Call this meeting to order. I'll rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. There is just one addition to the agenda and that would be 7A under old business Verizon contract. Can I get a motion to approve the agenda? >> So move second. >> All in favor say I.
>> I opposed. Motion is carried. >> Um we are on open form if anybody would like to come up and speak. Okay. Approval of the minutes. Approve of the bill's purchase order. Approval of the investments. There's a couple uh
donation resolutions. Resolution number 2025-51, a donation in the amount of $1,000 from Sharon Finan to the Merrell's Fire Department for new or updated equipment. Another one, resolution number 2025-53,
donation and amount of $1,500 from the Merrell's Lions to the Merrell's Chamber of Commerce for uh uh the commence holiday kickoff. And then there's a resolution for designating polling place community development direct step increase land
lease I94 park industrial park and there's pay number one for the 2025 street improvement. If there's any questions, can I get a motion to approve? >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> Oppos. Motion carried. Reports. Chief
MS. >> Good evening. October 2025 in our traffic area, we had 41 citations, 125 verbal warnings, and two written warnings. Uh in 2025, we had 361 calls or requests for service. Last year was 280. Uh we ended on ICR 2988 and last
year's 2827. So about 161 calls of request over last year and we're still in the double digits but uh 10 agency assist calls for uh the month of October. Uh nothing major happening within the department but want to make the public aware the holiday kickoff is
coming for the day after Thanksgiving. Plenty of things going on downtown and around the city. Um parade will be its normal time 7:30. Um we're just asking that people especially from the four-way towards the east not be parking in that area for the parade for safety of
everybody and we'll have it marked as well. But uh weather's looking favorable. So hopefully we have good numbers or even increases like we've been seeing over the years and nobody lose any fingers and toes the way it's looking at this point. So any questions? >> 30°. >> Do you think you could just uh touch on
like the snow, you know, we've been talking about? >> So there's been some discussion about the the odd even park and the snow and whatever else. Um, we are doing a big focus on 24-hour parking. Anybody that's on the street for longer than 24 hours needs to be moved, those sorts of things. And with the snow coming at some
point, um, it's definitely something we want the residents to be very cognizant of. Um, it is difficult to find places to park. But even if it's just moving it from one side of the street to the other every 24 hours or sooner, it's a massive relief to our street department when they do have to come out and plow. And
it's maybe just a habit people start to get into. Granted, if we're not getting snow every day, people kind of get lackluster on it. But, um, we want to make sure that that's happening as best we can and then we don't have to be as concerned about when the snow flies. It's not as big of a concern or habit
that people are into. We'll keep an eye on it, see how it goes, and we don't have maybe put in more restrictions, but the goal is to have the streets cleared and safe driving lanes. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Community development director Sheila. >> So, I have several action items tonight. Um, the contamination investigation grant with DED was submitted last week and we're working on small cities and local road improvement. Small cities goes in next week and local road
improvement is due by December 1st. Um, so I want to thank everyone who's been writing letters of support for these applications. We also continue to work on ideas for the daycare challenges and it's been really nice. There's some individuals in town really passionate about this
project and so those discussions are continuing about possible sites, possible nonprofits and how this could work. And MATA has been spending time talking about properties that are for sale for lease and encouraging projects and good fits. They also launched a Facebook page um which has been really
successful in terms of highlighting the work that MATA does housing um the rehab loan program and so um that's been going really well. been getting messages through the Facebook page saying, "Hey, can you tell me more about your programs?" And that was really our goal and so we're happy about that and
otherwise you'll see me back for other agenda items. Thank you. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh Colleen, you're going to do the city engineer report? >> I am. So, uh worked with staff to put together the budget for the 26 through30 um capital improvement plan. The biggest
change was a reduction in cost for county road 13 cost share that was originally in the budget. After consulting with Sterns County, the city's cost will be limited only to concrete, curb, and gutter repair and pedestrian ramp improvements. So, we
went from a pretty significant cost and the conservative estimate now is right around $100,000. So, that's a very big savings for us and that's a project that will take place in 28 or 29, I believe. The other thing that we have been discussing is sort of
um between Main Street and I94 and the west side of town. We've have several streets over there that will be part of a multi-year effort to improve those neighborhoods. So, there's utility needs and other types of things. So, we're starting to
plan for that. And I have one other item from an engineer standpoint later in the agenda. >> All right, sounds good. Finance Director Jackie. Good evening, Mr. Mayor and Council. I'll be pre be providing an overview of
the city's financial results for the third quarter of 2025, including how our revenues and expenditures are tracking, where our net position stands, and a few important highlights from our other funds. Maybe >> revenues are coming in as expected and
investment income continues to outperform our budget which is stren strengthening our year-to-ate position. Expenses fluctuate across categories but overall spending is still below budget which reflects solid cost control across departments. Our net position is
slightly lower than last year mainly due to lower building permit activity and one-time grants we we received last year. We expect this to improve in the fourth quarter once the second half property taxes and the final LGA payment come in.
