City of Adams

The special City Council meeting convened with the Adams Fire Board to review fire department operations and address the proposed 2027 Fire Department Budget. Following discussion on fire service fees and projected departmental needs, the Fire Board recommended setting the 2027 budget at $90,000.00, with this level sustained for at least the next two years, which the City Council approved. In departmental reports, the Fire Chief noted responses for December and announced a forthcoming electrical vehicle fire training session in March. The Council approved bidding on six used radios from a State auction site. Under Old Business, the Council unanimously voted to terminate the position of the activities director at the Adams Community Center due to lack of communication. The Council also approved the conditional hiring of Werhner Schlichter for the vacant maintenance position pending a background check. A sign design for the Adams Community Center was selected, and approval was granted for a quote to replace the front door at the Emergency Services Building. The Council accepted a Community Center rental application, passed a resolution accepting donations for the Freedom Veterans Memorial, and designated the Emergency Services Building as the polling place for 2026 elections.

The meeting agenda was approved. Old Business included an update on the Freedom Veterans Memorial, noting current funds and plans for procuring another plaque wall. A resident complaint regarding access to the Adams Community Library due to space issues was noted for further investigation. Updates on the regular use and recent events at the Adams Community Center were provided, and a council member volunteered to join the center's committee. Discussions occurred regarding signage for the Community Center and safety concerns at the intersection of State Hwy 56 and 5th Street, where the installation of Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon signs was proposed, with cost estimates provided. The council reviewed compensation for website/social media updates, deciding the Activities Director, if unresponsive, might be replaced by the previous contractor. An insurance claim settlement related to a park incident was reported. The Fire Department's report was deferred to a future meeting. Maintenance reported on repairs to fire and city vehicles, and warranty repairs on a skid loader. The council approved the payment of December bills and the November 30th, 2025 financial statements. Mayoral appointments for 2026 were approved, including the Assistant Mayor, official depositories, department heads, and various committee/board members. A gambling permit for a church raffle was approved, as was the City of Adams' 2026 Pay Equity Report and 2026 burning permits. The council approved a resolution for snowmobile trail funding and accepted an offer for a vacant city lot. The council discussed a proposal to plant a tree in the park to kick off future light displays and addressed a request for a cigarette disposal receptacle outside the Community Center due to observed smoking.

The meeting included a public hearing to finalize the 2026 Budget, which passed with a noted increase in expenses and property taxes, and adopted Resolution #17-2025 setting the 2026 tax levy. Old Business involved discussing the City of Adams' Pump House and Connecting Mains project funding after it was omitted from MPFA's eligible projects, resulting in a decision to seek assessment from Northland Securities. Department reports covered police activity (patrol hours, calls for service, traffic stops, medical calls) and fire department activity (dryer and manure spreader incidents). The Maintenance Department reported on WWTP activities, sewer line repair, water sampling, leaf clearing, Christmas light installation, and snow removal. The council approved November bills and the October 31st, 2025 financial statements. Year-end transfers for 2025 were approved, moving specified amounts between the Water, Sewer, General, 322 Building, Contingency, Street Maintenance, Sewer Replacement, and Fire Department Funds. The schedule for 2026 permits and license fees, including liquor, dance, cigarette, gaming, building permits, and dog licenses, was approved. A conditional use permit was approved for installing an LP tank at a residence for heating an accessory building. A gambling permit for a bingo event in March 2026 was approved. Business licenses for several establishments to sell cigarettes, and licenses for the American Legion to host dances and operate E-Tab games, were approved. The council decided to discuss compensation for the Social Media/Website Manager with the current manager.

The special council meeting addressed several key items. Discussions focused on city insurance requirements for renting the Adams Community Center, noting that private, after-hours rentals require liability insurance while weekday, in-house events do not. Insurance coverage for a proposed outdoor ice rink was also reviewed. The council decided to postpone repairs for a handicap door and a non-working outlet until the 2026 budget deliberation. Approval was granted for the Historical Society to fund the cleaning and restoration of a city-owned painting at 322 Main Street. The contract naming Coty Kirtz as the listing agent for the North Side Park 2nd Addition lots was approved, as was Resolution No. 16-2025 concerning the collection of delinquent water, sewer, and garbage charges via 2026 property taxes. A building permit for United Farmers State Bank was approved, and an application for Sacred Heart School to use the Community Center in January 2026 was granted. The purchase of computers for the new Community Education Supervisor was approved. Following an adjournment and subsequent reopening, the council approved the purchase and placement of a bronze recognition plaque for the Freedom Veterans Memorial Committee.

The council reviewed the parking and fence ordinances, deciding to keep them mostly unchanged, except for correcting a spelling error and adjusting the price of a fence permit. They discussed and approved the Community Ed Supervisor application, setting the position's pay structure and wage cap. The council addressed the library's space concerns, suggesting regular book rotation. They considered a request from the Mower County Sheriff's Department to use space at the Community Center, suggesting compensation arrangements. The council also discussed patrol focus areas with the Sheriff's Department, reviewed the maintenance department's completed projects, and decided on a location for a new handicap parking space at the Veterans Memorial. Furthermore, they approved bills, reviewed financial statements, approved liquor license renewals, approved community center rental applications, approved a water bill credit, and discussed a counteroffer for a vacant lot sale.