It's been being used, >> especially in the PZ meeting. >> Okay, that's what thereally grab it and put it over here. >> Hello everyone and welcome to the special city council meeting today, Tuesday, August 19th, 2025. I'll call
the order of this meeting. If you could all please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> 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. >> All right, thank you. Roll call. >> Brian Morris Christian here. Kyrie Miller >> here, >> Tom Berg >> here, >> James Bka >> here, >> and Scott Palava >> here. >> All right. Thanks. Approval of the agenda. Does everyone approve of 10A?
>> Yes. I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. >> All right. Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Second by Wormcersian. Any further discussion? >> All in favor? >> All opposed? There are no minutes. No public hearings. Presentation of citizen petitions and comments. comments limited
to two minutes. So, if you're not on the agenda, now is your time to speak. Okay, there's nothing on the consent agenda tonight. No old business. On to new business. Discuss the city's preliminary 2026 budget and property tax levy. Joel Ericson, city administrator.
>> All right. Thank you, mayor, and members of the council. Uh, this is our fifth meeting pertaining to our 2026 budget and property tax levy. uh departments proposed to be discussed. Um the levy here shortly uh library, EDA, parks,
liquor, and then any additional uh items or priorities that uh the council may have. As far as the property tax levy, uh that was based off of I think our second meeting that we had. Um the council directed staff to keep the tax rate the same. I anticipated or
estimating making the assumption that values will increase 5% for for pay 26 on average. And um what that does the spreadsheet should be included in here um generates an additional $153,200
in uh additional property tax funding over uh this year 2025. [Applause] I guess getting ready for the departments. We got library uh first. So
Margarite, if you want to go over your budget. Well, I don't know if you need me to go down the details. Um Joel and I knocked it out pretty easily. It's no big change from the past. Um I just thought I would
use this chance to give you a quick update. I know Brian keeps you up to date on what we're up to, but um it's been a big year, you know, since last September, we reopened after the flood uh with the new library design, and it's gotten a lot of great comments. Um all
of our numbers are up. Our regular story time numbers are great, although not as good as the special ones during the summer reading program. Um we had special guests. The mayor really knocked it out of the park. >> Well, All right. You know what? I can get some
credit every once in a while, right? >> I'm going to take it where I can get it. >> I think the chief >> Jason, you want to switch? >> Did great. >> The chief also did a great job. >> And Joe and Joe did a great job.
>> And Joe did a great job. >> And the ambassadors >> And the ambassadors were fabulous. We had fire truck. Everybody, every one of those was well over a regular story time. So, thank you all. It's fun to be >> It was so much fun, Margarite. And
there's going to be a competition next year. I can >> I love it. I encourage people getting involved. Um, so yeah. So, summer reading program, we signed up grown-ups this year, which was even more popular than we guessed. So, we broke records with that. Um, and one of the big things
we've been up to this year is grant funded special collections. So, we got board games with a grant from Selco, our library system. We got Tony boxes and Tony's, which have been wildly popular with money from the American Legion and
the Sons of the American Legion. Some of which is also going to the next big thing coming science kits. We got a grant from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers for $2,000. So, we are making those science kits right now. Cool.
>> Uh they'll be coming probably starting next month. Um and all of this is made possible by my crack staff. Um, so I just wanted to thank you for all your close attention to the wage study to make sure that we
are continuing to pay people so we are keeping those really great people. Um, and next come next up is strategic planning. So starting next month, we're going to be reaching out to the community making sure that we are providing the services that the
community needs today and for the next five years. >> Yeah. So, I don't know if you want to talk about the details, but uh there there are no surprises. We want to pay the staff. We want to buy books. We want to have events.
>> So, anybody have any questions? >> Brian, do you want to kick this off being on the library board? >> Uh, sure. Yeah, I know. So, the library board has done a good job of starting to really forward look um you know uh taking a a look at shortterm kind of
medium-term and long-term planning. Um, what I think is most impressive is when we start talking about ideas at the board level, a lot of the the stuff that comes out of those ideas are,
oh, we can get this through donations or we already kind of have this in place. So, it's, you know, we can figure out a way to make it happen. So, I I think what's great about it is the creativity that mainly the staff because it's always the staff like, oh, we can do that. we've,
you know, I know who to talk to about that. Um, but the creativity of the board, the board is great. I mean, I I think we have an outstanding group of people on that board. Um, we've got some new new faces um over the last what, two years now,
>> Michelle, two year now. Is she in her second year or is still her first year? >> I believe she's in her second year. >> Yeah. So, I mean, there's a lot of um uh excitement from the new folks, and I mean, it's just it's it's it's
a great group and it's always new ideas. One thing I think um I would really like to see continue hopefully is the junior library board um and finding a way to connect the library board and the junior library board and kind of let them have a meeting together at some point. And I
know it's going to be tougher with school coming up, but all the stuff on the long the short like the shortterm forward thinking stuff, most of it's stuff that will just organically happen without needing to increase a budget, you know. Um I think the long-term
thinking is someday a new library facility, you know. Um so when we're thinking long term, we're really thinking long term, but getting ahead of it so we know what what to look for, right? you know, I think is is the best way to to describe the the situation. But, >> you know, we essentially have a brand
new library. >> You know, we we have a brand new library and, you know, the budget doesn't reflect the cost of a brand new library, which is great, but the collection continues to grow. The offerings at the library
continues to grow. Um, it's just an amazing thing and I'm really blessed to be a part of it. We really appreciate you, Brian. >> Thank you. >> All right, Curry. >> I appreciate uh the collaborations and
just the openness to um brainstorming on ideas, even if we can't implement it this year because, you know, it gets busy. But for next year, I'm excited about things to team up again with parks and everything else. Um and I appreciate the junior library board. Uh, I thought
that was so cool to get our teens involved so that then it kind of lets us know what they're into, what can we do as a library to help um promote those activities for them. >> Tomorrow night, uh, mini golf in the library. >> Yes. >> Yes, I saw that.
>> That'll be fun. Yeah. So, I just appreciate all the work you guys do and the creativity is huge. >> I appreciate we've really We did some cool stuff in parks this year. >> Yes. >> So, we'll keep that up. >> Thank you. All right, Jamie, you got anything? >> Just a big thank you to everything you
guys do for the community. It really means a lot. >> Thank you, >> Scott. >> I'm trying to remember what when did the library come to inception? I can't remember what year. >> 2010. >> It's 2010. Okay. >> We just had our 15th birthday party. That was
>> that was the first year I was on the council. And it it it's a crazy to see how how far it's grown in, you know, in 15 years from um it was so, you know, meager trying to, you know, we just need books, which you know, we just need the
basics to becoming a uh a one of one of the most valuable assets in our community. So, uh, there's a lot to say about the, uh, the strength of the the leadership and the the board and and, uh, the community in supporting it. So,
that's that's been great because I know there's some people that say that, you know, who needs a library anymore? Just, you know, nobody checks out books or whatever, but as a society, we're we're kind of we're struggling to uh, promote uh, intellectual
re uh, you know, reading and and and and communication and all that stuff. So, it's not just about the the just checking out a book because it's fun. This is we're we're trying to grow uh grow our society, you know, the younger generation and the older generation to uh still have those abilities and uh you
know, become a better population. So, >> and come together. >> Yeah, absolutely. So, thank you for all that. And I Margarite and I feel terrible because you printed out your report for me that you did for the county. >> Oh, yes. and they are sitting on my desk
at home. So, I will bring those up for you folks. I I have one for everybody. Um it's it's the presentation that uh Margarite did for the county because we have to do a county budget presentation as well. Um I'll make sure that those
get up here and leave it in everybody's mailbox so you guys can see that as well. So, I apologize. That's I've had them sitting there and I I kept thinking I I got to remember to bring these and what do I do? I left them at home.
>> So, um, one thing I I got to ask, I was trying to pull it up. Is and I have some of the bonds here. Does the TIFF come up? Is Is this the one I'm looking at where TIFF comes up 2036? Does that sound right,
Joel? Uh, I would have to look. I believe the debt service fund is 310, >> but 36. I would say >> cuz I got the 2016 C.
>> I would say yeah, at least 36. >> Okay. >> Cuz we refunded that several years ago. But yeah, I can't remember how how long it is, but that sounds about right. >> So it was a 20 year.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. So that that would jive with >> 20 25 being the 15 year. So 10 years from now. >> So wait, no, 25. So 25 years. >> Yeah, 25, excuse me, not 20.
So, the the one thing that I think that we should probably add in the comprehensive 2040 plan is probably library space because I don't know what that looks like once TIFF goes up by 2036. Um, and on here, Barbarade and your team
are are just doing such a great job and growing um that we should probably add that on there, probably look at a place. Um, I'd love to have an area for the library where there is kind of a historical
society there too. And I kind of look at, you know, the historical school as well. Um, you know, that way we can utilize that more if that's ever a thought, you know, down the road. But you guys do such a great job at the library and and you know that I mean
that. I say it every time I see you guys. Um, does everything that you guys have on your list, your three to five year, um, is is this all pretty attainable for you? Is, you know, what's that look like
in that 3 to 5 year? Are we going to look at a capital outlay? Uh, what's your thoughts on that? >> Uh, well, I think I'll have better answers for you after we do our strategic planning. >> Okay. Um because I want to I want to
find out because this um was sort of me brainstorming with the help of the um of the library board. Yeah. >> So I really want to find out where this community is and make sure that my ideas are what people want.