This chart gives an overview of the year-to-ate general fund revenues and illustrates how each category is performing relative to the budget and prior year collections. Now that we've looked at revenues, let's move to the expenditure expenditure side of the general fund. Admin and finance
is at about 68% of its annual budget, which is right where we expect by the third quarter. Public safety is at 58% which is slightly under budget for this point in the year. Public works is tracking right on target at about 68% spent. Parks and wreck is higher at
about 84%. This is expected because of the many of their seasonal costs occur earlier in the year. Planning and development is at about 65% also in line with third quarter expectations. Next, I want to highlight where we stand in terms of net position heading into
the final quarter. Despite timing differences, our overall f financial position remains solid heading into year end. Before wrapping up, I want to touch on a few notable highlights from our other funds outside the general fund. The MATA fund continues to be supported by the
annual transfer from the general fund and is benefiting from strong investment income this year. Capital projects show a higher net income year-to- date due to the county reimbursement we received for the street project. Fire charges are performing very well. Revenues have
already reached 112% of the annual budget by the end of quarter 3 and ambulance operations are running higher than budgeted on the expense side, but net income remains above prior year levels due to strong revenues. Looking ahead, there are several
priorities we'll continue monitoring to ensure we end the year in a strong financial position. We'll continue closely to closely monitor expenditures across all departments to ensure spending stays aligned with budgeted expectations. We'll review the
investment portfolio to balance both yield and liquidity, especially with interest rate changes and upcoming cash flow needs. We'll be watching ambulance run volumes and evaluating capital needs for fire and police to ensure equipment and staffing remain properly supported.
Um and finally the significant year end inflows property taxes LGA and other revenues will strengthen fund balance as those are recognized in quarter 4. Any questions? >> No. Thank you.
>> Thank you Jackie. City administrator report. >> So the following departments have had new hires. Water wastewater. Uh Spencer Notch has been hired as the water weight wastewater maintenance worker and will begin um his employment on December 1st.
In the electric department, Jake Molner has been hired as an apprentice line worker and Jake started this week. Justin Lunblad through anou will be assuming um some of the supervisor duties are being put in a lead line role
position. Um we do not we advertised and did not end up hiring an electric supervisor. So that continues to be an issue that we are trying to resolve long term but we hope to hire another actually we have hired another
apprentice line worker his name is Cole um and he will be starting mid December and then we will continue our supplemental services agreement with MRS for one day a month. Patty has retired um as our city clerk.
She was our longtime city clerk. She was with us for 20 years. She certainly is somebody that we are greatly going to miss. Um and now that we have actually advertised and have received those the deadline closed
for getting those applications and to date we have 20 20 people applied for that position. So, we're starting to go through the TNES and our hope is that we can um do complete interviews next week.
