Earl Knutson

Key discussions and actions during the session included modifying the verified claims for the period ending February 12, 2026, to include additional amounts related to liquor, miscellaneous expenses, and public works items. The council also approved the use of city streets for the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17, 2026. A variance request for an oversized accessory building at 1712 Sheridan Avenue was unanimously recommended for approval by the Board of Zoning Adjustment and subsequently approved by the Council. The 2025 Annual Report was accepted, and the date for the 2026 Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting was set for April 20, 2026. James Bulman was nominated as the municipal representative to the UMVRDC. The Council approved the Request for Proposal (RFP) for City Comprehensive Plan services. Resolution No. 4051, approving consent to assignment and assumption of a tax abatement agreement, was adopted. The Council approved moving forward with an RFP for a mural project for the Fire Department, which the Fire Relief Association will fund. Elizabeth Bloom from Nelson Oyen Torvik was appointed as the new City Attorney, and Resolution No. 4052 was adopted to provide for an Acting City Attorney when required. Updates were given regarding EDA activities, including support for the Meander and Scenic Byway, and airport commission matters concerning runway resurfacing.

The City Council meeting included modifications to the agenda, notably adjusting the verified claims amount for the period ending January 29, 2026, and adding consideration of the 2026 Pay Equity Study results. Key business involved approving the engineer proposal from Rodeberg & Berryman, Inc. for the design and construction of Well 18, with a cost not to exceed $75,000.00. The Council also approved the transfer of a Tax Abatement Agreement related to the Thunderhawk Apartments sale to POP Management, LLC. Furthermore, the purchase of a new storage shed from Freedom Buildings for $43,457.75 was authorized to replace a decayed wooden structure. The Council agreed to schedule a worksession to discuss the comprehensive plan update, and authorized the mayor and city manager to move forward with purchasing the former Performing Arts/Middle School lot at 310 Eureka Avenue for $35,000. Finally, the Council determined it was not responsible for further funding the Carnegie Library and directed staff to seek removal from the National Historic Register and obtain demolition quotes.

The City Council meeting involved several modifications to the agenda, including changes to the verified claims amount and the number of seized/surplus vehicles slated for sale by the Police Department. A new item was added regarding an application from the Montevideo Fire Relief Association to permit a raffle in June 2026. In Consent Agenda items, the council approved the modified verified claims for the period ending January 15, 2026, and the sale of six surplus vehicles. General Business included the acceptance of a donated Broomball Set and other gifts/grants, authorization for the issuance of 2026 Wine and 3.2 On-Sale Liquor Licenses for Fiesta City Speedway, and approval for the Fire Relief Association's raffle application. Updates were provided on the Hospital Board meeting and the EDA meeting, which included a presentation from Habitat for Humanity and a strategic plan review.

The City Council meeting included approval of a modified agenda, which notably increased the verified claims amount for the period ending February 28, 2014, to $299,894.30, reflecting additions in Liquor, Capital Equipment & Facilities, Miscellaneous, and Parks expenditures. The council also approved the sale of surplus items, including a 1990 Chevrolet Kodiak Dump Truck, and an exempt gambling permit application. Key business included the adoption of Resolution No. 3211 to accept the purchase/transfer of property along the 1969 levee from the Economic Development Authority (EDA) following a public hearing, and the adoption of Resolution No. 3212 to accept the purchase/transfer of the Montevideo Community Center from the EDA. Additionally, the council approved the Advertisement for Bids for the Benson Road Safe Room Project, authorized the use of city parking lot space for the Flashback Classic Car Show, and scheduled a worksession to discuss the rail yard property. An ordinance amending sections of the Administrative Code regarding sick leave and wellness programs was adopted. An update on cold weather issues noted fewer watermain breaks compared to the previous year, though sewer mains had frozen.

The City Council meeting included modifications to the agenda, notably adjusting the amount for verified claims ending November 26, 2014, and adding documents for discussion regarding the sale of the Railroad Yard to the Milwaukee Road Heritage Center (MRHC). Key agenda items involved the discussion and subsequent passage of resolutions adopting the 2015 Tax Levy and the 2015 Budget. The council also adopted the 2015 Fees & Charges Schedule. A decision was made to enter a 4-year contract, pending attorney modifications, to outsource utility bill printing to Innovative Systems. The engagement letter for the 2014 Audit was authorized for execution. The low bid for the Pool Renovations (filter system) was approved, and a resolution was passed accepting a donation of land from Northdale Partners. The council agreed to proceed with the Toe Wood-Sod Mat Installation/Chippewa River project contingent upon grant approval. Pending change orders for the Fire Hall Project were reviewed, and a plan to proceed with the Artigas Plaza Mural was approved pending grant approval. Further discussions covered the terms for the sale of the railroad yard, approval for the transfer of the Cable TV Franchise, acceptance of a donation from the Fire Relief Association, and authorization to execute the 2015 Mealsite Facility Agreement. Miscellaneous discussions included the status of Southtown Plaza lights and various city updates.