Rob Engler

The Council discussed the extension of the Comcast Franchise Agreement and reviewed public concerns regarding intersection safety and delayed roundabout projects. The meeting included the approval of consent agenda items, such as resolutions on municipal tort liability and remote participation. Additionally, the Council authorized a change order for the City Hall and Fire Station construction project and discussed potential ordinance revisions regarding vehicle parking limits. Updates were provided on the 2026 Street Improvement project, the upcoming Comprehensive Plan process, and animal control services.

The meeting included the approval of Consent Agenda Items B (Resolution 2026-032 for SafeAssure Safety Consultants Contract) and C (Resolution 2026-033 for Firefighter Backowski Step Increase). Claims and Accounts were approved, with Council Member West abstaining due to a minor invoice from his company, and an additional claim for Kue Contractors Inc. for the building project was added and approved. Old Business discussions focused on the Utility Rate Study for Lake George Sewer and Water Funds; the Council ultimately approved a 7.5% increase for the Lake George Water Fund, authorized an inter-fund loan of $200,000 from the EDA Fund at 3% interest for 10 years, and elected to leave the Lake George Sewer Fund rates unchanged pending further information. Resolution 2026-027 approving agreements with Allina Health EMS was adopted. The Fire Chief provided updates on hiring, requested approval to apply for a hiring/retention grant, and presented a new Fire Department flag, which the Council accepted. Consulting Engineer updates covered the MS4 General Permit requirements and the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for streets. Public Works secured approval to purchase a new wide-area mower. The Council ratified the 2027 Budget for the Upper Rum River Watershed Management Organization (URRMWO) and discussed the On-Street Parking Ordinance, agreeing to include reminders in the upcoming newsletter.

The City Council meeting addressed several key agenda items, including the Sheriff's Report for February 2026. The Consent Agenda included multiple resolutions and ordinances, such as step increases for firefighters and approvals for site plan reviews and minor subdivisions for MW Properties, LLC, and RCA Properties, LLC. Under regular agenda items, the Council considered awarding the 2026 Street Improvement Project. Discussions also covered City Administrator updates, including an ordinance revision related to meeting regulations and updates on the City Hall and Fire Station project, where Change Order #4 of $92,848 was adopted. Furthermore, the Council agreed to hold a joint work session with the Planning Commission on March 9th to discuss the 2050 Comprehensive Plan kickoff.

The Council convened to discuss and prioritize goals for the year 2026. Key priorities identified include the construction of the new City Hall building and the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, with the latter expected to require significant staff and Planning Commission time. Discussions addressed balancing the review of an Ordinance of the month or a contract review due to staff capacity constraints related to the new City Hall construction. A future work session was planned to discuss options for the Fire Chief position, including retaining a part-time or full-time Chief, or joining with another city. Other goals discussed included achieving a small to no levy increase, selling designated land parcels, completing the Lake George Parkway access, and addressing the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), specifically funding for a fire truck in eight years. The Council also initiated a discussion regarding the future disposition of the current City Hall building following the completion of the new facility, with several members expressing favor for demolition.

The meeting agenda included setting the regular agenda, a public forum featuring legislative updates from Senator Eric Lucero and Representative Peggy Scott, and acknowledging receipt of the Parks Commission minutes from February 18, 2026. The consent agenda covered claims, a resolution regarding municipal tort liability limits (Resolution 2026-036), a resolution on councilmember remote participation (Resolution 2026-037), and the Comcast Franchise agreement for 2026. Key discussions included updates from the Consulting Engineer concerning MS4 General Permit requirements and the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for streets. The City Administrator's items involved a change order (Resolution 2026-038) for the City Hall and Fire Station 1 Project and ratification of the 2027 URRWMO Budget (Resolution 2026-035). Updates from the Fire Chief addressed staffing, grant applications for hiring/retention, and the acceptance of a new Fire Department flag. Discussions also covered the Ordinance of the Month concerning on-street parking violations. Furthermore, related documents outline actions taken during the Work Session on February 9, 2026, focusing on setting 2026 City Council goals such as the new City Hall construction, the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, and the future role of the Fire Chief.