Jake McGuire

The council approved a resolution to schedule a public hearing for the proposed adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Additionally, the council discussed and passed a resolution supporting an application to the Hometown Pride program, which aims to provide community coaching, volunteer outreach, and assistance with grant identification and project funding over a five-year period.

The council addressed several items during the session, including updates on community center window treatments and nuisance properties. Key resolutions included the installation of stop signs at a local intersection and the scheduling of a public hearing for the fiscal year 2027 tax rate levy. The council discussed and approved funding for LED park lighting, the termination of a street repair contractor bid, and travel for city clerk training. Additionally, the council reviewed bids for street and sidewalk repairs, approved an electrical rate increase, addressed a downtown façade grant application, and received updates on committee projects, including the landfill, cemetery, and the Hometown Pride Project.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered the minutes from the prior meeting and various vendor payments totaling $98,601.29. During the public forum, concerns were raised regarding yielding at yield signs and improper parking obstructing visibility. Old business involved reviewing an arborist's evaluation of a city tree; the council subsequently voted to approve the complete removal and stumping of the tree by McNeill. New business included approving additional training for three city employees and referring requests from residents to sell adjacent alleys to the planning & zoning board. Updates from the Afton Development Cooperation covered quotes for the grain bin gazebo project and a request to install room darkening curtains in the community center. The council also discussed and subsequently voted to remove the food pantry box and cease participation in that program. Finally, a livestock permit for 4-H project calves was approved, and Joe Ross was appointed to the Fairview Housing Board. Committee updates noted that the Rec Board meeting was rescheduled and the Landfill had begun work on a new building.

The council approved the agenda and the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the previous meeting and a list of bills for payment totaling $33,847.18. During the organizational meeting segment, several resolutions were passed setting the time and place for 2026 regular council meetings, determining council payment dates, establishing pay for appointed meetings, authorizing employee numbers, duties, and compensation, providing for surety bonds, establishing City Attorney fees, designating The Afton Star Enterprise as the official paper for publication, and designating the day before Christmas as a holiday. Old business concerned a tree complaint for which the city awaited an arborist report. New business included approving an amendment to Casey's alcohol ownership partners, receiving an update from the Police Chief regarding the budget and vehicle acquisition plans, and approving the Planning & Zoning Board's recommendation to allow a resident to sell firearms from their residence under specified conditions. The council also reviewed and approved three Exterior Beautification Grant applications for $500 each, designated $5,000 in funds for FY 2027 Downtown Façade and Exterior Beautification grants, discussed guidance for a trailer park manager regarding city codes, and approved a large flagpole project contingent upon securing grants. Committee updates covered the Rec Board, EMC budget, Landfill construction, and Greenlawn meeting schedules.

This session served as a dedicated work session for the review of figures required for the preparation of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. No formal actions or decisions were taken during this meeting.