23:52The meeting saw a primary focus on the city’s plans to transition from electric to propane buses. Initial attempts to incorporate electric buses had been unsuccessful due to poor performance, particularly under the city’s operating conditions and weather challenges. The council discussed a new low-emission grant that could fund two propane-powered buses along with the necessary infrastructure. The importance of pursuing support from the Brown County Commissioners for this grant was highlighted. Notably, the propane buses would not require different shelters than those used for gas buses, simplifying the transition process.

09:22The council’s deliberations included the financial implications of this transition. The city’s current costs for the bus system were cited as manageable, but future costs are expected to rise. It was noted that a 10% match for the grant next year might double the expenses if a second bus is added. The council emphasized the necessity of planning for these potential increases in costs, especially as the city aims to expand bus services to include more destinations like the senior and recreation centers.

12:21The discussion extended to the future of the Elixir building, which had been considered for bus storage. With the unsuccessful electric bus grant, the urgency to repurpose the building has diminished. The council acknowledged the need for further planning and deliberation regarding its future use. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the Herman Express route improvements, with suggestions for adding smaller loops to enhance connectivity and potentially increase ridership by linking more locations, including job centers like 3M.

13:58Ridership statistics were shared, showing a notable increase from 476 riders in January to 582 in May, the highest month recorded. The council expressed enthusiasm for this upward trend and the positive community response.

17:14Another topic was the installation of benches around the city, particularly near the Emerson area. A participant proposed seeking additional funding for these benches through local organizations like the Optimist Club, which had a profitable year through gambling revenue. The need for city assistance in leveling the ground for the first bench was discussed, along with compliance with city codes for bench placement. The council noted that any bench installations within the city right-of-way would require council approval, while those beyond the sidewalk, especially on private property, might need further exploration with the city attorney.

22:28The continuation of free fairs for veterans was also addressed. Consensus appeared to support the program’s continuation, provided it did not inconvenience drivers. However, complications were noted regarding the definition of veterans, as individuals serving in the National Guard were not recognized as veterans under current criteria, raising monitoring concerns for eligibility.

28:45In terms of future planning, the council discussed scheduling their next meeting, deciding on December 10th to avoid holiday conflicts. The meeting concluded with this decision.