WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=iz-TnL-vqJg

Part: 1

1
00:00:29.000 --> 00:00:44.520
Hello and welcome to today's regular City Council meeting, Thursday, June 25th. I'll call to order this meeting at 7:02 p.m. Would all please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

2
00:00:44.520 --> 00:01:01.760
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Roll call. >> Ryan Worm us Gerson. >> Here. >> Laurie Miller. >> Here. >> Tom Burke.

3
00:01:01.760 --> 00:01:16.400
>> Here. >> James Wilsieka. >> Here. >> And Scott Palova is absent. >> All right, tonight's agenda goes all the way down to 10J. Are there any additions, deletions, or corrections to the agenda? >> Uh yeah, may I request that item 10I be

4
00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:36.640
removed and then the addition of approval of a quote uh from Axon for body worn cameras. And that information is um on the dais. >> So J would become I and then the quote

5
00:01:36.640 --> 00:01:55.120
would become J. Is that the order we're going in? >> Do you have the updated quote from the uh Anzo Fireman's Relief Association for the gym equipment? >> Um no, we don't. I wasn't under the impression that you wanted it added to

6
00:01:55.120 --> 00:02:11.959
this agenda. >> I wasn't sent it, but I was told that you and Joe Pumper got a copy of it. >> Yeah, I sent you an email yesterday and I didn't get a date, so no, it's not on the agenda. >> [snorts] >> I'll make a motion to approve with the

7
00:02:11.959 --> 00:02:28.360
changes as discussed. >> Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Second by Wormscher. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> All opposed? All right, approve all the minutes. Consider approval of the minutes from

8
00:02:28.360 --> 00:02:45.320
the June 11th, 2026 regular meeting. Are there any additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes? >> Motion to approve. >> Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Second by Wormscher. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> All opposed?

9
00:02:45.320 --> 00:03:00.760
All right, tonight's public hearing, ordinance 2026-345. An ordinance granting CenterPoint Energy Resource Corp um and its successors and assigns a non-exclusive franchise to

10
00:03:00.760 --> 00:03:17.680
construct, operate, repair, and maintain facilities and equipment for transportation, distribution, manufacture, and sales of gas energy for public and private use, and to use the public ways and grounds of the city of Lonsdale, Rice County, Minnesota for such purpose, and prescribing certain

11
00:03:17.680 --> 00:03:34.640
terms and conditions therefore. I'll open up this public hearing. Peterson. >> All right, thank you, Mayor, members of the council. Um just a I mean, a quick summary of my staff report. Uh we've got definitions. We have a adoption of the franchise

12
00:03:34.640 --> 00:03:50.840
agreement. This is a 20-year agreement that allows CenterPoint Energy to import, manufacture, distribute, and sell gas for public and private use. Uh they're allowed to construct, operate, repair, maintain gas infrastructure in, on, over, or under our public grounds and right-of-way. Uh they've got 60 days to accept the

13
00:03:50.840 --> 00:04:07.360
agreement. Um disputes are resolved by the parties first, then mediation, finally uh Rice County District Court. Uh agreement will be in effect until a new agreement is entered into, but only for a 1-year extension, and then the city or

14
00:04:07.360 --> 00:04:23.680
CenterPoint Energy can uh end the 20-year agreement with a 90-day notice. As far as location and regulations, infrastructure to be located in the public ways grounds, not interfere with the safe convenient travel of the public. Uh they're required to obtain a right-of-way permit, and then restore

15
00:04:23.680 --> 00:04:39.760
work in compliance with Minnesota rules and city ordinances. As far as relocations, um we are to give them notice of any proposed street improvements. Uh we're to work together on utility relocations. Uh CenterPoint Energy is to pay for the

16
00:04:39.760 --> 00:04:56.360
relocation of infrastructure upon the city finding the gas infrastructure, or the facilities, excuse me, will have or be a come a substantial impairment to the existing proposed use of the public grounds. As far as insurance, CenterPoint Energy is self-insured. They are to indemnify

17
00:04:56.360 --> 00:05:11.720
and hold the city harmless from liabilities and costs, and then to also defend the city on notice from us. As far as vacation of public ways and grounds, we're to give them 2 weeks notice of any proposed right-of-way vacation.

18
00:05:11.720 --> 00:05:27.400
Uh any change in the form of government does not affect this agreement. As far as a franchise fee, the city can impose a franchise fee, but that's not being proposed. Um to do that, we would have to do that under a separate ordinance.

19
00:05:27.400 --> 00:05:44.600
And with that said, it cannot uh put CenterPoint Energy at a competitive disadvantage. As far as abandonment of facilities, they're to comply with state statute and Minnesota rules. Safety and infrastructure reporting, I will meet annually to discuss any items

20
00:05:44.600 --> 00:06:00.440
of concern. As far as provisions of this ordinance. Uh if one section is found to be invalid, the others remain in effect. Uh the city and CenterPoint Energy also are the only parties to this agreement. As

21
00:06:00.440 --> 00:06:16.880
far as amendments, city can amend the agreement with approval of CenterPoint Energy. Uh Uh with a 90-day uh amendment or they have to approve it within 90 days of the amendment. And then this agreement supersedes any previous agreements.

22
00:06:16.880 --> 00:06:32.000
Uh as far as the fiscal impact, the city has incurred legal fees and publication of this public hearing notice. CenterPoint Energy is responsible for the cost of publishing the summary ordinance. Uh as far as alternatives, the

23
00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:50.800
alternative which has already happened not to conduct public hearing and do not uh approve a franchise agreement with CenterPoint Energy. And then attachments included with staff report are the redline and clean version. That concludes staff report.

24
00:06:50.800 --> 00:07:08.040
>> All right, does anybody from the public [clears throat] want to make a comment on this item tonight? Seeing none, I'll entertain motion to close the public hearing. >> I'll move. >> Motion by Warmus Kirschen. >> Second. >> Second by Vice Chair Kenny. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> Aye.

25
00:07:08.040 --> 00:07:25.120
>> All opposed? This public hearing is now closed. So, presentation of citizens petitions and comments. Comments limited 2 minutes. So, if you're not on the agenda tonight, uh now is your time to speak. All right, seeing none, tonight's consent agenda

26
00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:40.919
goes all the way down to 8A to 8G. Monthly and additional bills, treasurer's report, board and commission minutes. Um consider approval of a renewal application submitted by Rail 19 Bar and Grill uh for an on-site liquor license and a Sunday liquor license.

27
00:07:40.919 --> 00:07:56.240
Item E, consider approval of a renewed application submitted by the Lonsdale Baseball Association for a wine and 3.2 liquor license. F, consider approval of Resolution 2026-41, a resolution approving a Minnesota

28
00:07:56.240 --> 00:08:12.320
lawful gambling premise permit application submitted by the Defeat of Jesse James Day Committee for the property located at 101 Main Street South, which is the Tipsy Bull Prod. Um and then item G, consider approval of the sewer rate adjustment requested by

29
00:08:12.320 --> 00:08:30.640
the property owner of 569 4th Avenue Southeast. Does anyone want any of these items removed and considered for new business? >> Motion to approve the consent agenda. >> Motion by Worm Disc Ursion. >> Second. >> Second by Miller. All in favor. >> Aye. >> All opposed. There's no old business

30
00:08:30.640 --> 00:08:51.560
tonight, so on to new business, which is a presentation of the city's 2025 audit by Ellie Frederickson of Abdo. Welcome, Ellie. >> Um good evening, Mayor and council members. Um my name is Ellie Frederickson. I'm a senior associate at Abdo, and I helped complete the

31
00:08:51.560 --> 00:09:07.440
Lonsdale's 2025 financial statement audit. Um the purpose of this presentation is to go through audit results, as well as touch on some key financial information that happened throughout the 2025 fiscal year. Um to start, our responsibilities as

32
00:09:07.440 --> 00:09:22.760
auditors is to give an opinion on the financial statements and for the year 2025. Um we gave an unmodified opinion, or a clean opinion. Basically, nothing came to our attention that indicated the financial statements were materially misstated in accordance with the

