The most discussion revolved around whether to continue recording commission workshops and meetings. The council noted the cost of continuing recordings would be approximately $34,000 for the remainder of the year. Opting to cease recordings would save just under $19,000 annually. Opinions varied among council members. One council member stated, “For a $19,000 savings, I don’t think I’m for it… I think it’s a step back in transparency.” This sentiment was echoed by others who emphasized the importance of recordings for maintaining transparency and allowing residents to stay informed, especially during health-related absences. However, some pointed to the potential discomfort recordings might cause for volunteers, which could deter participation in commissions. The council did not reach a consensus, recognizing the need for further deliberation.

The council then reviewed the financial outlook for various enterprise funds, with discussions on the budgets and projected revenues and expenditures. The water fund’s revenues were projected to be $2.2 million, with a budget of approximately $1.356 million. This would result in an increase of $863,000 in the fund balance despite rising personnel costs. The wastewater fund expected $2.6 million in revenues with a budget of just over $2.1 million. The electric fund’s revenues were estimated at just under $12 million, with no budget changes from the previous year. The surface water fund projected over $1 million in revenues, with a proposed budget of just under $800,000, including a 2.5% rate increase to fund major street reconstruction projects.

A council member raised concerns about how severe weather events might impact supply chains and pricing for the electric fund. The electric director reassured that vendors prepare for emergencies by maintaining stock, which would help mitigate immediate pricing fluctuations despite increased lead times. The director also mentioned ongoing equipment upgrades and the importance of maintaining substation equipment to avoid unexpected failures.

The solid waste fund faced a projected increase of $26,000 for 2024 due to a 3% contract increase with the supplier, leading to a decrease in the fund balance by $103,000. The fiber optic fund continued to struggle with a negative balance exceeding $2 million. Discussions included potential revenue generation from leasing space for fiber infrastructure, with companies showing interest in the city’s surplus infrastructure.

Attention also turned to the water department’s maintenance tasks and the replacement of water meters. Residential meters, with a lifespan of approximately 20 years, need complete replacement, while commercial meters, lasting about 10 years, require only the meter part to be replaced. This replacement initiative is projected for 2027, with parts costing around $150 each plus installation. Additionally, hydrant flushing is currently underway after being postponed last year due to drought conditions.

The council discussed the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the city’s sanitary sewer system. The use of camera work and data integration into the city’s mapping system was highlighted as a critical tool for effective planning and maintenance. Grease buildup and the problem of “flushable wipes” causing blockages were noted as persistent issues. The speaker mentioned that the waste treatment facility now fills three to four trailers daily with debris, primarily due to these wipes, compared to one trailer weekly in the past.

During public comments, John Schal raised concerns about the cancellation of Zoom access for meetings, arguing that this change could hinder participation for individuals with disabilities. Schal, identifying as a 100% disabled veteran, expressed frustration about the lack of accessibility and emphasized the importance of remote access for community engagement.

The council also addressed the Housy Park reconstruction project, approving a change order that included adjustments to the contract due to additional work requirements. The project received financial support from a DNR outdoor recreation grant, which was a 50-50 match, helping to mitigate costs.

In terms of future financial planning, the council discussed the capital improvement plan and its implications for enterprise funds, including water, wastewater, and surface water. The water fund is projected to incur nearly $4.9 million in capital expenditures by 2028 due to the water tower project. The wastewater fund is expected to see incremental increases in capital expenditures, with a narrow margin of only $32,000 over the target working capital by the end of the period.