Jackie Carl

Key discussions during the meeting included public forum input urging reconsideration of hiring a Parks & Recreation Director due to anticipated city growth and the size of the park system. A presentation was given regarding the Atlantic Cemetery, noting its history, staffing, perpetual care requirements, and plans for 2026, which include digital backup of records and tree removal. The Council proceeded with official business by appointing Roger Poulsen to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Furthermore, approvals were granted for the selection of the City's Official Bank and Official Newspaper for legal publications for 2026. A payment application for the West 22nd Street Improvement Project was approved, as was Resolution #01-26 authorizing parameters for a Bond Purchase Agreement. Administrative and Mayoral reports covered topics such as the Governor's State of the State Speech, the status of the Camblin Hills project, and reminders regarding the snow ordinance. Council reports touched upon Fire Department leadership changes and ongoing committee activities.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered minutes from a prior meeting and several alcohol license updates, along with bills totaling $310,120.79. Key discussions involved the approval of Resolution #72-25 for the CY 2026 Budget for Atlantic Municipal Utilities. An annual presentation was given on the Atlantic Public Library, highlighting physical checkouts, visitor numbers, and budget percentages. Presentations were also given regarding the Produce in the Park initiative, focusing on local food promotion, community building, and their goal of year-round produce availability, and by Meals on Wheels, detailing their service of providing daily hot meals via volunteers and discussing current contract pricing and future increases. The Council approved Resolution #74-25 authorizing the use of a Preliminary Official Statement for the sale of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Refunding Bonds, Series 2026. The Administrator's Report mentioned a Council Budget Workshop scheduled for January 14, 2026. The Mayor reported on seeking partnership for Bull Creek Remediation and noted the effective date of new Hands Free Driving laws. Oaths of office were administered to a Councilman, an At-Large Councilman, and the incoming Mayor. Various City Council reports detailed updates on the Cemetery Board, Planning & Zoning (comp plan), Airport Commission, sidewalk projects, and American Municipal Utilities (leakage reduction).

The council addressed the CY 2026 budget for Atlantic Municipal Utilities and considered essential and general purpose loan agreements. They reappointed members to the Parks & Recreation Commission. Discussions included a change order and pay applications for the Downtown Street Project, Concrete Street Improvements Project, and West 22nd Street Improvements Project. Reports were given by the City Administrator, Mayor, and City Council members covering topics such as annual reports, budget workshops, upcoming events, public safety, fire department challenges, YMCA, landfill issues, and personnel & finance committee updates.

The council meeting included a presentation from the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighting their advertising efforts, improved online presence, and the transition to a new website. A proposal was presented by CADCO for a Business Plan Competition, seeking funds to award business development grants. The council approved an order regarding the sponsorship of this competition. Resolutions were passed setting a public hearing date for the transfer and sale of property, authorizing the execution of a minimum assessment agreement, and designating mental wellness checks as a health benefit for police department employees. An ordinance amending the code regarding the use of electric scooters and low-speed vehicles was approved. Future funding to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce was discussed, with a consensus to leave funding as it is. The arborist will begin trimming downtown trees next week. Halloween schedule was reviewed.

The council discussed and approved the appointment of Travis Fulk to the Airport Commission and Jeremy Butler to the Vacant, At-Large City Council Seat. They also approved closing selected streets for the Atlantic Homecoming Parade and the Atlantic Fireman's Parade. Additionally, the council approved a New Assistant City Attorney Retainer Agreement with Kaleigh Koch, allowed the sale of 302 Birch, and approved Steve Livengoods' request for a flagpole. They also addressed ordinances related to vacating a portion of the right-of-way, flood plain regulations, and the use of electric scooters. The City Administrator provided a report, and the Mayor announced the date for Halloween Trick-or-Treating.