We have met with ASME um which is the street and admin union. It's a newly formed union and we've met with them a couple times. The biggest thing when you have a new contract with a new union is you really want to get that language right the first time out of out of the
gate so you don't have issues later. So, um, Tony and Eric serve on the ad hoc committee and they've they've, uh, put in time, a lot of time, um, dealing with these negotiations. So, we will just continue to work on them. And then I
have a couple other things, Mr. Mayor, on the council later on. >> All right. >> Are they uh, close to being journeyman or they right out of school? >> No. Um, they are not right out of school. So both of them have one has over 4,000
hours and one has over three. >> It takes six. >> It takes eight >> 8,000. >> Yep. Um so and one of them is through like four of his books. So >> but they have um
we typically can just hire a journeyman. It's really hard. It's very difficult just to get one. Yeah. So, you know, getting an apprentice is not necessarily a bad thing because then we can teach them what we need to and that type of thing. And then we have a partnership with MMUA to to do the additional
training. So, >> thank you. >> We are on action items. I am actually really excited about this proclamation we're doing for Mr. for Blake Elliott, the child I watched grow up breaking
windows, having his parents scream and yell at him all the time, is making it into the college hall of fame. So, we are doing a proclamation which Sheila has um head this up and I would like her to read the first part.
>> So, whereas on December 9th, 2025, Blake Elliott will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame at an awards ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada. Whereas Elliot graduated from Melrose High School in 1999. Whereas Elliott began his football
career playing backyard games at Stevie Field on Riverside Avenue and on the field at Melrose High School. Whereas Elliot is a threetime first team all my selection who led St. John's University to three MAK titles. He holds the NCAA
record for all divisions of college football with a record of 47 games with a reception. He ended his career ranked second in D3 history for both receptions and touchdown receptions with marks respectively ranking second and third
across all divisions of college football. His career receiving yards and all-purpose yards rank fourth and fifth respectively in D3 history. He also holds the NCAA playoff record for receptions in a tournament with 41 and
the longest punt return at 89 yards. He holds 26 school records at St. John's University, including career yards, touchdown receptions, 100yard receiving games, career punt return yards, punt touchdown returns, and all-purpose
yards. Elliot now becomes the first St. John's University player to ever enter the College Football Hall of Fame. And whereas as a two-time first team all-American, he claimed the 2003 Galardi Trophy as the best player in
division three while leading St. John's to a national title and claiming MVP honors at the Stag Bowl. He was a finalist in 2002 for the Galardi Trophy and a two-time MAK Player of the Year. Elliot helped St. John's University
earned playoff births all four years of his college career, including the national title in 2003, back-to-back semi-final appearances in 2001 and 2002, and national runnerup in 2000. Whereas Elliot will forever be
immortalized at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Now therefore, I, Joe Finen, mayor of the city of Melrose, on behalf of the city council, do hereby proclaim December 9th, 2025 as Blake Elliott day.
In witness whereas whereof I have here under sent my hand and caused to the fix the official seal of the city of Melrose this day 20th of November 2025.
I am really excited to give this to you Merritt the mother of of Blake. Um it's a welldeserved long time coming for him. So on behalf of us, please congratulate Blake. I will give him a call here soon. I was just wondering if we could take a
picture with you with this >> there. Okay. Well, here we can come out over here. Whatever. It doesn't matter. >> Yeah, we could use that too. Here we go. >> Yeah. >> Why don't you come over here?
All right. >> Hopefully he likes this little >> Sure. >> She's very proud to be from Melrose. >> Yeah. >> My brother always said horsemener and everyone smiled. We should have done
that. >> This is for you. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Yeah. >> And we won't make you stay for the rest. >> You got one more >> chair. >> We won't make you stay for a whole meeting if you don't.
