At Monday Night's meeting, the Celina City Council passed an ordinance appropriating funds for donations received by the Celina Fire Department for water and dive rescue equipment and firefighter training classes. Funds for this project came from the Grand Lake Recreation Club and Rod and Barb Carpenter. Celina Councilman Matt Gray and Mayor Jeff Hazel expressed their appreciation.

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During the meeting, Ordinance 4-25-0 was removed from the agenda without comment. To view that ordinance:

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The following is an AI Generated summary of the Monday January 27th Celina City Council Meeting:

Meeting Notes

1. City Council Meeting on Agenda Acceptance, Approval of Minutes, and Police Staffing

• Opening and Agenda Acceptance

• The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call. The agenda was revised and accepted, with a correction to the numbers 25 and 525.

• Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

• The minutes from the January 13th, 2025 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made to accept the minutes without changes.

• Committee of the Whole Meeting

• A brief mention of the executive session held on January 13th, 2025, to discuss personnel matters. No further details were provided.

• Police Department Staffing

• Discussion on police staffing, including the introduction of a new trainee and the need for a civil service exam due to a recent retirement. Current staffing levels and training timelines were discussed.

• Lateral Transfers

• Discussion on the possibility of lateral transfers to fill police positions. Consideration of holding positions open for potential lateral transfers.

Conclusion

1. Agenda accepted with revisions.

2. Minutes approved.

3. No further details due to executive session.

4. Staffing remains thin; new officers expected by September.

5. No current lateral transfers; considering posting for interest.

2. City Council Meeting on Ordinances, Donations, and Fire Department Operations

• Ordinance 5-25-0

• Discussion on appropriating funds for donations received by the Celina Fire Department for water and dive rescue equipment and firefighter training classes. The ordinance was declared an emergency measure.

• Fire Department Donations

• Chief Lange discussed the use of donations for dive team equipment and inspector training. The department aims to increase the number of certified divers and inspectors.

• Ordinance 2-25-0

• Discussion on authorizing a service agreement with Emergency Networking, Inc. for fire reporting services. Concerns about software compatibility and data transfer were addressed.

• Resolution 1-25-R

• Authorization for the sale of municipally owned personal property via Internet auction during 2025.

• Ordinance 71-24-0

• Lease agreement between the City of Celina and Veterans Forever, Inc. for the Bryson Park District.

• Fire Department Software

• Discussion on the compatibility of fire reporting software with the water department's system. Concerns about data transfer and system integration were raised.

• Donations in 2024

• Recognition of donations received by the fire and police departments in 2024, including contributions from JR Manufacturing, Mercy, and others.

Conclusion

1. The ordinance was passed with a vote of 7-0.

2. The ordinance was passed with a vote of 7-0.

3. The resolution passed to third reading with a vote of 7-0.

4. The ordinance was passed with a vote of 7-0.

3. Municipal Project Updates and Financial Management

• Financial Overview

• The meeting discussed the financial status, highlighting interest earnings, miscellaneous reimbursements, and allocations to police and fire capital.

• Mill Street Reconstruction

• Director Hitchcock reported on the Mill Street reconstruction project, with contractors starting work and a projected completion date of November 1st.

• West School Demolition

• Mr. Fleck mentioned the commencement of the West School demolition project.

• Boardwalk Snow Clearing

• Discussion on clearing snow from the boardwalk for walkers, considering safety and equipment limitations.

• Beekeeping Committee

• Mr. Sanford inquired about the timeline for the beekeeping committee, awaiting contact from an expert.

• Committee Meetings

• Scheduling of committee meetings for buildings and grounds, and utilities, to discuss renovations and utility issues.

• Utility Issues

• Discussion on utility issues, including water line breaks and chemical ladders, requiring cooperation with the county.

Conclusion

1. The administration was commended for earning almost a million dollars in interest.

2. Residents will receive notifications about the schedule.

3. The project is moving along as planned.

4. The issue will be reviewed during significant snowfall.

5. Further contact with a certified beekeeper is needed.

6. Meetings scheduled for February 10th at 6 p.m.

7. The utility committee will address these issues in the upcoming meeting.