City Council - Regular Meeting

[laughter] No, it's like I get you [laughter] like I'm going to get this [clears throat] fixed tomorrow. More coming. You're hot. Thank you. Thanks for noticing. [laughter] [clears throat] Was in a good mood tonight. I know. This is great. Ready? Thank you.

Here we go. Council workshop meeting Monday December 1st 2025 6 pm here. Briggs here. Coulter here. Hydrri Coltmeer here. Pepki here. Pepsel here. Solen. Please rise for 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. [snorts]

Will all the committee members answer if they have or have not read the minutes of the meeting dated November 3rd, 2025. [snorts] Fair? Yes. Briggs, yes. Coulter, yes. Colt Meer, I. Patky, yes. Pepsil, yes. Solent, yes. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by PY. Second by Coulter to approve. All those in favor say I. I. I. It's done. Report of department heads administration department recycling center farm lease.

So, um, good evening council. In your packet is a, um, ordinance for us to go ahead and go into an agreement with Jack Brinker for the 15.25 25 acres of farm ground behind the recycling center. We did go out for bid on November 14th and we received I'm sorry we went up for bid. Bids were um due on November 14th and we received one bid that was from Jack Brinker for the amount of 13151. The um minimum bid was 125 and so the bid does meet the minimum amount. The term of the lease is going to be for five years. The period, like I said, is five years and it would commence on December 9th and it would end on December 9th of 20 of 2030. And so we're just recommending approval.

What was the amount on the last contract? I think yeah, 106 per acre. Make a motion to move it on. Second. Motion by Joe, second by Pepsil. Any further discussion? You guys questions? All those in favor say I. I. I motion passes. It's moved on. Renewal of half cent improvement sales tax.

We've got two items on your agenda. Item 3 A uh 3B and 3C. As I told you at your last city council meeting, uh the sales tax renewal committee's been meeting uh since June, I'm sorry, yeah, June of 2025 this year and reviewing uh several projects. Uh first though, uh we wanted to talk about the halfsent capital improvement sales tax. As I indicated at the last city council meeting, um I believe December 9th, is that correct, Sherry? Yes.

For when uh we can turn in propositions to the um county clerk to go ahead and have this on the ballot for April 7th of 2026. Um and within your packets, you've got the letter uh that was signed by u Sandy who sh uh chaired the uh the committee. And you can see all the committee members. We've got them on the sideline of your uh packet that work through. So, I don't know if Sandy, did you want to have any comments about either one of these two letters or any about the process in general or anything? Go ahead.

Well, I thought the process went really well. Uh we had a number of meetings. We met monthly. Uh staff did a great job of uh making the presentations of what uh what the projects could possibly be. Uh unfortunately we had I believe it was uh $36 million worth of projects that we were reviewing and there was we project that there'll be $25 million raised over the next eight years based on our current sales tax uh rate our sales tax in uh projection over that time

I [clears throat] guess projected at that time. So, uh, so we did have to do a lot of, uh, significant cutting of some of the, uh, requests. Uh, the the committee chose, uh, this time, I thought something that was a little bit different this time was that, uh, instead of eliminating a lot of the projects, they just lessened the, um, the amount that would be going toward that, which was a a little different because there were always some projects that would get u eliminated all the way. But this time we just kind of backed off on on the dollars thinking that there might be another source for funding. So um we went back and forth quite a bit on that and uh came up with our list and um so you know we asked your approval. I think you all know how important the cent improvement sales tax has been. Uh this is uh you know we've been doing it a number of years and um you know it started out as only five years and back then we earned about a million dollars a year on sales tax. So we had $5 million worth of projects that first year and um so it obviously has increased over time. So um but I know that our community has certainly benefited. It's a little bit different uh year uh this year because the last the last time we had uh the swimming pool, prior to that we had the library and before that we had the public safety building. So we've had some big projects. Uh but um I feel confident that we have if you look at the list we have grouped it into public safety uh things that are you know for public safety for our community and then also some things for parks and recreation. And I feel like uh those two items would be significant uh for most all of our residents and will be a good way to market the the tax because those obviously we want to be safe and we also love our parks.

