Several department heads provided operational updates at the July 6 Winterset City Council meeting.
Street Superintendent Ryan Flaherty reported that the department completed 264 hours of tree trimming along the tourism bus route, 4th Avenue and major intersections, that road salt has been delivered, and that cracks at 8th and Green will be repaired as part of upcoming improvements. He also announced that Phase 2 of the street construction project will begin this week and that a preconstruction meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 7, 2026; alley rocking is planned in the next 30 days.
Library Director Dave Hargrove said the library served about 13,000 patrons in the fiscal year and credited staff and community involvement for the milestone. He reported pending sidewalk repairs after a citizen’s fall, ongoing HVAC maintenance, a donation from artist Gary Horn and the start of construction for small meeting spaces with an anticipated August 2026 completion.
Park & Recreation Director Sky Smothers updated the council on a pending 100-year celebration of Clark Tower, scenic-byway sign placement near Cutler-Donahue Bridge, portable toilets near pickleball courts, aquatics programming (facility open most days from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.), and ongoing and planned recreation programs.
Fire Chief Chism Orr presented monthly call data and reported that a grass rig and tanker are scheduled to arrive July 13. Chief Orr also noted internal officer-election results that the council formally documented by resolution.
Police Chief Ryan Pittman submitted a written report highlighting recent training (including ALICE training at the hospital), community events and partnerships (touch-a-truck, Quarterback Club golf outing), staff milestones (officers Douglas and Garrison's nine-year anniversaries) and Captain Roger Shortt’s retirement planned for July 14. The city will have a receptionist at City Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. on specified days.
Council received the reports and had follow-up directions on the sidewalk repairs and street project coordination.