Police Department to Upgrade Radios: The City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 10 new portable radios for the police department at a cost of $13,355 from Commercial Radio. Police Chief Adam Henderson said the new radios will be compatible with county-wide first responder communication systems, improving interoperability. The upgrade is also expected to save the city money by eliminating user fees associated with the current system.

Park Bathrooms to Get Fresh Paint: Following a recommendation from Alderman Tanner Brown, the city’s park bathrooms will be repainted before the annual Popcorn Festival. A suggestion to use community service workers for the project was advised against by City Attorney Tracy Willenborg, who noted that public works projects like painting are subject to prevailing wage laws. Mayor Mike Nichols confirmed that the city’s public works employees will handle the job.

Sidewalk Obstructions and Parking Misuse Raised: Alderman Jeremiah Hanley brought two public nuisance issues to the council’s attention. He reported significant weed growth in sidewalk cracks and overgrown bushes obstructing walkways on North Fourth Street, a primary route for students. He also noted that a tenant with a handicap placard is using a designated handicap parking space near the new downtown bathrooms for continuous, long-term parking, and requested signage to prevent overnight parking.

Northeast Fourth Street Sidewalk Project Nears Finish: Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs reported that the Northeast Fourth Street sidewalk project is nearing completion and should be finished by the end of the week. He noted that crews worked around some tree roots but that the new, wider sidewalks look good and will improve safety for children walking to and from school as well as for residents who use the route for exercise.

Downtown Business Support Program Finalized Soon: Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee announced that a city program to support downtown businesses using funds from the established business district is nearly finalized. He expects to present the completed program to the council for approval by its next meeting on August 4. He also reminded the public of a free concert by Matt Pand at the Central Park stage on Friday.

Cooling Center Open Amid Summer Heat: Emergency Management Agency Director David Craig reported that the EMA was activated for weather tracking the previous night, though no severe weather hit the area. He also announced that a public cooling center is open all week at the Casey Senior Center for residents seeking relief from the heat.

Council Approves Monthly Treasurer’s Report: The council formally approved the July 2025 Treasurer’s Collection Deposit Report, which totaled $587,606.97. The report was presented by City Treasurer Gail Lorton and passed without questions from the council.