33
00:09:22.760 --> 00:09:38.200
generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. Um another part of our audit is we are also required to do some testing and an issue of report regarding Minnesota legal compliance required by the Office of the State Auditor. This includes things like contracting and bidding,

34
00:09:38.200 --> 00:09:54.600
public indebtedness, and claims and disbursements. And with that, we noted no instances of non-compliance. There were three findings within fiscal year 2025. Uh first is the preparation of financial statements. Uh this is a common finding for cities your size. It

35
00:09:54.600 --> 00:10:11.360
just states that Abdo prepares the financial statements and emphasizes the importance of the city's staff need to review those. Um second is limited segregation of duties, which is another common finding for cities your size. This is due to

36
00:10:11.360 --> 00:10:26.840
Lonsdale being a smaller city with smaller finance staff. There's only so much each staff member can do and duties can be segregated to. And then the third finding is material audit adjustments, and this related to debt payments being reported to the

37
00:10:26.840 --> 00:10:43.760
appropriate funds. Um the next slide shows the city's general fund balance as a percentage of next year's budgeted expenditures. The city of Lonsdale has a policy that unassigned fund balance needs to obtain at least 42% of next year's budgeted

38
00:10:43.760 --> 00:11:01.880
expenditures. The city has achieved that goal or met that policy within the net last 4 years. There is roughly 63% in unassigned fund balance of next year's budgeted expenditures, which is an increase from 2024 but is consistent with 2023.

39
00:11:01.880 --> 00:11:17.760
Um the next slide is going to be comparing the general fund budget to actual results. The left column is going to be your final budget amounts, middle column is going to be the actual amounts in 2025, and then the variance between the two on the right. Um revenues came in over budget about

40
00:11:17.760 --> 00:11:34.040
363,000. Of that, tax revenue came in over budget of about 117,000. Police and fire aid came in over budget of about 67,000. And about 143,000 was over budget for contributions and donations and refunds and

41
00:11:34.040 --> 00:11:49.520
reimbursements. Um things like donations and reimbursements are unpredictable and hard to budget for, which is why we see those come in overbudget. And the city tends to budget more conservatively, which is why we see revenues coming in overbudget as well. Um

42
00:11:49.520 --> 00:12:05.800
expenditures came in underbudget by about 25,000. The city stayed pretty close to the budget amount of expenditures within the general fund overall. Uh nothing significant to note there. And then there were some unbudgeted transfers that occurred throughout the year.

43
00:12:06.120 --> 00:12:22.120
Um the next slide goes into the general funds city rev- the general fund city revenues by type. Uh tax collections were slightly up due to an increased levy. Intergovernmental revenue remained steady from 2024. Nothing significant to

44
00:12:22.120 --> 00:12:39.480
note there. There was a slight increase in charges for services. This is mainly due to an increase in fire service contract payments. And then other revenues increased mainly due to an increase in transfers as we discussed previously.

45
00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:55.240
Uh the next slide details the departmental split for the general funds expenditures. General government stayed relatively consistent with prior years. Public safety had a slight increase, but there is nothing significant to note there. Uh transfers out had a significant

46
00:12:55.240 --> 00:13:12.000
decrease since 2024. In 2024 the general fund made a transfer out of $589,156 to the new city hall building fund. And then streets and highways had a slight dip. Again, nothing significant to note there.

47
00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:27.640
Culture and rec had a slight increase. This is mainly due to an increase in full-time employee salaries and benefits. And then capital outlay decreased due to a decrease in parks and rec expenditures and library expenditures. In 2024 we had the bike trail expenditures

48
00:13:27.640 --> 00:13:44.240
there, and then the purchase of equipment and office materials in uh the library expenditures there as well. Um each of the following enterprise funds are all set up the same. They take a look at cash balances as well as

49
00:13:44.240 --> 00:14:00.280
operating cash receipts compared to operating cash disbursements. The water fund, uh cash balances are steady. They're above the target cash balance. And then as you can see on the top there, uh receipts and disbursements remain consistent throughout the four years.

50
00:14:00.280 --> 00:14:15.640
So, nothing significant to note going on with the water fund. Um and the next slide is going to touch on that sewer fund. Receipts and disbursements are steady from 2024 to 2025. [clears throat] And 2023 was the last year of that PFA

51
00:14:15.640 --> 00:14:31.680
debt payment that was paid off. Um you can see that on that top graph there, uh the black part. And then cash balances had an increase in 2025. And a big part of that is going to be that transfer in of 900,000 from the city hall building fund.

52
00:14:31.680 --> 00:14:46.880
And then I believe you can see that there's about 2.8 million in cash there. We can see those cash reserves kind of being saved up for I believe some upgrades to the sewer system that will likely occur within the next couple years.

53
00:14:46.880 --> 00:15:02.880
Uh next is a look at the liquor fund. Uh On the top there, you can see receipts and disbursements are consistent with prior years. Um there's an increase in cash balances from 2024, but overall, they're above the minimum target balance of cash.

54
00:15:02.880 --> 00:15:19.800
Uh cash remained consistent with in 2022 and 2023. And then in 2024, we see that decrease in cash. That's due to the transfer out of 150,000 to the new city hall building fund and $30,999 to the general fund.

55
00:15:19.800 --> 00:15:38.160
But, in 2025, that 150,000 was transferred back to the liquor fund from the new city hall fund, making cash consistent with prior years again. Uh next slide is a quick snapshot of the debt service fund. Um it includes all of your outstanding

56
00:15:38.160 --> 00:15:54.400
bonds, cash and investments included within each of those funds, total assets within those funds, outstanding debt related to those funds, and then the maturity dates of each of those bonds. Um you can see several bonds start to fall off once we reach that 2029 to 2033

57
00:15:54.400 --> 00:16:11.560
year range. Um you can see this a little bit clearer in the next slide. The next slide is your next 10 years of debt payments. Um it includes the principal portion and then the interest portion. As I mentioned previously, you can see

58
00:16:11.560 --> 00:16:29.920
starting in 2029 the it starts to decrease. That's where those bonds are starting to fall off and then they continue every year after that. Um after that, the next few slides will be a look at your key performance indicators. The state of Minnesota is

59
00:16:29.920 --> 00:16:45.000
relatively slow on releasing all that information, so we only have comparable information from 2022 and 2023 of your peers. Um you're slightly higher in both per capita uh and expenditures in debt. However,

60
00:16:45.000 --> 00:17:01.160
you remain relatively consistent throughout the last 4 years. Um something to note is though although the city does have a higher debt per capita rate, but the tax rate is in line with the cities similar to your size and cities in your county, which you can see

61
00:17:01.160 --> 00:17:18.120
on the next slide. So, as I mentioned previously, you can see that the city is relatively consistent within the last 4 years and in line with your peers. Um this is the slide talking about your tax rates and your tax rate mix. Your tax

62
00:17:18.120 --> 00:17:36.880
rate mix gives a bit more detail on what rates the Lonsdale residents are paying for. Um for other jurisdictions, this includes city, county, schools, and then special tax rate. Uh next slide I have your current expenditures per capita.

63
00:17:36.880 --> 00:17:54.120
Lonsdale remained below peers in 2023 and prior to that in current expenditures per capita. And then in 2024 and 2025 however consistent with each other. Capital expenditures per capita, we can see it an increase in 2024. This is due

64
00:17:54.120 --> 00:18:10.080
to that new city hall building and then a few other miscellaneous projects that were wrapped up. Um something to note about the capital expenditures per capita is that it's going to vary or ebb and flow based on the city's different capital needs throughout the year, so

65
00:18:10.080 --> 00:18:28.520
it can vary. And then finally, this is the rest of the audit team. If there are any questions, I can feel try field them now. Otherwise, John and Kenny have our um contact information for any that might come up later as well. >> All right, very good. Thank you, Ellen. Um Brian, do you got anything you want

66
00:18:28.520 --> 00:18:44.880
to add or Uh one question I have, and this is more probably for next [clears throat] year or the following years. Um so, we're getting some bonding >> Mhm. >> money from the state for a water tower. >> Okay. >> Will that show up as capital

67
00:18:44.880 --> 00:18:59.960
expenditures like from us because it's a bonding project? Do you know how that gets calculated in like how it would look in these graphs? Are we going to see a big spike? >> If the city of Lonsdale is paying for those payments and then being reimbursed, like if it's going through

68
00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:15.600
the city, it will show up through here. >> Okay. >> But we can show that kind of separately throughout the fund to see like you'll be able to see what fund it's coming out of. >> Sure. >> there's corresponding like revenues, you'll be able to see those too. So, and then we can touch on how they kind of offset as well.

