This regular meeting of the Detroit Lake City Council is called to order. And at this time, I'd like to invite all of you to please rise and join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. The first item on the agenda tonight is approval of the regular agenda as presented and I would entertain a motion for approval.
>> So moved. >> Seconded. Motion's been made and seconded to approve the regular agenda discussion. >> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I oppose. Motion carries. The consent agenda is before the council. All items with an asterisk are considered to be
routine by the city council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a council member or citizen requests in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered separately in
its normal sequence on the agenda. Is there any items that any of the council members or citizens wish to either remove or add to the consent agenda? >> Yes, Mr. Mayor. I'd like to have item 11B removed uh from the uh consent agenda to the and move to the regular
agenda. and I'd like to recuse myself from discussion and from voting. >> Okay. Was there any other items anyway? If not, I would entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda with the removal of item 11B. >> So moved. >> Motion's been made and seconded to
approve the consent agenda. Discussion. >> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> Opposed. The motion carries. the minutes of the regular city council meeting held December 9th, 2025 and the annual city council meeting held January 6, 2026
are before the council. Is there anyone in the audience or any me member of the council that wishes to make any changes to those minutes? If not, I would entertain a motion for their approval. >> So move second. Motion has been made and seconded to approve the minutes of the
regular council meeting held December 9th and the annual city council meeting held January 6th. Discussion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I oppose. Motion carries. Uh without objection I'm going to move
to the U item 4B. And at this time, I'll adjourn the regular meeting and call to order a public hearing to receive public comments on Rosman Avenue Street and utility improvements. And to introduce this, I'm going to call on our city engineer, John Pratt.
>> Good evening, Mayor and Council. Uh this evening, we've got a public or an improvement hearing for the proposed Rosman Avenue utility and street reconstruction project. Um, pretty usual business here when we have a project that will potentially involve special
assessments. Uh, we have a public hearing just to review the project. Um, provide information to residents, uh, take, uh, questions, provide an opportunity for some input, and it's also a state statute requirement when we're using special assessments. So,
we'll go over the project need, uh, what's out there, what we're planning to do, um, and then get into the costs, the funding, special assessments, and what the project schedule looks like. And there'll be a period for question and answers, uh, after the presentation. So,
this evening, we're talking about a a relatively short portion of Rossman Avenue. Um, the segment is from Willow Street to Reynolds Street. Um, this project admittedly did sort of crop up probably a little bit quicker than most of our projects. Um, kind of
came to light here this past summer. We've had been dealing with some water mane breaks on that section and have discovered that we have some pretty severely uh, deteriorated ductal iron fittings on that water mane causing those breaks. Uh subsequent to that we
added it to the capital improvement plan which is adopted here earlier this fall and then the council authorized the prep of the engineering uh the preliminary engineering report and you adopted that at the December meeting. So uh that brings us to this evening. Uh assuming
the project moves ahead we would finish up design over the course of the next month or two and move into construction uh in the summer of 2026. Um, as far as existing conditions related to the sewer, uh, the sewer veins are kind of a mixture of PVC and V
VCP or vrified clay tile pipe. Um, ages best we can tell range from anywhere from about 50 years to maybe over 70 years old with that VCP pipe being the oldest. Uh, the VCP based on televising is in very poor condition. Uh the PVC is
in fair condition. Uh but it does have some sags and a rolled gasket and some other things. So it's it's certainly not perfect and it's up there in age. Uh the water mane uh we believe that was installed prior to the 1950s that
consists of a 12-in cast iron pipe. Uh it is a very important water mane within our distribution system just simply because of its position between the water treatment plant and the water tower. Um like I said, we've had some breaks um related to bolt failures on
the flanges. You can see some pictures there. Uh the top ones are ones we actually pulled out of the field from those brakes. The bottom one is what they should look like and that's actually off of a segment uh of water mane further north on on Rosman. So that's the issue that we're dealing with
and one of the the big drivers of the project. So uh the other factor that kind of expedited this project is with the new water tower going online sometime next year. That tower will create about an additional 10 psi of pressure within our system. So now we've
got a an iffy main and we're going to put more pressure on it. Um that leads to a little bit of uncertainty. Uh storm water really not a lot to say there. um not a lot of storm water collection within that segment. Most of that water flows to the south towards Willow Street. There's some inlets down
there. Uh it's 40 to 50 years old. We believe it's probably in pretty fair condition. No known issues. Um other than there's just a limited number of inlets, meaning the water's got to kind of flow quite a ways in the street uh before we capture that. Um ultimately
that water is discharged the Cheryl Avenue uh regional treatment basin. Uh the street pretty low volume street. Um right now it's 40 foot wide urban section street, curbon gutter, on street parking both sides. Um street it's not
in great condition. Um certainly areas of it could be classified as poor. Uh the usual things with uh cracking and potholes and things like that. Uh really not too certain on the age. Uh but it's definitely getting up there. um sidewalk. There was a sidewalk that was
installed somewhere around 2011, I believe, on just the east side of the street. Um it is in fair condition, but it does not meet current ADA standards. So, what we're planning to do um in the way of sanitary sewer, we are
recommending that we replace all of the sanitary sewer, even that existing PVC. Um certainly the VCP pipe, uh replace all that with PVC mains and pre-cast concrete manholes. Um part of the driving factor again on that that PVC
pipe that's in fair condition. The challenge is it's still 40 50 years old. we go put a new street over the top of it, we're left with a 40 to 50 year old utility underneath it that in all likelihood will fail before we reach the end of of the useful life of the street.
So, we'd be prematurely having to dig up a a new roadway. So, replacing it sort of gets everything kind of uh back in line. Um, we would replace the service laterals, 4-in PVC uh with cleanouts at the edge of the right of way. Um, again,
we just replace those service laterals from the main to the edge of the rideway only, and property owners need to uh complete further replacement up to their homes if needed. That's completely up to the property owner if they want to do that. Uh, water mane uh we'll replace
that that failing trunk line with a 12-in PVC uh main uh new hydrants, new valves, things like that. Same thing with service laterals. will run 1- in uh poly service laterals out to the edge of the ride ofway and install a new curb stop. Uh any further replacement would
have to be done by the property owners. Uh storm sewer improvements, again, real minimal on this. We'll just replace as needed to facilitate the other improvements. Um, and we may run some inlets further up the street a little bit, uh, just to, uh, collect that water
a little bit sooner, uh, rather than having it run all the way down towards Willow Street. The street, not a lot of change, uh, that we're proposing, very similar section, 40 foot wide, batuminous surface, curbon gutter. Um, the sidewalk, a slight change. We we do plan
to keep a sidewalk on the current side on that east side. Uh but we are proposing to add a five-foot turf boulevard between the sidewalk and the street. Right now it's right behind the the curb and gutter. Uh we tend to like
to get those uh a turf boulevard in if we can. Um that also provides an opportunity for us to plant uh some boulevard trees, do a little beautifification with that. Just a quick snapshot of of some of the improvements. Pretty hard to to see the
detail, I understand, but gives you a little bit of a view of it. On to the project costs. Uh we're looking at a project cost of just over $1.5 million. Uh the bulk of that cost is in the street improvement at just over a
half a million dollars. Uh the rest of it being tied up for the most part in underground utilities. I should note anybody that's interested in this, you don't need to feverishly write this stuff down. Car's got the this presentation on the on the city's
website, so you can access that anytime. So, at 1.5 million, now we'll cover how do we pay for that project. Uh, in this case, it's really a combination of city utility funds and general tax levy money. So, in other words, city dollars
um in combination with special assessments to the adjacent property owners. All of that is done in accordance with the city's special assessment policy. Uh in this case, the way that plays out is the city utility funds assume 100% of the sanitary sewer
and water man replacement costs. So there is no cost to property owners for the replacement of the sewer and water mains. Uh it's a somewhat recent uh change to the policy where that used to be assessed. Um on the other hand, service laterals are 100% assessed to
the benefiting properties. Uh on the street side of things, uh street reconstruction, we assess 50% of the standard street cost. Standard street is considered a 36 foot wide 5 ton design with a batuminous surface. So, anything over than that, anything
that's built heavier or built wider, um that goes onto the city side of the ledger, um and is not passed through in the way of special assessment. Um sidewalk, uh similar, it's 25% to residential properties, 50% to
commercial. I think it's all residential in this case. Uh and then finally, the city does pay 100% of the costs related to storm sewer or any streetcaping that we might do. So that being said, um this is what that
looks like when it's all tabulated. Um so out of the 1.5 million, about um 500,000 is being assessed to the adjacent property owners with the city picking up a little bit over a million. So it's about a third a third and two/3
