Justin Tollefson

The Council conducted a public hearing regarding the 2026 city budget and ultimately approved it along with the accompanying appropriation resolution. Other business included approving operator licenses, authorization of city claims and payroll, and the initiation of an MOU between the City and Marsden Park Board of Trustees. The Council also approved an engagement letter from Johnson Block, authorized employee Chamber Bucks, approved usage of the gymnasium for a future event, updated the UMMEG alternate, and modified the Schedule of Fees to include an administrative fee. Additionally, the Council amended a local ordinance, approved an MOU with the WPPA, and authorized a conditional offer of employment and reimbursement agreement after a closed session.

The council agenda includes the review of operators' licenses, reports from city officers including the Clerk, DPW, and Police Chief, and the presentation of monthly claims and project-specific claims. Unfinished business features an update from the Tree Board. New business items cover discussions and possible actions on library and tree board appointments, authorization for project bidding, future project planning, the sale of a lot, and the employment and performance evaluation of the Wastewater Superintendent. The meeting will also include an executive session to deliberate on public property negotiations and personnel matters.

The key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of operator's licenses and various city claims totaling $485,310.86, encompassing city, utility, and sewer bills. Business addressed under unfinished items involved discussion on a Rescue Squad Request, leading to the suggestion of forming an Ad-Hoc Committee, and the approval of a resolution to increase rates for the Wastewater System. New business items covered approving a building permit for Marsden Park and waiving associated fees, updating the procurement policy to raise the spending limit to $10,000, reallocating GO Funds to purchase a Sewer Truck, agreeing to the Fire Chief's request to paint curb areas near the Fire Station, approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a specific parcel, and approving conditional permission for a banquet regarding food, beverages, and firearms for raffles. Furthermore, the council approved an amendment to Chapter 10 Ordinance to create a four-way stop configuration, authorized the Mayor to work with the attorney on an agreement for non-resident water hook-ups, and concluded by hiring a candidate for the Street Maintenance Worker position after a closed session.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the proof of public notice. Key actions involved the approval of Council claims totaling $796,768.48, broken down across City, Utility, and Sewer bills, along with associated gross payroll amounts for two different periods. New business included the approval of the election inspectors list and the approval of the bid from USG for the water tower project, contingent upon a performance bond stipulation. The Council also approved closing the office on December 26th and January 2nd, the purchase of a 2025 Yanmar Mini-Excavator, and Ordinance 2025-12-15 concerning the removal of Connection Charges in Chapter 7. The 2026 Schedule of Fees was also approved, along with employee contracts and Wage Resolution 2025-12-15A. A Tree Board Update was also provided.

The meeting began with the approval of the public notice posting and agenda. Key agenda items included the approval of claims totaling $1,019,494.25, with detailed breakdowns across city, utility, and sewer accounts, along with associated payroll figures from two preceding pay periods. Under new business, the council approved Ordinance 2026-01-19. Discussions were held regarding Marsden Park, which was tabled pending consultation with the City Attorney, and potential actions concerning the sale of a lot and the Wastewater Superintendent. The council entered and exited a closed session without taking action on related items.