--------- Thanks. Okay. Hey, at this time we'll bring the December 22nd, 2025 city council work session to order. Item one, pension increase discussion. >> Yeah, Mr. Mayor and Council, uh we have
a um we have Mr. Lashinsky with us here this evening to um kind of discuss the where the pension is currently at and um every year we kind of have this discussion about a possible increase and that's a decision that you guys get to make. So we have this on the work
session this evening, have it on the consent agenda uh for the regular agenda. So if you if you want to make any decision on that, we'll have that available for this evening's decision. So I'll turn it over to Mr. Lucensky.
>> Thank you. Uh thank you councel for giving the opportunity to discuss this this evening. I will take over the screen. I have a short PowerPoint presentation. and it's probably the same one most of you have seen in the past. Um, just to give a little update on
where we are at. So, basically, as far as the fire pension goes, uh, what we're going to cover is overview of the pension plan, our pension goals, the reason for a pension, the current status, we'll talk about city contributions for 2025 and beyond. I guess that would be 2026 and beyond,
pension levels, and uh, our request. So just the overview is the pension's in place to provide monetary benefit to members who have met the requirements which is at least five years of service uh and being the age of 50. Currently as
of last year we moved our investments over to parah. So uh the plan is managed by parah and with oversight by the state. Uh the goals are as always to use that pension as a recruitment and retention tool. uh we want to maintain a
fully funded pension plan. We want to provide retirees with accurate timely p uh payments. We want to always monitor these investment performances and we want to communicate effectively with our members and with the council. So if we
talk about shortterm goals, we've met our short-term goals uh consistently and that's maintaining a self-sufficient 100% funded plan. And the long-term goal is a payout of $200,000 after 20 years of service, which would be $10,000 per
year of service, which we're currently at 8,000. That's just a long-term goal. There's no time frame we're looking for that. So, when we talk about retention and why the pension's important. So, we have 21 members of our department that are currently vested, which means
they've been on our department for at least 5 years, which is 64% of the members of our department. And that includes 339 years of experience, which is um it's a pretty impressive 94% of the total experience of our department
are currently vested. Uh including 100% of our department officers. Takes roughly 3 years for a new recruit to be fully trained and experienced enough to operate confidently in emergency situations. Of course, everybody's a
little different. Some people are up to speed within, you know, one year. some people um you know it takes the full three years but anyway it takes time is is the general thing here. So if we look at where does our revenue come from for the relief association for 2025
year to date our revenue sources a total of $316,000 which 36% of that comes from state aid which is the 2% money uh from the insurance companies. The city contribution of $14,000 makes up 4%.
Other and miscellaneous is 1%. So that amount is a supplemental benefit that the state pays in the amount of $1,000 per pension paid the previous year. Uh that helps cover taxes for those uh folks that receive a pension. And then
investment earnings consistently over the years makes up the majority of our um our revenues on a given year. So year to date, I just updated these numbers this morning, 187,562 for that. Where does the money go? So
the money is in this fund specifically for only two things. Number one, administration, which after moving to PAR dropped incredibly from thousands of dollars per year down to under $2,000 a year. And then pensions
paid out, which varies. Some years it's zero, like this current year, 2025, we haven't paid out any pensions. Um, last year it happened to be $226,000 for one deferred member and one member that had just retired.
If we look over the years of where our um incomes are coming from as far as state aid and municipal aid, you can see that the state aid is increasing um every single year. uh and we're very happy that the municipal voluntary
contribution has been very stable and steady which uh helps a lot. If we look at uh the history of our results too, this chart is uh always one that I really like to point out. So we always want our assets to be higher than our liabilities. So you can see we have a
very um long track record of that happening except for the big crash back in 2008. So, uh, when that happened, we had two years where we were below, um, fully funded. Um, but basically, we always want to have a cushion. We want
the black line to be higher than the red line, and we want it to be in an amount that we all feel comfortable um, that we're going to be fully funded. So all of this data is coming from verifiable sources, the PAR annual funding report and the report from the state auditor's
office which are uh available online for anybody in the public to see. So what happens is once a year we get a report from parah that tells us where we're at. It tells us where they think that we'll be at the end of the year. And then it
also indicates our funding ratio and whether there should be a mandatory municipal contribution to make sure that we're fully funded. So where we're at this year is uh we're 109% funded. Uh which means there would be no mandatory
contribution. And then what they do is they throw together I don't know I don't know where they come up with the numbers but a $100 increase, a $200 increase, and a $1,000 increase. I didn't ask for those numbers. That's just what they provide to every single city that is on
the plan. We do things a little differently. What we do is we take those numbers and we look at where we're at for rate of return year to date. We look at how many members that we're thinking that we're going to have next year because that does have an impact on what
the uh liability would be. So, for example, the graph that I'm showing you at the top here, the plus four is indicating we're assuming we'll have four additional members next year versus what we had this year. So, the numbers that Para provided here is assuming that
we're going to have the same number of members that we had last year the next year. So we are currently at plus four members. Um um we've uh been able to bring on four additional members this year. So we are fully expecting to be at
plus4 next year. The rate of return which has been uh increasing is currently at 7.06 06 uh% uh which brings us if we were to increase the pension to $8,400 per year,
that still would leave us at $104% funded, which still leaves us a cushion in case uh there is a market correction or the market changes in a way that we don't expect it to. Uh I'm going to talk a little bit more about that uh in a couple slides here, but we feel very
confident, especially with it being so late in the year, that we're going to end uh fully funded on December 31st, which is when all the calculations start over. So next year we would get a another uh report from PAR uh sometime
in the end of July that will talk about what happened in calendar year 2025 and what they would expect to happen throughout 2026. So let's just say that there was a market correction and the stock market went down drastically. The way that it
would work is there would be no mandatory contribution no matter what in 2026. If the report came out in 2026 that there was a correction, uh the mandatory contribution would take place in 2027 if that was the case. So if we look at our
rate of return, so when we started this project um back in July when we first received the report from PAR, it didn't look like it was a good time to ask for a benefit increase because the rate of return at that time was not good. And as the year has progressed, you can see
that the rate of return has increased pretty steadily. Uh and we're looking at the uh the statement dates are down at the bottom. So, uh, as of the end of October, I'm sorry, at the end of,
um, at the end of November, uh, the current rate of return is over 7%. Now, the red line on there is indicating the rate of return that PAR allows us to assume. So that works out well for our projections, but it also works out well
for the council uh and for the city in the case there is a market correction and we go into a underfunded situation because the way that it works is when we're calculating out the um the projection of where we're going
to end at the end of the year, we can use the the 6% as an assumed um rate of return that we will receive. So no matter what the situation is in the market, the city and the pension fund always gets to assume a 6% uh rate
of return. So another thing that I want to point out um and this is something that we've talked about here is um when we when we talk about the pension fund, we really have to think that this is not like the stock market.
Even though the money is invested in the stock market, it is not the same as somebody's 401k or somebody's personal stock portfolio. It is just a tool that the state of Minnesota uses to manage the funds in
the pension. And the funds are invested in a very safe and very conservative manner. So if you look at where the funds are invested, first of all, volunteer fire departments only have six different choices on where that money
can be invested and they are all safe funds. You can see the rate of returns over long term are are steady. Um you don't see this wild ups and downs like you would if you're investing in Google or Tesla or any of the other um volatile
stocks out there. So, um, we're not going to make giant numbers, but we're also not going to lose giant numbers because all of the funds are in very stable funds. And, uh, what you see in blue on the left hand side is the
percentage of where our funds are into which available options within the state board of investments. So, just wanted to point out that um in addition to the community um you know the services that we provide to the
community uh responding to calls and maintaining uh equipment and going to training. The East Fire Department is also involved with a lot of other things within our community. So, there is a safety prevention or a fire safety program at the local schools that takes
place every year. There is the heart safe program where we teach citizens about ED use and how to do CPR. Uh we are still the charter organization for a cup scout pack which is 387. We do have the fire auxiliary which uh does a lot of amazing things in our community
like roadside cleanup. Um they provide kits for folks that have been displaced at their homes and they uh make a large donation to NACE every year. Uh we do provide first aid training for scouts uh local BMX group. We did it recently at
uh station one for the scout group that u Miss Prickle is involved with. Uh we do have a retirees monthly gathering. Uh we support various organizations throughout our community including Nace. Uh we do a Santa parade every year where we do some food shelf collection as
well. Uh so what we are requesting as our fund does support an increase of $400 per year service with the new benefit of $8,400 per year service starting on January 1st in 2026.