I should say. So now we've got that half a million dollars. It's being assessed. Again, we go back to how do we then allocate or spread that out against the uh properties that are benefiting from the project. Uh the city's uh assessment policy lays that out. In general, each
of those costs that were up there. Uh those categories are divided by accessible units. Usually it's frontage. uh in some cases by each uh to to determine a rate. So much per foot or so much each. Um when we look at footage,
this is how we calculate it. Um if you have a rectangular interior lot, which is probably the bulk of them um on this project, it's the the dimension of that side abuing the improvement or the the nominal width of your lot. That's your accessible footage. um we we tend to
include any, you know, intersecting streets or alleys when we make that calculation and then ultimately that footage falls over to the city side of the ledger. Um if you're a corner lot, um it's the dimension of your smaller side. If abudding the if you're abudding
the improvement on both sides, it's the smaller side plus half the dimension of that longer side up to 150 ft plus any distance over that 150 on that side lot. But you're you're only assessed for those sides that are abuing the
improvement. uh if there's an irregular shaped lot and we occasionally run across you know pieshaped lots and things like that we usually try to assign a an average dimension to those service laterals like I mentioned those
are done on an each basis so we look at the total cost of all the water services and divide it by the number of services we're putting in to to generate a cost per each and the table that's on the screen now is uh the end result of all this so for
The street we're looking at an assessment of about $123 a foot. Sidewalk about $14 a foot. No charge for the sanitary sewer. About $44,000 for each sanitary sewer service. No
charge for the uh water main replacement and about $5,500 for each water service. And again, no charge for the storm sewer. So, what that all kind of uh leads to is a typical 50-ft lot is going to be looking at a special assessment of
about $16,000. Um 75 ft lot just under 20,000, a 100 foot lot is about $23,000. Um what we will probably end up doing is if the project moves forward is finish
design, receive the bids. After the bids are received, we would call for a an assessment hearing. Um, at that time, probably going to be around the April time frame and we will send notices to each of the properties that are impacted with an actual assessment calculation
based on those ad bid ASB bid prices. Um, and then ultimately those assessments would be levied to those properties starting in 2027. Uh, generally speaking, we assess those over a 20-year term. uh property owners can make a decision to prepay all or a
portion of those assessments to either eliminate or reduce uh interest charges just like with any loan. Um I already touched on the schedule a little bit, but just a reminder here. I guess we'd be looking at trying to maybe bid the project in somewhere in that
that March time frame with an assessment hearing in April or May construction this summer and then point out that we'd probably have some final very minor construction in the spring of 27 that would probably be limited to just the final lift of pavement. That's all I
have, Mayor. >> Okay. Is there anyone in the audience that has any questions or wishes to make any comments this evening about the project? Gary, if if you don't mind coming up to the podium and give us your
name and address for our minutes, please hear you out. >> Yeah. >> Well, thank you for this. Appreciate it. Uh Gary Hager, 1126 Rossman Avenue, 75 ft of frontage. Um
question. What is the interest rate then that's uh going to be assessed? Is that kind of determined or not yet for the >> I'm going to call on our finance officer Heidi? >> Yes. Um we don't know the rate yet. Um it depends on if we're going to borrow
for the project, but generally the rate um the rate is set um in our special assessment policy as 2% over the cost of our borrowing cost or over the percentage that we get um and then rounded to the nearest quarter percent.
>> Okay. Okay. So an example would be what recently happened to another street near nearby. What was the rate at that time? >> Um, recent assessments have been about five or 5 and a half%. >> Okay. Okay. Um,
will there be any uh uh improvement to our approaches on the drive for the driveways? Will that be anything going on or is that going to stay as is? >> No. The the curb and gutter will be removed along with the approach aprons. Those will also be removed and replaced.
So it is a very full street utility reconstruction. >> Okay. Um um where will we be parking or how does that all work during this whole process? >> Sure. No. And we will prior to getting into construction, our our general habit
or procedure is we'll try to get a preconstruction newsletter out to everybody with that sort of information along with contacts and things like that. Just so that will be more than what we're talking about. But to answer your question, for the most part, we get
you in and out of your driveways the vast majority of the time. Obviously, when there's active work, there's going to be periods where we can't get you in, can't get you out. And then there's going to be some shorter periods where um you know, for several days, we may not be able to, I.e. when we pour curb,
when we pour those concrete uh driveway approaches, we may have you know, around a week that we can't get you in, but we try to let residents park in the street in front. Um, so you know, by and large it's not awful, but there are some periods and we'll communicate that with
you. >> All right, I think that's it. Thank you. >> Thanks. Thanks, Gary. >> Yep. >> Is there anyone else in the audience? >> So, did you guys find >> Sir, could you give us your name? >> Alan Hagen, 1141. >> Did you guys find similar bolt
situations on Willow when that was done? >> I have not. Uh, truth be told, that's the first time I've seen bolts like you saw in that picture where they're completely and totally deteriorated all the way through. >> Some of the guys that were doing the digging and the test ones you did
afterwards, right? >> Yeah, we went we went looking for some of this after we found these on a break. We we did sort of some confirmation before we decided to look at spending a million and a half dollars. We wanted to see if we could repeat the results and we found the exact same thing in another
hole. Uh we actually did one more what I would say up the hill past Reynolds to see if this continued or if once we got out of groundwater if conditions changed. The the whole bolt that you saw was the one from north of Reynolds as we started to get out of the groundwater.
So we're still not entirely certain what's driving this, but we do know we have bolts that are not doing their job. And as old as the line is, there's no liability for the past contractor. >> No. Correct.
>> And what's the ADA on the sidewalk? >> On the sidewalk. ADA refers to American Disabilities Act. >> And that's already changed since 2011. >> That's changed over and over again to where it's at right now. And there are >> such a waste to throw that sidewalk
away. >> Yeah. >> Done so recently. >> It it was done. I would agree. It was done fairly recently when you consider what we normally would replace the sidewalk. Um the challenge becomes when we have to replace the curb and gutter next to it or the street next to it. It's tough to save that curbon or that
sidewalk. And then furthermore, when we run in those service laterals to the properties, >> we run those through that sidewalk. So at best you can sort of save, you know, a 40ft chunk and then you're going to take out a 30 and save a 40ft chunk and take out a 30. And so it ends up being a
bit of a hopscotch thing. Um, so there's just really not a a real practical way to save it. >> And now with a 5-ft boulevard, I'm sure I'm going to lose two trees. Does the city pick up the tab for moving away the trees and all that if it comes
to that? If it comes to that and there's trees that have to be removed that are within the city, well caused by the project in general, whether they're in the city right away or not, we will be we will pay that cost. That's part of the project cost is to remove those
trees. Um if they're on your property, we would need to get an easement from you to do that removal. I don't know that I'm expecting that right now, but there could be trees behind the sidewalk that are still in the rightway that need to be removed. >> What is the rightway again? How many feet? >> 66 ft. So
>> from the center >> from the center. Uh but I won't swear to you that that road is dead in the middle of the ride ofway either. Generally they are, but that may not be the case. But it's 66 ft in width. Um and in this case
the ride ofway does extend a bit past um the back of that existing sidewalk. I think there's around uh seven or eight feet behind that sidewalk >> that is still public right ofway. So we try to avoid removing trees where we
can. Um sometimes it becomes inevitable that we need to remove them. If we remove them, we also try to replant some trees >> on that side in addition to the ones that we'll put in the boulevard. >> And then what is it Gary? two material
>> was it about two years ago the electrical stuff was done on the other side? >> Yeah, about two years ago. >> Any thought to bearing electrical >> for the east side of Rosman? >> I don't believe so. I'm looking at Bernal, but I don't think there's any plan to take the overhead down with this
project. I think it'll remain overhead electric. >> Be a lot less directional boring in the future if I mean there's so many trees growing back in there. You guys have a heck of a time getting back in there to doing work there, too. So, >> sure. >> When the tree falls on a line and whatnot, >> right? Yeah. I I know we look at that on
a case-by case uh scenario with with the public utilities general manager, uh Vernell Roberts. Um and it's it's a bit case by case, but but bearing electric is very very expensive as well. >> Yeah, >> that's part of the challenge. >> Yeah. Okay. Thanks. >> All right. Thank you, sir. Is there
anyone else in the audience that wishes to ask any questions or make any comments about the project hearing? None. That public hearing is closed and I would entertain a motion for the resolution. >> Okay. The public works committee has
revealed this project and we move to for the resolution authorizing the preparation of plans and specifications for the Ros Avenue street utility project. Can I so move? >> Second. Motion has been made and seconded to approve a resolution. authorizing the preparation of plans and specs for the Rosman Avenue street and
utility improvements. Discussion of of the motion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> Oppos. The motion carries. >> Without objection, Pat Peterman is here from the Boys and Girls Club and he wishes to address the council briefly.
