All right, welcome to Mountain City Council meeting. It's Tuesday, September 23rd. It's uh 6:01. We're in Mountain City Council chambers and we uh rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [Music] All right, we got our agenda. Do we have any amendments? >> HR. >> Jesse, do we have any amendments? >> Is the mic working? >> They weren't working last night either. >> You can hear loud. All right. Uh, no amendments. Uh, can I get a motion to approve the agenda? >> Motion to approve. >> All right, got a motion. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Any other discussion? >> All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. >> Those opposed. >> All right, that's approved. And uh, we got our consent agenda. Does someone want to go through those? Can >> Excuse me. Is your microphone working? >> We just said that. No, I'm just trying to talk loud. So, >> microphones aren't working. >> They're not working. I'll try to talk loud. Does someone want to go through our consent agenda? >> I can do that. >> Okay. >> Consent agenda. A, approve payment of claims. B, approve minutes September 9th, 2025, city council regular meeting. C. Approve resolution 2576 approving variance at 1705 Baywood Shores Drive. Planning case number 259. D. Approve resolution 25-77 approving public lands permit after the fact on Devon Commons for property at 4805 Island View Drive. E. Pay request number one in the amount of 1,211,372 to GH Asphalt Corporation for the 2025 street improvement project F pay request number one and final in the amount of 114,866 to Allied Blacktop for the 2025 seal coat project. >> All right. Does council have any questions on those or want to pull any of them? >> Okay, hearing none. Can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> I'd like to make a motion to approve the consent agenda as written. >> Okay, got a motion. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Okay, two seconds. Roll call, please. >> Council member Heric, >> I. >> Council member Mciny, >> I. >> Council member Pew, >> I. >> Council member Castellano, >> I. >> Mayor Hull, >> I. All right. So, if you were here for A through F, all that passed and you can stay if you want. Uh, number five, we got comments and suggestions from residents that their item is not on the agenda. If you want to come up, you can get uh three minutes to talk. Can you give us your name and address? >> Sure. >> Jay Nygard, 1386 Rest Point Road in Oro. and I'm not a resident, but I think I'm bringing something to you that is very important to all the members of your community. Uh, in my dealings with the police department over the years, I've come to realize there's a big issue. It's not with the officers because when I've dealt with the officers, they're typically competent, courteous, helpful, and all that. It's with the leadership of the police department. So, I did a ple a data request from 2011 to now about all the complaints and resolutions for the Orno Police Department. And if you look through here, there's 38 of them total. I think seven of them are preventable accident or damage to property or violation of pursuit policy, which is all easy to document and it's hard to run away from. There there's one that's blacked out here and I read the statute. they they wrote and it's got something to do with undercover officers. So, I'm sure that that's why that that one was redacted. But then out of the 38 items on here, 30 of them are complaints against the Orno Police Department. And I personally know that number is low because several complaints made by my wife and I aren't even on here. But out of 30 of them, how many do you think the Ornal Police Department exonerated themselves from? That's right, 30. Our Horno Police Department is always right and the citizens are always wrong. That statistic is so improbable it's ridiculous. And I brought that to the Orno council a and it's important to me that we really get some leadership in this community in the police department where residents are respected. I I know a young lady in town that's been up here with me who's had numerous violations in policy and such by the police department. They exonerate themselves and the guy who exonerated himself themselves Adam Edwards as city administrator I personally know had three policy violations but they won't let us see the report. So we have no idea what's going on really. This has been a long history with the police. I remember a number of years ago when my son had a few issues as a lot of kids like I did and I had told the police beforehand, "If you're ever going to talk to my son, you need to call me first." They waited till I was out of town. They smashed my $5,000 door in even though the door on the other side of the house was wide open and there was an officer standing there. And then they put my son in handcuffs for hours while they searched our house. And my daughter, they made her sit in a chair in her underwear for hours in a cold house. No matter how many times she asked, "Can I get some clothes on?" This is the leadership at the Orno Police Department. We made a complaint about all of this. We did nothing wrong. We're the police, right? And this is so frustrating to me because not only is this so statistically impossible or improbable, there's a bunch of things that you all don't even know yet that I'm working on. I've obtained the uh body cam footage from the Julysa Thaylor arrest and it's horrendous what these cops did that day. It's just truly horrendous. And it got to the point after being on the side of the road with her for an hour and 15 minutes. One of the officers said, even though numerous officers said there's a smell of death coming from this car, one of the officers actually said, "It'd be my pleasure to drive you home." I really know people, some people up here are concerned about the Orno police. I am too. And if I was on this council, I would be thinking about another solution. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Anybody else? Can you give us your name and address? >> Sure. Lorie Springer, 6021 Chestnut Road in Mount. So, I just have a couple of I guess questions um regarding the parks discussion. Um I'm curious at the last meeting because I was here, I thought it was determined that the parks commission was going to be part of the next meeting about the parks. So, I was curious why they weren't part of today's meeting. I and maybe that was something that you had determined with them, but just seemed like uh not following through on what was stated at that meeting. And I'm also wondering, how do you determine what is a viable park? because I hear what you're saying about the empty lot and that kind of thing, but just because a park doesn't have equipment on it or a field doesn't make it not a park to other people. What might be interesting to you might not be interesting to you. So that determining what's a viable park is not really a black and white issue. I guess I would just point out um and this is just more of a general question. What is the role of a city council member to to propose changes that you want personally or what your con constituents are asking for because I think there's a big difference there and I think it's really important in your role as a city council member to remember that. And then I haven't been to a ton of meetings so this might just be my lack of knowledge but you referred to a lib meeting. What's a lib mean? lid. >> Lid >> lake improvement district. >> Oh, gotcha. I was like, what is that? Okay, that's Yeah, thank you for that clarification. And then just a reminder to everybody, just to be respectful with your words and your tone to each other and to the people that you serve. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. Anybody else want to come up? Hi. >> You give us your name and address. >> Uh, hi. Uh, name is Sam Janei. Uh, address is 4722 Gordon Road. Um, I live right across the street from Dune Park. Been there for about 10 years now. So, um, I have the lovely pleasure of working from home my entire career. And I've been able to stare out the window at that park for 10 years now. I've been able to watch how it's been used, see kids in the neighborhood use the park in so many different ways, and it's been really fun raising my own children in that park as well. So, um I just wanted to come up and talk about how I'm a little concerned of the talk of turning it into a dog park. Um few things behind that is because I recently looked um I have a dog. I've gone to all the dog parks around. There are three dog parks within 15 minutes of this building. So, it seems a bit crazy to put another one in, especially in a residential area. Um, and I don't know if anyone's aware, but in 2020, they almost shut down the Minowashta uh dog park. Sanitary reasons. It was unsanitary. The city was having to spend way too much time trying to clean it up, upkeep, and all the cost behind that. And it took a tremendous effort to get that back up to code. They were planning on shutting it down indefinitely. And that is not within any residential area. It is a wooded lot, not by any homes. So, if you're trying to put a dog park in the middle of a residential area and there's the possibility of it being a sanitary issue, I'm very concerned for my children with that. Um, it's just that seems like that would be something that we shouldn't be doing in that close of an area of home. So, um, just want to come up. I guess I I missed the last time I think last month's uh workshop. I missed being able to have a public comment on that, but um, I very adamant about our parks. um they get used tremendously. I know there was some talk of Dune being underutilized, but the fact that there isn't equipment on there doesn't mean it's not underutilized. It's utilized in a different way. Um and that's I get to see that every single day, the fact that I work from home. So, it's um it's just I would like to see that one not on this list because of the fact that it's used so differently than so many other parks. All >> right. Thanks. >> Good information. Thank you. All right, give us your name and address. >> Jeppi Mendelia, 4517 Tuxedo Boulevard. I live by the Chevron Chevron extension park and we watch it every day. There are people walking dogs there every day, playing with their dogs. There's people playing soccer there. That park is used a lot. To get rid of that park doesn't make any kind of sense to me. Even if it's a tiny little park, I can't imagine that the net profit from the park would do the city any good. It's too small. There's a lot right next door that they're trying to sell. It's been for sale for a long time. It's gone down and down and down in value because nobody wants it. But the people are using that park. It's being used by people every day. I sit in my window because we look down on the park and I watch people walking through there. I've gotten to know my neighbors. I've just moved into the place and um it's it's fun to see the park being used. The other concern that I have is that I don't feel like there's some some studies here. You talk about the lake the lake um I can't remember what you just said. It was like >> district. >> Yeah. You know the water drains off the street, drains into the park. It drains into the park and then filters through into the lake. If you suddenly put a property on there, what how how's that going to work? Has there been some studies on that? We've watched this new paving thing that you did with the the rocks and the the tar and watched it all wash down the street into the lake. And if it wasn't for the park capturing some of that, I don't know what would happen. You know, you'd suddenly get more pollution in the lake. I think the parks are imperative to what's going on in mound and keeping the lake clean. As soon as you cover that area with some sort of building, then there's one less place where the water's being filtered through. So, take that into your thoughts when you're thinking about what the parks actually do besides people using them. And they use the park every day. >> Good to know. >> Cool. Thank you. >> Good. Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> Give us your name and address. >> Hi. Uh my name is Jenny Su. Uh 6511 Bay Ridge Road Mount. Um I live in the Bluffs neighborhood and um it sounds like so far what's been said about it, people may not understand exactly kind of how that's laid out. It does look like it's just a lot between two houses and it is. Um, but there is a reason why they did that lot in that neighborhood. There's not a lot of flat space in that neighborhood. It's very, it is called the bless because there is a lot of, you know, height and dropped out. So, our house specifically had um very little, we have really no flat space. Um, so we actually use that a lot. I had little ones when we first moved in. That was extremely important to us. Finding parks in general. Um, you know, being able to stroller and walk to a park within our house, anyone's house. I think that's a huge sell. So, I love that we're talking about it. I love that you guys are trying to improve, you know, just in general how many parks in that area. There's really no parks at all for little ones. Uh, South Saunders, North Saunders, there's nothing um over like I know that's Minatrista, but kind of in our whole area, there's really nothing. So, having that I actually think is still really valuable. Um, I think that putting a playground on that space, would be amazing for that neighborhood, there's a lot of little ones coming up into that neighborhood, I think you would add a ton of value to those homes and just to the property in general of that neighborhood. It's a small little community. It's just a little loop. Um, so, but I do think you would get kids from Saunders coming over. Um, anything that's like walkable from our house, there's, you know, quite a bit. Um, I think if you put a playground there, I know that's like more investment, but if you're looking at the grand scope of things, I would really like you to consider you know, look at like how far away it is to get to each park and like does this make sense to add another one here. I know that we go up against Minotarista right here on the edge, but there really isn't anything else until you get to, which there's no sidewalk and there's no access to that. Um, so I'd really consider uh keeping it. I know, well, I don't know for sure, but pretty sure one of the owners does not want to sell or buy that piece of land. So, you would end up selling it maybe to the one owner on just one side. and it's actually the side of their house. So, it would just be kind of an odd situation to have that be owned by that one house. Nothing against them, but I just think like if they put in a fence, that would be really odd. You'd have like the street and then just one big lot with like one big fence, which isn't really anywhere else in the neighborhood like that. That's not a common thing. So, anyway, just something to think about. I think that property is um uniquely to that specific neighborhood. There is a lot of value in that. So, consider >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. Give us your name and address. >> Brian Gordon, 3057 Dundee Lane. Um, reading I'm obviously a neighbor right next to Dundy Lane. You guys have been talking up for a while and one of the notes up there was had talked to the neighbors about the usage and it didn't get used. I've raised three boys um in that home. So, I've been living there since 1998. Um, and that park does get used. There was actually two moms um at that park with their four children today before I left for the meeting. And I asked them, "Hey, would you be willing to give me your name and number um so I could speak at the meeting and let the council members know that the park gets used?" And the the parents that were there were Jenny Myers and Eric. Um they live actually, I think, over by Sherwin Park and Courtney and Curtis. and she's a teacher in the school and they their kids is the favorite park. Um there's been talk on the document that it's close to Swinson, but Swinson is a ginormous park. It has pickle ball. I can hear the pickle ball noise from my house up on top of the hill. So if you're trying to find a small little quaint park, Dundee is your is your park. You're not going to go to Swinson because it's just it's near a busy road. You've got the noise of the pickle ball and then there's dogs running all over the place. So, if you have small children, this is the park in the neighborhood you're going to go visit. So, I just it looks like probably the best park to sell because there's two um homes side by side and you've got the park and you got my home. So, I just would just have you really reconsider um if that's the plan. And another thing I was looking at sitting in the park before I came here was if you take a picture from the street, there is a light. There's a power pole and then there's a hydrant. And those that distance between there is 24 ft. And I think the typical driveway, a two-car garage for the home that would likely be built there is probably 24 ft. I think it would be very odd to have a driveway with a pole on one side and the hydrant right literally at the edge of your driveway. So maybe it's not even feasible to put a house there because of just the access that you have on the property. So I'm sure there will be more discussions as this goes forward. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And I guess I'll also say I'll volunteer to mow. I know you guys talked about the maintenance point. I already do mow. It's like my house all the way up to the thing. So Ryan probably can tell done being is and span. My OCD doesn't allow me to uh have it dirty and uh you mow the leaves and rake the leaves. So, it's wellmaintained and the lady across the street plants the flowers in the thing. So, >> stuff that the neighbors do that gets unnoticed. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> Hey, you give us your name and address. >> Uh Josh Leonard, 4713 Gordon Road. Uh first of all, I just want to thank you for your leadership. I'm sure it's not an easy job. It's not one that I'd want to do. Um, so I do appreciate that. Um, I want to speak to Dune Park being used as a dog park. Um, like Sam, I also live right next to Dune Park. Uh, every day I see people use that park. Um, including Sam's kids as well as several other kids from the community. Um, it really is a valuable green space for them. I myself use it. I appreciate it. My wife and I hammock in the park. Um, it's a really nice, peaceful place um, to get away to. Um, my question is, would this really add financial value uh or become a net negative to maintain if it were a dog park? I'm not sure how this works or if you can respond to that. >> Yeah, you're just tell telling us and it's not a back and forth thing. >> Oh, got it. Okay, >> go ahead. >> It's my first time. >> Um, one of the big reasons my wife and I decided to move to Mount as opposed to other areas around the metro is because of the raw natural beauty, the lakes, the parks. uh really drew us in and I'd hate to see that go away. Um you know, I grew up running through the outdoors, through the woods, through the fields. Um it was a big part of my childhood and I really valued that. Uh and I'd hate to see that, you know, be diminished for future generations. So >> again, thanks for your service. Um thank you and I appreciate it. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? All right. Hearing none, we're going to go to number six, long-term financial management plan and utility rate study. Is Kyle here? >> Kyle is here. So, I'll I'll kick it off once I get through these pictures here. Let some people filter out, too. Hey, just I'll I'll just uh quickly remind the council in a second why we're here and then Kyle and Noah can stand for questions if necessary. >> You want to wait for him or >> up to you? Just give it a minute. He snuck out. I don't think I can start. >> Do you want to just just >> He's He should be familiar. >> Well, I and I don't have a whole lot to say other than that um as part of our water meeting um going on two months ago. Staff had talked about our conversations with the PFA and their desire to see an updated utility rate study related to funding a water plant. So staff was directed to procure a proposal which we did from Ellers and that's in the packet. So this is really just the next step involved in eventually paying for a water plant. This is like this the idea is that you know whether it's we're going to pay for ourselves or you know if we can find some funding we need to show the people how it's going to affect them. And so this is where Ellers comes in. Like I said Kyle is here if you want to ask him any questions about the process or the timing or anything I suppose. But that's that's the gist of it. So again, just to recap, if we do if we get any public money per se, besides what we've already gotten, um we're still going to have to do a study eventually, whether we do it now or later, >> right? I mean, there's, you know, unless we get $30 million from the government, uh, you know, federal or otherwise, the city of Mound will be drawing from the PFA in the form of a low interest loan way or another. And yeah, >> this is one of the things that they like to see before we enter into an agreement. >> Okay, got it. All right, you want to come up? >> Sure. >> All right, so we got Kyle Sawyer Sawyer. >> Sawyer Hillers. >> Yes. >> Nice to see you again. >> Yeah, good to see you all as well. Um, you know, thank you, Jesse, for the introduction. I've talked to Jesse and Noah kind of at length about the the needs of the city and the um what Jesse mentioned about the the loan um and doing an update for the utility rate study. Um, we also talked about looking at some of the other funds that have property tax impacts as we talked through at a high level some options of, you know, where franchise fees might be used. Um, some different property tax components. So, really any fund that was in either of those plans that had a property tax element, we've included in our proposal. Um, and it kind of would we're really working two phases. We'd be looking at uh updating a cash flow pretty much uh immediately upon approval, working with uh Noah and his team to get that updated to ensure the 2026 rates are set appropriately. And then taking a deeper dive into 2027, um looking at the different funding scenarios or options that the city might have for the water treatment plant as well as the uh impact that potential move from quarterly to monthly billing might have. So, those are some of the key elements that we discussed, but I'm happy to answer any questions as well. >> Okay. Does council have any questions for Kyle? >> I don't Everybody got it? Good enough. >> All right, we have no questions. >> Um, so what do we have a resolution >> number six? I'm hard of hearing and I have I'm very confused. I'm Ellen De Haven with Colo Banker >> and we seem to have I'm here for 4D and >> I was going to address that for you guys earlier. I I I saw you guys sitting here and I knew it concerned that property, but we approved that on the consent agenda at the beginning of the meeting. >> I don't know what you just said. >> That's It's approved. >> It's approved. It's approved. It's approved. Yeah, I did say you could leave. I said if you're here from for A through F, it is approved. You can leave or you could stay and watch us. >> We never know who why people are here though. So, >> or if they just want to hang out for fun. So, >> we I sent two letters. >> So, your your item is approved. >> Did you? >> You're done though. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> This This is better than any TV show. >> And you look great tonight, too. You dressed up for the occasion. >> No, we always dress like this. >> Thank you. And you should all go to Cove for dinner. >> We do all lunch. >> All right. >> See you later. >> Bye bye. >> Okay. Sorry, Kyle. Um, we have a >> no resolution. You u we just would simply >> motion to approve the proposal. >> Okay. >> Somebody want to do that? >> Just in that many words, >> any details that I'd be missing or Okay. I guess I'd like to make a motion to approve the proposal. Okay, you got a motion. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Any other discussion? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. Those opposed? All right, that's approved. >> Thanks, Kyle. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, you're welcome. Have a nice night. >> You, too. >> All right. Number seven, we got 2026 Evergreen water tower coding project approval. Mayor, members of the council, um for the 26 2026 financial plan, the Evergreen water tower scheduled to be recoded and we went out to for quotes with Bolton Mink and KM Engineering. Uh KM Engineering being the low lower quote. Um KLM engineering is experienced with similar infrastructure projects and mound as well as around the region. They also do our water tower inspections and our draw downs. Um they help u manage our uh inventory and engineering for all of our uh radios that are on top of the towers as uh along with the the engineering specs for uh when we have the water towers cleaned. So upon approval, staff would coordinate a workshop with the city council and KM engineering due to preliminary design considerations, project phasing and scheduling. Uh the workshop would be to ensure alignment of project goals and maintain um targeted uh completion in 2026. Um recommended uh recommendations is approval of attached proposals for the scope of work with KLM engineering water tower coding project for the evergreen well 8 tower. Authorize staff to coordinate contracting and scheduling in coord coordination with the city procurement policies and budgetary provisions. More of the story. uh give the uh we want the okay to uh move forward with KLM being the engineer for the project. >> Okay. Does council have any questions for Ryan? >> Yeah, I have a question. So, we got the two like the proposals. They're like a thousand bucks apart. >> Is there a little bit more >> strong preference to like is there more is there benefit on going with someone who do they both know like the city? >> KM's been doing all of our >> Okay. water tower um inspections, draw downs, all that work for a number of years, but seeing their proposal, we went we went to Bolton Mink also to get a proposal that and they're doing other communities also uh recoding engineering. >> Okay. >> Um so I got proposals from both of them. >> KM >> has a history of all of our water tower maintenance on the engineering side here >> and they were low quotes. So, >> I didn't have like a preference to one or the other. I was just wondering your me >> neither. Your preference. >> I mean, Bink's been taking care of us for a lot of things. KM's been our engineering group for the water towers and all the inspections. So, I just thought I'd go out just make sure we're aligned in price and obviously they were within Yeah. like $1,500 or so of each other. >> Yeah. So, >> well, I have an unrelated question, but it kind of has to do with water towers, and this will be a budgetary question. >> Yep. >> Are water towers on Chateau particularly, when do we paint those? Do we have anything in the budget? Because they really look >> This is Well 8 getting recoted and painted. >> Oh, so recoded does mean repainted. I didn't know. >> There there's fixes that need to be done and that's why well 8 was put ahead of Chateau. >> Okay. and it's older and it was painted before Chateau. So this that's the first one and in 2027 we're budgeted to do it to Chateau. >> Oh, that's great. >> We do have to shut down the tower during this process. So we can't do both in one year and we have other infrastructure projects going on that we have to schedule this around. So there will be an interruptence of you know the water getting shifted around the city differently. We'll probably see some discoloration around that time. It'll settle back down while they do the project and then then we'll get everything back online, but we can't we can't we don't have enough time to get them both done in one season. >> And how long are they down when the repurposing is taking place? >> That's a better question for KM. I I want to say he said about a month. >> Oh, okay. >> But well, >> they they have to do it the drop cloth around it. They have to do all the interior and exterior fixes and then they move forward with the the coding >> and remind everybody where well eight is >> well eight is on evergreen road >> which is >> Sorbbo >> Sorbbo part >> see that >> next to Sorbbo >> that water tower still looks very nice compared to Chateau. Yeah, I so just so you know I did talk to Jesse and I said is there any way we can flip these two around and you know part of it's a you know a Noah budget committee question too because you we kind of put it in there for >> you know for certain so >> I will say you said 28 for the next one >> 27 I thought you said it was later than that >> I think it's 28 >> 27th >> I thought they were back to back >> well you know it'll be Nice to paint that because that chateau water tower came from our I'll call it the taupe phase administration. Everything was taupe. >> Yeah. >> So it'll just be nice to uh >> design >> bring some life to that water tower. And you know that is seen from the lake. It's you see it when you drive in it. It's such an eyesore. >> I understand the preference of wanting to do that one first. A couple years back, we did structural um fixes, I'll say, to to the uh Evergreen water tower to get it to this point. >> Yeah. >> So, we've been crippling it along to get it to >> to get to this point to we can >> so we can get it done at this point because that this dollar amount they they wanted to push off a couple years. Um >> so the tote phase will continue till at least 2027. a chat tote. The tote phase >> uh 2027 >> 2027 >> we have we have to look I thought it was back to back he's thinking it's 28 but >> okay >> I think they're they're back to back years but >> um >> this is happening next year this one >> 26 >> yes >> so what coding color are we putting on >> that that would be I want to >> we would workshop it >> we would workshop this km will come they'll show do a whole bunch of designs so we can make a decision to move forward on what we want to do. >> That'll be so fun. >> I was noting your toe conversation. >> Yeah, >> it's only another two years. >> So, >> right after >> trying to, you know, >> the problem is everybody screenshots that one >> and >> it won't be after we get done with it. >> Well, after that we'll say, well, take a picture of the better one. Yeah. And then when you start building the new >> won't build new, we're just recoding it. >> No, no, I know. But when we get to the uh water filtration. >> Yes. >> Then those can be kind of coordinated so everything looks >> kind of >> Well, we're not getting a new tower. We're just >> Oh, we're not getting a new tower for the filtration. >> No, it's just a new wall. >> Oh. >> So, >> okay. >> And that'll just be like a little brick building. >> Yeah. Taupe a brick building. >> We're using taupe grays. So, okay, that that's interesting to know. So, when we get this new filtration system, it'll still be using well eight. >> Well, well, well eight will still be online. The idea is well three will be decommissioned and be back up. They're still seven and four out on three points >> which will be completely decommissioned and uh and then uh well eight and the new well that will be drilled up by the future treatment plant will both feed both of the towers >> and two towers will be plenty. >> That's what we have now. >> Okay. Still util. Okay. Good. Thank you. >> All right. Is there a motion here or >> no km. No, no taupe. >> Uh, >> you just need instruction. >> Exactly. So, >> we just do we just do instructions to staff or >> uh a motion to approve the proposal from KM Engineering. >> Okay. You want to do it? >> Yeah. Um, yeah. Sorry to drag that out. I was just not realizing they both had all that knowledge. So, the price was so close. Um, I guess I'd like to make a motion to approve the proposal from KLM Engineering to move forward. >> Okay, got a motion. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Got a second. Any other discussion? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. Those opposed. All right, that passes. Thanks, Ryan. >> Um, with the workshop, they did note that they'll need about an hour and a half. And we should try to get that on the schedule as quick as possible because they have to do design work to put this out to bed. in early 26. So, we get a timeline with a contractor cuz they only have so many spots every summer. >> You like October or >> um he was we talked about this. What were you thinking? >> So, I think I've already spoken for your workshops in October because one of the things uh one of the things we need to do that was a policy decision and a priority of the council was to take a role in our commissions and the members. So, we need to formalize that. Um, as well as I think maybe do an interview. So, I was thinking that could be one of our October meetings. And the other one was the rental code. Uh, >> oh yeah, >> that needs to come back. So, >> the first November meeting is the rescheduled uh Veterans Day meeting, which will be on a Wednesday on the 12th. So, that one as of right now does not have a workshop, >> but you said an hour and a half. >> Hour and a half. So if if if the council was willing to try to start at 4:30, we could do that. We could do a we just pick a different night and just only do a KM workshop. I mean, that's sort of dealer's choice for you guys. >> I'd like to stick for the hour and a half. >> Just having it before a council meeting. I don't want to do a separate >> I don't think anybody wants to do another, you know, >> I'd be okay with Wednesday the 12th. It might be difficult for those traveling for from offices. I don't know. >> Make it happen. >> I'm just thinking hour and a half. The way we talk, I don't know if that's going to be enough time. But >> you really think that's enough? Hour and a half. >> Probably two hours. >> Seriously? Well, that's what I'm saying. Like, if we're talking about design, >> force it to 90 minutes so it doesn't turn into two and a half hours. >> So, what are we November? 12 12. >> You guys can decide design. >> Well, if we don't do it now, we're never going to do it. >> Yes. >> I say confident something. >> 4:00 on Wednesday the 12th. >> Oh, so we're not meeting on Veterans Day. >> Oh, >> yeah. That that's fine for me. >> How about Kevin? >> So, what day? October 12th. >> Yeah, >> Wednesday. >> We got a workshop from 4 to 6 and then council meetings not on Tuesday. >> Council's after. >> We'll see you then. >> Okay, I'll get them scheduled. Thank you. Thanks. Thanks. >> Not for nothing, but there's a very popular calendar that is hanging in pretty much every public works shop in the state and probably the country that is the water tower of the year. Uh, >> wow. >> We're bringing in a lot of those examples. >> Cool. We want to be part of that crowd. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> Well, competing a teapot, >> glow-in-the-dark paint. >> There's always fun ones like that. Or like uh there's one in Georgia that's a big peach, you know, things like that. >> That's true. >> Be very fun. >> I've seen. >> All right. Number eight, we got 2026 preliminary levy and budget. Um, do you want to kick it off or No, >> Sure. I I can. Um, so the preliminary budgets attached. We have a PowerPoint as well that I can click through if you'd like to to just go through that. But the short version before we get going is that there's a staff's recommending a 6% levy increase. This was worked through with the finance committee over the course of a couple different meetings. Um, every department has had meetings with myself and Noah to, I'd say, hammer it down pretty well. As a reminder, we're still following the financial management plan. We're only in year two of that. Um, last year, the financial management plan called for a 5% increase. Uh, the city council opted to give ourselves a little buffer at 6% and ended up staying there. That's the recommendation this year again is to give ourselves a small buffer of 1% over the 5% that the FMP calls for. And as a reminder, even though I'm sure it's in the be talking about it in the um presentation, but whatever is decided tonight, we cannot go higher later on. We need to have this needs to be certified to the county by the end of September and then we'll need to have a final certified by the end of December. But you can only lower your your uh um levy between now and December. So 1% doesn't sound like a lot, but it gives us a little bit of wiggle room in case something needs to be moved around or if we need to make some changes prior to a final levy. >> So the final budget needs to be set at the second December meeting, >> right? >> Well, you need to certify your levy before the end of the year. Um, and you need to hold a truth and taxation roughly between Thanksgiving and Christmas and then you can certify. >> Yeah. >> Um, just a couple comments on it. Uh, are we planning on going through the whole thing or >> do we have to? >> It's your meeting. >> Okay. >> Um, I can click through it quickly. I can just we can just stand for questions if you'd like. But ju just a couple high level things is there's no nothing's you know we're not adding anything this year. We're not adding extra we're not deleting any services or anything but we're also not you know adding specifically >> no change in service level. >> There's no change in service level. Thank you. Um so again we're sticking on the financial plan. Um, you know, we've had a couple meetings about it, uh, with Noah and Jesse, I think Maggie at one point. Um, a a couple of the things that you noted in here just for the public is when you look at uh, like budget highlights section page like 2488. You know, again, this it's only 15 grand, but it's 15 grand. We have to put into the Minnesota Family Medical and Leave Act. Uh so that's, you know, kind of a new thing. Uh the fire commission approved a a full-time firefighter as of or it will be effective July 1st, 2026. And just with the fire commission, um it's just something that is needed, you know, especially whether we go forward or not with, you know, combining or not. Um kind of the the duty crew >> way of going in the future is kind of what what I I think we need and what the chief is saying we need. Um so, uh the long-term average is like 2%. Like we don't we don't raise the fire budget ever. It doesn't go up. And so this is obviously a bigger increase this year. Now remember we share with the other cities that are sharing the cost. But um local government aid uh we used to get what 400,000 at the peak. Uh we get is it zero now? We get zero. So that's 400 grand that the city's got to come up with or the taxpayers, right? Uh we got an election year. So, if you look at some of the the budgeted line items and you see there's like a big huge percent increase that year, that does happen every couple years when we have an election because we have to budget for that and unfortunately have to pay for some of that. Um, we we've had conversations with our county um elected officials uh in different meetings that they've had and stuff and seeing like, you know, is there any way that we can offsort this, you know, the cost to someone else, right? state or the county pays it because it's a huge burden on our on our employees that have to do everything else that they got to do during the fall. You know, um the short answer is that's not happening, at least not yet. Um we don't want them to do the elections, per se, but again, if somehow we got a got some money, that'd be nice. Uh I mean, liquor store, I think we said it's a little bit off track this year, but it's still pretty healthy. And then we're hoping by the end of the year it still looks pretty good. Um, you know, again, we've talked about this plenty of times with the water fund. I think on the next page, um, you know, we're we're in deficits with that. We're part of this long-term financial plan is just to get, you know, kind of back on track. Um, you know, by was it 2030? >> 2030. 2030 we're looking to be kind of where we need to be um as a city >> to have a zero cash balance instead of a negative >> a zero. Okay. And we're negative 4.47 at the end of 24. >> Okay. So again part of all this is you know we're paying our bills unfortunately or fortunately uh you know sewer fund same thing. What's our what's the number on that one? I don't see it here. >> The sewer fund. Yeah, >> that is that's positive cash flow at storm store. >> Okay. 2.5 >> sorry storm storm is 2.5 million negative. So again those the storm and the water we're trying to get positive you know recycling that's normal yearbyear h which we'll talk about in a second. Um when I go to page I think it's 2491 that one. at the table. Uh, you know, again, you can kind of get these to say what you want them to say, but when you look at the projected city tax rate, you know, we've actually been, you know, 2021, 39.84, 40%, 2022 down to 32. Um, you can see the change in tax capacity, especially in 2023 increased a lot, but then 2025 we lost, you know, 1% tax capacity. Um, you can see the lo local government aid there, too. Um, we still have a double A+ rating, too. And part of that's because we're on a financial plan and we're hopefully sticking to it. Um, just a couple other things. I asked the city manager to get us just the pre preliminary budget that's out there. Uh, and these are all public, right? >> They're all pulled from >> They're all pulled from their agendas or something. So again, we're looking at six and remember, we need five no matter what. That's what we did last year. We need five to stick to the budget, to stick to the plan. Uh we put in a 1% buffer. We can always come back to five and and go with that. Last year we did the same thing. We we're six and then we just put the extra one aside for all the projects we got coming up, all the street improvements and stuff. Uh Orno 6.72, St. Bonnie 4.5, Spring Park 9, Minatrista 9.92, Watertown 8.5, Excelsier 11.73, and Tonka Bay 15.65. >> Where are you? Is that in our notes? >> I just got the preliminary. >> I just got a last minute email. >> It's all their preliminaries in Weisetta's like 7 and 12. >> Yours is seven and a half. >> Are you going to send that to us? >> I Jesse can. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I certainly >> So my point is, you know, we're at six again. Or six. St. Bonnie 4 and a2 orno 6.72 to be exact St. Bonnie 4 and a half spring park 9.92 water town 8 and a half excelsia 1173 and taco bay 15.67 six, seven. Um, part of our discussion in our in our uh our our our commission meeting that we had was, you know, we don't know what we're going to do with this water treatment plant, right? So, like, let's not get ahead of ourselves, right, with, you know, we could go up 10, 15. I mean, we can do, you know, as long as we all agree and we we go with it. Um, and our thought is let's get this utility study first, right? Let's see what that looks like. If for some reason we decide to go forward or not, you know, then next year we'd have to come back and maybe, you know, look at doing what we got to do. Uh, but right now, I mean, five was in the is was in the financial plan. We're saying six by December. If we all want to go, anything less than six is is fine. we just can't go over six. So, >> so going back to 2024, you know, when we had to do the rip the band-aid off and >> um I I don't remember where we were at financially at that point, but are we still feeling that that was a really good decision because that was a really hard um decision to make? >> Yeah, I mean it kind of that was like the first step in the financial plan and we're just sticking with it and Um, we were talking about this in our finance committee meeting too that like it if uh whether it's in the newsletter or not or how we're going to like speak to those increases and how it kind of went like you know and it does it again later if there's 29 maybe and they're little and then it's >> but it's a lot of like non-tangible stuff like just getting our funds healthy. Um you know uh mayor mentioned the LGA is gone. you know, we're kind of like making people are kind of wondering what they're getting and why it's going up and it's like at least we can speak to it. Like our our debt position is so much better than it was 10 years ago. I mean, >> it's not like the funnest >> there's no decrease in service level, but there's we're not adding anything either. So it's >> so if we keep working the plan >> um and and I hate to bring this up but but if we keep working the plan and let's say we get enough money for this water treatment plant are are we going to are we going to ever see ourselves out of the >> you know the deep >> the deep >> so by 2030 >> okay >> we should have no utility funds. Well, take this storm sewer and put that aside, the water fund will be at a basically an even cash balance. >> 2030. >> Yeah. By 2030, if we keep with the plan of funding our capital reserves, by 2030, we would not have to issue debt for the final four years of the street projects. That was the goal was to reduce our reliance on debt. If we continue with our utility rate increases and let's take the water treatment facility and put it aside by 2030 would be the last year we'd issue debt for utilities as well. So that means the final three years of improvements would be free of debt issuance. So we will be issuing debt for levy supported items every year through 2029 in the final four years. We wouldn't have to utilities the next five years in the final three years we wouldn't have to. Now that's a lot of stuff that can come in between time, right? Stuff gets added to the CIP that we didn't plan for other circumstances, but we are the first two years have been really really good with sticking with the plan. Better than hoped. >> I mean, that's great news. >> And I like having that little buffer too. It's like just in case, you know, because there's always something. Well, I mean we we ser Well, I guess not because five at 21 22 23, >> you know, barring the water treatment plant part of the discussion and everything. It's like if we keep doing, you know, like speaking to good decisions, it's like we won't be at the top for debt, you know, we can be in a good spot. >> I mean, that's just really great news. So, and just to add, I think to some more context to that question, too. I mean, that goes back to the uh utility rate study conversation from 20 minutes ago. And that if we add a water plant on it, the the uh mandate from the PFA is going to be that we pay for it and show how we're going to do that. So, that'll just be supplemental. So, the plan is the plan and if we the water plant would be, you know, u an extra thing that we will demonstrate how we'll pay for. So um that there it will be different you know but it's it will be it won't affect our we'll call like the base financial management plan that we have um if that makes sense. >> Thank you and great job you know Noah and Jesse and our budget committee. Um, just last comment, uh, the county just proposed a max levy of 7.79, so it's it's coming. Um, >> when is our next newsletter? >> Ours or >> not until November. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, the goal is hopefully new Maggie. Um, our new person we're gonna have >> or maybe you guys, I think. >> Okay. Anyway, >> but >> Jesse's going to help me uh hopefully put all this into nicer graphics or maybe you can help us into chewable. >> Yeah. >> Right. So, for the news important for residents to really understand, right, >> because even and I've tried to talk to No a couple times, but you've been obviously busy and I've been told you've been busy. Um but I have had a couple of calls re recently on, you know, the increase going to the nonprofits and the churches. >> Has anybody else >> for like the water or whatever? >> Yeah. >> Or the franchises >> like you know it's increased a thousand% basically because they they were not doing anything prior to this. Heard >> anything? >> I have gotten a couple of complaints. >> Um but I still think we did the right thing and I'm glad to hear nobody else has because I have a couple of them written down that when you're free I'll come in and kind of go over it with you. >> Okay. So, the one thing that we're we're talking about is like when people like when when I first wanted to run for council, right? It was really about a crosswalk. It was about that the one, right, that we got done. Um, that was kind of the main thing I first really wanted to do. Um, but it wasn't about the budget. It wasn't about I didn't know what the budget was. I didn't think I didn't care, right? I'm just like, why do you guys take more money every year from my >> and why don't we have a crosswalk >> and why taking more money? What's changing? >> Well, so >> it's true. I mean, it's like it's a, you know, that's a dangerous thing. That should be, you know, but you know, every year, every year, every, you know, our insurance or the, you know, my insurance just got cancelled. They're like, we're not doing your state anymore. No, >> great. So, now I got to go find another, you know, house insurance thing. Great. >> Um, and I'm sure it'll be more, right? It's going to it's always more and more more and that's the biggest thing I think I struggle with is like what are the what are you getting for this right what are you getting for what we're doing here and part of the problem is it's not sexy it's like we're paying off debt you know we're getting out of a hole or we're you know eventually if we do this water treatment plan you know we can say what's that and that's what you're you know you're paying for that this is like we're just you know kind of getting out of you know and we're in a four and a half million in a $2 and half million dollar hole. We're just we're doing that first of all. Second of all, we're running a, you know, city and there's things that you have to pay for and people and budgets and moan parks and, you know, so that's the thing I think I want to work on really with and I kind of asked Jesse a little bit and Noah actually to type up some kind of thing that we can, you know, put in there that people go, okay, you know, I I get why, you know, what what we're doing here and I can see, you know, what, you know, Why the henipin county it's raising by six seven or whatever. I think it's really important too for the residents to see that. And >> you know, we talked about this a little bit at one of the last meetings you made a presentation at, but I really think it's important just to do layman bullet points for people to just be able to look at it and go, "Okay, I really get, >> you know, how we got here, how we're digging out, and h, >> you know, so they can see light at the end of the tunnel." >> Yeah. >> Um, and and so I think that's great. And I I'm sure it'll be hard for you, Noah, because you know, you are a >> analytic >> a math guy, a math wiz. So, kind of like anybody who's in a business has a hard time going to layman terms, but >> I think it'll be really I think it's mandatory that we do that >> and it might be two pages. I mean, I don't know. Yeah, maybe we'll do some charts and like even like in your slides, I know we didn't go through them all, but you know, like the tax dollar, you know, the city is this portion and you know >> Yeah. um >> take up the fluff. >> But you know, even the county, I mean, I know that was a nightmare for three days, but they're beautiful now, right? They're beautiful, nice roads, right? >> Yeah. >> I want to turn like what? >> Well, we all >> engineering standards. I fought for it. It didn't work. Um but right I mean beautiful roads so then you go oh my county dollars are going to you know >> um and again just on this and because >> the countyy's coming too uh you know we did have a mayor's meeting with the county >> um and so we did talk about I I I basically said to our commissioner I said you know what are you cutting right what are you cutting and unfortunately they're they're they're cutting some things through just our attrition of like people you know not working anymore and then you know now you got to do two jobs or you know whatever. >> The other thing is they took over the the hospital, right? So the board took over >> paying for >> took took over that anyway. So that's that's another challenge right now. Um and then what were the other there's one other major thing with the county? Remember that? Well, I mean staffing is >> a lot of staffing, but >> that seemed to be mostly the hospital. >> Yeah, the hospital was not a great part of it, but at the same point, it's something that, you know, someone's got to pay for it. So, anyway, um but I I just challenged her and I said, "Hey, you know, people want to know, you know, what you're cutting." And again, they they said, "Well, we are cutting through attrition of not renewing things or not, you know, whatever." So, um, yeah, it was, uh, cuz we had this with our our union a couple years ago where the the, uh, union contract came in a lot higher than, I guess, what what we probably would have put on paper. And that's, I think, the same thing with the county. >> Yeah. Um, so anyway, that's I guess my comments on this. So, unless anybody else wants to talk about it, we're looking to do six. Again, remember that's the top. We can go um >> we can still back down by December if we decide 5.5. >> Can we stay at six or go down? Yeah. >> Okay. >> I think we just last year left it because we did >> and council member Kalano might have a couple items. I don't know if you want talking about an hour or later, but that we might try to look at by then, you know, to see if we'll get that extra little percent if we want to, you know, do more inspections or, you know, this or that. Um, I know you kind of mentioned a few things, but >> yeah, I don't know. I don't really know that I'm ready to talk about anything tonight and it wouldn't impact >> like, yeah, >> the change what the preliminary would be set at. So, I just thought for a future meeting, I'd bring up a few things, but >> I don't I don't have anything much else for tonight. I just like the idea of getting something in the newsletter to explain, you know, even though it's like the least exciting thing, but like how we're improving our financial health and what that means for later if we're needing to borrow money or fund something else. It's at a minimal impact to residents and, you know, just kind of getting our overall picture looking better than it has for a long time. And and you're going to be doing this after we find out if we get any additional funds from the government, you know, because then we have a discussion about the water plant. >> Yeah. This is like would just stay separate, you know, like if the what we find out later in the year, you know, we we're setting the preliminary now. That can't change. It would just be pushed to a later, you know. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Really, we're just saying six tonight. And then again, five is just to stay on the financial plan. So if we don't if the appetite in December is like no let's just stick to the five we do that and we >> or we do the same thing as last year and we just stuck with six >> somewhere on here maybe it is on the slides it says like how much you know per average house or whatever. >> Oh yeah >> it is. >> Oh it's on page 2535. And so just, you know, if if your house is worth 250 grand, the annual increase is $23. Your monthto-month increase is a buck 92. If it's Yeah, it's up on the screen there. You know, if you're 450,000, it's $46 more a year. 750, it's 85 bucks. 1.2, it's 143. So and that's and then per month um if you look at things monthly versus annual but >> if I'm understanding this correct the water fund is currently running at a deficit but that will zero out by 2030. Is that what >> the plan is to be cash neutral by 2030? I mean already this year what are we running at like isn't it like four or five >> if you take out part the what we fronting for the water treatment facility >> we're projected to come in positive cash flow about 300 grand >> okay >> but we won't know that I mean >> right >> the utilities plays a big part and we're >> right >> there's some lag with that >> okay and then the other question I have which is just I don't know these things but the vacuum truck that's $900,000. To me, that's a lot of money. Um, they're saying that they're having some maintenance requirements and issues with it. >> And so, do we know that that's going to happen in 2027? I mean, what's the gut feeling from public works? Is that going to be something that we >> It's something that it's going to happen. It's going to have to move up from the CIP and 27 is looking likely. We can't afford not to have one of those, right, >> with the 30 list stations. The goal of the 2024 debt issuance was not to issue debt for sewer for the next decade, >> right? >> This will challenge it. It's good that you approve the financial management plan because that's one of the things I want to work with Kyle to see if that can be saved. >> Okay. >> But that will be challenged. >> This is part of the reason too I think um not speaking for the mayor, but like when we're in the finance committee meeting is just saying like why we want to do a little bit of a cushion just because there's always something. >> That's why I'm leaning towards >> and not just the minimum. I mean this thing I mean vehicles you know first of all I they just made an announcement on the news that I think just the repair cost went up like 30% over the last couple months. So even if we have to do these heavy repairs or replace it that truck may not only be 900,000 it may be a million3 you know based on the increase in value and for cost with the truck. So I mean and we have to have one right I mean what's the backup plan if it dies? I'm assuming we can rent them from somewhere because I know we pulled