Pam Whmer Benedict. I have properties at 1209 and 1217 West Lake Drive in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. >> Okay. I've been coming to DL for 78 years.
I am a taxpayer on Westlake Drive for 30 years. I am advocating for hanging the flag. I cannot even believe we don't do that. Pride and gratitude are those reasons.
I'm proud to live in DL. I'm thankful for the huge contributions of the state of Minnesota that they provided to make this a great recreational area. A great recreational
area. And are we getting more money? I think so. Um, I'd like to say we fly the new flag because can you imagine that you can see it from two blocks away? The old flag is
blue, has a great emblem in the middle, and you cannot tell if it is from the states of Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Nevada, Montana, Michigan, Maine, Kentucky, Kansas,
Louisiana, and Idaho. They all have the same design. more on a lapel pin from I could see your lapel pin if it had the state of Minnesota from here. You could not tell if you had a state of Minnesota
lapel pin with the old design. The new design has an eightoint star which has a lot of symbolism and was carefully thought out and designed. >> So Pam, you're approaching your time limit.
>> Okay. I am advocating for flying the flag. Um the city council voted not to. Some didn't like the new design. I say I didn't like my assessment this city council put on my property. I didn't
like the I like my property taxes from 1995. Farborn. So I say to you, let's get with the program. Let's fly the new flag. It's beautiful when you see it um
presented. Thank you. >> Okay. Who I'm I'm going to I'm going to ask so we don't have applause every time we have a speaker. It's just going to belabor the meeting this evening. Jeff
Members of the council and Mayor Brick. Uh my name is Jeff Scodmo. I live in Mary Meadow Lane. I was just want to follow that up about the flag. U I'm just wondering what the council was thinking when they decided not to fly the flag.
Um any comments? One of the rules that we have, Jeff, is we're not going to engage in any dialogue with any of the speakers. >> All right. Um, I just think it's rather embarrassing that we're not flying Minnesota state flag. I don't care, you
know, particularly for the design myself. However, it's our state flag. What are we telling our students they're in our school system? What are we telling the tourists that come here that we are are embarrassed to fly our flag?
Uh I just think that um Detroit Lakes is probably the most wonderful town in the state. I've lived in a few cities in my life. This is my home. And my kids all went to school here. I've got grandkids that go to
school here. And everybody I know is proud to live in Detroit Lakes. And part of that pride is being part of Minnesota. And what are we telling our tourists that flock here? They love this this
town and we can't fly our own flag. I think that's embarrassing. So, thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Who's next? Janine. Janine Schneider, Villa Lane, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Um, I had looked it up
online and I saw three minutes, so I'm would be way over if you give me permission to do my three. >> I'm pretty lax anyway, so >> I'll read fast. >> All right. >> Okay. Tuesday, June 10th, was a day of highs and lows for me. It started on a
high note as I attended the ribbon cutting at Ortonstone Gardens and Sculpture Park. the camaraderie of a group of citizens who have generously donated land, money, and time to bring an amazing dream to fruition for the betterment of our community. Then the
Lowe's as I attended the city council meeting, another group of citizens, this one with a divided sense of purpose, those who were opposed to the city flying our flag and those in favor. Feelings of anger from those who don't like the new state flag and didn't want
it flown by our city. On the other side, those who felt people who had had been given a chance at input to the new design and because it's legally our state flag and has historically been flown by the city of Detroit Lakes should continue to be flown. Sadness
that a contingent of denters could convince our city council to change what they have historically done to fly the flag of the great state of Minnesota. You no longer see it flying in front of the pavilion at the base of Washington Avenue. I've lived in Detroit Lakes for
more than 60 years and have always felt such pride in our community. Sorry. Especially recently as we have made great strides in updates and beautifification. I've been so proud of the leadership and
forward thinking of our city council in these efforts. But that Tuesday, I was saddened and ashamed. As a veteran 35-year teacher, I felt like the bullies on the playground had prevailed.
We try to teach our children to stand up to the bullies. Shouldn't we do the same? Kudos to Wendy, Jackie, Mike, and Shawn for standing up. The rest of us need to as well. I'm still a proud Minnesotan,
but my pride of my city has been diminished. We need to remember that as citizens of Detroit Lakes, we are also part of a greater community, that of the state of Minnesota. We benefit greatly from that relationship. The city receives LGA from the state every year.
