The Celina City Council met on Monday February 10th. To view the meeting:

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To hear Mayor Jeff Hazel give the State of the City Address:

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To read an AI Summary of the Mayor's Speech:

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The following is an AI Generated summary of the Celina City Council Meeting:

Meeting Notes

1. City Council Meeting Discussions and Decisions

• Prayer and Pledge
  The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Amendment to Agenda
  The agenda was amended to include Ordinance 5-25-0 as the only new business item after audience communications.

• Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
  The minutes from the January 27, 2025, meeting were reviewed and approved.

• New Restroom at Westview Park
  Discussion on Ordinance 5-25-0 to authorize bids for constructing a new restroom at Westview Park.

• Internet Auction of Municipal Property
  Resolution 1-25-R authorizing the sale of municipally owned property via internet auction was discussed.

• Administrative Reports
  Updates on appointments to the Tree Commission and Civil Service Commission were provided.

• Dumpster Misuse Issue
  A local business owner reported unauthorized use of their dumpster by a neighboring business.

• Gun Range Privacy Measures
  Dirt is being added to the east mound at the gun range for privacy and safety.

• Bob Evans Property Restriction
  Discussion on the possibility of lifting restrictions on the old Bob Evans lot.

• Police and Fire Department Staffing
  Concerns about staffing levels in the police and fire departments were discussed.

Conclusion

1. The amendment was approved unanimously.

2. The minutes were accepted without corrections.

3. The ordinance was passed as an emergency measure to expedite the bidding process.

4. The resolution passed unanimously.

5. The issue should be reported to the police as a possible theft of services.

6. The property is tied up in a lawsuit, limiting current options.

7. Efforts are ongoing to recruit and hire additional personnel.

2. City of Celina's progress in financial management, infrastructure development, and community services.

• Fire Department Staffing
  The fire department is considering hiring three candidates after training due to concerns about training six people at once. They are also exploring lateral transfers to alleviate training needs.

• Tree Commission
  The Tree Commission has been meeting monthly and attended training sessions. They have planted a significant number of trees this year and plan to plant more next year.

• City of Celina Financial Report
  The City of Celina has passed a balanced budget for 2024 with projected revenue exceeding expenses. The city has reduced its debt significantly and continues to manage expenses responsibly.

• Utilities and Infrastructure
  Celina Municipal Utilities account for a large portion of the city's budget. The water treatment plant and electric department have made significant improvements and expansions.

• Recreation Department
  The Recreation Department offers programs for youth and has received significant sponsorships and volunteer support. They manage various sports and recreational activities.

• Income Tax Collections
  The income tax department collected $8.2 million in 2024, marking a 4.4% increase from the previous year.

• Police Department
  The police department is addressing staffing shortages and compensation issues. They have invested in body cameras and new radio equipment.

• Public Works and Projects
  The Public Works Department is managing several projects, including the Mill Street Reconstruction and a new public works facility. They also handle trash collection and maintenance.

• Fire Department Operations
  The fire department is short-staffed and has been managing increased call volumes. They have received additional funding to hire more staff.

• Engineering and Development
  The engineering department oversees residential and commercial developments and manages infrastructure projects like road resurfacing and new sidewalks.

• New Businesses
  Several new businesses have opened in Salina, contributing to the local economy and community development.

• Municipal Court
  The Municipal Court handles a significant number of cases, including traffic and criminal cases, and maintains records and reports.

• City Auditor and Law Director
  The City Auditor manages financial records and budgets, while the Law Director handles legal matters and defends the city.

Conclusion

1. Positive changes are expected in Celina with more trees being planted.

2. The city has reduced its debt to $4.14 million and maintains strong financial health.