So, just as a summary, in 2025, we did maintain our goal of 100% funded. And to help maintain this goal, we just need healthy investments, prudent uh and competitive benefit levels, consistent city contributions, and maintaining a outstanding relationship between the
members and the city. So, I guess I will at this point open it up for any questions, and I can go back to any of the slides that you'd like to ask questions about or have more uh information from me provided to you. I just want to clarify this increase is
coming from the investments, not from taxpayers. Correct. That's what I thought. I I also have a question on that 187,000. Um that's there somewhere. >> This one
>> um is that what comes in? Is that an annual figure or and it accumulates or is that something that's slowly accumulates to get to that number? >> Yep. So that's the uh that just happens to be the investment earnings that we've
made year to date. So this picture right here is actually at the bottom of the slide here. That is our actual from our portfolio. That's the rate of return uh this year. So that 7.06% 06%
um is where this $187,562 came from. So this is throughout the entire year. So every month we get a statement and that's the money grows and grows and grows and that that's where we are at as of the last statement which we
received on uh the last day of uh November. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yep. And and you're correct. I just did want to reiterate that this in theory has no fiscal impact on the city because the money is in a fund specifically to
pay out pensions to the firefighters. >> And if you had to pay out for firefighters in one year and it went became under then they would have to what did you what was the word you use?
uh mandatory um don't >> yeah mandatory contribution. So with that said though it would never happen for um a retirement. So the fund is fully funded specifically to pay out our firefighters. So for example our current
balance as of right now today I'm using rough numbers but we're at $2.9 million. So if you look at the liability that we have today it's $2.6 million. So, let's just say that everybody quit today, which would make for a very interesting
duty week for me. Um um we would still have $300,000 in the in the pot to pay out pensions. Now, with that said, when they calculate our assumed liability, they're assuming everybody's going to be here for 20 years. So, let's take a firefighter that's been here for five
years. Their pension for five years times $8,000 today would be $40,000. but they're only 40% vested. So the real amount that we're liable is $16,000. So today, if everybody quit, we would
literally pay out $2.1 million. And we have $2.9 million in the fund, which would be $800,000 left over. And I know I'm throwing a lot of numbers at you, but I've also been doing this for a long time. >> So I'm very comfortable with the numbers. Um I don't know already. How
long have I 15 years? 16 years. >> Yeah. >> So, >> good job. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Any other questions for Tro comments? >> Yeah, you're doing one heck of a job with this. >> Well, thank you. We are.
>> All right. Thank you, Troy. >> All right. Thank you for your time. I really appreciate the opportunity to speak. Do we want to have a consensus to add this to the uh uh meeting agenda then? >> It's on >> Mr. Mayor and Council, it is on the
agenda this evening already. So, you can >> up down vote at that point. Yeah. >> Okay. I I know it was on it, but >> it's under it was uh >> in the consent agenda. >> Yeah. I think in the description it was depend on the results of the work
meeting. Yeah. So, >> okay. Very good. All right, moving on. Item two, I'm advertising and design. Mr. Mayor and Council, um we had um a council member bring forward a um kind
of a concern with the quality of our newsletter and um timeliness and some other things. And um so we started looking into what it takes to produce a newsletter um and the amount of time and
um and and quite honestly staff is uh is well with some of the um staff turnover and responsibilities kind of being shared amongst everyone. I think it's it's kind of being pushed to a back burner a little bit. But I wanted to um what I have in front of you here is
Prime Advertising and Design. and they are a firm that that spec uh specifically does do newsletters for cities. And um I've got just a a uh that gives you a visual here of some of
the newsletters that they do. Uh so essentially they'll do the design. Uh we would send them the content and uh they would place it in there. They would send it back to us to review it and make sure it's accurate and then they would take
care of um sending it off to the printer uh having it printed, sending it off to the post office, having it delivered based on the list that we provide. Uh currently right now we do the design in-house. Uh we are not designers. Uh, and I would uh I compliment those that
that do the work and try to do the work, but it's a um uh you know to be a graphic designer is a discipline that that people earn rightfully. And um and so um we do provide some of the content. A lot of our department heads of course we go around and say
okay what's the hot issues that you want to have addressed in newsletter? Sometimes council says we would like to see something in newsletter. So, and many times council members, I know council member Miller has submitted articles as well uh for newsletters. Um and then we try and fit it into there
and and try and get it out. Um this would help simplify the matter, but it does come at a cost. Um I will go back here to this page here. So essentially right now our last newsletter was um
um $3 $3,444 and um if I'm adding this up correctly, it would be about a $10,000 increase over the year. So, we have four different uh publications that we send out in a given year uh quarterly and
it'd be about $2,500 difference for that uh to essentially turn it over to a service that um that has done a good job. I think I know you know you you look at some of those communities in there and noa and others that have used the service. Uh people are very happy
with it and um kind of helps to simplify some of that work. that is right now falling on staff that might not be um trained necessarily to do it, but have been have been trying to pitch in to get something done over the over the
last few years. But at any rate, I wanted to just bring this to council. Um get your feedback on it in a work session. uh if it's something that you would like to proceed with, uh we can start it up in January here and um and kind of get them online, get them
designing something um such as the front of the um my cursor here again. Um such as the, you know, there's different views that you can go with. You know, different cities have different ways of presenting whether
they have a certain color they want to focus on or a certain theme. uh they can provide stock photography uh if we would like that. Uh if we have our own photography, you see a NOA here has a picture of their bridge. Um if we have our own photography, we can we can
utilize that as well. And uh and I think it it just kind of brings it up a to a different level, a new level of professionalism. There's a cost to it though, and so that's why I want to bring it forward and see if that's something you guys want to consider moving forward with.