>> Uh but yes, I mean my answer is >> short of a new building um a lot of it is very attainable. >> And I I would say you know encourage everyone to take a look at the list if you haven't. Um, and if if if we do start to have a conversation about
space, key things to keep in mind there, it's not just shelving space, but one of the big things that's come up quite frequently in discussions with the library board is the ideas of maker space or creator space. Yes. Um, so it's it's
moving beyond the traditional library offerings to new things and that's kind of the trend >> whether it be larger library systems or university libraries. Um, that creator space is a thing and then outdoor space is another thing that comes up quite frequently
>> which you know with the parks too that could be something where you know have a conversation. Is that a good time to discuss the idea of a community garden as well >> within that that outdoor space within the library realm? So,
>> uh I pulled the debt service. That is correct. The last payment will be February 1st of 20 or I'm sorry. >> Yeah. So that gives us that gives us some time, but then it's a a two-year um
if the village is ever asked to review it, but okay. Um yeah, you know, I'm excited to hear what your strategic planning comes up to and how can we support you and you guys again, you guys are
knocking it out of the park. So So I I got nothing else. I want to add um unless somebody has anything. Brian, >> no. I I'm >> sorry. >> Jamie, >> I'm good. >> Scott, no. >> Thanks for support.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, Margaret. >> All right, Joel, where do you want to go next? Do you want to do the liquor store? >> Uh, we can. Sure. Thank you, mayor, city council members. Um, I'm not going to have as much fun
things to talk about as Margarit, but um, as you know, liquor store, um, the revenues that we make are strictly just sales. So, we we're kind of at that 2 million, 2.1 million in sales over the
last like, you know, three years. And so expenses go up, sales kind of stay plateaued. So we're we're, you know, trying to figure out how this is all going to work. So the only revenue that the liquor store is going to have is the sales of product and any interest we get
um off the money in the bank. So expenses, I'm going to go through all of these boring things. Um I'm not going to go through every line item. I'm just going to go through these bullet points. Um, we tried to be real, I don't know,
conservative with numbers, so we kind of took some things away. But in training and education, we put money for Safe Fisher, the Lonzo Chamber Dinner, MMBA conference that we plan on attending in 2026, and alcohol training. Um, repairs
and maintenance would be the next on my list. That would be any unexpected items like coolers or anything electrical or anything that happens. Um, things of that nature. Um, next in line is merchant credit card. What we've noticed
over the last couple years is our fees have been increasing just little by little by little by little and all of a sudden we me and Joel were looking and I was like, whoa, I'm at like 60% of where it should be this year. So, I called my lady and we're trying to barter a deal
to um and decrease the percentage of whatever. So, she kind of gave me a number had we had been on this um which would be no contract and there would be a flat rate, no increasing where before we were kind of on an
adjustable slow, you know, kind of whatever. We would have probably saved $850 in the month of July. So, we are working right now with um Mint Pay and this Marilyn Schneider that I have currently um into kind of switching inside the same um company but a
different serer. So, we're working on that to decrease that because I would say about 80% of all my sales are put on a credit card. So, it's very important and on you know 2 million in sales that we try to save as many pennies as possible um when it comes to that.
So, currently in the works, um cost of goods on beer, liquor, wine, THC's is all based off of historical data. Um my point of sale system keeps track of all the percentages and the ratios and what what I sell and what I do sell. And
interesting enough, in Lndale, 52% of my sales or sometimes higher are all beer sales. So, of course, when it comes to the liquor world, the beer is the least marked up product where then it's liquor and then your wine and your TC are the
highest. So, they're they're a lower ratio. So, we have to work really hard with my margins and things like that to make sure that I'm staying competitive with other stores, but making what I need to, you know, balance budgets and
things like that. And of course it's all based on historical data and we try to do you know we did this much this year we should have an increase of 3%. That's what we kind of went with with budgeting all those categories. All right
professional services things like the security system pest controls tech support floor cleaning all boring stuff but all all the things I need to do to keep this car looking nice and functionable. um subscriptions come to I
am involved in the MMBA so we have subscription to them the chamber archive social my software support things like that um I do still do the portaotties for community days as far as the donations go every year for that event
and capital outlay right now we have no proposed capital expenses um because we just had fixed the um HVAC system and that's running good and cross my fingers that the builders don't die. But that is the one area that I was able to save a lot of money just by not forecasting any
problems. There is money put aside in like building maintenance repairs. I left that money there and we also reduced the association fees. Um we're always putting money in the budget for trying to get the
oh what is it the parking lot and it's never getting done. So we kind of laid off and kind of decreased that number and if anything ever occurs, we will use our reserves to pay for that. But we just kind of went through just what historically has
been going on, what we're not using and what we are using and kind of hit that. So in a nutshell, that is what I have for you tonight. Um the liquor store goals, one of those was the lot of crack filling still coat and
things like that. But like I said, we're going to just because it's an association. I'm not in charge of that. Joel's not in charge of that and they don't seem to be in a hurry to fix anything. So, we just take care of oursel for this next year. So, >> any questions?
>> All right. >> No comments. >> Thank you for just being awesome. I just appreciate all the work you do and your staff. You guys do a great job. Very friendly and it's fun to come into the liquor store. >> Thank you. say hi to everybody and see.
And it is very clean and it is very kept up well. So, thank you for all of your hard work. >> All right, Jamie. >> I'm good. >> Scott, >> um much like the library, I'll bring up I remember a time when we were considering selling it, >> right? Um the liquor store was
hemorrhaging money and and we didn't know what to do and uh the board uh really buckled down and uh really got back to the basics of business >> versus uh just trying to >> be competitive. It doesn't make you
don't make any money if you're >> right >> giving stuff away. So uh it's we turned it around to where it is now. uh buildings paid off and and we're investing in the community and and the facility even more. So, uh very happy to
to see that happen. Great job over the years. >> Thank you. >> All right, Brian. >> Um yeah, absolutely. The staff we've got over there, amazing people. Um, you know, I hear stories all the time of individuals at the liquor store and how
helpful they are and how above and beyond they go for our customers in Lawndale. So, um, thank you to the staff. Please make sure that they know that they're all appreciated, every single one of them. Um, even if they're
only part- timerrs going back to college soon, >> right? I know that part Yeah. stinks a little bit, but >> yeah, come back. come back, you know, we'll take care of the brakes and all that other stuff. >> Oh, yeah. Um, >> we got them hooked up. >> The uh the carts, those were budgeted for 2025, right? Do you still think
that's going to happen or is that going to roll over? Okay. So, you're still planning on 2025 to do that? >> Yep. >> Um, >> with the liquor training or the alcohol training, excuse me, do they do any training around the THC products as well or do you foresee specific training
coming on that? >> Last year was pretty new. Um, basically the only thing that was brought up was card everybody, make sure they're 21. There wasn't a whole lot of verbiage of THC training. Um, it's kind of all falls in the same rules
as the liquor. Liquor laws apply to this, tobacco laws apply to the whole thing. Card them, make sure whatever. And if they think they're impaired, don't make a sale. Um, so last year was my first year with it. >> Sure. >> And it was kind of new to the trainer. And so this year when I get into it, I'm
kind of interested to see if they've, you know, has, >> but you haven't heard anything coming down the pipe that there's going to be specific training around. So that's good. And I know that the MMBA is pretty good to stay on top of that, too. >> Yes. If there's something new that comes up, we all get flash emails and they will call and >> make sure that we all know what what is
going on. So I mean, that's a great organization to be a part of. Very informational. >> Well, and I know that like I mean, just um to kind of ring the bell as to why it's a good relationship. um you know for the longest time there we thought we could only do cash sales of all of our THC products and it was
the MMBA conference >> when we went to the conference and I kind of started >> paying attention and there was six other companies that said oh well if they're not going to do it we will >> don't know their rates didn't know whatever so then I marched right over to Maryland and I was like hey oh I will
call you right away on Monday morning and we will fix this and it got fixed within you know I think about a week >> she had everything turned around >> yeah so those dudes money well spent, I would say. >> Yeah. So, what their problem was is edibles, things that that are have
higher, you know, milligrams and whatnot. They they consider that to be a higher risk. So, if we were going to be a higher risk, our fees would have been higher. >> Yeah. >> But how would you be able to tell if it's a liquor sale or a THC sale? They don't know the difference. So, they would have just put it
>> for, you know, like what 5% of my sales at the higher rate for everybody. >> So, I'm like, "No, I'm doing beverage only. I'm never going to do edibles. I'm not, you know, doing that. And so I was able to stay at that right where I was. So >> awesome. Those are my questions. >> Thank you,
>> Lynette. You're doing an amazing job. >> Thank you. >> And it's going to be a headache when you retire to fill your position. >> I hope one day you get that big RV and you can >> That's what I'm doing. 13 years. I'm selling everything, getting in the RV, and going
13, 14, maybe 15 years. We'll see you. >> Okay, good. But >> so not like short term. >> No, no, I have time. >> Good. I'm just 52. >> You know, I I think one of the big things is um that we try to keep the liquor store with its reserves. I know
in the past that we'd use it for, you know, some parks or some amenities or whatever it was, but um there seems to be enough here where it's like, hey, let's make sure Lynette's comfortable with what she has in case something sparks up. But I do think we need to spend some time with this association
and and have a meeting and talk to them about uh several things now. Um see what we can do on that end. But I do thank you for all the work that all of your staff puts in. >> Thank you. >> You know, between the liquor store and the library, it it's like I wish I could
throw more thanks at you guys and uh you guys do a lot for the community. So I really appreciate all the work you put in. Well, thank you. I appreciate that. >> Thank you. >> All right, Joel. What do we got next? Do we want to touch on that association
thing? Talk about probably >> for the liquor store. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, probably. And then uh probably that road again and just try to talk with Subway and SNAP, see where they're at with things and
>> uh we can my guess is their position hasn't changed and it's >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Sure. If you want to do it, you can pay for it, but I don't know. >> So I guess one question I have because the road is covered through the association, correct? >> Yep.
>> We now have two new businesses. Have we well I guess this is more of a question of should we be approaching the association to say hey do we want to see if these guys want to become a part of this association since they're
benefiting from it I know >> so everyone so that whole development was in the association >> and then when Fred sold to Macintos they severed they did not want to be part of the association >> okay >> so then when um Jean Barren's passed
um Randy Stangler brought bought that property from him and through that process he did not want to be part of the association. >> Okay. >> So um obviously there's uh you know two new tenants there. >> Um
there is an agreement where um if maintenance is done what cost share it would be for everyone that um would would benefit from it. >> Sure. And basically it's just on footage. So, you know, it's, you know, well, it's all property owners on the north and and south side. So,
>> um, you know, I think it's a bigger discussion than just, you know, the car wash in in the gas station. >> Yeah. >> Well, we certainly could. Uh, >> has has it ever been proposed before to
>> sit down and talk with them since Wesley's in the bank? >> Uh, there has not been an association meeting in in a long time. >> Can anyone call one? Any member of the association or ask? >> I would have to look. I mean, I don't see why someone wanted to have a meeting.
