Hello everyone and welcome to uh tonight's city council meeting, Thursday, April 9th, 2026. I'll call to order this meeting at 7:01 p.m. If you could all please join us in 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 Murmmergian >> here. >> Kyrie Miller >> here.
>> Tom Berg >> here. >> Jameska >> here. >> And Scott Pado >> here. >> All right. Tonight's agenda goes all the way down to 10J. Are there any additions, deletions, or corrections to the agenda? >> I'll make a motion.
>> Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Second by Palava. Any further discussion? >> All in favor? >> All opposed? All right. Approval of the minutes. Consider approval of the minutes from the March 12th, 2026 regular meeting, the March 19th, 2026
work session, and the March 26 20 or 2026 regular meeting. Are there any additions or deletions or corrections to the minutes? >> Motion to approve the minutes. >> Motion by Worm Scrution. >> Second. >> Second by Miller. Any further discussion?
>> All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. >> All right. There are no public hearings tonight. On to presentation of citizen petitions and comments. Comments limited to two minutes. So if you are not on the agenda tonight, now is your time to speak. Just need your first name, last
name. All right. Approval of the consent agenda. Consider approval of the resolution 2026-22, a resolution of sponsorship of the Londale Snow Wizards. Um, does anybody
want that item removed for new business? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion. So move. >> Motion by Warren Gersian. Second. >> Second by Palava. Any further discussion? All in favor? I >> I. >> All opposed. All right. No old business
tonight. On to new business. Consider approval to schedule special meetings to discuss the city's 2027 budget and property tax levy. Joel Ericson, our city administrator. >> All right. Thank you, mayor, and members of the council. um getting to be that time of the year where we're going to be
starting our 2027 budget process and um want to get some dates on everyone's calendar before they they fill up. So looking at meetings at 7:00 um at at least based off of the staff report uh May 21st, June 17th, July 14th, August
12th, August 31st, and then September 17th. uh like previous years, looking at the first meeting kind of be a kickoff and set the stage for future meetings. And then uh those future meetings will focus on the long-term needs of each
department and their budget requests. Anticipating that we will approve our preliminary levy uh at the September 24th city council meeting. And then uh as long as it's consistent with prior years, September 30th, September 30th uh is the latest date per state statute the
city can adopt to certify its preliminary budget and property tax levy. And then uh just like last year, it's anticipated that we'll have one or two meetings between uh September 17th and our uh first meeting in in December.
So I guess with that um turn it over to you guys to discuss those dates to see if they work. Um, and obviously if something major comes up or one needs to be rescheduled, um, as long as it works with people's schedule, I think we should be able to do that as well.
>> Sure. Um, there was one thing I was going to tell you first before I pass around. Um, on August 12th, if we're going to do that meeting, Joel, uh, you need to give council member Carrie Miller birthday cake. >> But it has to be gluten-free. >> Glutenree.
It's my birthday, August 12th. Thank you. >> All right, Brian. >> We can figure something out. >> Um, >> maybe after the meeting. >> The only potential conflict I see would be the June 17th. That's the regular uh
regularly scheduled library board meeting. >> Oh crap. >> Which is at 6:30. Uh yeah, that would be a conflict. >> Could we do June 24th instead? >> Uh that works for me. >> Yeah, I mean that that would be fine.
>> I'd rather not do any Wednesdays. That's my busiest day of the week. >> Yeah, I guess. Yeah, whatever works for people's schedules. We just got to figure it out. >> Nothing. I'm just kidding. >> Are t Tuesdays not available
>> any day but Wednesdays Wednesdays. >> Some staff have >> Tuesday commitments during the summer on Tuesdays. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. Um >> that's why it's kind of all over the place. >> I know. >> What about moving it to the Monday, June 15th?
>> Planning Commission. >> 18th Thursday. That's a council meeting. >> Council meeting. >> Unless you want to June the 18th. 18th is EDA in the morning, but it's >> Yeah, it's just in the morning. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that's not a council meeting. That's right. >> 25th is
>> Yeah. 25th would be the meeting. >> We're off the next day, but I don't know if people would be taking a long weekend. >> Yeah, the 18th >> and out of town for that uh big Junth travel. >> Take advantage of it when you can.
>> I hear you. Yeah. I mean, if if that I that the 18th would be fine for me. >> It works. >> Works for me, too. >> Yeah. And then Jamie, I mean, I guess I'm fine with accommodating if if people want to move off of Wednesday. Um, >> well, we really don't want Ki to have to
come in on her birthday. >> Hey, man. I would not want to do anything else than spend my evening with these fine people >> because I mean, we could we could go to the 13th. That's a Thursday. >> Same deal. Oh, that works for me. >> That's the um council meeting. The
regular council meeting. >> Oh, yep. >> Yep. How about that? >> Do Do you guys want to do a double header? >> I'm fine with it. >> I mean, that's the fourth meeting. You'd assume it'd be a little lighter of a conversation. >> Yeah. >> Especially since we already went through last year's budget as a group.
>> I mean, >> I'm I'm fine either way. >> I just watched That's the busiest council meeting we ever had. >> Right. Right. Exactly. >> A 4-hour meeting. What about uh the 20th then of August? That's the following Thursday.
>> Fine with me. >> I'm pretty flexible on most of it. I'm just trying to >> not in the office that day. >> Okay. >> How about uh the 11th of August? >> Tuesdays are bad. >> Oh yeah, that's right. Sorry. Oh my
goodness. The 19th. Oh, Wednesdays are >> Saturday morning. >> I'm trying to get off of a Wednesday. >> I can't. This is >> What about Monday? Monday the 10th. >> Jamie, I >> No, that's Parks and Founders Day. >> Oh, >> I will say this. If K's willing to show
up on her birthday, I will. >> You could show I can make one, but I don't want to make her could show up on her birthday >> cuz I think that's mean. >> I >> I'm sorry to open this can of worms with the library board. >> Dang it. >> I don't have those on my calendar. I was like, it works.
All right, >> I'm fine with it. June 18th, August 12th is fine with me if it works for Jamie. >> I can make that one work. >> It'll be a party. We can decorate. >> Mhm. >> And who knows, something could come up in between, too.
>> Yeah. >> All right. So, everything looks good except June 17th is moved to the 18th. >> 18th. >> I can make that motion. All right. Motion by Worm Excursion. >> I'll second. >> Second by Miller. Any further
discussion? >> All in favor? >> Opposed? Item B, consider approval to reschedule the November 26th uh city council meeting to Monday, November 23rd at 7 p.m. Joel Ericson. Uh
thank you, mayor, members of the council. Figure since we're scheduling budget meetings, we might as well get rescheduled the last meeting in November, which always gets rescheduled due to Thanksgiving. I recommending moving it to that previous Monday. And then the last Thursday of December is
the 31st. Um recommending it just move to the earlier in the week, Monday the 28th. >> All right. Uh Curry, you got anything? >> No. >> Jimmy? >> No. >> Scott? >> No. >> Brian? >> Nope.
>> All right. I entertain a motion for item B. >> I'll make the motion. >> All right. Motion by Miller, second by Palava. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. All right. Entertain a motion for item C. I >> All right. Motion by Palava. Second.
>> Second by Miller. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> Opposed. All right. Thank you for the speed round. Item B, consider approval of a memorandum of understanding between the city of Londale and Dick Sanitation Services. Uh Joel Ericson.
>> All right. Thank you, Mayor, members of the council. Uh earlier this year, uh DSI informed uh me that they were um that Rice County had increased their tipping fees and once the uh numbers were solidified that they were going to
uh present that to to us and um recommend a pass through increase. So the last time that the tipping fees at the county landfill were increased was was 2015. So um over 10 years ago. Um the proposed increase is 44 cents a
month and depending on the card size um that increase ranges from uh 2.9 to 4.75%. Uh the increase would be in addition to the 26 increase of 4%. Uh there is some language in the contract that talks
about um increasing fees um based off of um regulatory requirements. Um I did enclose the email dated November 24th that um all the haulers received stating the increase was coming in 26 due to um operational and capital
costs increasing significantly over the last uh 10 plus years. Uh and a number of regulation changes they anticipate coming in the near future. um been working with DSI and um our city attorney regarding this and um basically
the um options are enter into the proposed uh first amendment to the refugees recycling contract transportation and disposal agreement um or continue to um
work on this. It seems that at least initially both sides were um pretty adamant in their positions and just taking into account u an increase of 44 cents a month um
compared to the amount of time that would be spent on any other options and expense. Um, at this time, staff is recommending approval of the the first amendment to the uh our agreement with DSI. Just unfortunate that it we're a year in
and we're already increasing above what the the contract says, >> but in the long run, this is the least time consuming and cheapest option available. >> Yep.