Personally, I think um it's a great idea. I think the professionalism and the uh the way the city will come off to the residents will be much better. I think if they can be more timely than
who we're using right now. And the the last newsletter I was so disappointed because we had these little tiny pictures of the senior um events and nobody could really tell who was who or what they were doing in those
pictures and that's why take the time to get pictures done and submitted if nobody can tell. And people pictures tell stories and we want more people to participate in community events and if
we don't have those stories, it's not going to resonate with our residents. So that's my opinion. I'm I'd be willing to pay, you know, an extra $10,000 for to get the word out to the people on a
regular basis in a professional manner. And I'm a cheap person too, so I don't like to spend money. >> Would these new newsletters be in color then versus black and white that we have been doing? >> Yeah. So, um I would need to double
check um on how much of it would be color. It may just be the front page. Maybe a little bit color inside there. Um, generally speaking, a lot of the presses today that are used will print anything you want. You know, if you want black and white, it's a fourcolor process that
prints a black and white. Um, so you might as well take advantage of color essentially at that point. And it and it depends on how you submit the print file, the print ready file. If it's color, you're getting color coming out, you know. So, I think um kind of Council Member Urkl's point, we um we're
starting to get a lot of calls about development and property and things of this nature. I think this is a there's multiple first impressions obviously. Um but uh this is certainly one of them, you know, that uh that people can utilize to kind of get that first impression of the
city and and um I think it's a positive positive thing if you'd like to proceed with it. Well, uh, I could add my two cents here. I think communicating with our residents, a lot of our residents are
used to getting a newsletter and one that's uh, indepth what's happening and we've gotten away from that a little bit. I think it's very important that that we stay on top of not only what's going on here, but inform everybody. Not
everybody goes online. Not everybody watches these meetings happy for the people who do, but reality is a lot of people look forward to it and when they don't get it, we hear >> they feel like, you know, we're ignoring them or anything like that. So, I'm for
this. I'm curious. I've seen Champlain and Champlain has had advertising in it. Now, do they contact advertisers too in our city or, you know, to help offset this? >> I was thinking that, too. That's a good question. I don't have an answer to that
yet. Uh we would certainly supply them with businesses that want to, you know, have them design something for an ad for them. Uh they may have other, you know, reach in terms of people that contact Prime to say, "Hey, what do you have in an area this this, you know, area for
advertising?" >> Because I know Carrie's been working on a lot of ads for businesses and she's been basically doing them herself, >> right? >> Very time organization. I mean, I think that would really be a positive for us. Also, >> it's very timeconuming when someone
submits Adobe Illustrator file and you don't have that program to operate with and you're trying to convert it and it comes out grainy. Um, and I'll be honest with you, um, we're getting uh a significantly more public data requests coming in that Carrie is involved with,
and that's a time-sensitive matter that has to be dealt with. So these type of things while they're on the burner, they're not on the front burner, right, in terms of importance. And so I can I understand some of the frustration um and we're, you know, staff is somewhat
caught, you know, trying to respond to everything that we can as soon as possible. And um and it would be nice to have a service that can handle it, you know, produce something professionally um and that has experience in doing it. They're not they're not fly by night.
They've they've been around for for a while. >> I know. I agree with Tim and Suzanne because the last newsletter that came out, it's like I looked at it and I'm like, "Sorry, but this isn't what we've had before in the past. Something like
this is really important to residents, especially that don't go on the computer, and they look forward to this, and it gives them information about what's going on in our city. So, I'm for this as well. Yeah. And it would be nice if we could get, you know, eventually advertisers to
help offset the cost because I know a lot of people would be willing just to put spend a hundred bucks to put a business card in there. And I I don't know if that would go through the city or the prime, but however, but it's something we can
research later. >> Y definitely >> because I think it's import that we at least four times a year >> to keep the residents informed on what's happening so they're not guessing or second hearing stuff that's not really
going on. I think it's important. Any other comments? Well, if you could uh find out a couple of those answers about color and advertisers and uh bring it back next month.
Okay. All right. Agreement on it. >> Sounds good. Let's move to item three. garbage haul or discussion. >> Mr. Mayor and Council, at the last um
council meeting, I believe there was a person that came forward and indicated that they were interested in in um seeing if the city would look into kind of the program that um that Ham Lake put into into effect for garbage hauling.
So, I reached out to uh the city of Ham Lake. They were kind enough to send me their uh contract that they used um uh for what they call Ham Lake Haulers uh which is a two different haulers that
came together to provide uh a solution to that city. Um and and again part part of this discussion kind of revolves around uh you've got uh I don't know pick a number six different companies out there um all driving on the same
road you know depending on the number of uh neighbor you know the size of the neighborhood you could have all six of these different providers driving down the road uh to get the garbage and then to pick up recycling and um and there's concern about uh wear and tear to the
road and and just kind of the um maybe the invasion of garbage trucks uh that happen uh throughout the week. But um this is a um if you've got an opportunity to read this contract, this is what they've put into place. Um an
interesting part on this is the city does have uh quite a bit of garbage that we pay for uh in our bills list. And in this portion, if I can find it real quick, um it says 2.6 here. Contractor
shall let no additional cost of city provide weekly pickup of refues at seven locations. And they did spell them out. Um you know, we could we could certainly have a similar type of scenario uh conditioned on a um on a contract such
as this if you chose to go that route. Um and um I think it you know reading through this I think it covers just about um everything that would be of concern. But um
but the the process that we would need to undergo with this is to essentially send out an RFP and uh have haulers try and bid on the work. And uh the goal of course is to keep some of the cost
down. I think um I think in Ham Lake, and correct me if I'm wrong, someone, but I think it's around $17 or something for their garbage uh monthly basis. Um and that can vary widely. Um and I think I think I pay 25 or something in in
Ramsey. Um but um >> pay 80 >> not that 25 is bad but >> you know >> um but any rate it could be an opportunity for depending on who responds back to an RFP could be uh could be some cost savings for
residents. Um I think the flip side of that discussion is is that uh freedom to you know to select a provider of your choosing you know uh and some people some people want to have that
flexibility um and uh from what I understand it uh it's not really been a huge push back in Ham Lake but I think overall people in Ham Lake are very happy with with the service that they're getting and uh and this can be, you
know, re-evaluated every every term that comes up, whether it's a year or however long you want to make the term of the contract. But, um, so anyways, this is before you in terms of discussion. Um, again, something we can we can get out
first part of the year in terms of an RFP. Um, and um, covers just about everything. Yeah, I know their pricing goes on what gallon container you have. They
have three different sizes listed in their site here. And then 25, they have a 30 to 38, that's 1335 a month. A 60 to 76 gallon is 81 1918 a month. And then
the bigger one, 77 to 90 gallons, 21.92. So, I mean, I think people would be satisfied if we did it as long as they're paying less than what they are now. >> Uh, do you know what two companies came together for Ham Lake to do it?
>> Uh, it was Ace and um >> Waste Management. >> Waste Management, which may be the owner of Waste. I'm not sure of Ace. I think they um somebody purchased somebody along the way there but um but you know
part of the argument is start and stop of vehicles and wear and tear on roads >> and that's quite honestly that's a function of weight. So if you have one vehicle that's overloaded starting and stopping you've got a lot of damage potentially being done. If you have six
vehicles that are partially full starting and stopping you may have less damage. So that argument while it's commonly used, I don't know that it always applies. But um but I I do understand that, you know, if you've got u you know a neighborhood and there's
six haulers in that neighborhood, you got trucks all day long, you know, coming through there. And uh if you look at it from a public safety standpoint, I think you know, kids playing streets and shouldn't be, but I think generally you find them there. You want to try and limit some of that traffic. That's not a
bad idea. Yeah, I know. In my neighborhood, five days a week, I got garbage trucks coming through my neighborhood. >> Yep. >> So, I I can see the advantages of some of this. And I I could uh envision
uh having two suppliers similar to Ham Lake. That way, that there'd still be some freedom of choice. And I would like to keep one of those local no matter what company if that's a
possibility. I'd like to help support local businesses. So I know ACE is nationwide and >> yeah just to clarify these two haulers came together as a partnership to provide the service. So you get you don't have a choice of one or the other,
but you >> um you know they decided to to work together as opposed to compete against each other. Um but this really could be a win-win, not only for our residents, for pricing, but
for long-term maintenance on our roads. I think that was mentioned. We have new roads coming in and have gone in. These trucks continue to do some damage. Um, even though I live on a dirt road with culde-sac, garbage week is pretty rough, especially
if it rains the night before and I ride bike and it's tough to ride once in a while when you have to go over all these different gullies and, you know, looks like burnout basically in there. But this was a smart move that Ham Lake made. It really was, you know, for
long-term savings on their maintenance and for the residents. So, if we can throw something like this together, I'm all for it. Thank you for that suggestion at the last meeting. It's it's a big one.
>> I think it's a good idea, too. But we should probably set either a yearly or every two years and set it out for an RSP just to keep the costs so they can compete against each other. >> I could see every two years.
