The most pressing topic of the evening was the approval of a new parade route for the Covered Bridge Festival Parade due to ongoing construction on Jefferson Street. The newly proposed route will now start at 13th Street and proceed down Main Street to 3rd Street, then turn towards Mill Street, finishing past a nursing home to engage residents. This adjustment was necessary to navigate around construction and ensure the safety and convenience of participants and attendees. Holly, who presented the proposal, mentioned that she had coordinated with Tony Pasquali on traffic detours and outlined plans for barricades and parade logistics. The council appeared supportive of the new route, understanding the importance of maintaining community involvement while addressing logistical challenges.

In addition to the parade route, the council discussed various safety measures, including the possible acquisition of additional barricades to enforce road closures effectively. The police chief’s approval of the new route was also noted.

The topic of vendor security and logistics during the festival also came under scrutiny. Concerns were raised regarding how vendors would pack up after closing, especially since some would be selling until 6 PM, overlapping with events like musical performances and fireworks. Last year’s system of packing up and moving across the park was mentioned as effective, but the simultaneous basketball tournament this year would complicate logistics due to increased crowds. An exit through a newly constructed path was suggested as a safer alternative, although there were apprehensions about potential damage to the new trail, especially if weather conditions turned wet.

Another issue discussed was a property maintenance concern raised by a resident named Steve during the public comment segment. Steve shared his struggles following a fire incident that had impacted his property and interactions with neighbors and city officials. He voiced frustration over ongoing complaints from a neighboring resident about the state of his industrial-zoned property. Steve explained, “I don’t want to get nasty… I appreciate if she wouldn’t bother me.” City officials acknowledged the complaints and suggested a meeting to address the issues collaboratively.

The council then moved on to a detailed budget discussion. Brian provided updates on proposed changes, referencing notes from Kim, who had incorporated suggestions from a prior work session. The preliminary levy was maintained at 8%, with plans to discuss the budget further in an upcoming work session. Discussions included the potential addition of a new administrative position, adjustments to workloads, and the restructuring of Planning and Zoning services. Brian outlined the idea of reducing the reliance on an external contractor in favor of an in-house arrangement to enhance continuity in decision-making.

Resolution 2024 29, which pertains to providing police and fire benefits to all police officers, was also a point of discussion. Currently, part-time officers do not have access to these benefits, and the resolution aimed to use these benefits as a recruitment tool for part-time positions. The Chief detailed the contribution percentages for both officers and the city under the coordinated plan, noting a slight increase in costs that would not impact the budget. The resolution passed with four in favor.

Another important resolution discussed was Resolution 2024 30, which addressed the acceptance of donations for a new pool. This resolution was necessary to establish a new bank account to keep city funds separate from donations. The fundraising goal for the pool is approximately $1 million, and early donations, including $300 from local coffee gatherings, were acknowledged. The council emphasized the need for community contributions over the coming months.

Finally, the meeting included an update on the Zumbrota Area Ambulance’s application for state funds allocated for rural services. The outcome of this application, which depends on the total amount allocated by the state and the number of applicants, will not be known until December.