This year, in the amount of more than $520,000, we've also received some major grants from the state, 33.4 million for um the water treatment plant. And in 2019, 12.8 million for the airport runway
extension. And just this year, 1.2 million for the industrial park expansion and almost 750,000 for the li um for the library roof. And as a member of the library board, I would especially like to thank the state for that. A
leaking roof and books don't mix well. >> So Janine, you're over three minutes now. As members of the larger community, the state of Minnesota, I feel we need to show gratitude, loyalty, and respect. When a state legislator and her husband were gunned down in their home and two young children were murdered attending
mass as part of their school day, we did not even have a state flag we could lower to half staff to show our bereavement. For all of these reasons and more, I'm asking that you please call for a new vote and support the flying of the new Minnesota state flag. Thank you for your time and for your
service. >> Okay. Thank you, Janine. In the back, sir. Yeah. Hi, my name is Brian Alstein, 1041 Timber Drive. Council members and Mr. Mayor, thank you for providing this
time. I'm here along um with other common sense citizens because of the Minnesota flag. We had heard that there would be pressure put on the city council this evening to have a vote to fly the new Minnesota flag. I realize it is not on the agenda for today's meeting, but we were recently surprised
by an unannounced vote on another issue. So that's why I'm here. I'd also first like to thank you for the prudent compromise you made in June to fly neither Minnesota flag. That decision was in everyone's best interest and I'd have to say it was a courageous one and
thank you for doing that. And I'd like to try to convince you to stick with that decision decision even though you've been urged to change it. This issue is no longer just about a flag. It has become a proxy and a symbol for our state government for the past few years. Unfortunately, as has also become a
hyperartisan issue across the state. Several of the candidates in the race for governor have stated that reverting to the traditional flag will be their top priority while candidates from the other party are doubling down. I suspect this issue will be front and center for many elections next year. So, it's not
going away. And if you do cast a vote on this, at this point, it will unfortunately be considered a partisan move. And nobody wants that. My request to the city council is that you commit to us to maintain your current neutral position so that this issue can be
resolved at the ballot box next year. None of us wants to come here and make the stand at every city council meeting, but please understand how important it is that this new divisive Minnesota flag not be flown in our beautiful city. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Brian, >> Gary. Right. Mr. Mayor, council members, I would like to ask you some questions, but since you won't answer them due to the >> First of all, can we have your name and address, sir? >> Oh, yes. Gary Cosen, 1231 Madison
Avenue, number 316 Detroit Lakes. I understand that you won't answer questions, so I I'll just give you the questions, let you think about it. But I'm going to say this more in a legal sense instead of a personal
opinion stance. I'd like you all to think about who the electoral is in accordance with the state constitution. My other question is what is the constitutional definition of the word
people? Because it sure as heck is not the plurality of votes cast. Look it up when you go home tonight and Google it because every member of that ch the
House and Senate at the state level, not to mention the federal government, were never elected to pass that bill to make give us a new flag. And by their vote, ladies and gentlemen, they've committed a felony
because they can't comply with the Minnesota Constitution or the US Constitution. So, I hope you all think about that the next time somebody comes up here and talks about their pride. We've had a couple of teachers come up
here and say that we have to give our kids pride. Well, how about following the law? >> Gary, you're about to the end of your time. >> Okay, give me one second. So, I'd like you all to think about that.
If you pass this pass what they've done in giving us that state flag, just remember you'll be just as guilty as the legislature and the Congress. Thank you. Next speaker, Evette, come on up.
Well, I'm going to jump ship here because I'm going back to last month. I was unable to come to the meeting because of prior things and I was coming to thank you all for having prayer in this chamber.
Um, I went home and picked up the paper and found out that it was rescended at the last meeting. Um, I don't know the rules of your of of anything, but um, I assume you would
have things on the agenda that were going to happen that night. Am I wrong? I don't know. But anyway, I'm just going to give my little spiel that this country was founded on the Judeo-Christian values.
All of our forefathers that wrote this book, the Constitution, prayed before every one of their meetings, before they voted on anything. And why in this country now that we have
come to the point where prayer is bad. Um this nation was founded way at the beginning and even last night Christopher Columbus when he came to this country he came to bring
Christianity to the natives. Did you know that? I didn't. I looked it up last night. So why are we so afraid in this chamber to pray? Are we afraid of the satanic movement that's going through Detroit Lakes?
>> We have to stand up. God will strengthen us and please bring it back to Detroit Lakes. Thank you. >> She didn't say who she was or her address. Evette, just for the record, you're
Evette Brulot and you live where? What's your address for our minutes? >> What is your address? >> Oh, my address. I got it on 1877 McCarthy. >> Okay.
Who's next? Yes, sir. This is Donald Right. Hi. Hi, >> Don Johnson. >> I live at 1032 Timber Drive, Detroit Lakes. >> And I have been a proud citizen of the state of Minnesota for the entire 73
years of my life and the last 48 years living in Detroit Lakes where the Minnesota flag is flown next to the American flag in front of the city offices continues. That is until a small group of people I consider somewhat radical decided to
make the new Minnesota flag a political football to be kicked around and molded to their extremely partisan wishes. The Minnesota flag, like all other state flags in the American flag, is not political. It is a symbol of our pride,
our allegiance, our honor to be part of something bigger than any individual or any political party. The new flag as well as the great seal of Minnesota were completely redone in 2024 to remove the racist overtones of
the fleeing Native American of which poet Mary Henderson Eastman wrote in 1850. We claim his noble heritage and Minnesota's land must pass with all its untold wealth to the white man's
grasping hand. The issues with the Minnesota flag have been ongoing since the 1960s when the Native American groups brought its racist overtimes to statewide attention. Changes were made to the flag in 1983 that were considered inadequate.
