Luke Smith

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, with one pay request removed. Oaths of Office were administered for the Mayor and six alderman positions, followed by the election of a council President and Vice President. Key administrative actions included designating the official bank depository and the official newspaper. Discussions regarding infrastructure projects involved a warranty walkthrough with engineering, moving forward with the Minden and 4th St. project into the 2B phase, and updates on the water tower construction and chip seal bids. Public works updates included preparation for bug spraying, installation of a new baseball field fence, and discussions about preparing a cement base for a statue. Administrative topics covered pool staffing needs, applying for the West Nile Grant, and updates on the SE Development project invoices. The council also approved the renewal of several retail malt beverage and farm wine licenses, approved special event alcohol licenses for various Fire Department events, approved resolution 102-25, allowed the City of Oldham to use the city's rubble site, and approved library board appointments. Finally, the council reviewed and approved the 2024 audit and the 2024 annual report, maintained current pool pricing, and discussed the location for a new flagpole and the status of the marquee sign.

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda, with a substitution related to TIF #2. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation regarding an SD Housing loan of $560,000, structured with a 2% interest rate and repayment through TIF funds over 20 years. Council reviewed incentives for rapid housing development. Claims totaling several hundred thousand dollars were approved, covering website maintenance, fire department equipment, TIF payments, training renewals, permit returns, water bills, an ambulance building loan, and substantial construction payments for sewer and water work phases. The council approved the second reading of ordinance 471-25 and designated unused 2025 street paving funds to the 2026 budget. Increases to Ambulance and Fire Department insurance premiums were approved. Discussions addressed nuisance property letters, zoning ordinances concerning shipping containers, and the requirement for a landowner to obtain a building permit for such structures. The meeting concluded with an executive session for legal matters.

Key discussions included an update from the Fire Department regarding their full roster, recent trailer purchase, upcoming events, and ongoing grant applications. The council accepted liquidated damages of $100,000 and four free cleanings from Maguire Water concerning the Water Tower project, and approved a pay request for the same vendor. The liquor committee's operating agreements were addressed, establishing a two-year renewal cycle. Operational updates covered generator inspections and the recent condition of city trucks, alongside obtaining estimates for City Hall roof repairs due to leaks. Election procedures were discussed, favoring conjunction with the county election for simplicity, as three positions for two-year terms were open. The council approved claims covering various operational expenses, including utilities, water purchases, contracts, and payroll. The zoning board presented a building permit issue regarding a shipping container, necessitating further review. The council discussed the feasibility of a second TIF district, ultimately deciding to hold a special meeting for further explanation and resident involvement, and agreed to consult with Tammy Anderson regarding TIF concerns. Actions taken included approving the first reading of an ordinance, approving an easement from East River Electric, approving the 2026 code enforcement agreement, and approving the closure of Main Street for a car show and use of the community room. Advertising for a pool manager and lifeguards was also approved.

Key discussions included approving change order #8 for the Phase 2A project, which modified the completion date to October 15th, 2025, and approving pay requests for Phase 2B and the water tower construction. The council reviewed updates on the TAP grant, discussed a potential donation or fee reduction for campground sites for the BBQ, Beer and Friends event, and addressed resident concerns regarding road conditions on Manor Ave S and overgrown properties. A first reading was approved for Ordinance 470-25, concerning weed trimming notices and associated deadlines. Other topics included plans for a future budget meeting, surplus of city vehicles and equipment, establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for hayfield land, managing service line fees for newly acquired lots, and increasing an employee's wage during an executive session.

Key discussions centered on utility billing practices, specifically regarding water and sewer service surcharges for empty lots, with the council indicating plans to reevaluate the current structure. Infrastructure updates included progress reports on water main work in Phase 2A and Phase 2B, noting issues with significant cracks found in sewer lines on Highway 14 and 3rd Street, potentially using Phase 2B funds for immediate repairs. An update on the new water tower indicated delays. Personnel matters involved accepting the resignation of the city attorney and approving the hiring of Todd Wilkinson as the new attorney, along with granting a raise to Deb Miller. The council also approved the sale of two surplus vehicles (a 1992 Dodge and a 1980 Chevy), reviewed claims and the August financial report, and approved the second reading of Ordinance 471-25.