Pat Peterman, Boys and Girls Club, Detroit Lakes. Thank you, Mayor, City Council. city administrators. Yes. I just want a couple minutes to talk about some milestones that are happening um with us this year. As I was driving over here tonight, um I realized next year
we'll be in our 70th year as a Boys and Girls Club, the oldest in the state. So, we'll be celebrating that, but we got other celebration in February. On February 21st, we have our 30th annual Polar Fest plunge. and one of your city coun one of you
sitting up there tonight were the original jumpers and earlier today I looked in our conference room and I found the original plaque to that and Ron Zean's right up there >> the 30 years so Ron I want to make a special invite to you to be be a part of
our VIP down on the ice not to jump on in the water >> I I'll be there >> so you you're welcome to come down here and be a VIP and all of you are also invited but I also want to Thank the city administrators, everybody on the city um that works in the departments
that help us up at Ly Crovisher Memorial Park. Um it was a rock in place this summer with the new playground and everything going up up um up on the hill and we couldn't do it without that partnership. The other piece of this Polar Fest plunge um coming up is last
year we had 254 jumpers and raised $80,000. This year our goal is 300 jumpers and $100,000. if we get to 100,000. Dudead, if you don't know, Dude Dad is a YouTube sensation, comedian, Midwestern guy, and
he's got over five million uh views or followers, and we are partnering with the Historic Home Theater to bring him in. He's signed, sealed, and delivered. It's already sold out, but we have tickets for those jumpers who meet certain levels. So, if you want to see a
great show at the homes, that's also that evening. So, just wanted to thank everybody for all you do for the Boys and Girls Club. We're not successful without that partnership. So, thank you. >> Can Can you tell us how many dollars you've raised over the 30 years? Do you have that total? >> I was going to do that today. Ron and my
bookkeeper left a little early today, so I wasn't able to, but I'll get that to you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you, everybody. >> Thank you, Pat. Without objection by the council, I'd like to move up item 6B, and that would be on the public works agenda. We're on
item 6B, please. >> Okay. Uh item 6B is consideration to approving the sailing school request to use the Legion bath house renovating recurring cost, all that involved. And uh maybe I'm going to have uh Rick Larson, Jeff Schlasher, please come on
up in front here. And uh >> we'll have a a group come up here, but I'm Jeff Schlloman and and uh you know, part of the sailing school um that uh we started this last year and uh we needed
a permanent long-term location and uh an idea came up because it's the perfect size. It's similar size to the new building going up on Pelican right now. um of their sailing club. But uh they have 130 students a year. We started out
our first year with 32 students. And uh this is Rick Larson. He's one of the instructors. We have Steve Ericson, one of the instructors here. Um we decided to partner with DLCCCC because so many organizations are partnered with them um rather than set up our own nonprofit or
partner with Pelican's Yacht Club and Sailing School. But uh but we're really excited about the the location is perfect. The size of the building is perfect for us. We're going to orientate the building towards the lake as far as putting windows on the front and it'll
be a classroom with some restrooms and uh some storage space for the stackable sailboats that we used this last season. But um do you have any comments, Rick? >> No. Well, um my name is Rick Larson. the um we're going to use the building, but
we're gonna we'll just use the uh the same size of the building. We're not going to expand on it or anything. We're going to put a new roof on it for added storage space, kind of make it more uh residential like, and uh pretty much leave it as is down there. Um for our
needs, we're going to open up the whole front with u uh glass garage doors or something so we get easy access to it. The building will act more like a pavilion for our teaching classroom and then storage for our boats and
everything. So, I think it'll it'll work out really well for us. >> Miss Steve Ericson. >> Steve Ericson. I really coordinated much of the sailing school uh this last summer. Uh and my background is in sailing. Uh raced competitively in
college. uh also am master licensed uh from the coast guard captain and uh with the sailing endorsement uh and an instructor for the American Sailing Association. So um safety is a key priority for us and really we value the experience of the
kids uh and really ensuring that um number one they learn safety uh but number two that they kind of learn to really handle their own and really take care of the boats themselves uh take care of their teammates who they're on their boat with uh and grow from there.
It's a a unique opportunity. This last summer, we started off with younger kids, about 7 through 12. Um, and if you think about a seven or an eight-year-old, rarely do they get to control something and they are out on the water, um, under supervision, of
course, uh, but able to have a great deal of independence and learn. >> Okay. I'd like to mention that we've had two meetings with this group of the public works and we've gone over a lot of things. We've also have had the folks from the American Legion uh also at that
part of that meeting. Larry sitting back there so that everybody's on the same page. But anyway, uh uh we met with our attorney. So, we've got a he's going to write up a a complete resolution for us to vote on. But this is basically we're going to ask everybody here tonight to
approve this. So, this is what we've got written down so far. Uh the sailing school will be a complete renovation of the old American Legion bath house. The ceiling school will be will pay for all the renovation expenses and cost. There will be no cost to the city of Detroit Lakes. Uh the building will be used for
the sailboat storage and also for bathrooms. Uh this past year, the sailing school had a total of 29 students in 2025 and their goal is to have up to 150 students in the next 5 years or longer. The sailing school uh will like a one-year lease with an
option of three five-year renov. So, we'll start with a 5-year lease and then every five years will go for, you know, for renewal for that to go for it on. Also, the sailing school is happy with the proposed landscaping that HKGI
has proposed on the beachfront. No slapping, no landscaping changes will be needed. No extra expenses are proposed for the sailing school for the for the landscape on the Detroit Lakes. Uh they will need 50 ft of a lakeshore uh for
the sailing school needs at this Lakeshore sailing school for lessons. And that's basically what it is. And we're asking the the city council members to prove that. And then if we prove that tonight, then we'll come back with a with the with the the one that we
need to have signed for next meeting. >> So, Charlie, are we okay to approve the concept of what the lease will entail when you write it? >> Um, yeah. I I think I've got uh kind of the outlines of what this document is going to look like. I guess my
preference would be to not approve any agreement tonight because I don't have it drafted and so I would prefer to be able to bring it back to the council next month with an actual full agreement. Um, and so but I'm fine if
the council wants to give some sort of ascent to the com to the concept of doing this and I I was taking notes when Alderman Zean was talking. So I'll do my best to put it away. >> Why don't we do that? So, Ron, why don't you make a motion that we're approving the the concept of what
>> I'll make a motion that we're approving the concept and and we'll get the final one and approved next month in. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> I have a a quick question. I'm assuming the bathrooms are for the the students and the instructors. It's not it's not a
public restroom. It's really for the sailing school. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Just a curious curious question. >> Any other questions tonight? >> Wendy question. Um, and I I'm pretty sure I know the answer to it, but I just want to say it out loud. So, this would be a relationship much like we have with
other city- owned buildings like the library and the home center and the school is responsible for month-to-month expenses, but we would be responsible for major repairs because we own the building. Correct.
