The council’s discussions highlighted multiple cases over the past year where shoreland work had been conducted without proper authorization, calling for a more robust regulatory framework. The planning commission proposed a year-long moratorium to allow time for drafting detailed guidelines, during which no work can proceed without explicit permission. This ordinance aims to clarify what actions are permissible with or without permits and will align city regulations with those of the Department of Natural Resources and the watershed district. The council expressed the importance of crafting a one-page guideline to inform property owners about compliance needs.

Concerns were voiced about the lack of clarity in current procedures, with a council member emphasizing the need for explicit rules covering permissible actions on shorelines. The commission emphasized that all contractors must be licensed, and the proposed ordinance would automatically repeal the moratorium once adopted. The city aims to avoid confusion and ensure compliance by coordinating with various regulatory bodies to streamline the process.

In other significant council business, there was a discussion about the city’s financial support for summer recreational programs. An annual allocation of $9,000 for the years 2025 through 2027 was approved, despite concerns over the lack of detailed financial reporting from the school district. Council members expressed frustration with the current arrangement, where funds were given without a requirement for itemized expenditure reports. The motion to approve the funding was passed unanimously, with a call for improved reporting and accountability from the school district.

The council also addressed a request from the Emergency Medical Services department, approving advancements for two EMTs to higher paramedic levels. This decision was reached with minimal debate and unanimous support.

Attention then turned to the 2025 reclamation project, focusing on improving Park Lane, Parkview Drive, and part of Hendrick Street. A resolution to order this improvement was passed following a public hearing. The project involves full-depth reclamation of approximately 2,585 linear feet of roadway, funded without borrowing and aligning with the city’s fiscal planning.

The meeting’s agenda included updates on the Birch and Pine project, where tree removals and street reclamation are already underway. This project, broken into phases, faces challenges regarding existing utility services that traverse private properties. Discussions highlighted the need for homeowners to connect to new services, aligning with the Public Utilities Commission’s policies. However, there was acknowledgment of past enforcement lapses, adding complexity to current efforts.

The council emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach in addressing utility connections, recognizing the financial implications for homeowners and the necessity of clear guidelines. The council’s input sought to provide direction for handling these complex utility situations effectively.

In financial matters, the council discussed necessary updates for the police department flooring, with budget estimates aligning with the $1.2 million bond amount. Concerns about the senior center roof exceeding initial estimates were noted, with a recommendation to proceed with the necessary work to avoid higher future costs. The council also reviewed an agreement with ISD 743 regarding summer recreational funding.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the scheduling of future budget workshops and the approval of the consent agenda, which included claims and temporary liquor license requests. An informational item about the citywide cleanup day was noted.