The Celina City Council met Monday Night August 25th. On behalf of the Governor's Cup Regatta, Craig Obringer discussed plans for the 2026 Eastern Championship, expecting 60-70 boats, possibly up to 100.

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1. City Council Meeting: Community Safety, Event Planning, and Municipal Operations

• Opening Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

  The meeting began at seven o'clock with a prayer for guidance, protection for children, and a successful school year, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Roll Call and Agenda Acceptance

  Roll call was conducted. The agenda was accepted, noting two ordinances were added.

• Approval of Minutes from August 11th

  Council reviewed and accepted the minutes from the August 11th meeting. Gray abstained from voting.

• Fire Station Design Update

  The Mayor updated council on the fire station design and feasibility analysis. The finalized design will be presented at the next meeting, with cost estimates expected by the end of the week.

• E-Bike Safety Concerns

  Audience member Mike raised concerns about e-bike safety, citing three recent incidents involving children on e-bikes and scooters. He questioned the lack of age limits and licensing.

• Police Enforcement on E-Bikes

  Chief Wale explained increased enforcement, the three classes of e-bikes, and challenges in distinguishing them. Class 3 requires helmet and age 16+, but no license. Enforcement may include tickets and seizure.

• Bicycle Shop Owner's Input on E-Bike Classes

  Rich McNaughton, owner of a bicycle shop, clarified e-bike classes: Class 1 and 2 are limited to 20 mph, Class 3 to 28 mph. Most local shops sell only Class 1 and 2. Online sales of faster bikes are a concern. Manufacturer labels indicate class.

• Legal Status of Electric Scooters and Skateboards

  Discussion clarified that electric scooters and skateboards are not legal on streets or sidewalks. First violation is a minor misdemeanor, escalating with repeat offenses.

• Ordinance 33-25-0: Lease Agreement for Bryson Park District

  Council reviewed Ordinance 33-25-0 authorizing a lease agreement with Veterans Forever, Inc. for the Bryson Park District during the Governor Cup Regatta. Lease is $1 per annum.

• Governor Cup Regatta Event Planning

  Craig Obringer discussed plans for the 2026 Eastern Championship, expecting 60-70 boats, possibly up to 100. Improvements include snow fencing for safety, separating campers and boats, and staging logistics.

• City Staff Support for Events

  Craig Obringer praised Wes Harris' crew for their support during the event, noting excellent cooperation and responsiveness.

Conclusion

1. Agenda accepted with additions.

2. Minutes approved.

3. Final design and cost estimates to be presented at next meeting.

4. Police are increasing enforcement and monitoring violations.

5. Local shops comply with regulations; labeling is required but not always prominent.

6. Violations can result in escalating penalties and possible seizure.

7. Event planning underway with expanded safety measures and logistics improvements.

8. City staff commended for event support.

2. City event planning, staffing amendments, and operational adjustments

• Event Planning: Corporate Tents, Car Show, and Vendor Arrangements

  Discussion about whether corporate tents will be placed between the bridges, with clarification that food vendors are staged up front and the VIP tent is on the pier. Consideration of using the area east of the judges stand for corporate tents, and plans to add a car show and craft vendors to raise money.

• Financial Goal for Eastern Championship

  The championship event is projected to cost almost $90,000. The team is seeking ways to sustain the race for future years, including adding a car show and vendor show to attract different crowds and generate revenue.

• Ordinance Passage and Voting

  Motion made and seconded to pass the ordinance to second reading. Roll call vote conducted with unanimous approval (7-0).

• Ordinance 34-25-0: Staffing Amendments

  Ordinance to amend staffing: add a fourth wastewater treatment plant operator (1, 2, 3, or trainee), remove one battalion chief/paramedic, add four firefighters/firefighter trainees, and declare an emergency. The total employee count for wastewater remains at five, and city authorized positions increase from 114 to 117.

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Staffing Challenges

  Discussion about difficulties in hiring a qualified assistant superintendent for the wastewater treatment plant, with four unsuccessful advertisements and a 10-month vacancy. The ordinance allows hiring a fourth operator instead, providing flexibility.

• Fire Department Staffing and EMS Levy Impact

  Clarification that the EMS levy funded three additional positions, increasing fire department staff from 17 to 20. These positions are filled as firefighters/firefighter trainees, not paramedics, due to department structure.

• Staffing Reductions in Other Departments

  Review of historical staffing reductions in recreation and public works departments since 2000 and 2005, noting overall decrease in city staff.

• Operational Continuity at Wastewater Plant

  Discussion on operational continuity if the superintendent is unavailable, with qualified operators able to step in temporarily, and director authorized to sign off if needed.

• Overnight Park Attachment Adjustment

  Acknowledgement of adjustment to allow overnight sleeping in the park for event participants and drivers.

Conclusion

1. No corporate tents will be used; focus will be on food vendors, a car show, and craft vendors to help raise funds.

2. Goal is to raise funds to cover the $90,000 cost and sustain the event long-term.

3. Ordinance passed second reading with a 7-0 vote.

4. Ordinance 34-25-0 introduced and explained; no objections raised.

5. Flexibility added to allow hiring a fourth operator instead of an assistant superintendent due to hiring challenges.

6. Three new firefighter positions funded by EMS levy; hiring process clarified.

7. Staffing has been reduced over time in several departments, maintaining efficiency.

8. Qualified operators and director can maintain operations if superintendent is unavailable.

9. Attachment adjusted to permit overnight stays in the park.

3. City Council Meeting: Ordinances, Appropriations, Staffing, Technology Upgrades, Facility Updates

• Suspension of Rules and Passage of Ordinances

  Council suspended the rules requiring three readings for multiple ordinances, enabling immediate passage. Votes were recorded for each suspension and passage.

