To view the August 11th meeting of the Celina City Council:

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

Meeting Notes

1. Tribute for Former Mayor

   A moment of silence and prayer was held for former mayor Craig Klopfleisch, who passed away this past week. The prayer acknowledged his dedicated service to the community and sought comfort for his family during their time of loss and adjustment, thanking God for his years of service and praying for more people to step forward and serve. The Mayor also personally acknowledged speaking with his family about the tough battle they went through.

2. Meeting Procedures and Agenda Acceptance

   The regular City Council meeting commenced at 7:00 PM with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call confirmed the presence of Baltzel, Buxton, Clausen, Sanford, and Wolfe. The agenda for the evening was accepted following a motion by Mr. Buxton and a second by Mr. Wolfe, passing unanimously. Subsequently, the minutes from the regular council meeting on July 28, 2025, were moved for acceptance by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Baltzel, also passing unanimously.

3. Lake Festival Committee Report and Community Engagement

   The Mayor extended a significant commendation to the Lake Festival Committee for organizing a highly successful event, despite some challenging rain. Attendees expressed great enjoyment, and the committee was praised for their outstanding organizational efforts, including securing a new ride company. Positive feedback was received, particularly regarding the amphicars, with a letter from their owners expressing extreme satisfaction with the gifts provided by the Lake Festival committee, which included a proclamation for their 25th year as a splash-in, memorial items, and keys to the city. The committee also demonstrated significant community impact by raising funds through $5 rides, contributing back to the community. The Mayor emphasized the invaluable contributions of volunteers, who often do not receive the recognition they deserve.

4. Public Safety and Training Updates

   Significant updates were provided regarding public safety personnel and training. Firefighter Shaw, Elisha Shaw, and Firefighter Landon Engel successfully completed their EMT classes on Friday, August 8th, enabling them to participate in emergency runs. Furthermore, three new students are commencing training at the Police Academy: P.J. Wyatt and David Richardson started immediately, with Seth Heindel scheduled to begin on Wednesday. The Mayor also noted the upcoming Assistant Chiefs test later in the month and the addition of new officer Mason. All new officers are required to complete 12 weeks of Field Training Officer (FTO) instruction, mandated by the Attorney General, to accumulate necessary hours, which is progressing well despite ongoing overtime.

5. Public Communications and Announcements

   Several community announcements were made. The digital sign now displays the time and temperature, a feature implemented by Carrie, providing useful information for those driving through town. Plans were discussed for potential mosquito spraying on either Wednesday or Friday night due to recent excess rain, utilizing a dual-type weed spray that is reportedly not harmful to people. Spraying typically occurs after 8:00 PM, ensuring young children are indoors. Additionally, the Mercer County Banner Fair is currently underway through August 13th, having attracted phenomenal crowds despite hot weather. The fair features various events and attractions, including impressive 4-H animal exhibits (poultry, hog, steer, rabbits, goats) and diverse food options. Heather Schmidt, a resident, raised concerns about the condition of sidewalks on the west side of Fayette, noting difficulties for pedestrians and those pushing strollers, prompting the Mayor to add this to the list for review.

6. Donation Acceptance Ordinance for Pool Equipment

   Ordinance 32-25-0, an emergency ordinance, was discussed and passed its second reading. This ordinance formally accepts a donation from the Celina Sharks Swim and Dive Team to the Salina Recreation Department. The donation, initially funded by VFW Post 5713, includes eight lane lines valued at $5,750, sixteen lane line extenders valued at $416, and one used lane line reel valued at $90.28, totaling $6,256.28. The ordinance directs the appropriation of this amount from the unappropriated balance of the Park Recreation Fund into the Park Recreation Pool Operations Program account, with the value being memo posted for asset tracking and insurance purposes, as no cash appropriation is involved. Council members emphasized the importance of this donation in establishing city ownership of pool equipment to prevent past disputes. It was also noted that all private property was requested to be removed from the pool facility by August 15th. While the city will now own the timing system, lane lines, and starting blocks, the backstroke poles remain a point of contention, still appearing to be owned by the Dolphins. Acquiring these poles would be a council decision during the budget process, as they are primarily for swim teams rather than general pool operation. The motion to pass the second reading was approved 4-0 with one abstention (Sanford, due to family involvement).

7. Lease Agreement Ordinance for Bryson Park District

   Ordinance 30-25-0, authorizing a lease agreement between the City  and Fizzy Sips for the lease of the Bryson Park District, was discussed. Mr. Clausen expressed strong support for the initiative, noting positive feedback from the previous meeting and highlighting it as a "great idea" and "great program" that could be an ongoing fall activity for kids. Mr. Wolf made a motion to pass the third reading of the ordinance, which was seconded by Mr. Buxton and passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote.

8. Administrative and Park Usage Reports

   Administrative reports were brief, with no further updates from the Mayor or Director Hitchcock. The discussion then shifted to "good of the order" items, specifically addressing park management issues. Mr. Buxton inquired about the need for a REC meeting to discuss rules regarding sleeping in the park during special events like boat races. The Director clarified that while general park rules prohibit sleeping (and homeless individuals are moved on after the 11 PM park closing time for safety), specific lease agreements for events can incorporate provisions to allow such activities without needing to revise the overall park rules. This approach ensures public safety while providing flexibility for special events, and the Director agreed to ensure these provisions are included in future lease agreements.