Craige Hiler

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which included adding the Dell Grove Township Fire Contract and a Closed Session for a personnel matter. During public comment, a Community Service Partner submitted her resignation, effective March 4th, following a discussion regarding a written reprimand. A presentation was given by Sharla Weske concerning Alcoholics Anonymous updates, noting the inclusion of individuals struggling with drug addictions. In new business, the Council approved a credit for a resident's water bill because the leak did not affect the sewer system, adopted an ordinance amending City Code 133.22 to reduce land requirements for Bow and Arrow Deer Hunting, and adopted a resolution to approve the 2025 Pine County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Further actions included yielding the City's portion of VOTER Account funding to Pine County, clarifying a conflict of interest regarding a councilor's parents applying for a grant, and approving the 2027 Fire Service Contract with Dell Grove Township. Old business included an update on the phosphorus project at the wastewater treatment plant. Reports covered the Sheriff's Department activity, Community Service Partner rental inspections and enforcement actions, Fire Department status including the Public Protection Classification rating of 06 (in town) / 10 (out of town), and recommendations from the Planning Commission regarding the vacation of a platted right-of-way and a lot split request. The Planning Commission also recommended amendments to City Code regarding Vacation Rentals, requiring them to obtain a rental license and be included in the definition of Residential Rental Property. The Parks & Recreation Commission recommended approval of several 2026 Service Contracts and expenditures for Johnson Park improvements using Essentia funding. Financial reports included the approval of January A/P Clerk Claims.

Key discussions during the meeting included the potential disposal of the Basswood Court Property, which the City acquired in 2024, and a determination that its proposed disposal complies with the City's Comprehensive Plan. The Commission held a public hearing and recommended City Council approval for the vacation of a platted right-of-way located on Block 7, Sandstone Townsite Company's Third Addition, as requested by Todd Rothe. Following this, the Commission held a second public hearing and recommended approval for the lot split of parcel 45.5218.000 into four separate parcels, each 38,250 square feet, for future residential construction. Finally, the Commission recommended that the City Council amend City Codes 163.023 and 118.02 to require Vacation Rentals to obtain a rental license.

Key discussions and actions included recognizing the passing of a long-serving Fire Department member and addressing resident comments on sidewalk shoveling and winter parking restrictions. The Council accepted several donations, approved the 2026 Pay Equity Report, and granted Mayor Peter Spartz a 90-day leave of absence. Old business involved updates on the 2025 Street & Utility Reconstruction Project, progress on the Phosphorus Reduction Project, and initial support for amending City Code 133 to reduce the required contiguous acreage for bow and arrow hunting from ten to five acres. New business saw the approval of donations and acceptance of a resignation from a Warming House Attendant. Additionally, the Council accepted resignations for Fire Captain and Secretary roles (with members remaining as Firefighters), approved year-end fund transfers, and addressed Fire Department training needs. The Planning Commission's recommendation to approve a Conditional Use Permit for Moe Ludwig to create an apartment unit at 202 Main Avenue, subject to outdoor activities being behind the building, was approved. The resignation of a Planning Commission member was accepted, and a replacement was appointed. A Private Contractor Agreement renewal for the Building Official was approved. Financial reports included approval of December A/P Clerk Claims. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss real property transactions regarding the Basswood Court Development.

Key discussions included the need to replace a damaged decorative street light downtown, with a consensus to table the decision pending further review of replacement options and potential county insurance reimbursement, especially considering a future Downtown Streetscape plan. Significant time was dedicated to reviewing the status of Quarry Kids Child Care Center CED Loans, noting several delayed payments and additional disbursements made by the Executive Director to cover payroll, taxes, and licensing, resulting in current loan balances of $90,327.92 (Loan #1) and $123,916.61 (Loan #2). The EDA approved continued support for the center, contingent upon receiving more timely updates. Regarding the Auditorium Stabilization Project, the EDA approved redirecting contract deductions totaling $7,850, along with adding $2,650, to procure concept plans, a structural repair narrative, and 3D renderings. The EDA also voted to contribute $500 towards Small Business Development Center workshops in the area. Updates were provided on the Historic Sandstone School development, including the unveiling of the apartment building's name, "THE BOOKMATCH," and securing new doors and roof patching for the auditorium. Furthermore, discussions covered the Kwik Trip permit process concerning endangered species habitat management, setting a follow-up meeting regarding the Transload Facility, terminating the contract for the Interstate 35 Billboard, and developing a signage system for the Business Park.

The special meeting focused on two primary items. The first was a review of the Fire Chief's performance, which included information on 2025 fire calls (showing an increase from previous years), mutual aid assistance, training activities, grants received, current projects like onboarding a new ladder truck, and a positive recruitment year. The second item involved a review of the 2027 Proposed Budget, where details of the budget, including a 3% annual increase for township allocations agreed upon in 2022, the city absorbing an extra cost to balance the budget, and the breakdown of expenses across operating, depreciation, and maintenance funds, were presented.