The meeting’s primary focus was the 2025 street improvement project, which was introduced during a public hearing led by Mayor Lisa Iverson. The project involves targeted road repairs, informed by thorough evaluations and public feedback. Ericson, the presenter, highlighted the necessity for pedestrian infrastructure improvements, specifically the installation of curb ramps to comply with state aid and ADA standards. The proposed funding structure details that 20% of the costs are to be assessed to property owners, with an estimated total assessment of $442,700. This translates to an average cost of approximately $1,730 per parcel for the 52 affected properties. Ericson assured that the assessment process would adhere to state statutes, allowing property owners the right to appeal within a specified timeframe, with interest rates on assessments potentially ranging from four to five and a quarter percent.

Council members inquired about differences between this and previous projects, particularly regarding the scope of work. Ericson clarified that this project involves less extensive repairs compared to a full-depth pavement replacement project currently underway, which results in lower assessments but also a shorter lifespan for the improvements. Following the discussion, the council unanimously approved Resolution 25533, authorizing the preparation of plans and specifications for the project.

The financial health of the city was another key topic, with Mr. Arend Doll from Bergen KDB presenting the 2024 audit findings. Notably, there were no audit or legal compliance findings for the year. The audit revealed a 7% increase in tax revenue due to a rise in the tax levy, while intergovernmental revenue decreased by $450,000 as American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were exhausted in 2023. The general fund experienced a revenue increase, which exceeded budgeted expectations by $260,000, resulting in a fund balance increase of $139,000, bringing the unrestricted fund balance to about $3.3 million. However, the water and sewer funds faced challenges, with both reporting operating losses despite adherence to rate study recommendations. Council members expressed concern over these losses, which were attributed to unusual maintenance costs in the previous year, and emphasized the importance of monitoring these funds closely.

The meeting also highlighted the Wyoming Police Department’s body camera program. Chief Bower presented the biannual audit by Rampart Auto Audit LLC, showing substantial compliance with relevant statutes. The department uses Axon Body 4 cameras, with data securely stored in the cloud, and conducts monthly audits to ensure proper use. Bower praised Cali Resnney for her management of body camera maintenance and public data requests.

In addition, the Wyoming Fire Department’s performance measures were reviewed, with Chief Bower reporting a total of 70 incident calls in the first quarter, primarily medical in nature. The department’s response time targets were achieved, though tracking the arrival times of different apparatus remains a challenge. Recruitment efforts are ongoing, with a need to increase firefighter numbers to meet policy requirements for call volumes.

The city’s new electronic sign policy was another point of discussion. Funded by ARPA and a contribution from the Economic Development Authority, the sign near Railroad Park will prioritize city notices and nonprofit events, excluding political and religious content. Anticipation was expressed for the sign’s operational debut, with council members eager to see it in action.