The New Prague City Council convened on December 16, 2024, to address several key agenda items, including the approval of the agenda, consent agenda, public comments, and various resolutions related to the city budget and fees.

The meeting commenced with the council approving the agenda as presented, followed by the consent agenda. A notable item discussed was a payment of $285,000 for city roof repairs due to hail damage incurred two years prior. City staff confirmed that the payment would be reimbursed by the league after the upfront payment was made. Additionally, the council discussed a pre-purchase of herbicide for parks, which is planned for 2025, allowing the city to benefit from discounts.

During the financial review, questions arose regarding the miscellaneous income reported significantly above budget expectations. Staff indicated they would investigate the discrepancies further. The council then moved to approve the consent agenda without further discussion.

Public comments were invited, with residents expressing their views on various topics. Colette Lucidnon advocated for allowing backyard chickens in New Prague, citing benefits such as waste reduction and improved egg quality. Tom Fadden praised the city’s administrative staff for their responsiveness and support, particularly highlighting the assistance he received during street repairs that affected his access.

The City Engineer provided an update on ongoing projects, including plans for a neighborhood meeting in January regarding the 2025 project. The council then proceeded to discuss and adopt several resolutions.

Resolution 2024-12-16-1, adopting the 2025 city budget, was approved after addressing questions about fire department funding for radios. The council also approved the official fee schedule for 2025, which included adjustments for various permits and services, reflecting inflation and operational costs.

Finally, the council adopted Resolution 2024-12-16-3, which outlined the property tax levy for 2024, payable in 2025, totaling $5,313,585. Discussions highlighted the need for clearer communication regarding tax percentages in future resolutions.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing community concerns and improving city services as the council prepares for the upcoming year.