I think it's important and Sandy touched on this is that the fact that this the funding that you see that was proposed by the committee is not intended for to cover everything on that project list. I think that's a part of what uh gets lost sometimes or at least I know it did in the last eight years. Sometimes we had projects listed and we had how much of the dollar amount was but we all know that you know either due to inflation or other things we had to rely upon other revenue sources to go ahead and get the jobs done so or get the projects completed and we anticipate with this as well. I mean, as an example, Washington Youth Sports Association had um a very large elaborate layout of what they wanted to see with improvements, but obviously we just can't fund all of those improvements. But we asked them, for example, in this case, you know, what would they if we had a million5 towards it, what would they do? And in in this case, they said, "Well, we would build a concession stand and then we'll focus on the other improvements as as we move along or try to get donations or whatever they needed to go ahead and do." So, I just thought it was important to say that, you know, it's not meant to to cover every single dollar of these projects. And a lot of times, you also keep in mind that there's design fees that especially for uh the buildings, you know, structures, uh, you know, we're we're contracting out those design services. We don't have architects on staff to go ahead and do that, obviously. So, uh, but, uh, as Sandy said, I think, you know, the focus was, uh, a lot on emergency response with the bulk of the funding going there, but, uh, parks and recreation certainly there's a lot to talk about there as well. I guess I would be remiss too if we didn't mention the senior center at the top of the list. We want to go ahead. That's the big that's the project that we heard a lot about obviously with our seniors. I don't have to tell the council since we've, you know, made the change that want to get them a permanent place where they uh don't have to go ahead and um they can utilize a facility

without having to share it for other uh engagements. And so um we feel that there's a lot of options that where that senior center money could be used towards and I think the seniors are happy that u they are is a um you know that we that you all listened and we as a committee have listened and things like that. So I think it's very important for us to um get a new place for them. So anyway, one that they can call their own and they can don't have to move things and you know um it was unfortunate that we had to move. Did the committee uh did they have an inflation percentage added into this for eight years? 2%. 2%.

We did a conservative estimate of of 2% for over each year. That's how we got to the 25. You're at approximately 2.8. 85 million now I think something like that 2.85 2.9 per year and we did a 2% increase over eight years which I don't know if we did that the last time uh uh we had yeah we had an estimate I think built [clears throat] into it and it was it eventually came out there was one letter I saw where we had and it all depended upon where we were but there was one that was a little over 15 million and then the second one came in at like 16.2 to something like that. So if you look at that, we went from 15 16 million to 25. So that's how well the sales taxes Washington rocks. So

I think it also goes without saying you guys and you all were part of the process either attending the meetings or part of the committee. There was public input every step of the way in this entire process and that will continue. So we are we working on these together or well we can do we let's get them to go ahead and approve this one first recommend approval and then we'll get go to the next make a motion second motion by sonre second by Paty further discussion. All those in favor say I. I. Motion passes.

Okay very good. Well so so we have to talk about these things. Okay. I mean where two or more are gathered we're going to be talking about sales [laughter] tax. So anyway, but I mean I do think that we need to uh help to get the word out. The campaign will probably start obviously after the first of the year and um but I know that we do have some committee members who are already kind of talking about that a little bit and stuff like that. So if you have any groups that you think would be good for us as a committee to to visit with or to talk to, um just let us know and we'll get on their list. So, okay, renewal of the transportation sales tax.

So, within your packet is the uh letter also from the sales tax renewal committee to uh present this to the voters in on the same ballot in uh April of 2026. Um obviously [clears throat] there's uh this is a much larger uh uh undertaking than the the one that we've had in the past where it's been renewed five times. This would uh be the first time to go to the voters for renewal of the transportation sales tax. It began in 2005 as most everybody on this council knows that to go ahead and widen 100 to four lanes all the way out to I44, but it was also crucial for us in funding of several projects and you see those listed on the front page of the letter. um everything from uh you know coming up with uh uh the match uh for the grants for major streets within the city including Fifth, Jefferson Street, High Street, Third Street, West Link Drive and and other streets. Those are just some of them. Reservicing of our local streets that do not qualify for federal assistance. So that completely uh it also helped with the construction of a recently opened Fox Crest Drive and an initial phase of East West Parkway uh development of Bush Creek Trail and airport improvements. all of those without those funds uh those projects would not have been able to go ahead and be completed. We do have a list of projects that we anticipate what we would are looking for for the next and in this case 20-year window uh rather than 25 and uh they're looking at widening of 100 to four lanes from High Street to Vospring Drive. High street extension to highway A eventually uh further construction of East West Parkway where we're where we're needed. resurfacing of local streets throughout the community. Uh same as before, maintenance and improvements to sidewalks, parking lots, and trails, traffic signal upgrades and improvements. We've seen a lot of, as you know, uh requests for improvements [clears throat] at uh crucial intersections along Highway 100 where we have stacking issues, and we have we've got several projects in the pipeline

already, but we anticipate more that we're going to need in the future. and without this funding source that those you know it's hard to come up with even that that match. So um that's something else. And then of course airport improvements that we've [clears throat] talked about. Um we explained in the committee the federal uh funding is programmed uh out four to five years in advance. As you guys know when you approve for us uh especially when Charles's group puts together their applications that's a four to five year process before you see those improvements. [clears throat]

