Scott Huizenga

The meeting addressed the status of the 2020 Summer Recreation Program, with discussion centered on keeping the pool closed for the season due to CDC recommendations regarding virus transmission, and exploring alternative outdoor activities for families, such as a prize-based activity challenge. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing and subsequent deliberation regarding the request to vacate special assessments on property parcels (22-16-33-0) belonging to an individual named Skinner, who intends to sell the property. Council members debated the implications of waiving assessments versus conditional sales agreements, considering potential future development and tax base impact. The council ultimately moved to delay a final decision on the special assessment vacation until further information could be gathered, including potential recommendations from the Planning Commission.

The council meeting included public participation regarding personnel policy changes and future engineering projects. Key actions involved approving amendments to the City of Ortonville's Personnel Policy and the Minnesota Paid Leave. The council adopted Resolution 25-85, ordering the preparation of a report for the 2026 Utility and Street Improvements, which detailed specific road and parking lot areas for work. Furthermore, Resolution 25-86 was adopted, approving Apex Engineers to proceed with lead service line replacement. The council also addressed an unfinished business item concerning a request from Homeland Security & Emergency Management to return disaster funds related to tree disposal, passing Resolution 25-87 to authorize the City Attorney to send a letter affirming this as a final payment. Expenditures for the period ending 12/1/25 were approved. The meeting concluded with a public hearing where the Final 2026 Budget and the Final 2026 Tax Levy (collectible in 2026) were discussed and subsequently approved via Resolutions 25-89 and 25-90.

The meeting began with the approval of an agenda amendment to include a recommendation for the purchase of a Box Sand spreader. Key discussions involved Apex Engineer presentations on future projects (2027-2029), noting grant implications for scheduling changes, and an update on the Lead Service Line Replacement Project, including plans for a resident public meeting. The Council proposed holding a workshop on January 5th to finalize water and sanitary sewer rates. New business items included the adoption of four resolutions: approving the submission of unpaid utility bills to a collection agency ($6,700.02), levying accounts for unpaid merchandise & labor bills ($1,919.20) and unpaid utility bills ($5,884.94), and approving write-offs for unpaid utility bills ($3,173.60). Furthermore, the Council adopted a resolution to increase utility rates by 5% across water, sewer, electric, and storm sewer services, adjusting garbage tote rates effective January 1, 2026. A 3% wage increase for employees, effective January 1, 2026, was also approved. Finally, the purchase of a VBX 2 cubic yard pintle box sand spreader for $11,450.00 was approved, and expenditures for December 1, 2025, totaling $195,552.76, were authorized.

The meeting began with roll call and an amendment to the agenda to add discussion regarding the city pool under unfinished business. Key discussions revolved around the feasibility of opening the city pool, considering Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and comparing operational limitations seen in other towns like Madison and Fargo, which involved limited seating, capacity restrictions, and frequent cleaning schedules. A letter from a recent high school graduate expressing concern for job security was noted. Council members ultimately decided against revisiting the decision to keep the pool closed to the general public at that time. Separately, a request was made to involve the City Attorney in the next discussion concerning the Otter Tail service territory bill. The meeting concluded with a resolution to pay the outstanding bills, which included a large payment to Riley's.

The meeting included public participation where representatives from the Big Stone County Animal Rescue proposed initiating a working relationship with the city and its Police Department concerning stray and feral animals. Key proposals included the rescue serving as a first response point for found animals to arrange initial care, and potentially assuming responsibility for adoption following the required holding period. The council decided to form a committee, including members Ashley, Jason, and Chris, to develop policies in consultation with David regarding this partnership, with initial review to occur before presentation to legal counsel. Staff reports covered successful initial days at a facility with increased attendance, positive progress on construction projects including paving and tree removal, and updates on grass seeding maintenance following a previous project. The council also discussed the maintenance of Flag Park, noting the city has recently acquired the title. Updates were provided on the arrival of a new police squad car and progress on installing a new generator at the waste treatment plant, which will switch from diesel to natural gas.