A discussion about Phase III and Phase IV Hillside Estate development agreements began in the Committee of the Whole and continued into the August 26 city council meeting.
Griffin asked for clear direction from the council. He suggested the construction of a 10-foot bituminous walking path was a better solution than sidewalks which are required in the current development agreements. The walking path would be constructed in a big loop and would connect the whole system providing better community.
City Administrator Michele Peterson explained nothing else requires sidewalks on all streets except for these development agreements. Councilors Paul Novotny, Josh Broadwater and Pam Bluhm favored the walking path idea. Councilor Mike Urban said a ton of people use sidewalks and felt it was best to stick to sidewalks. Councilor Dave Frank was undecided as he liked having a walking trail, but noted sidewalks are usually in front of homes.
Brian Burkholder, public works, liked the idea of a walking trail but preferred that a boulevard be included. He suggested it may be better if the trail was eight or nine feet wide with a boulevard. Broadwater insisted the city should be responsible for maintaining the walking trail, including snow removal.
Approval was given to have Griffin work with city staff to bring back recommendations for the city council to consider regarding the construction of a walking trail.
Chatfield Library
Library director, Monica Erickson and assistant director, Christy Hyke reviewed a number of successful summer programs that have been available for children. The programs are designed to get kids reading over the summer and include weekly challenges and new activities which bring in children and their families.
There are also numerous adult and multigenerational programs. Classes have been offered on planting seeds and harvesting seeds in the fall.
Mayor John McBroom recognized Erickson for 30 years of service and Hyke for 10 years of service at the library.
Other Business in Brief
- Proposals for the 2025 budget were discussed at the Committee of the Whole. The budgets included a 4% salary grid adjustment. An added position of a full-time EMT is being considered for on-call coverage. Also, Peterson provided two job descriptions: the first for an EDA director and the other for a zoning administrator to be staffed in house. Peterson said Widseth would still do the planning. Frank was concerned that an in-house EDA director would result in the loss of CEDA experience and their network.
The preliminary budget will need to be approved in September. This day, councilors discussed possible ways to reduce the budget as proposed.
- Ordinance #476 Offenses and Penalties was approved as was its publication. Administrative offenses addressed include animal violations, various nuisances, and various street, sidewalk and vehicle violations.
- Employee Fitness Center rules/operation policy was approved.
- A contract for CCTV consulting services for meetings, school concerts, Memorial Day and Western Days with Lynda Karver was approved. Consulting contracts with EB Allen as volleyball event coordinator and Andy O’Connor as football event coordinator were approved.
- Katherine Helwig’s resignation as CCTV programming coordinator was approved. Approval was granted to post this job opening.
- Jeremy Lonien was hired as a seasonal mower for the rest of this season.