That's the reason why we want to go to the voters now. It's that simple. Is because we don't want to sit there and have to wait a few years before the tax kicks in or wait until 2030 because then you're not going to be able to make application because you can't commit the funds. You won't have them. [clears throat] So that's the reason why we wanted to go ahead. We don't want to stop the progress that we've already made. We want to continue that. And that's the reason why we'd like to go to the voters in 2026. I would like to show you the updated presentation that we've had because it might have been a while since some of you have seen the latest uh version of that, but I mean there has been some some edits and some changes certainly to deal with what we're dealing with in uh Highway 47 and our agreement with Franklin County. So, [clears throat] uh sometime maybe I'll look at an agenda maybe in January, February, we might be able to go ahead and do that presentation again to show you the importance of that. It really gets in a little bit more a lot more into the weeds.

It just gets a lot more into the weeds when you start going down that path. So u but I think it's important u and before I forget this is a sales tax. It's not property tax. So, you know, when you are discussing it with uh with our voters, uh but um I think it's important that we um we do what we can um I mean for transportation in and out of out of Washington. And I think we have an opportunity for [snorts] we as Washington to improve Highway 47 uh out to where we anticipate the crossing of the East West Parkway. And um there [clears throat] seems to be um a little bit of uh there's still discussion about the rest of the route of highway uh 47 all the way to St. Clair uh in the county. And I think it's important that we as Washington just um stand up and do what we need to do to get our section completed. And uh and then that uh and by the way by the process that we're going through we will be able to apply for grants and and other monies from the state and um the other and from on the federal level as well which will then allow more of the money that's allotted towards the county to be used on that other part. So, I think it's really important that we do what we can to get that section completed and then of course to uh to be able to take care of our city streets. We have great streets in our town. You know, our town always looks clean and I think part of it is because we have good streets, you know,

and we've had a revenue source to fund it, right? So, I mean, that's the biggest for some certainty of the taxes doesn't pass. How long do you have to wait to do it again?

Uh, we could do it again. I think haven't given it that much thought as when. I mean, you could obviously could do it April of 2027. I haven't given much thought about other elections in between. I think that's usually uh the biggest percentage of uh when we have success is usually at the municipal elections in April the most. um if for some reason it would fail, um uh our advice would be is to go back again in April of 2027 and see what we can do to go ahead and do more education if that's what it takes. But um I just, you know, it's important. Sy's just talking about Highway 47 and and of course that's going to be those improvements will be done prior to 2030, but without that funding source, you wouldn't have that luxury of being able to go ahead and do that. I mean, I I don't You would have to go back to your general fund, figure out how you're going to go ahead. I I don't know how

how far we've gone in 20 years. I don't know how we could go back and try to go ahead and fund those improvements that way. Can we get to everything and make everything perfect for everybody? No. It takes time sometimes, you know, especially when um when we apply for those federal funds and it and it and it's four years out. But like I said, without at least that match, we wouldn't have we wouldn't be able to even apply.

So because it takes so long, you guys that four years, we have to remember that the tax that was passed in 2020 or pardon me, 2005 expires in 2030. And every bit of those dollars that we continue to receive until 2030, they're all spoken for. Yeah, we've got them allocated unless unless something would come up that really made us drastically rethink it. We have all of those funds basically allocated for all the way out to 2030. And a lot of them and that's part of that presentation that we've got. We we added some slides to show you all the funding that's been approved through East West Gateway for projects in the future and what we anticipate all the way up to 2030.

And I think those organizations see us as a good partner. Mhm. I think so because we were able to come forward and the funding. You know, originally [snorts] when MDOT approached us about uh helping to fund the Highway 100, it was Highway 100 expansion was on their schedule to be completed in 2025. Imagine if I can't imagine if I mean so and [snorts] how different it would be. So anyway, we probably I think that the the word luxury was mentioned, but I think it's it's a necessity. It's an imperative. And that's why I think, you know, through the through the process, it was definitely, like I said, the word necessity

always came up. It was just something that we have to have and have to do to continue to be what we are. You're, you know, we don't want to slip backwards. That's kind of what it amounts to. Um, and Sandy mentioned it briefly, but it is a sales tax, not a property tax. Nothing else goes up. Um I know we tried to search as a committee to try to find out how many dollars come from outside of Washington that some people thought that was very imperative also. So you know whether that number is you know 60% 80% of our sales tax dollars in Washington if you think about it comes outside of the Washington city limits. So [snorts] um to have that again I say the word imperative. So again,

