During the meeting, much attention was given to the potential costs and considerations related to a utility rate study. A discussion unfolded around the recommendation to hire Eric Norstar, a consulting firm, for an estimated cost of $113,000. Concerns were raised about whether the city could conduct sufficient research internally to assess its infrastructure needs without incurring such expenses. Council members underscored the importance of understanding operational and maintenance expenses for the city’s wells, one of which is operational, another under development, and a third anticipated. Historical data and budgeting information were cited as crucial for making informed decisions. One participant noted the city’s past rate increases lacked clear justification and stressed the need for any future increases to be well grounded in data and communicated effectively to residents.

The council was divided on whether to spend substantial taxpayer money on external consultants or rely on internal resources. Some members were wary of delegating decision-making to outside parties, preferring to maintain direct responsibility to the community. Others argued that specialized knowledge was essential to navigate the complexities of the city’s utility and zoning challenges. While the necessity for a rate study was acknowledged, debate persisted over the proposed costs and the timing of engaging outside assistance. Ultimately, the council moved toward a vote on awarding the utility rate study.

Transitioning to zoning matters, the council discussed resolution 2409-0, which proposed replacing the city’s zoning and subdivision ordinance with the newly attached ordinance number 20249 and exhibit A. This update aimed to modernize and clarify the existing regulations. The council also addressed the need to align the backyard chicken ordinance with the zoning ordinance, permitting chickens only in the small town and rural zoning districts, not in the Heritage Preservation Overlay District. This alignment was necessary due to the mechanics of overlay districts, where the underlying zoning district takes precedence.

The council acknowledged the effort put into modernizing and clarifying zoning ordinances, noting improvements in handling variances and compliance with state statutes. A legal advisor clarified that the new code would not retroactively invalidate previous regulations but would provide a framework for both ongoing and future enforcement, addressing potential legal challenges.

In other business, the council discussed adjusting the fee structure for the Farmers Market to attract more local vendors and food trucks. The current fee of $44 for a weekend vendor license was considered high compared to neighboring cities, where fees ranged from $5 to $25. The council considered waiving the fees for the remainder of the year to encourage participation, with discussions indicating a preference to evaluate the fee structure for the next year. Ultimately, the council agreed to waive the Farmers Market fees through October 2024, emphasizing the need to support local events and community participation.

A report on sidewalk repairs highlighted routine maintenance needs and specific issues, such as a collapsed sidewalk in the Riverwalk area due to suspected erosion related to the storm sewer system. The council authorized funds from the public works sidewalk replacement fund and the storm sewer enterprise fund for the repairs, with a not-to-exceed limit of $5,000 for storm sewer repairs.

Additionally, the council addressed a gambling application from the Knights of Columbus for a raffle at St. Joseph’s Church in January 2025. A council member disclosed their affiliation with the Knights, and the conversation centered on the completeness of the application form. The council conditionally approved the application pending receipt of the necessary documentation.

The meeting also included discussions on community engagement, such as the need for a rain location for the Farmers Market, with the community center being suggested. The council considered charging $25 for the community center rental and $50 for the Farmers Market, allowing vendors to collect donations. There was consensus on fostering an event that could attract the community.

Other topics included a $1,000 donation request from the Shago County Historical Society and the refurbishment of the downtown bulletin board. The council recommended tabling the donation request for further research and sought proposals for the bulletin board refurbishment from local contractors.

The session concluded with the logistics of acquiring a debit card for city expenses to streamline purchases and reimbursements for staff. The council discussed the balance of oversight and efficiency in managing city finances.