some in the last time we had a big rainstorm. >> It'd be rental. But with the 30 lift stations, >> we're not a normal city that has one or two or three lift stations, >> right? >> It's a major deal. >> Yeah. >> So, they're monitoring that truck >> very closely and it it is looking like 27. >> And when we do like a little bit above the minimum, I mean, it kind of just helps our CIP stay >> clean, right? >> Or like, you know, not not ahead of schedule, but it doesn't get behind. Noah, can you do you know offhand how much we got in interest income? >> We were in the mid 400s last year. >> That's not bad. >> We are We have higher cash levels this year even though less interest rates. So I suspect it'd be around that amount. >> Yeah. So we I mean that's pretty good. >> And so that's just something that I mean we're kind of expecting some of that but not that much. >> Like 472,000 off the top of my head somewhere like that. >> Yeah. You know, as I went through this whole thing, I Jesse and the budget committee, I don't see anything. Are are we looking forward to budget for new employee for either public works or wherever, Jesse, you feel that there's a need for either a support person or and you know, we've talked about this for a couple years and public works has been devoid of enough workers. when are we going to bring that into play and actually work that into the budget? >> So, one thing that council member Kasmo said is that and and maybe that's for next year is that we look at having a workshop. >> So, a finance workshop between all of us. >> Yeah. It's again it's different because I have my own thoughts in my head and then >> you know you reign me in in a different corner. I kind of you know and then Noah's like no you guys are all wrong. >> You're the tough guy. Yeah. >> But you know Jessie you know, you're the only one because it's your staff and and I know that you could we've talked about it. I know you would benefit by extra hands. Um, >> well, say what you did. >> Say what you already did. >> Yeah. >> What do you mean >> with the Maggie's position? >> Oh, yeah. I do have a accepted offer for a deputy city manager. So that is in that's should have somebody in by November which will be very nice because it's been um been thinned. But >> you did say that you had a lot of superstar uh >> we had 40 applicants. >> That's fantastic. Wow. >> Seemed that's unheard of. But um so I've got some thoughts that maybe aren't necessarily appropriate for a public meeting, but um you know there's a lot of options what we could do as far as how you'd want to determine what staffing level is appropriate. I mean what I know about Mound is that it sounds like we used to have larger staff, which isn't necessarily the right answer. It just was the way it was. Um, I think that this council is really um focused on service levels and providing services and and ultimately staff is how you do that for the most part. But staff is also the most expensive part about running a city. So, >> you know, even adding one administrative person in the office is if it's general fund, that's that's a percent on your levy right there. um and then some. So it's you know I I don't want to be flippant and say yeah we should just you know add three people because I think that you all five would would want to think about this really carefully but it is um it's it's something I think that would be a great conversation to have and as much as doing studies gets a little uh exhausting that can be a way to do it too. I mean it there's plenty of case studies about what our neighbors and what our cities that are similar, you know, they're not mountain, but they're in similar positions as far as what services are being provided and um the population of the city and things like that to to determine what it is we you know, what what's the staffing level look like in those cities and what's appropriate to mount or what what could be appropriate, you know. Um, I think we could probably put together a pretty good list of things that we would, if money was no object, what we would like to see between public works and um, you know, the in the office. But I don't know, that's a long-winded answer to just say, yeah, I it'd be a great conversation to have, but I mean, I I think it's not how it has been, and I wouldn't want to make a big change without the council being fully on board because it because it would be a budget driver. >> But but again, I I feel like the last couple years that's been no part of our conversation within the budget. and we've all known that we've we've been short staff and you know I just think it would be helpful for all of us to at least again project into the future and say you know by 2027 or 2026 you know we really are going to and especially with public works when you look at the added maintenance needs that especially Lost Lake comments is going to require and so I just I I I worry about burnout I worry about attrition. I mean, Colette's been there what, 20ome years? >> 26. >> So, you know, and she wears a lot of hats, too. You know, she's been here a long time. So, I know that you've thought through this going forward. I I just hope that we are all up to speed and knowledgeable to what the needs may be in the future and we're thoughtful to the budget. That's all I'm saying. And I think it sort of goes back to what Mayor Holt was talking about, uh, you know, as far as how we get some of this budget stuff out into the public. And, um, for the most part, when people know what you're doing and why you're doing it, they don't they don't get upset about it. you know, as far as you residents and where are my tax dollars going, I I think we could do a good job if the answer was or if if the answer to this potential question was providing more services via adding staff, we could demonstrate what what you're getting out of it. You know, whether it's efficiencies at city hall or it's more maintained, better park system or, you know, whatever it is. So I that doesn't scare me though like I say I'm not the one that does the voting on it. So um you know you five would have to be comfortable with it. But that that's something we could work through as well is just um if we determine that a a higher staffing level could could provide more services we can demonstrate that and make that part of the communication too. >> No. What are what are your thoughts on this? So just for um historical, the last cut we did at the city as far as absorbing a position in the city hall was 2020. So up until that point, we did have another position. I I don't have a comment one way or the other, but that's just, >> you know, that's the last time we've had another body and we absorbed that position in 2020. >> Okay. >> As far as public works, I mean, >> so there's two parts of this. One is what do we think we want? >> Yeah. Right. And then what do they want as in especially Jesse because Jesse came toward us each department said this is our needs for this year >> right >> and they brought it up he brings it he brought it to the the budget committee and then we kind of go okay so I mean I guess if you said hey we're we need this or you're hearing us that you need something you know an extra body >> now maybe we should should have been more >> we want you to do >> well that's this extra thing or >> I was going to say answering We've asked you from the day you were hired, you know, to to really, you know, take your time to understand your staff and your needs and, you know, you're two years in, so obviously, you know, all of the, you know, pluses, minuses that go on all day long with the staff and and whether we agree and can say, "Yes, let's do it." I still think we need an honest >> uh request or at least to justify why you're asking so we can be thoughtful in the budget going forward because I feel like this could just keep getting kicked down the road, you know, for a long time. >> It can. Um but to answer your I think the first question that you had was like are are we what's our plan? are we going to add, you know, like there was talk of like a communications person or more help for public works and just being one person on the finance committee. I kind of not I haven't been like seeking that out. I just trust that you know like they're managing their departments and if they you know if there's a need and they're like look we really need somebody. It's like then I would just hope that they're comfortable bringing it and >> I do too. And I hope it isn't to the to the detriment of their, you know, well-being, you know, by the time they come. And >> I can appreciate that. Jesse maybe didn't want to add three staff members in the first, >> you know, six months of, you know, >> something like that. But I think everyone's comfortable in bringing that up and if it's, you know, a real need that we would look at it in the budget and then all talk about it. But I don't know. I've been kind of passive. And >> so one thing that with this new deputy assistant job because you you kind of modified the job requirements a little bit, right? >> You want to talk about that a little bit? >> Well, what I'll say is um I'm going to be try to be uh political here. Well, one of the conversations we had with everybody we interviewed was, I mean, I think one of the first questions was, you know, recognize that you're going to be wearing a lot of hats. You know, this is it's um and we weren't shy about that. This is that's what we need is somebody that can come in and work in every department. And that's sort of the role of the deputy city manager, assistant city manager in any city. But um you know we said it's a lean staff and there's there's not that there's anything wrong with that being the case. But um that was a major factor in these conversations was like you know what can you come in and and maybe one of the things that I definitely was asking about was you know what can we do to make things at city hall maybe more efficient? you know what what procedures and policies can we be putting into place that might not necessarily eliminate the need for another person but you know is that a quarter of a FTE or something that we could facilitate and so once again a long-winded answer to probably short question is just that I I don't know that we know exactly that there should be one or five more people or something but I think that we have an opportunity to make things probably a little more efficient and just sort of keep moving forward as a staff. Public works is a little bit different because, you know, we have if you if you've got 38 parks and you need to mow the lawn more often and you don't have enough people, that's just, you know, logistics. But, um, on the flip side of that, if you have too many people and you have a dry summer, you're sending people home. So, And now we're, you know, we don't get snow anymore. We get like two big snowfalls. So, I would welcome a conversation among the council as a, you know, from a financial side and we can gather our thoughts from a, you know, whether it's a wish list, you know, what what we think we really should or you know, if you, like I said, if money was no option or no object, what would you have? And I think that that could come in the form of just looking at our contemporaries. Um, you know, between permitting and finance departments, it's not uncommon for cities our size to have, you know, staff accountant or permit tech and things like that. So, but I also think that when things aren't broken, you tend to not feel the need to fix them. Um, so part of that's too, you know, you get used to this is the size of the staff and we get by and so I don't know. I I I appreciate the concern and the comments because I it's it's maybe a conversation that hasn't happened in a while, I guess, you know, or or if it has, I haven't not since I've been here anyway. Um, I could see that as something going into 26 is like, you know, whether it's a staffing study or or just some sort of overall approach to how we're how we're managing the city and and its employees with of course the budget in mind. We're on an FMP. We're trying to get out of out of the hole and we're trying to do it very thoughtfully. So, it's a it's a it's a very large conversation, but it's always very important to have. >> Sounds like an item for like 2026 priorities workshop in January, you know. >> All right. But since you didn't come with I need this picture person, we're good, right? We're good for now. >> I I think we're okay right now to get through the preliminary levy. I mean, you're just going to be excited in November when this new person starts. >> I'm going to be very excited. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We all >> right now. Look at me. I'm coming out of my chair. >> Did the rest of your staff get excited and give you input on, you know, when you met everybody got to meet the the candidates? >> Yeah, we uh they were in on Friday and um and it was very nice and great. looking forward to setting things up over the next month for them to succeed and um and just keep moving forward. >> Sweet. >> Yeah, I'm sure it's been a heavy plate for you with with Maggie gone. >> I I don't want to speak for myself uh other than to just say that it's Maggie was doing a lot of different things. Yeah. So, >> and she did them very well. >> All right. Any other discussion on the levy? >> All right. On page 2540, we got a resolution. Does someone want to make a motion? Uh, I can do that. I'll make a resolution approving the 2026 preliminary general fund budget in the amount of 7 million. Is am I reading the proper? >> Yeah, >> the correct one. >> Just say make make >> Yeah, I got to say make a motion to approve resolution. 2578. >> Well, I make a motion to approve resolation resolution number 25-78. >> Okay. All right. Got a motion. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Okay. Any other discussion? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. >> I. >> Those opposed. All right, that passes. >> I I just want to say so you for resolutions that have a number on it, it's accept an acceptable form to identify to say a motion to pass resolution number blank. Okay. >> And then it's identified. It's in the agenda and and Kevin can always add to it if he wants to in the minutes to identify it. >> Well, we never always have the whole number there, right? No, that's not us. >> So, we just added that recently. >> So, now we can do >> now. Now, if there wasn't a number, then you'd have the same. That's why we always >> a motion to pass a resolution to do X. >> Oh, yeah. >> Okay. So, now B, we're going to motion uh can I get a motion to adjourn the city council uh to the uh Mound Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting. >> I can do that. Um but I want to say thanks to Noah for putting together the budget packet, too. It made it like it's like every year it's just even easier for >> Yeah. >> my brain to understand. >> Um I'd like to make a motion to adjourn the city council meeting to the mound H meeting. >> All right. You got a motion. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. >> All right. The normal city council meeting is adjourned. Uh we're reconvening the uh city council meeting. It's uh Tuesday, September 23rd at 7:31. We just did our H meeting. Um so now we have to do this in city council. >> D. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. So we got uh D on page 2543. If someone wants to make a motion for that. All right. >> Um, I would like to make a motion approving resolution 25-79. >> All right, got a motion. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. I. >> I. >> All right. Those opposed. All right. That passes, too. >> All right. Thanks, guys, for all that. >> Yeah. Thank you for all everything, the hard work. All right. Number nine, banners, discussion, continuation. So, we just kind of tabled this because of uh council member Mcne not being here. So, >> yeah. So, um I did um do a lot of research on this and ran a couple scenarios that might work best for the city of Mound and our businesses. And I did find out that generally, you know, generally um chamber of commerce facilitate the business poll banner campaign and that pretty much relieves the city of will inherent politics that will come along with having to sell and manage a big program like this. Um so obviously it would be in the best interest for both the city and our businesses to part use more of a partnership model um to coordinate this effort. Um, I liken this to I I I first started the first scenario was thinking, you know, wondering how because we could get probably a better price on banners, but the cost to the city would be huge because of the time effort that would be involved managing this program. And I have done probably 10 trade shows in my life. Put together reached out to all. And this would be likened to our local business as being a vendor. And they do require a lot of handholding and there's a lot of, you know, they they have certain >> they have certain desires for where they might want to pull and we really shouldn't be in that position. So, um, I did go to I did go and talk to several local chamber of commerces and many of the businesses that were featured on Wisetta, Plymouth, Chaza, and Spring Park and I talked to them about how they felt about who was ever managing their campaigns and then I went to the printers for those and I I feel really really confident that I left feeling Pauline at Pauline over at Minute Man Press did run the campaign for Spring Park. >> And when I first met with her to get some bids just on printing the flags, I didn't feel that she was willing to get on board. I didn't know if it might be because of possible conflict of interest with Spring Park businesses being so close in proximity, but I did go back and we had a really long talk. She is she's been doing this her entire career, the marketing aspect side of things and um this will be the second year that they're going into Spring Park. And so they've she's learned a lot of tricks and you know I didn't really know if she'd be interested in taking on Mound because Mound is a much bigger animal, more businesses, more coals. Um but she did say yes and um and I feel really I don't know really comfortable that she would bring our businesses and mound pride and a real successful outcome. um there would be no c and again I had three other three other companies that I was talking to but not only does Minute Man Press Pauline have a vested interest in a in a good result and outcome I really feel really confident that she has got this nailed down it's a really full-time job to do this so there would be no cost to the city the city and the city council role would be simply to identify the pole locations and the boundaries >> and then to approve a graphic and I I imagine she'd come in with three like general three or four options and we would we would select at that point Minute Man Press would then take full control of coordinating and executing the campaign start to finish um >> like annually kind of like a schedule. >> Yep. it. She would be working then at this point now probably with Jesse and Ryan just to um formalize the poll selection and the hanging specifics. Our public works department would be responsible for hanging and removing before following your campaign would begin. Um the banners would stay up for a year. Um, and just to manage all of your expectations, um, this will take at least six months to roll out and get ready to for the campaign for graphics to get graphics presented to us, approval, and then to educate, promote, and sell to the business, the local businesses. >> So, just so you know, yes, if I just turned in a design graphic, >> it would be done tomorrow. But this is a a big campaign and um because Mound has never been part of this, she's going to have a lot of educating to do. She did just bring on somebody on board who they're going to move forward and this is going to be a real timesaver for them um to get once they get everything the campaign put together hopefully they'll meet with all of the individual and they have to present this to every single business. Um, it'll be it would be on a first come first serve basis for businesses. And I'm not going to get into the specifics of of how she would roll this out because mound is a different animal. So I don't want to present the stats that she used for um Spring Park and and and it doesn't matter to us because if we if we choose to go this direction, we'd be in good hands. And but I do want you to know that the only downside of not taking it on ourselves would be I do believe she would need a 75% participation rate for if we designate 50 polls, you know. >> Yeah. >> Otherwise, it's just not worth their time and effort to set up this campaign man to sell. But I feel pretty confident that, you know, once we determine the polls, and I think she did have a couple of good ideas, you know, to maybe look at using all of, you know, 15 for businesses and then maybe 110 for sports teams. Yeah. >> You know, that could be kind of a cool thing. But again, she will take this over. I'm just throwing out a couple of things. >> Be great to have something up. >> Pardon me. >> It'll be awesome just to have like something up, you know. >> Yeah. and and you know, I feel really comfortable that she's just went into year two with this batch of um Spring Park banners. Um so I guess if the council is agreeable, the next step would be to get Pauline and Minute Minute Man Press in the loop and I would be happy to kind of facilitate that next step and get Jesse and Ryan in the loop because I've had a lot of conversation with her. >> Okay. So, I've done this in in a neighborhood before. Um, but you said there'd be no cost to the city, but we would Wouldn't we have to install the hangers on? >> Well, we already have the hangers. The cost to the city. >> So, Ryan and the public works would be hanging them and taking them down. >> Staff hanging them up. >> Yeah. >> So, there is the cost. So, >> and and I I meant dollar amount cost, but yes. in kind >> what what what Mound would be participating with in conjunction with them is literally working designating the the polls and then Ryan and the public works team would be responsible to put them up and take them down at the end of the year prior to the next campaign kickoff. And so um because you know you can kind of do overload and because of the way our city's configured you know we've got from like um from the um bridge um to downtown you could say that's all commercial. But then when you go west of commerce on 15 um all of a sudden you're into residential and so would we want to extend >> into residential? >> Well, I think we need to be really really thoughtful in the pool >> location because we don't want this to be overkill and and I'm sure Pauline will have a lot of again she's done this many times and I I talked to her about that too. I just said, you know, I'm concerned about overkill and oversaturation. And she understands that completely. Again, this is what she marketing is what she's done and for most of her career. Um, so I'm sure she would work with Jesse and then present to us what their thoughts are on the district and I think she'll have a lot of feedback on that. Um, you know, for me it's a little difficult to say, "Oh, okay. We'll just