Monday's meeting included the annual audit presentation, approving a replacement for the Community Center roof using grant money, plus fee updates for commercial trash, pet stores, and events that use city resources.
The city received the results of its annual audit. We were given an "unmodified opinion" meaning everything is as it should be.
The city's general fund balance reserves came in at 27.1%, which is greater than our 25% target. It had been previously reported that the fund balance was much lower. However, that was a draft number based on unaudited data. Because our previous finance director had mislabeled some funds it threw off the calculations.
The city has hired a new finance director who will start in the new year. We will also be putting the auditor contract out for bid.
Council approved the replacement of the Community Center roof. This will be paid 100% through grant money from the State. This will take 2 to 3 weeks in the spring. Most day programs and all evening programs will likely be able to continue during the construction period.
Council also approved the distribution of Community Development Block Grant money to HAVEN for domestic and sexual violence support services, for large print library books, and for the senior snow removal program. Some money will also be reserved for a future project to replace non-ADA-compliant sidewalks at Community Park.
Commercial waste fees were updated offering a lower-cost tier for businesses that don't need a full dumpster. A letter will go out to all businesses this week with information on how they can select the new tier.
An updated fee schedule for events held in the city was approved. We added a menu of options with charges set to recoup our costs for road closures and staff time.
We also added a licensing fee for pet stores to start administering the new regulations. The deadline for applying for a license is February 1, 2024, at which time information about the dogs coming through the store will have to be disclosed.
Coming up in January are four very important community meetings on the future of zoning and land use in the city. I'm serving on the steering committee that is proposing necessary updates to our zoning codes, and we want input on the direction we're heading. See the city's website for more details.
Finally, with less than a week until Christmas, time is running out to add your home or business to the Holiday Decoration Map. Check it out to see where the decorations are in the city.
The meeting packet.
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