Finally, in 2024, a bipartisan committee with participation from equal number of legislators in both parties was charged with creating a new flag. All motans were given the opportunity for input into this committee and thousands of
flag designs were considered for almost two years. >> Don, you're going to have to wrap things up. >> I got one more paragraph. The new Minnesota flag contains no racist overtones and simply represents the beauty of Minnesota. People who complain about the flag are perfectly okay with
the new state steel, even though it's changed the same reason. Not flying the flag is the same as saying if we can't fly a racist flag, we won't fly a flag at all. I hope we all can agree that although exit exists, racism has no
place in Minnesota. Please be a proud Minnesotan and fly the Minnesota flag. Thank you. >> Anybody? Anybody else? Darren, >> mine's for item B. You want me to discuss that now or when you bring it up?
>> Uh, when we bring it up. So, is there anyone else that wants to speak in the public forum? If not, thank you for your comments. If not, I would adjourn the regular meeting and call to order a public hearing to
consider the proposed assessments for unpaid street light fees, water, sewer, and storm water charges. And I would uh call on the finance chairman, chairman Bokei. >> Thank you, your honor. Uh consideration
of resol resolution adopting the assessment role for unpaid street lights, water, sewer, and storm water charges. Uh Carrie, anything to add? >> If not, >> is there anyone in the audience that
wishes to I should have done this first, Matt. I'm sorry. Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to ask any questions or make any comments regarding the unpaid fees? >> Yeah, Darren, >> you can come up to the podium, please, so we can hear you.
>> Mayor, um I have a house. >> Keep coming. Keep coming. I live on 1732 East Shore Drive. And I bought a house here on >> Southshore, 604 Southshore. >> And at that time when I bought it, I didn't know that I was going to bulldoze
or do anything with it. And so I never asked for any of the city services, sewer, water, electricity, or none of that. So, um I end up getting a bill still for according to your policy for sewer and water on the the premise, but
my um so I got your policy. I went through it and then I looked at a few other places in town just a few blocks and they don't pay it. So, it seems like the policies kind of may be arbitrarily
imposed. And so, therefore, I'm asking you to not charge me for the special assessments. And just some of the house addresses that I have that don't get this bill. 1212 Summit Avenue, 923
Summit Avenue. Um 11:39 Lynen. This will help. Lynen Lane at 1139 West Avenue and properties in Tomlinson Schultz development. They don't get the salt or the fee for it.
>> Okay. So, is there any city staff that's familiar with his situation that could tell us what's going on? >> Um, so I I can speak a little bit to this. So, the 604 Southshore Drive
address um in our utility system, no one has claimed this property since it was sold and purchased by Mr. Halverson. So, we didn't have any information on where to send utility bills to for that
property. And regardless of of whether you're using the services there, the services are connected to the property. And so, um, even while the house was vacant when it was still standing, um, you were still responsible for those,
um, services. However, no one's to this day, um, come to sign up for those services. >> Absolutely. And just let you know, too, there is no house there. >> Okay. Now, there is >> Well, it hasn't before. It's a vacant
lot. and other houses that I know, well specifically know of one 1212 Summit Avenue that was a house there burnt down and they don't get charged the fees anymore neither. Lyn on the one on uh on the 900 block of
Summit that used to be like a apartment complex a few years ago, many many years ago maybe that burnt down. They don't pay the fee neither. So, >> and what types of fees are you talking about? I mean, >> the storm water fee.
>> Okay. So, storm water is charged to all properties in the city unless they're completely vacant to begin with. Um, some of those >> But that's not your policy though. It doesn't say in your policy. It doesn't say completely basic. It says if they're
unimproved, which to me that would mean that since the sewer and water runs in front of it, that's an improved parcel. They regardless if there's a house on there or not, they all should be paying that normal fee. Correct.
>> That argument could be made. That's not >> That's Thank you. That's my whole argument there. It's arbitrary and you get policy and procedures like this shouldn't be arbitrary. It should be one or for all. >> Correct.
>> Darren, is your objection the storm water fee? >> Any fees that I've received on that place that I didn't ask for service for, it'd be for all of it because No, I looked I compared it to the other residential properties. They don't have these fees. They don't they're not
getting any utility bill. The bulk of your charges on this property that we're assessing is for sewer charges. >> Yep. >> So, >> same same thing. Sewers, storm water charges. >> All it's all the same.
>> But when you purchased the property, was there a house there? Yep. >> There was. Yes. >> So, that house was still connected to city utilities at that point until it was taken down. So at that point we were still charging base fees >> I would say
>> for those being connected to those utilities. That is our policy and we are very consistent with that. >> Okay. But you still kept on charging with the with and then other houses too. I'm I'm telling you other buildings that have been tore down.