>> Yeah. I'm just thinking about that episode of the office where they're trying to get the five families to come sit down. >> I Yeah, I mean we could have a meeting and see what if there's a
larger plan or to to gauge people's interest cuz I mean I know we had that conversation earlier this year about the road and should it remain private? Should there be a change there? And
there's a lot of questions, right? There's a lot of whatifs for for that road, but it's almost like at some point something's going to have to happen, right? I mean, there's going to have to be some maintenance on the road. There's definitely going to have to be some maintenance on the parking lot. And I
mean, to sit and say, "Not interested. Not interested. Not interested." Only gets you so far until it falls apart. >> Yep. >> Yeah. especially having so much percentage into that uh association >> and the cost just goes up the longer we
say >> no not right now. >> Yeah. And the association would just be 100% responsible for the um the the three or the one parking lot with right uh the liquor store, Snap, and Subway.
>> Anything done with Ash Street um there's a maintenance agreement and it's proportionate to how much essentially how much footage each owner has. adjacent >> much like an assessment. >> Yep. Exactly. >> Yeah. I would love to entertain that. Have an association meeting, figure out
where everybody's at and all right, think we can move on. which I think is the EDA, right? >> EDA. >> Yeah. >> Yep. So they actually um at their meeting last month did review the their
budget and they have a meeting on Thursday morning where they they should finalize it which is essentially three funds with the EDA. The revolving loan fund 208, the small cities grant 209. So basically the revolving loan fund was set up you know separated from the EDA
so that there's a dedicated fund and all principal and interest paid on those loans goes back into that fund to you know at 2% increase it minimally but you know keep building that up so that we can you know uh provide low interest loans to uh future businesses and then
this way it just doesn't get eaten up by whatever expenses br marketing whatever the case may be And also staff has knowledge of how much is available. People will call and it's like, you know, I don't know, you know, this way
it's boom 208, there's 55,250 bucks in there or whatever. Uh the small cities grant that is just strictly expenses paid for the housing rehab projects and administration. And then the revenues would be uh any
reimbursements that we receive from deed that that we submit for again admin and and project costs. So basically uh before this gets approved in December whatever the fund balances are um that'll essentially be
what the expenses and revenues will be for or it'll be the I believe the grant that we got was 431,000. So whatever's been spent out of that will just be the anticipated revenue and and expenses. So, we're going to have to
do a a push on that. We are uh two projects are complete. The third one, the property owner is out for bid and then the fourth and fifth project um they are working on their their scope of work. So, I'd anticipate that they get
bid here. Um I don't know. It's really just dependent on it kind of gets in the homeowners court eventually as far as getting bids and everything. um and then kind of the back and forth. But, you know, ideally it would be great to, you know, get five
projects done by the end of this year and then we'll have to do a a push to get more interest in the program because I really don't want to leave any funds on the table. And I I do believe that that is kind of a a criteria or component of when they're
reviewing future grants rounds. Hey, they said they were going to do this. Did they? So, I want to be able to say we did. But again, at the same time, you have to have property owners that want to do something >> and qualify. >> Yep. And qualify.
>> I think the qualifying was the hard part for a lot of people. >> Mhm. >> You know, and we had some people that were interested, but when it came to having to share financials, they wanted nothing to do with it. >> Yeah.
Well, I mean, do you think do you think if it sat on the table for so long, do you think they they would, you know, kind of open it up a little bit more for people, they just stick with the same requirements? >> Correct. Yep. >> So, even if you got cost of living,
>> Yep. It's federal funding. >> Um I mean, the only thing that would change would be annually um HUD's income requirements, >> right? you know based off you know family one through whatever it is six or eight
>> and then the last fund is the 210 fund uh the EDA essentially revenues are the property tax levy and then um yeah as I previously said they'll they should be finalizing their budget here on Thursday morning and then at the their last meeting held July 16th uh some of the
items talked about were marketing social media a different type. uh restarting the business visit program where we get out um and talk to businesses on a regular basis, two, three a month. Um and you know get in
front of them and you know tell them what we have to offer, hear from them what their concerns are, how we can you know help improve the uh economy, business community here in town. contributions. Uh we sponsor several
chamber events and then provide a contribution to the southern Minnesota initiative foundation. There was also discussion on a facade rehabilitation program. Um the last time so the EDA offered this program in 2016
and the last time was uh 2022. Four businesses did take um I don't say advantage utilize the program. uh those projects we allocated 50,000 and it was a up to $10,000 match dollar
for dollar. Um so they'll be discussing that after a meeting on Thursday if um if they want to allocate funds to that. I'm not anticipating um the policy being completed at that
meeting. But if it is something that they wanted uh want to do um allocating you know a certain amount of fund certain amount of funds to that >> that's basically the EDA. So >> okay Jamie you got anything you want to
add? >> Nope. Scott. >> Um, there was one thing that, uh, I thought of after the meeting. It and, uh, I mentioned it to Brian after one of our meetings recently was the the EDA when we, um, effectively sold the uh,
the lot in the business park. Um, we decided, you know, we were going to use our marketing budget uh, and we use that uh, to go for the city's uh, social media program. Um, but as we've been looking at it, it's not
I don't feel that it's really a good use of a marketing thing when you know we're using it for um citywide everything. It's not we're not actually using it for marketing. It's uh community notice and that sort of a thing. So, uh, I'm going
to want to propose to the EDA to, uh, look at is that really the EDA's role is social media. That should be, uh, on a city city almost administrative level versus the
EDA. So, um, I just there's lots of other things that they could that money could be used for. And, you know, now we don't we have that land again. So, but we don't have the money to market it because it's tied up in our social media contract. So, uh we'll be I'll be
proposing that on Thursday. So, >> all right, Brian. >> Yeah, I would I would agree with that. You know, I Scott, you did mention that uh I believe after the last council meeting, we were briefly chatting about it. I agree. Um, I see maybe at some
level the EDA paying for a portion of it potentially, but it's something that could be utilized by pretty much every department within the city. So, it shouldn't be just the EDA funding the social media for everybody. Um, because
it doesn't and not that it's it's a a big cost, but it's it goes against the mission of the EDA. It's it's spending money on something that's not the core purpose of the EDA. Um, and other things
that have have begun to have a conversation about within EDA. Um, and I think this is where we're not necessarily for next year's budget, but it's going to be it's going to be an issue for future budgets. Um,
the business park once that's full because it will be at some point someday. Um, you know, I'm optimistic that that will happen, but we've had conversations at the council level here in work groups about what's next, where do we go, and you know, just
historically how long it takes to acquire land to, you know, the whole from from we should probably do this to getting to a point where we have a a a property ready to market is a long process and it's not cheap either. Um,
but that's definitely something the EDA should have a hand in, a discussion in that process. That's part of the the core focus of what the EDA should be doing. Um, so, you know, that's something that we have had some
conversations about, you know, what what does the next phase of business park or whatever we want to call it look like. Um, so I think that should be an ongoing discussion that will continue. I guess it's really outside of the budget itself, but the marketing piece of what
we have now, that's something that we need to do. I I you know, we've kind of gone up and down this hill a few times. Um, but that's something that I believe should be part of the discussion on Thursday as well.
>> All right, Gary. >> I just like the idea of getting back to visiting the businesses and having those relationships with them. I think it's really important um to continue those good partnerships in town and to drive more business to come in. And then I
agreed about the marketing. Um I'm excited to see what other ideas come up about how to market nonsale and bringing your business here. So that's all I have. >> So I have a lot to unpack here with EDA.
Um I I agree with the social media. Um, in fact, I I have had that thought for the longest time is where does that social media presence go? Um,
I think that if if it is something administration wants to do, whether it's Kelly or whether it's Britney or whoever it may be, good. We can keep it in house. Um, and then we can keep the Canva on the planning and zoning budget. But
uh no, but uh I I really do want to open that up if if EDA considers to either look out for bids. I really want this to be, you know, Londale residents because they're the ones that live here. They're the ones that see what's going on, what
they can promote and be a part of it. Um, so either way, whichever way you look at it, whether it's city post or even a video, I know I had captured uh a contact that I sent to Joel. There's a
proposal on there for even videos um that could show off a lot of the construction that's going to be happening in 2026. Um, and show kind of what the condition of the city looks like, what we're working on, what we're doing, and try to really sell the city. Um, and I think EDA can get involved with that. But, you
know, I asked Lisa Watson from Quicktrip to come into EDA to kind of talk about recruiting. And then I asked Rice County to come in to talk about incentives. Um, those are two prominent contacts that the EDA could be constantly in contact
with to recruit business, especially in our C1, our commercial district. And I would love to see EDA focus on that. Um, as far as the facade uh program, I think it's a major plus to bring back. I think a lot of the businesses that we try to
capture is in that side, that 1960s or older and trying to help afford, you know, even some of these permits. I know when I campaigned, I talked about um rebates on permits and I think that this kind of abs like absolutely helps with
that cost too. Um, you know, a lot of these buildings, they got to go through code, they got to go through electrical, they got to go through plumbing, they got to go through sewer, they got to go through ADA compliance. And it's a it's a huge investment. And some of these buildings have been used for storage. I
mean, that's something that probably Q1 of next year we should probably really be talking about is how do we tackle Main Street and then keep people away from storing it and offering it up for business opportunities because right now they're turning away business to maintain it as a storage and um that's
not what I see Main Street being. So um I think we should have a comprehensive view with growth per Brian as a joint EDA council meeting. I know it's kind of hard with uh EDA being at 7 a.m. and council being at 7:00 p.m., but I I
would love the opportunity to go through um what we are looking at. So, like the next business park, we're having conversations about um land, potential land, and what that's going to look like. And then do we go east, do we go south? You know, these conversations are
are kind of happening, but nothing's in writing. But we want to capture, you know, not just the next, you know, 3 years or 5 years, but the next 20, you know, um, see what that looks like and then where is our housing side? Where does that go? What does that look like?