>> All right. And Jeff W from DSI is here if you guys have any questions. >> All right, Jamie, you got anything? >> No, it seems fair. Well, I'm fuel goes up, fuel search charges. They're getting charged this. They didn't complain when
we took away the recycling dumpsters at Mackington's either last year. So, I'm all for it. Scott, um what what are we looking at like for a total um what does it look like
that you would uh you would be collecting per month? I you know number of houses and all that stuff. >> Good evening, mayor and council. Uh Jeff we stay sanitation. Um Joel, do you have that number still with you? I think the
total amount was like $960 throughout the city >> uh per month. >> Yeah, per month. >> That sounds about right. Yes, >> it's it's 44 cents, I think, is about on average. >> Correct. >> All right. So, it's it's a substantial
number. Not like, you know, it's easy to say, you know, just suck it up. But, yeah, I do agree that, you know, it's unfortunate that it had to come up when it did here. All right, that's all I have right now. >> All right, Brian. >> Uh, no, I don't think I have any
questions, >> Gary. I am just upset that it's having to increase. I know it's not DSI's fault, but I'm just tired of our oversight continually nickeling and dimming us to death. And I just feel
like it's going to just, okay, it's 44 cents this year, and then next year it's going to be another 44 cents. You know what I mean? So, do you guys have like a group that fights against these things? >> We do. NW Well, I wouldn't say fight. We try to work with uh everyone, right? Um
it's a great question. Now, again, it's hard to anticipate because this is the first landfill increase in 10 years. >> Um I did share with uh staff some of the increases in other areas and it's um a lot of locations are having increases on
disposal yearly. Uh Ramsey County facility right now is $142 a ton. Uh Henipin County facility is significantly higher, right? So it's a little bit of apples and oranges, but every area is passing on costs and a lot of the landfills and disposal facilities are
passing these costs on yearly. The unfortunate thing is, as Joel probably added to your packet, we didn't get this information till early December for a January one increase. So we don't anticipate that on our end either, right? We would not ask for this
increase if our cost didn't increase. >> I had another question too. Um it's called the tipping fee. Now I'm I just for clarification, I want to make sure that this is the this is what they're just saying. It's for dumping a truck. This isn't gratuitity towards the county because I know that was a
>> No. So that that would be a fee tax. Uh this is actually our dump uh charge per ton at the landfill. >> Okay. just that that the term could be >> misconstrued in today's economy of everyone's getting tipped >> and society.
>> Yeah. No, trust me, I don't want to be here. >> No, I understand. I understand. But I just for clarification, I I don't want >> people thinking we're just, >> you know, entertaining, you know, you can't go anywhere without uh without being asked for a tip. So, I want to make sure that it's clear that that's not what this is.
>> I just did. >> Okay. Yeah, I guess you know it is what it is and it's just unfortunate and there's not much we can do about it. So, >> all right. Um, thanks for being here, Joe. >> Yeah. Any questions? I'm available.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Entertain motion. >> Motion to approve the tip increase. >> All right. Motion by Vapeka. Second. >> Second by Warcrian. Any further discussion? All in favor?
>> I. >> All opposed. All right. Consider approval of a proposal submitted by BDCI in the amount of $41,998.40 for the city's 2026 mosquito management program. Joel Ericson, city
administrator. >> All right. So, the back at the March 12th um city council meeting um the council approved the proposed RFP for mosquito control management services. Uh the key points were uh 21 adulting
treatments in residential areas and parks with with a synthetic prior and then uh laride treatment of of surface water. Uh due to the lack of companies that provide this service on a citywide scale, I sent the out for Peter Clark
who we've been contracting with for I believe the last seven years. And then also uh Vector Disease Control International. Uh they had reached out to to me um last fall, early winter
about their interest in um working with us. So the the proposal um asked for the um adulticiding the synthetic pythroidid um and that amount was uh 40,845
for 21 treatments and then um for the last five or six years we've always also requested u an all naturatural or organic treatment. uh that cost was 82,950 and the larverside treatment and surface water uh was 3,255.
So the synthetic pythroidid and larvaide proposal from Clark they submitted a bid of 44,100 and then for the allnatural 86,205 VDCI provided um two options for the synthetic
pythroidid um options one were was 37,59840 and then option to a different chemical uh was $40,488 again for 21 treatments. Their
larvaicide treatment bid was $4,400. So there that put their option one at $41,99870 and then option two at $44,888. uh the difference between the two options. Option one, VDCI was about
$2,100 cheaper than Clark and then option two, Clark was uh $788 cheaper than VDCI. A little bit about the chemicals. The Biomist 3 + 15 is the same as the
premises 315 uh contains petroleum distillate. The aqua resin is a water-based and contains more um peromethine which is the chemical used to kill the mosquitoes. Delta guard was
their option two and that contains 2% delta methine compared to 3% of the peromethine. Um since it's 2% versus 3% it's considered a reduced risk. uh in
speaking with uh VDCI, the Delta Guard is double bound, meaning the mosquitoes can't metabolize it. Uh and it's typically used in the south where mosquitoes are are more resistant. And this option is a water-based
uh chemical. Uh as I said previously, Clark, we've worked with them in the past, but most recently uh the last seven years, they've done a good job. Communicate well um on a day-to-day basis. this. We're not aware of any issues. VDCI has provided aerial treatment in northwest
Minnesota, but has not um ground applied or fogged in Minnesota like the process that that we do. I did reach out to a reference in Park, Colorado, their storm sewer superintendent. Uh said he's worked with them for about 15 years and
did not have anything bad to say. Um some of the differences is we fog at night at dusk. Uh they actually fog during the day. Um and they kind of do like a a barrier around wetlands. They also use the larvaide and trap
mosquitoes to determine levels and then what if any uh diseases those mosquitoes are carrying. I guess just a little bit about I know it's going to be presented at the park board on Monday night, but kind of felt
it was important to uh include this in the council staff report. So you guys can consider, you know, I guess the responses or public comment concerns um that were addressed in our survey we just did. Um
basically, should the city continue spraying for mosquitoes? 83% yes, 17% no. Uh if so, how? Current chemicals were about 78%. Uh do you have any concerns uh about the application of pesticides? Uh 29% said
no. 71% said yes. >> Actually, vice versa. Oh, >> I'm sorry. 20 um 29% said um that they do have concerns. 71% said no, they do not. Uh, as far as implementing a
chemical-free park, uh, 29% said yes, 71% said no, and then if yes to a chemical free park, what the priority was, and it was uh, Kina, JC, the dog park, Trenda, uh, Chitska,
and then the the archery range. Um, I guess I'll leave it at that since we're focusing on on mosquitoes. Um for 26 we did budget $47,600. So both proposals um are under the the
budgeted amount for for this year. Um so basically at this time it's up to the council to discuss it and and make a decision on on how they want to proceed. >> All right. Thank you Joel Scott. >> Um it's good to see that it's you know
below budget. Uh my only concern is, you know, this is their first time ever doing it here. So I I mean they're saying that they have the capability with equipment and everything else. Um I guess, you know, it's just going to be a matter of having to would have to prove
it. Um not saying that they can't, but it's just can be a little unnerving. Uh, I know we've run into this in the past with uh smaller businesses or a business that really hasn't uh uh isn't established in the uh in the market. Um that's really
my only concern with it. Um but yes, we absolutely still need to continue this because the old days were miserable. >> All right. Um yeah, I mean I think the survey, you know, the respondents were pretty clear.
It was overwhelming. So, um and I think as was pointed out in a previous council meeting, the survey was intended for the 2027 budget, whereas this was already budgeted for for 26. Um, you know, it
especially now that we're expanding our our offerings from a city standpoint for community gatherings, um, you know, I think it's it's something that we need to to keep going with. Um,
you know, July 4th can be miserable if there's no treating of of the uh mosquitoes. And you know, for what it's worth, the news has been talking about upticks in, you know, bloodborne disease spread from
mosquitoes. You know, you hear about it all the time. Um, I did get uh some feedback from a resident that said, you know, I understand the toxin. This is someone who has some health issues and
I was told their doctor literally told them you're better off with the insecticides being put out than the potential that you could get from the mosquitoes. So that's just a little bit of feedback
that I received. Um which you know that's interesting to hear that uh you know the medical doctors are more concerned about the mosquitoes than the the chemicals to treat for the mosquitoes. So have to trust that that profession.
Not all of them, right, Curry? >> No. >> Do your research with credible sources. >> That's all I got. >> All right, Curry. >> Okay, so first, um, I want to thank people for participating in the survey, but I'm very disappointed in the low
number of responses compared to our population. Um when I campaigned I talked about transparency and communication and this was an opportunity for people to give direct feedback and it was offered to everybody um multiple and we had it out there
multiple ways. So but thanks anyways for participating. Um I am concerned when you mentioned that they would be spraying during the day >> instead of at night. >> No they will spray at night. I just >> they will okay good. Yep. >> They had been spraying it during the day at their where they've been doing it.
Correct. Okay. Because I know people are already concerned about it being sprayed at night when people are still outside and >> Yeah. No, I even after talking to Parker, Colorado, I even called them back and confirmed that. >> Perfect. All right. So, it would be at night. >> Not going to be good. >> Good. Yeah.
>> Actually, just to follow up to that. So, I I think you bring up a good point where a lot of the, you know, reading through the the survey answers, a lot of people were talking about how it's early when they were coming through before. Do we have some flexibility on the time? >> Doesn't it have to be around dusk for it
to be most effective from what they've said in the past or no? >> Um, yeah, it's around that dusk when they start to, >> you know, come out from >> nesting or roosting or I guess whatever mosquitoes do. Yeah. Taking a nap all day. >> Yeah.
come out for come out for an hour. >> A fun party. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Just spread their wings out. >> Yeah. Um All right. So, getting back to this um again, just to clarify that we did budget it for 2026. The survey was for 2027. I just want to make sure we make that clear. Um and we will be
discussing this on in greater detail at the parks board meeting on Monday. But um I guess whatever um is going to come in under budget the best and be effective is what I am for. >> All right, Jamie.