>> Okay. Well I can't speak to this property at this time and this is the one that we're discussing tonight in this public hearing. If you'd like to discuss other properties, I'd be happy to do that with you. I just don't know that this is the appropriate place for an example that >> I understand it's not you're not charged
in. >> So So Darren, why don't you come in and talk to our city staff about this because I don't think we're going to resolve it tonight the way things are going. >> But I have >> What? >> I have. >> You already have? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Well,
>> so that's just that's my that's just it. policy when the house was taken down or not used, not signed up for, the electricity was dis uh just to let you know was disconnected. The water was disconnected. The only thing that was
attached is the sewer line which you can't shut off at the street. So there is no services being used there. Well, >> mayor, if I may, >> there and I have had a conversation. >> Uh, when he talked, him and I talked, I
reviewed the ordinance for both the water, sewer, and storm water charges. Our sewer charges, and nonavoidable charges, launch the structure on the property. And we did that by design in the cost service and rate study when we built a new wastewater treatment facility to ensure that we recover a capital cost of that facility for every
place that had a sanitary sewer service onto a parcel on a piece of property. As long as that house was on that parcel, it was due to be paid santory sewer charge on that property. Same thing with the storm water. I believe as long as the structure was there, storm water
fees applied. Once the structure was removed, I believe storm water fees could go away and the sanctuary sewer charge could be uh forbid for gone at that point. We've talked about this. I explained the ordinance to him. He's aware of it. >> Yep. And I agree with that except it
says here vacant unimproved parcels. These are all parcels that are improved in the city of Detroit Lakes. So, they all should be charged that regardless. >> Okay. So, do you do you have anything more to add? >> Yeah, just because there's a house there versus not a house there, it shouldn't
matter when it rains, it still does the same amount of work if there's a house there or not. Just think about that consideration there. >> We'll certainly take it under advisement, but unless you have something more to add,
Okay. Is there anyone else that wishes to speak to the issue of the unpaid street lights, water, sewer, and storm water charges? If not, that public hearing is closed. And now I will call on Chairman Boi. >> Uh consideration to a resolution
adopting the assessment role for unpaid street lights, water, sewer, and storm water charges. I so moved. >> Seconded. Motion's been made and seconded to adopt the assessment role for unpaid street lights, water, sewer, and storm water charges. Discussion on the motion. All in favor of the motion say I.
>> I. >> Opposed? The motion carries. >> At this time, I will call to order a public hearing to consider the proposed assessments for unpaid fire pro fire protection charges. Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to speak to the issue of any
unpaid fire protection charges? Hearing none. That public hearing is closed. Chairman Boi. >> Uh, thank you, honor. Item C1, consideration of resolution adopting the assessment role for unpaid fire protection charges for 2024 and 2025.
There are two individuals on there. One has approached the city, saying he plans to play yet this fall. Uh, but we're going to move forward as is, and I so move. >> Seconded. Motion's been made and seconded to adopt the assessments for unpaid fire protection charges.
Discussion by the council. >> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. That brings us to the community development committee agenda and I'm going to call on acting chairperson uh Buboltz.
Jackie. >> Yes. Mayor and council. Uh the community development committee uh met and uh regarding 5A consideration to approving a resolution descertifying tax increment financing district 23-1.
The committee discussed um recommends approval and I so move >> second. >> Motion's been made and seconded to approve a resolution descertifying tax increment financing district 23-1. Discussion on the motion. All in favor of the motion say I.
>> I. >> Opposed. The motion carries. >> Item 5B, consideration to approving a resolution approving the variance to allow an 8-ft setback instead of the required 20ft setback from the alleyway at 1112 McKinley Avenue. Uh the
committee discussed and recommends approval and I so move. >> Second. Motion's been made and seconded to adopt a resolution approving a variance to allow an 8- foot setback at 1112 McKinley Avenue. Discussion on the motion.
>> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. In the matter of 5C, consideration to the request from Chad Wendell authorizing a one-year extension on a conditional use permit to allow a planned unit devel unit development with
a 14 unit town home development at 1377 Westlake Drive to August 12th of 2026. Again, the committee uh discussed, recommends approval, and I so move. >> Seconded. Motion's been made and seconded to approve a request from Chad
Wendell for one-year extension on his conditional use permit at 1377 Westlake Drive. Discussion on the motion. >> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. And the last
item from the CDC 5D, consideration to approving a resolution approving consideration to approving a resolution approving the final plat of Lyn View Estates, first addition at 865 Sherwood Drive. Uh committee recommends approval
and I so move. >> Second. Motion's been made and seconded to approve a resolution uh which approves the final plat of Lyn View Estates, first edition, 65 Shorewood Drive. Discussion on the motion. All in favor of the motion say I.
>> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you, Jackie. >> We'll move to the public works committee, Chairman Zean. >> Okay. Public works. First item A is Mindot Highway 10 East Shore uh drive intersection update. Mindot had a public
hearing here at this at this chamber here on September 23rd in in regards to designing in and cost for a J curve. But I'm going to call on uh Kelsey Clinton to give us an update on that meeting.