69
00:19:15.600 --> 00:19:31.440
>> Okay. I'm just kind of curious what the future looks like with those graphs, so if people start looking cuz I know there's a few folks in town that wait for this every year and they like to look through it with fine-tooth combs, so we'll get questions. Um No, I think this is great. I think, you

70
00:19:31.440 --> 00:19:47.560
know, this is very helpful, these graphs. I think you guys did a really good nice job on this, so I really appreciate it every year. Thank you. Okay. >> Um I was also going to say nice job. I like how thorough everything is and the expenses for the new city hall were

71
00:19:47.560 --> 00:20:04.560
expected, so nothing out of the Yeah. So, thank you. >> Jamie? >> I'm good. Um one thing that was brought up was the cash and investment balance. The policy is 42%. We're at 63%

72
00:20:04.560 --> 00:20:20.520
side. So, is that basically telling us that hey, we got room to take some of those dollars >> I mean, I'd have to look at it a little bit more just to be sure, but based off of just this your policy alone, it would be, but it

73
00:20:20.520 --> 00:20:38.040
would be whether you're saving for restrictions that are not necessarily within the budget in the next year, but years to come after that. Cuz another thing to note with like cash and investments is this is as of uh end of year 2025, which usually includes

74
00:20:38.040 --> 00:20:56.400
like all your tax collections that you received, your LGA money you received, so it's kind of saving for those next 6 months as well. So. >> Sure. Yeah, I think this is pretty consistent with, you know, a lot of the concern that I have is high debt service and

75
00:20:56.400 --> 00:21:12.200
um I always appreciate the graphs that Abdo comes up with and um are you guys still going to be doing local government for auditing services? >> Yep. >> Perfect. So, we got an item later about uh

76
00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:32.200
requesting for proposals, so I I hope I see you guys on there. >> Yeah, for sure. >> Um anybody else have any questions they would like to ask? No? All right, Ally. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I just like to thank Ally for her work on the audit and presentation tonight.

77
00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:46.760
Good job. And then also Tammy Broeckel, our city treasurer, did a great job coordinating the audit process along with uh Britney Barnett um who helped out as well. So, thank you, ladies. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.

78
00:21:46.760 --> 00:22:08.200
>> All right. Item B, consider approval to accept Jessica Bratz's letter of resignation as assistant liquor store manager of Winnet Mall. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of the council. So, attached to this you'll see uh Jessica Bratz's letter of resig-

79
00:22:08.200 --> 00:22:24.240
resignation. Um a brief history with her. She was hired as a part-time liquor store clerk March 2017. She was promoted lead clerk October 12th, 2017, and assistant manager 2020 or January 20 2021.

80
00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:40.880
Um unfortunately, we lost her to the fact that she had some health issues with her family, and she has to be in Winona to you know, help her mother out. And she has actually been absent back and forth since November. And um she finally realized she just has to be

81
00:22:40.880 --> 00:22:56.240
in Winona, and so she gave her resignation. So, what I'm asking for the at this this time is just to approve her resignation, and then I have a step two and a step three that we'll get to in a minute if you

82
00:22:56.240 --> 00:23:11.800
>> We'll be here. >> [laughter] >> All right. [snorts] Uh Carrie, you got anything? >> I'm just sad that I didn't get to say goodbye to her because I didn't know about this until just when we got the packet. So, I feel sad that >> Her physical last day was May 22nd. And

83
00:23:11.800 --> 00:23:27.440
she basically I think is went I mean Yeah. Her strength can't come back up. So, we all really didn't get to say goodbye. She was just gone, packed up, moved. So >> Well, if you do talk to her, tell her that um I'm going to miss her and she's

84
00:23:27.440 --> 00:23:42.960
awesome and she can come back anytime as far as I'm concerned. But that's all I have. >> We'll do. Yeah, we'll miss her. >> Jamie? >> I just thank her for her service and sorry for what you're going through with your family. >> Brent?

85
00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:59.400
>> Yeah, um it's it's too bad. Jessica was great. Um really enjoyed working with her on the uh the committee. Um I did get the opportunity I think probably one of her last days before she had to go I would happen to be in the liquor store and she was there and I was

86
00:23:59.400 --> 00:24:15.720
surprised to see her. So, got an opportunity to chat with her a bit. So, that was nice and um completely understand the situation. Wish her all the best. Um hopefully we'll see her again up in the area or around town. And if not, if you talk to her, please tell her not to

87
00:24:15.720 --> 00:24:31.680
be a stranger because >> [laughter] >> we all we all enjoyed Jessica in lots of ways. So, she's she's great. So, best of luck to her and hope things get better with her family. >> Yeah, we'll definitely keep her in our prayers and best of

88
00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:48.240
I'll entertain motion. >> Sadly, I'll make the motion. >> Motion by Miller. >> I'll second that. >> Seconded by Wormuth-Kirsch Any further discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> Aye. >> All opposed? All right. On item C, consider approval to promote Shawn Buckridge to assistant

89
00:24:48.240 --> 00:25:05.000
liquor store manager at grade six step two. Back to you, Lynette. >> So, because of her absence, um what we had to do at the liquor store is people had to, you know, cover her shift, her responsibilities and things like that. And who did that was Shawn

90
00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:21.960
Butterich. He stepped up, learning the computer, learning everything, and kind of took over that responsibility when he didn't have to, but he did. And he had I guess the passion to learn them. And so, um everything's been going great. Adrian

91
00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:37.880
helped out. Everyone just kind of pitched in, covered hours. They work with us great. Um So, I mean, there was there's also Molly Clark, who's also interested in this position, but I feel at this time she's a little bit too green on the management part. He's been

92
00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:53.160
a lead clerk for quite a while. He's been with us almost 16 years. Um I feel like stepping him into the assistant manager position, promoting within, um is my my recommendation to do. Um

93
00:25:53.160 --> 00:26:08.320
So, there is some numbers involved with that as well. Um so, he would go from 25.50 an hour to 26.80, and then he would get insurance. Um if he doesn't do a dependent, that would save us $6,000. Um

94
00:26:08.320 --> 00:26:24.240
but I feel like he deserves it. Um >> [snorts] >> He's definitely proved that to me. Um we can do all kinds of things. We could not do anything, save us, you know, insurance money or whatever, and not promote anybody, and just kind of stay as I am, and just kind of fill in

95
00:26:24.240 --> 00:26:39.640
uh part-time position, cuz we have to be losing Brody going back to college. And if I just fill him, we could all do this, but I do feel for the responsibility and to help me out that promoting him would be the way that I

96
00:26:39.640 --> 00:26:56.880
would like to see this go. So, I mean, it is up to you, but that would be my recommendation to get Shawn in the right path, and Yeah, give him some compensation for doing all the hard work he has been doing, so. And I appreciated his willingness to

97
00:26:56.880 --> 00:27:13.920
step up and cover all that, so. >> All right. >> That's what I have. >> All right, thank you, Lynette. Jamie. >> Uh I like the idea of promoting in-house, and um if he's trained in it, it saves us a lot of money in onboarding. Um

98
00:27:13.920 --> 00:27:29.680
He's a really nice guy to work with, so I'm all for it. >> Ron. Um Lynette, you are the manager. I trust your judgment on this, absolutely. And you know, we have a great staff over there. Very good, dedicated staff. Shawn

99
00:27:29.680 --> 00:27:44.960
is an example of that. Um you know, I think he he uh he likes to try to paint himself as the surly guy there, >> Oh, I know. >> but uh all of us in town know that's not the case. He's just a big teddy bear, and um

100
00:27:44.960 --> 00:28:01.520
he's an amazingly smart guy. Um you know, I think Shawn is um a great pick for this. Um I think anybody would be a great pick, but I think Shawn really really is a good pick, and uh the timing works well. I'm glad he's available to do it, because 6

101
00:28:01.520 --> 00:28:17.120
months ago we probably wouldn't be having this conversation. >> Right. >> So, I'm glad this works out. I think it's a good idea. I think he'll he'll be very good in the role. Um yeah, I think it's a good good move. >> Terry. >> They've said the same things that I want

102
00:28:17.120 --> 00:28:32.880
to say, so I'm just going to cut to it and say that um he will be great, and I enjoy that he works there. It's fun every time we come in, and he's joking around, or you know, listening to the music. He's just a great guy, so I think it's well deserved.