>> Well, I read through all those comments and the number one thing I saw is they want to know when we're spraying. So, if we could add that to the social media site is some people can't hear it coming around the block like other people can. It just depends on your neighborhood.
And can they skip their house? Well, like Joel stated earlier, if only one person on the block wants to skip, it doesn't make any sense to just shut it off for 40, 50 ft. I'm guessing if you had an entire neighborhood that was against it, we could probably skip it.
But and then going and saying, "Well, everybody but Joe wants their lawn skipped, so Joe's just going to have somebody come in and spray it." If Joe does it himself, he might be spraying under your trees as well. Anyways, so
that's one thing >> with with the notification. Can we add that to the the text alerts that people can subscribe to? >> Uh, we can. So, you know, going through those comments, um, the key takeaways that I got were Yes. Um, one to be informed.
>> Um, we sprayed on Tuesdays for 10 years for years 9:00. you know, the only the only time would be >> I I know it doesn't, but >> people still ask when the council meetings are. >> Yeah. Um if it, you know, it's, you know, too windy or too cold or or raining, >> you know, we just try to get in um as
soon as we can after that. >> Um you know, there's always those oddballs, too, like you know, the couple Thursdays before community days or um holidays. And then uh to your point, Brian, yes, I can whoever gets awarded, I can reach out to them and or when I do, you know, try to
get it as late as we can. >> Sure. >> But still be effective. >> Um so what we had talked about internally at the staff level was um just adding it to our calendar on the website. >> Mhm. Yeah, that'd be great. >> You know, and we could utilize our mass
notification for that Thursday or >> um a rain day delay, things like that. >> Yeah. And it could be a good way to, you know, really kind of force people to like, hey, we've got these mass notifications. While you're signing up for mosquitoes, go ahead and sign up for
all the other stuff, too. >> Lots of valuable information. >> And we got somebody that's got a question real quick. >> Hi, I've never been to one of these meetings. I'm Dana. >> Welcome. >> Welcome. Thank you. Um, I I fully
support the mosquito spray. Um, not a question on my part. I just heard on two different channels of news today that there's some new tick virus out there. It's not the one though, not the Lyme disease. It's
something else. >> The Lonear tick for the meat allergies >> that they're planting in the fields. >> No, >> they are though. They're dropping them off in farmer yard. >> I was just curious. Does this spray also involve ticks?
>> Peromethine does. >> It's I'm hoping yes, but I don't know. >> It can be effective. >> Yes, >> that ratio is the exact same ratio that they put in fleeing tick shampoo. So, you're actually handling that when you
wash your dog at that ratio. And when they spray it, they're diluting it when they spray it. So, it's actually less of an amount that you'd get when you shampoo your dog. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um and then just another thing to come
out of that survey that I noted was um just uh residents wanted to be notified um when we do spray our parks. >> Mhm. You know, we can just whatever put a sign up or just like other contractors do, stick something in the ground saying it was sprayed this day at this time and
>> good at two hours after or something. >> Could just put it on that big old fancy billboard. >> Have it flashing mosquito. >> How much would that cost? No, we're just kidding. I don't want to do that. Do we alternate when we spray parks so we
don't just spray all the parks in one day? >> Yes. >> Tuesdays all parks are off limits. >> All right. >> It's on the record now. >> Okay. Well, I was park. >> I know. >> Do you want to make the motion with your amendment?
>> I my a motion. >> So, we can >> motion. Oh, I'm sorry. For uh >> BDCI >> BDCI. >> All right. Motion by Blava. >> Second.
>> Second by Va. >> Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. All right. Motion carries. Consider approval of a quote submitted by Minnesota Milwork Wwork and fix pictures in the amount of $4,252.19
for display case for city hall. Joel Eerson. >> All right. Thank you, mayor, members of the council. Um been contemplating getting a a display case kind of some of the awards that we um staff has received over the years. um
some historical items that you know maybe are at the the three our landmark school or something like that um to have them um available to the public. I reached out to Minnesota Milwork Works and Fixtures. They gave me a quote of uh
$4,252.19. And then uh Henrikson who we purchased our furniture for this building uh $6450. So, I did include with my staff report obviously the the quotes, but then also just a picture of of the front lo or a
picture of what is proposed and then also the front lobby. So, when you come in the front door, it'll be to the right of of the front desk. There's kind of a little cubby there um that it will slide in and fit real nice. >> And the wood matches the
>> uh correct. Yes. Yeah, it's a Huntington maple or something like that. But yes, um I had them provide um laminate chips so we could match >> could match it. So >> perfect. >> Yeah. So it is not the color that is in
the in the packet. It's it's it's basically this color. >> Okay. >> Almost a perfect match. >> Awesome. I like matching things. So >> I I agree. Um, unless there's any questions, staff
would recommend uh approving the quote from Minnesota Millware and fixtures. >> All right. Thank you, Joel. Brian, you got anything to add? >> Um, just that it I know it's going to look good. >> It's going to look real good. Um, Minnesota Mill does great work.
>> Um, if anybody hasn't had the opportunity yet, just go to the library and take a look at the picture book viewer cabinets that they've got in there. Those were all done by Minnesota Milwork. um they've been a great partner with the city. Um they've done a lot of
stuff for us that would have really cost us a lot of money in a lot of places. So, it's it's great that they're here. Great that they're working with us. Um you know, I think it's it's nice to showcase their work when we can. Um you know, because I know it's going to be
good quality. It's going to look nice and um just thank you to them for being a good partner in the city. >> All right, Curry, >> I like that we can support a local business and I'm excited about this
cabinet because it's important to get those uh awards displayed. >> Thank you, >> Jamie. >> I just like supporting the local business. Put your money where your mouth is. support all the local businesses.
>> Scott, >> uh yeah, all all those items and I that corner currently does look a little awkward sitting there kind of blank and it looks like it was almost looks like an oversight. So like to see that filled in. So absolutely Joel, this is going to fit like
>> perfectly in it, right? >> Yep. >> About half inch on each side. >> Was there a need for the glass on this side? >> Uh dust control. I was going to say I'd recommend it just to keep the >> um uh Yeah, I guess I could talk to him
about >> I mean you already got it and I wouldn't worry about it. >> Um I just wanted to make >> wipe down on the in between, you know, to clean it. Can somebody's hand fit between them? >> You can take the glass off. >> We can probably clean it in there.
>> That makes sense. >> I'd break it. Um they can be used someplace else if >> Yeah. want to read. >> I'm excited for this. I I actually am because I actually received a book
called Remembering Lond. Uh, if you don't know Jim, uh, he was a former mayor or is a former mayor and, um, I received a copy of it and I loved it and I would love to put it in this display case cuz, you know, I really
champion the history of Lawnstone and sharing it and I just think it's such a cool thing. One of my favorite things I've ever gotten. Um, and I appreciate that a lot, Jim. And I love Minnesota Millwork. uh any one of you can schedule a tour to go in there and check it out.
It is awesome how efficient he is and how much space uh he utilizes. Um and then also he did real 19's bar top too. So >> um any way to keep supporting that? So
I'll entertain a motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Second by Ryan Warersian. Any further discussion? >> All in favor? I >> I >> opposed. >> All right. Uh consider approval to make a
conditional job offer to Dick Bell as seasonal public works employee at grade 1 step 7. Mr. Joe Dornfeld, our public works director. >> Thank you, mayor, and members of the council. $46,820 was budgeted to hire up to three
seasonal public works employees in 2026. There were a total of 16 applicants. Six apply for the position with a start date on or about May 4th and we had 10 apply for the two positions that start on or about June 1st. Staff review the applications and intends to conduct
interviews for the two positions with a start date of June 1st and bring a recommendation to the council for the April 30th meeting. Um, as far as the position with the start date honor about May 4th, Dick has worked for the city for the same position for the past five
years. And over that time, Dick's done a great job. Um, based on our 100 point training and experience rating, Belle scored the highest with 70 points. Um, and besides previously working for the city, Belle
also has a class A driver's license, which he can drive our single axle trucks, uh, which we utilize. He hauls our street sweepings to Rice County. Um just various odds and ends. It's a really nice feature to have. Um but because the position is seasonal, Bel
cannot work more than 6 months from his first day of work. Otherwise, this employee and city will need to contribute to PARA, which is not budgeted for. It is proposed for Bel to begin work on or about May 4th and end employment in October. The fiscal impact
is $46,820 was included in the 2026 budget to pay seasonal works employees. The alternative would be to not make a conditional job offer to Richard Bell. Um attached is 100 point rating and application materials submitted by Bell.
It is staff's recommendation to give a job to Dick Bell at grade one step seven. >> All right. Thank you, Joe. Uh Curry, >> I just want to make sure people know the 46820 that's the total amount for all of
the seasonal employees. Correct. >> For all three. >> Yes. Thank you. >> And welcome aboard again. Thank you. >> Yes. >> All right, Jamie. Welcome back. >> That's all I got, Scott. >> Yeah. Yeah. Obviously, his experience and uh qualifications and work ethic and
everything have been a great asset. So, be happy to have him back. Right. >> Thanks for keeping coming back. We appreciate it and all your support for the last five years. >> And we really appreciate >> be retired. >> But
>> but the wife's making you go get a job, right? >> The good Lord said, "Get out of your recliner, quit watching the prices right." >> Oh my gosh. >> But I love I love working with the guys and Joe. >> That's great. That's great.
