The issue of illegal dumping took center stage as members of the council discussed the growing concerns around the matter. Suggestions put forth included establishing partnerships to monitor and report illegal dumping activities and setting consequences to deter and hold violators accountable. The council acknowledged the need for evidence collection and the potential role of nearby property owners in the effort to address illegal dumping.

Another point of discussion was the prioritization of community development projects. The council members explored the allocation of points for various initiatives, with street repaving being one of the considerations. They also discussed the importance of strategic planning and the potential to apply for multiple grants to support future projects.

In line with the focus on community development, the council deliberated on the transformation of a park into a green space and the creation of a community garden. This would involve reducing maintenance equipment and potentially providing a space for residents to grow their own produce. The idea of naming a field at Heritage Park after Billy Pillow was also brought up.

Alongside discussions of community spaces, the council tackled the solid waste policy, expressing frustration with the current system and debating changes to enhance efficiency. Ideas included limiting trash pick-up to yard debris and items in cans, with special pickups for other items, and adding two days a year for free white goods pickup. Concerns about increased illegal dumping and enforcement were raised, alongside a proposal to empower city employees to enforce the policy. The council members discussed the definition of white goods and the need for a new approach to address the trash issue, including the possibility of establishing a roll-off site or contracting with a waste management company.

Furthermore, the council proposed a workshop to comprehensively review the employees’ manual.

The meeting also included discussions on downtown revitalization. The emphasis was on the significance of a five-year strategic plan for shaping future projects and securing grants.

In terms of internal governance, the council discussed the approval of minutes from a previous session, with concerns raised about grammatical errors and the accuracy of the minutes. A call for external review was made to ensure completeness and precision.

The council also addressed the challenges of managing city infrastructure, including the need to fix a specific pipeline and manage sewer capacity. There was debate on using available funds for this purpose, reflecting concerns about safety and the consequences of inaction. Additionally, the council discussed the enforcement of regulations for ATV use and the importance of community-driven solutions to broader societal issues.