City officials reviewed the response to a recent storm-related power outage during the Nov. 4 meeting, and staff told the council that upgrading battery packs on signalized intersections to maintain flashing-red operation during extended outages would cost roughly $95,000 to cover all signals.

City Manager Pinkle summarized the response: public works crews did light-duty work where safe to do so, but downed wires required caution and coordination with the power utility. He credited communications lead Amy George for early messaging and use of the annex's power to maintain updates. Pinkle said the city's primary communication challenge during widespread outages is setting expectations because the city receives limited and delayed information from the power utility.

Interim Public Works Director Carrie Sullivan and Maintenance Manager Connor Simonson discussed options to keep key intersections obvious during outages, such as enhancing existing battery packs so signals can operate as flashing reds. Pinkle said options to put generators on lights were limited and would be operationally complex. Upgrading battery capacity for every signal was estimated at about $95,000; staff offered to return with additional detail and cost breakdowns if council wanted to pursue that option.

Several council members urged making improvements a priority for public-safety reasons and asked staff to return with cost options. The council asked staff to bring further information to a future meeting, rather than immediate approval of a multi-intersection upgrade.

Staff also discussed a separate, proposed GPS system for snowplows to provide real-time location to the public; council later removed $6,000 from the street fund for that system and asked staff to explore alternatives.