>> So, Alderman Sprry, I'll I'll pipe in on that. I want a little bit of leeway in that I found out about this at noon today. So, I haven't had a chance to really um fully conceive what I'm going to do, but I I think the pattern is going to be
kind of like what we do with our other like nonprofit enemy entities like the like well like the DLCCC or the gymnastics club where we have um an entity operating a recreational facility
within the city and it they'll there'll be some parameters. they're going to be uh having to fund raise. They're going to be uh physically altering the building. And so, just like we've done with the like the gymnastics club or
those kind of things, it'll that will be the outline of of of what I'm thinking of in the agreement. Okay? It it won't technically be a lease. It will be a use agreement. Um there are some issues with tax property taxation if we call it a
lease. And so I I'm not planning on having a lease itself, but it would be um a use agreement, a management agreement, I guess, is what uh what we would characterize it as. >> Further questions? How soon would you be able to start improvements on the
building? >> What what would what are your what do you think it'll >> Well, that the only exciting thing is just with what we've started so far. I mean, we we raised 175,000 for the sailing school and we haven't done our
fundraiser yet. So, um, we've got some work to do, but we we now will have a actual task and we'll have the cost and everything so we know what we're raising the money for exactly and not just starting a school and uh, and then that
way we can have it set up for the long term, but we're confident we'll be able to raise that money. Um, the community has been very generous already without even asking. So, we're we expect that the fundraising will go quite well. Um,
but that's a good question. But we'll be able to get the actual cost. I mean, it's it's uh smaller than a a house, you know, and uh the good thing is is the structure from the outside appears very good. We understand it's mostly open on the inside. The ceiling height in the
bathrooms is plenty high. So, it it doesn't necessarily need to just go away. It's just too well built. And the footprint is perfect and the location is perfect for a sailing school given the water conditions there, the beach slope and everything. It the the kids were
able to use the the former laundry mat and then walk their their boats on the dollies down to the beach and they could launch them themselves after they they learned from these guys how to do it. you know, it was really fun to see them succeed and then be able to do that um
be legally and before they could drive a jet ski on a lake. You know, it's it's just so much fun to see the smile on their faces when they take control of the sailboats. And it's when once you learn to sail the little boat, you can sail any kind of sailboat. You just have
to learn that sailboat nuance. It's like riding a bike. You can learn once you can ride a bike, you can you're you're on you're go you're going ahead. So, but thank you so much. >> I got one quick question. >> Yes. >> Is there any opposition from the American Legion?
>> Oh, not at this time. >> Okay. >> If there are no further questions, I'm going to call the question. >> Well, there's a question from somebody in the audience. >> Is there a way to make sure the traffic is stopped when the children are walking
across the street? Uh, one really nice thing about this location is when we take this in totality with the Westlake Drive improvements, uh, that specific location is kind of a narrowing of the roadway with a crosswalk right there. Um, so
that will help us greatly. Uh, that was a sticky point this last summer for us. >> All right. All in favor of the motion say I. >> Opposed? Motion carries and we'll take up the rest of it next month.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you gentlemen. Appreciate >> you got our assignment. >> Break. I you know number of people have asked a little bit about the history of how we have this uh this nice beach. But back in the mid60s 1965 our city
engineer Winston Larson came up with the idea of a mileong city beach. In order for this new beach to be successful, the city of Detroit Lakes would have to control would have to have the control the entire beach. Winston Larson along with the help of city attorney Jim
Ramstead came with an easement plan and received a deed from each property owner to have control of the beach and to do away with multiple home docks which we had for many years. Currently, we only have two docks left from homes across the street uh on this lakefront
property. The city also has received what is called a reservation of rights to have control of the city beach. Uh this is this all came about because Winston Larson was looking at the long-term plan for the use of our city beach here in Detroit Lakes in its
future. We as a city want our city beach to be a safe place for our residents and our visitors. Many people in Detroit Lakes do not have a lake home, but for them they use the city beach, the mileong beach for their lake shore
enjoyment. The same thing holds true for the many tourists and visitors that also come to enjoy the lake. As I said uh earlier, our engineers had the right idea of having control of the beach so that everybody could enjoy this beach on a regular basis.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you again, Jeff. Thank you. >> Without objection, I would like to jump to the finance committee agenda and take item 7A. Chairman Bokei. >> Thank you, your honor. Uh 7A is
consideration to approving the 2026 budgets and rates for the DCC. I know our golf pro Tom Dolby is here and I'm assuming that's Mr. Folz with him. Good. Okay. Uh if you care to step up and uh kind of give us a a recap of 25 and what's going on with 26, that would be
greatly appreciated. Sure. My name is Tom Dolby. I'm the general manager head pro the golf course. I live on 1084 Timber Drive. Uh just finished my third year there. Just finishing up our third year there. Uh we've had three great years in a row. Uh we've been
averaging net profits around $600,000 per year for the last three years. Uh you have amongst a capital plan that we have going through 2031 right now. Spells out our capital needs going forward on machinery and capital projects on the golf course. Uh we've done close to a million dollars in
improvements on the golf course in the last three years from equipment to capital things at the clubhouse and on the golf course. So uh we're very pleased and and and and happy about that whole trajectory that we're on there. We have two big projects on our horizon. Uh we need a new maintenance building
desperately. Uh we're saving for that right now. We have some set aside funds for that. We're setting more aside as we go forward here. Uh that project will be somewhere between 750,000 and probably a million dollars. We hope to break ground on that. Uh uh fall of 2027 is sort of a
little bit of a dream right now. Probably be 2028. Uh and also uh when the same time that project's done, the lower level parking lot at the maintenance building will have to be redone. Uh the parking lot at the main clubhouse is also getting in rough shape. So we may try to tie both
those together at the same time. We are having that seal coated and painted this spring. Uh but uh you know we golf's been in a very good position the last three four years. Co helped golf. A lot of other factors have helped golf. Uh but we really are comp or pleased with
the the trajectory run at the golf course with our uh uh improving of the equipment, the maintaining of the equipment, the facility improvements. Uh we had a a great improvement at the patio last year at the main clubhouse. Uh so uh we our dues and rates are well
below or below basically all our competition in the area and and the Fargo courses. On top of that uh a lot of golf courses have raised rates 20 to 25% the last three four years. We're well below that. So it uh DCC and Lake
View are very busy places. We had 250 kids in junior golf this year. So, uh, I'm amazed at the activity in town here with the sailing club and golf course and all that. It's just great to see. So, I would welcome any questions about the golf course.
>> Just to paraphrase, Tom, I think earlier at finance you said the rates increase would be anywhere from 2% to 8% based on whatever package you're looking at. Correct. >> Yeah. So, the uh the higher rate increases are at DCC. The lower rate increases are are at Lake View. We are really trying to keep Lake View at a
very affordable rate. Uh DCC is a little different story. Uh we are really trying to market that as our premier facility. Uh we are in competition with our facilities for that tag uh locally and regionally and statewise. So we are really, you know, trying to improve that
facility and and upgrade the facility. Uh we built two new green additions this year. We're doing three more this coming year uh to try to really get the golf course prepared for the future. Uh it's a unique property. you know, it's a a short golf course that was uh was uh
appropriate back in the 1930s and 40s. Uh technology has sort of passed the golf course by in a lot of ways. Uh so we're trying to uh improve things in the golf course where they handle traffic better and ballmarks better and stuff like that. Uh but we're the biggest part
of our dues increase are just to accommodate some increased expenses with labor and and benefits and so on. So, >> good. >> Okay. >> I know this was discussed at finance uh committee. I I'm going to kind of echo Ron's comment of it's amazing what you've done out there in three years. Uh
not only you but groundseper and everything else to be on the up and up. So, we greatly appreciate that. Uh this was discussed at finance. It was a unanimous decision to move this forward and I so move. >> Seconded. >> Motion's been made and seconded to approve the 2026 budget and rates for the Detroit Country Club. And I would
just want to say Tom, that was some really good information. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> I I do want to recognize my superintendent, Zach Foss. Uh he came on board with me. Uh I had the privilege to hire him and uh uh he's one of the best hires of my life and uh just done a
great job there. So a local boy done good. So very proud of him. So >> good. >> I just want to make a quick comment. >> Go ahead, Aaron. >> These guys have done a phenomenal job. A phenomenal job. >> Thank you. >> Any further comments? All in favor of them. They're they're
going to have a big project coming up with a with a new building which they've been needing for over 20 years, but they finally now have because of Tom and his crew, they've have the money now to afford to pay for it. >> Yes. So, we're excited about it. So, >> we better approve those rates. Huh.
