Betsy Higginbotham

The council reviewed an awareness event for the Right to Life Safe Haven, passed several resolutions including the temporary closing of a state right-of-way, the approval of a Memorial Day Parade, the acceptance of a resignation, and the appointment of a City Administrator. Additionally, they approved zoning ordinance amendments and a calendar of meetings for the 2026/2027 term. Multiple agreements were authorized regarding engineering and intergovernmental cooperation for the Twin Lakes HSIP Guardrail Improvements project. Procurement and service approvals included the purchase of a mower, professional services for grant engineering, well testing, a pump for the golf course, a utility trailer, and various facility maintenance costs and waste water treatment plant payments.

The Council adopted resolutions accepting a resignation, approving a parade for the Edgar County Monster Mash Pirate Festival, authorizing the temporary closing of a state right-of-way, declaring a surplus of funds in the TIF District #2 special tax allocation fund, and making an appointment to the Park Board. Additionally, the council approved a TIF grant application for the Main Street Café, LLC and authorized an annual fireworks display agreement for the Fourth of July celebration.

The council meeting addressed several municipal administrative and project matters. Proclamations were issued for Kiwanis Peanut Days and Lions Tootsie Pop Days. Legislative actions included adopting an ordinance to amend the zoning code regarding dwelling definitions, while an ordinance regulating short-term rentals was tabled. The council approved a professional services agreement for the Twin Lakes HSIP Guardrail Improvements Project and a TIF application from Los Tres Caminos. Additionally, the council authorized hiring a new police officer, approved maintenance and improvement projects for city parks and buildings, authorized wastewater infrastructure equipment purchases, and renewed a copier contract for the Fire Department. Furthermore, a zoning variance for an accessory building was approved.

The council conducted a public hearing regarding the proposed FY 2027 Annual Budget. Key actions included approving various resolutions for personnel changes, including resignations and the hiring of a new firefighter. Additionally, the council passed ordinances amending employee compensation schedules and authorized the sale of surplus property. Various financial approvals were made for police equipment and extensive improvements and equipment for the wastewater treatment plant. Furthermore, a new commissioner was sworn in to fill a vacancy.

The council passed resolutions approving the transfer of a lease for a lot in the Twin Lakes Park Subdivision and accepting a resignation. An ordinance was passed requiring curbside pickup for trash removal. Various financial expenditures were approved, including repairs for a squad car, a street department vehicle, and infrastructure improvements at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Additionally, the council approved equipment purchases and service contracts for city departments, including a new copier for the Police Department, a motor for the Water Treatment Plant, and copier contract renewals for City Hall. Authorization was also granted to hire a replacement fire fighter.