Ben Campbell

The Finance Committee meeting included several key recommendations for the Village Board. Discussions covered the approval of the agenda and potential funding sources for replacing the HWY 46 speed sign, with a recommendation to utilize approximately $3,929.00 from the Streets Capital 2026 HWY 46 N Outlay Account. The committee also recommended transferring $5,000.00 from the fireworks savings account to cover the 2025 Freedom Fest Fireworks contribution requested by the Balsam Lake Homeowners Association. Furthermore, recommendations were made to cover the final BLFD payroll using the fire subsidy budget, issue BLFD fundraising account money to the Unity Fire Association, and pay the awarded $10,000.00 from the EMS Funding Assistance Program to the Unity Fire Association. The approval of general and payroll vouchers was moved to the subsequent meeting in March.

The committee discussed and took action regarding bench donations. A motion was passed to recommend to the board that bench donations be accepted, contingent upon the donors coordinating with the Public Works Department once the necessary plans and specifications are available.

The agenda for the meeting included several critical items. Discussions and potential actions covered the monthly activity reports from the Police Chief and Library Director, and the monthly report from the Chamber of Commerce. Key administrative actions involved considering the creation of a joint committee to amend the employee handbook, addressing the resignation of the Zoning Administrator, and discussing the Public Comment Policy. The Board planned to consider contracting Cedar Corporation for managing closed CDBG revolving loan funds, amending Special Development Standards for Zoning Code Section 300-28 (A)(1) and (2) concerning the Five Flags Campground, and discussing a donation request for a snowshoe race benefiting Pine Park & White Pine Project. Further items included reviewing pay application #18 from Staab Construction Corporation, discussing a bench donation, reviewing committee reports, and considering the February 2026 Treasurer's Report. The agenda also scheduled multiple closed sessions to deliberate on purchasing public properties (Old County Highway Property and parcels related to JP Mahl Development LLC) and to confer with legal counsel regarding Citizen Complaints.

The meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and minutes for prior meetings. Key discussions included a decision against offering video services for Village meetings. The Board approved the Balsam Lake Farmers Market utilizing the Village parking lot. Several administrative items were approved, such as a Mobile Home License for Birchwood Terrace and renewals for Operator License #1672 and Poultry Permit #26-03. Updates were received concerning the development of two specific parcels. Committee reports were provided by Police, Library, Chamber of Commerce, Water/Sewer/M&E, Streets & Buildings, Parks, and Finance. Major actions included approving the replacement of the motor and upgrades for Well 1, hiring Ayres for a Lower Balsam Lake Dam inspection, and approving a substantial pay application (#17) from Staab Construction Corporation. The Board also approved using capital funds to replace the HWY 46 speed sign and approved fund transfers related to the 2025 Freedom Fest Fireworks, as well as approving immediate payment for requested BLFD payroll and issuing fundraising account money to the Unity Fire Association. The EMS funding assistance payment was also approved for immediate remittance to the Unity Fire Association.

The board discussed and approved general and payroll vouchers, as well as several months of treasurers reports. During a closed session, the commission reviewed candidate information for an open officer position and subsequently authorized the Police Chief to proceed with the hiring process for a candidate at a specified starting pay rate with no option for a take-home squad. Additionally, the commission reviewed board member term expirations and scheduled a discussion regarding potential reappointments for the next village board meeting. The Police Chief provided an operational report noting the volume of calls for service and proposed the installation of a security camera at the village clerks office.