103
00:28:32.880 --> 00:28:49.640
>> Um I want to thank Molly for her interest in it, and um I can't wait to see, you know, how how she kind of takes another step up to in in another way, and continues to work. You got really great employees, Lynette, and

104
00:28:49.640 --> 00:29:03.880
um I really enjoy Sean a lot. I walk in and it's like Mötley Crüe is on the radio blasting. And I feel like I'm in the shop and I love it. And um you know, he's a he's a very great

105
00:29:03.880 --> 00:29:19.480
person. Also on our library board, too. Um live streaming on YouTube if you want to watch. Um but other than that, congratulations to Sean. I know I said it earlier today and he was a little skeptical on it, but uh I'll be excited for it. So,

106
00:29:19.480 --> 00:29:35.080
um I'll make the motion to uh approve to promote Sean Buckenridge to assistant liquor store manager and all. >> Second. >> Okay. Seconded by Warmus Kirschen. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Thank you, Lynette.

107
00:29:35.080 --> 00:29:50.120
>> I do have a third thing. >> Yeah. >> Do I need approval to start advertising for a part-time position? >> Uh I >> To replace Brody when he leaves? >> Yeah. Yes. >> Okay, for advertising and then

108
00:29:50.120 --> 00:30:06.200
collecting applications and things like that. >> Is he coming back again? >> He will in the spring again. So, he's always gone from August through May. Um but he does work every other Saturday, every Tuesday, every other Wednesday. Um he's been helping us Fridays with

109
00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:22.640
trucks and whatnot. So, he kind of bounces back and forth, but he'll be gone the whole of August and that'll come quick. So, I just kind of need direction or if I can do that or if I need the approval or or a motion to do that. >> Do we need to get it on the agenda or

110
00:30:22.640 --> 00:30:38.320
can we just make them >> I would recommend it be on the agenda in the staff report and hours and days and >> Okay. >> Yeah. A little more thorough than just >> I would I I I guess I'll say, you know, I don't think we need a motion to >> No. >> to direct staff, but I would say to get it on the next [clears throat] council

111
00:30:38.320 --> 00:30:53.240
meeting if we could have that on the agenda. Since we have till August. >> Okay. >> You know, that's kind of I I was going to ask, but you said it. >> Right, cuz it was it was in this report that, you know, we would have to be replacing him as well, but so I didn't know how that >> Yeah, my question was going to be when is he leaving, but if we've got till August, I think we have the time to get

112
00:30:53.240 --> 00:31:11.360
it on the on the next meeting's agenda. >> All right, perfect. >> All right, thank you, Lynette. Excellent. All right, I indeed consider approval of application for payment number one in the amount of 1,000 or wow, 194,917.19 cents for the 2026 mill and overlay

113
00:31:11.360 --> 00:31:28.120
improvement project. Jason Malica, city engineer. >> Thank you, Mayor and members of the council. Uh construction has been completed for the 2026 mill and overlay project. The project included the following: a 2-in mill and overlay on 8th Avenue Northwest from Arizona Street Northwest to

114
00:31:28.120 --> 00:31:44.320
approximately 350 ft north of Arizona Street Northwest. Uh full depth reclamation on Singing Hills Drive from approximately 540 ft south of the Woodbridge Court Southeast uh south of Woodbridge Court Southeast to Willow

115
00:31:44.320 --> 00:32:01.560
Creek Willow Willow Creek Drive Southeast. Full depth reclamation on Woodbridge Court Southeast. During construction, the mill and overlay on 8th Avenue Northwest was extended approximately 100 ft to the north based on city staff direction to

116
00:32:01.560 --> 00:32:19.160
encompass uh some additional pavement areas that have that have deteriorated since the project design was completed. The fiscal impact of the project uh with the proposed partial pay application, all items will be paid for except the 5% retainage. Final payment

117
00:32:19.160 --> 00:32:36.800
will then occur when the contractor provides the final closeout documentation and punchlist items have been completed and accepted by the city. The final contract amount is anticipated to be 205,175.99 cents and the original contract amount

118
00:32:36.800 --> 00:32:58.640
was $188,010.90. Alternatives would be to approve the partial pay application one to Valley Paving in the amount of $194,917.19 or do not approve partial pay application one. And attached is partial pay application

119
00:32:58.640 --> 00:33:14.720
one as well as the um planned and installed quantities for the project. With that, I will field any questions. >> All right, very good. Thank you, Jason. Brian? >> I like where you're going with your original number when you started.

120
00:33:14.720 --> 00:33:31.640
>> Me, too. >> I did, too. [laughter] >> Yes. Can we do that? >> Well, um so, what did we budget for this? Do you remember the exact budget amount? >> Uh 214,500, I believe. >> Okay, so we're still under under budget.

121
00:33:31.640 --> 00:33:48.800
That's all I got. >> All right, Kari. >> And the difference between the original amount and the um anticipated is because of that extension of the job on >> Um in part due to the extension and then also just a general overage in the

122
00:33:48.800 --> 00:34:04.160
bituminous quantity. >> Okay. Sounds good. Thank you. That's all. >> All right, Jamie. >> I'm good. >> All right, entertain motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> Motion by Mayor. >> Second. >> Second by Vice Sipka. Any further discussion?

123
00:34:04.160 --> 00:34:20.760
All in favor? >> Aye. >> Aye. >> All opposed? All right, let me consider approval of ordinance 2026-345 an ordinance granting CenterPoint Energy Resource Corp uh and its successors and its assignees a non-exclusive franchise to construct,

124
00:34:20.760 --> 00:34:37.120
operate, repair, and maintain facilities and equipment for transportation, distribution, manufacture, and sales of gas energy for public and private use, and to use the public ways and the grounds of the city of Alliance of Rice County, Minnesota for such purpose and prescribing certain terms and conditions

125
00:34:37.120 --> 00:34:53.840
there thereof. Uh Joel Erickson. >> The public hearing for this ordinance was held earlier in the meeting. Um there has been no public or written comment received. Unless there's any questions, staff recommends approval of ordinance 2000 2026-345.

126
00:34:53.840 --> 00:35:09.240
>> All right, Kari. >> No questions. >> Jamie. >> No questions. >> Brian. >> Well, this is just a renewal of the existing one more or less. >> Yep. >> Entertain motion. >> So moved. >> Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Seconded by Wermerskirchen. Any further discussion?

127
00:35:09.240 --> 00:35:25.600
All in favor? >> Aye. >> All opposed? All right. Item F, consider approval of resolution 2026-42, a resolution transferring 17,000 from fund 210 EDA to fund 208 revolving loan fund. Joel Erickson.