>> Keep going back as long as I got gas in the tank. Yeah, >> we love having you. >> And being active keeps you young. So, it's good. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And I mean, you know, I I think u it bears mentioning that the fact that you come back year after year is a
testament to our city works department and all the staff there because >> if they weren't, you wouldn't be coming back for year after year after year. >> Joe is he's more of a friend of the boss, but he's a boss when he has to be. >> Yeah. He's phenomenal.
>> That's great to hear. >> Love every one of the guys and we have fun. Blend in well with them. >> Awesome. >> Yeah. I look forward to every year. >> Thank you. >> I don't think I'm sold yet. >> Welcome back, Richard. Glad to have you.
Entertain a motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Second by Palava. Any further discussion? >> All in favor? I >> I all opposed. >> All right. Thank you. >> Presentation of the 2025 community development report. Uh Mr. Corey
Hinszer, our community development planner. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Good evening, city council. Attached in your packet uh is the 2025 community development report. The report includes the following topics. population trends, building permits stats, land use
permits, real estate home sales and le land development and vacancies. Uh staff will present the PowerPoint and multitask at the same time. So, good evening uh council. Uh in your packet, like I said, the 2025 community
development report uh mentioned population, building permits, land use permits, real estate, home sales, and land development. uh Lndale population change from 1990 to 2024. And council member Wormer Scersian, I'm going to stop you right
now. Uh the 2025 uh um number from the state dem uh >> demographer >> demographer office uh will be released in June. That's when it came out last year. So uh as we can see in the report
here from 2023 to 2024 73 a 73 uh resident increase with our >> So Corey one thing just to keep in the back of your mind when that report comes out we have a period where we can contest the number if we have to. I >> I've heard I've heard about that before.
So but otherwise 2024 population 4,982. Uh now we're just comparisoning some uh just some local numbers here about with growth with Dundis uh Montgomery Ldale New Market New
Smokes Northfield uh the jump there and then Farbolt. So, you know, we're as the history as you can see by history, you know, we're we're gradual and uh hopefully the 2025 puts us over that 5,000 uh population mark.
Uh building statistics, uh 265 permits were processed uh last year, a total value of 7 million, a little over $7 million. And that's the per that's the value of the permit. I
want to make sure that that's clear to everyone. That's not the actual cost. It's what the uh applicant puts in for the value of it. So like I said in 2025 the VA the total value a little over 7 million. Uh this is a pretty cool slide here.
Total permit since 1990. Look at the fluctuation here. Uh last year was or in 2024 there was 290. We saw a decrease this year down to 265 comparable to back to um 20
21 or 2019. So I I think you're going to hear me say this quite a few times. We need development uh and we need it soon. Uh this the decrease is because um we're out of lots
and that means less uh less permits that are coming in uh to the city hall. Uh just another uh slide indicating uh through the past 10 years uh the total amounts coming in and like I said we're
very comparable to 2019. Uh slide nine, we're looking at here was the value uh 7 million. Um a little over 7 million this year. Uh we get into the actual nuts and bolts
of the the permits. So the permit type. So this is what you see what we process regularly. Uh these are the main main uh permits that come in or the majority. So, re- roof, reside, decks, fences, windows, accessory buildings, and then
finished basement. So, as you could see, you know, they're pretty similar, but there's some also some major differences, but I do want to point out that 2025 was the first year of the chicken permit. Uh, that was a
major initiative um starting with this new council. Um the in 2025 uh five chicken permits were were received and three were issued. Uh the three that weren't issued is just
the the followup uh sub the the applicant submitting an applica the incomplete application me following up with them and never hearing back from them. So that's the chicken or chicken permit stats for our first year.
Uh moving onward, uh here's a 10-year comparable to the the top uh permits that are pulled each year. And then 2025 new single family dwelling units. Uh 17 were processed this year.
And uh the total value of that the of the 17 was uh $4,613294 with that average uh value construction cost of 260,294 um per building or per construction
permit. And then I I love these long or the uh since 1990 90 1990 slides you could see the fluctuations and the booms the the major development times uh throughout the city of Lawndale.
So, uh, with the 17 that came in, um, I I had two building permits that came in right away this year by Scott Lumis, uh, WB Construction, and they were the last two lots in town. Uh, following slides, all the homes were
built in the TCU school district. And then the the home builders last year, uh, as you can see, Scott Lumis had 13 of them. Uh we had a private or smaller builder, Scott Schmidt. Um the
Goldberish family uh on Birch and then also Shimato Project or Shimato and Birch and then I'm sorry, the the uh Gobbler was at Harvest Circle.
Homes by Quad. Uh four in Legacy Meadows, four in Belrose. uh eight in Welco. Uh Welco is completely filled down and then one in the Rolling Ridge. Uh slide 16 just gives us an overall
picture of what is happening in our area. Um we could start at the top with Lakeville, but uh that that's out of control as far as that number goes. >> So I would like to start with Lndale. I feel more comfortable in this area. Uh,
we had the 17, Bell Plane at 15, uh, Montgomery 13, New Prague 3, and then I called Dundice and I'm like, did you have any single or single family uh, dwelling units
um, in 2025? And they said no. >> So, I know that Mr. Ericson has talked to the city administrator lately, and I know that Janelle is working on a few developments uh, in Dundis. Corey. Um,
is there any for bonds bill? >> Yeah. >> Well, uh, you know, we maybe we should put that post back out there and maybe I I I missed something in this report, Mr. Mayor. >> And I'm sorry, the name change would be
in next year or in the report. >> Yeah. >> So, that new neighborhood will really show up then. >> Yeah. >> Lansville Road. >> Lansville. Yep. All right. Uh this just gives the total the 10-year total uh for the area. I I
think what's most pertinent here is that lawn sale we have had 310 uh new construction or new homes built here in the last 10 years. You know, and I further on the in the presentation, you know, there's hope coming our way
with the new development. uh 2025 uh permits commercial industrial park 28 total uh with 1,139,7226. Uh as council member was you remember we
helped out uh we supported the lawn mini storage expansion. >> Uh Mr. Dorfeld had the booster station rehab project and Mr. Mayor, you you popped in a month ago or so and you were like, "Corey, do you remember me asking you this last year about this question?"
And of course, I said no. But um I worked with our city administrator here and just taking some averages of our businesses and homes from around the around our city. And I I just want to
point this out that on an average, one business's tax equals 12 residential properties. So, we're in an interesting situation right now. We don't have any more there's no more buildable lots
and uh we're working very hard on uh uh on on our industrial park to get that sold and have some development going. So hopefully it's all going to happen at one time. Mr. Mayor, uh, building development revenues, uh,
future tax impact for homes. Um, uh, times our multiplier of 17 homes built last year, 33,40. Uh, there was no industrial development last year, so we're at a goose egg. sack and whack fees uh with the multipliers
times 17 um of 165,000 and then no sack and whack for any industrial or commercial uh admin fees amount remaining after payment of building official and state of Minnesota 49547
so the total brought in here uh was 200 into the plan or into the permitting department into the city 214,547 seven. And then with those 17 new no new new homes that were built, we'd see that
33,040 year dollars per year tax increase going back to the city. >> And this is just >> I guess just to clarify, not tax increase, but expansion to the tax. >> Expansion. That that would that's a
better word. Council member, >> just since we're on camera here, we don't want to scare anybody by saying tax. >> Expansion, not increase. expansion. Thank you. >> Expansion allowed us to not do a big increase. We were able to maintain. Correct. >> Correct.
>> Yes. >> Uh slide number 20. Uh sack and wack collected for the last eight years. As you can see the numbers there. It's all based upon our development. Uh land use applications. Uh planning
and zoning. Uh let me tell you uh planning and zoning was quite busy in 2025. >> Uh we had the nine land use applications that came in. Uh the city collected uh $7,600.
But I think more importantly is that you know the ability and the willingness of of the planning and zoning commission to drop everything and accommodate all these requests that come in. Uh we're here to work for our local businesses. and our our P or planning zoning
commission does an excellent job doing that. Real estate home sales uh I saw a decrease here uh based upon the reporting uh decrease of nine from 2024.
And it's amazing though once a house does come up here. I've witnessed two homes on South Main Street go instantly. >> Mhm. >> And still just with the uh what I've heard with the what the prices were of those I mean they're above market. I
mean they're above they were above the asking price. >> Mhm. >> So even like I said the homes on South Main Street just being gobbled up. That whole area has had some because there was one over on Second Avenue Northwest that's sold. Same deal. I mean, I saw
the sign go up and that same week the sold sign was on it. >> Mhm. >> Cuz Londale's awesome. >> Yep. >> Everyone wants to live here. >> And so there's no rhyme or rhythm to this ne next slide. You know, in the
past, you would think uh the home sales would be the greatest right before school starts, but as you can see, it fluctuates just sort of in a constant flux um with the amount of homes that were sold per month in 2025.
