Marissa Lockwood

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered various reports, claims, and resolutions, including the approval of minutes from prior sessions. A public hearing regarding the SRF application for the Water Treatment Plant Project was conducted and closed without public comment. Key discussions involved updates on the pool committee, donor recognition, and naming rights, as well as approvals for advertising the 2026 pool season. The Council approved the final pay request and accepted the work for the 2025 sewer main replacement project, along with authorizing a Loan Agreement and Taxable Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes. Payments for two separate Water Supply Wells projects were authorized. Several resolutions were approved to set public hearing dates concerning the conveyance of city-owned real estate (Lots 10, 11, and 14 in Dobbs Subdivision). The Council also approved the sale of excess fire department equipment and set a date for the Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Property Tax Levy Public Hearing. Resolutions were passed to set employee wages, providing increases for two employees and an hourly rate adjustment for another upon certification completion. Department reports covered water main leak repairs, finalizing water treatment plant plans, and administrative changes within the Clerk's office.

The Council meeting included opening the floor for public comment during open forum, which received none. The consent agenda, approved by motion, covered various reports (Clerk, Library, Golf Course, Sheriff's, Animal Control), previous minutes (December 8th regular session and January 11th fire department minutes), fire officer confirmation, a resolution designating the official newspaper, and a liquor license renewal. A public hearing was held regarding a variance for 714 Schuman Court, resulting in approval to allow the owner to build a shed seven feet from the rear property line. Pool committee updates included discussions on donor recognition, pledge letters, TV for the pool house, and upcoming fundraisers; the pickleball tournament was cancelled, and the Fire and Ice event is scheduled for February 14th. The proposed fiscal year 2027 library budget was presented, focusing on a potential increase in assistant hours and alternative staffing solutions. Public Works reported on the repair of the OSI deep well, ongoing issues with a new sewer main near the golf course, production issues with new wells, and the upcoming start of an iJag student rotation. The Clerk's office will assume handling all Golf Course financials due to the treasurer's retirement, and a budget workshop is scheduled for January 27th. Other discussions involved snow removal and chip sealing specific streets, and natural gas service to new lots. Finally, Mayor's Committee assignments for 2026-2027 were read.

The special session included a public hearing regarding an SRF application for funding and environmental information for the Water Distribution Project. A second public hearing concerned a variance request for 833 Palmer to allow up to six 4H cattle for three years on the residentially zoned property; this variance was approved despite some public concerns about the number of animals and flies. The Council also held a fiscal year 2027 budget workshop.

The council discussed zoning issues, specifically concerns about traffic, road blockage, parking, and potential code violations related to a property on Walnut Street. A proposal for grant writing for pool improvements was approved, committing the city to annual operating costs. Updates were provided on current loan issuances, and a public hearing was held regarding a taxable GO capital loan note for the new water treatment plant. Water and sewer rate increases were discussed, including recommendations for gradual increases to water rates and potential debt service fees. The council approved loan and disbursement agreements for water revenue capital loan notes. The final plat of Dobbs Addition was reviewed and approved. The crew report included updates on the sewer smell at the golf course clubhouse, the completion of the water tower project, and the winterization of parks and the pool. The clerk's report included a reminder of a special meeting to finalize a loan, information about the Municipal Leadership Academy, and updates on new utility bills and the online payment system. The selection of a Construction Manager at Risk for the water treatment plant project was announced.

The ordinance amends the city code to increase the annual salary of the mayor from $1,500.00 to $2,000.00. It includes sections on the purpose of the amendment, its adoption, amending the ordinance, maintaining an official copy, repealing conflicting actions, severability, and the validity of the ordinance upon passage, approval, and publication.