Chris Hansch

The council conducted a public hearing on the Code of Ordinances and adopted a resolution for its enactment. Key business included approving a supplemental letter agreement for GIS support related to a community tree planting grant and authorizing the purchase of a Case Payloader for 2027. The council approved a body camera audit for the police department and engaged in discussions regarding the regulation of backyard chickens, resulting in a decision to develop a new ordinance. The council reviewed and approved increases to water and sewer base rates and bulk water rates, accepted a cash donation, and authorized fireworks for a local event.

The council approved a consent agenda including treasury reports, payment of claims, and various licenses. Key discussion topics included the approval of seal coating and crack sealing quotes, the purchase of a new laptop for the police department, and the formal approval of police department policies. The council accepted the Annual Cogeneration Report and approved a 3.8% dental insurance rate increase. Additionally, the council authorized the city's placement on the Lead Service Line Replacement Project Priority List, approved off-site gambling permits for the local Lions club, and authorized the installation of a Little Free Library.

The council reviewed reports from the Public Works department, including street sweeping, well inspections, and utility infrastructure repairs. The Police Chief provided an update on call volume and discussed traffic safety concerns. The Clerk reported on software conversion, facility rentals, insurance requirements, and a successfully awarded community tree planting grant. Brownton Days event logistics and street closure requests were discussed with organizers. The council formally accepted the 2025 financial audit, reviewed survey results regarding backyard chickens, approved various administrative policies, authorized the removal of old utility billing accounts, and reviewed plans for a consolidated summer recreation and enrichment program. Additionally, the council approved a quote for mosquito management services, ratified a health insurance rate increase, and accepted cash donations for the city and the summer reading program.

The regularly scheduled monthly meeting for February 3, 2026, could not be held due to Caucus day in Minnesota. Consequently, the City Council resolved to approve a special meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to address the business that was scheduled for the originally planned meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included a resident's request to allow backyard chickens, which the Council took under advisement pending further information gathering and polling. The Public Works department report covered ordering a 480kv transformer and planning for a future payloader purchase, along with Council approving funding for an employee's Class B driver's license training. The Council approved the purchase of a used 2018 squad car to replace a 2017 model and authorized the upgrade to four new Taser 10s with a new service contract. Approval was also granted for purchasing ConfiTrek tracking software for the police department. Due to an officer going on paternity leave, the need for part-time police support was raised. Additionally, the Council approved the 2026 meeting dates, numerous departmental and official designations for 2026, and the 2026 Fee Schedule with two specific changes (an electric rate increase and the implementation of a Video Request fee). Finally, a resolution was passed to accept various cash donations offered to the City and its departments.