The discussion on park board appointments underscored a lack of communication to current board members about term renewals and the potential reduction in board size. An unnamed council member expressed frustration over not being informed about the status of their term and questioned the fairness of reducing the number of board members from seven to five without proper resolution or public input. They advocated for public advertising of vacancies to ensure a transparent and equitable appointment process. The council acknowledged these concerns, noting the importance of adhering to statutory requirements and maintaining a consistent approach to board operations.

A member of the public named Todd echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in selecting board members. He criticized the practice of appointing individuals without publicizing available positions and urged the council to consider community interests. His remarks were a call for the council to allow all interested parties to apply for vacant positions, thereby fostering a fairer process.

The council’s subsequent discussion revealed that the park board had been incorrectly maintained at seven members, contrary to a state statute. It was noted that a formal resolution was required to change the composition to five members. This oversight occurred after a former member, Dale, left the board. The council decided to table the issue for further research and to inform the county about the delay in the decision-making process.

In addition to the park board discussion, the council addressed several other matters. The hiring process for a new public works director was a significant agenda item, culminating in the decision to offer the position to Rick Wacker. The council had narrowed down ten applicants to three finalists, who were interviewed and given tours of the city. After thorough deliberation, Rick Wacker was chosen and accepted the offer. The council unanimously approved the motion to hire him, extending their congratulations.

The council also tackled amendments to the employee handbook to include a conflict of interest policy. This amendment was necessary due to the potential conflict arising from the new public works director being a family member of a council member. The policy was approved unanimously.

Furthermore, the council approved a Sourcewell grant for playground equipment, which required a smaller financial contribution from the city than initially anticipated. The grant, aimed at improving park facilities, would necessitate a $40,000 match from the city rather than the full $260,000. This decision was supported unanimously, and Lynn was noted for working on securing additional donations for the project. The council clarified that if bids for the project came in under $175,000, they could proceed without complications.

Finally, the council approved various routine matters, including tobacco licenses for four local establishments and a raffle event for June 5, 2026. These approvals were passed without opposition.