08:40During the meeting, the auditor detailed the fiscal health of the city, providing insights into various funds and their performances. The general fund experienced a cash fund balance increase of approximately $137,000, raising the total to over $1.5 million. This growth was partly attributed to an increase in intergovernmental aid, although overall receipts fell by $162,000 due to the absence of a one-time insurance payment from the previous year. Disbursements in the general fund decreased by $122,000, influenced by reduced snow removal costs, although general government expenses rose due to payroll and professional services.

13:47The fire fund saw a cash decrease of about $20,000, reflecting declines in receipts and disbursements following the end of a one-time public safety aid. Meanwhile, new street improvement and debt service funds were introduced. The street improvement fund notably grew by $861,000, driven by bond proceeds and project cost reimbursements. Conversely, the electric fund reported a decrease in net cash assets due to transfers to the debt service fund, while the stormwater management fund saw a decrease of $777,000 attributed to debt service setup.

05:06The audit also addressed a lack of proper segregation of duties within the city’s operations, a common issue for small cities. The presence of outstanding checks on the bank reconciliation was a legal compliance concern, prompting the auditor to advise the city to contact individuals about these checks or void them if applicable.

17:42The council also discussed the golf course enterprise fund, which reported an increase in net cash assets of just under $29,000. Despite this improvement, the fund still faced a significant negative balance due to debts owed to other funds. The financial representative highlighted the operational improvements for the golf course, marking a positive shift from the previous year’s decrease of $75,000.

21:42Further financial discussions included the solid waste fund, which recorded a modest cash asset increase of $19,000, concluding with a balance of $179,000. The meeting confirmed that the 2024 budget involved the payoff of the 2013A debt and the addition of the 2024A debt, leading to an increase in debt figures. The financial representative assured the council that all debt resided within governmental funds, with no proprietary fund debt.

02:47Following the financial review, the council approved the 2024 audit unanimously. The meeting then considered a donation for “Music in the Park,” scheduled for May 4.

26:49An amendment to the solid waste recycling ordinance was introduced, prohibiting the disposal of needles, syringes, and other sharp medical objects in regular garbage. The amendment included fines, calculated at 10% of the total bill but capped at 6% of the yearly amount. This motion was approved unanimously.

27:57A representative provided an update on the ongoing street project, noting the completion of a walkthrough with city staff and the contractor. Approximately 50 minor items remained on the punch list, but the contractor expressed confidence in addressing these and completing paving work by the end of June.

30:58The city administrator reported on staffing updates, mentioning a good number of applicants for the seasonal public works position, but fewer for the golf course superintendent role. Efforts to attract candidates included reaching out to educational institutions with turf management programs. Additionally, six golf carts were being sold, with one sold at the minimum bid. The council discussed pricing strategies for the remaining carts, agreeing on setting a higher initial price to gauge interest.

33:56The city administrator also requested permission to post for one or two grounds crew positions to alleviate the workload on existing staff. This motion was seconded and unanimously approved.