>> All in favor favor the motion say I. >> I. Oppos. Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thanks for coming, guys. Uh the Detroit Lake City Council has adopted a rules of decorum for public participation in city council meetings
and I just want to mention uh we do have two people that signed up to speak this evening but I just want to mention a couple points of emphasis in those rules. Uh when you want to when you're going to speak if you would come to the podium give us your name and address and
the subject of your comments. uh direct all your comments to me as the chairman and presiding officer and I'm not going to allow any comments regarding city employees or city council members. Any requests for any action will be referred to city staff or
assigned to an appropriate council committee for future consideration. And uh there will be no dialogue between commenters and city staff or city council. So with that I have two people that have signed up. The first of which is Pam. Pam, do you wish to come
forward? >> My name My name is Pam Whmer Benedict. I am at 1217 Westlake Drive in DL. Um I can want to say that I love this city council and that is amen. Um, but I do
feel like we need to still I'm still purporting that we fly the flag, the Minnesota state flag. Um, it occurred to me though that in a stressful meeting that it was the mayor who made the
decision not to fly the flag. So, I don't know how that is rectified and I'm hoping that the city council will take it up and we'll fly the Minnesota state flag. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Pam. And of course, you had to remind everybody about that vote. >> Yes. Yes, she did. >> Also, tonight Brian is here and Brian would like to speak as well.
Brian Alstein, 1041 Timber Drive. Thank you for the opportunity of the open mic. It's much appreciated. First, I would like to thank you for your vote on not flying the new Minnesota fraud flag. It has become a symbol of the endless pit of fraud that
we are discovering seemingly on a daily basis in Minneapolis and lies squarely uh at the feet of our legislature in St. Paul. So, thank you for not flying that flag. Second, and the real reason I'm here, I wanted to bring my tax statement from 2026, but I couldn't find it. I
think I threw it away when I saw it because I was shocked by the 11% increase from 25 to 26. And after I did a little research, I found I have something to be thankful for because a lot of citizens across the state are in a worse position than that. I'm also
thankful that I can pay my taxes. I feel bad for a lot of citizens who are going to reel under the tax burden that we're seeing now. And from what I gather could be worse and maybe much worse in coming years. Um I want to state that I don't hold the
city council or the mayor responsible for that. I understand that we have two reasons we have a terrible tax problem in this state. One is the un unending spending that our legislator legislature has done in the past few years uh
without limit. The other is that level of fraud that's being encountered and we don't know how much that is, how far it's going to go. I've seen some estimates up to $19 billion. We are saddled with that burden as taxpayers and you are saddled with that burden as um people running a city and I know that
burden is being pushed down to you from the state level. I believe that's the case. If it's not, I'm open to correction on that. I have a letter written January 5th from a group of mayors in Minnesota. >> So, you're not going to read that whole
letter at all? No. But I'd like to read a couple sentences. Um, our residents deserve better than deficits, economic decline, and policies that push families and businesses away. Our state owes it to our citizens to practice responsible fiscal management and to stop taxing our
families, seniors, and businesses out of Minnesota. We urge the legislature to course correct and to remember that every dollar you manage belongs to the capital. Not to the capital, but to the people of Minnesota. I do I've noticed that many communities in this area have signed it, but Detroit
Lakes is missing. And I'd respectfully like to ask if you were presented the opportunity to sign this letter and if so um your rationale in not signing it. And part B is I'd like to know the plan of the city council and the mayor uh to
push back on St. Paul against this awful burden that we're all bearing right now. Thank you. >> Okay. Well, Tom, as I mentioned when I highlighted some of the rules, we're not going to get into answering questions this evening. I was aware of the letter.
So, and the other thing I want to mention, if you didn't get a property tax or an assessed value increase on your city portion of your taxes, your tax rate would actually have gone down a little bit in the city of Detroit Lakes. So,
all right, we're back to the regular agenda. And at this time, I'll adjourn the regular meeting and call to order a public hearing to receive public comments on the issuance of an intoxicating liquor license and Sunday license to Detroit Lake Front Lodge LLC.
And I don't believe there's anyone here uh from the front lodge. So, I will ask if there is any questions or comments regarding that public hearing. And if not, that public hearing is closed. And I would call on Alderman
Sterns. >> Yes. We have item 4 A1, which is the consideration to approving the issuance of an intoxicating liquor license and a Sunday license to Detroit Lakefront Lodge LLC at 1200 East Shore Drive pursuant to their application and fees.
Um, liquor and gambling and liquor and gambling control committee uh discussed. We recommend approval and I so move. >> Second. Motion's been made and seconded to approve the issuance of a intoxicating liquor license and a Sunday license to Detroit Lakefront Lodge at
1200 East Shore Drive. Discussion. >> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I oppose. Motion carries. We are to the public works committee agenda. Chairman Zean. >> Okay. The first item is item A. And
um we're I know we have talked about this before, but tonight we're going to talk about a discussion related to the replacement of of the Westlake Drive boat landing with proposed uh beachfront improvements. And uh >> after we've had many discussions about
this, but with all the landscape work we do with HKGI, we're this is a time now that we can expand our public beach down there with more land for people to use when they come and visit our town. But we're just wondering what what are the after seeing all the improvements we're
going to do. Um you know, the DNR, they've asked us how come we're going to keep that launch there because we just built you a brand new boat launch. Uh oh. you know, next to the holiday in and so right now I'd like to have comments from
our city council member. What do you think we should um what is what's your feelings? Do you think we should keep it keep it where we're at it with improvements or do you think we should move it out of there since we have two beautiful new launches, one over at Southshore and one over by the Holiday
End. So, what's what are your feelings? >> I think the discussion yesterday was we were going to kind of take a straw vote here this evening. take us travel >> and see uh who wants to keep the landing versus who does not want to keep the landing. And that will give uh our city
engineer and and the designers time to either move forward with the existing plan or or to come up with some alternatives for that location. So, >> can I ask a quick question? Absolutely. Myself, so don't lose respect for me. >> We have the boat launch over by >> Wendy, use your mic a little closer.
>> Which boat launch are we talking about? the one in front of uh >> by Ros one in Rosman the one we've had down there. >> Rosman >> Rosman over by the fairgrounds. Okay, that's the one we're discussing. Okay, thank you. >> So, if anyone has any comments, we would
we could we can certainly listen to those. Otherwise, I'm going to just take a straw vote and we'll see how it comes out. >> Mayor, >> if it'd be helpful, John could put up the drawing quick so you'd see what that proposed Rosman boat launch is. Ron,
what did you say the cost was going to be diff the cost difference would be without that? >> If if we do it ourselves improve it's about $110,000 what the cost came. We we asked Becker County if they would help us in on it but they said they would not. So the total cost would be beyond the city
then. >> Thank you mayor. >> Now now to be fair if we don't do the launch we would probably do some other improvements to that location. So there would be >> probably some offsetting costs. Correct. Yeah. And um one thing I was going to
add to that item 6C is approving a revised cooperative agreement with Becker County. So that was a little bit of the catalyst for this conversation because the cooperative agreement that the council approved previously had the cost of the boat landing split between the city and
the county. Um the county has opted not to participate in the cost for the boat landing. So, the new cooperative agreement will be 100% of whatever improvements are made there, boat landing or what have you, will be paid by the city. So, a little bit of background. >> Any further questions? Otherwise, I'm
just going to do a straw vote. >> Uh question about the boat landing at the Holiday Inn, the the the old one. Is that designated for non-motorized or is it still open to whatever?
I think we put signs that made it official, mayor and council that it's non-motorized. And then we have some plans working with the DNR to u put a new dock system out there for shoreland fishing. >> Okay. >> Um so those are in the works.