128
00:35:25.600 --> 00:35:41.240
>> So, over the last several months the EDA has been discussing funding uh their revol- revolving loan fund, specifically uh long-term. Part of this year's budget, we budgeted $20,000 for a facade rehabilitation grant. Uh we received and approved one

129
00:35:41.240 --> 00:35:58.520
application. Uh that grant amount was $3,000, leaving a balance of 17,000. During their discussions, the EDA recommended that the remaining balance of $17,000 be transferred to their revolving loan fund as a way to provide

130
00:35:58.520 --> 00:36:15.000
additional funding. Uh as far as the fiscal impact, it's $17,000 less from the EDA and an increase of 17,000 in the revolving loan fund, fund 210 to 208. Uh by approving the resolution, the transfer would be approved. Uh

131
00:36:15.000 --> 00:36:31.320
alternative would be to not approve the proposed resolution. Unless there's any questions, staff will recommend approval of resolution 2026-42. >> All right, Jamie. >> Um no questions. >> Brian. >> So, um we had a long Well, not a long

132
00:36:31.320 --> 00:36:48.160
discussion, but it it was a unanimous decision by the EDA to do this. Um Again, this is the the facade grant program that ended in June, so we're not prematurely canceling the the facade grant program. It run its course,

133
00:36:48.160 --> 00:37:05.440
and we felt rather than asking the council for taxpayer dollars to dump into the revolving loan fund for this year to get some money back in there and have funds available, this is the logical step. Um one question I do

134
00:37:05.440 --> 00:37:20.160
have, and and I don't know why this didn't come to me at EDA. I just thought about it now. The facade grant is based on retaining the property for X number of years. So, the recipient of that grant, let's

135
00:37:20.160 --> 00:37:36.800
say 2 years they sell the property, and they have to pay back this this loan account stays active, and it would go into that, and we would have to transfer that out as a separate Is that correct? >> Yeah, it would just stay in the EDA um fund balance. >> In the general EDA fund.

136
00:37:36.800 --> 00:37:53.040
>> Correct. I don't anticipate that happening. >> I don't either, but I just, you know, >> Correct. That's how it would go. >> I just want to be sure to cover all Yeah. >> 210 fund. >> Yeah. Cover all the bases just in case, um you know, I guess I I don't know why I didn't think about that till just now. So, thank you for the

137
00:37:53.040 --> 00:38:09.000
>> question. >> clarifying that. That's all I got. >> All right. Carrie. >> It makes sense, and I know that EDA has been talking about um something like this about um increasing the loan fund so that we have more opportunities um to help people.

138
00:38:09.000 --> 00:38:25.960
So, I have I'm in favor of it. >> All right. Um great work, Brian. Good decision. So, entertain motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> Motion by Worm Escher. >> Second. >> Second by the city attorney. Any further

139
00:38:25.960 --> 00:38:43.360
discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> All opposed? All right. Consider approval to schedule a public hearing on ordinance 2026-347, an ordinance repealing city loan program. Joel Erickson. >> Uh again, this has been talked about at

140
00:38:43.360 --> 00:39:01.120
the last several meetings by the EDA. Um what is included in the redline version? Are there proposed changes? Um Changes would be eligible loan activities. They uh the EDA is recommending that property improvements be added.

141
00:39:01.120 --> 00:39:16.440
Um I guess we can just go through them all. Number two would just be eliminating the corporate limits. It's just the city of Lonsdale. Uh instead of the Lonsdale building code, it's the Minnesota state building code. Um probably the most discussed change has been

142
00:39:16.440 --> 00:39:33.200
uh along with uh eligible projects is the interest rate. And that is being proposed at two percentage points below the prime rate, never less than uh 2%. Uh as far as equity, uh the board is recommending that

143
00:39:33.200 --> 00:39:50.840
improvements made prior to the loan uh being approved do not qualify as a portion of the required minimum percent of the total project costs supplied by the applicant. Um project initiation, they're recommending that if the loan funds are used for the purchase of

144
00:39:50.840 --> 00:40:05.960
property, the applicant shall sign a repurchase agreement with the EDA/city. Uh the application escrow fee, uh recommending that remain at $350, but include an escrow of a thousand. And then any

145
00:40:05.960 --> 00:40:22.760
uh expenses incurred by the city other than staff time be um dedicated or um allocated towards the um escrow funds. Any unspent escrow funds would be returned to the the applicant.

146
00:40:22.760 --> 00:40:38.280
As far as section six, application process, I'm just uh provided a project description of the loan request. Uh 3 years instead of 5 years for cash flow projections. Just a profit and loss

147
00:40:38.280 --> 00:40:55.640
statement for the last past 2 years. Uh upon recommendation by the EDA, council will consider the loan. And those are the uh proposed changes to the policy. And then is any changes

148
00:40:55.640 --> 00:41:12.240
um proposed to the loan fund application are more or less just housekeeping items and not much of um material impact. Unless council has any questions, staff would um

149
00:41:12.240 --> 00:41:28.760
recommend approval of the changes and scheduling the public hearing. >> All right. The proposed ordinance. >> Brian. >> Yep. So, we we have had several uh meetings where we we've discussed this um as the EDA. So,

150
00:41:28.760 --> 00:41:44.520
the biggest thing as as Joel mentioned was um the interest rate. So, the county we we're kind of basing off of what the county does for their their revolving loan fund. Um you know, we've been at 2% by ordinance

151
00:41:44.520 --> 00:42:01.800
for probably ever, I'm assuming. >> Pretty close, so. >> Yeah. So, for for quite a while. Um you know, just with the the increase in interest rates over the last 5 years, um it felt like it was time to revisit this

152
00:42:01.800 --> 00:42:16.960
discussion um because this is taxpayer money. The biggest thing here is we felt as a as a as a board, we have to be good stewards of the of the taxpayers' money. Um if we are lending it out,

153
00:42:16.960 --> 00:42:33.320
we don't want it to be um there there has to be a little bit more skin in the game for the businesses. So, we make sure that we we have been burned on the Sloan fund before. We we were able to recoup that. This was before my time on the EDA, but I know there was

154
00:42:33.320 --> 00:42:49.400
there was a a business that we had issues with that got the loan. We we were able to recoup that. However, there's substantial cost in going that route. Um we are still lower than any other loan that I've seen.

155
00:42:49.400 --> 00:43:06.520
Um the county is 1% below prime. Um we just felt that fixing it on prime is in line with pretty much every other lending source that anybody would be going to anyway. And being two points below prime, we felt was a a fair number. Um

156
00:43:06.520 --> 00:43:22.280
you know, it's generous without being too generous. We also wanted to set that basement to never go below 2%. Um at that point, we're just giving money away. It's it's more of a a grant than a loan at that point.

157
00:43:22.280 --> 00:43:37.520
Um so, that was the the kind of rationale behind the the interest rate discussions. Um the change in some of the the other things there were just based on experiences we've had with

158
00:43:37.520 --> 00:43:52.440
applicants or questions that have come up. Um you know, going with 3 years instead of 5 years to make it a little bit easier for people to apply. Um we've had a a spike in interest uh in the loan fund lately. Um you know,

159
00:43:52.440 --> 00:44:09.040
we we have given one out. But, we I don't feel people are taking advantage of it. Business aren't taking advantage of this this opportunity that we have as a as a as a city um to help businesses either to started, expand, remodel, whatever. So, we wanted

160
00:44:09.040 --> 00:44:24.440
to try to make some of that a little bit easier for them. Um and, you know, hopefully we'll we'll hear from the public to see what they think as well. Uh I would definitely invite recipients, past recipients of the loan,

161
00:44:24.440 --> 00:44:40.760
to come and speak to this, what they think in regard to this, if somebody's been through the process. Um but yeah, I mean I I definitely be sharing this and please, as you speak with other businesses, have them take a look at this and and participate. We'd like to get some

162
00:44:40.760 --> 00:44:58.440
feedback for this public hearing, so. Um if there's any questions people have in regard to the EDA process that we went through this, you know, I can help field those as well. >> All right. Thank you, Brian. Great. >> You know, it's good to have the public hearing and get the input of the people.

163
00:44:58.440 --> 00:45:13.080
>> Jamie. >> Um if they're a newer business and they don't have 2 years previous, do they just >> They must project it. They can do projected. That's how it is now. It's just >> Okay, would just enter zero. >> Yep. Yep. >> All right. And then um it does make

164
00:45:13.080 --> 00:45:30.520
sense to tie it to prime. All the other funding options that I work with in the seed industry is always minus prime. That's all I got. >> I like that you guys added uh property improvements. Um I think that's kind of one of the

165
00:45:30.520 --> 00:45:46.640
confusing things with a lot of businesses is what can I apply for for that revolving loan. So, >> And a lot of that came actually from the um facade grant program too, because there was a lot of interest in the facade grant for property improvements that

166
00:45:46.640 --> 00:46:02.880
weren't accessible for the facade grant. So, we wanted to make sure that they had an avenue to do those things if they wanted to. >> Yeah. >> All right. Entertain motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> All right. Motion by Warmuskerken. >> [clears throat] >> I'll second.

