Council hears department reports: new officer introduced; cameras, truck upkeep and landfill piles discussed

Council members welcomed a newly introduced officer and discussed a string of department updates covering public safety equipment, fleet maintenance and landfill operations.

Kellen Weidner introduced himself to the meeting as the new officer in town, saying, "Name's Kellen Weidner ... I am the new officer in town. Looking forward to serving Freeman." Councilmembers welcomed him.

Members then discussed planned cameras for police use and the technical constraints tied to pole ownership. The chair explained that poles along 6th Street belong to Northwestern and would require a separate electric meter and associated meter charges if used; using city-owned poles along Highway 81 avoids the third-party meter but staff noted those poles lack a neutral conductor and may present compatibility or safety issues. The council agreed to contact Muth Electric, which installed the poles, to confirm whether poles were installed with deeper foundations for banners and whether they can safely carry camera equipment.

On streets and fleet maintenance, members said the new truck is working well but staff should keep a log of hours and keep common high-wear parts (rollers, blades) on hand; members emphasized periodic preventive replacement to avoid mid-route breakdowns. The sanitation vehicle still has some maintenance items to address before being sold.

The council also discussed landfill operations: contractors left some pallets unprocessed last season; councilmembers noted the resulting piles can be ground into chips useful for mulch and playground surfaces once dry and agreed to continue crushing concrete and asphalt when weather permits.

A library report noted plans to replace carpet and paint the facility for the first time in more than 20 years and that two library board seats are up for renewal; the speaker invited interested residents to apply.