The meeting opened with a public comments section where several community members voiced their appreciation for St. Joseph’s welcoming atmosphere and expressed their support for community figures who contribute to this environment. Among the speakers, John, an investor active in local development, praised the town for its evolution and credited individuals like Rick, who have played substantial roles in this transformation. John emphasized the importance of local knowledge and personal connections in fostering business growth. He expressed reservations about the proposal to bring in external services for economic development, stressing that local relationships and understanding are important for supporting entrepreneurs.

Matt from Crew Flower and other business owners, including Jessica Turner and Julia Kingle, echoed John’s sentiments. They highlighted Nate’s role in facilitating communication and collaboration with local businesses, arguing that his involvement is integral to maintaining the town’s inclusive and supportive business ecosystem. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of outsourcing services on these established relationships and the community’s overall economic health.

As these public comments concluded, the council turned to discuss the proposal involving GSDC. The debate centered on whether the city should consider modifying current staff roles or integrating services offered by GSDC to complement existing efforts. A council member clarified that the intention was not to replace staff but to explore potential benefits that GSDC’s services might offer. However, there was a consensus that more detailed information was needed before any decisions could be made. Participants expressed discomfort with an external organization making decisions about St. Joseph’s development without a deep-rooted connection to the community.

The discussion raised questions about the feasibility and timing of implementing such a proposal, especially since it was not accounted for in the current budget. Concerns were amplified due to the potential changes in council leadership following upcoming elections. A proposal was made to table the discussion until more concrete information could be gathered and the new leadership could evaluate the situation, possibly during the next budget cycle.

The procedural aspects of tabling the discussion were also debated, with a focus on ensuring transparency and adequate community involvement. The motion to table was eventually made and seconded, and the council voted to defer the conversation to a later date. This decision allowed the council to address other agenda items briefly, including community engagement and upcoming events, before adjourning the meeting.