Matt Lunser

The council discussed and approved the nomination of a new Fire Chief and reviewed funding requirements for the Fire Hall project. Key items from the public works report included well replacement bids, gas station service accounts, and upcoming irrigation scheduling. The council also approved increased field usage deposits for the local baseball team and authorized contractual changes for Casey's Gas Station. Additionally, the meeting covered preliminary planning for playground installations at the park and discussed potential layout and equipment upgrades for City Hall.

The City Council meeting agenda was approved with an amendment to allow more time for votes. Key discussions included the Fire Department's estimated 2027 budget, which was approved despite abstention on one motion; the tabling of the Fire Chief Nomination Approval to a later date; and updates from the Public Works Director regarding the water tower control panel installation and heater/thermostat replacement at Well #3. The council reviewed an estimate for new well casings for Well #2 and requested a second estimate. The 2026 fee schedule, including new inspector fees, was approved. The council set a closed meeting date for 2025 employee reviews. The discussion on time clocks for employees concluded that the associated cost outweighed the benefits. Finally, the council voted to switch back to one council meeting per month starting in March.

The City Council meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the previous session and accounts payable/receivables for January 2026. Key discussion points included the Fire Department reporting on upcoming budget approvals and township discussions. The Public Works Director provided an update on water quality testing, mentioning plans to test for manganese and seek estimates for well replacement. The County Attorney presented on her office's role in prosecutions and court representation. The Council approved the Final Plat, Development Agreement, and Easement Vacation for the Hunter Lake Bluff Phase 4 development. Additionally, changes accumulated in the employee handbook through 2025 were approved. Other items involved the CCV annual dues presentation, discussion of council pay and future events, a request to investigate time clocks for employees, and the Mayor's concerns regarding vehicle parking in the maintenance shop and cleared sidewalks.

The City Council meeting included approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered previous meeting minutes and accounts payable/receivables for December 2025. Department reports were presented for the Sheriff (53 calls) and Fire Department (17 calls). A resident inquired about using a specific piece of property for a water source, leading to a decision to investigate a test drill. The Council approved several annual designations via resolutions, including official newspaper and bank accounts (Resolution 26-01), official appointments with updates on the inspector and Interim Fire Chief (Resolution 26-02), and gambling activities for the Clear Lake Lions Club and St. Marcus Church. A $250.00 donation to the Fire Department was accepted. Discussions resulted in setting a 40-hour PTO carryover limit for employees and determining that the adverse weather policy would remain unchanged, with only an email notification required for council in case of closure. The Personnel Committee presented the election process policy changes for the new Fire Chief position, which was tabled, and also presented updated employee reviews for 2026.

The City Council meeting addressed several key operational and personnel items. Key discussions included the retirement of the Fire Chief after 48 years of service, an update on Well #3 Repair noting manganese levels caused pipe erosion requiring potential five-year replacements, and the appointment of an interim Fire Chief pending the creation of a permanent selection policy. The Council also reviewed upcoming events, including the Elected Leaders Institute and an Economic Development meeting concerning Sherburne County planning. Further discussion focused on future municipal sidewalk clearing equipment acquisition.