John Kaczmarek

The joint meeting covered several jurisdictional topics organized by entity. Sherburne County discussed housing trends, transportation and land use planning (including the CMRP meeting and Highway 10/CSAH 11 priority), the decommissioning timeline for the Sherco plant, and public health issues such as cannabis regulations and the shifting costs of federal mandates like SNAP benefits. Big Lake Township reviewed its property tax levy process, 2025 development statistics, and annual community events. Orrock Township reported on new residential construction in 2025 and its certified 2026 levy. Big Lake School District provided an update on student population, technology upgrades, and significant budget development due to the failure of recent operating levy elections, indicating anticipated budget reductions, increased class sizes, and potential modification of course offerings. The City of Big Lake reviewed its 2025 Year in Review, highlighting key infrastructure projects like the Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion, and presented the 2026 General Fund Budget, noting a cost of $1.63 per day per resident for city services. Discussions also touched upon the possible relocation of the Big Lake Library.

The workshop agenda included several key items. The Council directed staff to prepare for the appointment of Captain Sam Olson as Chief of Police/Emergency Manager for the next meeting. Discussions regarding the municipal liquor store centered on potentially implementing DoorDash for delivery service trials, contingent upon agreement from the City Attorney. The Council also reviewed two quotes for the Lake Liquor Office Space Remodel Project, directing staff to bring the lower quote of $58,679.38 forward for consideration, with the instruction that Council Member Geroux abstain from voting. Staff presented the 2026 Management Team Work Plan, noting that core services remain the priority and discussing the status of the compost site relocation and the fuel tank project at the Public Works building. Finally, the Council directed the City Engineer to proceed with updating the Private Development Standards by incorporating engineering and zoning information into a consolidated document, estimated to cost between $10,000 and $15,000.

Key discussions during the meeting included considerable public concern raised during the Open Forum regarding a proposed $35M Bond for City Hall, Police Station, and Library, with one citizen advocating for investing in community amenities like a field house or ice arena instead. The Council approved the Consent Agenda items, including lists of claims and minutes from previous meetings. A major agenda item was the approval of Resolution No. 2026-04 for the issuance and sale of $35,380,000 Big Lake Economic Development Authority Lease Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A, to finance the new municipal building, which passed 4-1 despite concerns over financing interest payments. The Council also approved a resolution to request the Great River Regional Library conduct a space needs assessment for potential relocation into the future Public Safety Facility. Progress on the Public Safety Facility Project was noted, confirming Bradbury Stamm Construction was selected as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). A Concept Plan Review was conducted for a 50-acre residential Shoreland PUD development requiring annexation, Comprehensive Plan Amendment, and rezoning. The Council received the Preliminary Engineering Report for the 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project No. ST2026-1 and called for a public hearing, noting the project's reliance on a potential Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant. Finally, the Council unanimously approved amendments to the City Personnel Policy to comply with recent Minnesota State Law changes regarding leave and meal breaks.

The special meeting addressed the adoption of the proposed agenda. A key item was the 2026 Official City and Council Committee Appointments. This was deemed necessary because the Big Lake Economic Development Authority was scheduled to hold a public hearing regarding the adoption of a Resolution for Establishment of an Economic Development District, which is required for the issuance of Lease Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A, funding the future Public Safety Facility project. Council members' committee appointments were reviewed, mirroring previous appointments with the addition of a new Street Committee.

The meeting agenda for the Big Lake Parks Advisory Committee included several key items. Discussions were planned regarding the results of the Mitchell Farms Park Survey and the election of 2026 Chair and Vice-Chair positions. Updates on the current balance of funds and general staff updates were also scheduled. Furthermore, the committee was set to review the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan standing item. The agenda also noted the cancellation of the February Parks Advisory Committee Meeting and scheduled the next meeting for March 23, 2026. The document also contains minutes from a previous November 17, 2025 meeting, which covered topics such as a detailed review of the current balance of parks funds, staff updates on recreation programming including the finalization and mailing of the Mitchell Farms Park survey, and an extensive discussion on the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, particularly concerning the timeline and community feedback process for park projects like Mitchell Farms Park and the potential for a skate park.