Council received a year‑end review of 2025 accomplishments and a preview of 2026 priorities, including riverfront redevelopment goals for parcels along the West Twin, pursuing multifamily housing and a shared community vision for downtown, and continued lead service line replacement work.

Staff highlighted several accomplishments: a new joint rescue jet‑ski water‑rescue team that began Aug. 1, major downtown façade projects funded in 2025, and nearly 400 lead service lines replaced between 2024–25 at a public‑side cost of about $2.2 million; an additional 300 replacements are planned in 2026, leaving roughly 900 lines to be addressed thereafter.

The city manager reported building permits increased 37% in 2025 with more than 1,300 permits issued, noted the hiring of a full‑time building inspector and announced a part‑time city hall custodian posting. The manager also announced a new school bus safety ordinance in effect Jan. 1 requiring flashing red lights and stop arms at every bus stop and obligating drivers to stop when lights are activated.

Council discussed community engagement plans for visioning the Hamilton property and downtown, potential redevelopment strategies, funding priorities and sequencing for infrastructure projects, and slated a work session at the end of January to dig into timelines and public outreach.

Staff emphasized ongoing grant activity and the need to balance tourism and development with community character in Two Rivers’ planning work.