Steven Lyseng

The council presented the 2025 Person or Group of the Year and Service Awards. Reports were provided on various municipal projects including water and wastewater improvements, recreational programming updates, and street construction schedules. The council adopted ordinances and resolutions regarding the annexation of city-owned property, sponsorship of the Knightriders Snowmobile Club, and the issuance of general obligation bonds for street and utility projects. Additionally, a dangerous dog designation appeal was heard and upheld. The council also awarded a contract for the Eaton Avenue North Street Improvement Project and received updates on upcoming infrastructure developments including the Calvary Trail and various sidewalk projects.

The council received departmental reports regarding budget expenditures, library roof repairs, playground installations, utility maintenance, recreational activities, public safety, and various community development projects. A public hearing was held regarding the Eaton Avenue North Improvement Project, which was subsequently approved. An audit presentation for the previous fiscal year was conducted. Further actions included hiring a new patrol officer, repealing the code related to the Airport Commission, appointing representatives to the Northern Municipal Power Agency, approving a development agreement for a TIF district, and awarding the contract for the 2nd Street NE Sidewalk/Trail project. Additionally, the council approved a task order for engineering services and received updates on various ongoing construction and infrastructure projects.

The Board of Review met to discuss and conduct assessments of property valuations within the city. Discussions included an overview of market value determinations based on sales data and location factors, noting percentage increases for residential, industrial, and commercial properties. The board addressed specific concerns from property owners regarding estimated market value increases, resulting in several adjustments following interior reviews and inspections of identified parcels.

The council discussed updates from various departments, including administration, public works, police, and community development. Key items included progress on the Berge Stafford Park playground project, ongoing annexation efforts involving Brandsvold and Rosebud townships, and adjustments to police incentive packages. The council approved the 2026 liquor license applications and an incubator space lease. Resolutions were passed regarding the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant and the 2026 9th Street Northwest Utility and Street Improvement Project. Additionally, the council approved an engineering agreement with Karvakko Engineering for the Southside Utility and Street Improvement Project and received reports on various infrastructure and wastewater projects.

Key discussions during the meeting included ongoing efforts to retain the Highway 2 traffic signal despite MnDOT's plan for removal in 2027, and the submission of a letter of support for Tri Co-Ops rail spur funding. Public Works reported on snow removal, the removal and arrival of playground equipment for Berge Park, and staff working on utility meter upgrades. The Civic Center reported mechanical issues with the gym ventilation and sand filter systems, for which replacement quotes were requested. The Police Department provided statistics and addressed the education of residents regarding street clearing expectations after snow tagging vehicles. The City Administrator reported on the retirement of an EDA Board member after 16 years of service. A significant portion of the meeting involved a Truth in Taxation public hearing concerning the 2026 General Fund budget and property tax levies, which reflected an overall 8% increase in the total levy, leading to an approximate 4% increase for property owners. Several resolutions were adopted to certify the final 2026 General Fund budget and to set tax levies for various General Obligation Improvement Bonds and Certificates for 2026. The council also approved a donation to the Embassy Center for Senior Meals and a lease with an option to purchase agreement for the new playground equipment. Furthermore, resolutions were adopted to execute Minnesota Department of Transportation grant agreements for airport improvements. Public hearings were held to address the final assessments for the 2025 5th Street NE Improvements and to order the preparation of a report for the 2026 9th St NW Improvements. An ordinance regulating All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) was approved, as well as a pool lease agreement and a Task Order for Southside Infrastructure Facilities planning. Finally, a change order resulting in cost savings for the industrial park project was approved.