And then this get back to the value uh this is from the permit. So the or actually I'm sorry I'll retract that. This is based upon the average of the sales amount of that home. So the average sale amount for a home being
sold last year in Lndale was 365,000. Uh this is a fun slide. The highest sales over the last six years. Uh you can see that in the corner there. Um, that was a Lumis or a W or a Scott Lumis home at 28115th Avenue Southeast
sold for 490,000. And then this this picture really depicts all right like I said earlier in the previous slide, what are homes going for here in town? So the the the 41 range from that 300 to 400K.
15 sold for over 400,000. And you know what what I like to see here is a 200 to 300,000 home and there was only six of those. >> Question for you, Cory, on this um less
than 100, does that include the the home? Well, the old the old police station. >> Actually, thank you for pointing that out. As soon as you said that, I'm like, there should be one in there because of that sale price of the old um PD,
which has been converted into a beautiful uh uh or beautiful home. >> Mhm. >> So, so that is included in there cuz >> Yes, that's a two and that that's included with the um the two uh with
over 100,000. >> Okay. And this one is for you again, uh, Council Member Wormer. I do remember that you said, "What about commercial sales last year?" So, I did add that in
there. Um, it's pretty fascinating actually. There's a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 nine nine uh nine uh commercial um properties. I I I did throw in the
garage condos just because I know a lot of people ask about them >> and just the curiosity of what they're going for. >> So, I see we have the old police station listed here as well. >> Correct. >> Okay.
>> Because it was a nonresidential property when it sold. Is that right? >> Okay. uh land development. Uh actually Joel and I spend a little bit of time on this. We'd like to get out and about just or to take a look
around town right now. As far as vacant lots in town, we've counted 10, but these are private lots. This is uh say like council member Palava has his home and he owns the vacant lot next to him.
I'm going to describe it that way. So, as far as like I said, the the great need for development um is the number one priority of this report. Uh we go on to slide slide 32. This
hasn't changed from last year. The same slide. Future development land west side outside of city limits. And then land uh already annexed in inside city limit limits here. Uh slide 33,
which there's still a potential uh from 600 to 800 lots. I did include prairie view in there. Uh the city administrator and I just received the uh preliminary plat on Monday
uh which we're working on the new 100 new homes or 100 lots uh we'll say at the old Bixby location but it's now called Prairie View. Uh we did get a bite or there was discussion last year at the end of end
of December. Uh Scott Lumis owns this property, the Harmony Metal Second Edition. He did put a land use application in there. Um and then he did change his mind or refocus uh at the Prairie View location,
which we're currently working on. As you can see, Harmony Metals third edition's been there for a while. uh Shadowstone North uh Crusader Ridge and then here we are. This is what we're currently working on right now. Prairie
View property, the great potential for the Willow Creek Heights Southeast. And then what's pretty exciting here now we get into commercial uh Willow Creek Willow Creek Commons
uh major success or wins for the city uh selling the parcel just south or just basically outside our windows here to Quick Trip uh the digital billboard parcel the 100 by 100
and then as as the city administrator Ericson said multiple offers coming in where where you see or or large or the remaining large or 12 acres of our business park. And then Mr. Mayor, uh Dayton Trucking,
uh you see a lot of sold signs in that area. >> Am I seeing a lot of sold? Oh, yeah. Yeah. >> All right. >> I am on the photo now. >> I got to manually zoom in. >> So otherwise, yes. with the work with Dayton Trucking coming in.
>> So, Cory, I did notice um next so in between the billboard and uh >> uh Dollar General there. I see that's for sale as well. >> Mhm. >> And also the Dollar General's for sale now, too. >> What? >> Oh, >> I need that Dollar General.
>> It would be a great place for a pharmacy. >> Yeah. Well, I I think that goes back to the actual building owner, >> the MFJ >> and the 10 years. Remember the apartments? >> Mhm. >> You know, everyone everyone in the
villages 10 years you sell. >> So, does Dollar General own the building? >> Uh, I do not believe so. I don't believe so. >> So, the owner of the building wants to sell it. It's not the business being sold. >> Correct. >> Correct. they they would probably remain
a tenant a tenant to whoever buys that property assuming >> I would assume so. Yeah. >> But otherwise there's been multiple inquiries uh that I've received lately about that listing. >> The one the the >> Dollar General. >> The Dollar Yeah. I just I just happened
to notice that um this week as I was driving by the uh the sign for sale on that open lot next to Dollar General. the original uh industrial park uh full well there's potential room uh Minnesota
Milwork Works to expand in that area. Now I'm on page slide 40. Merkan Corporation uh opportunity opportunity for them to expand. Also, uh thank you to our public works department. Just some uh quick uh or
some improvements here. Uh the parks and trails, new scoreboard installation at JC Parkfield. Um update at the JC Park concession stand, and then the 2025 Millan overlay project, Fourth Avenue Northeast, Birch
Street Northeast, and a portion of Industrial Drive Southeast. One quick shout out, thank you again from the Lions for the JC Park concession stand updates. They love it. Thank you. >> And then just in summary, uh I've stated
this earlier, Lawndale is out of residential lots for sale, but coming soon. This is exciting. So, as council member Vipka knows, uh staff have been working with TMI on their addition, which will be uh their site plan will be
reviewed at the next U planning and zoning commission meeting, addition or adding to the south side of their existing building. Uh bas basically doubling the size 100 by 120. Um the Harvest Pond Apartments
uh I think they're slated to kick off in July. Yeah. And then quick trip. We're anticipating them starting on April 20th already. >> Uh their building permit, their plumbing permit, their sign permits. Uh we're
just waiting on a mechanical permit and they'll be ready. Well, they could start any time now, but that's the remaining one that will be done. The mechanical will be done shortly. Otherwise, Mr. Mayor, that concludes my 2025
community development report and um can open it up for questions here. >> Awesome. Thank you, Corey, and all the hard work that you've put into this. Um >> Jamie, what do you got to add? >> Um there's people in town that want to
know if Joe's going to be hosting construction parties to watch Quick Trip being built out of the council chambers. We could charge admission in >> VIP uh seating >> bring some bleachers over.
>> Whatever you guys want. >> Just turn the camera and live stream it. >> Yeah. Right. >> 247 watching the eagle's nest. >> Quick trip. >> Quick trip. It's hatching. >> QT watch. >> Yes.
>> All right. Scott eat lunch here. Um just you know uh thank you Corey and Joel and you know for you know putting that all together. It's a lot of great information. Um great to see the continuation of uh progress taking place
and uh moving forward. So thank you very much for that. >> Thank you. >> Yeah I I echo the uh the thanks Cy. This is great work. Um, I appreciate the fact that you remembered a question that I asked last year that I didn't remember
until you brought it up and including that information in the report. So, that's great. Um, it's exciting to see that longtime businesses are continuing on, you know, as part of the EDA. One of the things that, uh, has been a priority for a long time is secession of
businesses. And it's nice to see that, you know, we've got some of that happening. You know, I know the hardware store is a great example of um basically keeping it in the family, right? You know, that's a a success story of a a business in Lonsdale, the
secession of that business on to the next generation. And um again, great example because there's been expansion there. You know, there's there's uh additional offerings now at that the hardware store. I mean, Jace does a great job down there. Not that Russ
didn't before him. Um, but it's just really fun to watch that growth. Um, I'm excited to see what this report looks like next year because, uh, you know, we've got some new things that will be on there. You know, I like to see those
numbers. They they'll go up. I mean, we already know they're going to. We've got Quick Trip. We got, you know, those those permit values are definitely going to be higher next year. It's pretty much a given. Um, yeah, it's exciting. It's an exciting time in Lndale. It's an exciting time
for the city. Um, it's starting to feel like Lndale when I first moved here when we were going through the boom. You know, the houses were were really booming. I think we're kind of at that that starting point again. You know, um, I know Joel, you've said it for years. You just got to have
that developer come in, that first one come in and put the shovel in the ground because once the first one comes, it's kind of a domino effect and things just start to happen. Um, so it's exciting. So, thank you. >> Okay, Carrie,
>> I just want to thank you guys for all the hard work you put in. I know how much work it is to like do all the statistics and gather the data. So, thank you. And also Jamie and all the planning and zoning commission, too. It's a lot of work. >> Um, and then I just love the data
because it shows where we've been and where we're at and kind of the projection of where we're where we're going to go along with the comp plan. So, it's exciting. >> Yep. Thank you, Plan Zoning, for always being available and getting these
special meetings done. But Corey, I I do appreciate all the work that you put into this. I always get excited for these reports because it shows kind of like the uh just kind of showcases what the city's kind of condition is towards
development and what to strive for for the next year. And um you did hit the nail on the head with all the for sale signs for uh Dayton um on page 15 for the uh commercial
property sales. dispatch did sell for just under $1.6 million. Um, just as a note, um, I'm excited for TMI. I truly am. Um, the other question that I do have is Willow Creek Heights
South Edition. Have we had contact with them at all about potentially revisiting that? I know that there's plans somewhere on the website, but >> uh, we have not lately. The last um conversations that that we had were um
when we were um working on the disc golf course trying to obtain an easement for that and um basically what I was told at that time was is we're not interested in selling but for the right price we will. >> Okay. I wonder if we get in contact with
them again and and see what's going on. Um, I'd love to try to get another uh housing developer uh in town and now that we got Scott working on on that big and hopefully he gets that Harmony Meadow second edition uh
figured out. But um yeah, I mean the numbers are are all there and I'd love to see, you know, more permits coming uh for 2026. And um also the Wacka sack fees, that's a that's a big need, you know, trying to
bring in more whacking sacks. So other than that, Cory, again, great job. Thank you for putting this together. Thank you for your time. I appreciate it and thanks for putting that number together. Uh
Brian um when he had first started EDA, there was a joint planning and zoning EDA meeting and I had attended that one and there was a figure that was attached to that was how many houses to one business for tax revenue and um at that
time I think it was 11 and I asked Cory I go can you revisit that one? Can you can you give me a number on it? And um the solid numbers for every 12 houses is equivalent to one business in uh in property taxes. And that's a that's a
good kind of figure to keep in the back of your mind too. So other than that, um thank you again, Corey. >> Thank you. >> Uh Jason, you are up next. Presentation of the 2025 police
department report by Jason Schmidz or police chief. >> Thank you, mayor, members of the council. That's going to be tough report to follow after that. Do my best. >> Uh so the Lonzo Police Department along with many other law enforcement agencies
across Minnesota continued to struggle to fill vacancies. uh for most most of 2025 you're without officer Elan due to an injury and we're glad to have him back on the schedule in November. To help with coverage, we hired Officer Dot as a part-time officer in June of 2025,
which has been very helpful filling shifts and helping out during the overnight hours. In December, we had Officer Ben Hublin resign after a year of service with the Lson Police Department. I was also approved for reserant's position during the 2025
budget process to start in 2026. The position was posted internally with officer Frank Franklin and officer Schiker providing letters of interest. Interviews were held in November with an interview panel selecting officer Schliker as the first law police sergeant.
