The discussion surrounding the allocation of safety funds was a focal point of the council meeting. Members deliberated on how to distribute government-provided safety funds among the fire department, ambulance services, and the police department. The conversation revealed differing opinions on whether the funds should be allocated equally or based on the city’s budget contributions. Some members argued for an equitable distribution, emphasizing the collective importance of each service, while others stressed the need for financial decisions that prioritize taxpayer interests.

A point raised during the debate was the financial burden on the fire department volunteers, who fundraise to keep their budget low. One member expressed concern that the current allocation method might penalize those efforts. Another perspective highlighted was the shared financial responsibility between the city and townships.

The council eventually moved forward with a motion to allocate safety funds according to the city’s budget percentages, which passed with a narrow vote of three to two.

In personnel developments, the council announced the hiring of Stephanie Meyer Miner as a new sergeant for the police department. Miner, who had previously served at the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, was described as motivated towards management and leadership, making her an ideal candidate for the role. While her hiring was contingent upon successful background checks and psychological evaluations, the council expressed optimism for her start date in March. The council unanimously approved her hiring, recognizing her prior experience as a factor that could expedite her training process.

The police department’s annual report for 2025 was presented, revealing significant operational data. The chief of police highlighted a trend of lower property crimes compared to previous years, although some property offenses persisted. The report attributed the city’s high volume of calls to its location between major thoroughfares, which led to transient issues like traffic violations and DUIs. A notable clarification was provided regarding an increase in alarm call records, which was due to a reclassification of alarm types rather than an actual rise in incidents. The council’s questions centered on community engagement activities, with the chief confirming that school visits and community outreach were included in the service call numbers, emphasizing the importance of police visibility during these events.

In the realm of upcoming projects, the council discussed the Pleasant Road project and a public meeting scheduled for February 25. Property owners in the vicinity were to receive direct notifications, and further details would be available on the city’s website. Additionally, updates on the pool project were shared, noting an increase in interest from plan holders since the previous bidding round. The bids were due on February 17, with the council poised to receive more information at their first March meeting.

The collaborative nature of the council’s work with the police department was highlighted.