Utility and sewage rate increases, new waste water treatment plant updates, native american month proclamation and more!
Call to Order, Invocation, and Roll Call [00:07:55]
The meeting began with the mayor calling the council to order. A brief invocation was given, expressing gratitude for the city’s safety, the addition of nearly 900 new homes between 2022 and 2026, and the cooperation of local governing bodies like the school and park districts. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the clerk called the roll, confirming that 11 alderpersons were present and three were absent, constituting a quorum.
Consent Agenda [00:11:00]
The council reviewed the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings, payroll and accounts payable totals, and several resolutions. Key items included:
- Adoption of the Mahoney Creek watershed-based plan.
- Authorization of property and liability insurance renewal.
- Approval of a downtown improvement grant for a local business moving from a boardwalk shop to a brick-and-mortar location.
- Contracts for an e-ticketing municipal enforcement system and squad car printers.
- An agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 196.
The consent agenda was approved unanimously by the 11 alderpersons present.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Update [00:14:32]
A consultant provided a quarterly update on the wastewater treatment plant improvements. The project has reached approximately 98% completion regarding costs, totaling just under $44 million. Significant progress reported includes:
- Headworks: The building is occupied with flow going through it, and temporary connections have been removed.
- Paving: Paving on-site and on adjacent streets was completed just before the winter weather arrived.
- Clarifiers: One primary clarifier is operational. The second is undergoing manufacturer modifications for capacity reasons and is expected to be finished in November.
- Timeline: The sludge handling building is projected to be complete by the end of the year, potentially finishing five to six months ahead of schedule.
- Abandonment: Unused underground piping was filled and abandoned in place.
Presentation: Tri-City Peace Vigil [00:23:20]
Representatives from the local ministerial association and a mental health professional presented on an upcoming Peace Vigil and Thanksgiving service. The event is designed to address community division and foster unity through readings, prayers, and songs from eight different faith backgrounds. The service will conclude with a candlelight walk to the Peace Bridge. The presentation highlighted a need to address anger and divisiveness observed in the community and local counseling practices, aiming to promote healing and neighborly love.
Presentation: Interfaith Food Pantry [00:41:23]
A representative from the local food pantry provided an update on their move to a new facility on First Street, funded in part by federal grants secured by a local congresswoman. It was noted that the pantry has seen demand double in recent weeks due to a lapse in SNAP benefits. The community was thanked for strong support through food drives and volunteering. The representative announced an upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony and noted that Thanksgiving meal distribution would take place the following Saturday.
Proclamation: Native American Heritage Month [00:48:57]
An alderperson read a proclamation declaring November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month. The proclamation detailed the history of indigenous peoples in the region, specifically the Potawatomi and the Three Fires Confederacy, and noted archaeological evidence of settlements on local federal laboratory land dating back to the 13th century. The proclamation was unanimously accepted by the council.
Main Street Organization Update [00:53:22]
The executive director of the local Main Street organization reported on recent activities:
- Events: “BatFest” and “Winterfest” saw high attendance. A “Holiday Sneak Peek” event generated raffle entries from 35 different zip codes.
- Marketing: A holiday gift guide is being distributed to 20,000 subscribers and via paid social media influencers.
- Grants and Programs: The organization was accepted into the “Recast Leaders” program, receiving a $10,000 grant. This program involves a 10-month cohort to address downtown barriers, specifically the lack of move-in ready commercial spaces for businesses graduating from the boardwalk incubator shops.
Ordinance 2025-053: Sanitary Sewer Usage Rates [01:02:47]
The council considered an ordinance to amend the city code regarding sanitary sewer rates. It was explained that the increase is necessary to fund the $175 million treatment plant upgrade and other capital needs like lift stations and force main replacements. Officials emphasized transparency regarding the capital needs driving the rate changes. The ordinance was passed unanimously.
Ordinance 2025-054: Electric Usage Charges [01:08:48]
An ordinance increasing electric rates was presented. This marks the first rate increase for the electric utility since 2015. The increase addresses capital costs, specifically the shift from rebuilding overhead lines to undergrounding them to improve reliability and safety.
- Future Studies: It was noted that a “cost of service” study is underway, with findings expected in Spring 2026, which may lead to further rate structure adjustments.
- Vote: The ordinance was approved unanimously.
Ordinance 2025-052: Water Usage Rates [01:12:14]
The council reviewed an ordinance increasing water usage rates by 3% and adding a capital fee. Similar to the other utilities, this increase is driven by the need to repair and replace aging infrastructure. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
City Administrator’s Report [01:13:16]
The city administrator provided several updates:
- Immigration Policy: Staff is finalizing procedures regarding the recently passed ordinance on the use of city property for civil immigration enforcement.
- Budget: A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for the following evening.
- Winter Operations: The streets department completed its first salting run using “Salt Smart” best practices to reduce chloride usage.
- Development: Demolition on a local tin shop is set to begin after Thanksgiving, and a packaging company is preparing to occupy a property on South River Street.
Other Business: Leaf Collection and Football Broadcasts [01:16:31]
- Leaf Collection: An alderperson announced that leaf collection will transition to a “bag only” requirement in December. Residents were warned not to use boulders, tarps, or construction fencing to contain leaves at the curb, as these objects damage collection machinery.
- High School Football: There was a discussion regarding complaints from residents, particularly seniors, about the inability to watch high school playoff football games on local cable. It was explained that a national federation holds exclusive streaming rights, preventing the local public access channel from broadcasting the games live. The council discussed how to disseminate information on where residents can find the state final game on broadcast television.
Mayor’s Report [01:23:47]
The presiding officer reported on the city’s economic and demographic trajectory:
- Housing: Between 2022 and 2026, the city expects to add between 700 and 800 new homes.
- Valuation: The city’s assessed valuation has surpassed $1.5 billion.
- Population: Regional planning agencies predict the city’s population will exceed 30,000 by the 2030 census.
- General Sentiment: The mayor noted a high level of interest from potential residents and positive feedback from other taxing bodies (schools, parks, libraries) regarding the city’s direction.
Adjournment [01:27:11]
Following the reports, the meeting moved toward adjournment.
Author: Jim Fahrenbach
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