January 15, 2026

Summary

This special meeting and water workshop covered two main purchasing decisions — a replacement work truck and camera/presentation equipment for the meeting room — followed by an extended workshop discussion about the water system, including staffing a water operator, meter installation policies, property pin locations, resident connection requirements, and the water fill station. The truck purchase and equipment upgrade were approved by motion. Many water-related questions were left open, with several items flagged for follow-up with the city’s engineer (referred to as “Aaron”) and B&G/Hedinger.

Key items

• Work truck replacement: The council discussed the current truck’s mechanical problems (oil leaks, coolant/turbo line leaks, cam phasers, possible transmission issues) and concluded it was not worth repairing. After discussing options, warranty concerns with snow plow attachments, and vehicle brands, the council approved a motion authorizing Mindy and Lance to complete the purchase of a 2025 Ram 1500 for $47,256.50. The motion passed (one audible “no” was noted). The council indicated the old truck would be sold, with a suggestion to use Purple Wave. Members stated the purchase was within a budgeted amount (referenced as $50,000).
• Meeting room equipment: The mayor requested up to $5,000 to replace a broken camera, add a second camera, and add a monitor/television for presentations. A motion to authorize Mayor Potter a budget of up to $5,000 for the camera system upgrade was made and seconded and appeared to pass.
• Water operator staffing: Discussion about hiring a water operator, likely part-time to start. It was noted the role requires certifications (distinguishing a certified “water operator” from a “superintendent”). The possibility of Lance taking on the role, and of finding someone else for code enforcement, was discussed. Lacygne (“the PA/VA”) was mentioned as potentially willing to let Lance shadow their operator. No decision was made.
• Meters, permits, and pin locations: The council discussed requiring building permits and property-pin locations when residents tie onto new meters. The general consensus was that if a resident wants their meter moved from where B&G/Hedinger places it, that resident must pay for the pin locate/survey. Situations where pins are not on file were flagged as unresolved.
• Surveying help: The mayor/staff discussed reaching out to surveyors (e.g., Boundary, J&J) to see whether they’d do work at reduced cost given volume, potentially through Hedinger’s surveyor.
• Connection timeframe and responsibility: Discussion of how long residents have to connect after a meter is set (roughly 60–90 days suggested), but it was noted residents begin paying the $65 monthly charge once the meter is installed, which may make a deadline moot. The ordinance requires connections be done by a licensed contractor and inspected (including proof of disconnection from the water tank/pump).
• Ordinance review: Members agreed the water-related ordinances (connection rules, full-time vs. part-time resident definitions, LLC meter eligibility) need review. The clerk (Mindy) will email copies of the relevant ordinances to council members to review at their leisure.
• Water fill station / POA billing: Questions were raised about payment options at the fill station (coins vs. prepaid cards), minimum purchase amounts, and how the POA would pay for water it hauls to residents. Suggestions included giving each POA driver their own card/code. Most specifics were deferred to “Aaron” (engineer).
• Water backup source: Discussion noted Rural Water One does not produce water (buys from Lacygne and Water 13) and has declined to serve as a backup. The council recognized the need to establish a backup water source and wants to revisit options with Aaron/B&G.
• Meter count and eligibility questions: Discussion of the meter count (roughly 830 meters, up from an original ~600 based on a 2019 map), how leftover USDA grant/loan money could fund extra meters, equipment (e.g., a backhoe), or line expansion, and the difficulty of proving full-time vs. part-time residency for connection requirements.

Follow-ups

• Complete the purchase of the 2025 Ram 1500 (Mindy/Lance) and sell the old truck.
• Clerk to email copies of the water-related ordinances to all council members for review.
• Develop/consider a job description and required certifications for the water operator role; possibly create a sample connection diagram or reference resource for residents doing their own tie-ins.
• Revisit backup water source options with the engineer (“Aaron”) and B&G/Hedinger.
• Confirm fill-station payment options, minimum amounts, and POA billing method with Aaron/Hedinger.
• Resolve how to handle building permits and pin locations for properties without pins on file.

This is an unofficial summary provided for residents’ convenience. The official record is the approved meeting minutes.