>> So right now we have Southshore on Little Detroit and Northshore on Big Detroit. >> And >> both on Big >> They're both on Big Detroit. >> Yeah, both big. >> Okay. >> Southshore's on on Big Detroit. Y and I think that's an important distinction in
the fact that there is no access boat landing access on Little Detroit and and I lived just off of Westlake Drive for 15 years before my current house and we commonly use that access on Westlake Drive. And so I think it's important um
that there is access on Little Detroit. I also think it's important for the uh for the users of Legion Campground since they are not allowed to keep their boats overnight on the beach. Um if we took
that away that could create additional um traffic flow on a daily basis and nightly basis um for people launching their boat from the uh users from the Legion Campground launching their boat and picking it back up at the end of the
day. So I think there might be some traffic uh safety concerns as you go through Westlake Drive and Washington etc which I've done many times. Um, so and I think for the viability of Legion Campground, I think it's an important asset.
>> Okay. Any further comments before I take a little >> I guess >> unofficial vote here? >> I guess I'm kind of 7030 keep it. And the reason I say that is just for winter access. You know, there's a lot of people who use it for snowmobiles, use it to get on on and off the lake for ice fishing. Uh, if not,
we'd push everything over to JNK where you're having winter events out there. Now you're forcing everybody to one access there. Uh, personally, I could get on board with removing it, but I want to see what that looks like. I hate to to incur financial cost to see plans
of what HKGI would look like, but the last thing I want is kind of a halfbaked landing that's concrete and and we've got to grow sod there in August every year and make it look, like I say, kind of a landing, kind of not. So, I could get on it, but I'd love to see what the
the landscape architect would propose there. and and what's on the screen is a rendition of that or or an example of that or what's on the screen. >> That's what's currently being proposed. >> Okay. And I guess my comment is I'm I I
understand the the the perhaps the need for it on Little Detroit and and um if it's safe, you know, if it's safe for people walking on the beach, if it's safe for the traffic flow, um that would be my main concern is making sure um we
can um it it can be a safe place for for all the types of people who use that area, walkers, people on the beach and um those that are putting their boats or um whatever they're putting in their pontoons, whatever.
>> Okay. So, well, currently right now we're we're talking about winter. We're halfway through January and right now I'm down there at the lake quite a bit. People with snowmobiles, fish houses, they're all down by JNK. um they haven't they haven't had a chance to use
anything up like the old dock and we're soon going to be through the end of January here and we'll have poles and holes for fishing. That would be the big opportunity for two days when we have the pose the holes fishing but it's there again you know it's money spent for that but the but the big thing for
us right now we're going to increase the the bike lanes and walking lanes when we complete phase three of Westlake Drive. We're going to have a lot of bikes going. And I'm saying we get up here to where this launch is, you got people coming in, coming out of the boat launch. I just think it's a safety
factor with people riding bikes, walking. You still have people backing out. And the other thing right now is going to be traffic. Remember, next year we're going to lose that whole one site of uh parking space on Westlake Drive forever. And those people are going to have to find a place to park. So maybe
where those boats have been put in their uh in the fairgrounds, it might be that they're going to need the fairgrounds to park their cars. So I I I just think there's there's a lot of issues there. And but most of all, we're going to have a chance to improve our our Marlong Beach to be even more special than what
it is just being a beach. >> Okay, those who want to keep the landing, raise your hand. >> One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. >> I guess we're going to keep the landing. >> Okay. So, let's move on, Ron.
>> All right, let's go on here to um we'll go to item C here. Consideration approving of revised cooperative agreement with Becker County uh concerning the Westlake Drive phase 3 beach improvement. And um I'm going to
call on John. >> Mayor and Council, I think uh Mr. Clever already outlined this fairly well. you had adopted the draft of the cooperative agreement I I think back in December or November and that was forwarded to the
county board for consideration. They've adopted it with the the one change being that they would participate in the cost of the boat launch as proposed. So we've they've adopted it with that condition. So we've revised the agreement and are
bringing it back to you tonight for approval. >> Okay. So, the committee's re reviewed this and uh we go ahead to revise the cooperative agreement uh without the Becker County support of $55,000. And I so moved. >> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded to
approve a revised cooperative agreement with Becker County regarding the Westlake Drive phase 3 and beach improvements. Discussion. >> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Item D, consideration is setting facilities plan
for a public hearing for a proposed north side utility and street improvement uh for the February 10th meeting at 5:00 PM. I'm going to call on John Pratt for an update on that. >> Mayor and council, a number of months ago, the council authorized the the preparation of the preliminary engineering report in the facilities
plan uh for that proposed north side project. Uh part of the uh the requirement for submitting the facilities plan to the state for review and approval is that we have a public hearing uh specific to that uh before we submit that. So we're just setting a a
time and date for that hearing. >> Okay. The uh committee is re has reviewed this and we so moved to go ahead uh with this study and and uh it'll it'll take up 28 blocks and I so move. Is there a second?
>> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded to set a facilities plan public hearing for the proposed north side utility street improvements for the next uh city council meeting on February 10th. Discussion on the motion.
>> All in favor of the motion say I. I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. >> Okay. Next item is item E. consideration of resolution approving plans, expects and authorizing an advertisement for bids in a proposed tour center utility street improvements. And John, I'll call
on you again. >> Yeah, thank you, mayor and councel. This is just the next step in the process related to the proposed improvements on 270th Avenue. Uh it was a number of months ago that the council authorized design on that. I think it was actually back late summer. Uh we've completed
that design and are getting prepared to uh advertise for bids. So we're asking for your approval of those plans and authorization to bid. >> Okay. The committee recommends and I so move. >> Second. >> Motion has been made and seconded to adopt a resolution approving plans and
specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for the proposed 270th Avenue utility and street improvements. Discussion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries.
>> Item F. Consideration to approving the final payment for the public works facilities. I'm going to call uh Do you want to take this Kelsey or Kate? >> Mayor and council. Uh the city's still holding a small retainage back on the public works facility on really at this
point are some warranty items. Um those painting touch-ups were actually supposed to been done last week. they didn't get done, but sounds like we're going to have them done fairly soon. So, um the the recommendation would be to approve the final payment, of course,
contingent upon those final corrections getting done. So, I would I would sit on the payment until they get it done, but looking for council approval. >> Okay. So, the committee's reviewed this and we'll go ahead and approve this, but Los Cali said he'll hang on to money
until that fine final painting is done. And I so move >> second. Motion's been made and seconded to approve the final payment for the public works facility. Discussion. >> The one question I have on this, Mr. Clem, is I know there was delayed quite a while for our city staff to move in
there due to construction slowdown. Did we receive any credits or anything due to that? >> You're testing my memory. I don't think we did any liquidated damages. I'm trying to remember how
delayed we were because part of it was when the actual project completion date was done. Uh because they were a little bit ahead of schedule and it was um I think part of it was we were hoping to move in earlier >> and we weren't able to move in earlier
and then it got delayed and I'm trying to remember the reasons for the delays. Um but I don't believe there was any liquidated damages actually assessed to the project. If you could just double check your notes before you send that final payment, that'd be appreciated. >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> Further discussion?
All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> Oppos? Motion carries. >> Okay. Next item is G. Consideration of memo from the public works director requesting for the approval of the purchase of a skid steer attachment. Going to call on Sean King to update us on that.
>> Yes, mayor and councel. Uh this is for a Harley rake. It's an attachment that goes on our skid steer. Uh we do not have skid steer attachments on our CIP. We only have the larger equipment, pickups, trucks, motor graders, and stuff like that. So these are not
budgeted, but we do have money to purchase it, and that's what I'm asking for tonight. >> Okay. And uh this isn't a a budget item, but uh Sean does have money in his funds to take care of it. So I go ahead and move that we approve this purchase.