Uh Loville Police has very experienced officers and staff who have been serving law since officer Franklin since 2002. Officer David Or since 2007, Sergeant Jack Schlleker since 2015, Officer John Felen from 2017, and
Officer William Dopp since two 2025. And then our records uh Kenneth Park since 2006. And I just want to recognize um last year um John Dan back in December we had a structure fire.
a detached garage was on fire and during the early morning hours, Jonathan was on his way home, noticed a kind of a glow in the sky, you know, went to investigate and here we had a detached garage that was almost fully engulfed, which was very close to the house. The
house is about to start on fire itself. Um Jonathan pounded on the door. Um get no response. Ended up kicking the door in which I think eventually woke the occupants out, but we were able to he was able to safely get the occupants removed and so nobody was injured. So
that was great. And then uh just last week, Sergeant Sikert had uh got called person in cardiac arrest. So through his quick response and medical training um you know I was able
to basically bring that through. So that was really great. >> Thank you for that. >> Uh due to the officer's dedication to public safety and the relationships they have with the community, the support received by elected officials and staff is a big part to why the city of Oza was
ranked the sixth safest city in Minnesota in 2024. Throughout 2025, the Lawson Police Department participated in the toward zero death campaign focusing on traffic enforcement and education to reduce the number of deaths on a roadway. After
being awarded a grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for $40,000, I was able to purchase six portable and five mobile encrypted radios. I also received a grant from Centerpoint Energy for $2,500 that also went towards the purchase of those radios. I also applied
for award um or I was up I also applied for and was awarded a grant through the department of uh justice for $140,000 for body and squad cameras. I'm currently waiting to hear from the Department of Justice to finalize that grant. After receiving the grant from
the Department of Justice, the Lanso Police Department will have received a total of 182,500 in the past two years for public safety equipment. And thank you, Mayor Tom, for reaching out to our representatives for that Department of
Justice. Our old portable radios I had reprogrammed for Skyworn after the sale of the old police department. Skyworn lost their ability to communicate unless they move their their antenna. The mobile radios went to public works to be utilized in different equipment. Uh
throughout 2025, police department spent approximately 330 hours in training and continuing education. I had an officer attend a Glock and patrol rifle armor course to fix and maintain the department's rifles and handguns. I also had an officer attend a two-day course on sexual assault investigation.
Our take to the box program disposed of 110 pounds of pharmaceuticals in 2025. And since 2019 when the box was installed, our site has disposed of 555 total pounds, which is great to see. It's better to have that medication
going there than to our landfills or being flushed down the toilet. So, that's good to see that residents are actually using that. Uh throughout the year, the officers with the police department participated in many different community and public safety events which include traffic
safety day at Tri City United High School, a ride to school fundraiser for TCU Loun Elementary School, Cub Scouts at the police department, traffic light church Halloween and theme celebration event, um reading event at the LTO library,
the Badgers and Bobbers event and which is a really great event. Um, I'm glad last year we didn't have rain, but uh we did have wind and with uh 25 kids on the fishing pier, we had a few tangled lines, but
I think everyone caught fish. So, it was really great. And I do got to thank the Lazo Chamber, the Lazo Chamber for uh for putting that on the fishing for life. Uh lots of snow wizards they helped out Francon Bank, Tri Lake Sportsman's Club, Davidson City, Lzo
Lions, Lzo Mini Storage Rail 19, Lon Steel Hardware and Ldale Country Market for providing launch. It was a really great time. So then we did nightite um this one Mac and Dunes they held an event last year. So this was myself,
Sergeant Syert Haley and with staff from McAd and then uh our community days event kind of the uh officers that kind of help out during the night hours.
So with that in 2025 we had a total of 4,04 events, you know, an increase from 2024 of 3,148. Um, and I'll kind of show you where that kind of increase comes from later in the report here.
Um, but our crimes against person's property um, theft from vehicle only one, which is really great to see. I actually went back and looked at um, I think a report in 2011 and we we were
like 30 of them in a year. So, I know pre previous to that, you know, it would be nothing for us to have 30 to 40 of those types of incidences. And so, it's great to see that we only had one. Not that
um thefts, a slight decrease in 2025 uh at 16 compared to 20 in 2024. Uh burglary, uh we did see an increase um last year. You know, we
two kind of major ones being vacun being broken into and then Monsville Food and Fuel was also broken into, but uh thanks to uh you know the public's help and you know the officer's investigation, we were able to make uh two arrests on
that. So, and charge two individuals. Property damage vandalism. Um we did see an increase. I think that was more geared towards residential property and not our parks and that's because of our camera system
in the parks. Um that number is pretty reduced. >> What kind of property damage would you say is the most common residentially? >> I don't know. It's damage to a vehicle.
Um and the vandalism, you know, paper. >> People call in on that. >> What? >> Oh my goodness. I didn't I think it's funny. I salvaged two rolls. It's >> good. You're going to need them. >> Okay. Sorry.
>> Uh we saw a slight increase in assaults. Uh criminal sexual assaults, we saw a decrease. And then domestic disturbances, we saw increase from last year or the previous two years. kind of our traffic incidences. Um for
2025, we have 572 traffic stops, an increase from 2024. Uh the DWI rest, we had one. >> Um which doesn't kind of reflect how many DWIs we had. Um anytime we work like a
toward zero death campaign, um we usually there'll be other officers from different agencies who will focus on a particular area. So if we have an officer working over in the Northfield area and city he makes a DWI stop there,
that DWI counts for Northfield. So if we stop somebody just outside of town and it's in Rice County, that's going to show up as a Rice County incident. So citations issued we had 165 in 2025 and motor vehicle accidents we saw a
decrease from 2024 and 23. >> Good. >> Which is surprising for seems like every day it's there's more and more traffic. >> Yeah. And how crazy people drive. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
So, kind of just uh other incidences that we kind of deal with on a regular basis. Animal calls. Um it's good to see we had a decrease on that which is good to see of 86. Um medicals obviously a significant
increase which I was kind of expecting. Had a lot of medical last year. >> Do you think that's because of the fire department kinding kind of stepping back from some of that? No, I think it's just uh >> aging population.
>> Yeah, aging aging population. Um, a lot of mental health calls. >> Okay. >> Cuz didn't the fire department thing that didn't start until this year >> till 26. >> Oh, that's just this year. Okay. Yeah, I
suppose that's right. Yeah. Well, I mean, I guess that people are comfortable, you know, with the mental health calls whereas maybe they may not have been in the past. So, >> yeah. >> Um, ordinance enforcement, we saw an
increase at 188 of those in 2025. Um, and then kind of where I talked about where that increase came from is this extra patrol at 95. Um basically what they did is they took away the incident for
business checks. So now officers doing business checks and some park checks they just do like an extra patrol and documented under that. So with that I mean at 95 compared to 2024 at 455 you
know that's going to have show that total incident jump quite a bit. suspicious activities 149 last year. Slight increase from 2024. And then the next page response by hour of day kind of gives you an idea of the
time of day that we're receiving um for the busiest which is right around that 10 o'clock at night and kind of shows how it kind of tapers off to the morning hours. And then the next page response by day
of the week. So kind of shows you which day we tend to see to be busier. Um this kind of surprised me that it's a Tuesday, Wednesday. And then after that is just kind of our incident summary for 2025.
And then in that I included on paper for 2024 if you wanted to compare like any of those other numbers that aren't mentioned here um from the previous year. So with that if there's any questions 123 hangups. Wow.
