The council expressed their gratitude for the grant, acknowledging the hard work of the staff who secured the funding. A motion to accept the grant and authorize the necessary documentation was met with unanimous approval.

In another noteworthy decision, the council approved an ordinance amendment to increase the salaries of the mayor and council members. This adjustment, effective January 1, 2025, will see the mayor’s salary rise from $8,000 to $12,000 and the council members’ salaries from $4,000 to $6,000. This increase marks the first salary adjustment since 2004. Additionally, the ordinance proposed changing the time of council meetings from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., a shift that had been tested earlier in the year without any reported public concern. This amendment passed without opposition.

The council also approved a resolution for a bylaw change within the fire department to include the chief engineer in the department’s compensation structure. This role, vital for maintaining and certifying fire equipment and operators, had not previously been compensated. The bylaw amendment was unanimously approved.

A letter of intent was introduced concerning a state highway improvement project for State Highway 30, scheduled for construction in summer 2027. Although no immediate action was required, council members were encouraged to review the draft and provide input on the participation requirements as staff prepare recommendations.

The meeting addressed the snow hauling contract for the upcoming 2024-2025 season, awarding the contract to G Trucking at a rate of $15 per hour. This decision was reached following a review of bids from two contractors, with the council approving the recommendation unanimously.

Further, the council discussed a resolution for special assessments related to utilities and property maintenance. The resolution detailed the city’s practice of charging the paid amount plus 6% interest and a county reporting fee for property owners with outstanding charges. A list of affected properties was reviewed, and the resolution was approved without dissent.

The meeting also included several reports from city officials. The City Administrator acknowledged the engineering staff’s role in securing the million-dollar grant, while the Finance Director updated the council on the 2025 final budget, highlighting ongoing efforts to align budget numbers with actuals and review the fee schedule. The Public Works Director cautioned about potential dust clouds from street maintenance, assuring continued efforts to manage the conditions. The City Engineer discussed the progress of the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan and emphasized the need to prioritize future projects.

Finally, the council approved the hiring of Jeffrey Janet at pay grade 7.3, with a start date set for as soon as possible. The Mayor’s report included condolences to the families of Jerry Cook and Marilyn Havens and highlighted several upcoming community events, including a health and wellness fair, the Unlimited Banquet, and various fall festivals. The Mayor also reminded attendees of the Chamber of Commerce trick-or-treating event on Halloween, involving 47 local businesses.