Rian Hofstad

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included scheduling a Public Hearing for the Happy Dog Dispensary Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in January 2026, and tabling the review of the revised Gambling Ordinance #46 until the same date. The council accepted the resignation of Tim Majaski from Planning and Zoning, effective January 31, 2026. The water tower project was approved to move forward in 2026, based on funding eligibility. Departmental actions involved approving a positive performance review and wage increase for the Police Chief, approving the hiring of a new firefighter, approving training requests for the Public Works Supervisor, approving wage adjustments for a Public Works employee and the Supervisor, approving vacation payout for an Administrative Assistant, awarding a contract for painting the library, approving the 2026-2027 AFSCME contract, and changing city hall open office hours. The council also approved consistency in vacation accrual language for all personnel policies, ratified 2026 fire contracts with Langola and Bellevue Townships, approved 2026 Tobacco Licenses, finalized 2025 fund transfers, adopted the 2026 council meeting schedule, approved the 2026 Fee Schedule, adopted resolutions to accept 2025 Donations and approve the Final Budget and Final Levy, and approved payment of all bills. Added agenda items included requests for GPS reports, inquiries about the Safety Resource Officer and part-time Police Officer status, and notification of upcoming training sessions.

The meeting commenced with a closed session for performance evaluations of the Police Chief and the Public Works Supervisor. Key discussion points included the approval of a 2-year contract for hiring a Safety Resource Officer, with financial details regarding the estimated cost and school reimbursement. The council approved the purchase of a Timecard Module from Banyon Data Systems and authorized the termination of the contract with Pro Workforce, bringing payroll control back to the city. Furthermore, the council approved applying for a Sourcewell Boost Grant up to $2,000.00 for a new computer for the city administrator. Agenda items concerning the AFSCME Contract and the 2026 Pay Scale were tabled to the December meeting. The council approved a proposal from David Drown and Associates to conduct the compensation and classification review for the remaining city departments and reviewed the 2026 Budget, noting monetary updates.

The meeting agenda for the Royalton City Council includes several key items. Discussions are scheduled for Planning and Zoning matters, specifically a call for a Public Hearing for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and the Gambling Ordinance #46, as well as addressing a resignation. Department reports cover a Water Tower Update from Bolton-Menk, the Police Department's performance review for Jason McDonald, approval to hire a new Fire Department member, and performance reviews for Public Works staff, including Justin Popp and Tom Kalis. The City Office agenda includes items related to vacation approval and library painting bids. New Business focuses on reviewing Health Insurance rates (Metlife, Medical, Life through Principal, Dental through BCBS and Health Partners), Vacation Accrual policies, and Fire Contracts with Langola Township and Bellevue Township. Old Business involves finalizing the 2026 Payscale and Budget, including associated resolutions for the final budget and levy, and reviewing outstanding bills from previous dates.

Key discussions included addressing a request for property addressing changes for Happy Dog Dispensary, leading to the approval of 620 North Willow Street as the address. The Planning and Zoning committee received an application for an open seat, leading to the approval of Nathan Erlandson for the position. The committee also reviewed the Gambling Ordinance #46, recommending either a 0% percentage or removal, with no final action taken by the council. A Public Hearing was held regarding Ordinance 61.1 Cannabis, where amendments were adopted, including adding a section addressing processions of individuals under 21 years old. The council discussed the proposed Royalton District School contract regarding the hiring of an SRO and associated costs, tabling the matter. They approved the hiring of Joshua Pesta as a part-time officer. The Fire Chief reviewed the Bellevue contract, noting required changes before resubmission, and the council approved a 1-year medical leave of absence for Firefighter Gene Binkely. Public Works concerns included approving a pay advance for Shawn Richter. The council approved the job description and subsequent hiring of Rian Hofstad as City Administrator, and also approved the 2026 pay scale for the Administrator's Assistant. Approvals were granted for a liquor license for Holiday Stationstore contingent on updated insurance, and a Gambling License for Holy Trinity. Resolution 11-4-25-1 adopting assessment for unpaid charges was adopted. A ChatGPT sample policy for Fleet Management Devices was presented, and the council tabled action pending further review. The council agreed to pay all bills for voucher numbers 40553-40599.

The Special City Council Meeting convened, followed by a Truth in Taxation Public Hearing. The public hearing included a period for public comment, during which none was offered. Both the public hearing and the special city council meeting were adjourned shortly thereafter.