The topic of issuing an RFP for engineering firms emerged as a point of discussion. The council acknowledged that it had been over a decade since the last RFP was issued, and there were concerns raised about the possibility of new firms being interested in serving the community. It was noted that pricing structures may have evolved since the last engagement, emphasizing the need for periodic evaluations to ensure competitiveness and relevance.

The council contemplated the timing for the RFP process. There was a proposal to set a timeline for discussions and actions regarding the RFP, potentially targeting a summer agenda. The goal was to assess interest from various firms, which would help to prevent the cyclical nature of appointing the same firms every year due to the lack of timely RFP processes. It was recommended that discussions take place in the latter half of the year to prepare for new appointments, allowing the council ample time to evaluate proposals and make informed decisions.

Another matter addressed was the appointment of a new ambulance director. Following an open application process and interviews conducted by the personnel committee, the council moved to appoint Brian Zales to the position, effective immediately. The transition was structured with a six-month probationary period in accordance with city policy, and the outgoing director was set to remain in a training capacity until the end of January.

Further, the council acknowledged advancements within the public works department, specifically recognizing two employees, Mike Freeler and Ryan Borstrom, who were slated to advance to higher steps in their pay scale as per their labor agreement with Teamsters Local 320. Although these advancements did not require a vote, they were communicated as part of the council’s regular updates on staff progress.

In addition to these discussions, the council addressed the adoption of a fee schedule for penalties, which had been tabled during the previous meeting. The proposed schedule included a review of existing penalties that had not been updated since 2006, with a focus on traffic violations and other offenses. A council member suggested that many of the fines set at $50 should be doubled, reasoning that the existing amount might not be a sufficient deterrent. The suggestion to standardize traffic penalties at $100 was put forth.

The meeting also addressed traffic and parking regulations, particularly concerning snowmobile violations and nuisance issues. Discussions emphasized the need for a line-item approach to better manage and adjust fees based on actionable findings. The council decided to forward this matter to the policy committee for further evaluation.

Another item of unfinished business involved recommendations from MINDOT concerning intersection controls for Trunk Highway 71. Proposed changes included making Fourth Street North a right-out only and Pine Street South a right-in only for northbound traffic. Opinions differed on these suggestions, with some council members advocating for the closure of Pine Street South due to traffic concerns, while others opposed the idea, citing the road’s utility despite low traffic volume. The council acknowledged that the changes were based on anticipated traffic flow and agreed to consult traffic design experts for a more informed decision.

The council also received an update on efforts to amend the local option sales tax legislation. Communication with Senator Tory Westerm’s office and Representative Mary Franson’s office is ongoing, with a bill aimed at raising the maximum amount permitted to be collected set to be submitted by January 31st. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with their representatives to reinforce the issue’s significance.

The consent agenda included a schedule of unpaid claims amounting to $1,389,948.68 and paid claims totaling $1,462,817.68. Donations were acknowledged, including a substantial contribution from the men’s card-playing group for the senior center and others for the fire department and emergency services. The council expressed gratitude for these donations and approved the consent agenda unanimously.