Todd Johnson

The Council approved the Consent Agenda items, which included Games of Chance Licenses and the December 2025 Financial Statements. Key finance discussions involved approving the 2025 Fiscal Year End Transfers, totaling $507,031.82, and approving the 2025 Budget Amendments, revised to $5,384,232. The Council also approved the Designation of Depositories and their collateral pledges, noting total funds on deposit were $29,873,460 as of December 31, 2025. The council directed the City Attorney to draft an agreement for the proposed new irrigation system project at the Bois de Sioux Golf Course. The official name for the Recreation Center Project was approved as Southern Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (SPARC). Further committee reports detailed progress on the Water Towers Rehabilitation Project, the first reading of the Flood Plain Ordinance No. 1077, and affirmation of updates to the Ground Lease and Development Agreement for the Recreation Center project contingent on NDSCS approval.

The Council meeting addressed numerous items, including the approval of various Games of Chance Licenses and Site Authorizations. Key reports covered the 2026 Business Licenses renewals, which were approved contingent upon compliance, and the approval of a fireworks display permit for St. John's Church on New Year's Eve. The Council also approved the 2026 renewal contracts for NRG Technology Services IT Management for City Hall and the Police Department totaling $41,777. In legislative matters, Ordinance No. 1076, which amends Section 8-85 regarding adopted building codes, passed its second reading. Community Development announcements detailed rescheduled holiday events and the running 'Light Up the Town' contest. The Library Director reported on ongoing programming and the 9th Annual Sock Tree donation drive ending December 31st. Additionally, the Council reviewed committee reports, including the approval of proceeding with a Brownfield Grant application for 701 Dakota Avenue and the purchase of a new pickup truck and a tractor.

The meeting included a joint session between the City Council and the Park Board to discuss the proposed Recreation Center & Wellness Facility. The Park Board provided a presentation outlining primary needs, which include court space (minimum of four full-size basketball courts), a walking track, an indoor playground for various age groups, and dedicated pickleball courts. Other required amenities mentioned were party/meeting rooms, an art room, community meeting space, kitchen/concessions capabilities to support the Summer Food Program, a projects lab, group fitness rooms, locker rooms, storage, and administrative offices. Facility size estimations suggested a minimum of 54,000 square feet. Schematic layouts at potential sites, including the NDSCS 14th Ave. Site, land adjacent to Tiny Tykes Daycare, and Chahinkapa Park, were reviewed, with Chahinkapa Park noted for high visibility. Funding constraints related to the existing 1% sales tax and the commitment to maintaining current park facilities were discussed. The initial phase of construction is recommended to address court space, the walking track, and the indoor playground first. During public comment, suggestions included creating a project oversight committee. The Council confirmed next steps would involve discussion on site selection, base project budget, amenities, and timeline, which are scheduled for the January 5th, 2026, Council agenda.

Key discussions included the presentation of a traffic safety enforcement award to a Police Officer. The Council approved the November 2025 Bill Pay Report, Financial Statements, and the 2026 Council Calendar. Finance Director updates covered 2026 City license renewals, acknowledgment of the 2025 Tax Levy Summary, which noted the city mill rate decreased to its lowest point in 30 years, and acknowledgment of the 2025 Grants and Donations Report, showing an increase in grant funding. The Statement of Municipal Indebtedness was also acknowledged, reflecting a decrease in total indebtedness and affirming the city's A1 credit rating. Community Development reported on issues with the downtown music system and planning for the 250th Anniversary of America celebration in 2026. The Police Department announced saturation patrols for drunk driving enforcement and reported on a recent critical incident. The Public Works Director referred several items regarding street improvements, grant applications, and equipment purchases to the Public Works Committee. Committee reports included action on the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund application for Water Tower Rehabilitation and approval of the Fire Department Insurance Tax Distribution disbursement.

The council discussed the proposed recreation/wellness center, including a joint meeting with the Park Board to discuss its future. NDSCS President addressed the council regarding the college's support for the recreation center and potential expansion. A new concept was presented for the recreation facility attached to the BAC, including potential revenues from hosting basketball and volleyball tournaments and swim meets. The council also discussed the possibility of Legacy Lakes as an alternative location for the proposed recreation center. The council approved the disbursement of the 2025 Back the Blue grant funds. The council also discussed the Brownfield Grant Application for the M&H Gas Station Site, the Assessment District for Westmore Avenue and Avenue A Reconstruction Project, and an Agreement with Interstate Engineering, Inc. for the Westmore Avenue and Avenue A Reconstruction Project.