The council unanimously voted to extend the emergency resolution initially declared by the mayor on June 22nd. This decision, strongly advised by Emergency Management Director Denise Wright, is a precautionary measure aimed at maintaining emergency support for an additional 30 days.

In other discussions, the council deliberated over resolution 2413, which proposed updates to the current fee schedule. Adjustments were made to ensure that fees for services such as rental property inspections, mowing, and weed control covered administrative costs without generating profit. Notably, the revised structure introduced a tiered fee for mowing that increases with repeated occurrences within a season and implemented charges for weed control, which were not previously in place. Following a motion and a second, the resolution passed without further debate.

Operational challenges were also a focal point of the meeting, with updates provided on various city departments. The nursing home reported an average occupancy of 37 residents, with incoming and outgoing admissions. While there was a slight decrease in operational income due to reduced agency staffing needs, optimism for increased staffing availability was expressed with the return of local college students for summer. Efforts to foster community engagement were noted, including a planned family picnic and a silent auction to fund a new flagpole.

The water department faced issues, including a malfunctioning chlorinator pump requiring costly repairs. Additionally, an outdated piece of equipment from 1992 necessitated a search for a specific plastic component, with suggestions to explore 3D printing locally as a cost-effective solution. Compliance was maintained with a temporary setup while these issues were addressed. Furthermore, the department highlighted problems with humidity in the facility’s basement, causing pipe rusting, and emphasized the need for a robust humidification solution similar to that of the water treatment plant.

Maintenance and regulatory matters included the cleaning of the water tower, potential color changes for future painting, and plans to remove two problematic trees for a cost of $800. The council also discussed recent bypass events that led to significant water flow issues, with community assistance and volunteer efforts playing a role in managing these challenges.

The ambulance service’s operational discussions revolved around purchasing a Lucas device using emergency services funding and revising the pay structure. Adjustments included increasing call pay to $35 and modifying on-call compensation to three hours on weekdays and four hours on weekends. A survey revealed member preference for flat call time compensation, prompting consideration of this feedback in future pay structure changes. The council acknowledged the importance of retaining emergency personnel and ensuring their compensation reflects their contributions.

Additionally, the council approved a 3% salary increase for the director following a performance review. Budget implications of this adjustment were minimal, aligning with the council’s goal to maintain financial stability. Street lighting on Broadway was another concern, with repairs planned using screw-in LED bulbs to reduce long-term maintenance costs.

The final audit for 2023 was reviewed, highlighting a $200,000 budget surplus and the need for improved financial management practices, particularly concerning sales tax filings and bank reconciliations. A rate study was proposed to adjust water and sewer rates.