The Panora City Council met in regular session Monday.

Deb McCauley of Asset Pro presented on 2018 employment health insurance. Unable to secure other insurance providers, McCauley informed the Council that they would likely need to stay with Wellmark. The rates increased 18 percent for renewal, but McCauley presented a lower rate of 12.9 percent with a change in deductible and out-of-pocket maximums. The rate increase was subject to City claims doubling from the previous year as well as some demographic factors. McCauley would like the Council to make a decision by November 10th, but the filing deadline is December 10th.

Then the Council reviewed recommendations from the Park Board for new park hours. The Council recommended changing all parks to be opened from 5 am- 10 pm on weekdays and 5 am- 11 pm on the weekends. The Council also discussed regulations on dogs in parks. The Council will continue discussion and implement possible action on those items at the next meeting. The Council then approved the first reading of an ordinance adding “unoccupied or incomplete” buildings to the Nuisance Abatement Code. Subsequently, the Council approved waiving the second and third readings of the ordinance.

The Council also approved accepting the bid from Y.T. Construction for repair work at Michael Mills Park. The Council finally approved handbook changes to the following items: Council approval of appointments to standing committees, updating closed administrative hours from noon- 1 pm to 12:30- 1:30 pm, disciplinary action protocol, dress code and boot reimbursement, allowances on travel for City business, employee time off, and EMS personnel remaining at the station during on-duty periods.