>> I would second that. Motion's been made and seconded to approve the purchase of a skid steer attachment for the public works department. Discussion. All in favor of the motion say I. I. Oppose. Motion carries. >> The final item is uh acceptance of the
city engineering report. Done. >> Baron council. Pretty short uh this evening. Most of these projects are in suspension. Just a quick couple of updates. Uh we talked about Westlake Drive and the beach improvements. Both of those are advertising for bids right
now and plans have been issued. Um we'll be opening the bids for the Westlake Drive project on January 22nd, which should be next Thursday. And then uh a bit later on February 2nd, we would open the bids for the beach project. So all
things go to plan, we'd be bringing both of those bids uh to the February meeting for consideration. uh the DMR legacy grant project. Um things kind of got pretty well wrapped up there. There's just a little bit of work left to do. Some of it'll spill
just into a few days of work in the spring, but by and large the parking lot, the Nordic trail, snow making lighting, uh bike trails, and the treehouse uh most recently have all been pretty well completed.
Um we touched on 270th already. and Rossman we've talked about uh I did accidentally omit a project the north side project um is on the map but not on the the table uh but we are continuing
to work with some preliminary uh project development on that with the facility plan and peer and things like that and we'll have that uh for you at the February meeting for approval. Um just a kind of a reminder, we're eyeing I think 2028 to build that project, but it's
such a large project that uh we need to get ahead of that. Um also based on some of the funding that we're hoping to pursue. So that's it, mayor. >> Okay. Thank you. We should approve that, Ron. >> Okay. And I make a motion that we do approve John's monthly engineering report. I move
>> second. Motion's been made and seconded to accept the city engineers monthly project status report. Discussion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I opposed. Motion carries. >> And I believe that is it for the public works and we'll move to the balance of
the finance committee agenda. Chairman Boi. >> Thank you, honor. Uh item 7B is consideration of approving a sponsorship agreement with Essentia Health uh for Washington Ballpark. U Mr. Clem, anything to add? >> And mayor and councel, um nothing really to add. Uh, as you know, the fundraising
committee has been working on um trying to raise funds for the Washington Park project. Um, this is kind of the the big advertising opportunity that we had uh spelled out um for the fundraising committee is uh basically the field and around the stadium uh advertisement
rights. Um so, Essentia Health has stepped forward to do that. Uh the payments are spread out over 10 years, but the length of the agreement is actually for 20 years for the total amount of $790,000. Uh the exhibits
uh basically show the um proposed advertising locations that they would receive in lie of that payment. >> Okay. >> Thank you. This was discussed at finance committee this afternoon. Uh it did pass with a 3 to1 vote. Um, with that being
said, I move the I would so move >> seconded. >> Motion's been made and seconded to approve a sponsorship agreement with Essentia Health for the Washington Ballpark. Discussion on the motion. >> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries.
>> Thank you. >> We had one >> one. >> One opposed. Okay. >> Uh, item 7 C is consideration to approving a union contract with MPA for 26 through 28. Uh this is the police sergeants. Uh there are two of them. This does seem pretty boilerplate and a
uh very in line with the other union contracts we've already signed. Anything to add? >> That's pretty good. It's it's similar terms to the two agreements that were approved last month. >> Okay. This was successive finance with unanimous decision. Uh and I so move >> second. Motion's been made and seconded
to approve the union contract with MPA for the years 2026 through 2028. Discussion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. >> That's all your honor. >> Thank you.
>> Aaron, I don't see anything on the public safety. Anything? >> Nothing on there yet. >> Okay. Right. And the liquor gambling control? >> Nothing, your honor. >> Okay. And you don't have anything to bring forth from the public utilities, do you? >> Your honor. Okay.
We do have item 11B which is uh removed from the consent agenda and I would call in Alderman Sterns. Oh no, I don't want to call in you. You want to recuse yourself. Sorry about that. >> So I would entertain a motion for approval of licenses for the period of
January 1st, 2026 through December 31st. >> I so move. >> Second. >> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. opposed and abstained is is uh alderman Sterns. Motion carries. I'm going to
move item 12A to the end of the meeting. I would like to recommend the name of Janelle Disroude to serve the vacated seat of Anna on the Arts and Culture Commission. I would entertain a motion for approval. >> So moved. >> Seconded. >> Motion's been made and seconded to
approve Janelle Droode to the Arts and Culture Commission. discussion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I oppose. Motion carries. And I would call on uh older woman uh Spry for uh item 12 C.
>> Uh item C is consideration to a resolution supporting a new state sponsored passenger rail service between St. Paul, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota. Our understanding, uh we kind of talked about this yesterday at our committee meeting CDC. Um, Amtrak is
requesting um our resolution in support of seeking out some federal funding to support a second track that would provide daily uh travel back and forth between Fargo and the Twin Cities. And I so move.
>> Is there a second? >> Seconded. >> Motion's been made and seconded to approve a resolution supporting a new state sponsored pastoral rail service between St. Paul and Fargo. Discussion. All in favor of the motion say I. I. >> I. >> Opposed? >> I. >> It's a second.
>> The motion carries. Uh, I would like to recommend the reappoint of Emma Tomb to the Arts and Culture Commission. So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded to reappoint Emma Tomb to another term on the Arts and Culture Commission.
Discussion. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. I'm still waiting for an answer from Mark Jensen. Uh, so I don't have a recommendation tonight. Uh, I would like to recommend the reappoint of Amy Sterns to the Arts
and Culture Commission. >> So moved. >> Motion's been made and seconded to reappoint Amy to the Arts and Culture Commission. Discussion. >> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. And I'm still waiting to hear back also from
Alex regarding the park board and from Jackie regarding the park board. And we hope to have those for the council in uh the February meeting. I would like to recommend the reappoint of Helen Folultz to the public utilities commission. >> So moved.
>> Motion's been made and seconded to reappoint Helen Folultz to the public utilities commission. Discussion. >> All in favor of the motion say I. I. >> Oppos. Motion carries. Couple of announcements. The Elected Leaders Institute with the League of Minnesota
Cities is in February. And Carrie or u Kelsey, do you want to just explain to the council what that involves briefly? >> Well, I've never gone. Okay. Mayor, >> so I've stumped you. >> But, uh, I imagine it's a great learning
opportunity for those who, uh, been elected to office. And uh whether you're new or experienced, there's different classes for you. So let Carrie know if you want to go. >> Very good. >> When is it? >> February. Different dates and location. >> Options. Okay.
>> Also, the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Legislative Action Day is at the Minnesota State Capital and that's on March 25th. If you're interested in attending, also please let Carrie know. The League of Minnesota Cities Day on the Hill is March 11th. Again, if you're
interested, please let Carrie know. The balance of the 2026 joint governance meeting dates are listed as well as the 2026 city council meeting dates. And I'm going to try to do a state of
the city address. I had this procedure done in my throat and I think it's worse than ever. But anyway, is there anything else? Jade, do you have anything for tonight? Thanks, >> Sean. Nope. >> Jackie, >> no.
>> Ron, your honor, >> Wendy, >> is this our usual end of meeting comment period? >> I think it would be because then I'm going to do the state of the city and then everybody will be asleep. >> Okay. All right. Um, last couple of days I've been receiving texts, Facebook
messengers, emails from citizens wondering uh, little concerned about having Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in our uh, community and whether the city would be making a statement. I I kind of misunderstood the request at first as though it was a
positional statement, but what I found out is it was uh a question about Biji police chief had put something on Facebook um and it was really about we know they're here. We know the officers
are here. It kind of talked about the roles of what the um agents are and what your local police or county law enforcement kind of what their roles are, reminders that protests, if you choose to engage, be peaceful and that
we be safe and that I think there was something about police officer roles around um assessing maybe uh protest for for safety, you know, checking that making sure everything's going the way we want
it to and and the roles. Anyway, I um I read it. I found it on Facebook myself and it's it answered some questions that I had and I thought it might, you know, I'm not asking for any action. That's not the point of my bringing it up. It's
just it answers some questions for me about what about all the roles are and um and how to engage. And given the amount of questions I've been asked, I would totally be in support of us doing something like that. Just as a reminder to people what, you know, be safe. If
you want to use your voice, do so in a safe and respectful manner and understand whose roles are what, that the agents are doing their job as they're uh directed and law enforcement is here for our public safety. So, I just wanted to share that information with everybody.
