Ian Douglas Hodge

The Council meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included the ratification of a freezer purchase for the municipal liquor store, the approval of a contractor for the repair of a sinking sanitary sewer manhole on Highway 9, and the decision to solicit sealed bids for the disposal of a city-owned house. The Council also authorized a PFA loan application for upcoming infrastructure projects and awarded a bid for pool slide maintenance. Additionally, staff provided updates on a successful EV charging station grant, the status of current staff recruitment, and upcoming meetings for various boards and commissions.

Key discussions during the meeting involved the amendment of the agenda to include a gambling permit request and a proposal from David Drown Associates. The Council approved pay requests for the AGIS Runway Survey and the Utility Rate Study. A major topic was the approval of the low bid for the water tower rehabilitation project, awarded to Tanksco Inc. The Council also authorized the purchase of a new kiddie pool circulation pump. Furthermore, it was decided to rebid the pool rehab and slide refinishing project, excluding the slide work, using sealed bids. Approval was granted for the rehabilitation of 17 transformers for the overhead to underground project. The Council ratified the contract with Eide Bailey to manage accounting and payroll duties following the Director of Finance's departure. Additionally, approval was given for the January 2026 bills and warrants, the Benson Baseball Association gambling permit, and engaging David Drown Associates for the Finance Director recruitment search. City Manager reports covered a water main break, sinking wastewater manhole repairs requiring coordination with MnDOT, progress on pickleball courts, and updates on biofuel developer interest and airport runway land status.

The agenda includes several action items such as a public hearing for the SCBD Small Cities Grant and discussions regarding the Swift County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Key procurement and capital authorization requests cover the purchase of SWAT body armor, survey quotes for a railroad land transfer, generator rental for a water tower project, a John Deere mower, library HVAC systems, dust control quotes, and vehicle purchases for the Wastewater and Line departments. Additionally, the Council will review license renewals, financial correspondence regarding franchise fees, electronic payroll transfers, and potential resolutions amending general obligation bonds. The meeting also includes a closed session for discussions concerning property transactions and attorney-client privileged matters.

The meeting included approving an amended agenda, which incorporated additional pay requests and an ice machine purchase. Key discussions focused on utility rate studies necessitated by future infrastructure projects, including estimated $20 million over ten years for sewer, water, and storm sewer replacements, and proposals for water and sewer rate increases. The Council approved a pay application for the Armory project, heard an update regarding the use of opioid settlement funds by Countryside Public Health, and approved funding requests for the Benson Golf Club expenses covering tree removal, a fertilizer spreader, and a utility cart. Several construction bids and quotes were addressed, including approval for concrete work, concrete crushing services, tire procurement, and residential electrical overhead conversion. The Council also authorized changes to check signers, approved general bills and warrants, accepted the Director of Finance's resignation, and approved pay requests for the water tower rehabilitation and Wastewater Floodwall projects. Finally, a quote was approved for a new ice machine for the liquor store. The City Manager's report covered operational updates, including dispersing the Director of Finance's duties, upcoming bids for the water tower project, development site contacts, a preliminary City Hall/Liquor Store design review, airport runway land acquisition efforts, and HVAC quotes for the Library.

The meeting agenda included reviewing and potentially approving the agenda itself, followed by the Consent Agenda which covered minutes from the City Council and Planning Commission meetings, correspondence regarding Prairie Five Ridership, an application for the EDA Board, several pay requests for services including an AGIS runway survey and a utility rate study, and electronic transfers for payroll. Regular agenda items focused on considering bids for the Water Tower, purchasing a vertical pump for the Pool Splash Pad, authorizing advertising for bids for the Pool Rehabilitation Project, considering quotes for the Pool Water Slide, purchasing a transformer, and approving a proposal for financial consulting services. The meeting concluded with the review of bills and warrants and adjournment.