Holly Palmer

Key discussions included old business concerning the potential sale of vacant city-owned lots previously used for ice rinks. New business covered the reorganization of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary roles. Updates were provided on city parks, including planned crosswalks and tire removal at Lodal Park, addressing a concrete circle issue at Cowboy Lake, maintenance and a future floating dock for Menominee River Park, and stairs removal at Breen Avenue/Terrace Park. There was also a discussion on decorations, specifically opting to purchase new banners for Carpenter Avenue in conjunction with the Hometown Heroes Banners and the 250th anniversary, rather than replacing snowflake lights. Further park discussions addressed potential use of park areas by SAY Soccer and a suggestion to remove a rusted gate at Menominee River Park. The committee recommended a specific patriotic banner design. An update on the Curbside Recycling Enrollment Drive noted the opportunity to apply for a cart grant to reduce monthly costs. Finally, the committee reviewed the directive from City Council to determine the best three alternative uses for the new property addition to Lodal Park, including consideration of renaming the park. An update on the Hometown Heroes Program indicated receipt of several applications.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of invoices totaling $331,178.76. Under the consent agenda, the council accepted the Public Safety Report for December 2025 and the Treasurer's Report for December 2025, and approved a training request for the City Treasurer to attend MMTA sessions. In the Manager's Report, it was noted that the OSHA Form 300A for 2025 indicated zero work-related injuries. Approval was granted for the Assistant City Clerk to attend a UPHRA training seminar. Updates were provided on the Citizens Advisory Committee's goals, including evaluating uses for new city property and planning for the nation's 250th anniversary decorations. During New Business, the council reviewed the FY 2024/2025 Audit, which noted a significant deficiency related to the audit report preparation but significant improvement in journal entry findings. The council adopted the Sewer Fund Action Plan Resolution 2026/1/20.1 to address the sewer fund deficit, which involved utilizing the general fund temporarily for capital infrastructure and planning to increase sewer rates effective July 1, 2026. Finally, the council approved the purchase of 30 patriotic banners for the 250th Anniversary celebration. An update was also provided on the Hometown Hero Banner Program.

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the approval of the agenda, public comments, and scheduled public hearings. New business items involve a presentation on Exemption and Abatement Programs by Kyle Mulka, an update on the Automated Curbside Recycling Program, an update on Projects #2 and #3, and discussion regarding the next two meetings scheduled for November and December.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and invoices totaling $237,976.88 covering the period from December 16, 2025, to January 5, 2026. Under the consent agenda, authorization was granted to accept the low bid from Great Lake Petroleum for a new fuel system for the Department of Public Works. During public comment, a Life Scout presented an idea for an Eagle Scout project involving the creation of a pavilion at Lodal Park. The Manager's Report detailed the conclusion of the annual city hunt, a visit regarding a sewer fund rate study, updates on Project #4 (Notice to Proceed date set for October 26, 2026), the success of the city's Christmas Event, progress on a non-motorized path project requiring a potential $30,000 contribution from Kingsford, and scheduling the Citizens Advisory Committee to evaluate uses for new city property near Lodal Park. The committee will also receive findings from the fiscal year 24-25 audit at the next meeting. New business focused on curbside automated recycling; following deliberation and public input, the Council voted unanimously to approve the commitment to curbside recycling and to apply for the State Recycling Cart Grant.

The meeting focused on several key new business items. The Commission reviewed the City's plan to offer automated curbside recycling starting in January of 2026, noting that the bid from GFL was accepted and public notification procedures are underway. The outcome of a recent zoning hearing concerning dog kennels in B2 Zoning Districts was discussed; the council approved allowing dog kennels on properties contiguous with Industrial 1 or Industrial 2 Districts. Additionally, an update on Project #2 status was provided.