Are we going to have any problems with push back from the carriers because we allow so many in right now? >> You know, I would uh Mr. Mayor and Council to answer that question, I would say earlier on you would have uh I think this is becoming a common
um kind of area that cities are looking into now, more common than it was before. Um >> I think St. Francis has two haulers. >> Yeah, I I think that that a lot of the haulers actually would do mail
campaigns, you know, uh it became a political hot potato uh for a few years there, but I think now they've kind of they've kind of figured out that well, if we can get our foot in the door in certain areas and we don't have to drive clear across, you know, the state to service a couple accounts that we're
probably saving some money in the wrong long run. I'm not sure. I'm not I'm not a garbage hauler, but it would make sense to me that, you know, if you can focus your your market that you you may not um have as much cost. These trucks, I don't think are inexpensive.
>> Well, I'm going to put my two cents in because I am not for this. I don't think it's the government's job to get into garbage um hauling. I I think it's just adding one more thing that the city's going to have to monitor and the city is
already complaining that they have too much going on, too many things. Um, and I don't think it's our job to be picking winners and choosers of businesses. I think I'm all for the free market and letting people decide. We have a lot of residents who
through just monitoring social media I have heard they hate this company, they hate that company, they don't like the owner of this company, they don't and lo and behold, the city will pick a company that somebody hates and
all those people who hate that company are going to be up in arms. So you can see I can see the future on that whole issue. So that's my two cents. Yeah, I can absolutely understand it
because in years past there have been brief discussions about this and there are very strong views on one side and the other >> and people have come before the public forum complaining it's when this topic came up and I guarantee you put it on
the agenda we will have people >> well what does it cost RFP and put it together just to look, not to commit to it, but just to >> see what could be done.
>> Yeah, I think we'll do a request for quote. It's a little less um legalistic at that point. Um RFPs, you have to have good reason why you don't select one of the um one of the people that submits. >> Okay. >> Uh RFQS kind of give you
just those numbers that you're looking for. We can certainly do that. Um we can model it after this certainly if that seems to work for them. I don't know that we'd want to reinvent the wheel. Uh but um but you're you're absolutely right. I mean this can become a politically charged topic. There's no
question about it. Um I don't know that it is a politically charged topic in Ham Lake. Um I think they would have shared that with us like wow we it took a beating trying to get this across the finish line. Uh, I
didn't hear that. Um, but that's not to say that there aren't more active voices on social media in East Bethl. Um, but saving money is a positive thing, too. I mean, people are all for that.
Um, so it's six and one half dozen. >> Well, this is why we have the public forum. >> So, if an idea comes up and if we can do it, we do it together. you know, we want to hear the bad along with the good. Last thing we're going to do is is try
and cause problems. So, by them uh by the public communicating through the public forum about things that they don't like about certain companies helps us make a decision, too. And that's what it's all about. And the reality of it is if you decided
to go this down this road and it's not working, you can always go back to the other, you know, the other way. It's um I'm sure other people would love to to bid on, you know, accounts that they had or whatever. I'm sure they they'll have the information to market them
certainly. But um and I and I think that that's that's probably in the front of these people's minds. You know, when if they get awarded a contract like this, they know they better perform or it's going to be, you know, people will be complaining like you say and it's not going to look good for the for renewal
of contract. But um yeah, so just to restate uh we're not committed to this. We are just looking at it. So
please no torches at the next meeting. We're just looking. Would this require an ordinance if we ever did pursue it? I don't know that we have ordinances on this particular >> city code. >> Yeah.
Um this would just be a contract >> that the city would have. >> Um I can check in the ordinance though. >> All right. Anything else? Hey, at this time we'll close the uh
work meeting. Part: 2
Nobody's going to see. At this time, we'll call the uh December 22nd, 2025 council meeting to order. Please rise if you can for the pledge. >> I aliance to the flag of the United
States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation for all. Make a motion to adopt tonight's agenda. >> Second. >> A motion and a second. All in favor?
>> I I opposed. Unheard. >> Presentations. Sheriff's Office. >> Good evening, Mayor and Council. Merry Christmas. November. Uh we responded to 404 calls for service in our city. Deputies
handled four assaults and four theft reports. made a total of 38 arrests for miscellaneous offenses and 117 traffic stops were conducted which resulted in 17 citations on our roadways. Uh, a couple of our notable calls. On
the 3rd of November at 5:47, Deputy G responded to Quick Trip on a report of a male inside the store yelling and throwing items. He arrived and learned of a domestic that had occurred inside of the store. Uh he watched the surveillance video and saw a male throw items off the shelves and take a Red
Bull without paying. Deputy Go followup at a nearby residence after observing the suspect's vehicle parked in the driveway. He attempted to speak with the male, but the male was I rate yelling and swearing in the front yard. The male was arrested for theft and damage to
property and was transported to jail. On the 22nd of November at 9:16 p.m., our deputies were made aware of a male who had a felony warrant out of Anoka County for fleeing in a motor vehicle. This male was staying at an address in the 1 1600 block of 209th Avenue
Northeast. Our deputies formulated a plan to uh arrest this male and drove to the residence. On arrival, our deputies observed this male standing in the driveway outside of the home. The deputies approached the male and advised him that he was under arrest and to get on the ground. The male was confused and
surprised uh but eventually did comply. He was arrested without incident and transported to our jail on the active warrants. And then finally on the 30th of November at 8:50 p.m. Deputy Borguson stopped a vehicle in a driveway of a residence in
the 19800 block of Wild Rice Drive Northeast. After running the plate and learning that the registered owner had a revoked driving status, as soon as the deputy made the stop, the driver quickly got out of the car and began walking away to attached to a detached garage on the
property. A resident inside of the home confronted Deputy Borgeson and inquired why he was stopping the vehicle. The homeowner was advised uh what the issue was, but remained non-compliant. Our assisting deputies set up a perimeter around the home and checked the area on foot without locating anything.
While applying for a search warrant for the detached garage, permission to search the interior was granted by the homeowner. Uh our staff entered the garage and arrested the driver and charged this person with flee on foot, driving after revocation, and displaying revoked plates. Uh we took a second
person into custody during the course of this incident for obstructing the legal process. Both uh were transported to jail and released to staff without further incident. So, this November in a nutshell. So, as we head into the holiday season, I just want to take the
time to remind everybody to stay safe on our roads. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so please drive with caution. And if your celebrations include alcohol, please plan ahead for a sober ride home. So, merry Christmas to everybody. >> Merry Christmas to you. >> Merry Christmas.
>> Thank you, Fire Department. Mayor, members of the council, uh, thank you for allowing me to give you an update on what's going on at the fire department. Um, for the the month I set these updates up based on the last
time we talked. So, this is the month, it's not the November or October, whatnot. Uh, we had 61 calls um, as of the time that I submitted this for the agenda. um from Friday till Sunday. So Friday
morning, this past Friday morning until Sunday night, we had approximately 17 calls. Uh so we're looking at 78 calls instead of the 61 that were submitted. Um couple of the notable um or one
notable calls, uh we had a structure fire on the 5th of uh December uh that displaced three people and uh one dog. uh we were able to contain it to the structure of origin. Uh the investigation is still pending. Uh
the parties were put in touch with Red Cross and they were able to uh find uh shelter after that. Um we've also seen an uptick in uh mutual aid requests for other fire departments uh notably Andover on the 9th of December and then
now then on the 19th. Um some of the projects that we have going on, uh the floors are still an ongoing project. They are complete at stations two and three and they look fantastic. Uh Polytech is doing an amazing job.
They've done half the floor at station one. Um that has cured. Station one, uh looks great. They're going to be finishing that up. Uh hopefully there's they'll finish the floor up next week and then they'll come back on a weekend
to do the hallways and ancillary rooms. Um but they've been putting in a lot of work. They're getting it done. Uh we're getting tools ordered that we need to replace. Uh the new forecast monitors that we we need to replace, they're all in. They came in today. Uh so those will
be getting put into service in the coming days. Um and then a couple of fun things that we had happen. Uh the Santa parade happened. Uh firefighter Mike How put that together. He put together the routes. Um coordinated all the volunteers that uh went on that. They
were able to uh gather 891 pounds of food for NACE and that was dropped off shortly after that parade. And then uh for the East Bethl Fire Department members, we had the kids holiday party
uh which included breakfast, uh making cookies, Santa stopped in, handed out presents. Um it was a lot of fun, a lot of food, uh a lot of happy kids. >> What day was that?