167
00:46:02.880 --> 00:46:18.542
>> Give it to Jim. >> All right. Seconded by Jessica. Any further discussion? On paper. >> I. >> All opposed. All right. Consider approval of request for proposals for professional auditing services. Joel Harrison. >> So this year

168
00:46:18.542 --> 00:46:34.120
>> [clears throat] >> 2025 is the last year under our current three-year term with Abdo. Staff's recommending the attached RFP be approved. It's a three-year contract for year 2026, 2027, 2028. Must be a qualified firm or CPA.

169
00:46:34.120 --> 00:46:51.280
Um basically outline the timeline process of tonight, June 25th through uh the first council meeting in June of 2027, 2028, and 2029. You know, work each year on the city's audit will begin in February with the presentation of the council no no later

170
00:46:51.280 --> 00:47:07.760
than the first meeting in June. Include all fees for all work to be completed, compliant with all rules and regulations as far as the evaluation criteria. Uh qualifications and experience, relevancy and sustainability or suitability, excuse me, of the audit approach.

171
00:47:07.760 --> 00:47:24.000
Uh past performance record, comments, opinions of references, understanding of the requirements of the audit. Uh responsiveness to the RFP, clarity, conciseness, and organization. Uh the cost to complete the city's audit this year uh actually just over a little

172
00:47:24.000 --> 00:47:39.520
bit over 36,000. Anticipating it to uh increase to at least 38,000 for each of the next three years. Uh alternatives would be just to contact Abdo and request a proposal from them and no other firms.

173
00:47:39.520 --> 00:47:57.360
And then uh included with staff's report is the proposed RFP. Unless there's any questions, staff recommend approval of the uh proposed RFP. >> All right. Carrie. >> I think it's always good to get an RFP um out there and I hope Abdallah does

174
00:47:57.360 --> 00:48:13.440
submit one. >> Okay. Jamie? >> I like getting bids to keep everybody honest and stuff fluctuates. >> Brian? >> I agree with the RFP. >> All right. Entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Motion by Miller. >> Second.

175
00:48:13.440 --> 00:48:28.440
>> Seconded by Wormuth. Is there any further discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> All opposed? Somebody remind me, is the body cams I or is it J? >> Uh >> I think J. >> I is the uh >> Uh consider

176
00:48:28.440 --> 00:48:43.400
>> donations for Founders Fest. >> Okay. >> And my >> that we're getting rid of then. >> I I know, I should note that the last time the city went out for RFPs for auditing, we received zero proposals. >> Oh. >> So, then we had to negotiate with Abdallah. >> Oh, yeah. >> So, it's

177
00:48:43.400 --> 00:49:01.000
potential. We'll see what happens. >> Yeah. >> All right. Consider approval of resolution 2026- 43. Resolution accepting donations of Founders Fest, Koreans and Barra Community Development Plan. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor.

178
00:49:01.000 --> 00:49:17.000
Uh one of the items the Founders Day Committee has been tasked with is bringing back fireworks display in 2026 to celebrate Lions Tail Lions Tail's history and the 250th birthday of the USA. By the way, we're just right around the corner on that one. The City Council approved the fireworks

179
00:49:17.000 --> 00:49:32.520
display quote in the amount of $18,000 submitted by Res Pyro at the uh November 13th meeting. Since the last donations were accepted, the following organizations and residents have made a donation.

180
00:49:32.520 --> 00:49:48.200
Uh that includes the Lions Tail Community Foundation. And I do need to add here on from the resolution here, we also received a last-minute anonymous donation of $100. So, donations are still coming in, which is great.

181
00:49:48.200 --> 00:50:04.320
>> But, Council member Miller, uh do you want to take it away here? >> Sure. So, we I'm still very excited about this whole thing and all the community involvement that we have um to bring fireworks and an event back to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States

182
00:50:04.320 --> 00:50:21.440
of America. So, I'm going to just list off um so far all those donations and people you're still welcome to send things in. Um we have expenses with this um that we're just still um working through as a committee as well. So, Peepers, thank you so much for offering

183
00:50:21.440 --> 00:50:37.520
your land. Without you, we would not have a place right now for fireworks. So, thank you. I know it's not convenient 100% so, we really appreciate it. Lonsdale Snow Wizards, Great Wrench, Mack and Toons, First National Bank of Le Center, Frandsen Bank and Trust,

184
00:50:37.520 --> 00:50:52.720
Lonsdale Lions Club, Lonsdale American Legion, Dwayne's Body Shop, Dwayne's Auto Sales, Steel Waseca Co-op Electric, Lonsdale Tool Manufacturing, DSI, Kieffer Farm Association 1, Lonsdale

185
00:50:52.720 --> 00:51:10.120
American Legion Auxiliary, Triumphant Life Church, Scott and Sandy Flahave, Shirley Larson, the Fireman's Relief Association, House of Insurance Agency, K Check, uh the Lonsdale Community Foundation, and Minnesota Valley Electric Co-op. I think

186
00:51:10.120 --> 00:51:26.800
that covers all as of right now. >> They are all accounted for. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> How much was K Check? I don't see that on there. >> Um that was actually a like a trade for advertising on and so >> in kind donation that does have a monetary value. So,

187
00:51:26.800 --> 00:51:42.000
we put them on there. And actually on Monday morning um founders chair uh Sophie is going to be attending K Check with me to do the um interview and promote the event. >> yep. >> Um Monday morning 8:45 tune in

188
00:51:42.000 --> 00:51:56.720
to hear us. >> Mayor Monday? >> I don't think it's on. >> doing Mayor Monday so >> All right, Jamie. >> Mayor Monday's fun. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, everybody please come. The opening ceremony is going to be at 3:00 at the

189
00:51:56.720 --> 00:52:13.480
historic schoolhouse on 3rd. And then lots of events going on. We've got the farmers market and vendors. And we have carriage rides. We have a lot of soccer and fun activities for the whole family going on down at Triska Park. Food trucks and food vendors will be down at

190
00:52:13.480 --> 00:52:30.880
Triska Park. Um we've got food vendors listed on Main Street Country Market's going to do some burgers and stuff. Taqueria's going to have things. The Legion will have some burgers and some other specials. Real Latino will have their full menu. Smoke will have their restaurant open, so we have a lot of um

191
00:52:30.880 --> 00:52:46.440
food. And we have all these updates listed on the event page of Facebook. So, if people want to look at specific um people or restaurants options for food and the market vendors, please visit that page. >> And that's it.

192
00:52:46.440 --> 00:53:01.880
>> All right. Thank you, Corrine. Thank you, Corey. Uh Jimmy, you got anything? >> I would like to thank everybody for their monetary donations, but more importantly, I'd like to thank the Founders Day past and current members for all the time they put into this. It's

193
00:53:01.880 --> 00:53:18.000
all for just the love of the game. >> Amen. It's going to be great. And I also want to thank your dad. Sorry. Steve will speak out for his um time and knowledge and experience and all that. Um he's going to be at the

194
00:53:18.000 --> 00:53:34.360
schoolhouse sharing his wisdom with um all the things that are in the schoolhouse, the cool historical items. >> All right. >> Also, thank you to the police and fire in advance, too, for being there to support. Thank you.

