Council hears first reading for facilities manager role and accepts Q1 financial report

City Manager Dave Kennedy presented a first reading of an ordinance to establish a classification for a facilities manager (proposed class 7). Kennedy said the city owns more than 80,000 square feet of roofed facilities and has nearing $20 million in facility value; the position would centralize responsibility for building systems (HVAC, boilers, generators), maintenance scheduling and coordination across departments. Kennedy said the ideal candidate would be a "jack of all trades," with HVAC or electrical specialization preferred, and that the city will advertise the position after the second reading, aiming to hire in late June or early July.

Council members asked about qualifications and training; Kennedy said the city would consider internal candidates and support professional training and certification where appropriate.

Director of Finance Mark Medler presented the first‑quarter 2026 financial report. Medler reported approximately $2.9 million spent on the new fire station through 2025 with roughly $2 million spent in the first quarter of 2026; staff expects completion of project progress and a final USDA drawdown and forthcoming debt service schedule. Medler also described year‑over‑year income tax timing differences (January 2025 was unusually high; March 2026 exceeded March 2025) and noted property tax timing variability across three counties affected Q1 comparisons.

Council moved to accept the financial report and the motion carried 7–0. The facilities manager item was a first reading only and will return for a subsequent vote.