>> That would have been the sixth. Any questions? Any uh word on ice thickness, ice safety? I haven't heard what any of the lakes are um out there. Sure. If anything,
I would say it's still still earlier ice even though we've experienced some significant cold. Um you should always be checking the ice before you go out and as you go out. So, but I haven't heard any numbers. Okay. Any uh word on our upcoming fire
department breakfast in January? >> I don't have any dates for that yet. I know that's still being coordinated. >> Okay. >> I know it's being pulled together and something we always look forward to >> and we'll make sure that we get that information out on on our Facebook page
and uh however else we can share it. >> Okay, great. >> How's the duty crew working out? Um the duty crew, it's not getting staffed the way we want it to. Um
when it comes down to is we don't have the daytime personnel to to do it. Um those that are able to are signing up um as they can. Um we just don't have enough people during the day uh to staff those. We're keeping them open. We're
keeping the program going. um we're taking advantage of people when they're able to. You know, we're we're getting tasks accomplished um that would otherwise take myself and uh Deputy Chief Udin out of the office and away from the administrative tasks that we're
doing. Um but there's just not enough daytime staff to to fill those shifts. Uh but those that are doing it are contributing at a high level and it's greatly appreciated by us.
>> That's good. >> Thank you. >> Other comments. >> All right. Thank you, Chief. >> Thank you. >> Item 4 C, the uh public hearing on the ordinance change.
We haven't done public yet. >> Yeah, we haven't had the public form and you want to sign up. >> We haven't had that yet. >> Just sign up. >> All right. Public hearing. >> Mr. Mayor and Council, we have a request
for a public hearing on an ordinance amending chapter 66, article uh 6, section 66-165 of the East Bethl Code of ordinances relating to sidewalks and trails in the city of East Bethl. In the section 665,
the city code guides installation of sidewalks and trails and new developments. And um and we uh had some discussion here in 2025 with the parks committee and council also, I believe, uh discussed this in a
work session essentially looking at uh a recommendation for a trail dedic dedication fee of $1,500 per unit. Um there was talk of park dedication as well, but this just relates specifically to trail dedication at this point. We
did not have that defined in our code um up until now and and it's your choice if you want to do that. Uh but the justification for the need of trail dedication fee is based on lack of funding to cover the cost of trails already in the park capital improvement
plan. Um and the city does have a plan for construction of these trails by utilizing general fund transfers as need be as that tr as that fund builds over time. Uh but in order to get this uh even to a point of deciding on it, we'd
need to conduct a public hearing and that's what we're here for this evening. All right. Before council has any discussion, I will open up the public hearing for any response from the public. Anybody want to talk about it?
Say something really short. Hi, I'm Joe Ryder, 19207 Staple Street. Um, this dedication fee uh has been a long time in works. I think that um other councils and other council members
have been working on this for almost 10 years trying to get this um put into paper. And so I just I can't I can't express how happy I am to finally see this parks and or this trails dedication fee. We've talked about parks and trails
and this this is really an awesome opportunity. So I'm hoping that you guys approve this because we'd like to see our city connected. So thank you for everyone that's worked on this. I don't know what the outcome is going to be, but um I know a lot of
other residents are really excited about this. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other comments? Hearing none. This part of the public hearing is closed. Council discussion.
>> I have a question. The cash in lie of trail construction shall be set and presented in the city feed schedule. Is that in this fee schedule that is in a later part of this packet? Is that the
fees? Because it didn't look like it was enough to me. I mean, if a developer has to put in a trail, it's going to be way more than the $1,500 per unit. So, I'm I'm a little
confused on that. I I just want to make sure that it's going to be a fair amount, like exactly or close to what that trail is going to cost. >> Um, wow. computers go crazy.
>> I believe uh Parks went over this and they presented it to us and they believed it was enough and uh we talked about it at our work session and kind of came to agreement, I believe. >> Yeah. Uh Mr. Mayor and Council, I I'll
be honest with you, $1,500 is not going to get you very much in a trail. Um the the reality is is that trails are very costly and communities that have extensive trail networks have extensive
replacement costs for those trails. Um so the question then becomes from a policy standpoint is this something that you want to provide the residents as an amenity for living in East Bethl. um that you'll read in there about uh
pedestrian safety and that sort of thing gets people off the roads, distracted drivers. Um generally speaking, where there are trails, um people want more more trails um so that they can be connected to
every aspect of the community as possible for exercising or just general mobility or whatever the case may be. um 1,400 I think was established based on what other communities are charging. I part
of the concern is you don't um you know there's there's lawsuits out there right now in terms of what people are charging and there's push back if you charge too much. Um I I think right now it's it's probably advantageous to if you're going
to consider this kind of replicate what other communities have done in terms of the amounts. Um but there should be an a realization that um you know trails generally are are placed on top of of um clear dirt. The
soils aren't corrected. There's tree roots. Um they tend to degrade at a rate faster than your road system would. Um which means that they'd be replaced at a rate faster than your road system would.
What some communities do is they buy uh trail machines uh pavers literally that they can do it themselves based on the cost. Very expensive. Um and but again it's one of those community benefits
that I would say people have come to expect and um and from a policy standpoint you need to decide that's what you're want to build towards. Obviously, $1,500 per unit is not going to get you there anytime fast. Um, $10,000 per unit
probably wouldn't get you there anytime fast, but it does provide some sort of, uh, an investment over time and then as that account grows, um, it can pay back the general fund if we've made advanced payments. uh or it could grow to a point
where you've got a you know uh for example with with Capstone coming in we require them to put in their own trails but there are communities out there that weren't required to put in trails in the past that we would probably be focusing on with this type of revenue to try and
um connect these areas as best we can. East Beth is is has um a unique characteristic in terms of uh you a lot of wetlands, a lot of water, a lot of heaving. There'll be some replacement costs. No
question about it. >> So, my my concern really isn't the price. My concern is uh that a developer, if they have the choice, is going to do that cash in lie
of putting in a trail. So I just want to know which like capstone mandatory good good deal I like that >> right >> some developers need to be mandatory trails
regardless and I don't know where the distinction is in this. I think we need something that says if you have more than five houses, uh, you must put in a trail if it's, you know,
certain size lots. Um, because I I think certain areas we don't want a trail down off of that little place off of East Bethl Boulevard. I don't think a trail would be a good idea right there.
But Capstone, yes. Alivage area. Yes. Um >> more dense. Yes. But >> so we I think something needs to be said that so that a developer can't say this says I can give a cash in lie of so
where is that stipulation? Where is the distinction of when they have to and when they don't? >> Uh Mr. Mayor and council I think that's part of the discussion that you'd have with the city at that point when you're coming forward with a plan to build something. we would talk through those
specific uh situations. You know, um when you're approving a plat, you do have control over some of this in terms of saying, you know, you need to include these these components in that plat. Um if it's a developer building one or two homes or whatever the case may be, at
that point, you're right. It just doesn't make sense to, you know, put in a small segment of trail that has no beginning and no end. I mean, so I I think uh from staff standpoint, we would we would know, you know, kind of where the plans are for trails and
connectivity, you know, what would make sense and um and and even the city might want to contribute, you know, to maybe a a portion of a trail that's missing so that now it is connected. You know, that might make sense at that point. But um
but certainly on the smaller scale uh you might have, you know, you would probably expect the smaller operators to pay the $1,500. The larger operators want those trails. I mean, you talked to Capstone today. We just had a meeting with them today. Um they absolutely want
those trails in there because people are demanding it and it's an amenity that uh that they look forward to when they're purchasing their properties. So, um I don't know that we can we can pair it down to five or four or three. You know, I think, you know, when you're when
you're arguably a smaller developer, at that point, we'll have an honest conversation with them. If you're a large developer, it's it's mandatory at that point. Traditionally with uh park fees,
the parks commissions have uh had extensive discussions about whether they would like to see a park in a particular new development or if they would rather receive the um um c cash in l of a park. So, I would I
would think that the this would be another area that the parks would discuss and decide whether if a trail would be appropriate in this area based off of uh staff information or if they'd rather just take cash.
