Jennifer Basham

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgment that discussions regarding contract football and related matters were postponed. A citizen addressed the board on behalf of the 'Halloween at the Hood Committee,' expressing gratitude to the Mayor, the City of Cuba, and the Cuba Park Board for the use of Hood Park facilities for their annual free community event, which includes games, hay rides, a haunted house, and a costume contest. A motion was made and passed to waive the deposit fee for this group, although they would still cover the rental fee. Later in the session, discussions addressed changing the date for a demolition derby event from May 16th to May 9th, and confirming another date of October 10th. There was discussion concerning the proposal to establish non-smoking areas in city parks, specifically regarding enforcement at soccer and football games; it was determined that program operators could post their own non-smoking signs. A motion was passed to begin the hiring process for the Cuba pool in February for the 2026 season. A significant portion of the latter part of the meeting involved a contentious discussion and a proposed motion to dissolve the Park Board to allow for time to reappoint members, which was met with objections regarding state statute compliance and a lack of quorum.

Key discussions during this meeting involved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. A significant topic was the potential relocation of a building to tourism use, which prompted concerns regarding mold in a specific closet. The council determined that a mold test cost must be obtained and budgeted before proceeding, indicating that voting on immediate action was not possible due to the agenda structure. Further discussion focused on the LPUA electric bill payment plan following Winter Storm Uri, which resulted in significantly increased natural gas prices and demand charges. A payment plan over nine months was recommended based on auditor advice to manage cash flow in the electric department, despite the incurred interest. The council members debated the total interest cost versus utilizing reserves for an immediate lump sum payment.

The meeting included public commentary concerning a previous meeting where the Mayor allegedly directed an improper fund transfer, leading to public embarrassment for an employee, and the subsequent lack of accountability. Another public comment addressed erroneous claims resulting in court dates for citizens and called for reimbursement of related expenses and potential impeachment proceedings against an Alderwoman. Further discussion involved thanking the electric department and community volunteers for improvements to the concession stand at the park and providing an update on the Copper County flag football league's registration numbers and sponsorship. Other procedural matters included discussion on the necessary steps for posting and filling the retiring Street Department supervisor position, and preliminary items regarding park projects, specifically selecting court colors for new pickleball courts at Tangle Creek Park and providing draft recommendations for water and sewer rates.

The council meeting included several public comments regarding city operations and facility usage. One citizen followed up on an appeal concerning city intentions and communication delays involving the city's insurer (MORM). Discussion addressed the proposed sealing of a bike trail at Patty Playground, with inquiries regarding the $10,000 budgeted for it. Significant debate occurred over the relocation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) from its current location to accommodate a new Route 66 museum/tourism information center, with council members suggesting alternative, larger municipal buildings. Further public input involved disputes concerning the Crawford County Youth Football field use agreement, specifically noting the repeated use of an outdated organization name in the draft agreement provided by the city attorney's office, and subsequent conflict over facility access, keys, and the need to change locks. Additional agenda items discussed included the allocation of funds previously set aside for park improvements, leading to a contentious exchange regarding past budget allocations and donor promises for a pickleball court versus community requests for basketball courts. There were also discussions and motions related to approving minutes from a prior meeting (January 20th, 2026), paying bills, and providing an update on a warming center's operations, including thanks to donors and the police department for assistance during a cold spell in January.

The meeting addressed the agenda approval. A significant portion of the discussion involved an update from McBride Homes regarding their project development, including plan approvals, infrastructure installation (dirt moving, sewer installation), sales center progress (two units sold), and the upcoming final development plan and record plat submission for Phase One, which subdivides the area into 36 lots. Technical reviews from city departments (engineering, utilities, street department, water department, and building department) indicated that the project generally met or exceeded city ordinances and requirements, leading to recommendations for approval, contingent on satisfying any outstanding conditions, such as county approval for improvements on Mcloud Street. Concerns regarding utility connections, specifically meter supply and cost, were addressed. The meeting concluded with roll call votes approving the final development plan and record plat for Phase One.