>> All right. Thank you, Erin. Anything? >> I have nothing. in your honor. >> Okay, Craig. >> Uh, just this summer I had the opportunity to watch the sailing school a couple different times and it was really fun to watch the kids out on the water and I'm excited for their future. I think that uh that was a good move to uh do the Legion bath house.
>> Sure. >> That to shorten up my remarks this evening because of the state of my voice. Uh, however, I would emphasize that all of the uh, department year-end reports are in the agenda and
you can click on those reports and you can also access it on our city website if you're interested as a citizen. So, I'll try to make it through this evening and to the city council, city staff, and the citizens of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, it's an honor to deliver this evening the annual state of
the city address for the year 2025. 2025 was another good year in the city of Detroit Lakes and as I've said so many times in the past, we continue to be an excellent place to live uh to work and to visit. While much was
accomplished this past year in many areas, 2025 was a year of extensive planning and design work for some very significant major projects slated to begin construction this year. Those projects are Westlake Drive phase 3, the
new Detroit Lakes Pavilion Project, the City Beach Improvement Project, the City Park Improvement Project, and the Washington Ballpark Project. These projects total over $33 million, most of which is being funded without property taxes.
Although 2026 will be excuse me challenging and at times an inconvenient year, I think we can all agree that Detroit Lakes is moving into a new era of history which will provide more efficient utilization of our facilities and create new new economic and
recreational opportunities for our citizens and visitors. Detroit Lakes remains fiscally sound even though we receive a relatively low level of local government aid. We've lost millions of dollars over the past 20 years in LGA revenue that the city
has had to make up locally. Despite these challenges, we continue to enjoy one of the lowest tax rates in the region compared to our peer cities. And our city tax rate is significantly lower than the average city rate for all greater Minnesota's Minnesota cities of
similar population. Detroit Lakes is fortunate to have revenue funds that effectively reduce property taxes. Transfer to the general fund from the city electric utility will be $681,000 for 2026.
The municipal liquor store will transfer $690,000 to the general fund for 2026. In addition, the city's food and beverage tax is projected to total approximately 580,000 this past year. And without these funding sources
contributing to expenditures, property taxes in Detroit Lakes would have to increase by about 22%. On April 1st, 2025, the new local 1 half cent sales tax began collections, and this this new revenue stream will fund
the new pavilion and some of the city park and beach improvements. This local option sales tax is scheduled to generate over $17 million and will be sunsetting in 12 years or less. Our municipal liquor store had sales of $9.4
million in 2025. And in addition to buying down the city property tax rate, funds from the municipal liquor store have been used over the years to fund numerous civic projects and activities. City finance staff presented the final
budget and levy to the city council in December, proposing a 6.46% increase in the city's property tax levy. Despite the increase in the levy, the city's property values grew overall by about 6 and a half% which increased
our overall tax capacity. The result is that a residential property that did not receive an increase in assessed value would see a slight decline in the city portion of their tax bill. In addition to our internal financial
picture, Detroit Lakes has a long history of stewardship by local and regional individuals and businesses that have helped fund the creation and maintenance of numerous city-owned and non-owned facilities. This past year, our citizens and businesses again
stepped up with donations, allowing the city to move forward with phase one of the Washington Ballpark project, which is scheduled to start early this year. Detroit Lakes had a strong construction year in 2025 with building permits
issued for almost $53 million in value. Although housing starts declined due to higher interest rates and high construction costs, commercial and multifamily building permits were the highest since 2018. And while residential housing was down
this past year, it should be noted that in the past 12 years, 421 new homes have been built in Detroit Lakes. Some bullet point uh 2025 projects of note. The H Heartland Trail from Detroit Lakes to Freys was completed in 2025 and
is now open and in use. The city received a mindot grant of almost 400,000 to construct the H Heartland Trail trail trail head located by the country and its suites. The bid for the Washington Ballpark was awarded with construction scheduled to begin early
this year. Some significant improvements were made to the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, including parking lots, mountain bike trails, the treehouse, and the Nordic Ski Trail. The Minnesota Flyers building expansion project began
in 2025 with the $4.2 million project, roughly doubling the size of the current facility. Bids for the library rehab project are expected to be taken early this year with construction occurring this summer. Several projects at the airport were
wrapped up in 2025, including the new fueling system, two new six-unit hangers along with the associated taxiway, and the taxi lane pavement rehab project. A new airport project is expected to begin in 2026 to reconstruct and expand the
terminal aprons. This is a $2.5 million project with all but two two and a half% of the cost funded with federal and state aviation grants. Since 2016, the airport has received over $28 million in federal funding and
$3.3 million in state funds for various projects. Several infrastructure projects were completed last year, including Forest Street from Lake Avenue to Rosman, and the entire length of Shorewood Drive underwent full depth reclamation and
widening. A utility extension project was completed for Lin View Estates with additional street and utility work to take place this summer. Phase one of the Southwood Shores Estates was constructed in 2025. And these two projects will create 34
new residential lots in the city. The Detroit Lakes Development Authority assisted several business developments and housing projects in 2025. This included successfully obtaining grants for several projects in the city, approving tax increment financing for
two large multifamily housing projects, as well as work on expansion of the city's industrial parks. This past year was again a busy year for the Detroit Lakes Police Department, responding to over 13,000 calls for service and the Detroit Lakes Fire
Department responded to 255 calls for service in the city and surrounding townships. We are certainly fortunate in Detroit Lakes to have these two professional and dedicated departments to protect and serve our community. In 2025, the Detroit Lakes Public
Utilities experienced one of the most productive years in recent history, encountering one of the busiest construction seasons on record. Preparation was completed for the Westlake Drive phase 3 project. Work also progressed steadily on the new 1.5
million gallon water tower this past year with the concrete column completed and the tank structure assembled on the ground with the exterior painting largely finished. The tower is scheduled to be raised this spring with full project completion and demolition of the
old tower planned for later this year. A major milestone in 2025 with the public utilities was the advancement of the jet substation and generation project. Demolition and site preparation began. Bids were awarded and a new generation
plant contract was finalized. This project will significantly improve grid reliability, enhance local generation capacity, and provide a new revenue stream to the utility. Detroit Lakes issued almost $26 million
in debt in 2025 for both the new water tower and the new electric generation project. And to issue that debt, the city had to undergo bond ratings by Fitch ratings and Moody ratings, resulting in double A minus and double A3, respectfully.
These excellent bond ratings are evidence of the utility's strong financial performance, strong liquidity and debt service coverage, a growing local economy, and moderate debt burden resulting in lower interest costs and savings to the citizens and businesses
in our service area. Our public works department, consisting of 21 full-time and approximately 25 seasonal part-time employees, had another busy and productive year in 2025. And every year, I get dozens of compliments on how our city looks from
both residents and visitors, reflecting the excellent work of our public works staff. Our city administration had a very busy year in 2025. In addition to handling the challenges of managing the day-to-day operations of the city functions, our city administrator and
staff were also tasked with an additional heavy workload planning for the large projects slated to begin in 2026. And as I mentioned, I urge the city council and citizens to review the annual reports from the city
administrator and the department heads which are included in the packet this evening. They detail many more of the activities and accomplishments in our various departments and our advisory boards and commissions. In conclusion, 2025 was certainly a busy year in the
city of Detroit Lakes with many accomplishments and extensive planning for 2026. So, as we move into the new year, I believe this coming year will be just as exciting and productive as we move into a new era of history. On behalf of the
city council, I want to thank the volunteers serving on our various advisory boards and commissions, assisting the city council in making important decisions for the city's future. Thank you also to our city administrator, our department heads, and to all our dedicated employees for
making Detroit Lakes the dynamic and beautiful city that it is. To the city council and to Vice Mayor Zean, thank you from all the citizens of Detroit Lakes for your service, leadership, and accomplishments this past year. And finally, to the citizens and
businesses of Detroit Lakes, on behalf of the city council, thank you for your ongoing support and helping to make Detroit Lakes the great community that it is. It is an honor to serve as your mayor and I look forward to working with all of you in 2026. Thank you. Good
night. And the meetings adjourned.