The Stuart City Council met in regular session Monday night.

The Council approved liquor licenses for Doe-A-Deer, LLC and Ruby’s Unlimited, LLC, then heard from Bob Cook and Mayor Dick Cook on the success of the 2024 town clean up days. They also approved a request to close a street by Johnnie’s Tap for an event, then heard an update from Fire Chief Josh Renslow on the progress of a truck the department had purchased, mentioning it should be done in the first week of June.

Renslow also shared that the department’s quick response truck that pulled their Utility Terrain Vehicle and was outfitted with their ultra-high pressure system had gone down, and that they were looking at a replacement. The Council approved moving $50,000 from the department’s reserves so they could purchase the replacement and have it properly outfitted. They also approved a declaration presented by the American Legion Auxiliary to name May 18th Poppy Day, and celebrate from 8-11am.

The Council then heard from Rescue Director Sean Bovinett on talks that were being had with Audubon County Hospital to provide facility transports, but he mentioned that they were still in talks and nothing had been decided yet. They then approved resolutions pertaining to the Coon Valley Telephone project and the 2023-24 City budget amendment, before Mayor Cook let them know that Cory Guisinger would be retiring from the Public Works Department effective May 23rd.

The Council approved the partial payment to McAninch Corporation for $213,295.36, a revised final plat for the next step in the Wambold expansion, and the School Resource Officer Program 28E Agreement between the City and West Central Valley School District, which now goes back to the School Board for approval May 15th. The Council then approved a four percent increase to City employee wages for the 2024-25 year, a $750 re-staking fee to add to building contracts for contractors, and a tentative proposal to purchase City owned property by Luis Huerta.