we've always been, you know, we've always been thinking forward in our community and I think we've had uh leadership through the years going way back that always was were looking forward. So I think we all have very much to be proud of here and we just want to keep it. So right, just for clarification, if if this passes uh if it would pass in April of 2026, this is doesn't double tax between 26 and 2030. It just extends the tax beginning in 2030 for another 20 years. So, just to make sure everybody's Yeah, we'll have to Anybody [snorts] I know most people up here understand that, but I just want to make sure that we get that message out. I'll move we send it on. Second.

Motion by Bear, second by Paty to send it on. Further discussion. All those in favor say I. I. Motion passes. Sandy, thank you for doing that and heading it up and keeping the meetings um I guess eventful and uh on task, I guess you could say. Um so again, thank you and our deepest sympathies. Yeah, thank you. Unfortunately, I had to miss a couple, but I'm back now or I will be soon. So anyway, but anyway, it's good to be back. Thank you. Thanks, Sandy.

Shauna, would you like to come up? Yeah, Shauna, if you I I asked Shauna before we get into the other items that are listed on there. Um, this has to do with with having our special council meeting uh that we're going to need next Monday. And so Shauna can give you a brief explanation of that. We're not going to get in too far into the weeds. That's why we had a separate meeting, but give you an explanation.

Good evening, Mayor and members of the council. I just wanted to take a few minutes to explain why we've we have requested a short delay and a special meeting to present our annual employee health insurance recommendations. As you know, each year our broker Scott Shreper and his team go out to review employee health insurance plans and they go out to the market to find the most competitive options for our employees. Last Tuesday, Scott met with city administrator Lamb and me to present the initial results of this year's renewal process. Unfortunately, we were notified that the renewal this year for the rate to keep our current medical insurance as is would be a 22% increase. After receiving the news, Scott and his team al obviously went back out to the insurance market to find alternatives. They went back out to the major carriers, three of which um declined to quote our group in total. [snorts] They preferred not to quote at all. One factor that we've been told that's contributing is our loss ratio, which has been running high. In fact, most recently near 120% loss ratio. This means that the cost of claims has exceeded the premiums paid and insurers view this as a higher risk when considering rate proposals. I want to emphasize that while these numbers sound concerning, they're not unusual for many smaller groups and including municipalities where even a handful of significant claims can impact our overall ratio. The information is being shared today because transparency is important and we want council and our employees to understand the process and the factors that are outside of any individual employees control. because we were presented with only two viable paths. Renewing at our increase of 22% or evaluating a potential self- insurance structure. We've asked our broker to prepare more detailed cost projections. The administrative team,

HR, and the finance director will be meeting again with Scott tomorrow to fully understand the long-term financial impact of both options and to ensure that we bring you the most responsible and sustainable recommendation. This is why we're requesting a brief postponement which normally we would present to you this evening uh before presenting our final recommendations. We want to be able to provide accurate numbers, [snorts] realistic scenarios, and clear explanations of the risks and benefits associated with each of the options. At the special meeting next Monday, December 8th, at 5:30, we expect that Scott Shrefer and his team will present their final findings and a recommendation that best protects both the city's financial interest and our employees access to quality, affordable healthcare. I would like to close by saying clearly that our workforce is one of our city's most valuable assets. Their salary and benefits remain a top priority for us. Ultimately, our goal is to continue offering our employees the best insurance benefits that both the city and our employees can sustainably afford. We are committed to balancing responsible financial stewardship and supporting the health and well-being of the people who keep this city running every single day.

Good timing. This was good. Did you say 5:30? 5:30. Yes, sir. [snorts] Anybody have any initial questions? Do we know what 22% increase what that dollar amount is? Uh yes. [cough]

Um I can give you overall annual cost if that's what you would like. So currently um the city spends approximately 1.93 million on our insurance and a 22% increase would be 2.37 million. That's pretty typical that 20% we just went through the same exact thing and ours was 19%.

We were expecting doubledigit increases. Um and I Darren, if you want to we did budget for a 10% increase. Uh so obviously when we saw the numbers it was quite the shock. We did prepare for double digit. We we knew that that might be coming with the market the way it was and the way that we were running in the middle of budgeting season, but we just were not prepared for maybe 22%. Um just historically the city has been really um fortunate that we've been able to keep cost at the same or even some years decrease in the last eight years I've been here for example. Yeah. I wouldn't say the first of those eight years, the first five we were right around zero increase,

right? And then uh then about three years ago I think we first time we saw a jump we went up to 8% I think and the city took on most of that and then uh and then the following year I think it was like nine%.