>> Yeah >> that's a lot. All right, Chief. Thank you so much. Uh, let's see here. Whole Scott, what do you got to add on to this? >> Um, just wanted to, you know, say thank
you for reporting all that. Um, it's, you know, it can look bad in some aspects, but really it's when you get down to the granular of how things pan out and it's still we're doing pretty well for a a small department. um the uh
the the police do one thing and the community is an important part of it that we're working together and not fight, you know, battling. Um we we have the same common goal of making sure that we have a a safe community. Um and I want to say, you know, thank you and
congratulations too for the uh being ranked uh for the one of the safest cities in the state. So that says a lot about your your leadership and and your your staff. So uh yeah, that uh thank you very much for uh such a detailed
report. >> Thank you. >> Hey, Brian. >> Um I guess one question I had on that fire. Do you and maybe this is a a question for officer Theelen. Um I'd just be curious to to get some
perspective on those um um forgot what they're called now. the um the fire suppression tools that we got donated. Um if was it was it too far gone where that wouldn't have been effective?
>> Yeah, the garage would have been too far gone. >> Okay. >> I'm just I'm just curious if we're ever going to get to use one of those and hear how it how it works because I mean they sound like >> Well, we could use >> we could start one. >> Yeah. And I think I I think that
incident though was he was in his personal vehicle on his way home. Correct. >> Yeah. He was in his POV so he wouldn't he wasn't in his patrol. Okay. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. And he just recently come back to work too. >> Yeah. Yeah. It was like his first week back. >> Same weekend. >> Yeah. But yeah. No, I mean I'm just
curious because I mean those are those are really nice tools again. I mean going back to to some of those benefits the community supporting our our officers and our fire department. But, uh, yeah, it's nice that we have those and just curious if, uh, once once we
use one, how it how it performs for us. Um, and then, uh, this this photo you got here on the front page. I hope, uh, I hope you got a copy of that cuz that's really cool with the northern lights in there.
>> Yeah, that was uh, Sergeant Schwer took that. >> Oh, that's that's a really cool photo. Um, yeah. So, I think uh this is great information. You know, it's a testament to the whole department. Again, as Scott
said, to your leadership of uh um you know, the accolades that we're getting being ranked in one of the most safe cities in Minnesota. And, you know, I I think you guys do a great job. I can't speak highly enough of our department.
um the community focused. I mean, again, if you want to see the definition of community policing, spend some time with Todd Franklin. I mean, he he is he is a community first police officer, you know, um and and I hear it from people
all over town, you know, for all the guys on the force, you know, they we have a a wellrespected, well-liked police department. And uh you know that's that's something that that should be shouted as often as possible because
how many places do you go where the kids in town will tell you who their favorite police officer is? And when I say kids, I mean like teenagers, you know, most of them will tell you who their least favorite police officer is. But >> when you hear, "Hey, I I've got a favorite from the teenagers," that's
that's saying something. So kudos and and thank you. you know, I just I've really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know all the guys on the force and spend spend time working with you guys and it's just it's it's a blessing. So, thank you. >> Oh, thank you, >> Krie.
>> You know, I'm just so thankful for all of you guys and the work that you do and thank you for the time you put in to compile all this data. It's really interesting to see and I think it's good information for the community to take a look at and examine. Um, so if your children are out there causing problems,
reel them in so that we can get number one and take is it uh who's in number one? >> Oh, uh, >> I forget, but Elco's in two. So, we got to beat Elco. They, you know, commented on something, but >> they were tied for first. >> They were. See, so we got to step up our
game community. >> So, thank you again for all that you do. >> Money video. >> Yeah. >> Oh, man. Okay. >> And then Dayton and then South Lake Minnetonka. And then at number five for 2026, Blond's deal. >> That would be 25. It should be.
>> Yeah, >> it's 2076 rankings >> so far. >> Fresh hot >> all the fresh ones. Yeah, it's worth >> We went up a We went up one, right? >> It's good. >> So, thank you. >> Yeah. Oh, I saw that.
>> Tom sent me. >> That's why we're getting that display case. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> All your awards. >> Yeah. >> All right, Jamie. >> Well, like we just alluded to for 2026, you guys are brought us up to number
five with the tie at first place. So, technically maybe fourth. Um, you seem to have forgotten how long you've been with the force again this year. >> Yeah, it's not in there. >> Oh, I remember. No, it's been for me it's been since 2001.
>> Nice. Thank you. >> So 25 years this year. >> Yeah, >> we got to have a party. >> We do. We need to get another award for that case. >> Yeah. >> What is the annivers? >> But what's the anniversary day if you remember? >> January one.
>> Yeah. >> Dang it. We are >> right. >> Oh man. >> No, I think it's uh I started out part time. I think it was maybe October. >> We still have time to plan it. >> Yeah.
>> No, I'm good. >> No, I I I truly enjoy this community. I'm working for it and the people in it and the city staff that I work with. It's great >> and we appreciate anything else.
>> No, just thank you for everything you do for us. So, can we get this uh promoted through the uh social media platform for the RX box? >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Um I just wanted to get that out of the
way. So, we had heard during uh the apartment conversation about how, you know, well, it's great. we just hear about how uh dogs are missing or you
know there's a a noise that happens and I I get this a lot too is I I hear from a lot of people in the community and I I tell them all the time there's more that our officers do than just respond to blight or respond to loose dogs or
kittens or whatever it may be and this presentation shows I mean they are non-stop and they are busy and they are dedicated for the betterment of Lonel every single day. And I really commend all of you, Chief, everyone all the way
down to Candace for all the work and and all the care that you guys put in daily. And it shows every single year when you give these reports and it is a ton of work and I love the consistency that you guys have put in. Last year number six,
this year number five. I'd rather have that consistency than aim for just number one. While we aim for number one every single day, but u without you guys, we wouldn't we wouldn't be there, you know, and it's been such an honor to to even be a
liaison to the police department cuz getting to know you guys. I mean, it's been so great even to just help you guys out where I can and um you guys are very honest to the point and and always thankful to be working here and and I
truly appreciate it and I I know this community does too. So, I appreciate all the work that you put into this presentation. Um I really like the graphs now, this year's graphs. Oh, >> I think you had to have put some time
into that. It >> was AI, right? No, just kidding. >> I hate AI. Everybody knows that >> the uh the biggest issue is the distractions. You're trying to You know, you start this I mean I I probably start
this back in January, but you get distracted. >> Yeah. I call you and then was that distraction? just other things come up and then this just get gets put on the back burner and >> y
>> um so it's kind of a a little bit of a process to get everything put together. >> Maybe you could add a category next year of interruptions by Mayor Tom. >> I'm going to start a tally with interruptions from council member Miller. >> Go for it.
>> No. Um, I made a a joke to the and I said, you know, you guys made the top five, so, you know, that plaque's got to be just a little bit bigger, you know, and so we'll work on something. But thanks again, Chief, for for all you guys do and all the hard work you put in. >> No, thank you.
>> Appreciate it. Thank you to elected officials, city staff for all your help and uh you know the community, you know, kind of without all of us, you know, we don't get top six safest city or the top fifth safest city. So, >> yeah.
>> Well, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Chief. Consider approval of resolution 2026-23, a resolution accepting donations for the 2026 Founders Best Fireworks display. Cory Hanza Community Development Plan.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. One of the items uh the founders day committee has been tasked with is bringing back a fireworks uh display in 2026 to celebrate Lawndale's history and the 250th birthday of the USA. The city council approved the fireworks display quote in
the amount of 18,000 submitted by Res Pyro at the November 13, 2025 meeting. Since the last donations were accepted, the following organizations and businesses or residents have made a donation. Uh Mr. Mayor, at least three
checks came in today or uh came in this week and uh we just want to make sure that we're acknowledging and recognizing uh DSI uh in the amount of 1500, Heath Valley Farm in for 500, and then
association one. Um the second page of the report lists all the current uh uh businesses that have donated uh to the uh Founders Fest for fireworks. Um
to date uh the total was 8,700 in donations uh have been accepted by the city. The fiscal impact uh to the founders day committee fund is an additional 2500 uh in funding for the fireworks display
scheduled for July 3rd. So, Mr. Mayor, I'm asking you uh and the council tonight to approve this resol resolution so we can start recognizing these uh great local businesses. >> All right. Thank you, Corey. Brian, >> thank you to the businesses. Um, again
to all the the early donators. Um, you know, I'm I'm excited for where we're going with this. Um, and it's great to see that the community is really getting behind it as well and and um clearly in support of of what we're
we're looking to do here and bringing back some Fourth of July celebrations here in Lndale. It's going to be fun. I'm excited. >> All right, Gary. As you know, I'm super excited about this project and I am so
thankful, Corey, for you um getting the three-hour schoolhouse tour set up for us this week because I think that ignited some more spark um in the committee. I want to give a shout out to the committee members for all the work that they're doing behind the scenes again. Um I want to give a shout out to
Jamie for coordinating with peepers to get the land set up so we have a beautiful space to light these fireworks off at. I'm going to list off um the donors so far because we are grateful for you. Ldale Snow Wizards, Great Wrench, Macintoons, First National Bank,
Fransen Bank and Trust, Lndale Lions, Lonsdale American Legion, Dwayne's Body Shop, Dwayne's Auto Sales, Steel Wasa, Lndale Tool and Manufacturing, DSI, Heath Valley Farm, and Association 1. Thank you so much for being a part of
this historical event that will go down in history forever and ever. And I know we have a couple um donations that are committed but not paid yet. So that'll be exciting too to announce once we receive those. So anybody can give any amount. Um feel free to drop it off here
at city hall or mail it in. We're excited um to put this on and there's a lot of fun things that are going on. And I said peepers at the very beginning. >> Okay. >> I'll say it again. Thank you peepers for letting us use your land. We love it. Thank you.