So, there's a lot of opportunity and I'd like to take that with a joint meeting, but I would love to see that facade program come back. Um, I'd love to see EDA look at recruiting hard for uh, commercial. You know, it's that's why we
have it essentially. So, um, I think between Brian and Scott, I think he got it on this teeter totter. Do we do these lunchins? Do we do this social media? And, you know, I I credit you guys a lot for trying to turn it around and and
just lean heavy into, well, this is what the city needs right now. So, I do credit you two a lot and I appreciate the efforts and hopefully this helps, you know, then you can take it to that meeting too with uh share what council
came out of with this budget meeting. >> So, I guess as far as the marketing, yeah, that's been discussed at at the last couple um EDA meetings. I think if if there's a new direction, I would recommend that there be some type of RFP created and sent out so we're just not
getting this looks good. Ooh, this looks good. >> And it's like not comparing apples to apples. Well, and >> whether that's at the council or EDA, you know, this many videos, this many posts, this much that, you know, so it's >> and wasn't that what Bob Scott brought
up to was how much of it is city and how much of it is is somebody else and should we be paying for that? Wasn't that what Bob Scott had mentioned? >> Uh there was discussion about that and I mean honestly I can see both sides. >> Yeah. But you know, hey, if someone sees
a video on our parks and comes here and eats at a restaurant, is that not economic development? >> You know, marketing is is always is always a challenging aspect because it's not results aren't always tangible. >> Yeah. We talk about this every meeting.
You know, success success to me is a shovel in the ground. That's success. You tell them >> it doesn't matter, >> right? And and there's another thing to be said about it, too, is you look at all these businesses in the business park. Well, do you think they're really spending their time going, "Well, I
wonder what the city of Lansdale posted today." You know, and the fact is is that EDA has to really take the effort because, you know, I'm doing EDA stuff. You know, I'm bringing people to the table and and we're having these discussions on growth
and what that looks like. And I would really like to see EDA take the jump and even go to the industrial park and see, hey, you know, do you want to expand? Do you want to grow? Like, you know, what's retention look like? Are we going to be able to retain you? What's your growth
plans? You know, have those conversations? Uh, we have a dog park on industrial land, you know, 7.7 acres or whatever. You know, what do we what do we look there for? If a business comes in and says, "Hey, I want to build my my giant business there where your dog park
is on shovel ready land." You know, do we look at moving the dog park to an actual park? You know, um I I just think we need to start getting into having conversations with our business owners again and they will open up their
contacts to you. If there's something you need, they will open up their contacts to you. They've done it for me. That's how we've even had this conversation about this apartment is because I've sat down with business owners and talked to them about expanding. So, I mean, these people would love to talk to the city. We just
got to get out there. And I I think that does belong with EDA. You know, it's not just council, you know, we're a team. So, I I would really like EDA to focus on that. I just don't see it being, hey, it's
Thanksgiving with offices closed, you know. I'm sorry. I'm really passionate about this. >> It's good. Passion is good >> and it's for the growth of the town. I I just know that we haven't spent a lot of time talk I mean we talk about a vision
for planning zoning you know we talk about kind of a vision for parks you know and we'll we'll get into parks too but I mean all these advisory boards you know they they do need help you know so any way that uh council can share you
know what their vision is too I mean I'm sure this is going to get taken to EDA I'm sure some people from EDA might be watching >> this council meeting but you know we need to make sure that all these advisory boards are are right there with us. You know, not saying they got to
agree with everything we say, but notice, hey, you know, maybe Tom's got a point or maybe K's got a point or Brian, you know, just get a different aspect of it. So >> something like for talking about expansion in the land and stuff I think would be helpful is if we just had like
a one pager showing which land is actually available right now cuz some people I've talked to a few different businesses just in other areas and they're like well we don't even know how what is available how many acres like
what lot you know cuz you could dig in and find it but I think just having something easily accessible a one pager and kind of market that so that people can be like, "Oh, yeah. I I want a 6 acre lot for my business and, you know, just make it more accessible and transparent to people to know what's
going on." >> I know in the business park we have one. >> Yep. M um >> but if there's other >> right >> places you know just have something easier easier access to people who are interested in coming here and
establishing a business >> right >> with lot size and things like that. >> Well another thing to keep in mind too is there's a lot of people that come to us that say I need an existing space what's available. >> Yeah. And that's where the challenge
really comes in is finding space for medium to small. I mean, the small ones are the real challenge because well, there's maybe this place on Main Street or maybe that place on Main Street, but I don't really know for sure. And that's where I think getting to those
conversations with the business owners and maybe take it a step further to say the property owners in existing spaces. maybe just to say what's your intention? What do you what are your what are your intentions and what can we possibly do to help you?
Because we get calls I get calls personally from people saying I want a space, you know, and it a storefront or something small and there's really not a lot of options. Um, >> yeah. And I think that's um,
you know, something that's I think that's something that we all kind of talk about is commercial space, right? Um, I think we're going to be doing a a market study to see what that that yields to, you know, about getting
that's kind of one of the biggest issues we got is is you got Main Street and you got some of these buildings and it just seems like people are are kind of holding out a little bit, you know, and and uh to get one of these buildings back online, it just, you know, would I
rather have built new? I don't know. I don't know what the numbers would pencil out to be. And so when we talk to people that want to build uh commercial buildings um say for that commercial office space, you know, there's people that are interested. It's just kind of seeing, well, how many how many office
spaces do you need? What what is the price for rent going to be? And of course, you know, what is the city willing to do, right? So I I think that that's going to be something that we need to have a broader discussion on. um
along with EDA and you know I mean Joel and I rack our brains around this whole commerce um you know east of Dollar General what that's going to look like even you know so do we do we look at somebody that comes in and builds a commercial space for office or whatever
it could be you know does it look like a strip mall what does it look like you know um these are things that we're just starting to have discussions on I'd love for the EDA to be a part of it too. And and that's, you know, any way that they can help recruit too as well. Um, you
know, that's kind of where I'm at and I know you hear it just as well as I do. You know, it's it it's a need. It definitely is. Um, so that's why I think we should really be talking Main Street. Um, and then
probably that uh commercial office space, too. You know, those two things. So, well, hey, if you don't want it in a historical building, you know, why don't you consider over here in a newer office space? That way, you could start your business like that cuz I feel like we lose people to Farolto, Watana,
Montgomery, Northfield, even New Prague because you can go out there and you can rent a building and you can move in and then start a business what second week and then turn it around and go. >> And >> like Lville Takaria is a great example, too, >> right? And it doesn't even have to be a
a whole building. You know, sometimes it's just a storefront, >> right, >> that people are looking for. >> Yep. >> You know, >> you know, you use the Takari as an example, but that that property prior to that was owned >> by gentlemen that own the South 40. He
owned, you know, he owned what, four or five buildings on three of them. >> Three of them. >> Okay. >> What was the second one? >> Uh, he own the third one. >> The the where um something to wear is >> something. Yeah. >> Oh, really? and and and they sat they sat
you know empty for yeah years. >> He was actually using one of them as a commercial kitchen river. >> Yeah. a portion of it though, you know, it was >> but you know and multiple times the city went to him and said what you know what can we do to
>> I'm doing what I want >> you know it it is a slipper slope >> but you know I think Scott we can both agree it was nice to see that like when the scatter cat did go and when he finally put on the market a company came in just like that. >> Absolutely.
>> That's what I'd like for all those buildings to be. >> No, I I agree 100%. the just the fact is that we got to be careful because there's people there's property rights, >> you know, and and that's, you know, people want to, you know, want to do what they want to do. And I'm I'm not I'm not happy about it, but that's if
they don't want to act on it and they just they want to leave it sit there as long as they're compliant with code, but they but they aren't though because the first floor has to be for business. That's how we have the ordinance. >> So, I mean,
I hear you. It's a slippery slope. You know what I mean? There's there there is business. You know, >> that's why I think we should really kind of >> No, I I I agree. I'm I'm not Believe me, I'm not in favor of vacant or uh covered windows for
storage. Not but >> and I've sat down. I've talked with John South 40, you know, and he took me on a tour and I appreciate it. It's just, you know, the way that he had bought that building is, I mean, it's ripped all the way down to the studs >> and well, you can only imagine what the
cost are. And I mean, you know, that's why I keep going back to the facade program because then you got Woody's garage um just north of Blondelle uh Hardware Hanks and um you know, and there's some issues with
that too because they like to open up a business, but then you know, it it's just trying to get these people back in and then we sit down and we talk and we just go, okay, >> what's it going to take to get you to here? And just add those guidelines. Woody's it boiled down to a restroom.
>> Mhm. >> Yeah. But I kind of even questioned the restroom because I mean if it's not used for public >> Well, he had but he had to to open open it to the public. >> Yeah. >> Have to have one. >> Why Why did he have to open the garage
>> to I don't know that that was the thing. >> Sorry. >> So, as far as any business or any property owner, right, you have to have a business owner that's willing to invest the money, >> right? Um, even with this facade program over the years, I've spoke to business owners. They've said, "Man, I'd love to, you know, improve my facade,
but that's not making me money. >> So, I'm going to invest my funds in my business to what makes me money, you know." >> Mhm. >> Um, you know, I'm sure we'll hear that, you know, and again, you know, on that same point, you know, you have to have business or I'm sorry, building owners
that that want to spend the money on it, >> right? >> Um, you know, maybe some don't have it. again, maybe someone who invested in a different portion of their business to which will make them money. Um, but unfortunately, you know, no one wants to
hear this, but at the end of the day, it's going to be the city enforcing this code. It's going to what's going to get those businesses, those buildings to or building owners to move. Until that happens, nothing's going to happen. And we can sit and say pretty please, but
until we enforce our code, that's what is going to get it done. So the city at some point in time is going to have to take the hard position of you're not in compliance. It's time. >> And I know that's tomorrow. But >> right,
>> but there you know that that tough conversation is going going to have to be had. That is from my experience the only way things get done. I mean, my thing is is if you look at some of these people that have owned these buildings, I mean, they've owned them for years. It's not like they just
got it yesterday, and I I I'd hate to see these buildings just go and you push them over and and that's it because we still have the original three buildings in the city of Lonzo, you know. Um, I think uh being tough would be it, but
uh, you know, also at the same time be a little reasonable because I know that uh Joe Tupi just bought that fleet checks and was trying to remodel it and turn it around and it takes time, you know, I get that, but show me some effort, please, you know.
>> Yep. Um, but I definitely think it's it's well worth the discussion. We went on a long conversation about Main Street and uh but I mean that is part of our economic development, right? And and uh so I I do want to touch on
that um commercial space uh relatively soon as well. um what we could probably make happen and where it's going to go and and what we're kind of looking at. So um that can be in a different budget
meeting or work session, whatever we choose. So that's what I got for EDA. Uh anybody have anything else they want to say? Scott, >> ask me after Thursday.