So that's why we looked at possibly a 10% for this year and we got this. So uh let us take a look at that. Um there is an option that Scott's got that would be new for us be a little bit more administrative uh work for our HR folks, but uh we're we're taking a look at that and and Scott wants to give you some some good numbers and we want to take the time to get that to you. So that's the reason why. But it's imperative because we do have to go ahead and make a decision next Monday. Um but we I will ask Shauna to go ahead and just give you an update for so you know what you're walking into. Thank you. I'd be happy to answer any questions offline as well if you would like to. Yeah, if anybody has anything, let Shonda know.

Thank you so much for your time. Thank you, Sean. Engineering Department landfill parking lease license agreement. Good evening, council. This is the um lease agreement we've had with waste management for a few years now. Um the last one we had was for 24 months as well for them uh storing um rolloff containers and dumpsters out there at the landfill on the roughly nine acres that we own out there. Um we're proposing uh an increase to the rent from $50 a month per unit to 65. Um so that's about $300 per month increase that we'll see. So what do we use those for?

What do we use them? We just allow Waste Management to store store their dumpsters and stuff out there. They just store them and then they might move them around to different places and stuff like that. They don't have anything in them for years. They stored it for free and then we were like, "Wait a second." You know, there's no reason for that. I mean, cost money to go ahead and locate. So, that's when we started. I think John was here when we first started that. Can we just kind of compare it to other local storage places to see if we're, you know, comparable? And how much is it? um $65 per unit per month. So, and they have about a minimum of 20 units um out there. They have room for up to 40. So,

questions. Make a motion moving on. Second. Motion by Holm, second by Coulter to move on. All those in favor say I. I. Motion passes. Parks Department compact wheel loader purchase. [clears throat]

Good evening, council. Uh in your packet, you'll find uh two bid recommendations for two pieces of equipment. Um each year we evaluate our equipment. We look at what the needs are of our department. Um and specifically, uh there are two pieces this year that we are looking at currently. Uh the first is a compact wheel loader purchase. Um we have put into the 2526 budget uh money to spend on this piece of equipment. Uh we have found it through Sourcewell which is a cooperative group purchasing program. Uh it looks like that purchase uh the bid was submitted from Fab Cat in the amount of $168,000. We did budget $180,000 for that compact wheel loader. this year. Uh some of the things that we will utilize it for would be things like snow removal and storm cleanup, uh material handling at the park shop, uh and also support during the county fair and then some other uh other tasks that we have. Uh we feel like it will help increase efficiency in material loading and unloading and then it'll also help us with response time for snow removal. Um so that is the first item that we uh are recommending approval to move on to this the council meeting

and I brought Chad too if we have other questions. Is there any other uh attachments or implements going to be with that buckets? Two buckets. Okay. [clears throat] Okay. Make a motion. Make a motion. Second. Motion by Solup, second by PKY. All those in favor say I. I. Motion passes. Thank you. To Toro mower [clears throat] purchase.

And the second one is a Toro 4000D um mower purchase. That one will actually uh take the place of a mower that we currently have. It's a 2010 uh that's reached the end of its useful life here um because of its age, the total hours that we've used on it, [cough] and uh the increased repairs that we've put into it. Uh that one was also put into the 2526 parks budget for the year. Uh we did budget $112,000 for that one. Um the bid came in again through that Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program at $98,37965. Um, so that is the second one that we recommend approval to move on to the council meeting.

Darren, I mean, uh, Chad, is that a 16 foot cut? It's 13. It's 132 in. So, this is a little over just under I don't know if you would know this or if anybody would know this, but do you know what what the amount of acres are that we cut just in the city? Not not 140 acres. 148 acres. contract out roughly about 30. How much? 30. 30. Have we ever thought about looking into subbing out all of our grass cutting?

Yeah, we've talked about it, but uh with how the activities go to have control of what we need to mow sometimes, uh there is probably a couple more things that we could contract out, but uh we're also it's hard to get a contractor to do that many acres. uh we'd have to probably divide that up into multiple uh contracts and that will probably be a lot harder to do. We're going to have a that's going to go out for bid again this winter.

We're we have two additional years in the contract, but we're looking at this year we want to go back out to bid uh for certain reasons. Uh and we will look into what other areas we could contract out possibly. Uh we want to see if we can hopefully get a little better deal and we have a couple other vendors or uh contractors in mind that we might be able to When was the last time we bought a a lawnmower?