195
00:53:34.360 --> 00:53:51.080
And public works for all your hard work on this the building. And Joel for going there and working on the building. I just want to thank everybody. This is going to be awesome. Did I get I don't want to miss anybody and then I feel bad cuz then I won't be able to sleep. >> I'm just counting down to 30 to make

196
00:53:51.080 --> 00:54:05.440
sure you got all of them. >> Okay. I think I'm done. I'm sorry. >> Okay. >> I'm going to email you about >> Brad. >> 10:30 [laughter] tonight with Do you know who you forgot? >> No. And then I I really won't be sleeping. >> Yeah. Now, thank you to everyone. Um thank you

197
00:54:05.440 --> 00:54:22.160
to K Check for the in-kind donation. Um I'm excited for Founders Day. It'll be fun. I hope uh we get a lot of people from Northfield. >> Yeah. >> Come on over. Since you lost your fireworks, Northfield, come to Lonsdale. We're happy to uh

198
00:54:22.160 --> 00:54:37.960
celebrate patriotism uh over here. So, come join us. >> They did substitute in a laser light show for the fireworks, though. >> Oh. >> Uh still. >> Fireworks are better. >> too late. Too little, too late. >> [laughter] >> Come over to Lonsdale. >> Come to Lonsdale. >> Yeah. >> So, I'm excited. So, thank you to

199
00:54:37.960 --> 00:54:52.800
everyone. Thank you to the committee. Echo everything Echo everything everyone has said. So, I'm I'm excited. I'll be there. I'm looking forward to it. >> I echo all of your guys's comments and really big shout out to the Founders Day

200
00:54:52.800 --> 00:55:08.680
committee, again, past and current. And I'm excited for all of you. I mean, they put in a ton of work and I I can't believe it. You know, even Carter, you're on it and you know, it'd be nice to see those banners flying and then uh you know, how the school works out and

201
00:55:08.680 --> 00:55:25.120
you know, the soccer event and uh it'll be Farmers Market and then also rail at the end of the night and you know, uh this is what the community has been wanting for a long time and um I'm just excited to see it. I also heard some people are coming in

202
00:55:25.120 --> 00:55:42.000
from out of state to come and see this, too. So, it's always nice to hear that. So, entertain motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Seconded by Wormscher. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> All opposed?

203
00:55:42.000 --> 00:56:00.040
All right, item J. Uh consider approval of the purchase of body worn cameras, squad cameras, equipment, and license fee from Axon for $128,845.70, a 5-year plan. Jason Schmitz, police chief. >> Thank you, Mayor and members of the

204
00:56:00.040 --> 00:56:15.520
council. Um this was kind of a last minute thing. But uh in 2025, the city of Laurel was awarded a grant grant funds through the Department of Justice for the purchase of body worn cameras and squad cameras. We're still waiting to hear from the federal government to finalize that grant process.

205
00:56:15.520 --> 00:56:32.600
The total cost for the cameras equipment was quoted at $146,378 back in March of 2025. The Axon representative that I've been dealing with reached out and is offering an $18,000 discount if the purchase is approved by June 30th, 2026.

206
00:56:32.600 --> 00:56:50.720
Which would put the total cost of $128,845.70, cents, which covers the 60 months. Um also in the purchasing agreement, there's an non-appropriations clause that would allow us to hold or them to hold invoicing and the shipping of equipment until the grant funds are awarded.

207
00:56:50.720 --> 00:57:06.720
And then basically there's a move the quote the master services purchase agreement. And the options is uh really not to do anything to wait for the grant funds uh to be released and then make the purchase and then uh or to be forwarded $128,845.70.

208
00:57:07.800 --> 00:57:23.960
And uh basically we're just signing the purchase agreement and once the grant funds are approved, um then they would basically um do the shipping and invoicing. So I just thought I'd throw it out there. It's an $18,000 savings even though it's

209
00:57:23.960 --> 00:57:39.880
a grant thing, so you know, it's not really a savings to us, but I guess to the federal government. >> [laughter] >> All right, Chief. Thank you. Brian. >> Yes, my question was going to be so what was the grant number again? 150? >> Uh

210
00:57:39.880 --> 00:57:56.000
>> Uh it was 182,000 right around there. >> So >> for a fire department 800 MHz radios and encrypted >> Got you. >> and body worn cameras. >> Okay. So, we'll get the full amount. >> I'm guessing you're going to only get what you spend. I'm sure I'm assuming

211
00:57:56.000 --> 00:58:12.240
it's a reimbursement. >> Okay. Okay. Um So, when you say 60 months, that's for the service. The equipment's ours. We're purchasing the equipment. >> Yeah. So, yeah. It's for >> That's the software license essentially. >> licensing and stuff like that. It covers

212
00:58:12.240 --> 00:58:27.040
5 years. >> Is that Is that cloud storage of that that uh video or do we have a server for that? >> No, I'll be able to buy that. >> They'll provide cloud? >> Correct. >> It is cloud. Okay. Okay.

213
00:58:27.040 --> 00:58:42.000
I just, you know, I mean, there's always the security questions around the cloud. I mean, I work in the cloud. I trust it. I'm not questioning it, but I'm I'm sure they they've got it figured out. I mean, this is what most of the big departments use Axon, right? >> That's correct. >> Yeah. So,

214
00:58:42.000 --> 00:58:59.000
um What um Do we have any idea what the renewal would be after that 60 months? Like an estimate? >> I would estimate it to be right [clears throat] around that 150,000.

215
00:58:59.360 --> 00:59:15.240
>> Would we need new equipment at that time though? >> Basically, part of that is they kind of give those cameras like a 5-year shelf life. >> Okay. >> So, it's basically you're doing a whole new 5-year contract with them. >> Contract. Okay. Those are the only questions I have.

216
00:59:15.240 --> 00:59:30.240
>> All right. Okay. >> Well, I like that we are saving the federal government which equals also our tax dollars. Um so, let's do it. >> All right. Jamie. >> How long would they wait for the grant? Is it indefinite or are they going to

217
00:59:30.240 --> 00:59:45.560
say after so many months? >> Well, how long is it going to take for the grant to be awarded? I would say awarded before October. Is that all right? >> Yeah, I don't know where at where we're supposed to be based off of my communication with um

218
00:59:45.560 --> 01:00:04.800
uh senators and representatives um aids. >> I mean cuz I know they're already starting that grant process for next year. >> Yeah. >> That's all I got. >> All right. Chief, I already talked to you about

219
01:00:04.800 --> 01:00:20.560
this. Um I like your savings and under budget. >> [laughter] >> I'm excited for you guys. Um entertain motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> Motion by Mayor. >> Second. >> Second by the Chief. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> Aye.

220
01:00:20.560 --> 01:00:36.800
>> All opposed? All right. Thank you, Chief. >> Thank you. >> All right. Department and Council reports, Jason Maleka. >> Thank you, Mayor and members of the Council. Uh Bolton & Menk is getting started on the wastewater treatment facility facility plan.

221
01:00:36.800 --> 01:00:52.560
Uh the water tower siting study is being finalized and should be wrapped up in July. I've been working through numerous items on the Prairie Vista development um and more specifically the lift station design um and that should be complete in the

222
01:00:52.560 --> 01:01:06.920
next week or two uh and then turned over to the developer. And then on the lead service line replacement project, we kind of have everything all of our ducks in a row, everything's ready to go. Um we're really just waiting on the green light from the MDH that those funds are

223
01:01:06.920 --> 01:01:24.960
available and um able to be encumbered. That's all I have. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Jason. Joe. >> Um contacted the Phil with the Aces informing him of the paying for that wire test. So, he's

224
01:01:24.960 --> 01:01:39.480
going to meet with his board and get approval for that. I've been working on getting info on those grants. Um I'm having a lot of success. Um but otherwise been working on budget.

225
01:01:39.480 --> 01:01:55.857
Um blacktop mill should be here tomorrow so we can start blacktop season. And crosswalks get done all fresh and painted for the 4th of July. For the 3rd of July. >> Yeah. >> Are we painting them red, white, and blue? >> That'd be cool.

226
01:01:55.857 --> 01:02:12.520
>> [laughter] >> Thank you, Joe. Corey. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. I've been working with um our city administrator uh Joel Erickson, uh council member Miller, and the Founder's Day committee and getting ready for next week. Uh

227
01:02:12.520 --> 01:02:28.920
working on 2026 elections. Um working on the July marketing calendar for the city. And I do want to wish uh Mr. Joel Erickson a happy early birthday for his birthday is on Monday. So, happy birthday, Mr. Erickson.

228
01:02:28.920 --> 01:02:45.280
>> We do. Happy birthday. >> Thank you. >> Monday. All right, I got to write that down. >> All right, Joel. >> I just want to give a shout to public works. Um they always do a great job. I want to thank them for um always going above and beyond. Um I appreciate it.