>> I I agree. I just don't want to see a a situation where we want somebody to do a trail and a developer says I will sue because your documents say I can do cash in lie of that that's my total point. So
>> at that point and attorney can certainly correct me if I'm wrong but I think you do have some control over the approval of the final plat. >> Okay. >> And and just like you know I I think the prior council when they were looking improving the plat for um for capsule
and they wanted to put a few more park benches in or different amenities and and generally they're open to that, you know, to try and try and get that uh just get it closed and so they can continue on with their their work. But um but I think you have some flexibility
there as a council to to uh encourage certain directions. >> Thanks. All right, Amar, we have a motion for this resolution. So, right here is the
the new fee that you were asking about in the fee schedule for this evening. Yeah. >> 2500 on the park dedication. Is that 3500 or 2500? >> Let's zoom in here. >> Uhoh.
Now I did it. 3500 for single family lot park dedication, 1500 for single family lot trail dedication. No. There you go. Well, I'd like to make a motion that we approve amending
chapter 66 section 66-165 in East Bethl Code of Ordinances relating to sidewalks and trails. >> I'll second it. I have a motion and second. Any further discussion?
>> Um, this is D on the consent agenda though, right? Or is that something different? >> That's something different. This is for the public hearing. >> D is all >> the fee adoption is all of them included in that. Got it.
>> So this is just the public hearing was for changing the the ordinance, >> right? >> City code. So again, we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? None being heard. All those in favor? I
opposed. Unheard. Motion passes. Public forum. Mr. Ritter. So, I normally don't show up unless I have something contentious to say, but I'm only here to grant you guys all good tidings. And I want to say good evening,
mayor, council members, Matthew, city staff, and f fellow residents. I'd like to take a moment to formally thank the East Bethl City Council and our public servants for their work accomplished in 2025. This year, the council took meaningful
action that strengthened local control while responding to how residents act actually live and work. The ordinance is adopted in 2025. Modernized zoning to allow practical rural housing options such as barnaminiums.
It supported responsible rural agricultural use through resoning decisions. It corrected long-standing infrastructure issues like street renaming and established park and trail dedication that we just heard about.
uh that money was a significant increase in park and dedication. Uh previously um land owners and developers um were paying very minimal amount compared to our other cities and this increase is going to really help our parks
commission to build and fund our parks. So for all the families out there watching this um is a big improvement for our city. These actions reflect thoughtful governance grounded in the character of our community.
The financial incentive to serving on the council for the majority you is very low. The pay is low. The cost of being constant constantly accessible to an ever growing community is very high. That's why I want to give a specific
thank you to those of you who have prioritized constraint in spending and service growth. and for your commitment to keeping our communities budget in check. It hasn't been easy when we look at our other communities that are surrounding us. It's been very hard for
them. Financial stewardship was a clear success in 2025. Thank you, Matt, for making this possible. Thank you, mayor and council, for maintaining a strong and growing fund balance, a clean audit, and
adopting a balanced budget and levy on schedule. This is rarely seen among other communities, but you guys got the work done and collaborated together. I also want to recognize the work done beyond ordinances and budgets.
Public safety staffing was strengthened in the fire department. I want to thank you, Fire Chief Equipment investments were made deliberately and within budget and there is a clear funding source moving forward for the improvements of
city facilities and parks without higher cost current residents. This again is really hard for most communities to bear, but I think the collaboration within our community um should be recognized because despite disagreement, all of this work
is done and it's done quickly in our community. Community engagement increased through town halls and open public processes. The city newsletter had gone silent for a while and I was very happy to see these communications in my mailbox this year. I know other
residents are very happy to hear your voices as council members and saying what you think matters and putting your personality in those newsletters. They're very important to us as a community and keeping ourselves together.
None of this could have happened without highly engaged city employees. I can't thank them all and hopefully Matt, you do, but specifically I want to thank you for supporting them and being a manager they can trust.
There's been very little office turnover since you have arrived and I think you are running this city very well. So I really want to thank you. There is a larger group I'd ask for applause but hopefully people are applausing online.
Our local government success is measured less by headlines and more by steady progress, sound decisions, and responsible use of public trust. In 2025, I think we have all accomplished all of these in East Bethl. On behalf of our residents who
appreciate this work and understand its relentless effort, I'm here to tonight to say thank you for your service, your professionalism, and your commitment to this community. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Item six, consent agenda. Make a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Second. >> I'd like to pull items C, D, E, and H.
>> I want to pull H as well. >> C, D, E, and H. >> Yes. >> Pull A. A. I'm going to pull L. We have a motion, a second.
All those in favor of the consent agenda as amended. >> I opposed. Unheard. Item A. One second. Get that page. Item A. Uh, starting on page 22,
we are paying somebody $422 to check the Water leaks. What's that all about? It's leaking. It's leaking. We're checking for leaks. What's going on with this? >> Try and find where you're at here. Page
22 right on top this thing. What was for water leak checks? I do not know what that has been for, but I can get that to you and perfect. Get a response for that.
>> Page 23, we had 24 to 25 vehicles all needing what is this? Registration tabs. What's going on there? They all do at the same time because I don't remember seeing this in any other budget the last couple years.
>> Yep. I can clarify that too through Nate. This is through Nate's department. >> Page 25. We are paying $5,000 for water meters. Is that in the new development? Is that replacing?
>> No. Generally speaking, we buy bulk water meters and then we charge them back to the developers. >> Okay. So, we keep them on hand so we don't have to wait for the >> turn around. >> Same thing on page 25. I'm curious how
we spend five or $947 on trash bags and paper towels. Is this a purchase for the whole year? I would have to double check and see why so much was purchased, but got a great deal on it or it just seems like a road
sale truckload. Let me see. And I am curious, page 26, our our carbide blade inserts and our our plow cutting edges. We've only been out plowing a couple times. Were they just old or I mean did we cut down too low or I mean it just seems
weird that we have a snow plow or a snowfall and also we're buying all these. >> We buy them every year. >> Do we? >> Yeah. >> And used on page 27 a bplow. Uh we purchased a Vplow was a used Vplow
for the Bobcat because sometimes um plowing with the with the uh snowblower just doesn't quite cut it. No pun intended. >> Got it. All right. That would be it. So with that being
answered, I move to approve item A. >> Second. >> Second. I have a motion to second. Any further discussion on it? >> I just got one question. Uh, when this changed, before we used to
have everything itemized and then we had information on the back explaining what they are, when did we decide to me this looks like a mixed up mess just trying to find things and then you got to try to interpret what you're talking about.
I think the time before it was a lot easier to figure out because on a lot of these spots stuff are you know in and out where we had before we had the fire department a certain thing and then we'd have public works then we could look to
the back if we had questions. So when when did we was decide to do this >> Mr. Mr. Mayor and Council, we had um the prior way of doing it was equally complicated and so we tried to summarize it in this format here which was um
easier to read but um but and we supplied both at that time and uh and then we thought we should just provide this summary version but if you want us to go back to the other one I know it'll create more confusion.
