The council’s approval of Swinson’s Lawn Care for the 2025-2027 lawn mowing contract was a key agenda item, drawing attention due to the proposed 37% fee increase from previous contracts. Concerns were raised about whether this increase was justified by added responsibilities or simply reflected rising costs. The discussions revealed that the increase was largely attributed to inflation and higher operational costs, including wages and equipment expenses. The lowest bid received was $53,000 annually, contrasting sharply with previous lower contract rates, which were noted as not truly reflective of market conditions. The competitive bidding process was conducted through the League of Minnesota Cities website, but despite outreach efforts, the bids varied significantly.

Member Joerger expressed reservations about the fee increase and explored the feasibility of bringing lawn care services in-house. However, the high initial costs of commercial-grade equipment and challenges in hiring seasonal staff were substantial barriers. The council recognized that although in-house services could offer long-term benefits, the upfront costs would likely exceed the current contractual terms. Ultimately, Joerger, despite his discomfort, supported the contract’s approval, which passed without further opposition.

In parallel, the council deliberated over ordinance number 20241, which seeks to amend the city’s code concerning cannabis businesses. The ordinance aims to establish regulations and amend definitions, focusing on zoning for licensed cannabis establishments. This includes buffer zones of 500 feet from daycares and 1,000 feet from schools, a measure supported by the Planning Commission. Comparisons were drawn between the proposed cannabis business regulations and those for liquor stores and gas stations selling tobacco.

The council also discussed the potential registration and renewal fees for cannabis businesses, indicating that while penalties have been set, fee discussions would continue in January. The proposed fees of $500 for registration and $1,000 for renewal were the maximum allowed by the state, prompting questions about how they compare to existing liquor and tobacco fees. Resolution 211117, involving the summary publication of the adult cannabis ordinance, was addressed with no further questions from the council.

Further into the meeting, the council approved the hiring of Lucas Harvey as the new building inspector. Harvey, who has a background as a framer with limited certification, plans to acquire additional certifications during his tenure, including those for septic systems and building official status. The council ensured that Harvey would receive necessary training until he is competent to work independently.

Aside from these major topics, the council also received reports from various city officials and departments. Notably, the public safety report highlighted an increase in calls in October, attributed to a rise in medical emergencies and incidents around Halloween. Additionally, the council discussed the upcoming Wyoming tree lighting ceremony scheduled for December 7th, an event anticipated to draw community participation with performances from local organizations.

In a lighter moment, the meeting touched on plans for a special appearance by Santa at the tree lighting, with enthusiasm expressed for the fire department’s traditional involvement. The completion of a Scout project installing a little library in Ashton Park was also noted, adding to the community’s existing collection of Scout-led libraries.