The Celina City Council met Monday Night January 13. During the meeting, Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel discussed staffing at the city's police and fire departments:

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To watch the Council meeting in its entirety:

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The following is an AI Generated Summary of the Celina CIty Council Meeting:

Meeting Notes

1. City Council Meeting and Community Updates

• Opening and Agenda
  The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call and acceptance of the agenda. An executive session on pending litigation was added to the agenda.

• Council Meeting Minutes
  The minutes from the December 16, 2024, council meeting were reviewed and accepted without corrections.

• Committee Assignments
  The 2025 council committee assignments were discussed. No changes were made as no members requested to be added or removed from committees.

• New Employees and Retirements
  Updates on new trainees in the police and fire departments were provided, along with the retirement of Sergeant Pat Crosby and the canine unit, Peng.

• Public Works Projects
  Updates on the Mill Street project and public works building were provided, including contractor information and tree assessments by DNR.

• Audience Communication
  Audience members were invited to address the council, starting with Becky Mark Annette.

Conclusion

1. Minutes accepted.

2. Committee assignments remain unchanged.

3. New trainees hired; Peng retired; Crosby's retirement noted.

4. Projects are progressing with contractors assigned.

2. Community service issues and municipal agreements

• Postal Service Issues
  Residents of Hechts Landing and nearby areas are facing issues with postal service delivery. Packages are no longer delivered to homes, and there are accessibility issues at the post office. Residents are seeking solutions and support from local authorities.

• Indigent Defense Services Agreement
  The council discussed the annual agreement with Mercer County for indigent defense services in municipal court. The ordinance was reviewed and passed as an emergency measure.

• Fire Reporting Services Agreement
  The Celina Fire Department is switching to a new fire reporting service due to the current provider no longer being supported. The new service offers additional features and is cost-effective.

Conclusion

1. The mayor and administration will make calls to U.S. representatives or senators to address the issue at a federal level.

2. The ordinance was passed with a 7-0 roll call.

3. The council is considering the new service agreement, which includes a potential scheduling feature.

3. City Council Meeting on System Upgrades, Property Management, and Community Events

• Data and Record-Keeping System
  Discussion on the implementation of a new data and record-keeping system, its compatibility with existing systems like ESRI, and the expected time frame for full implementation.

• Celina Municipal Court System Upgrade
  The council discussed the need for appropriating funds for the Celina Municipal Court case management system upgrade, including data conversion and equipment costs.

• Internet Auction for Municipal Property
  The council reviewed the annual resolution to authorize the sale of municipally owned personal property via internet auction through GovDeals, Inc.

• Lease Agreement for Bryson Park District
  Discussion on the lease agreement between the City of Celina and Veterans Forever, Inc. for the Bryson Park District, including event logistics and potential conflicts.

• City of Celina 190th Anniversary
  State Representative Angie King presented a commendation to the City of Celina for its 190th anniversary, highlighting its growth and prosperity.

Conclusion

1. The system is expected to be implemented in two months, with some manual data input required. Compatibility with ESRI is uncertain and needs further investigation.

2. The ordinance was passed as an emergency measure to ensure the system upgrade is funded and implemented promptly.

3. The resolution was passed, allowing for the sale of obsolete or unneeded municipal property through internet auctions in 2025.

4. The ordinance passed to the third reading, with concerns about event scheduling and logistics being addressed.

5. The commendation was presented, and the council was reminded to start planning for the 200th anniversary.

4. City Infrastructure and Safety Improvements

• Financial Reports
  The December financial reports will be available for review at the next meeting, providing an overview of the year's financial performance.

• Safety Features in Dispatch
  Discussion on the GPS tracking system for vehicles used by the sheriff's office, fire department, and local dispatch, highlighting its safety benefits.

• Sidewalk Issues
  Concerns raised about missing sidewalks in residential areas, particularly in Wheatland and near Bell Street, posing safety risks for pedestrians.

• Montgomery Field Dugout Replacement
  Plans to replace the dugout at Montgomery Field with additional storage and restroom facilities, funded by donations.

• Parks and Recreation
  Encouragement to utilize city parks for exercise and recreation, highlighting new facilities like pickleball courts and walking paths.

• Retirement of Canine Officer
  Acknowledgment of the retirement of a police canine, Peng, and the challenges posed by changing drug laws.

• Executive Session
  A motion to enter an executive session to discuss pending litigation involving the public body.

Conclusion

1. The system is a great safety feature and is already implemented in local dispatch.

2. The council will revisit the list of missing sidewalks and consider addressing these issues after completing the commercial corridor.

3. The project is funded by donations, with minimal city expense for moving a transformer.

Next Arrangements

 [ ] Executive session on pending litigation at the end of the meeting.
 [ ] Review and update contact information for council members.
 [ ] Investigate compatibility of the new data system with ESRI.
 [ ] Plan for the 200th anniversary of the City of Celina
 [ ] December financial reports to be reviewed at the next meeting.
 [ ] Revisit the list of missing sidewalks and consider addressing residential sidewalk issues after completing the commercial corridor.
 [ ] Executive session scheduled for February 10th at 6 p.m. to discuss pending litigation.