point of view

Greek philosopher Aristotle introduced the world to the notion of eunoia. The direct translation is "beautiful thinking", but it more accurately refers to the favorable disposition or goodwill a speaker cultivates with their audience. Eunoia isn't about avoiding difficult conversations or sanitizing one's views; it's about approaching contentious discussions with a mindset grounded in mutual respect & empathy. It's about transforming potentially divisive dialogues into opportunities for deeper understanding & connection. Imagine where political discussions are not met with hostility but are instead seen as a chance to bridge divides & enhance relationships. This is the essence of eunoia in action. The power of this approach lies in its ability to reframe political conversations from battlegrounds into platforms for collaborative dialogue.

Tuesday, 6pm - Parks/Recreation; 6pm - Planning & Zoning Special Study Session

Thursday/Friday - Thanksgiving Holiday - City Offices are closed

~ Visit the Lane of Lights & Hall of Trees ~

Parks & Recreation Board - Board will consider monthly financial report & budget; Staff & Committee Reports; Parks Foundation Update; UTV & Skid Loader Purchase & apparel bids

Planning & Zoning Commission Special Study Session - Commission will discuss new section 210.125 Backyard Chickens. City Code 210 Animals & Fowl was established in July 2024 permitting backyard chickens in certain situations. PZ review will consider sections of the City Code 400 that do not align with the new 210 code

Celebrating work anniversaries this week - Bridgette Alter, Group Fitness Instructor - 5 years; Kaylie Como, Front Desk Clerk & Drake Pollard, Assistant Director Parks, Recreation, Community Center - 3 years.

• SAFE arranged for a discussion about Opioid use & resources in our community. The purpose is to best spend Opioid Settlement Funds that are coming to our community. We expect to receive around $17,000 annually for 18 years. The funds have a narrow list of eligible uses. This meeting was a good start to gaining a better understanding of the community needs & gaps.
• We have been trouble-shooting the condition of the spa at the Community Center, eliminating what are not issues. It appears we passed pressure tests, and it is not an underground piping issue; we will need a new sand filter due to a break in the fiberglass from a water hammer that was the result of a brown out several months ago.
• Clay County has received a proposal for a solar farm on 100 acres just south of the city limits adjacent to the Inn at Crescent Lake. A presentation was provided this week to provide an opportunity to ask questions from the experts. Clay County will be hearing the proposal at future Clay County Planning & Zoning & Clay County Commission meetings.
• City was the proud sponsor of the Chamber luncheon this month. We provided a replay of the presentation given to the Clay County State of the Cities Luncheon earlier this year with updates.
• This week, a grant we have been working on for several months was due. The grant we are seeking would address two flood reduction projects in downtown, update the downtown streetscape including stormwater projects, sidewalks, streets, utility lines, planting areas with trees, renovations at the Hall of Waters, workforce training program & commercial/residential renovation program. This is a $20 million grant request. Without the grant we can use our own funds to make the repairs - it will take 3 years to complete the improvements with the grant & around 30 years without.
• Hopefully everyone enjoyed all of the activities this weekend, the kick-off to the Christmas season.

ES is THE place to be this weekend! From dazzling lights & parades to magical family events & boutique shopping, we've got it all. Experience the Magic: Your Ultimate Guide to the Most Magical Kick Off Yet! Downtown is going to be buzzing with joy, music & holiday spirit! Your don't want to miss it!