What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
2018 budget-review approach
The council used the first budget workshop to frame the 2018 budget as a broad review rather than a line-by-line final decision. The mayor asked staff to identify building, equipment, facility, revenue, and staffing needs before the council returned to the numbers.
Agenda: A1. Speakers: Mayor, Cori, Joe, Andy.
Building inspection contract and electronic permits
Andy told the council that, under the current percentage-based building-inspection contract, the city’s direct inspection costs were mainly printing and that electronic forms and shared files could speed service. The council discussed putting fillable forms online, using a submit button, clarifying which routine permits the building official could review without a planner, and later deciding whether to continue contracting or hire inspection staff.
Agenda: A2, A4. Speakers: Andy, Mayor, Cori, Laurie, Liz.
City buildings, recycling building, and cold storage
The council discussed creating an inventory of city buildings, including roofs, useful life, and maintenance needs. The shed/recycling building drew attention because of its condition and possible reuse or replacement, with discussion that county recycling funds might cover a proportional share of maintenance if the city documents recycling use.
Agenda: A3, A8. Speakers: Mayor, Joe, Andy, Cori.
Code enforcement budget and complaint process
The council discussed whether complaints should go directly to the planner, come first to council, or be triaged by staff depending on the type of violation. Andy emphasized that effective code enforcement costs money and suggested setting a defined annual budget and possibly using lower-wage seasonal help for mailings and inspections under consultant guidance.
Agenda: A5. Speakers: Mayor, Cori, Andy, Laurie, Liz.
Road funding, maintenance, and reconstruction planning
The council reviewed expected state aid and LGA, then walked through road maintenance costs including culverts, small tools, repair invoices, ditch mowing, fuel, and shouldering. Members also noted that a future meeting would address how to fund reconstruction through assessments, levy, bonding, or possibly a franchise fee.
Agenda: A6, A7, A9. Speakers: Mayor, Cori, Joe, Randy, Bruce Kimmel.
Parks, trails, refuse disposal, and ice rink
The council reviewed park and recycling-related operating lines, including trail wood chips, refuse disposal, mower repair, portable restroom rental, and ice-rink water and location needs. No decision was made, but staff were asked to think through which lines needed adjustment.
Agenda: A8. Speakers: Mayor, Joe, Cori.
Public works staffing and employee wages
The council discussed whether current seasonal public works staffing was enough for mowing, brush cutting, trails, and winter work. A council member said the city should consider raises because employees had not had a raise since 2007.
Agenda: A10. Speakers: Mayor, Joe, Randy.
Fire department budget information
The fire department budget was not reviewed in detail because the city was still waiting for information and the fire representative could not attend the meeting.
Agenda: A9. Speakers: Cori, Mayor.