In one of the most developments, the council concluded its search for a new City Administrator by appointing Tammy Baldwin, who has previously served in this role and is currently the Chief Financial Officer. The council president emphasized Baldwin’s qualifications and experience, noting that she was chosen from a pool of nearly 20 candidates.

One part of the meeting involved the funding request from Hometown Television, which sought to adjust its financial agreement with the city. The request involved modifying HTV’s funding from a percentage of franchise fees to a flat payment of $84,000, representing a 20% increase. This proposal sparked a debate among council members. Some members expressed concern over the lack of detailed financial planning and documentation accompanying the funding request, arguing for a more transparent and structured approach to municipal funding.

Council members acknowledged the changing media landscape, noting the decline in cable subscriptions and the importance of HTV in providing local news and coverage of city council meetings. Despite these acknowledgments, there was a divergence of opinion on whether to approve the funding without a plans for HTV’s future viability.

The council also addressed crime trends within the community, with a presentation of the year-end report for 2024. The report highlighted both improvements and ongoing challenges in public safety. Notably, the total number of calls for service and officer-initiated activities stood at 49,682, a slight reduction from the previous year. Violent crime incidents, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, totaled 14 for the year, which, although an increase from the previous year, remained within historical averages.

Property crime statistics showed a decrease in motor vehicle thefts and burglaries, attributed to aggressive policing tactics. The council praised the police department’s efforts in increasing traffic enforcement and addressing community safety concerns.

In a separate discussion, the council debated the continuation of the police department’s body camera program. The projected cost over a five-year period was noted, with some members expressing concerns about potential price increases. Nonetheless, the program’s continuation was approved, recognizing the importance of body cameras in enhancing transparency and accountability in policing.

Affordable housing also featured prominently on the agenda, with a resolution supporting an amendment to the Fair Housing Act. The amendment aimed to address concerns about overdevelopment and the unrealistic expectations placed on municipalities by current state mandates. While the resolution initially included contentious language, the council agreed to amend the wording to better reflect the community’s stance on the issue.

Infrastructure projects were another focal point, with the council approving a bid for the Summit Golf Course foot bridges project. The project, long awaited by the community, aims to improve safety and accessibility for golfers and visitors. Although some council members expressed concerns over the necessity and cost of the bridges, the resolution was passed, recognizing the importance of addressing safety risks associated with the current access routes.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council reflected on the service of outgoing members, acknowledging their contributions to the community. Public comments included expressions of gratitude towards these members. The council also addressed community concerns about drone activity near the local hospital’s helipad, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety for medical emergency services.