Steve McDowell

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, such as payment of claims and minutes from the previous month. In new business, the Council discussed proceeding with a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Federal and State funding for Civil Engineering and Related Services, ultimately approving its publication. A complaint regarding an improperly parked large truck causing unsafe road conditions was addressed, with Mayor Evavold and Council Member Harris tasked to investigate moving the vehicle to the Ag Center property. Old business involved updates on the cannabis ordinance, liquor ordinance/permitting (including food truck ordinance inquiry), and scheduling interviews for the Clerk's position. Officer reports covered the Public Works Director's updates on a job posting for a public works employee, adjusting an invoice to Meyers for survey expenses, scheduling street tree trimming, submitting a grant request for copper line inventory, and sending out quotes for paving Farm Street. The Mayor received approval to purchase new street banners not to exceed $1,000. A concern about hazardous stumps placed along the road prompted a decision to send a formal letter to the homeowner requesting their removal.

The City Council meeting addressed several critical items. In the Clerk's Report, updates were provided on increased League of Minnesota Cities dues, water billing status, and discussions with Rice County regarding elections, levy adjustments, and property assessments, noting the need to submit the proposed levy by September 30th. New business included offering a lease renewal to Dettling, approving a resolution for a 6.67% proposed levy increase totaling $10,000, discussing employee family leave for budget inclusion, and reviewing potential infrastructure funding opportunities. Old business involved tabling discussions on cannabis and liquor ordinances, confirming the start of street paving on Farm Street, and granting an extension for cleanup efforts for a home near the school. Officer reports covered looking into a Tree Grant and a Chlorine storage grant, the replacement of City Hall window sills, successful resolution of a church parking complaint, and advising a resident against using a burn barrel for brush removal. A council member presented a proposed Financial Policy for the city to enhance budget transparency. The Zoning Committee presented a map to discuss potential property classification swaps.

The City Council meeting included several agenda items. Key discussions involved reviewing the annual audit, with the council expressing satisfaction with the report and discussing discrepancies and solutions. Regarding new business, a request for professional photos was addressed, with a council member taking the lead on outreach. A stormwater runoff issue was resolved through direct communication with the neighbor. Old business included discussions on necessary amendments to the cannabis ordinance before legal review, and the need for the liquor ordinance committee to review lawyer suggestions. The council also prioritized street paving needs for Farm Street and the area around the Fire Hall. Officer reports noted investigations into potential flooding between City Hall and Boots and Lu's, confirmation of compliance with the Department of Health, and the completion of lead testing. The upcoming mowing contract bidding process was also set to begin in October.

The City Council meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. The Council decided to implement quarterly newsletters for announcements and scheduled Budget meetings for August. Insurance premium options for liquor liability were reviewed, and a decision was made to proceed with Loffler for a new office printer. New business included presentations from State Representative Keith Allen regarding legislative matters and from Laura Ostlie of Bollig regarding aid for large city projects. The Council requested the Zoning and Ordinance Committee to investigate imposing completion timelines for future residential projects following a resident complaint about an ongoing garage construction. Approval was granted for Taco Express to operate as a food truck. Old business involved tabling discussions on cannabis and liquor ordinances pending further information or legal review. The Council approved moving forward with a bid from M and W Blacktopping for street paving, and an extension was granted until September 1st for improvements on a property near the school. Reports included technology upgrades, with the old clerk's laptop being allocated to Public Works, and the selection of Flom Tree Removal for tree removal services. The Fire Department requested a 4% budget increase and reported needing turnout gear. Finally, Joe Johnson was appointed as the Town's Emergency Management Director and tasked with creating the associated plan. The Council set the first Thursday of the month as the deadline for agenda item submissions.

The council discussed various topics including Frances's role in bank reconciliation, water shut-offs, a council retreat, planting pumpkins for kids, and the new website. Approvals were granted for Frances's support in bank reconciliation and liquor license applications for the Fire Department and Wildwoods. The council also discussed movie in the park insurance and updates on cannabis and liquor ordinances. Street paving was tabled. The Public Works Director provided information on the maintenance schedule, and the council discussed a citizen complaint. A plan for the Zoning Committee's review process was also discussed. A decision was made to hang a "No Alcohol Permitted" sign at the park.