Public commenters press park upgrades as city staff outline hires, wastewater work and resort tax follow-up

Residents used the meeting's public-comment period to press the council for park improvements and to report on upcoming community events.

A staff or council speaker noted Cliff State Park will be open and that the city is hosting a community garden opening and a park event on Saturday, April 26, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Commenters asked about a second gate ordered for the pickleball courts, cited difficulty using existing equipment because of height, and suggested creating a separate grassy area for dogs and improved restroom access.

One resident raised a website issue: job postings on the city's employment page appeared to show an incorrect or previously filled application in the last slot; they asked staff to check and correct the listing. Park commenters also suggested additional gravel, tree trimming and fencing adjustments to improve safety and maintenance.

On staffing and operations, council or staff announced the city has hired Grace Johnson to fill a position in the parts/parks department (staff described her as a new hire). The council thanked an interim staff member, identified in comments as Mark, for short-term assistance during the transition and said the new city manager is conducting outreach and onboarding with departments and community organizations over the coming weeks.

On utilities, staff referenced the ongoing wastewater treatment plant project and said the new manager and interim staff have been working on the project. The city attorney reported contact with the Department of Revenue's "other agency debt" unit regarding collection of past-due resort tax revenues; staff said they would send a link to the city's resort tax ordinance and that the Department of Revenue would follow up to set up collections.

The meeting closed after brief remarks and a motion to adjourn.