Beth Carlson

The council approved a TMO contract amendment to align with state legislative funding and tabled a discussion regarding the display of different versions of the state flag on city property, pending committee input. Procurement approvals included the purchase of a new ambulance power cot. The council also authorized the temporary closure of an alley for a community bike rodeo, subject to homeowner consent, and received updates regarding the hiring process for a part-time police position and the updated municipal population estimate.

The City Council meeting covered a variety of administrative and operational items. The council reviewed and considered a draft RFP for legal services. Consent agenda items included accounts payable claims, acceptance of annual ambulance donations, a resolution to amend the VFW Club's liquor license to include Sunday sales, and a 2026 land lease agreement with E&J Underground. Additionally, the agenda included time for public services committee and committee of the whole reports.

The committee discussed renovations to the City Park restroom facility, including plans to improve ADA accessibility. Additionally, a discussion was held regarding the flag display policy, specifically considering a compromise to exhibit both the current Minnesota state flag and the 1983 version on city property.

The meeting focused on the consideration of an open agreement with Camp Companion for a Trap/Neuter/Release program aimed at managing the stray cat population within the city. The committee reviewed the proposed agreement, which includes services for trapping, vaccinating, microchipping, and altering stray cats through a cost-sharing partnership.

The Public Works Committee agenda for March 9, 2026, included several key items. Discussions involved reviewing the February 9, 2026, Public Works Meeting Minutes, which covered a counteroffer regarding a contract price adjustment for the 2025 Street Improvement Project, review of quotes for a new hoop shed in relation to the Public Works Facility Discussion, replacement options for a 2012 Dump Truck, and viewing options for a Sno-Go Snow Blower. The committee also addressed an update on a Northern Natural Gas Notification, and considered an Equipment Purchase for a Mower. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Annual Wastewater Treatment Facility Review, which included a memo detailing 2025 operational performance metrics such as BOD, TSS, Fecal Coliform, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus removal rates, and noted the need for future facility updates.