Sig Holme

The regular meeting addressed several key items. In Unfinished Business, the Council discussed Porchfest information, agreeing to waive the fee for stage use and considering future investigation into the event. The Water and Sewer Budget remained unchanged from the prior meeting. Updates were made to the main Budget, eliminating Option 4 due to exceeding preliminary limits, and an offsetting decrease in funds for animal control, library office expense, and phone was implemented. Resolution 2025-07 concerning the assessment of unpaid utilities for the county was approved. New Business included the approval of Resolution 2025-08 to add solar-powered speed feedback signs on Highway 9, approval of a requested school zone speed reduction on County Road 9 near Prairie Woods Elementary School, and approval of the engagement letter for the 2025 annual audit with Westberg Eischens. Other actions included approving a Merchant License for Shared Solar Advisors, approving a stage permit for a non-profit event hosted by the New London Chamber, and authorizing the sending of a letter regarding a property violation concerning debris.

The regular council meeting addressed several agenda items. Discussions included an update from Kandiyohi County Economic Development regarding changes in time allocation and a forthcoming housing study, as well as a query regarding the Densen Field Ditch Project timeline. Key actions included approving the consent agenda, which covered accounts payable and ambulance/fire department payables. New business involved approving resolutions to designate a polling place (New London City Hall), accept donations for the Fire and Ambulance Departments, and acknowledge funds received from an OEMS Grant. The council also approved an amendment to previous minutes to include scoreboard information and adopted new short- and long-term disability/benefits policies, which included adding paid vision and dental coverage. Updates to the Personnel Policy concerning cannabinoid, driving, and health insurance were also approved. Finally, the council agreed to reschedule the April meetings due to a public hearing requirement and approved the purchase of a new laptop.

The regular meeting covered several agenda items. The consent agenda, including accounts payable reports for general funds, ambulance services, and fire department expenses, was approved. Unfinished business involved reviewing the Water and Sewer Budget and confirming that no changes had been made since the previous meeting; the full budget adoption and truth in taxation hearing were scheduled for December 17, 2025. Under new business, the council approved the updated Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office 2026-2027 Contract, noting an hourly rate increase. The Personnel Committee recommended adopting four new policies (MN Paid Medical Leave, ESST, FMLA, and Respectful Workplace) and approving the Benefit Summary letter. Additionally, the Personnel Committee discussed potential compensation for committee meeting time and capping hours for salaried employees, leading to a directive to consult an HR Consultant. Other actions included approving a speed limit change to 30mph on County Road 9 and approving the purchase of an additional television for the council chambers.

The regular meeting included approval of the consent agenda which covered Accounts Payable, Ambulance, and Fire Payables reports. A public hearing resulted in the approval to assess unpaid utility balances to a property. Key discussions involved the necessity of purchasing a skid loader for city tasks like park repairs and heavy lifting, with concerns addressed regarding certified operators. The council discussed an inquiry about the ordinance concerning items stored in residents' front yards, directing staff to investigate. Unfinished business included the approved purchase of the skid steer, a review of the water and sewer budget, and adjustments to the general budget, including moving IT services categorization and potentially increasing the contracted services budget for the building inspector. The council deferred a final decision on financial assistance or fee waivers for the "Porch Fest" event pending further investigation into previous support levels. New business saw the approval of a utility refund, an extension of the Building Official Service agreement to two years, changes to the Glacial Lakes Sanitary Sewer and Water District Contract terms, approval of the Legal Services Contract with the Kandiyohi County Attorney's Office, adoption of a private plan for MN Paid Leave to secure a lower premium, and significant changes to personnel policies, including moving to bi-weekly payroll, offering 100% paid health insurance, contributing to Health Savings Plans, removing future stipends, and granting a 5% wage increase. The council also approved applications for low potency THC products.

The regular meeting addressed several key items. Following the approval of consent agenda items, a public hearing was held regarding the Truth in Taxation process for the 2026 budget, where the council agreed to approve Option One for the tax levy, resulting in a 3.09% increase. New business included a motion to set a public hearing date for the 2026 Water and Sewer Rates. The council approved an updated dress code and associated reprimands for the Ambulance Officers, as well as an Auto Aid Agreement between the Fire Department and the Spicer Fire Department to enhance response capabilities for structural fires and rescues. Fee schedule updates were approved, standardizing various permits and licenses to $500.00 per month or per permit. Furthermore, personnel policy updates were approved, including payment for the Personnel Committee and setting the compensation for all committee meetings at $30.00 per meeting. The council also approved closing the office at 12:00 PM on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve if employees use PTO, and Mayor Dahl recognized a local basketball coach for his 1,100th win.