>> Um I think you're I think you're close. Okay. If we could get this version just attached to the department, then we got it. >> Okay. I'm not sure the computer programmer will allow that, but we can certainly chat with uh with Mike to see
if that's a feasibility. >> Yeah, because otherwise you're ping ponging back and forth and it's like what the heck is that? You know, wouldn't keep together. It' be a lot easier. >> Yeah. This is alphabetized by vendor >> right >> so
>> department is a lot easier to concentrate on I think it's my thought see if you can figure that easier that'd be great that's all I got all right any other discussion
none being heard all those in favor I opposed none heard motion passes Item B, I think, was the next thing. >> C. Item C was the >> Okay.
>> Oh, yeah, we did. We're on C, right? >> Meeting minutes. >> Mhm. >> Uh, I was absent, so I need to abstain from these. So, somebody else >> make a motion to approve the meeting minutes from December 8th. Item C is in
C on the agenda. Second um discussion. I'll bring in there's two deals highlighted in here. One's on page 41. We're uh we didn't get the last name of
the manager for Capstone Homes. Um and I think Matt's got it now. So if he just supplies it, I'm fine with that along with there's a
another deal down further. So that's Back Ridges. >> Yep. Back ridges. B A K R I T G S. >> And then down further is the address for Bruce Lawrence. >> Yeah,
>> maybe it's up further. should be page 37 right there. You have that address? >> Yeah, that address is 25 2223rd Lane Northwest Oak Grove. Okay. >> So, the motion would need to include
both of those changes. Yes, that motion will need to include the uh the uh make a motion to approve the meeting minutes uh from or some Okay, we already have a
motion. I'll amend my motion to uh include the changes as presented by the mayor. >> Second. Okay, we got a motion and a second. All those in favor? >> I
>> none heard. Item D. >> Item D is the fee schedule. And I just have um two questions. The first one is the fees for all the cannabis going on, all those different issues. Um,
I don't even know what some of those things mean on those different cannabis things, but I am of the opinion that every single one of them should have be the same price of $500. I don't understand why there are
different fees for similar issues, similar startups and stuff. So, um, my suggestion is either make them all the
same price or explain why they're such a variety of fee schedules for similar staff. Uh, Mr. Mayor and Council, I would need to validate this response. However, my assumption is these fees are established by the state because I don't I do not
believe we came up with them. >> Oh, didn't even dawn on me. >> So, can we know we wouldn't know how to establish the fees on this? >> So, but I can I can double check on that for you if you'd like to confirm that.
>> Okay. I'll make a motion to table the well fee schedule. But before I do that, I want to talk about the water fees. I was looking at all the different price per,000 gallons between um I think
Blaine's like a dollar something for a,000 gallons and we're three something for a,000 gallons and whispering aspens is like 13 plus some change for a thousand gallons. Why the big variety? I
mean, can't we reduce this to help some of our residents? That that's just such a wide price range. It kind of boggles my mind that we would charge so
much. Is even in our city, $13 to $3 and something. That's a huge difference. Where on here are you referring to that? >> The whispering aspens. The uh >> page 45. Oh man, this computer.
So, um, Mr. Mayor and council members, the fees are established based on usage and they're established based on what it cost to operate our system. If Blaine has a larger system, a lot more users in their system, their fees will be lower because they can spread it amongst other
people. Um, we establish it based on a depreciated cost. So, essentially what it's going to take to replace this system in 50 years. We need to be putting that money away into our water fund to ensure that it doesn't fall on a um, you know, a bond type of scenario to
do that. But, we in fact have the dollars there to to replace it. Um, the fees are what the fees are. You can certainly reduce fees if you want to. I wouldn't advise that. Uh, only because you're going to have a deficiency in the future.
So, chemicals cost, what chemicals cost, labor costs, what labor costs, you divide it over all the users annually, and this is the fee that that it takes to operate. Um once you have more people coming online such as Capstone, you can
defay those costs. Um and uh and costs will go down for folks. >> But can you explain why within our city the it's so different? I mean >> yeah, there's a negotiated uh deal for
Whispering Aspen that their costs would be higher based on uh the system that they have up there. Um that's been the the way it's been. A staff would love to normalize those fees. Uh but um but that's the way it's
been established up there that those fees are different than all the rest. It's my understanding, excuse me, that for each house added to that area, it will reduce pricing. So, as that development actually fills in, fills up
another 50 houses or something, that's going to come down a considerable amount. >> Mr. Mayor and Council, that's generally the way we operate is we don't make money on this. We cover our costs. So, >> okay.
>> And the cannabis, by the way, is state statute. So, those fees up there are state statute. >> All right. Well, I guess with that, I'll make a motion to approve item D on the consent agenda. >> Second.
>> Have a motion, a second. Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. All in favor? >> I opposed. None heard. Motion passes. Item E. Item E is the um renewing the
contract with our um secretary and they're increasing the for the minutes and stuff and they're coming in to increase. I just want to know if we've checked any other companies that
do this to see if their pricing is equivalent, less, more. We have not uh Mr. Mayor Council sent out an RFP for this. Um this is a 3.5% increase. Um
I'm not sure from a history standpoint if we've done these checks before and these are the cheapest ones out there. Uh but I'm assuming that we would have gone with the lowest most responsible provider at that point. um you know, we can we can go through that
um that process and sometimes if there's no one to bid on it, uh your current provider could bid higher than they're currently charging if they know what the market is. So, it's not always a a lower price when you go out for bid,
but from what I would I would doubt that there's a lot of services out there that do this. Okay, just curious >> with that. I'll make a motion to approve item E on the consent agenda.
>> Second. >> We have motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. All in favor? >> I I opposed. None heard. Motion passes. Item H.
Item H is um a vacancy of our planning commission and um I just want to say thank thank Tanner Balany for his service. And with that, I'll make a motion to approve item H on the consent
agenda. >> I'll second it. >> I got I got a question on H. We filled that position last meeting, right? >> No. No. Tanner recently resigned at >> I know that but we voted someone in last time.
>> Yeah, that was Gerald Tia. So Jer Tanner's designation is another new opening. >> Really? >> Yep. >> Okay. >> So, and uh I'd just like to thank Tanner as well. He's been serving on the planning commission since 2011. Uh I
served with him back in those days and uh he's always done a very good job. very level-headed individual and be sad sad to see him go, but I wish him all the best with all his future
endeavors. Any further discussion, none being heard. All in favor? >> I opposed. Unheard. Motion passes. I pulled item L due to the
there was no monetary number put in there for this and now during the work session we come to a consensious agreement with uh the 8400. >> So a $400 increase, Mr. Mayor. >> Yep.
So I just want to make that I'll make the motion to approve this at8,400. Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? None being heard. All in favor?
>> I >> I >> opposed. None heard. All right. Staff report. Mr. Mayor and Council, just a couple of uh items to note here. uh wanted to report that we have done all the
employee evaluations. They are completed and filed away for the year. We'll do that again next year around the same sort of time. Uh wanted to also um let you know that uh we have received back the appraisal on 1347 SIMS. We've also
received the phase one environmental analysis on that and uh there are no surprises there. Uh so the appraisal of course came in under the value and the phase one didn't identify any contamination on the site. Um there is a
closing for this property that is scheduled in February or earlier and um and so um wanted to make you you all aware that we're on track for that and um and then um once we take possession
of that property then we can determine um what we want to do with that. We want to keep the house on there, level it, make it pad ready for, I don't know, um, Culver or someone else like that. So, anyways, want to give you an update on
that. Also want to give you an update on the, uh, court. We had a court, uh, hearing this morning and, uh, the courts have decided to stay their decision, uh, today and in lie of another pending
court case that will be heard. and um they're assuming that topic will be covered then in the second court. So no no impact or changes or anything decisions yet on this. They're just uh choosing not to decide until the
following um uh proceeding that's going to come. And then I just want to thank the council and mayor uh for the hard work this year. This is our last meeting of the year provided we don't have any special meetings. Uh but um I I really want to thank you guys for the hard
work. I mean, we have, as Joe kind of indicated, um it's been a lot of work this year. Lots of things have come before you. A lot of decisions and uh and you've put the time in, you've read the packets, you've come prepared, had good discussion, and uh and I really
want to thank you for that. That makes our job as staff easier. Um and thank you for the trust as well. We really appreciate that and we come to you with as much information as we have and um and try and present the pros and cons and and give you the best uh best of
both worlds on the pros and cons and and uh and you guys, as I say, make the big bucks, so you get to make those decisions, >> right? >> But anyways, I do want to thank you uh for your hard work this year. Look forward to another a good year in 2026 and uh wish you all a merry Christmas.
