A major highlight of the meeting was the council’s approval of the Environmental Services budget for the years 2025 and 2026. The budget aims to address the growing costs of refuse, recycling, and operational expenses while maintaining essential services such as yard waste management and urban forest maintenance. The council was informed that these rising costs necessitate rate increases for residents, effective January 1, 2025, and again on January 1, 2026. The last rate adjustment occurred in 2024. A motion to adopt the budget was made, seconded, and passed without dissent.

Parallel to budget discussions, the council authorized the purchase of a six-ton asphalt patching trailer, a decision driven by the need for efficient street maintenance. Currently, the city has been relying on rented and borrowed equipment, which has proven inadequate. The $60,000 funding for this purchase will come from the 2022 equipment certificate, with an additional $7,374 to be allocated from the 2025 budget to cover the remaining balance. This acquisition is expected to enhance the city’s ability to promptly address potholes and minor street deficiencies. The council moved to approve the purchase, and the resolution passed unanimously.

In addition to financial and infrastructure matters, the council addressed several administrative changes. A resolution to establish the position of a Sustainability Communications Coordinator was approved, following discussions in previous budget cycles. This role aims to further sustainability initiatives and improve community engagement. The council expressed satisfaction with the revised job description, which outlines the qualifications and responsibilities necessary for the position.

The meeting also saw the council approve two positions within the Public Works Department: an accounting technician and an office coordinator. These roles are part of a broader organizational restructuring intended to streamline operations and enhance departmental efficiency. The changes, prompted by an upcoming retirement, do not involve increasing the total number of full-time equivalents (FTEs) and are expected to be managed within the existing budget. The council approved the resolutions for these positions without objection.

Further administrative updates included the establishment of a Community Development Specialist position. This role is part of efforts to strengthen the department’s hierarchy while maintaining the same FTE count. The council conducted a comparative analysis of job descriptions from other communities to ensure that the responsibilities are up-to-date, particularly in light of potential retirements. Like the other administrative roles discussed, this resolution was passed unanimously.

Among the infrastructure projects discussed, the Parkview Manor roof and air exchange project was notable. Despite the Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) operating with some degree of independence, city approval was still required. The project is funded through federal and state sources, including a congressional earmark. Six bids were received, with five meeting the necessary requirements. The council was assured of the competence of Go Sheet Metal, the recommended contractor, which has satisfactorily completed previous projects for the city. The resolution to accept the bids passed without dissent, paving the way for the project’s commencement.

The meeting concluded with a brief report section where no additional comments were made by the mayor or council members. However, the city administrator requested a closed session to discuss union negotiations under Minnesota statute 13D. The resolution for the closed session was approved, and the council prepared to transition into this session at 7:33 p.m.