• Ordinance 35-25-0: Hiring Additional Bailiff for Training

  Authorized the Municipal Court Judge to hire an additional full-time bailiff for training purposes from October 1, 2025 through December 19, 2025, due to a retirement effective December 19, 2025. The third bailiff position will be abolished after December 19, 2025.

• Ordinance 36-25-0: Supplemental Appropriations for Legal Department IT Upgrades

  Legal department requested fund transfers (not new funds) to upgrade obsolete technology and contract with Tomorrow's Technology Today (TTT) for IT management and support. Details of appropriations and unappropriations from various funds were specified.

• Legal Department Technology and Security

  Discussion on the need for upgraded technology and enhanced security measures, including compliance with LEADS and state requirements. TTT selected for ongoing IT support, including 24-hour help desk and integration of new laptops.

• Ordinance 32-25-0: Acceptance of Donation from Celina Sharks Swim and Dive Team

  Council accepted a donation of eight lane lines, 16 lane line extenders, and one used lane line reel for the Recreation Department. The donation was facilitated through the VFW.

• Ordinance 30-25-0: Lease Agreement with Fizzy Seps for Bryson Park District

  Authorized a lease agreement between the City of Celina and Fizzy Sips for Bryson Park District.

• Facility Updates: Pool, PWB Building, Basketball Courts, Mill Street

  Updates provided on pool permit and slide installation, PWB building construction, basketball court lighting and fencing, and Mill Street improvements. Timelines and progress details shared.

• Pool Valve Replacement and Funding

  Discussion on replacing pool valves, with costs estimated at $7,600. Funding source to be determined, possibly from Bryson distribution, pending further clarification.

Conclusion

1. All relevant ordinances passed with a 7-0 vote, except one with 6-0 and one abstention.

2. Ordinance amended to change 'resignation' to 'retirement' and passed 7-0.

3. Ordinance amended for scrivener's errors and passed 7-0.

4. No new funds required; transfer approved. Long-term contract with TTT in place.

5. Ordinance passed 6-0 with one abstention. VFW credited for donation.

6. Ordinance passed 7-0.

7. Pool slide concrete pouring to begin this week; PWB building completion expected end of November; basketball court lights arriving last week of November; Mill Street substantial completion by end of November.

4. City infrastructure, safety, and upcoming committee meetings

• Water Line and Paving on Magnolia

  Discussion about the installation of a water line on Magnolia, approximately the size of a truck and a half, and whether paving will be completed before winter. Sinkholes in town also mentioned as needing repair.

• Traffic Signal and Chevron Signs

  Questions about the installation of green arrow turning signs and chevron signs for the curve on 29, including approval status and consistency citywide.

• Site Plan Review for New Gas Station

  Review of a site plan for a new gas station at 29 East Market, specifically at the southeast corner where a Chinese restaurant currently exists, near Grand Lake and 29.

• Safety Reminder for Motorized Bikes and Scooters

  Reminder for parents to talk to children about safety on motorized bikes and scooters to prevent fines, deaths, or accidents.

• Committee Meeting for Lagoon Plan and Forestry

  Discussion about the need for a committee meeting to address lagoon planning and forestry, considering whether to hold a Committee of the Whole or a community betterment meeting.

• Fire Station Discussion with Wefman

  Proposal to start the next meeting with a fire station discussion with Wefman, considering committee or council as a whole format.

• Meeting Scheduling and Agenda

  Scheduling of next meeting for September 8th at 6:30 p.m., with 30 minutes allocated for lagoon and forestry discussion, and fire station discussion to follow.

Conclusion

1. Paving project will be completed before winter, including patches and sinkhole repairs.

2. Chevron signs for the curve on 29 are approved by the state; signs have been ordered but may not have arrived yet.

3. Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for September 8th at 6:30 p.m. to discuss lagoons and forestry.

4. Fire station discussion to be included in the next meeting agenda, possibly as part of the Committee of the Whole.

5. Meeting adjourned at 8:08.

Next Arrangements

• Fire station finalized design and cost estimates to be presented at the next council meeting.

• Governor Cup Regatta planning for June 2026 Eastern Championship with expanded safety and logistics.

• Car show and craft vendor area to be added for fundraising during the Eastern Championship.

• Attachment adjustment to allow overnight sleeping in the park for event participants.

• Ordinance 34-25-0 to be enacted following passage and mayoral approval.

• Concrete pouring for pool slide scheduled for this week.

• Basketball court light poles expected last week of November; concrete foundations to be poured soon.

• Mill Street substantial completion targeted for end of November; final seating in spring.

• PWB building completion expected by end of November.

• Pool valve replacement quotes being sought; funding source to be determined.

• Paving project for Magnolia and other patches to be completed before winter.

• Chevron signs for curve on 29 approved and ordered; installation pending.

• Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for September 8th at 6:30 p.m. to discuss lagoons and forestry.

• Fire station discussion with Wefman to be included in the next meeting agenda.

• Next meeting scheduled for September 8th at 6:30 p.m.