That concludes my report. Merry Christmas. >> Thank you. Council reports. >> I have something a couple things actually. So, the city had an amazing tree lighting and I wasn't here at the last meeting. So, if it was discussed,
that's great. But, um I do have a question regarding that because um when we I I was trying to get this going last time I was on city council. So, I am so happy to see we're having an annual Christmas tree lighting here now.
But I offered to purchase a live tree and plant it and it was refused by the city and now I'm told that the city is allowing it. So, I'm just wondering why the change and I'm thankful to whoever
else is going to buy it. Uh, but I just am wondering why the change and that we didn't have room before, but now we do have room. >> Well, Mr. Mayor and Council, we didn't want you getting mad at us, so we thought we'd No, I'm kidding. Um, as
you'll recall, there was a tree out in front here that was kind of getting in the way with the with the flag and and kind of grew too large and so that was removed. So, there is space out there now. And um and I think uh Dallas just came to me and said, "Hey, is there a possibility of doing this?" And of
course, we want to please Dallas. He's a great guy. He >> is. >> Um but we did check with Nate and Nate thought that that was a um feasible thing to do as well. I think um you know, I think our only concern is some of these trees can grow pretty big. But in the event 101 15 years from now, if
it's too large, we can um >> we can maybe uh sell that one to the city of Anoka. They put a huge tree up every year and bring it in with a crane. But um and then plant another one and do it all over again. So I think um >> perfect. >> I think rather than having one that tips
over in the wind or you know you have to try and tie down um it would probably be perfect to have a nice nice tree out there. So >> all right. Well, I'm loving that idea. Um my next question is has to do with that community center over there. Uh the
cleaning contract. Do you know when that's up and are we going to do a RFP for it? Uh >> RFP. >> Yeah. So, >> because it's not they're not doing very good. It's And I don't know how often
they clean, but you'll find see a dead bug in the one place and that dead bug is still there a month later. So, um it's the floors don't look good. I mean, we sweep after every meeting. We're there.
We wiped our tables down, but the floors are and it's hard to do with much with those floors anyways, but and do they clean the kitchen? And you know, it's just certain things maybe um we could get somebody better. And I've
noticed these bathrooms over here aren't immaculate either. So, it's not just over there. >> Uh Mr. Mayor and Council, we've we've chatted about the cleaning contract in the past. It is a function of how much we are paying for it over there. We're not asking them to do a lot over there.
Um I agree the flooring is suspect. Um perhaps we can take a tour of the uh fire station floors and maybe that'll give us some ideas of what we can put in over here. But uh we did look at that with the prior council. I think it was
$35,000 to do that entire area. Uh which would seal everything, make it easy, you know, highly durable. uh slip resistant, all that sort of thing, which would be good. Uh but if if you would like us to increase, you know, um the bill the
bills cleaning is the one that doesn't always he you know, I think he does a fair job for what we pay him. We do not pay a lot. Um and as you know, I think council is pretty conservative on what we want to spend on some of these contracts. Uh if you want us to double it, you know, or increase it, we
certainly can. Um but um but it's it wouldn't come without a cost. I know each facility is different. What he does at the fire department is different to what he does here versus what he does over there. So, >> so and what you ask for is what you're
going to get the cost for. >> I I think he does a fair job for what we pay him. >> Okay. Well, I know a lot of the seniors every time I have I'm in that meeting, they complain about the cleaning. Um,
the other thing I want to do is announce that the January meeting, which is the third January, the third Thursday in January, there's going to be a chili cook off. So, if people want to come and taste a whole variety of chili and
afterwards, we're supposed to be playing some games and um just more of a social type meeting. So, you're welcome to come and u meet some people. That's all I've got. >> I've got something here. Um
I I I wrote something up here and I mean this and I would like to take this moment this evening to express my sincere gratitude to the people who make East Bethl the community we are so proud to call home. I want to thank our city staff, our public works crews, uh the
administrative team uh who work every day behind the scenes to keep this city running smoothly. Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment do not go unnoticed. Also want to thank our first responsors, our fire department, our firefighters, the police officers,
emergency personnel who stand by ready at all hours to protect and serve our very own residents and help out other neighboring residents when they need help. Your willingness to step step forward in difficult moments is deeply appreciated and we are
grateful for the sacrifices not only you make but your families also make throughout that year. To our residents, thank you for believing in East Bethl, for investing in this community and for choosing this city to make your home.
Your involvement, your trust, and your care for one another are truly what define this city and make it great. It's a great place to live, a great place to work. It's also a great place to raise families. I'd also like to recognize our local volunteers, our boards, our
commissions, and our community partners who give their time and energy to support East Bethl. Your service strengthens our city in ways that matter every single day. So, on behalf of myself and I believe the rest of this council, we want you to have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. And
may this time be filled with peace, reflection, and time spent with those you care about. Thank you all for everything you do for East Bethl. Go ahead. >> Merry Christmas. >> Very well said. Merry Christmas to everybody and a happy new year.
>> We got a plan commission meeting tomorrow night here in the chambers. And otherwise, merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Happy holidays to everybody. It's been a heck of a year.
All right. At this time, uh, we'll be going into close session. The city council previously met during the December 8, 2025 council meeting in close session to conduct the annual performance evaluation of city administrator Matt Luke. The council
decided to continue this evaluation for one cycle to this December 22nd, 2025 meeting. The city council will conduct will now enter into close session under Minnesota statute chapter 13D.05 905
subdivision 3A to continue the performance evaluation of the city administrator of Matt Low. >> If I may, Mr. Mayor, I forgot to write in there uh ask for a motion and call a vote to go close session. >> Yep. >> I'll go make a motion go in close
session for the uh reasons that the mayor's indicated. >> Second. Have a motion and a second. All in favor? All right, >> we are now in close session. freezing in there.
Yeah. Okay. City Council will now reopen the public meeting following the close session held under our Minnesota statutes chapter 13D-05 subdivision 3A for the purpose of evaluating the performance of the city
administrator Matt look. Uh I need a motion to reopen the meeting. >> I'll make a motion to open meeting. >> Second. >> Have a motion and a second. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion approved.
Uh during the close session, the city council reviewed the performance of the city administrator, excuse me. The council stated that it has been uh satisfied with the evaluation with the city administrator's
performance and are looking forward to uh 2020 2026. Um, we're going to need a motion to amend the agenda for the contract. Make a motion amend the contract. Amend
the agenda for the contract. >> Second. Second. Any further discussion on Okay. All those in favor say I. I. I. >> All right. Congratulations.
>> So, >> we haven't for yet. >> Yeah, we got one fan out there. >> So, all we need now is a motion forward the contract, right? >> Maybe I misheard. I thought that's what I just heard you move to.
>> That was just to amend the agenda. >> Oh, yes. Yes. Then a motion to approve the contract that's in the um staff report. So, I'll entertain a motion to award the contract to a city administrator. >> I'll make a motion to approve the uh
Matt Luca city administrator contract for the year of 2026. >> Second. >> We have a motion second. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I.
>> Um looking for a motion to adjurnn. A motion. Make a motion to journ. >> Second. >> Have a motion. Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Meeting is closed. Merry Christmas everyone.