Council notes referendum on ordinance fines, discusses code‑enforcement assignments and housing‑authority status; mayoral appointment read

During department reports a staff member told the council the Nov. 5 election will include a council‑passed referendum asking voters whether to raise certain city ordinance penalties from $600 to $800. The staff member said the city is receiving voter registrations and absentee requests daily.

The same staff member said two officers, Jeremy and Joe, were assigned to the police department to issue city‑ordinance citations under the current ordinance and that the change "gives them more control" to work with residents to resolve issues before citations escalate. Councilors also discussed that a proposed gun‑inspector position (described in the transcript as a higher‑hour role) may need a one‑year trial to monitor workload and value.

Separately, the council discussed municipal code changes under item 8b. A council member said the housing authority is now privately owned, that the city began changes about two years ago after an insurance concern, and that staff would provide more explanation. Finally, the chair read for approval the mayoral appointment of Rich Schulz to the building inspection ad hoc committee; the transcript records the reading of the appointment but does not record a roll‑call vote or final outcome.