Bethany Sarazin

The regular City Council meeting covered several significant business items. The Council first addressed a resolution to award a bid for land clearing along an existing city sewer line, which had become overgrown, with the work coordinated with the railroad. Following this, the Council moved to approve a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for contract City Engineer services, aiming to establish continuity for various public infrastructure and capital improvement projects. Finally, the Council approved an RFQ for City Attorney legal services, noting this is an appointed position, and outlined the scope of services, which includes acting as legal counsel and reviewing municipal documents, similar to the structure used for the City Engineer selection.

The council meeting addressed several critical staffing and administrative matters. Key actions included the appointment of Matt Claeys to the interim position of City Clerk following the removal of the previous City Administrator/Clerk. Furthermore, the council approved an agreement with Lynch Dallas PC for supplemental attorney services, necessitated by potential conflicts of interest or capacity limitations of the current City Attorney. Discussions focused heavily on future staffing, specifically prioritizing the hiring of a City Clerk (part-time considered) over a City Administrator to ensure immediate operational needs, such as budget certification and bill payments, are met. Council members also discussed refining job descriptions and potentially updating ordinances to clearly define roles between the City Clerk, City Administrator, and other staff to prevent bottlenecks.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. A report from the Sheriff's Deputy detailed calls for service, including addressing student speeding near Lafayette, and confirmed 43 hours of service for the month. Citizen comments included a discussion regarding zoning regulations for an accessory building at 313 Roosevelt Street, focusing on setbacks, lot coverage limits (40% of the required rear yard), and height restrictions (not to exceed 35 ft). The Mayor's report highlighted plans to solicit quotes for snow removal supplementary services, a Park Engineer, and Fire Department services, such as fire extinguisher inspections. Quotes were also being sought for additional work on fire department facilities 134 and 135. The Mayor expressed appreciation for the volunteer Fire Department's extensive recent activities, including training and providing standby support. The generator project contract was finalized and awaiting kickoff. The Fire Department report noted extensive community engagement during Fire Prevention Week, including presentations to local school students about smoke detectors, and updates on developing a cadet program. The Public Works report indicated progress on Well 3 (targeting a November 1st operational test) and Well 2 repair approval, a successful DNR drinking water inspection, and submission of the Lead Service Line Inventory project. Discussions also covered salt/sand inventory and the ongoing effort to locate and fix buried service line shut-offs, including complications with older installations.

The meeting included a review of the Sheriff's report, noting 43 hours of service and 24 calls for service, and an announcement regarding a car show affecting town roads. The council approved the agenda. Citizen comments featured an update from a state representative on legislation, specifically regarding stormwater bills and real estate tax assessment limitations, advocating for increased local control. A candidate for Lynn County Supervisor also addressed the council. Agenda discussions included modifying operating times for Gibby's Bar for an event, which requires street closures from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. the next day. The Mayor's report noted an error in the budget certification by the County auditor requiring fund balance allocation for bond interest, and updates on nuisance abatements resulting in default judgments against property owners. The council must seek an RFP for a financial audit as the state auditor is unavailable. A hiring update detailed vetting for a new clerk, resulting in a verbal acceptance pending council approval, which may involve adjusting healthcare benefits for part-time staff. The Mayor requested retaining the current part-time employee for four months to assist with the transition. Additional updates covered the return to service of an EMS vehicle and a non-compliance letter from the DNR regarding mowing at the Lagoon facility. The Fire Department reported electing a new assistant chief and appointing a Fire Captain.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, noting one councilor was absent but a quorum was present. Key discussions involved addressing citizen concerns regarding habitual offenders parking on sidewalks, which prompted a review of parking restrictions near the school, including the implementation of no-parking zones and future flashing crosswalk signs. A request was made for permission to close an alleyway for a private birthday party on September 7th, which the council agreed to process via appropriate documentation. The Mayor's report focused heavily on the recent water issue, thanking personnel for their work in diagnosing and resolving the problem, and noting lessons learned, especially regarding coordination with the school system. Discussions were held with the Fire Department representative regarding procurement policies for replenishing supplies, the need for clearer guidelines on Council versus administrative approval for purchases, and the potential reestablishment of the Cadet Program, pending insurance and policy reviews. Additionally, there was discussion about purchasing a battery backup for the radio system.