

Lastly, the council discussed a proposed banner campaign to promote local businesses. The initiative aimed to establish a partnership model with the chamber of commerce, minimizing political complexities for the city. A successful campaign would require substantial participation from local businesses, with the rollout projected within six months. This initiative underscores the city’s efforts to foster community pride and support local commerce.