229
01:02:45.280 --> 01:03:00.760
So, thank you, Joe, and thank you, guys. That's it. >> All right, Brian. >> Uh so, let's see, last week EDA met. Um covered most of that last Thursday in the budget cuz that was the biggest

230
01:03:00.760 --> 01:03:17.720
conversation piece from the EDA was was our budget. Um And then what we approved here tonight. So, um that was EDA. And then uh last Wednesday was the library board. A couple highlights, you know, as you all know,

231
01:03:17.720 --> 01:03:33.280
we're into the summer reading program. I hope you're all filling out your summer reading sheets. I'll I'll be checking in at at the library to see who's getting stickers and who's not. >> [laughter] >> I got to get mine done. >> Uh-oh. You know, we're in week three. Just

232
01:03:33.280 --> 01:03:48.600
going to throw that out there. Uh so, as of last Wednesday, we had 330 people signed up for summer reading program. There's still time to sign up. So, there's still room for more. Uh our participants age ranges is This was an interesting fact.

233
01:03:48.600 --> 01:04:03.400
The youngest is two and the oldest is 96. >> All right. >> So, we've got quite a spread there. Um and I want to give a big shout-out to the library staff. Um special Margarite

234
01:04:03.400 --> 01:04:18.760
for getting some grant money in. A lot of what you're seeing on the calendar for the summer reading program is being funded through grants. Uh we were awarded a two-year grant. Uh $4,000 total, but uh two years, so

235
01:04:18.760 --> 01:04:36.480
$2,000 a year through the Rice County United Way. Um so, a lot of the summer reading program stuff is funded through that. So, we've been able to expand it because of that grant. Um and then SELCO also gave us a grant for $500, which is what was used for um

236
01:04:36.480 --> 01:04:53.400
acquiring the licensing for the movies that the library is showing on a monthly basis. So, great job, staff, and and you know, and this goes to all the staff. I know Joel, you you are a a grant hawk. Um you know, I know Joel is always looking at what grants are available. Chief,

237
01:04:53.400 --> 01:05:09.800
obviously getting some some money from the the the feds there. We got some grant money there, but uh EDA, we're always looking at Smith as well. We've applied for some. We haven't We haven't getting lucky We're We're not as lucky as other departments for some reason in getting awarded all those grants, but

238
01:05:09.800 --> 01:05:25.920
I think that city as a whole does a really good job, so I want to thank staff across the board for always being creative and thinking outside the box to get these things that we need without having to put it on the backs of the taxpayers.

239
01:05:25.920 --> 01:05:41.760
So, I think it's a great job. Jason, I guess yeah, I mean you right out of the shoot you started talking grants from day one. So, I mean I think that's a um a culture that we've built as a city that we we look for every funding opportunity we

240
01:05:41.760 --> 01:05:58.640
can get um and be creative with this. And cherry on top, right? Water tower. >> Mhm. >> Bonding. On the first try, I might add. I'd like to I might do some research at the legislative reference library to see how many other cities got it on the

241
01:05:58.640 --> 01:06:14.360
first try. Cuz I think that's a probably a very small group, so. That's all I got. >> All right. >> Thank you, Brian. >> Okay. Um Parks meets July 13th. We're just working on budget stuff and projects that Joel

242
01:06:14.360 --> 01:06:30.880
gives us to think about prioritizing. And um I just want to give public works a shout-out for all the awesome maintenance and everything that you guys do all summer long to keep our trails nice and good for the families and people to use. So, thank you.

243
01:06:30.880 --> 01:06:46.920
And soccer fields especially. Thank you. And the baseball fields, but you know I'm more of a soccer person. And then I've already mentioned a lot about Founders Day, so I'm not going to spend more time on that right now. >> All right, thank you, Kari. Jimmy. >> Uh

244
01:06:46.920 --> 01:07:01.080
Planning and Zoning met [clears throat] on the 15th and uh we were reviewing definitions for city code 153.003, which is the definitions for all the

245
01:07:01.080 --> 01:07:17.520
industrial districts B1, B2, B3, I1, I2, OI, CI, >> [clears throat] >> e i e i o >> [laughter] >> And instead of one definitions for each packet, we're going to have a

246
01:07:17.520 --> 01:07:31.880
centralized definition for all the packets just to avoid confusion because in the old ones we'd have it meaning one thing in one district and then different thing in another district. So it's just going to be one packet. And we finished

247
01:07:31.880 --> 01:07:49.520
it. It's going back for review and are we going to public hearing on that? >> I'm going to bring it back to I'm going to bring it back. I'm going to bring a larger packet or package back to the to the planning and zoning commission. >> All right.

248
01:07:49.520 --> 01:08:06.160
>> To wrap it all up together. >> That's all I got. >> All right. I've talked with the developers on the 12.1 acres out in the business park. They are going to bring a purchase agreement um

249
01:08:06.160 --> 01:08:22.600
tomorrow uh signed. So that's something to be excited about. Jamie, I want to thank you for taking Mayor Monday for me on Kate Shack. >> I'm excited for that and then also to hear Council Member Miller and also uh

250
01:08:22.600 --> 01:08:38.960
chair Sophie Orloff of the Founders Committee. um I did call Ellie today that was here with Abdo. And I talked to her a little bit about the audit. And just like last year, you know, I called Tom and it was before the

251
01:08:38.960 --> 01:08:54.520
meeting and they always have great things to say about working with Tammy and Britney. And uh It's just nice to hear. You know, everybody says audit and some people kind of freak out a little bit, you know, and um Jamie and Britney do a

252
01:08:54.520 --> 01:09:11.560
phenomenal job um providing every bit of receipt, every every bit of paperwork. And so I really want to thank them uh for that and then Joel, I think your story time is on tomorrow, right? >> Tomorrow, yeah. >> Good luck. >> All right. >> I I hope you set the record. It's your

253
01:09:11.560 --> 01:09:27.359
year. You're him. >> Yeah, I know. I hope it's with your attendance again. >> I'm not going to be there. I got to work. >> [laughter] >> I'll try to send the wife and kids. But also I [clears throat] I do want to say that you know, public works has put a lot of

254
01:09:27.359 --> 01:09:43.759
time into the sponsors day. Um that's going to be happening and you know, next week and I hope everybody has a good [clears throat] time and they're safe and and also make sure you thank the people that took [snorts] some time out and and donated, you know.

255
01:09:43.759 --> 01:10:01.040
Steve Wasik, Jason Graves, the Peppers, if you ever see them out there, you know. Um it couldn't have been done without community and I know there was a little bit of hesitancy when we had started bringing this up and then now here we are.

256
01:10:01.040 --> 01:10:16.800
Um there was a lot of milestones that were met and you know, I I hope a lot of people attend and have a great time. Um other than that, I don't have anything else I need to add except for >> I have one thing to add, Mr. Mayor, if I could.

257
01:10:16.800 --> 01:10:32.800
>> Go ahead. >> Um this hot off the press, I just want everybody to know the DNR has issued drought phase. So, we are going to be having our water restrictions on, which means odd water rain on odd days and even watering

258
01:10:32.800 --> 01:10:48.560
on even days. Uh the goal is to use 50% above our January use. So, I'll be putting it out on our mass texts and on our website. So, everyone please comply so that we don't violate DNR

259
01:10:48.560 --> 01:11:04.200
regulations. That's all I got. I know we just got 2 inches of rain, but >> Not enough. My grass needs more. Or I'm not watering. Oh. >> Um All right. >> That's all I'm going to say.

260
01:11:04.200 --> 01:11:22.360
>> Okay. All right. Upcoming meetings are July 9th, July 14th, and July 30th. All at 7:00 p.m. Um Let's entertain a motion to adjourn. >> Right now, I'll make that motion. >> All right. Motion by Milly. >> Second.

261
01:11:22.360 --> 01:11:38.640
>> Nobody else wants >> Oh, boy. Second by Visciglia. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> Aye. >> All opposed? All right. This meeting is now adjourned at 8:14 p.m. Thank you, everybody. Have a good night.