The Cassie Alley project emerged as the focal point of the meeting, with the council deliberating over a substantial change order necessitated by challenging soil conditions. Construction crews encountered a shift from sandy soils to a spongy, clay-like texture, exacerbated by recent rains. This required a revision of the road’s construction plan to ensure it could support heavy equipment. The original specifications called for three and a half inches of asphalt over twelve inches of Class 5 material, but the adjustment involves layering three and a half inches of bituminous material over eight inches of Class 5 and twelve inches of select granular material. The council unanimously approved this change, emphasizing that the additional costs would be absorbed by the existing $60,000 contingency fund, thus avoiding any direct impact on the city’s budget.

Following the decision on Cassie Alley, attention shifted to the establishment of a floodplain committee. This new body, including the mayor, a city council member, and an at-large member named Jim Gerwing, will tackle the development of a floodplain ordinance. The motion to form the committee passed without opposition, highlighting the council’s stance on flood management.

Permits were another significant topic at the meeting, with the council approving four applications. St. Joseph’s Church received clearance to replace its parking lot and repair sidewalks, while Kathy Tetrol was granted permission to modify her front steps for improved accessibility. Joel Poad of the local school was approved to construct a patio, and Arland Lumad obtained a permit to add a bathroom to his shed, intended to become a “she shed.” The feasibility of connecting this new bathroom to existing water and sewer lines was a point of discussion.

The council also reviewed outcomes from an earlier workshop, focusing on employee healthcare options. Various medical plans were presented, with the council considering funding the initial implementation through the sale of surplus equipment, such as a Caterpillar and a pro sander. This funding would also support enhancements at the local golf course. Conversations about employee compensation under new federal guidelines were acknowledged, though formal discussions were deferred to a later date.

Infrastructure maintenance updates were provided, including a report on a recent sewer backup incident. This marked the second such event within the year, occurring further down the line than previous issues. City staff responded promptly, scheduling a camera inspection to determine the cause, which might involve aging clay tiles or root intrusion. Efforts to repair a cart shed’s malfunctioning doors and order a part for a clubhouse washing machine were also noted.

The city administrator shared a successful reimbursement for consulting services tied to a source well project, which will cover up to $10,000 with the city responsible for half the costs. This financial win was complemented by community pride stemming from a recent Fox 9 visit during a local town ball game. An employee named Preston, who also serves as a police officer, played as a pitcher, achieving fourteen strikeouts and hitting a home run, a performance celebrated by the council.