>> Maybe next week or a council meeting next week. We'll talk more after that. >> Well, I wish you luck. >> It'll be fine. All meetings are fine. >> Yep. >> All right. Parks. >> Hey,
spend money. >> Uh well, good evening, May and Council. Um getting into parts, city administrator and I sat down. We went line by line. Um, tonight we can talk got revenues, expenses, and then a couple of big
capital outlay items. Um, the revenues, we have the property tax levy, the state grant for the snow wizards, LGA refunds and reimbursements. We get a compost site reimbursement from the county, um, insurance dividend, cable
telephone, franchise fees. Um, earlier this week, staff received a letter from T-Mobile providing the city notice that they are terminating our lease for their equipment on the city's water tower. The attorney was sent the information to make sure they met the requirements to terminate the lease and next steps. In
2025, the city received $37,922 from this lease. The city has two leases for cell tower items at the water tower and two south of the water tower. As of now, there is no transfer proposals from the liquor store to the park fund. Um,
it's to be determined based on liquor store budget. For expenses, we have training and education, uh, safe assure and tree school, which there are two licensed tree inspectors. Um, repairs
and maintenance, it's general items. Field paint and field chalk are the big ones. Um, the paint is every year. The chalk is a new one this year. Um about 5 years ago, City of Prior Lake gave us a couple pallets of chalk and
we're out. So um >> so if any other cities want to donate chalk, bring it on in. >> Um the landscaping materials, those are things for Main Street flowers, welcome sign flowers, flower bed, mulch, and replacement trees. professional
services. We have our copier, Cintas, tech support of Minnesota, RPZ testing, grinding trees at the compost site. Um, the council should dis consider a discussion on the compost site
operations. Um, whether we establish hours of operations or we staff it. Um, we do have a security camera. The PD does patrol the site. Um, however, it's just it's
impossible to have a police officer at the compost site. I would say of my phone calls that I yield, um, I would say at least 50% of them are about the compost site, if people can dump there, what they can
dump there. Um, and Jason knows just as well as I do, there's people sneaking in there all the time. Um, I know Mr. Mayor, you've mentioned in the past after a council meeting or or wherever it was, um, maybe we talked to
townships, um, I did think about that. I don't think our site is big enough to open it to anybody else but the city of Lndale. Um, and I don't know,
I guess without talking to them, I don't know, you know, if that maintenance program, if they're willing to contribute, but, you know, it's 14,000 a year for us if we can get by with one grinding
and you add the compost and everything that I mean, it's definitely worth a discussion. um fencing, staffing, hours of operation. Um I really encourage the residents of Lonsdale, you know, if you're paying a water bill and you're a resident of the
city of Lndale, you know, help public works out, help the police out, you know, kind of if you see something, say something. You know, you don't I'm not asking them to address the violators themselves, but just just report it. Um, you know, we certainly don't want to
incur any more expenses and I don't think we want it to go the way of the cardboard dumpsters either. So, I think we need to get a plan in place on how the council thinks that we should move forward. >> Um, the other professional service we
have is tree removal. Uh, this is reserved for large trees that would affect power lines or private property. Um, we just in meetings with the staff, we just don't feel the need to entertain anything that could fall through
somebody's house. So, we leave that to the pros. >> Correct. >> Um, >> I have a bunch of trees to remove behind. >> Uh, the rentals, we have portaotties. Next year is our last year of our contract that we have with our current
portaotty supplier. they are doing amazing. Um, and then just equipment, whether it's stump grinders or edggers and tampers, there's just a array of things. Um, grants, we have the snow
wizards, recreation, city cause participation for TCU summer wreck program. And then to the Capitol outlay, um, we have a Pronovos 60-in front mount
snowblower. The cost of that unit is $12,500. Last winter, uh, we had a John Deere 60-in heavyduty front mount snowblower. Um, it went out of service past the point of repair.
That snowblower was a 2017 and staff has always kind of joked around that we got the homeowner edition and so it's been excellent. It is
I mean that snow off of Highway 19 that's its primary job and that is wet heavy nasty snow at all times. So it served very well. However, without that piece of equipment, um our current level of winter maintenance cannot be
sustained. Uh we we would have to adjust our operations for Highway 19 sidewalks for sure. Um and then we just need something that's small enough to do sidewalks along Main Street South without damaging boulevards and
rightway. Um I would be happy to bring you guys staff reports. I got pricing on it um for the next council meeting um to get approval to at least order this this year. Um these are these are
kind of the cream of the crop of the market. Um so every city's buying them. This attaches to the front of our 1585 John Deere lawn mower with the cab, which I'm also proposing to replace. The one we have now is a 2019
and all the attachments that we have currently would work. So, we have a mower deck, which it would obviously come with. We have a broom, we have a plow, snowplow blade, and this snowb blower. Uh the
before the trade in the purchase price for the mower, the mower deck and the snowb blower $61,25. The trade in for our 1585 is right around 17,000 um for a cost to the city
of 44,21. That is the blower, the mower and the tractor itself. So depending on how we act on the snow blower, what we do in 25
would affect budget for 26. Um the park improvements. Uh at recent park board meetings, we have discussed using $30,000 as a budgetary number for park improvements in 2026. Um the last park board meeting, we
identified two possible park improvements. Um one is the Veterans Memorial, the other is the JC Park. Veterans Memorial has taken the lead. Um there are two options there. We have a 30 paver edition option and a 60 paver
edition option. Um 14,240 28,680. One's just double the other. Um those numbers do not include the ribbon and the footing and the everything to set up those pavers. Um
after that park meeting um it was discussed um that email was sent out by council member Miller here to recommend the 30 pavers and make necessary repairs to the raised planters. Um
I don't think the repairs means $14,000 rebuilding everything. I think it's a staff. We take them down. We put them back together. Maybe get some new ridge cap blocks. We had a similar
project at the old city hall. I don't know, 5 years ago, something like that. Um, talking with Joel, I won't be the most popular guy in the crew when that project comes up, but it's definitely something that we can do.
So, I just want you guys to to know that it's not some giant expense. >> Okay, good. >> It they're not in shambles. It's just >> coming apart a little bit. >> And really quick, just so that everybody else knows right now why we need the uh
PA additions is because we only have two blank ones left of our current one. And so we need to look ahead and make sure we have availability for the addition which was planned out with the original layout of Veterans Memorial Park. So
that's where we're at. >> Yes. Thank you, Krie. Um the second option for park improvement was the JC Park. Not going to spend a lot of time on this. The reason the park, the Vets Park took the lead in priorities is because there are only two available stones as council member Miller just
stated. And in order to make the improvements that I recommend and deem necessary down at the JC Park, I would rather have that full 30,000 to go at it so that we can get
concrete and black top around the areas we need. Um I presented to the park board, same to you as the council here. We are not in any violation of ADA codes. Um, this pavement improvement around the concession stand would make
both bathrooms ADA compliant. Right now, one of them is ADA compliant. So, there's there's nothing in violation as of now. I just want the council to to understand kind of how we were creating our priorities for these projects here.
Um, as I stated earlier, the compost grinding is $14,000. Um, that you guys will have coming here for 25 probably at the next council meeting. And then the repairs and maintenance is $35,000. That was up from $33,000
for the paint and chalk that's coming up this year. If you guys have any questions, I would be happy to answer. >> All right. Thank you, Joel. Scott, you got anything >> on the the mower snowb blower combo? Uh
where were we in the uh the life cycle? Was this a scheduled item or is this just we're getting to that point where we need to do it? So I am not aware of a cycle that was set or a life cycle that was set up by the
previous public works director. Um, I can tell you from my experience of running this mower, this mower does not stop. It goes all summer and all winter and it is at the 5year mark
>> and it's time. So, as far as schedule, um that is a goal of mine is to create especially for the mowers and equipment replacement schedule so that we are getting mowers that are always in warranty because it
is always our we just had to fix the wham. It was out of warranty for two and a half months and you know it's just >> of course >> I want to avoid that. >> So, >> okay. I just couldn't remember if that was it. >> But, you know, if if we got that long
and been lucky so far, makes sense. >> Those have been fantastic mowers. Um, the cab. So, be we had Kabotas a long time ago. These John Deers, I mean, you could you could plow snow in that thing
all day long in a t-shirt. And just for the use of the sidewalks and the trails, um, just in my experience being here, you know, it's a it's a good thing to say. It's just kind of a it's a weird aspect of it when you think of essential
equipment for snow. It's not always just the streets. Um, pedestrian traffic is just as important and this has become just as important of a key as a snow plow or the payloader. So, Thank you.
>> All right, Brian. >> So, you could plow all winter long in a t-shirt. I think you need to come to my house every snowfall and prove that. Plow my driveway until I believe it. >> No, I'm just kidding.
>> Every snowfall. >> So, so this this would fall then in the parks, but this type of equipment or is that spread kind of parks and public works? Uh, traditionally it has been in the parks. Um, I talked with Joel about, you know, hey,
>> could we possibly put some of it on streets? I mean, at the end of the day, they're both >> non-enterprise funds, >> right? >> And that sidewalk system, the reason we plow it in the first place is because it's all linked to our trail system. So,
>> yeah. >> It's really not streets. >> And I'm not Yeah, I'm just I'm just making sure I understand that it's 100% in the park. So, >> yeah. >> Um, but you said you're coming to a council meeting with this proposal, right? >> So, >> for the snowblower at least. So, this if we have to have a snowblower
>> and I just want to be able to I'm not saying we have to buy it. We'll I'll present the options to you guys, but >> I I would at least like to get the approval to put an order in. So, I for sure have one January 2nd. We can alter our operations for November, December,
but we we need to have this, right? Um Tom, wasn't there there was a grant we were talking about recently? >> Oh, the for Main Street. >> No, I don't think it was Main Street. Uh Katie brought it up.
>> Oh, >> the um the uh the Southern Initiative. >> $10,000. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Did we ever apply for that? >> I don't think we ever brought it up. I thought we had a very limited window and I know we had kind of talked about that
where >> it's one of those deals where we can I think we need to keep an eye out for grants like that where if we can use them for anything like the JC Park then knock off a couple at one time and save ourselves on a future budget. Um
40,000 sounds like a good start at a parking lot. >> There was something >> there's that. And we tal we talked about the small town grant from Smith at the >> Yeah. >> um park board meeting. >> Yep. >> But that um we >> we did apply for that several years ago
and were awarded 10,000 with um TCU >> to look at how do we connect the three communities via a trail. Um so so we were successful in getting that. But what they're looking for um and I haven't glanced over before the
park board meeting, but um looking for, you know, projects that bring the community together, volunteering, um inclusion. I don't see a snowblower doing that. >> Oh, no. I was talking about for the JC Park. We could get them out there and they can all help pour concrete or
asphalt. I mean, that's that's you know, we'll cook up some hot dogs like we do at the library. >> Yeah. come down to the JC Park. >> Would you like to park on a flat surface? Now's your opportunity to make that happen.
