The City Manager reported an uptick in public‑safety calls around parks during the summer and proposed organizing ward meetings to solicit resident input and suggestions, starting with Ward 1 in early August. The manager said the meetings would be promoted by yard signs, email and the city website and could be piloted citywide if successful.

The manager also presented a SWOT analysis conducted with staff. The packet includes the report and the manager summarized key findings: strengths in customer service, community engagement and interdepartmental collaboration; challenges including staffing shortages, outdated facilities and communication gaps; opportunities in leveraging technology and expanding professional development; and threats from economic fluctuation and a competitive labor market.

The manager reported results from an all‑staff survey (49 of 77 staff responded) and said 83% of respondents reported being very or somewhat satisfied with the city as a workplace. Recommendations include addressing staffing and communications, upgrading facilities where possible, and developing a performance evaluation process to be implemented this fall with department goal‑setting.