Uh well, last year we bought the one that we use currently on our uh on [clears throat] the ball fields. Uh [snorts] but this is a 2010. The other one was a 2019. So roughly we run them about 4,000 hours. It seems like 4,000 5,000 hours we get out of them. Uh with the newer models, [cough] electronics and the deaf systems and all that stuff, it don't they don't run as long. Um like this one has a little over 4,000 hours at now, but it's starting. We stuck quite a bit of money in last year. It's slowing down. Uh we are getting $7,000 back on trade [snorts] with that model. Uh, so get a little bit more than we got out of the last one.

I just think with the manpower we have to have and the equipment you got to buy for $98,000 and then you know I guess you got a trailer you got to total across town too. Yeah. I mean that's most of the grass that we contract out is across town. So we try to get the remote areas uh that are just takes a lot of time to unload and load. That's why we do them areas. I mean there is [clears throat] a couple we still do probably I would say 30 acres over at the on the east tent path uh because we do like disc golf and uh the riverfront trail and some of that stuff but we like said we already have the trailer we're not asking

and we would take a look at it I mean depending upon how the bids come in I mean this this winter we'll take a look and see if they come in I mean I remember last time we had the same discussion I think the first time that Klay Camp uh bid on it and we added more to them because of the fact I was like we [clears throat] can't do it cheaper than what they're proposing to go ahead and do. But prior to that we had a we had a contractor I think at that time it was Hillerman's and I mean Clay Camp really sharpened their pencil when they came back in that first time.

Yeah. I think uh we always do options. I mean, and then we can do something maybe per acre or something too for cost because I mean, there were several things that we've had to add uh little lots here and there throughout town we've had to add to the contract. U so we always look at them options, what would be the easiest to contract out or if we had to mow once a week or twice a week and we try to manage some of that stuff, too. Okay. Anything else, guys? Take a motion. I'll make a motion. Second. Motion by Patky, second by Pepsil. All those in favor say I. I. It's moved on. Thank you.

Thank you. Police department approval of manpower increase full-time police officer. [laughter]

Good evening, council. Um, in your packet, there's a letter from me um requesting approval for manpower aotment increase. Um, a little backstory on this. Uh currently we have 32 officers allotted for the police department, full-time police officers. Um in the past year we've had one officer that has been on military military orders. He's actually been military orders military orders since September of 24. Um those orders were recently renewed. So he's on orders for another year. So um that is expected to end October of 26. Um, in addition to that, we recently learned that another officer um is likely going to be placed on orders for deployment um in May of 26 for a one-year deployment. Um, couple that with um we have two other additional officers that are um either reserves or national guard that um have their annual training, they have their monthly training. So, trying to navigate the manpower with that has been difficult. Um, so I recently met with Darren, the mayor, Tammy, and HR [clears throat] um to try to look at ways to to kind of backfill that. Um, and the idea was that we would add another officer to that aotment and so we could hire an additional officer. We we know we're going to be without an officer for the next year and the potential another another one for another year and you know, look at a total year and a half. So um for us to manage that that's the only solution that I see um other than overtime for our officers um and that becomes difficult because um about six seven months ago when we were in the thick of that between that and um just some

attrition we had um officers working a lot of overtime. Morale was starting to suffer. Um they were they were working a lot and they did a great job. they stepped up, but um I don't want to see that happen again. So, that's kind of where this idea came from. Um it's I will will note that um it will not impact the current budget um because obviously we're not paying those officers while they're on orders. So, um if we replace any of those officers, then um it doesn't impact the budget because it's already budgeted for them. We budget for full employment. So if whatever however many officers had whether they're on active duty or working with us either way. Yes.

So when they come back off are we going to lay off another officer off? No that so that's the the other part of the puzzle that um Darren and I have had disc and the mayor have had discussions about we you know we did add an officer recently if you recall and the plan [clears throat] was in the next couple years to add another officer. The officers the idea would be that could be that extra officer as we move forward. um if they were looking allows with with with the

additional housing that we've we've witnessed and seen we knew we're going to go ahead and need some additional support for them but we talked about I think at one point three additional officers three to four u and but we talked about well not all that housing's coming in online at the same time you know it's staggered and so let's just take a look at the next three years of adding an officer each year so obviously when it comes budget time again next year and we ask you to go ahead head and review uh the budget. We'll talk again and see where we're at and find out if how many of our officers are actually out or how many are in and we'll [cough] make a determination at that point. Yes. But any increase in manpower for uh staffing uh we bring to you u as required uh for your approval to go ahead and do so.