>> Mayor and council, yeah, we just provided kind of anformational update to the committee. Um in your packet is a version of the J turn intersection that MDOT is proposing to basically make the improvement at the East Shore Drive and
290th intersection. Um at the open house that was here, they presented two options. One was this full J turn. Another option was kind of a half a J turn if you would that would have kept uh the main access on the highway 10 at eastshore. Um again basically the to
summarize our update um MDOT has kind of ruled out that that hybrid option and they are going to proceed u moving ahead with really the full JTurn um design um again be very similar to what's in the packet. Um the project itself isn't
slated until 2029 uh as part of Highway 10 improvements between DL and Freys. So this is a few years out, but we were just giving an update uh to the committee that it appears this is the direction that MDOT
is going to go on the project. >> Okay, thanks Kelsey. And that that was basically an update for that and that um that will happen here in about four years when they start putting that Jay Turn me. And going on
to the next item is uh item uh 6B. Uh you have a special hand handout that was given to you here. This is the matter of ordering a preparations of assessment role and setting a public hearing for a proposed assessment for a southwood shore estate street and utility
improvement project. And I'm going to call on John Pratt to give us an update on that. Mayor, councel, this is just fairly routine business. Um, as Alderman Zean indicated, it's ordering the preparation the assessment role and setting the uh hearing for those assessments for the
November meeting. uh we're just about wrapped up with that project and so at this point um the next step would be to prepare those assessments. >> Okay. And u the the assessment uh hearing will be on our next meeting of
November uh 10th here at 5:00 pm to this location. Uh committee recommends and I move that we go ahead with this >> second. Motion's been made and seconded to adopt a resolution ordering the preparation of the assessment role for the Southwood Shores estate street and
utility project. Discussion on the motion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> I opposed. Motion carries. >> Item C, consideration of resolution accepting bids for the Liew State Street and utility improvements project and
awarding the bids to RL Larson Escavating. Again, I'm going to have John Pratt give us a update. Mayor and Council, we opened bids uh for the Lyn View Estates First Edition project on October 2nd. Uh we got eight bids, which is quite a few. Uh low bid
was from RL Larson for just under $400,000, which is um a bit below what the uh estimate was for the project. So, at this point, we need the council to award that construction contract so we can move ahead with that project. >> Okay.
>> Okay. And I' I'd like to uh say that we did receive a number of bids on this, but the low bid was for $394,73. The high bid was at $664,000. But the committee review this and I so move that we go ahead with this resolution.
>> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded to accept the bid for the Lyn View Estate Street and utility project and to award the contract to RL Lararsson Excavating. Discussion on the motion? All in favor of the motion say I. >> I
>> opposed. >> Motion carries three to nothing. >> Okay. Next item D's consideration to resolution authorizing preliminary engineering report for Rosman Avenue uh for the street utility improvements. And uh once again I'm going to call on John Pratt.
>> Mayor and councel. Maybe just a little bit of background on this. For those that were at the work session here this past month, um when we presented the updated uh draft of the capital improvement plan, you might recall that we had Rossman Avenue on the plan um
really as a to be determined uh date in terms of when we were going to do that project. Uh since that time, we've gotten a little bit more information um on the condition of some of the infrastructure on that street that has led us to believe that we need to do that one sooner than later. effectively.
We have some water mane that is a little bit suspect. Uh we have a new water tower going online next uh summer that's going to generate a little bit more pressure on some of the system. >> And we've done some exploring on that water man and determined that it in fact
does need some help. So at this point we're asking the council to advance that project ahead and for a a 2026 uh construction. So, what we're asking for tonight is just authorizing the study, which would help us uh look at this a
little bit closer. We would hopefully come back in November with that with some further recommendations as far as the scope and extent of the the project. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. Um um the committee review this and move for resolution authorizing a preliminary
engineering study for report for this Rosen Avenue street utilities. So, move. Second. Motion's been made and seconded to authorize a preliminary engineering report for Rossman Avenue. Discussion on the motion. >> All in favor of the motion say I.
>> I. Opposed. The motion carries. >> Okay. And the final item is E consideration accepting the city engineers monthly report. John an update there. >> Last one I promise. Um quite a few projects still going on. We're wrapping
some stuff up. Just getting some stuff started. Uh we did wrap up the uh street rehabilitation project which included Willow Springs uh from last year. So that final payment is being issued. Uh that project's being uh completed. Uh Southwood Shore Estates uh contractors
completed all the underground infrastructure. Curban gutter is in. Uh they're on site right now doing the final uh street grading and getting prepared to pave that street on Friday which will pretty well bring that one to completion. So just about done with
that. Uh work continues on the water tower project. Uh at this point they're working on uh exterior coating of the the bowl and the cone which are currently still sitting down on the ground, but we've got the uh the base coatings uh completed on that and we'll
be working uh on getting the uh the logo or the graphic now put on that uh over the next week or two. Um after that just some interior work and then they'll suspend work for for the winter and pick things back up in the spring again. Um
have made some progress on the H Heartland State Trail trail head. Uh that one's been lingering a little bit, but they're picking up the pace here. Um should be paving the parking lot um yet this week. Uh the shelter was starting to go up today. They've got the
underground work done, most of the concrete uh uh slabs and sidewalks and things like that done. So, I think another couple weeks and that one's going to be getting pretty close. Forest Street is pretty well buttoned up. Contractor has just a couple of minor
punch list items. Um and that one will be in the done column. Uh Westlake Drive phase three. Uh and the beach improvement project, we are just in the final throws of of design on that. uh hoping here over the next few weeks we'll get that buttoned up and planning
to bring those plans uh to the city council in November for approval and authorization to bid um with the idea that we get bids back before the the end of the year here and before the holiday season. Uh so we can sort through all that stuff and get contracts awarded and
get set up for construction next summer. uh DMRA legacy grant project. Not a whole lot of activity there. Just a few things to finish up um on that project, but by and large that's it's coming to an end. Uh Shorewood Drive Street improvements, lots of activity since
last month. I don't even know if we were started last month, and we're very close to complete. Um all the paving's been completed at this point. So, just some shoulder restoration and mailbox reinstallation and things like that to uh clean up over the next week. Uh and
that one will be done. Uh we already mentioned the intersection study tonight. Uh 270th Avenue is a design project for this winter that we'll be working on and I think we sufficiently covered the Lyn View Estates project already. So any questions?