hand everything over to you because this is where I usually am a big part in these campaigns. But, you know, I'm gonna, you know, I'm going to be gone >> if I don't run again. And we need somebody on board. I know that the WCC, you know, because we don't have a chamber of commerce. The WCC is really active in in really amping up their their their new member their new group that's running it. And I have a lot of high hopes for it. You know, um Tiffany Betler from Plaid Moose Marketing is her thing, too. >> So, you know, maybe maybe after the next two years, WCC might be in a position to approach us >> to do that. We we don't pay for the the cost of a cities like we don't pay for the banners. No, >> we just touch base with her annually about like what the next ones look like. >> She literally Yeah. She would come back to us after the first year and then say, you know, do you have any changes and how you'd like to, >> you know, brand yourself and then she would go off and design >> with our Yeah. And so she through all her work and then the printing then she would be working with the res or the uh >> businesses and then work all that out with them and and that really does remove us from some potential >> really tough situations. So prioritize it >> between businesses and >> 100%. >> When she did it through Spring Park, um a couple of the businesses that are on the Spring Park banners, they approached her, >> okay, >> to be to potentially be part of that campaign. >> Cool. >> But, you know, I I don't know if any of you guys have been part of a trade show or um I I I I don't want to be part of working with No, I want that poll. No, I want that poll. And you know, it it's a big it's a big um handholding event and you know, you want to satisfy every single >> uh business and she'll do a great job with it. >> So, I I guess at this point, if you want to move forward, the next step would be to get her in the loop with Jesse and Ryan. >> Yeah, I think we should. >> I I like it. Assuming, you know, you guys come up with a good plan, whatever. You would bring it back. >> Yes. >> At least to us in a workshop or in a live meeting >> to say, "Hey, this is what we came up with or here's the designs we're looking at." >> Probably. And most likely Pauline would be presenting. >> Yeah. Okay. Yeah, I like it. >> Yeah. >> I would assume there's some sort of agreement that need >> Yeah, we'd have >> Yeah, >> but but I didn't hear that, but we I think we should be involved in the pan. she's going to need us to define the banner or the polls and I think we should definitely be involved with that because that's strategically >> um it's going to help her define kind of her outcome too. >> Cool. >> Yeah. >> Uh I mean are we all in agreement or do we need a motion to staff or >> I think we're okay. >> Thanks for doing all the work. >> I'll contact you. >> Motion would be at a time that there's actual agreement to be in front of you. >> Okay. But just as we used to do instructions of staff. >> Yeah. Just direction is enough of >> consensus. >> I think at this point instruction this is what she does. She'll kind of lead us to to where we need to go next and if >> Great idea. Love it. Yeah. Thanks. Good job. >> Yeah. I I you know it's really an exciting thing and I I felt really comfortable with all of the vendors that would be our partnership. But I I just Pauline she's just fabulous. I I feel her vested interest in the outcome would be such a key factor for for our businesses. >> And she's mound. >> And she's mound. She's local. >> Cool. >> Yeah. >> Is there a business in Spring Park or is Mound? >> No, it's right down the road. >> Right up the street. >> Yeah. Throw a rock at it from >> Yeah, she's literally right here. >> Yeah. Yeah. You could like skip to it in like two seconds. >> All right. Uh let's go to the next thing. Number 10, comments and reports from council members. Council member Pew. >> Um I did go to Congresswoman Kelly Morrison's town hall meeting this week. She had one on um you know obviously the gun violence issue. Um was really nicely done, very tight security. Um you had to and this is what you're going to see in the future. You have to reply that you want to come and then the day of the event they send you the location >> and then when you go there's checks and there's sort of a in between she has you come in and she has a meeting where people just meet and talk and get to know each other neighbors and stuff and then you actually go into the auditorium for the thing. She had four of the family members from Ascension there who spoke. >> Oh yeah. >> And the woman surgeon from Children's Hospital. So very good. >> Yeah. >> All right. Council member Mc >> I do have a couple things. Um the deadline for submitting citizen of the year award is quickly approaching. It's October 31st. Um you can go to the city of Mount website under news and highlights and download the um submission form or you can go to city hall and pick up a submission form. Um this will be the second year for Mound to be doing this and um we're excited for that. And last year, just for people to be reminded that it was Mary Pervix from Farmers Market and Mound who was the nominee and she was completely honored >> to be um notified. Uh and let's see, there is still time to sign up for the golf tournament that the Lions are doing for the fire and rescue. So, if anybody hasn't registered, I have two sons that two of their friends can't get off work. So, if anybody if anybody's looking for a couple of good golfers to play with, call me. Um, it's already it's already taken care of the fee and everything. Um, and then I think that's it. I feel like I had one more event or something. I guess that's it. >> All right, Council Member Kelano, I have two um Sorry. >> Yep. >> Oh, sorry. Um I just have two questions, but I'm a little like skittish. I don't want to like have my update turn into like another hour long. >> It was more than an hour >> the last two meetings. So really like um to follow up on one of our residents that I don't I didn't write her name down, but she had asked if we were going to kind of follow up and like schedule that joint parks meeting. >> Yeah, >> we did talk about that at the last meeting that >> we didn't schedule one though, did >> but we said we were going to have another one prior to deciding when the next meeting would be. >> Okay. So if anyone's asking about that, what's our We haven't scheduled scheduled one yet. We're don't have one on the calendar. >> This is what I think >> kind of >> it >> once we get right now. >> Once we get back the data here, >> yeah, >> then I think maybe we do a joint meeting with them. >> Mhm. >> Right. And say, "Hey, this is kind of what we're thinking." >> Okay. But maybe like a 26 workshop at this point >> would be really >> No, I'm talking like >> October spoken for. I mean, none of this will happen this year anyway, but yeah. >> Yeah, I'm sometime in I don't know, this year or early next year, I guess. >> December, maybe at the soonest. >> Well, last year, when did we have the joint? Was it April? April, March, and that was the first time they've ever had a joint meeting. So, it was beneficial for all of us to have that. >> Okay. Um, and then I guess just one question on the the banners and the flags. Um, so I having those banners going to be awesome, but like what are we doing with the all the flags that are up right now? Last time we like not the previous meeting, but before that we talked about like a schedule of having things come up and down like are we just leaving our flags up? >> Well, my recommendation would be to do flag banner flag banner. >> I just mean like a schedule of when they come up and down. Like we talked about how like all the new flags this year, they look awesome, but I feel like if they're always up, they're not >> noticed or they're not up >> really >> like are we leaving them up through Veterans Day or just >> We have them up on >> the 4th of July. >> We were talking about the spacing and how like on 110, you know, there's just like a lot of them. It looked great and it was like the 4th, >> you know, Memorial Day, Labor Day, all that. But like, are we just are they to stay up or does like Ryan or Public Works have a schedule for >> Do they guess the wreaths go up next? But >> right then, so I don't know. I I would recommend Jesse talking to Dustin. >> Just seems like they've been up. They're They're always up. Do we want them up all year round or no? Well, I think I have no problem with part part of them up all year long, but I but I think >> keeping all of them up all the way down to Surfside is maybe not necessary, but >> Well, that's what I was wondering. Is there like a Does Ryan have like a schedule for that? Maybe we could just ask I don't know if you could ask him or something. >> It's the wear and tear on them, too. I mean, >> it'd be cool if they were put back up for Veterans Day, you know, at a certain date. But if they're always up, then I kind of feel like they lose the noticeability or whatever the right word is. I don't know. >> I'll talk to him. I don't have a preference. I'm just curious. >> Well, yeah, because well, to your point though, they all wear out. I mean, and we had to when they I know when Noah had to come up with a little bit of money to help finish them off and you know, we got some from the Legion, but you know, obviously it'd be better for the city if we didn't have to buy all new ones again next year. So, if we take them on down pretty, you know, quickly before the weather gets nasty. Wouldn't you just out of common sense have them removed when the Christmas decorations go up and then >> That's a good idea. >> And then I think they generally put them back up, you know, kind of in the spring >> when the wreaths go up, the flags come down. >> Yep. >> I think but I think that's the way it has been in the past. >> But it would make sense >> because then they're doing they're not having to duplicate their efforts. >> Yeah. Yeah. I know. I know. Takes a lot of time to put them up and down. >> Yeah. So I I I would defer to Ryan, too. What makes their life easy and >> Sure. >> Council member Pew said, "Put the flags back up for President's Day >> potentially." >> Um, >> in February. >> Yeah. So, take the Reese, put the Reese up, take the flags down in a couple, you know, whenever, couple weeks, whatever. And then the Reese will probably want to take down in January anyway, right? >> Well, they have a schedule >> or whatever their schedule is. And then we'll flip them back up, the flags back up or >> wait till that or flag day or >> memorial, whatever you want to >> whenever we want. >> Just curious if there was a schedule or something. >> I do know they look good. >> They look good. They just been up for >> I don't know, >> long time. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Is that your one or do you have another? >> I'm done. Okay. >> Uh, council member Heric. Oh, I took up enough time earlier tonight. So, I don't have any other updates other than if everyone would please make sure they read that document and provide any feedback. >> Okay. >> Get it back to Jesse and then I guess he'll >> get it to me. I don't know. How does that work? >> We'll make it work. >> All right. Uh, I don't I kind of tell said all my stuff. So, uh, number 11, information miscellaneous. Do you guys have anything at all? >> It looks like it's all empty. >> Yeah, I don't think so. All right, cool. That's it. All right. Uh, can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Can I get a second? >> Any other discussion? All those in favor, please say I. I. >> Those opposed? All right, we're journ.