2022.01.24 CC Minutes. - Goal Setting Session

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Council talked with Fire Chief Jim Compton, Jr. about working with other departments, budget impacts, bringing a chief in from outside the department, workload, and different models of other cities. Compton explained the difficulties of merging with other departments who each have their own system of operating under different counties and PSAs (Primary Service Areas). He felt there was enough work to do, and to bring in a chief from outside the City may change the culture a bit, but there would still be salaried positions within the department that would assist the chief. It was generally agreed by Council that more discussions on this needed to occur. Bear next presented information on ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds saying the City was to receive $1.6 million and an additional $53,000 in redistributed funds. This was presented to Council last year, and the use of funds was broken into categories: responding to economic impacts; pay for essential works; investing in water, sewer or broadband; or replacing revenue lost from pandemic. The final rule in January 2022, offered a standard allowance option of up to 10 million, and allowed cities to use funds for general government services. The City has until 2024 to spend the money. Bear said the money could be used for CIP projects, unfunded projects such as paving of 165th, Hopkins Schoolhouse, business assistance, or stormwater projects. Council indicated they were not ready to make a decision and acknowledged further discussions need to take place. Bear discussed a problem with the microphones in the Council Chambers not always picking up what was being said. Council directed staff to look at getting longer necks for the microphones to see if that would solve the problem. Klein made motion, Miron seconded, to adjourn at 7:07 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Michele Lindau City Clerk