>> So, um, yeah, there was something else that I had in mind here. We can talk about Snowgate with the streets project or the streets budget. [Laughter] I know how much you like to hear about
snowgate. Uh yeah, I think that's all I've got. I thought I had one more. Okay. I can't remember. >> Curry >> Joe, thank you for your awesome job that you and all of Publiclix work public works does for us. I mean, it's just
awesome that if you drive around and you can tell that everybody takes pride in their job of making the parks look good and the trails look good and in the winter making sure things are plowed and so I really appreciate it. I know a lot of people appreciate it. So, and I know sometimes you hear a lot of complaints,
so I'm sorry about that, but but I think you guys do a great job. Um, and again, going back to at our parks board meeting, we did talk about trying to prioritize a project so we could check it off the list. And that's why we were looking at doing finalizing and getting
the two sets of pavers. I know it's $28,000. It's a lot of money, but if we can get the um foundation or the fountain fixed and the planters fixed and get the pavers, I think that would be great because then we can just be done and we can promote people getting
those pa the memorial pavers. Um and then longterm too, we were talking about adding shuffle board and some other stuff at um JC when we redo the black top and concrete. So, there are some other amenities coming up, but uh
that'll take place down the road long term. And then we are still looking into grants for uh fitness equipment uh at parks uh upgrading some park equipment too. I know some people have uh reached out about that. And then recently there
was a post on happenings about our parks being outdated. Um, I know that there are some opportunities that we are looking into, uh, but that it will be more of a long-term budget thing because we already have things tied up for 26. So, but just so that people know, we do
hear you. We see you, and we want to keep hearing things so that we know kind of what direction you want us to take. So, that's all I have. >> All right. Thank you, Jamie. >> Joe, did you look into the cost of chalk versus paint? I know the reason we have
that chalk from Prior Lake is they went to all paint and eliminated chalk. >> Uh your plane surface is what really dictates that. So Prior Lake um
I don't think their egg lime is as loose as ours. >> All right. >> Um not recently, but when we first got the chrome, that's what I thought. We could just paint it. >> Mhm. It's like a leaf blower. It just
spreads out. It doesn't work. I wish it did. I don't know if they have more of a clay like there's different egg lines. Like there's different ones for the like at if you go to the trend of field, it's different around home plate and the
pitcher mound than it is where the shorts stop plays. That makes any sense. It's like more of a dense clay. So, I don't know if that's what they got going down their baselines that allows them to paint,
>> but just shooting from the hip here. The best I can tell you, um, the chalk is like $10 a bay. I don't know if >> it's still sitting there. I'm not sure on the current price, but I can tell you
tomorrow. >> Yeah. So, um, and with the price of paint and the availability of paint, I know I've talked to Ki a couple times about some different soccer options. Paint is just a fortune since co. I don't know why. And it's hard to get. So,
um, I I I think the best way is to keep going with chalk. And, you know, that's a discussion that maybe needs to be had, too. Maybe we just deem the city's responsibility as as paint only. And if these organizations want chalk, then
they're responsible themselves. Um, it would save them money, save us time. Um, but I I know it's a thing the guys really take pride in and and enjoy doing as well is I mean, it's
from May to probably mid July. It's just about every single day that that field is being both or I should say both fields are being used. So, um is
is 19's highway 19's milling overlay with the uh sidewalk still kind of cued to happen? Uh, we haven't had discussions with Mandot um on that project in a long time. It seems like it keeps getting pushed back. >> Yeah,
>> I think Highway 19 from 35 to three in Northfield or towards Northfield is going to get done here in the late 20s. Um, the last I heard Highway or Highway 19 from 13 east through town to 35
was early 2030s. Okay. >> So, and that's sidewalks north and south of 19, right? All the way down to 35. >> Uh, we did look um when they were doing
the planning preliminarily um we did do an ADA walk of the sidewalks in town and some connections that um I recommended be included, but that was just uh in town. >> Okay. And then we would be responsible
of the sidewalks, right? >> I would anticipate some type of cost share agreement. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> So you talk about sidewalks, I think it's going to be important to make sure you got a John Deere that's going to work for it.
>> Absolutely. >> So and that's going to be quite a bit that's going to be quite a bit of workload on you guys. you know, the you I think you I think people would be surprised at how many sidewalks we do now. I mean, it it's a
it's a major part of of snow. I mean, one guy is sidewalks and hockey rings, >> and that's right there is the same amount it takes me to plow the north. >> You know, there's a lot.
>> So, um I wanted to bring that up so we can probably have a discussion. Uh might need some winter hires. So if Eli and John come back and >> Yeah, that would I mean we absolutely
open to discuss it, >> but that would be so that would be down. Anyway, >> um one thing I do want to ask is did you guys end up doing an apron around the bathrooms at JC? >> We have done nothing to the pavement yet.
>> No. Is this can you guys are you guys willing to do just a little apron? >> So my my goal would be is a minimum of 5 ft around the entire concession stand
on the west side, north side, and south side. It's all okay. It's the east side that I don't know if that looks like a railing and a ramp
because the elevation of that door versus the pavilion. >> Mhm. >> I mean, it's probably 2 and 1/2 ft difference in 20 ft. So, I don't think we'll be able to
just go around the outside and then pave it all without having >> because I'm just thinking about that little lip there >> that that's to be eliminated. That's that's the goal of all of this, right? >> The threshold limit. >> I know I know we had talked about it before trying to hit it all in one run.
And I I kind of sit and think, well, if we're budgeting for the veterans memorial for next year, you know, I I don't know. That's kind of where I'm at is can you just put like a band-aid on it? Um just so then that lip isn't there?
>> Oh, yes, absolutely. That can be done. Um, I think the reason why I wanted to switch the priorities is because >> I don't want to go a little bit a little bit a little bit a little bit. I >> want it all.
>> I like the shock and awe factor. You know, you know, Kina Park when we did the boardwalk and the disc golf course and and everything there and we just kind of put all our eggs in one basket. >> It felt really good at the end to just have a whole new amenity. Um, and when
we identify these projects like this, I think that's in my opinion that's the best way to attack them there's going to be some years where hey, this 30,000 we we do need this, this, and this. Um,
>> yeah, Joel, I I I trust you. I just um I just remember that little lip there. And that was the only thing I was worried about with with changing priorities a little bit. >> Yeah, >> compliance is
important no matter what. So, um that is uh definitely something that can be addressed. The reason the range and the price of all that work was because ramp or no ramp, you know, versus no railing, >> right? Yeah. But
I'm confident in our abilities to to maintain ADA compliance for 26. So, >> yeah. So, one thing I do want to bring up because I I brought this up to staff
uh kind of in beginning of the year was T-Mobile actually has a uh hometown grant program. It's up to $50,000. And it's usually towards uh Main Street improvements. And this is what I was talking about originally. Um and then
somehow people said something totally different. Um on record, no, I don't want to rip up the Veterans Memorial. That's what was said. My thing was is the sandbox that's next to the Veterans Memorial. Um, in my honest opinion, I think that should be looked at something
else because, um, my family has pulled feces out of that sandbox and then we had to turn around and walk away cuz we're not going to let our kids play. Um, that's nothing to be said about public works. That's just to clear the air here. But I never once ever said I
wanted to rip up the Veterans Memorial. And shame on whoever is starting that rumor. Um, but the hometown grant is what I was using to apply for that. It's it's a $50,000 grant, which I think could really help
you with this veterans memorial out, especially if they're pulling out of a lease. Um, I think that's something that uh could be brought around to when you apply for it or if you apply for it. >> Yeah. with them pulling out of the lease and are they removing their equipment
then from the tower? >> I'm going to have to defer to Joel. I don't know to do that. >> And then how is that going to impact people who have T-Mobile in this area? Like do they have >> I don't I don't know what their plan is. >> I'm kind of scared. >> I am too cuz I have T-Mobile. So, and I
know other people do too. So, I'm a little concerned. in um >> did they upgrade anything when they were going to 5G a couple years ago or did they just leave that tower alone? >> Uh they did not do anything. >> So they submitted plans. They were
reviewed >> um but they never proceeded with that with that project. So, um, you know, since it is such a large dollar amount and we're dependent on that for to offset a property tax levy, um, I did
reach out to the city attorney just to have him take a look at it and make sure everything was on the up and up and, you know, if anything else buy us a year if they missed the date or something like that. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> and they seem confident that
we should be good for 26. It'll be 27 when um the funding is gone. I just had that conversation here uh today. So um I do plan on budgeting that amount. >> So that's in 27 that that lease is
>> done. They'll they provided Well, the lease is going to be done November 30th of 2025, >> but we'll still get funds for 26 >> termination clause. Yep. >> Okay. >> Language in there. >> Did they say why they're removing it? >> No, they don't elaborate. They just say
we're terminating a lease. >> We'll comply with the uh >> Well, they got >> termination agreement and beat up. >> They're they're switching to satellite. >> Yeah, I I saw that too. >> Yeah, I mean that's that's their big marketing push right now is their >> Thanksgiving.
>> It better be cheaper. I tell you that. >> All the commercials all the commercials right now are talking about satellite. So that's that's what's happening. >> All right, T-Mobile, you better show up. I was going to ask, are we going to maybe try to reach out to anybody else to see if if we can get somebody to
some other provider to fix it? I mean, >> it's worth a shot. Just throw it out there. I mean, >> that's a that's a pretty significant amount. >> Basically, what about AT&T, >> you know, there's other smaller >> Yeah. >> entities out there, but
>> Yeah. Well, most of those other ones lease off of the big guys anyway. So, T-Mobile, AT&T, >> AT&T. >> Reach out to Elon. See what >> Airspace >> doesn't Who bought Sprint? Was it Verizon? >> I think >> AT&T, I think.
