The meeting delved deeply into workforce and staffing issues, highlighting concerns about the current wage structure and the need for a sustainable wage to support employees, particularly those with families. One speaker, sharing a personal anecdote, emphasized the difficulty of making ends meet while raising three children.

The speaker also addressed ongoing staffing concerns, noting that many college students had returned to school, leaving gaps in the workforce. High school students were recognized for their dedication, with some working more hours to fund personal endeavors, such as trips abroad. The speaker encouraged community members to refer qualified candidates for open positions, particularly for certified nursing positions, acknowledging that while pay may not match hospital rates, the working environment is supportive.

An employee-funded savings program aimed at increasing pre-tax contributions for staff was discussed, though the feasibility of this initiative was questioned due to costs. The council highlighted the importance of creating a game plan to address these wage and staffing issues ahead of a state mandate expected to take effect in 2026.

In financial updates, the council reviewed the preliminary budget for 2025, which included a standard 3% increase across all departments. Concerns were raised regarding potential changes to wage scales mandated by the state of Minnesota, with proposed increases of up to 58% for certain non-direct care staff and approximately 34% for direct care positions. While the need for wage increases was acknowledged, there were serious doubts about the feasibility of implementing these without corresponding increases in revenue or reimbursement.

The council also discussed the visibility of street signs and the necessity for residents to report misaligned signs. Further, there were updates on infrastructure projects, including ongoing sewer line work at the Care Center. This project involved slip lining to improve the system and removing storm lines incorrectly linked to the sewer system.

Additionally, the council addressed the codification of city ordinances, focusing on the storm sewer code and associated fee structures for residential and commercial properties. A suggestion was made to prepare an ordinance for the next council meeting, with a plan to have it ready for review and potentially a public hearing. The need for a clear and organized codification process was emphasized to allow community members to provide feedback and ensure regulations are formalized.

The conversation referenced a neighboring city, Jamesville, which has a detailed fee structure based on lot sizes. The speaker expressed concern about fairness in charging, noting that smaller residential properties should not necessarily pay the same as larger ones. A proposal was made to draft an ordinance that mirrors Jamesville’s approach while considering the specifics of their own community. The estimated fee for storm sewer services was discussed extensively, with a proposal of $5 per month to cover a project costing $30,000, which would be a more manageable figure for residents.

A hydrology study was mentioned. Plans were in motion to present the findings of the study to the community at an event likely scheduled for October. The council also discussed updating city ordinances, which had not been comprehensively revised since 2018. The costs associated with recodification were outlined, including a one-time fee for online access and annual hosting costs.

In the operational segments of the meeting, updates on infrastructure included a report about ongoing sewer line work at the Care Center. The project aimed to reduce unnecessary water influx into the sewage system, which has been a concern for the community. Additionally, there were discussions about the need to monitor and maintain the creek banks and the impact of recent storms.

The meeting also included discussions centered on the preliminary budget for 2025, with uncertainty surrounding health insurance numbers impacting planning. A resolution to adopt the proposed preliminary budget and set a truth in taxation hearing for December 9 was presented and passed unanimously.

In miscellaneous discussions, the city administrator provided updates on several ongoing initiatives, including property management, budget discussions, and collaboration with engineering firms for street improvements. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn, which passed with unanimous consent.