>> All right, Jamie. Um, thank you to all the new people. Uh, too bad we couldn't thank DSI while they were still here earlier in the night. >> Yeah. >> Um, Heath Valley Farm. Um, some of you might not know this. That is actually my cousin. So,
>> I think he's dropping the gauntlet and challenging me now. So, I will have to talk to my dad about that. And then, thank you, Association One. >> Great Scott. Yeah, great to see so many uh uh contributing members of the
community and look forward to getting it all wrapped up here so we can have a fantastic July 3rd. >> As always, thank you for the business owners for donating to this amazing event. Um there is a check from
Fireman's Relief. It just got to got to get here. I think Joe and I got plans for that. Uh try to figure that out. Um, and then again, as always, thank you to the peepers uh for letting us use your land to to do this. I know the community is
excited. I entertain a motion. >> I will excitedly make a motion. >> All right. Excitedly. Motion by Miller. Second by Wormcersian. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. All right. On to other business tonight.
Uh, department and council reports. Mr. Jason Malikica, what do you have? >> Yeah, thank you. Thank you, mayor, and members of the council. Um, I'm going to keep it pretty short and sweet here. Uh, the only update I have is that we held our
pre-com today for the 2026 Milan overlay project and the contractor plans to start uh kind of early to miday uh which will be nice to complete the project early in the season. Um currently working through some submitts associated with that project
just so we can get everything in order and and ready for construction to start. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Jason. Joel, >> thank you, mayor and council. Um welcome aboard, Dick. We uh Joel and I held the seasonal interviews for the
other positions um for the next meeting recommendation. Um sweep street sweepers been out daily. The guys have been out getting the parks all ready to go. Uh TCU softball is underway. Um soccer fields are painted and set up and
they're practicing. Um parks are up and running, looking good. Hydrant flushing is scheduled for the week of April 20th. Uh look in the paper for those notifications. And on our website, as Jason said, we had the precon. Um I'm
excited to work with Valley Paving this year. They seem like it's going to be a really good relationship with the the city. Um we are working on the MXU installations. Um televising bids are due tomorrow. I will also be bringing that to the next
city council meeting. And we had our CPA training um on Monday. So it was held here at city hall. That's all I got for you guys. >> Thank you Joel. Joel. >> Uh a few things. um held interviews for
police officers. I'm working on business development. Uh Corey and I attended the Rice County Economic Development meeting yesterday down at Farbo. Uh worked on the DSI agreement that was approved uh earlier in the meeting. We'll be attending the chamber networking event
at Lawndale Country Marketing the 14th. We have our safety committee meeting the 15th uh at the PD. We've got the uh precon, the pre-construction meeting for the Highway 19 roundabout on the 16th. Uh Lynette
Mo, our liquor manager, and myself will be attending the Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association conference uh next weekend. Uh as always, assisting others as needed. EDA meeting coming up next week. Um and then we'll be coordinating
with uh the chamber and mindot on uh applying for our detour to the detour for um community day. So sounding promising um fill out the application and just work on some signage.
Uh and then finally a couple big days here. Uh tomorrow is our public works director uh birthday. >> Woo. Happy birthday Joe. So, happy birthday, Joe. And then at uh Lynette Mo's birthday is this weekend as well. So, >> Oh, happy birthday, Lynette.
>> Man. >> All right. Thank you, Joel. Corey. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. The uh April 13th um park board and founders day committee agenda packets went out today. As I stated earlier, uh working with
technical methods incorporated, Justin Lau for his uh addition. So, we're uh working with uh our city engineer, public works director, city administrator. Uh we'll be bringing that forward to the uh April 20th uh planning
commission meeting. And just uh a reminder, um we do have the Arbor Day tree planting coming up on Friday, April 24th at JC Park at 1:00 p.m. >> All right. Thank you, Corey Scott.
Uh well, as Joel mentioned, uh safety committee will be meeting on Wednesday and EDA on Thursday. That's all I have to note. >> All right, Jamie. >> Um the planning and zoning meeting is on April 20th. Um first off, we're going to
have a sign ordinance public hearing and then we're going to review uh go over it and get it ready for council. After that, we're going to be reviewing the land use application and site plan for TMI. And I've been keeping this quiet
because I found out earlier this week, we are going to be working on interim ordinance 2026 342, which is prohibiting the location, establishment, and operation of data centers in the city of Lndale. >> Woo.
>> That's all I've got. >> Sorry, I'm excited about that. Can I get a copy of that? >> Yes. >> Okay. For sure, Mr. Mayor. >> I'll send you my input. Send that as well. >> Yeah, if you could send it to all council, we'll we'll get some input
going. >> Um, >> yes, >> Curry. >> All right. So, first I want to give a shout out to Joe and the public works. Thank you so much for prepping the fields, especially the soccer fields on behalf of TCUSC. Thank you very, very much. I appreciate it. Um, and again,
thank you for all the work you do at JC Park, um, for the prep and, um, accessibility to the concession stand. On behalf of the Lions, thank you for all of that. And on behalf of the ambassadors, thank you so much for allowing us the use of JC Park for our annual Easter egg hunt. And April 4th,
we had that. And despite the weather, it was sle, ice, um, snow and rain and wind and cold, we had tons of kids, like over probably 300 plus kids come out to hunt Easter eggs in the field of JC Park. So, that was amazing and it's an awesome
community event. Brings people out. Um, and then on uh, April 22nd from 5 to 7, look for more info to come. community event for kids um at JC Park to celebrate Earth Day. Um some kind of seedling planting. We'll have more info
to come on that from the Lions. And then um as Corey stated earlier on the 24th of April from at 1:00 at JC Park, the Arbor Day tree planting. And then on May 2nd, it's a Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00 at the liquor store. They have the
spring tasting event. So make sure you support our community. Thank you. Thank you, Rain. >> Um, yeah, so Tuesday we had the liquor store meeting. Um, as Curry mentioned, May 2nd, 4 to 7:00 p.m. the summer spring into summer tasting event. It's
always a good time. Um, the staff over there does a great job putting that together. It's It's so welcoming. If you haven't been to one of the tastings at the liquor store, go. It's It's a great event. Um, they provide food. Um the
vendors are great. There's lots of great information, get to try things. It's it's a really good event. So, please take advantage of that. Go to that. Um uh EDA next week on Thursday, library board on Wednesday. Um you know, the ED
one of the big topics of discussion with EDA that uh we're going to be really kind of focused on for probably the next few months for sure is reviewing our our revolving loan. um that's that's kind of
come up to to a forefront for the EDA. Um you know, as I said with the domino thing, you get a shovel in the ground, the dominoes start to fall. Same thing tends to happen when you give out a loan because once you give out a loan, everybody wants to come and get a loan.
So, um we need to definitely take a look at that and long-term plan around it. So, more to come. >> All right. Thank you, Brian. Uh, where do I start? I just scribbled
all over this. Um, I attended a Fireman's Relief Association meeting on uh Tuesday, and it was great to see everything that they do uh to support not just our community, but surrounding communities. Uh, it was a lot of fun
being there. um police interviews with Chief, Sergeant Jack, Joel, Brian. Uh they're all great interviews and I'll be looking forward to Monday uh for another one. Um earlier today, I testified at
the state capital uh for House File 4077, which would ban elected officials, appointees, and staff from signing non-disclosure agreements. I was completely 100% in support of that house file. Um, thank you to Representative
Drew Roach for inviting me to be there to be able to speak. Um, one big item is and I'm pretty sure and pretty confident I can announce it, but um, couple of months ago we had submitted
the wastewater treatment facility improvement project uh, for the community fund project. Um, we ended up getting selected by Angie Craig and and her team and staff and the total amount that we had applied for was 2.5 million
off of a project that was, you know, we're still getting the final final numbers, but it was right around 10 million. Um, I'm excited to see where this goes and I really want council to understand that this needs to happen.
Um, we need to make sure that uh we get this wastewater treatment facility um done and done right. Um, not just Band-Aid. Um, I appreciate all the work that Jason Malikica and also uh Joe
Dormfeld have put into the to all of it. um along with Jordan Plots and then also of course Joel and I'm sure Corey got involved somewhere with it too. But uh appreciate both of you
and hopefully knock on wood we end up getting it appropriated. So um no new news with the bonding bill quite yet uh for the water tower. Um still kind of waiting in that. Hopefully we figure out something soon. and they're starting to talk about it right now in committees.
So other than that, I have nothing else to add. So our upcoming meetings are April 30th at 7 p.m. and May 14th at 7 p.m. So um I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> Motion by Miller.
>> Second. >> Second by Palava. Any further discussion? >> All in favor? >> All opposed. All right. We are now adjourned at 8:53 p.m. Have a good night.