Roxann Swanson

The Council conducted several business items including the approval of the final budget estimate for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and an employee hourly wage increase. Significant focus was placed on public hearings regarding the budget and the submission of a Community Development Block Grant for water main improvements. Furthermore, the council approved third and final readings for ordinances amending water rates and sewer service charges, authorized various infrastructure project agreements, and accepted multiple bids for equipment and services, including those for the wastewater plant, a skeleton rock bucket, and contracting services. The council also approved fiscal sponsorships for the Ambulance and Fire Departments and an insurance renewal.

The council adopted the meeting agenda and approved Resolution No. 2026-11, which establishes the salary for the seasonal, part-time Recreation Director. Additionally, council members were provided with the final revenue and expense budget worksheets for their review.

The council discussed and approved various items, including a contract for administrative services with Planning Solutions, LLC, and Hartley Clean-up Days. Multiple resolutions were passed, including setting public hearings for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget and tax levies, along with the adoption of several CDBG-related policies. Ordinances amending gas, water, and sewer rates were reviewed. The council also approved a preventive maintenance agreement, salary resolutions for pool employees and part-time laborers, and a quote for GIS equipment. Public hearings were held regarding a Community Development and Housing Needs Assessment and an Asset Management Plan. A budget work session resulted in adjustments to cemetery software costs, pool manager salaries, and nuisance abatement funding.

The council discussed financial support for the Hartley Community Daycare, reviewed the expense budget for the general fund across various departments including police, council, community beautification, and municipal utilities, and considered a donation to the Hartley Community Center. Additionally, the council evaluated the costs and strategies for advertising employment positions and requested presentations regarding nuisance abatement services and digital communication tools for a future meeting.

The meeting served as a budget work session where the City Council reviewed the expense budget for the general fund, which included line items for police, fire/township, ambulance, streets/RUT, parks, cemetery, pool, city hall, mayor, council, clerk/treasurer, insurance, and salaries. The council also received an update regarding an upcoming Planning & Zoning meeting scheduled for March 5, 2026, which will feature a public hearing on proposed amendments to Hartley Zoning Ordinance Sections 12.16.1 (Residential Dwelling Standards, Structure Size) and 20.1 (Changes and Amendments, Procedures).