A primary focus of the meeting was the council’s unanimous decision to upgrade the city’s aging water metering system. The existing meters, nearing the end of their functional lifespan, will be replaced with an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. This new system promises to enhance leak detection and provide residents with real-time data on their water usage. The council selected Census as the contractor for this project, noting that while its bid was slightly higher per unit, it was the most cost-effective overall. The project will cost $755,200, funded by reserves from the water and wastewater funds. The AMI system is expected to serve the city’s needs for at least 20 years, aligning with the projected operational lifespan of the new software. Approval of the Census bid was passed unanimously, allowing the city to avoid future price increases by moving forward promptly.

Another agenda item was a public hearing to address complaints about a nuisance property owned by Lori Chin. The city had received complaints about the property’s condition, prompting a hearing. Despite some progress reported by a council member who visited the site, it was determined that additional work was necessary to meet city standards. Consequently, the council voted unanimously to declare the property a nuisance and authorized abatement actions. This decision allows the city to enter the property to remove the remaining junk, with the costs to be borne by the property owner, potentially as an assessment on property taxes.

The council also conducted the first reading of a proposed ordinance to regulate flag displays on city-owned property. The city currently lacks a formal policy, and the new ordinance aims to establish consistent guidelines to ensure respectful and legally compliant flag displays. Council members discussed whether to maintain a concise policy or allow for public requests, with a consensus leaning toward a straightforward policy to prevent political disputes. The ordinance will be revisited at the next council meeting on October 14th after further feedback is gathered.

In addition to these discussions, the council reviewed the preliminary budget for 2026. The proposed budget totals $12,959,892, reflecting a 4.5% increase in city taxes, resulting in a levy of $5,583,475—$704,975 more than the previous year. The budget includes specific allocations such as a swimming pool referendum levy of $139,229 and a fire hall referendum of $114,580. The council noted that post-approval adjustments could only decrease the proposed levy. The council approved the preliminary levy, setting a truth and taxation meeting for December 1st, with a follow-up meeting on December 9th if needed.

The meeting also touched on several community events and infrastructure updates. The Public Works Director reported ongoing repairs at city hall and progress on the entrance sign installation. A discussion about the dog park revealed a preference for stationary benches over scattered chairs, and plans to resurface the pool were confirmed for the spring. The City Engineer provided updates on the Legacy project, with flexible scheduling to accommodate completion by October 15th of the following year.

The council acknowledged efforts by city staff in budget planning, with specific praise for individuals contributing to a water study. The library director announced a forthcoming borrowing agreement with Stewartville schools, aimed at enhancing resource access for teachers and librarians.