>> Questions for John? >> I guess one question I brought up yesterday at public works uh about the Shorewood Drive. Uh I know when they redid that they didn't put any street lights in. Mr. Roberts, have we looked at that kind of that S-curve behind long bridge there with the steep drop offs on
either side. >> Yes. Once we get infrastructure into that neighborhood, we'll take a look at putting street lights in there. Probably not going to happen this fall. It'll be next spring or something. >> Still in plan, though. >> Yes. >> Awesome. Thank you, sir. >> Any further questions for John? If not, Ron, we should have a motion.
>> Okay. And uh I want to say that uh John Pratt, our city engineer, and his staff have been very busy this year and they're going to have it even busier next year, but we just want to say thanks for the extra time they put in on all these projects. But I go ahead and make a motion to approve his project report tonight.
>> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded to adopt a resolution accepting the city engineers month report. Discussion on the motion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. Oppos. Motion carries and we'll move to the finance committee
agenda and chairman Bokei. >> Thank you, your honor. Uh item 7A is consideration to approving the DLCCCC budget rates for 2026. Uh we do this every year. I Jeff was here from the CC. I don't see him now. Um but there was a
very favorable report uh that Jeff gave at the finance committee. Uh I move this forward with positive recommendation. >> I'll second it. Motion's been made and seconded to approve the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center budget and rates for 2026.
Discussion on the motion. >> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. >> Thank you, your honor. Item 7B is consideration to approving a request for proposal from the tourism board. Uh at discussion at the finance committee,
this is going to be tabled to a future date. uh we felt like we needed to circle the wagons with a couple other committees uh and take another swing at this at a future date. So, more to come on that one, but no action item. Uh 7 C
consideration to a re second reading and adoption of ordinance 545 amending city code chapters 204 and 209. Uh this is a second reading. Uh Mr. Clem, any update? >> Uh same as the first reading. So, so we
discussed this at finance and I so move >> seconded. >> Motion's been made and seconded to give second reading and adopt ordinance 545. >> Discussion on the motion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I opposed. The motion carries and
ordinance 545 is adopted. >> Thank you, your honor. Uh 7D is consideration to approving a resolution for the Minnesota Department of Education Library Construction Grant. Uh to take a swing at this, we submitted it. It was did not meet the state standard. We got a template. We revised
it. Uh basically that's back in there. It was approved at finance committee and I so move. >> Second. Motion's been made and seconded to approve a resolution to the Minnesota Department of Education library construction grant. Discussion on the motion >> and this this is for the project of uh
doing a new roof on our library. So it's a going to be a major project. >> Further discussion. >> I just quick question. >> Go ahead. I did review this, but I'm blanking. I apologize. I'm just not quite myself. What is the amount of the grant from the state on this?
>> 750 >> $749,999. >> $749,999. >> Correct. >> Further further questions or comments? All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. >> That's all your honor. Okay, we'll move
to the public safety committee. I don't think there's any items, Aaron, is there? >> No, we're good, your honor. >> Okay. Uh, liquor gambling control committee. >> Uh, yes, Sean. >> Item 5A, uh, consideration to authorize
an application to the Office of Cannabis Management for a lower potency hemp edible license for the liquor store. Short story is with the new law, we have to apply for a license with the state to continue selling. Kelsey, do you want to add anything to that? >> No, that about summarizes it.
>> Okay. Committee discussed. Uh we uh wanted to move forward. So I so move. >> Second. >> Motion has been made and seconded to authorize an application to the Office of Cannabis Management for a lower potency hemp edible license for the
municipal liquor store. Discussion on the motion. Just a quick question just to clarify these items up until this point. Yes. >> But under new legislation, process, procedures, whatever the OCM
has developed, we now must >> we have to have a state license like anyone else selling low potency. >> That's correct. They they've changed the we've been selling under a different statute. The cannabis statute now triggers it so that we have to have a license to do that.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Any further questions? All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> I. >> The motion carries. Anything else, Sean? >> Nope. That's it, your honor. >> Uh, we do have a couple of public
utilities commission items and I'm going to call on uh Chairman Bokei is going to take the items in since uh since chairman Sterns is not here. So, Chairman Bo, he'll take it.
>> Uh, thank you, your honor. Uh, we discussed this with, uh, Mr. Roberts. Uh, the utility rates, uh, increase at finance today. Uh, there's a great charts and that and I think they're doing a heck of a job of keeping rates uh, reasonable for everybody. But, uh, Mr. Roberts, if you'd care to dig into it a little bit, please.
