Bill Barber

The council addressed several operational and administrative matters for 2026. Key discussions included approving the 2026 meeting calendar, setting regular meeting times for the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m., and approving the Mayor's 2026 appointments, including adding members to the negotiation committee. The council approved 2026 license renewals and designated the Long Prairie Leader as the official newspaper. Administrative items included approving the Electronic Funds Transfer authorization, authorizing the City Clerk to attend the Clerks Conference, and approving the draft ordinance language regarding meter non-compliance with a $50 fee. The council decided to table the rental ordinance discussion until February. In development matters, Task Order #2 with Bollig for the Engfer Land Development was approved. A request for snow removal services at the Osakis Country Club was denied, citing policy against providing free services on private property. Regarding a water drainage issue at 226 Central Avenue, the council decided to have the City Clerk send letters to affected properties to schedule a discussion. The council approved the 2026 officers for the First Responders and the Fire Department/Fire Relief groups, and accepted a resignation from a First Responder. The Police Chief position status was discussed, noting a shift to part-time status for one officer in February. For the Liquor Store, updates on the new inventory system and customer fall incident were noted, alongside fund transfers. The council moved to draft an ordinance defining EDU charges for capable but unconnected properties. Approvals were granted for EDA minutes and a resolution delegating loan program administration authority to the EDA. The Park Committee minutes were approved, along with an invoice for Park Osagi engineering. The Beautification Team project for the Park Osagi overlook, including a swing, bench, and landscaping, received approval for a $24,700 invoice from Shrode Concrete. Engineering invoices for the Main Street sanitary sewer replacement were also approved. Finally, the council approved resolutions for donations and discussed filling the janitorial position at the community center.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the agenda with additions, and the approval of the consent agenda, which included paying bills totaling $518,351.06. Discussion on a rental ordinance led to its tabling until the next meeting due to lack of full council attendance. The council then reviewed and approved Ordinance Amendment 145, which introduces a non-compliance fee provision for water system meter failures. A $50 monthly non-compliance fee was subsequently established. The City Clerk provided updates on preparing for annual audits, noting that liquor store inventory variances and water meter reading estimation issues were ongoing matters. The council approved the City Clerk's application for the Region Three Director position. Furthermore, approval was granted to hire a new full-time police officer, Austin Hecker, at Step 2 ($32.40 per hour), with a start date pending discussion. The completion and costs associated with a new police truck replacement were noted, and authorization was given to list the old squad car and a white SUV for auction. A decision regarding the part-time status of an employee named Kellu was tabled until the following month. Finally, an update on the liquor store indicated that floor trip hazards were repaired, but the installation of a new POS system was delayed due to backordered equipment.

The council discussed property violations, community center meal rates, and welcome sign permits. They approved a limited-use permit with MN DOT and renewed the Xcel Energy Franchise agreement. The EDA requested consideration of a rental ordinance to ensure rental properties are properly maintained. The council also discussed liquor store updates, first responders, police report, fire department updates, public works, water projects, waste water project, beautification team, park committee, snow removal ordinance, water problems, crosswalks, gambling, fee schedule, building inspection, water & sewer rates, insurance, PFML, tax increment financing, personnel policy, and donations.

The Osakis City Council meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. Two new part-time police officers were sworn in. The council approved the agenda with changes, and also approved the consent agenda along with bills amounting to $458,4110. Planning and zoning minutes from October 23rd were approved. A shared services agreement with Sourcewell for community development services was approved. The council discussed a rental ordinance, fund balances, and the budget, with plans to adopt the budget in December after a public hearing. Proposed changes to waste and sewer rates were presented, including potential increases for water and sewer in 2026. The council also discussed the liquor store's activities, including the purchase of Vikings tickets for promotional purposes, radio ads for Veterans Day and deer hunting season, and a change in CO2 tank suppliers to save costs. Additionally, the hiring of Riley Nikl as a part-time bartender was approved.

The council discussed and approved the consent agenda, including corrections to the health and safety minutes and community calendar. They addressed the renewal of a limited use permit with the Minnesota DOT for welcome signs, approving resolution 2025-23. An electrical franchise agreement with Excel Energy was discussed, with a summary publication read and a motion to waive the second reading. The implementation of a rental ordinance was considered, with plans to involve planning and zoning for further review. Updates were provided on early Vikings events, a quarter drop game for Vikings tickets, and the start of Bargo. Challenges with a new computer system migration and a $2,000 grant approval for a new camera system were also discussed, along with bids for parking lot improvements.