Tom McGough

The council discussed various municipal projects, including block party street closures, phase IV utility improvements, airport taxiway and AWOS-III-P project payments, and swimming pool construction project invoices and bidding plans. The 2025 Annual Report was approved, along with malt beverage license renewals and a building permit. Additionally, the council addressed bad debt write-offs, utility billing cycle changes, personnel matters in executive session, and the hiring of a lifeguard for the upcoming season.

The council discussed department head reports including the acquisition of surplus body armor for the police department, progress on a new swimming pool project, and mosquito control initiatives. New business items addressed included the approval of an invoice payment, authorization to advertise for an airport project, review of delinquent utility account policies, approval of a building permit, and the initiation of a search for a new police officer. Additionally, the council reviewed financial reports and approved the hiring of seasonal staff for the upcoming summer season.

The council addressed several items, including the approval for the Miller Swim Club to use the pool and a review of the On Hand Development Corporation's quarterly activities. Approval was granted for the annual Wyatt Rowland Memorial Pickup & Truck Show, and an update on the American Legion building improvements was provided. The council awarded the bid for the Automated Weather Observation System project to Efraimson Electric and authorized the Mayor to sign related grant documentation. Actions were taken to purchase a storage container for the city, approve building permits, and review quarterly financial reports. The council approved the process to solicit bids for the demolition and construction of the new swimming pool and discussed plans to shorten the utility billing cycle. Additionally, the council approved a resolution to surplus a city vehicle and authorized the hiring of a lifeguard and the recruitment for a vacant police officer position.

The council discussed and approved several items, including the addition of pool build plans to the agenda and authorization for the pool committee to review and approve these plans before bidding. The meeting also addressed street maintenance, specifically the application of protective coatings to trash receptacles, and approved the third annual block party. Financial approvals included payments for utility improvement invoices, Helms and Associates invoices, and Burbach Aquatics Incorporated invoices. The 2025 annual report was approved, along with malt beverage license renewals and a building permit for a shed. Finally, the council approved bad debt write-offs and received a certificate of achievement from the DNR regarding the public water system's compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The City Council meeting convened as a local board of equalization to discuss the city's valuation process and property appeal procedures. The discussion included the role of the city council in reviewing valuation appeals before they proceed to the county level, as well as the rules governing owner-occupancy status for property tax purposes. In other business, the council approved special event liquor licenses for a fundraising event benefiting the local pool project, which included the waiver of permit fees. Additionally, the council reviewed and approved building permits for residential property improvements, specifically for a shed installation and fence construction.