Chris Bahr

The meeting commenced with the approval of the consent agenda, which included authorizing a business subsidy payment for 135 First Street North, and approvals related to the 2026 property and casualty insurance renewal contracts concerning liability coverage waivers and excess liability coverage. The agenda also covered claims for December 2nd, 2025. A significant portion of the meeting involved a meet-and-greet introduction of Holly Craft, a new planning consultant from Municipal Development Group, following the retirement of John Anderson. The meeting also included a public hearing presentation on the recommended 2026 budget, focusing on expenditures, revenues, and proposed general and debt service property tax levies. Discussion points in the budget overview included the implementation of a new compensation plan, increased employee health insurance benefits, the funding of capital improvement projects like snow plow and lawn mower purchases, street lighting, and repairs to the fire department parking lot and garage concrete. The presentation concluded with details on the proposed property tax levy, showing a total increase of 6.99% for 2026.

The City Council meeting included the approval of a consent agenda covering several items, such as authorizing the city administrator to execute a security information and event management solution quote, approving consulting planner services with Municipal Development Group LLC for 2025, and approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Americanore Seniors for a program at City Hall. The council also addressed 2026 appointments, affirmed the qualification of certain properties for the Rural Service Tax District, adopted resolutions to accept donations for the Volunteer Fire Department and a contribution for the city's park fund, and approved solid waste hauler licenses for Mumford Sanitation, Republic Services, and Waste Management expiring in 2026. Furthermore, authorizations were made regarding 4M fund investments and Northland Securities Incorporated investments for 2025. The council accepted a resignation from the Volunteer Fire Department and appointed a new emergency medical responder, contingent upon standard checks. Policy decisions included adopting a 2026 timekeeping policy and compensation plans. The council approved pledged securities from Security Bank and Trust Company for November 2025 and reviewed the building permit report for November 2025 and the financial report for October 2025. Significant discussions involved Ordinance 0-25-012026, which established the 2026 fee schedule with various adjustments, including reinspection fees, permit fees, and utility assessment administrative fees. The council also authorized negotiations for the second amendment to the AT&T Mobility Corporation structure lease agreement concerning upgrades on the water tower. Additionally, a quote not to exceed $100,000 from Millibra Manufacturing for street light poles for the County Road One Lighting Project was approved, acknowledging the favorable terms provided by the local employer. Finally, Resolution R-25-50 certifying the final 2026 property tax levy totaling $2,134,972 and Resolution R-25-51 adopting the 2026 budget, which authorizes revenues of $5,792,477 and expenditures of $6,372,458, were adopted.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the adoption of the Consent Agenda which included authorizing a $25,000.00 payment under a business subsidy agreement, and authorizing the execution of a Liability Coverage Waiver Form for the 2026 Property and Casualty insurance contract. The Council also authorized the purchase of $1,000,000 in excess liability coverage and No-Fault Sewer Back-Up insurance for the 2026 contract, and approved the claims list for the date of the meeting. A Truth-in-Taxation Public Hearing was held regarding the 2026 Property Tax Levy, during which a hangar owner raised concerns about valuation and associated fees; the hearing was subsequently closed. The Organization Report introduced the new contact person from Municipal Development Group following a retirement. During the Open Forum, a resident thanked the Council for sidewalk improvements, and the Police Chief reminded residents about the winter parking ban regulations. Finally, the City Administrator announced the upcoming Winsted Winter Festival.

The Work Session focused on several items requiring future action or discussion. Key topics included the history and consideration for payment of $25,000.00 to Mr. George McGuire related to a previously approved business subsidy agreement for the property at 135 1st Street North. Additionally, staff provided updates on proposed changes to the 2026 Fee Schedule and Time Clock Plus policies, both slated for adoption at a subsequent regular meeting. Further discussion involved the status of the Wastewater Treatment Facility Maintenance Fund with PeopleService, resident concerns regarding overnight exterior lighting, and the forthcoming mailing of lead service line inventory informational letters.

The agenda for the City Council meeting includes several items under the Consent Agenda. These include the approval of minutes from work sessions and regular meetings held in December 2025. Action items involve adopting a resolution to authorize the City of Winsted to serve as the fiscal agent for Seniors Active in Winsted (SAW), executing a quote from TDS for internet services at City Hall, and approving an Exempt Permit application for the Lester Prairie Foundation for Education. The council is also slated to make appointments to the Winsted Economic Development Authority and the Winsted Volunteer Fire Department, accept a resignation from the Fire Department, approve pledged securities for January 2026, and review the Building Permit Report for January 2026 and the Financial Report for December 2025. The agenda also lists sections for Public Hearings, Old Business, New Business, Department Reports, Open Forum, and City Administrator Updates.