Chief, how much more overtime do you think you spent by not having that officer here? Um well we we've had to replace we have to run we have minimum staffing right you know I we have a minimum number of officers for particular days of the week. Um so we've had to backfill that. So we've either um had had to take away from we've filled that occasionally with school resource officer the school wasn't in um or off from the detective bure that detracts from their right day-to-day activities. Um but yeah, we've had to have um officers work overtime. And then when you do that, you have to remember when you're paying an officer overtime, it's minimum time and a half, right? Um so there's that increase there.

It got to the point where Tammy had noticed that, you know, you're at a tipping point. You're paying more. That's kind of what I was getting at. And we're we're at that tipping point. I can't remember what exact that dollar was, but we're we're we're there, right? I mean, absolutely. Yeah. That's what I figured out. The smart fiscal thing to do is Yeah. Thank you. And that's that's not even mentioning what chief had talked about burnout that you know with everybody working overtime. Motion to send to council. Second. Motion by Patky, second by Coulter. Is this to approve or send it off?

It's just approve. Uh we we there's nothing in your in your packet later tonight for that. But it's just approval. If you give that now, then we'll go ahead and start advertising for that. Cool. Obviously, those will come to you for approval whenever we do find somebody. Sure. Motion is to [snorts] approve. All those in favor say I. Please. I. Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you. New disorderly conduct ordinance.

Council in your packet. You have a letter from me. Um again, this request came to me from my command staff through other officers had the idea. Um we have seen an increase in dealing with difficult subjects. Um nothing out of the ordinary, but it just seems like with growth, as we mentioned before, we're seeing more and more of this of disorderly behavior, um dealing with difficult people, and quite often the officers have to make the make the decision um of how to manage that. um if they're intoxicated either by alcohol or drugs or what other what prescription drugs, whatever the case may be, um they can rely on um a protective custody statute as a state statute, but that's very limited. Um and that is not a criminal charge. It's basically um they're taken a protective custody if they're either harm to themselves or others. Um the other options are if we're called to a to a scene where someone's disorderly, um we have to see if it fits the criteria for a peace disturbance. Um that that threshold is a little more difficult to meet because you have to have a victim willing to sign a prosecution.

Um oftentimes they don't they're not willing to do that for either whether it be um they just don't want to do that for to have to appear in court later, whatever the case may be. Um, sometimes that's difficult. So, a disorderly conduct ordinance, what that would do is is fill that gap where we have an instance where it may not fit either one of those criteria. Then they have this option, the office have an option um of the disorderly conduct charge. Um, it also will improve our um our ordinances for um areas like if there's a a a riot situation, which likely that's slim, but it does have that in written into it that if there's a a gathering that's becoming violent, um if you can if you read the ordinance in there, um if it's becoming violent or heading that direction, it gives off an option to make an arrest in that regard too. So, um Mark did review it. He actually he actually drafted the ordinance and he's on board with um prosecuting any charges that we bring forward related to the ordinance. Um so he's in full support of it. Um so yeah, if you have any other questions about that, I'm willing to answer.

In reading it, it makes a lot of sense and you kind of wonder why it wasn't already in place before. Sure. And I will note that there are many other municipalities that have a disorderly conduct ordinance very similar to this. Um it's just the city never I guess either thought to do that or is never a need but we feel that there's a need now to do that. So it's up to the officer for discretion. Absolutely. As as an as in any charge. Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah, I'm not saying that they will, you know, just make arrest, but it's an option for them.

Particularly those repeat offenders. We've had that where um we've taken the protective custody over and over again, and there's no repercussion. Um you have to remember protective custody is only to house them until they can either [snorts] sober up or someone can come pick them up. And it's and that's typically the last resort to bring them to jail on a protective custody. We the statute reads in order you should and I I don't know all the steps are but the first step is to try to get them home if they're able to manage themselves at home. Quite often they're not because they're most most times violent. So um then they're brought to jail. Um and then it's the maximum 12-h hour hold for that. 12

12. Yeah. I'll make a motion to send to council. Second. Second. Okay. Motion by Paty, second by Briggs. Cter. You beat me to it. Further discussion. All right. All those in favor say I. I. Motion passes. Thank you, Jim.