>> Sure. Audoki, mayor and council, uh, we went with Missouri River Energy Services again on our cost of service and rate study update from 2022. We have them take a look at our rates annually. They did a full-blown cost of service study for both the electric and water in 2022. And every year we have
them take a look at our financial performance from the prior year, anticipated capital on&m cost and the power supply cost and capital costs for the upcoming year and verify that our assumptions made in 2022 either hold true or we got to make changes to the
rates based on changes on our performance and operating costs. So the what they took a look at for 2026 holds true from the 2022 forecast and that's a 5% increase on the electric rate and a
continued 12% increase on the water rate. We had them take a look at the sewer rate as well. They were going to do a conduct a full-blown cost service and rate study on the sewer side. mid year, they called me and told me they want to hold off on that until the five-year city capital improvement plan
is completed and ratified by the council. Because if you remember a couple years ago, we made the change from uh street rehab projects and water and sewer reconstruct cost to take that out of the assessments to the property >> and put that into the rate base. Mhm.
>> So Missouri River wants to make sure that we take a accurate look of future capital cost on street reconstruct projects for that sanctuary sewer cost and then we'll get d a deeper dive in that in 2026. But they recommended a 2%
rate increase on the sanury sewer to keep up with normal inflationary cost. One of the things we've seen pressure on the sewer side is the replacement cost of our membranes at E2Q. When we entered into that contract with Suez and Violi
in 2018, they gave us a guaranteed price for replacements with an inflationary index in that contract. At that time, the assumption was 3% per year for the 10-year period. They sent us a letter in
July stating that since from 2018 through 2025, the cost inflationary index on replacement of those membranes has went up 61%. So over double what was anticipated in the original contract and that does not
include tariff inflationary major tariff costs. >> So we've done a pretty good job. The sewer fund is healthy, but we still have to be aware of what those extra inflationary costs are. So the commission reviewed this information this morning and recommended the 12% on
water, 5% on electric, and 2% on the sanitary sewer. If you take a look at through your packs, you take a look at where we are in comparison to our neighbors. Electric, we're very good condition because our closest neighbors are Wild Rice Electric, Lake Region Electric, Minnesota Power, and Autotail
Power. And almost all customer classes, we are below them. All the municipalities on the left hand side of that chart are going to see rate increases on the electric side this year as well. Missouri River increased their rates 4.7% to us and WA increased their
rates 6.2%. 2% and that equates to about a $770,000 increase in purchase power cost over 2025 and I'd entertain any questions. >> So Vernell, I'm sure people are more interested in
what their bill is going to look like. So what what's the average increase in dollars for >> $5 on the electric, $3.33 on the water, and $140 on the sewer. So, it's about $9.73 for the average residential
customer, and that's an average. It all depends upon how much you use uh on all three of those utilities. But the average residential customer in all three, you'll see about $9.73 a month. >> Thank Thank you. >> A month. Yep. Any further questions for
Real? Otherwise, we'll entertain motions. >> Hearing none, go ahead, Matt. Uh item 10 A1 consideration of a resolution establishing amending electric rates and utility fees for 2026. This was discussed at finance committee and I so move >> seconded. >> Motion's been made and seconded to amend
the electric rates for 2026. Discussion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I opposed. Motion carries. >> Thank you honor. Item 10 A2 consideration of resolution establishing and amending water rates and utility fees for 2026. here again discussed at
finance committee and I so move >> second it >> motion's been made and seconded to amend the water rates for 2026 discussion >> all in favor of the motion say I >> I uh >> motion carries >> 103 consideration of a resolution
establishing amending wastewater rates and utilities fees for 2026 uh this was discussed at finance and I so move >> seconded motion's been made and seconded to amend the water wastewater rates and utility fees for 2026. Discussion on the
motion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Also, I believe Vernell has another update you'd like to give the council. >> Yeah, some of you may seen a mailer or a card from Minnesota Power Outtail Power
and Great River Energy in reference to a proposed what they call Maple River to Cailluna 345 KV project. Mhm. >> It's a 345,000 volts that'll run from Maple River substation north of Fargo to the Cayonus sub over by uh Crosby Iron
area. >> Uh a couple months ago, they had a public meeting. They had two alternate routes showing. They've refined that down to one corridor or one route now. I should say corridor. It's not necessar defined route yet, but it will be around Detroit Lakes. There's a possibility it
will either run north of town in existing 230,000 volt transmission line corridor or it will go where it appears to be along the 200 KVDC line that runs south of town and then also goes uh east of Detroit Lakes on Highway 10 crosses
highway 10. Um like I said this is a Minnesota power outer tail and GRE project. This is in what's called myotunch 2. It's a not they they have received notice to construct this line will be built. It's just a matter of where and when. Anticipating service on
this is sometime in 2033 or 2034. So, it's a ways out. But I will be attending the public meeting on this October 21st. I kind of want to know what those entities are thinking, timing, rightway issues, and anything else that may impact Detroit Lake. So, I'll be keeping an eye on it for us.
>> Thank you, Vernell. Is there any questions from the council? >> Of course, I have. >> Go ahead. Go ahead, Wendy. What does that mean in plain English for us? What is the transmission line? How big is it? Is it going to go right through the middle of town, around the town? >> No. Okay. So, >> what is it?