>> No, they bought Direct TV. >> I'm not sure then. >> Yeah. Anyways, it's the basically the three. So, we got two to go to. And I mean, if they say no, they say no. But we're never going to know if we don't ask, right? >> Yeah. And we did have a um
well we do have a lease for with Verizon on the second tower that's out there. That was the other lease that John was was talking about. >> Um and we actually had for several years had an agreement with Verizon. They were
going to construct their own tower >> and they paid us like 2,000 bucks a month for like four years and then terminated the agreement. >> I mean they poured concrete and everything to it all right back out. Wow. >> Wow. >> Put a uh put a building up instead. >> Yeah.
>> Um I I remembered my questions that I >> Go ahead. >> The problem was we have two different sheets and they're divided by liquor store in here. So that screwed me up. >> Um with the portaotties, um were we able to reduce the number by
at least one with the remodel at JC Park of the bathrooms? So So that's reflected already. I have not received even one phone call. >> Okay. So that we've already done that for this year. So that doesn't change from 25 to 26.
>> As far as the it doesn't affect the lease. The lease just locked in our prices. I mean we've gone from I think it started at 9. I think it was as high as 11 at one point and I think we're at 10 right now. >> Okay.
>> Um Peter is fantastic to work with. Like I said, he doesn't care. >> He'll care if we go down to two, but you know. >> Right. Right. >> Our our main parks um they'll all be there and with the new bathroom that's Yeah,
>> we were able to get rid of one. So, that's been great. >> Okay. Um the last qu I don't know if it's really a question, but one of the things I think I would like to see the park board explore is the possibility of recruiting tournaments.
whether they be baseball, softball, soccer, whatever, >> because I see that as a potential revenue stream. I mean, all the work that you guys do. And I mean, our fields are amazing. They're beautiful, especially now that we've got this this new scoreboard uh that we just put in, I
think that's a selling point that we can use to attract some of these tournaments. Um, but, you know, I think we we look at it as an option. We stay open. We've got a concession stand. >> So, you know, there's the potential for
them to get some revenue generation off of leasing our park space and using our concession stand. >> Um, I would like to see more of that happen because really, you know, those those tournaments are great for communities because the restaurants do well. You
know, I mean, the Legion's looking for ways to generate new re revenue, too. I mean, I think this could help the Legion out because you get a tournament in town, you're going to have two really busy restaurants or you're going to have three busy restaurants. >> You know what I mean? Two overwhelmed or
three fully packed. You know, that kind of a deal. That's the way I see it. So, >> um, you know, one, it can be a revenue stream for the city. Two, definitely it can be a boost for the >> restaurants. I mean, I should say three. You know, we got the Takaria, too. I mean, there's there's potential for all
of them to be really boosted by by tournaments in town. So, I would like to see that be a thing that the parkour maybe takes a look at for next year. >> I know for sure because I'm part of the TCU soccer club, not the school one, but the travel club that we just started up
this year. We did talk about um jamberees or little day tournaments and things like that from the soccer end of things. Not sure about baseball, softball, but I'm definitely interested in that, too. And then I also thought it would be cool if we could get more um adult leagues to play again um just
wreck because I know they play in Northfield. There's some in New Prague, you know, and I know there was a ladies softball team from Lndale that was playing Monday nights or something in Northfield last year. Um but I would love to have more of that kind of stuff.
And the Legion used to sponsor baseball teams and you know, I just would love to see that grow. I mean, >> there's even adult kickball leagues now. >> Yeah. So, I think there is a ton of opportunity and I thank you for bringing it up because I definitely would love to add that to a big discussion on the
parks and >> well I you know it's it's a good way to kind of help offset some of these big projects that I know have been talked about quite a bit and >> definitely >> you know we have this wish list but it's it's kind of like you know a teenager's Christmas list where you got to look at
it and go wow >> yeah those things would be really cool to have if I was Bill Gates. >> Yep. you know, >> right? And I mean, I've talked about >> Yeah. Another idea that I brought up at parks that we're exploring, it takes
time to coordinate and plan all these things, but like a fall art festival, there's a lot of towns that do that and then just have the vendors pay a fee, you know, and things like that. So, there >> food truck festival. >> Yeah. Food trucks. Like, we've talked about a lot of these things, but it's kind of like now we need to get to the
point where we're actually planning and getting things going. We're gonna have to start another committee. Krie, >> I know. I'm sorry. >> Well, that you know that kind of gets into is that really our role to to organize, you know, a men's softball league? >> No.
>> There was an extremely robust softball league here and it just >> Oh, it takes >> it takes that guys. >> Oh, yeah. I'm not I'm not saying we organize it. I'm saying we we >> promote it as a >> we we invite them to take a look at our our facilities and our fields and say
this would be a great place for you to pay a rent payment to have a tournament. You know, that's what I'm saying. I was going to >> I was going to hit on the same thing that Joel hit. Um they go hand in hand. You get a league here, the tournaments come. Without a league, >> yeah, >> it's not going to happen.
>> Yeah. Unless if the coaches for these other, you know, hey, let's have an invitation. But as far as the city trying to promote that, I don't see that creating a lot of steam when there's not a league, >> right? >> Public works guys should start playing some softball.
>> Get some city stuff. >> Yeah, there we go. That's why we had to quit cuz we just kept dominating. >> We'll do uh Well, you haven't played this council yet. [Laughter] >> And police and fire could have >> I'll be the manager. He's the He's the fat guy who sits in the dugout and just
watches, right? >> Kick some dirt at the hump. >> Yeah. >> Never has to run. >> No, I like the ideas and I think it's good to just have it out there. Um, >> definitely >> future goals. >> Yeah, you know, it was so unfortunate.
Joel just said that robust softball league, you know, I was part of it, Joel's part of it. It was it was absolutely a blast on Wednesday nights. And we got to the point with the JC Park. I think it was like 2011, something like that. Hey, let's let's put that 20ft fence in the outfield to
protect field two and let's get that field two pavilion done and let's get some asphalt, the new drinking fountains >> and red drain tile the whole field system. And we literally get it done and get the grass to grow. It's like, well, we're done.
>> No, bring it back. literally that next year. >> But there's but there's those like the traveling leagues, the younger kids, you know, it's not all just the adults. I mean, if we get the adults, great. But the real the real um >> I mean, drive down >> any by any of the parks in Lakeville in
the summertime and look at the high number of people, families. And I mean >> they have like their city has like a whole department for planning coordinating with these clubs. So soccer club works very closely and they plan
all this whole thing out for their fall cup and father's day cup. So I like my long-term vision for the town is to have somebody employed running these things working together with these organizations so that we're utilizing all of our facilities. >> Yeah.
>> And bringing in that money to help offset tax levy stuff. So I don't know >> big dreams. One one thing is is can we talk about the compost site a little bit more? >> Sure. >> Um,
so I kind of look at it. Let me load this thing back up. Oh my gosh. Feel like a boomer. If you did put like fencing and have it staffed, would that affect the archery range?
>> Absolutely. Yeah, we talked about that. >> Well, I guess have we seen any results of putting the camera up there? Has that helped? So, we're trying to get a hold of So, we got the issue that we're having is VCA's got to come out and
they've got to switch our camera because we got the same camera at the JC Park and I could tell what color of t-shirt Gary Schoolic puts on and the same one at the at the compost site. Can't get a clear license plate for these guys. So,
we're working on getting Bada out there to see what is going on. We've been told it's the cell phone service card. You know, it's just all right. >> Was it T-Mobile? Sounds like that might be a problem. >> I don't think it T-Mobile, but I actually just met with the chief about
this last Thursday or Friday, something like that. And I told him enough's enough. We got 15 grand into this thing. Um, not nice anymore. >> No. Time to get down here >> cuz we just bought it. It's brand new. >> Correct.
>> Yeah. I mean, cuz I mean, we're talking about potentially having a position for it and uh I don't know what that position would kind of look like. I mean, I know we got our police that I see Jason
almost every time I go down there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And uh he does a great job. >> There's some make you bring things back home. Uh, well, I don't you know that stuff stays at home, right? >> Well, if you quit drum dumping tires up
there, you won't see the chief all the time. >> No, that's not true. Um, so my thing is is what does that position kind of look like? And and what are we looking for here? Because I mean, I can tell you right now, I don't know
how much work they could do there where it would be like a full-time position. And then also we're talking about after they finish a shift, then it's open game after they leave. So I I mean my thing is is do we figure out the camera thing
and and really start putting a heavy fine on those that end up bringing stuff in that shouldn't be there. Like I think everybody in their family went there and and took a picture with a giant pumpkin. >> I did. >> Yep. >> I missed the giant pumpkin. >> So I think I think that's an important
thing to discuss in the in the fee schedule. Um, we brought this up when we bought that camera that is the fine $50 for illegal dumping, >> something like that.
>> You can write me five tickets that >> Yeah, I I would encourage that to be higher. And honestly, >> absolutely. all of the people that we get quotes from for grinding the piles. Um we are not alone in this struggle with compost sites and and whatever. Um
the only thing that worked for them is there are cities out there that are making these fines $1,000. >> Yeah. >> Like we're not playing around anymore. >> And and I'm fine with that. Um I
absolutely am. Um, honestly I I I wished, you know, um, I mean this even goes back to the recycling conversation. It's, you know, I would have loved to have been trying to figure that out, you know, even with
a sizable fight and then just say, "Hey, >> you're not going to come in here and throw your trash here, >> you know, especially if you don't live here." Um, I think it's in the I think it's in the residents and business owners best interest if we do propose a larger fine and we actually carry it out
and there's no slide this time. No, it's right then and there, you know, get the word out. Oh, they're finding the the hard part is if we're going to compare it to the cardboard dumpsters, they're two totally
different animals. First thing is there's confusion out there where the sign says city residents o or lonsdale residents only. So we switched the sign to say si city residents only.
