Doug Taylor

The council meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. These included the oath of office for the Assistant to the Interim Mayor, zoning issues related to a property on King Street North, and a police report detailing calls for service. The fire department reported on responses to car accidents and a fire, as well as the hiring of a new firefighter. Water/wastewater updates included negative coliform test results and an amendment to the service agreement. Street and park matters involved winter parking regulations, estimates for tennis court renovations, and discussions on funding options. Airport updates covered fuel sales, hangar construction, lease requests, monitoring visit findings, and a contract award for a perimeter fence project. Old business included Adobe subscriptions, .gov emails for council members, and amendments to city code regarding utility billing. New business involved donation resolutions, a pay increase for the Clerk-Treasurer, certification of delinquent accounts for tax collection, discussions on opioid settlement funds, the use of Teams for council meetings, an emergency preparedness grant, and approval for the Clerk-Treasurer to attend a conference.

The council discussed the General Fund Budget, highlighting changes in the budget format and the need to align it with the computer system. They reviewed general fund revenues and expenditures, addressed specific budget items such as utility fees and general government wages, and considered the police services contract with the county sheriff's department. Options for the 2026 levy were presented, and the council agreed to propose a 5% increase. The Water and Sewer Budgets were also discussed, revealing deficits in both funds, and the council agreed to revisit these budgets in November. Additionally, the council briefly discussed the contract with Pine River.

The public hearing addressed a variance request to allow a deviation from minimum lot area requirements for a property zoned R-2. The owner intends to demolish an existing structure and rebuild a new one meeting all setbacks and impervious standards. Concerns were raised about asbestos in the existing building and the need for proper removal before demolition. A neighbor supported the requirement for a survey before construction and sought assurance that a new dwelling would be built rather than moving in an old one, also mentioning a possible old well on the property.

The council reviewed the zoning report, revisited and approved a variance application, and considered an amendment to the City Code regarding special event permits. The police report included updates on calls for service and vandalism at the park, leading to a discussion about installing a camera. The fire department requested and received approval to purchase vehicle airbags and struts. The council discussed handling delinquent water accounts through tax assessment and considered uses for Sourcewell match funding, including a plow truck or a new lawnmower. They also discussed a service connection fee increase from the Minnesota Department of Health. The council discussed Resolution 2025-15 regarding the former Head Start building, authorizing advertising the property for lease, potentially for daycare use. The council also discussed a request for a speed bump on Point Road, ultimately deciding not to install them. Donations to the Backus Fire Department and First Responders were approved, and a donation to the Cass County Initiative Foundation was discussed and approved. The council also discussed Hackensack Chamber membership dues and a preliminary levy for 2026.

The council discussed and approved a draft ordinance for special events permits, setting fees and cleanup timeframes. Updates were provided on inquiries about a men's shelter and sober home. The Fire Department reported on personnel changes and the purchase of a used Duramax truck for use as a grass rig, as well as applying for grant funds for a Polaris Ranger rescue vehicle. Water and wastewater issues were addressed, including moving to a tax certification process for delinquent accounts and jetting the city sewer system. Streets and parks updates included tennis court assessments, the purchase of a snow pusher, and discussions on crosswalks, water access at the pavilion, and vandalism repair. Airport issues involved fuel pricing and hangar lease inspections. The council reviewed and revised a civil fine schedule, discussed the vacant HeadStart building, and decided against implementing a winter parking ordinance. New business included ADA compliance for the city website and email, scheduling a budget meeting, and considering mailboxes for council members at City Hall. Donations to the Fire Department and First Responders were acknowledged.