>> Let's talk about what the 345 KV transmission line is. If you drive from Fergus Falls to Alexandria and Alexandria to St. Cloud, >> that big transmission power line that's alongside the interstate, >> that's a 345,000 volt line. That is what this line is going to look like. So when
I talk about an existing rightaway, they will take a look at where there's already an existing transmission line and they will run adjacent to that existing transmission line. They'll widen the easements. They'll widen the rightway and they'll put it in an adjacent rightaway or next to an adjacent rightway. The state of
Minnesota is really pushing transmission owners and providers to do that. Use existing easements and rightaways rather than carving new routes. So that's why they focused on those two specific areas because it's existing easements.
>> Any further questions? >> Okay. There's no action to be taken. Thank you, Vernell, Kelsey, or Carrie. Any city administration items that need to come before the council? >> I have nothing new. >> Okay. I would like to recommend the
reappoint of Sheila Lurkey to the HA board. And I would consider a motion. So move >> motion's been made and seconded to reappoint Sheila Lurkey to the housing and redevelopment authority board. Discussion on the motion.
>> All in favor of the motion say I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Uh I'll need to have an appointment made to the Arts and Culture Commission, but I don't have a recommendation this evening. >> Uh couple announcements. This is a public discussion on the 2026 budget and
tax levy pursuant to the truth and taxation requirements and that'll take place at the city council meeting on December 9th at 6:01 p.m. The Coalition of Greater Minnesota City's fall conference is November 13th and 14th in
Grand Rapids. If anyone in the council is interested in going, you can let Carrie know. Uh the balance of this year's city council meeting dates are listed and please note that the November meeting is on a Monday.
Uh the balance of the uh or next year's joint governance meeting dates are listed and the 2026 city council meeting dates are listed. Is there anyone in the audience that had something on the
agenda that I missed? If not, I would uh ask you the council Craig, anything further tonight? >> No. >> Aaron, >> I would just like to comment on this whole state flag thing. And I'm going to let my constituents right know right now
in W three. Bullies don't play nice in the sand. So to be be called out a bully is not necessary. So, we made a compromise, a fair compromise by not flying either flag. Okay. It's a fair
compromise. Bullies do not compromise. And I'll leave it as that. >> Wendy, anything further? >> Um, I just have two or three things here. Um, first, Chimiwitch to everyone who came and spoke tonight because I think when you have active community
members who are engaged in our process, we can only do better. So, a big thank you for everyone who got up and spoke. I know it's not always comfortable. Um, it can be emotional and so I appreciate everyone who took the time to do that. Um, want to just thank staff as I don't
do this often enough, but there's so much work going on behind the scenes that make us uh, do our job a little better and certainly more informed. I want to thank Vernell who always share I just I wrote these down. and I couldn't help it when I was talking. But I want to thank Fernell for being able to uh
communicate to us in plain English when we asked. Um very complicated things that we I don't know anything about. So appreciate that. And then shout out to the committee who put on the pavilion uh celebration on Saturday. I listened to poker music for the first time in a long
time. I was in heaven. I was wishing my dad was with me. We could have cut the rug a little bit. So it was a great celebration. I had to go to wedding. Couldn't come back for the evening festivities, but I got it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Wendy Ron. >> Yes. And I also I want to thank everyone
who attended the celebration at the pavilion. Uh it was a it was a big event. It started at 11. We got done at 11:00 at night. But I especially want to thank the VFW color guard. Want to thank Mayor Brick for coming and give us a a
kickoff to all the events. Uh at 3:00 we had poker music and pie, but I especially want to thank the VFW. They put on a huge bingo party and we had virtually every seat in that place filled and uh just appreciate all the things they did. They also had a taco
stand there and everything else. So, they did a big job. I want to thank Becky from the Becker County Museum for her work uh with displays and so forth. I want to thank our own city staff that was there and and most of all, I want to thank all the attendees that came uh to say a farewell to a building that uh
served our city well. and we'll be ready for our new building before you know it. >> Well, thank you. >> Okay. Thanks, Ron. Jackie, >> nothing, your honor. >> Okay, Matt, >> uh, two things. Uh, thanks to public works. Uh, I know this summer you've done a lot of work on on the road, a lot of construction. Thank you for the patience of the constituents to get
those roads uh, squared away. There's a lot more to go, but at least made a good headway on it. Um, get those plows ready because snow's coming and I couldn't be more excited about it. Um, also too with Highway 10 with that realignment uh by East Shore Drive, uh, I don't think people are aware when that happens the
amount of congestion and changing traffic patterns that's going to change on East Shore Drive there. So, if you are concerned, I'd have you reach out to MDOT. Uh, we definitely pay to be part of that study, but our voice is very limited. So, please encourage you uh to reach out to MDOT on that one.
>> Okay, Sean, two quick things. First one, I had some neighbors that uh wanted to say expressed their thanks for taking care of our road in Willow Springs this summer, repairing the spots and taking care of the grass. So, I'm just sharing that with city staff. And then another neighbor that uh attended and really
enjoyed the what the DL fire department did this week for fire prevention week. So, thank you to the fire department for your community outreach. >> Okay. And doctor? No, I'm good. Thanks. >> The business of this council has come to a conclusion. The meeting's adjourned.