Street department BOR conveyor purchase. Good evening, council. Um, out of our recycle center, we have a balor that bails our cardboard, and we are in the process of replacing it. Is 25 years old. We budgeted 225,000. We did have some bids. Uh, the the one we chose was 138,000. There was one that was a little bit cheaper, but it didn't meet some of the critical specs and u mainly cycle time, some design issues. So, we um the current one we have now is an XL BOR and with 25 years of great service, we considering buying another one. Does it still work?

Yes, we're getting a $20,000 trade in on it. Nice. Are we getting still getting money for cardboard per ton or so? It it moves around. Sometimes it's under $100, sometimes it can be over $100 a ton. Make a motion. Second. Motion by Solid Truck, second by Prince Briggs. All those in favor say I. I. Also, on top of that, Charles was able to get us about $20,000 in grant money. Also, how did uh you should throw salt today or did you pick up leaves? We did both. Did you?

We started with leaves and pulled the whole leaf crew off to go do salt. We failed with those tonight. So, all right. Thank you. Thanks so much. Thank you. Thank you. Water wastewater department influent lift station repairs.

Good evening, council. Uh this is a request to I move this to council tonight to replace our two final uh influent pumps at our water treatment plant. Um, we replaced two of them last year and this will replace the other two this year. Um, it's not replacing them, it's doing a repair. The bases have wore out and everything else. So, uh, we need to get them replaced so we can get another at least 16 years of service out of them. Will they rebuild them on site or have to take them somewhere?

No, they'll they'll do everything they can on site. If a if a if a motor has to be rewound, which we don't think any of them need to be, that's why the price is a little bit lower than last time. Um they'll just do everything on site. They'll bring three of their crews in and they'll pull them out, do all the repairs, everything they need and put them back in. So takes them about a week usually to do that. So [snorts] I'll move we send it on. Second [clears throat] motion by Bear, second by Solent. Further questions? It's pretty hard to say no to this, right Kevin? We the alternative is [laughter] we have to have it. Unfortunately, the budget was budgeted too. And it's budgeted is [clears throat] 100,000.

Yes. Okay. Any other discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Motion passes. Trailer purchase.

Yes. This is to purchase the trailer that will move the mini excavator that we purchased last month. So, it's a necessity. We you can't track a a mini excavator around town, so we need a trailer for it. Um, as you can see, Bobcat came in lowest on that. Um, the reason for that is is that, um, Bobcat of St. Louis or Bobcat Corporation purchased the trailer manufacturing company that made the trailers for them so they can give a lower price when they when they when they when they price them out. So, we got a benefit of that, too. So, So, these trailers in the bid were comparable as far as weight wise? Yeah, weight wise. Yes,

they're all comparable. That's a pretty good price. Yeah, is it a ball hitch or a penel? Uh, it'll be a I think it's a peno hitch. I think we'll pull that with our one and a half ton that we currently have, [cough] which we usually have on the job site anyway, so it kind of makes sense to have them both. Kevin told Joe he asked that in public works and you already answered it. Ah, that's all right. It happens. [laughter] Wow. Rough group. I'll take a motion. Make a motion. I'll second. Motion by Solubr. Second by Pepsil. All those in favor? I. Hey, Kevin. Thank you. Motion.

I guess I guess I could ask Mike. I said, "How's the smell problem on Front Street?" It's pretty good. I mean, uh, haven't hasn't been a problem.

Well, I was going to say, yeah, since we've changed all of our pumping schemes at all the all the lift stations, it seems to be helping. I go down there at least two or three times a week. I try to get down there. I'll roll both my windows down. I just did it the other day when it was cold and I don't smell anything. We go to the station, we don't smell what we used to smell. Now we still do have odors down at Walnut Street because we're just move, you know, with sewage you just continually moving it down. Um, we're able to flow match with the stations that we have now. Walnut Street, we can't flow match because it's not a submersible design station. Um, we're doing a lot of evaluation on Front Street. Um, we're having some meetings on that actually this month. Um that might be some of the proposal that comes down is that we convert Walnut [snorts] Street over to a submersible station also to be able to do the same thing at Walnut Street and transfer it down to the treatment plant which we already have odors at the treatment plant. I mean that's just you know the way it is. You can't eliminate that too much.

General process of elimination. Yeah. So we're just trying to we unfortunately you move everything down the line but you try to get it to one spot instead of four multiples. So that's something that that will be coming down the pipe at some point in time too. So thank you. Thanks Kevin. Just need a motion to adjurnn. Please move. Second. Motion by bear. Second by riggs to adjurnn. Say I. You guys sound alike. I need to adjust my hearing aid. Just we don't just assign one of us or the other. Doesn't matter. There's There's no reward for it. No, there's not.

There was a reward here. Chief, you're walking like me.