During a recent government meeting, the council recognized Ed Mitchell as this year's Citizen of the Year, alongside 2021's honoree, Feltone. The council also addressed a vacancy on the Police and Fire Retirement Board, appointing April Rensi to fill the position left by the resignation of Mr. Connor. The motion for her appointment passed unanimously.
City Manager provided updates on several community projects, emphasizing the importance of upcoming budget workshops scheduled for September 16 and 23. He highlighted the ongoing construction at Wilson Street Park, which includes a new splash pad, and noted that work has progressed rapidly. Additionally, the playground equipment at Twin Hills Park has been removed ahead of schedule, with plans to expedite the installation of new equipment.
A significant concern raised was the issue of ducks contaminating the new splash pad. The city has contracted a fence company to mitigate this problem, with installation expected soon. The City Manager humorously acknowledged the unexpected challenge of managing duck waste, assuring residents that the splash pad's water is treated and that the city is actively addressing cleanliness concerns.
The meeting also touched on the installation of permanent cameras at parks to combat vandalism, a response to recent incidents during remodeling phases. The council is currently evaluating options for camera providers to enhance security measures.
Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to community engagement, infrastructure improvements, and addressing public health and safety concerns.