Melissa Anderson

The council conducted procedural business, including approving the agenda and the minutes from the February 2, 2026 meeting. Key discussions included the January 2026 Police Report, where updates on service calls, citations, arrests, and K-9 unit equipment estimates were presented and approved. The council also approved the minutes and financials for the CVB and JDA. Building agenda items involved calculating the ASWUD True-up and addressing the need for a document supporting the inspection of a Dangerous Building, which is scheduled for a second reading on March 2. The council also discussed vehicle parking limitations, which the Attorney will investigate. Several ordinances were approved, including Ordinance 470 concerning Flood Hazard and Ordinance 472 regarding Water Maintenance Fees. A new City Assessor was appointed, and resolutions were approved to place levies for the Library and Recreation on the June ballot. The council approved a local permit for Ducks Unlimited and addressed public concern regarding extensive potholes in Prairie View Estates streets, for which ownership information will be obtained.

The meeting agenda was amended to include Rural Health Transformation and Vacant Lot Maintenance. The council approved the monthly bills and financials, including the cash report, expenditures vs. budget, and revenues vs. budget. They also approved the 2025-year end reports and budget amendments, which involved cash transfers between the General Fund and other reserves. A decision was made not to renew a 24-month Certificate of Deposit intended for a firetruck purchase, making those funds available for the purchase. The January Municipal Court Report was approved. Portfolio reports covered boiler replacement estimates, K9 training progress, and upcoming library events. During the public hearing concerning proposed Ordinance 468 & 469 regarding R-1 & R-2 Zoning, extensive discussion occurred regarding restrictions on housing types like barndominiums and shipping containers, ultimately leading to the rejection of the Planning and Zoning Findings of Fact for these ordinances. New business included the first reading of Ordinance 470 (Dangerous Buildings) and approval to respond to correspondence concerning an owed special assessment mowing charge. A proposed resolution to support public safety failed for lack of a second. Utility maintenance fees for vacant lots were tabled for further information gathering.

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda. Discussions included the review and approval of monthly bills and financials, which encompassed the cash report, expenditures vs. budget, revenues vs. budget, and Old National year-to-date interest. The Municipal Court Report for December was also approved. Portfolio reports covered updates on the boiler replacement estimates for the Armory, the posting of the firetruck bids advertisement, installation of stop signs on Country Road, and the status of the Well 5 pump replacement. The Recreation portfolio holder confirmed that employees aged 16 and older can operate lawn mowers. The Library Board reported on a successful mitten tree event and plans for livestreaming a TED Talk and hosting a puzzle contest. The Food Pantry delivered 125 boxes for Christmas. New business included the approval of designated financial depositories, the 2026 advertising agreement with the Pierce County Tribune, and the denial of a local permit application for Rugby Panther Volleyball due to scheduling conflicts.

Key discussions included the presentation of the December 2025 Police Report, noting officer certifications. The JDA Executive Director provided updates on financials, a recent lot acquisition, eligibility for a biodiversity zone rating and associated grant opportunities, and efforts to address community housing and job creation. A resident addressed the council regarding pediatric medical professional recruitment. Portfolio updates covered the arrival of a new payloader, the ordering of a new truck fill program for bulk water sales, and ongoing efforts to reline brick manholes and await vital equipment parts for water wells. The council approved a bid from Spencer Manufacturing for a new pumper fire truck. The council also approved a conditional use permit for a childcare center, following a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Board, which also recommended approval for Ordinances 468 & 469 concerning barndominimums and container homes. The council conducted the first reading of Ordinance 470 regarding Flood Hazard updates.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the November 2025 Police Report, detailing 64 calls for service, 23 citations, and 6 arrests. The City/Visitors Bureau (CVB) financial reports and minutes were approved, following a report on the Craft Show attendance and holiday decorations. The council unanimously approved the hiring of Brian Hoffart as the Executive Director for the Job Development Authority (JDA) and approved the JDA minutes and financials, noting that the Lyric Theater bid was awarded to the Friends of the Lyric. Portfolio updates covered the need to monitor snow removal parking near the Armory and the anticipated replacement of the Armory's boiler system, estimated at $61,000 for Summer 2026. The council approved the 2024 Audit. Further action included approving a letter of intent to Spencer Manufacturing, Inc. for a future fire truck purchase, with a binding contract commitment by January 23, 2026, and approving the call for bids for the fire truck. The council also voted to give full-time staff a personal day in lieu of a Christmas Party. Finally, the council approved the finding of fact for the Bradley Grove outlot plat and approved local permit applications for St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, Rugby SWAT Wrestling, and Rugby Booster Club.