Jody Bjornson

The special meeting focused on conducting second interviews for a position, involving the council and representatives from Greenwood Connections. Following discussions, the council voted to offer the position to Danielle Olson at Step 1 and Level B for Paid Time Off (PTO). A contingency motion was passed to offer the position to Laura Ahlf at the Start level with her current PTO rate should Ms. Olson decline the offer. The meeting was adjourned shortly after these actions.

The Regular City Council Meeting agenda included several key items for discussion and action. New Business involved approving payment for Ulteig Invoice No. 59912 related to the Water Treatment Plant Project, authorizing a contract with Monroe Crossing for the 2017 Sounds of Spirit Lake Concert Series, awarding a utility trailer bid, and confirming the 2016 General Election Judges. The agenda also listed departmental reports from Fire, Police, Liquor, Street/Park/Beach/Cemetery, Water/Sewer, Nursing Home, and Administration/Economic Development. A Closed Session was scheduled to evaluate the performance of the City Administrator, Janette Bower.

The City Council meeting agenda included approving minutes from previous meetings held between July and October 2019. Department reports covered Greenwood Connections status, updates from Public Works regarding ongoing sewer and road projects, and Police Chief's report on calls and equipment needs. Key discussions under New Business involved an Ehlers Presentation, approval for the CSAH 17 Project, CGMC Dues, procurement of Administration Department computers, a Channel Chewer purchase, approval for a Frisbee Golf Invoice, and scheduling Budget Work Sessions. The council also planned for closed meetings to discuss labor negotiation strategy and employee evaluations.

The City Council meeting agenda included several items for approval, such as accepting and appropriating donations for the Hooked on Fishing and Sounds of Spirit Lake programs, and accepting permit applications from Assumption of Our Lady Catholic Church and Menahga Bird Busters. Key departmental reports covered updates on Greenwood Connections, Police Department activities including billing for the Chief Deputy, Liquor Store operations including a musical performance agreement, and Public Works matters such as the Cemetery expansion project and an increased cost for a Dodge Ram truck upgrade. New business addressed planning commission recommendations, a compensation study, accepting a resignation, and authorizing signing privileges. Unfinished business included updating the bartender wage, reviewing AEM invoices under dispute, and making appointments to the Plan Commission and Greenwood Connections Board.

The City Council meeting agenda included several operational and administrative items. Key discussions involved DNR Timber Bids, a potential Water Bill Reduction, the MN Warn Resolution for mutual aid in water services, and Menahga Beach and Park Operations. Unfinished business involved the proposal to Vacate an Alley. Staff reports covered updates from the Green Pine Acres Administrator, Northbound Spirits Manager (including liquor store updates and deep cleaning/repairs), Public Works Director (regarding truck leasing, snow removal, and lifeguard hiring), the Police Department (reporting on call volume, squad issues, and hiring approval for a new part-time officer), and the City Administrator (on computer upgrades to Windows 10, software issues with Banyon, union negotiations, and proposals for Microsoft Office 365, an EAP Proposal, and adopting Allpaid credit card processing). The council also supported a funding request from the Initiative Foundation and considered Fire Contracts.