The council’s discussion on the recruitment of a new police chief was a focal point of the meeting. A motion to engage an external search firm was presented but ultimately rejected, with five members opposing it. The proposal was to collaborate with the Civil Service Commission and city staff, but uncertainty ensued following the vote. Concerns were raised about the next steps, especially given the city’s short staffing situation. Members discussed alternative strategies, such as leveraging platforms like the League of Minnesota Cities and LinkedIn for outreach. They also contemplated crafting a professional brochure to attract strong candidates, emphasizing the importance of presenting the position attractively to both internal and external prospects.

The conversation regarding the recruitment process was marked by differing opinions on whether to prioritize local talent or broaden the search. Some members advocated for internal candidates, noting the importance of familiarity with local laws and procedures. Others stressed the need for a thorough, open search to ensure the best candidate is selected. Despite the rejection of the external firm proposal, there was agreement on the necessity of a structured plan to advertise the position effectively.

In another discussion, the council addressed resident frustrations over road improvement assessments. A resident voiced strong objections to being assessed for County Road 24 improvements, arguing the road did not require such work. The resident highlighted the financial burden of the assessment, estimated at $6,800, questioning the fairness of the charges. A city representative explained that the county’s cost-sharing policy could result in city residents being assessed for county road improvements. The explanation did little to alleviate resident concerns about the economic impact.

Further public comments revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the assessment methods, particularly regarding Eagle Ridge Drive. Residents noted inconsistencies in assessment approaches, with previous assessments charged as flat fees per lot, contrasting with the current method based on lot frontage.

The meeting also saw council members discuss upcoming infrastructure improvements. The 2025 and 2026 road improvement plans were presented in detail, outlining various reconstruction and overlay projects. The presentation included proposed changes to street widths, utility and drainage improvements, and funding sources. Estimated project costs and assessment rates were shared, with the council underscoring the importance of securing grants to mitigate costs.

The council addressed ongoing complaints about chickens within city limits, which have reportedly gone unresolved for several weeks. Despite a city representative acknowledging the prohibition of chickens in all zoning districts, confusion persisted due to the absence of a formal complaint. This highlighted a gap in communication and response times that the council aims to address.

In addition to infrastructure and recruitment discussions, the council touched on community events, emphasizing the need for volunteer support for the “Celebrate the Light of the World” event at Robins Island. A moment of reflection on a recent shooting incident was also observed, with acknowledgments directed toward law enforcement for their diligent response.

As the meeting concluded, the council entered a closed session to discuss real property transactions, adhering to Minnesota’s statutory provisions.