City of New Prague

The meeting commenced with the approval of the irregular agenda, followed by the consent agenda, which was approved. The primary discussion centered on a presentation regarding Civic Plus software, specifically the Meetings Essential product and its public-facing Meetings Hub component, designed for agenda and document management. The presenters detailed the integration features, including automatic publishing of agendas and minutes, creation of PDF and HTML versions, and linking documents to time-stamped video recordings, which are embedded from the city's YouTube channel without typical YouTube interface elements. A significant feature discussed was the custom-built search engine capable of indexing historical documents. The cost for the 2023 implementation was quoted at $9,200, an amount included in the 2023 budget, with the objective of advancing the council towards digitization and paperless operations. A brief discussion also covered methods for annotating downloaded PDF packet documents offline.

The City Council meeting addressed numerous items. The agenda included routine Consent Agenda items such as the approval of previous minutes (excluding the current meeting's minutes), claims for payment totaling $79,041.06, General Fund Finance Report review, approval of 2023 licenses, designating the polling place for 2023 elections via Resolution #22-12-19-01, and authorizing the purchase of a multi-purpose sidewalk machine. A specific resolution recognized Romy Seurer for his extensive involvement with the local slow pitch softball league. The City Engineer provided project updates on street and utility improvements. A public hearing was held for the 2023 Budget and 2022 Property Tax Levy, which involved departmental budget overviews. General Business included the resignation of a member from the Joint Advisory Board for the Fitness and Aquatic Center Facility and the recommendation to hire a new Police Chief, Sgt. Tim Applen, effective December 22, 2022. Resolutions considered later in the meeting included adopting the 2022 Property Tax Levy Payable in 2023, adopting the 2023 City Budget, and approving the 2023 Official Fee Schedule.

The council meeting addressed several agenda items. Key discussions involved authorizing submission for a DNR Forestry matching grant for the fire department, which required a $2,450 transfer from the council's contingency fund to cover half of the estimated $9,800 purchase for approximately 20 pagers. The council also conducted the second reading and adoption of an ordinance amending city zoning code related to accessory building height restrictions (setting a 15-foot maximum) and construction methods, aligning with changes in the State Building Code for structures under 200 square feet. Furthermore, resolutions were approved for accepting the final payment for the Part 11 addition storm sewer improvement project, and entering into a new five-year Master Partnership Agreement with MnDOT for minor repairs and future project planning. Finally, the council reaffirmed its willingness to keep a specific site available for the future Veterans Memorial construction, pending further investigation into underground utility locations (force main and storm pipe) and potential future road projects.

Key discussions included the acceptance and summary of the 2015 financial audit report, which resulted in an unmodified opinion despite a $3.1 million prior period restatement due to new pension liability accounting standards. The Council also approved the revocation of a conditional use permit for a now-absent can reverse vending machine at the Econo Foods property at the owner's request. Additionally, the Council approved the lowest bid from Pearson Brothers for sealcoating streets, totaling $146,634.44, and authorized the purchase of two 2017 Ford Police Interceptors for $49,590, including a trade-in value for a 2011 Crown Victoria. The adoption of updated management policies, including financial management, tax exempt, capital asset, and accounting policies, was completed after modifications were made to allow for potential transfers from the general fund to enterprise funds. The review of municipal golf course survey results regarding employee membership discounts was tabled pending further information. Finally, an incentive payment of $1,890.78 was approved for Golf Management Enterprises (GME) based on the 2015-16 contract performance metrics.

The meeting addressed a short agenda, noting an upcoming budget workshop. Key discussions focused on potential improvements at the intersection of Highway 19 and County Road 89, involving MnDOT, Scott County, and Le Sueur County. Previous attempts to secure federal funding for a roundabout were unsuccessful due to cost-benefit analysis; the current proposal involves a lesser-scale concept with turn lanes, which requires significant landowner participation for potential driveway realignment or removal. The Council considered approving a draft letter of endorsement for the revised MnDOT application, due November 1st. A major highlight was the successful finalization of reclaiming title to the former armory property, concluding a process that began in February 2014, which now allows the City to determine the best long-term use for the 3.5-acre property, including planning for demolition and future athletic field development. Progress updates were provided on the Northside Park concession building and bathroom construction.