People still just have this I have a lonsdale address. >> And it's really if you're getting a water bill, that's when you're allowed to dump there. >> They know they're not city residents. >> They they do. But that's that's the those are the things that we're talking about all the time. And then you know
just from an expense part to the city um fence and an employee those are very large expenses. >> They are very large expenses and I can tell you from when the compost site was
down at Stika Park. Um don't think you're getting 20 years out of that fence. >> You know it's things are dumped and pushed and this and that and it just kind of Um, so we've got some work to do to get it going. Um, the hard the hard part is,
you know, it's really the amount of stuff we're getting. people s since that compost head is moved up there um the cooperation and the cleanliness of what people I mean you're always going to have some people that dump plastic bags and things like that we're really not
getting fridges and tires and pickup toppers and things like we used to. So I do commend the people and appreciate um that effort and like I said I I yield a lot of phone calls about it. Um, but it's just so hard to close off the
archery range and close it off. Yeah. At night because we know how hard it is if you have to throw a couch away at Rice County Landfill. It's like, yeah, you have to take a half a day off of work to get there to do it. I don't really want to create that situation with our compost site. >> I don't I don't either. And I agree with
you. And I I think that's why we uh uh go back to the fee schedule and then we get this camera all figured out. and uh kind of go from there and monitor it, see how it goes. Um but you know, I I know a lot of people, a lot of
residents take a lot of pride in that compost site, too. And I don't want to take it away from them. Um you know, people that I I see it all the time. I'm I'm there all the time. And they'll pull right up to the piles and then I'll see them struggle. I'll get out and I'll
help them. M and then uh you know even with me myself it's you know and I know public works puts a lot of effort into that place to keep it clean and it's I love the archery range there. It's it's a really wellused amenity.
So and it's not even just that people park up there and then they walk down to go to the the fishing pier. So, I I just don't I don't see in the best interest of the city to put a fence around it, put a gate on it. Um, I don't see it
there. I just would like to nip it in the butt when it, you know, when we start figuring this stuff out. But I I feel I feel your pain in this. I really do. But I I thank all of you guys for your your efforts into maintaining that.
Um, I know Scott loves getting onto that truck and pushing stuff around. >> He takes a lot of pride in that compost. Um, you know, the thing for everybody that's listening out there, the cleaner the material you bring, the
better compost you get. All of that compost that's up there, that's free to the residents. you know, plant your gardens, >> supplement your yards, >> flower beds or flower pots. I mean, most great stuff. So,
>> yeah, it's been it's kind of one of those lead by example things that's actually working. It's the volume it which is and it's mostly the the brush. >> Yeah, >> the compost >> we can get rid of that and we can maintain that ourselves. It's the brush
that we just we don't have the equipment to do it. Yeah, I saw the uh giant stump and when I see those stumps, I kind of >> wonder how it got there. >> Yeah. >> Wonder how it got there. >> I I would love to watch the camera footage.
>> We had fun a couple years ago. >> Lifted the back end of our loader up. >> That would Yeah, our loader was not able to move it. >> Oh my gosh. >> That's how big it was. >> Wow. >> I'm not kidding. >> Reverse and hit the brakes and pray down off. >> So, I don't know. It must have been one of those big loaders like what they have
at the Cargill salt mines or something cuz >> Yeah, >> Scott went up to move it. >> Yeah. >> So, >> so I I do hear you guys on that and and I've thought about it before. It's like, well, do we get a chipper up there? Do
we start chipping? You know, but um >> those are things we've all really weighed heavy on. Um, I can't speak to like a premium or whatever. >> It's just
a chipper is a pretty dangerous piece of equipment to have >> to just go, >> hey, throw yourself right nonchalant. They think it's just, you know, get in the routine of a something. >> I wouldn't put that in the hands of residents. I would say it's, you know,
>> no, not residents. I'm but for public works, you know. So, we get a chipper. Well, now that goes from Scott to a threeman operation, you know, type of a >> right >> not I'm not saying this out of the >> butility. When we talk about when I say
chipper, it's so most of these compost sites that I went through when I was doing tree cutting, it was these giant chippers. Well, well, they're already on a rail. So what they do is they just start putting all this in that chipper and then it would load it up into those
rail cars. And that's why I'm kind of like, well, it doesn't really seem that feasible because a we we don't have rail rail cars to load. Um and then the incinerator up in the cities, that's >> that's gone for a while.
>> So um you know I and I don't know how long SMSC is going to be taking it on. I I don't know what their plans are when they do that. >> Hopefully along because they they do a great job. >> Um I'm not saying we wouldn't be having this conversation, but it'd be a totally different conversation if that
incinerator was still going. >> Yeah. >> Because that was, you know, we'd be getting this done for half the price. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> So, you're saying we need to build an incinerator? >> Then we need to start taking our mulch again. They're sitting on so many rail
cars full and it's actually the state started coming out with grants where they said, "Okay, stop sending your stuff over here. We'll give you a grant to get a sawmill and you can start slabbing up some of these big logs and that you got and it's uh it's definitely
interesting. But yeah, Joe, I I hope this kind of helps you with direction for the short short term and you know, hopefully the uh extended term, you know, I hope it doesn't become a bigger problem for you.
But uh um let's start with that. Let's see where it goes. >> Absolutely. >> And then um you know, just let us know, hey, it's been going out of hand again and for a couple of weeks or whatever it may be. But I know that since that uh storm that
came through, man, there was a lot of I think that was the most packed I've ever seen that, >> which is to be expected, but you know, >> driving around the stump. >> I know Jason's turned a few away from that storm. I know public works, my guys have turned a few away from the storm.
It's like when you got somebody dragging a giant maple tree >> from Garfield coming south, it's like, I'm sorry, man, but you're going to have to turn. Oh, this is not for you. Um,
but it's, you know, you drive around the countryside, the amount of dead trees with this emerald ashbor, I mean, it's huge. It's huge. >> And, you know, get the camera figured out, get some signage is has been helping.
We've improved it. You know, just >> Do you have a size requirement? Is it It's written on there. Um, not diameter size, length. It can only be 36 inches long. >> Oh, no. I'm in violation. I'm sorry, Joel.
>> Tom, >> it's not an is the length isn't an issue until you start getting >> You're right. So, >> so I think define diameter. Is it three? Is it four? Or can you go up to like
eight, you know? Um, and maybe we can look at putting that on the sign as well when you come in. >> Yes. >> And hopefully that'll help too. Um, that's just my recommendation. I I think that that's probably the big
thing, too, is cuz people see compost site and they see logs in there already and let's just throw it all in there. Um, it's kind of one of those things where it's good, it's good, it's good. Just like you said, oh, I saw one, so what's the harm with mine? And all of a sudden,
it just goes, >> right? >> Just explodes, >> right? Yep. >> So, it's, you know, unfortunately, I'm going to throw that brush pile right in the same category as bioolids.
You know, my favorite things to do. >> So, >> um, they're just they're just those things, um, that we just have to keep close attention to. And they the command it is what it is. Can overthink and overthink and you just got to
>> Yeah. bite the bull and >> just kind of it is what it is. >> Yeah. Okay. And then everybody's okay with the uh Veterans Memorial. >> Does that answer your questions, Carrie? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Thank you.
>> All right. Anybody else have anything they want to add? >> Ryan, >> I assume we're going to come back to the capital improvement stuff when Jason's here. >> I guess I if we want to
>> I just I just saw it on here. I just >> Yeah. No, I just that's just kind of a >> template. I hate to say like a living document, but >> you know, from the last couple years and did incorporate the uh planning that the library did, I believe at their June 4th meeting
earlier this year. Okay. >> So, >> yeah, I got nothing else. >> Curry, >> I got nothing else. >> Jamie, >> nothing. >> Scott, >> nothing. >> Joel, >> uh, not for this meeting. We've got a budget meeting coming up, I believe, on
the 9th and then the 22nd, >> September. >> Two questions I do got to ask. Um, what is uh going on with Excel? Are they done with their project? >> Yep. >> For the lease agreement,
>> um, as far as I know, I do they just have a like there's a l Yeah. >> Okay. >> I saw him last week moving stuff out of there. Yeah. And I don't remember seeing the
the altar in there when I was driving by it. Okay. And then wasn't it budgeted for the historical school to be painted this year? >> It was correct. >> And then we didn't do it or
>> It has not been done. No. >> Okay. Um >> are you sure Joel? I thought it was >> Didn't we do part of it? >> 24. And we took that to get >> I had to double check, but I'm pretty sure it's was budgeted for 15.
>> I'm sorry for 25. >> I thought we took that out for bid and Nick Slavic got it right or we asked Nick to do it. >> Uh I got prices. Yeah. And they ranged anywhere from 14 to $50,000. >> Yeah. I I think what you had told me before was it was the wood itself
>> scraping the paint out. >> Yeah. >> Well, here's where the community thing comes in where we all get together and scrape and paint. >> They had a really hard time finding replacement boards for that. >> Yeah. Unfortunately, that Yeah, you can you can definitely tell where the new
boards is. Yeah. >> Or the new boards are, excuse me. The paint actually sticks to those. >> Um so it almost seems to be a you know, for unless we're just going to put a band-aid on it or I know there was talk about some type of a sealer or
something, primer type of >> the bonding agent >> material and then painting it. >> How much do you remember how much was put aside for that? I think it was like 15,000 or maybe I might be totally
>> 25 something. I don't know. >> I don't know. It was part of the >> If that's something that That sounds like done. We can definitely >> I'm just kind of wondering if we put that towards >> It's getting late in the season, though. >> Yeah, >> I think most painters are they're
booking their fall stuff because they're they've been filled up for the summer. >> I I think maybe we should put that as a priority for next year. >> Get it done before Founders Day. Is that what you're saying? >> It would be nice. Yeah. >> And have some more.
>> That is such a cool building to just only use one. >> I think the historical society should do it. >> Well, he probably would, but the others. >> The issue is everybody's like, "We only use it once a year." If you call him, he
drops pretty much everything and he'll take you up there at any time. Keep in mind though, if you didn't call in advance, it might not be clean up there. >> Well, we could do like a just kind of trick him and be, "Hey, can you show us how they historically would have painted
this building?" >> Give us a demon. >> Keep in mind, he's the youngest at 70 years old. >> Well, bring them all. >> Of course, when you're looking for something, you can't find it. I came across it the other day when I was working on this. >> It was either 24 or or 25.
>> Okay. I'm looking at 26. So, >> it doesn't seem like that long ago that they put all that work into it either. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Mhm. >> Yeah, I'll have to track that down then.
Yeah, I'm just kind of curious if we uh take a better look at that and and budget it for next year. >> That's okay, Joe. >> I'll track it down. >> Yeah, that's fine. Get it to you. >> All right. Well,
if there's nothing else motion to >> second. >> Motion by Wormkers, second by Miller. Any further discussion? All in favor? Bye. >> All right.