Tom Budde

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance following two agenda additions. A significant portion of the meeting involved a service recognition for an employee named Nancy, highlighting her 25 years of service and instrumental role in changes at the manor, as well as her mentorship qualities. Following this, the City Administrator provided a detailed year-in-review presentation covering 2025 activities. Key topics included financial responsibility, noting that Melrose is in the lower third for property taxes among similar-sized communities, and providing updates on revenue sources and expenditures, with a large portion of spending allocated to capital improvements and public safety. Human Resources reported hiring seven new full-time employees while 10 others left or retired; staffing levels for Police, Fire, and Ambulance departments were reviewed, noting an increase in police calls and ambulance runs. The City Clerk role transitioned to a new hire. The community's generosity was noted with over $64,000 in donations received for various departments. Economic development achievements included the redevelopment of a downtown building into an indoor golf facility and the opening of the electric department's new headquarters. Streets and Parks department efforts detailed improvements such as new scoreboards, pickleball stations, and street projects, while noting construction fatigue from prior years. Electric department statistics covered outage numbers and infrastructure upgrades, including work to improve reliability. Water and Wastewater reported on biosolids removal and sanitary sewer main jetting. Future plans involved advertising for another police officer in 2026, and utility rate adjustments were noted for the upcoming year.

The meeting addressed agenda additions, including tree removal and the West Central Sanitation contract. A significant portion of the discussion involved a parent's concern regarding an optional, lengthy student survey, particularly questioning the appropriateness of sexual behavior and personal questions for eighth-grade students and the opt-out procedure. The council also reviewed updates from the Stearns County Attorney regarding juvenile and adult offense statistics, noting a dramatic decrease in juvenile crime cases handled by the county but a record high in adult offenses, especially concerning violent and drug-related felonies. The consent agenda included approving bills, purchase orders, and several resolutions for donations to the Parks and Recreation Fund and the Ambulance Department. The meeting concluded with a recognition ceremony for a retiring Fire Department Assistant Chief and Training Officer who served for 26 years.

The proceedings covered various discussions, including requests for service improvements such as addressing dark street conditions and reviewing potential costs for projects like the bridge construction, as well as discussions related to reports, projects, and legal interpretations concerning various municipal matters. Specific references were made to potential actions regarding asset management, certifications, and operational reviews.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and an open forum segment. The consent agenda covered the approval of minutes, bills, purchase orders, a resolution regarding polling place re-establishment, a community festival license, and several donations to the Police and Fire Departments. A public hearing was held to consider amending ordinance section 76.03 to change the license period for motorized golf carts and all-terrain vehicles from one year to three years. Reports included updates on traffic citations and calls for service from the Police Department, discussions on new electronic signs, and progress on housing matters and the Sock River campsites grant application from the Engineering Department. The Administrator's report detailed the rerouting of a channel, updates on temporary easements needed for a project involving multiple property owners, and ongoing planning for park improvements funded by an Outdoor Recreation Grant through the DNR. Action items included the approval of the ATVB ordinance amendment, the renewal of the workers' compensation insurance quote (noting a substantial premium increase), and the reappointment of Adam Paulson to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The council also reviewed and approved a contract with Inspectron Incorporated for building inspection services, clarifying fee structures and noting a discussion about the required finial (eagle) for new light poles planned for Main Street and the bridge.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and an open forum, followed by the consent agenda which included approval of bills, purchase orders, investments, and acceptance of a $500 donation from the Lions toward the 2018 water tower lights. A public hearing was held regarding the vacation of a utility easement for Ron Brown Propane (EX-4-2020-104). Police Chief Mouse provided the April 2020 report, noting a decrease in activity compared to the previous year but an increase in ordinance violations. Discussions covered the upcoming 2020 senior class parade. Financial reports highlighted low first-quarter general fund revenues and expenditures, with major transfers scheduled for June and December. The Community Development Director reported on permits issued and variance recommendations from the Planning Commission concerning Ron Brown Propane, which the Council subsequently approved for two variances (CR-3-2020-101). The Council also approved variances for Ron Brown Propane related to rear setback and maximum coverage (CR-2020-27) and approved the vacation of a utility easement (CR-2020-28). Ordinance 21-2020 was adopted amending loading/storage regulations to allow RV parking on crushed granite under specific conditions. The Council concurred with the Public Utility Commission's approval of the property and liability insurance quote from the League of Minnesota Cities, despite a premium increase. Finally, the hiring of Sam Leyland as a part-time seasonal temporary Street Department worker was approved, and the status of the prior local emergency declaration (Resolution 2020-21) related to COVID-19 was reviewed, noting city center reopening preparations.