>> There we go. >> Yeah. Right. >> All right. So, we are on action item B um the cup 10-25-403 um cup requesting for solar roofing
materials. >> Much less exciting stuff. The Melrose Planning and Zoning Commission acting as the Board of Adjustment and Appeals held a public hearing on Monday, October 27th for the purpose of giving consideration to a solar shingle system on parcel
number 66.37141.0010. My staff memo was attached in your packet and the affidavit of publication was included. There were conditions placed on the permit by planning and zoning including an approved building permit and interconnect agreement. Both of those things have been received from
the company who is doing the work. Um, this property is near Coburn's. Um, what makes it somewhat unique from other solar properties is the solar system is only going to be on one side and it's going to be regular shingles on the other. So, it's going to look slightly different. Um, solar shingles
are a fairly new product. So, the action item we are asking for tonight is the council to consider the recommendation of planning and zoning to determine whether to grant the conditional use permit on the parcel for a solar roofing system. >> All right. Is there any questions?
>> Fire Chief Body. Fire Chief Buddy. Do you have any concerns with safety with with uh electrified? >> Uh not to be put on the spot. I don't this first time I've heard about this. So, I'm going have to do a little research on this. I know solar panels are concerned. that we like to discuss,
but um I guess I'd like to maybe do a little research and see what kind of concern I don't. >> Okay. >> So, can I get a motion to approve? >> So, move. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion carried.
>> Resolution number 2025-54 supporting the small cities uh development program application. As mentioned last month and a little earlier in my report, we have been working on a small city's development program preliminary proposal, uh 250
surveys were distributed to homes in order to be more effective than just dropping them in the utility bills. They were handd delivered to 210 houses on a Saturday morning. That was fun. Um as well as social media marketing. Uh the results of the survey have been reviewed and there is strong interest in the
program. Sterns County HR has agreed to administer the program and support the full application if we are chosen to submit a full app. Right now, we are looking to submit the preliminary proposal showing a need and proving viability as a city that we could do the
program. So, tonight I'm asking the council to consider resolution 2025-54 supporting the small cities development program application. >> Can I get a motion to approve? >> Second. >> All in favor say I. I >> opposed. Motion carried.
Snowblower purchase. Mr. Andrew. >> Good evening. So, I'm here tonight to ask a move forward with the replacement of the 2007 snowgo snowblower. Uh scheduled for 2026. Um
I receive went through the state contracting. We received one from McQueen for new D40 snowblower. I'm requesting that we purchase before the contract expires because we're anticipating 18% increase after the contract expires. Uh
>> little insight 2020 the quoted price for a new snowboard was 155,500. Last year it was 218,000 and you see in front of you that it's now 220,000. So we've been kicking it down the road. I think it's time to move
forward and just hit the board at this point and we have to make make a choice to do it. be as expensive as a ladder truck pretty soon. >> Kind of a thing we need, but >> in budget, right? >> Yeah, it's budget part. >> It's actually we budgeted for it. 258,000 in the >> We just want to
>> We just want to give it on reserve so we can get it before the contract runs out. So, >> all right. >> I'll make a motion. >> We got a a motion and a second. >> Second. >> All right. Bar say. All in favor say I. >> Oppos. Motion is carried. >> Thank you.
>> Thanks. 6E. According uh to the fire department policies, officers, terms expire every two years. The term uh will expire January 1st, 2026. Therefore, applications for chief, first assistant chief, second assistant chief
uh training officers were accepted from October 1st to the 15th. Uh Chief Tom Buddy was the only one applicant for the chief position. Therefore, interviews were not conducted uh by administrator Winter is recommending that Chief Woody be reappointed as fire chief for the
appointments of the years 26 and 27. Uh can I get a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Go ahead. >> Second. We should allow him time at the forum if he wants to say anything. He is just have to be present. >> All right. >> Okay. Those first and second. All in
favor say I. >> Oppos. Motion carried. Um but thank you chief for reapplying. Um you've really done a lot of great things for our fire department and um glad you're there at the helm. >> Thank you guys. >> All right. Then lighting equipment for
squad car. >> Uh yes in front of you. Uh there should have been at least two quotes presented to you. Uh DTM police services is who we have been using um for several years now. We're comfortable with them. They are the lower um quoted price. The other
end of other company that we did go with um has been trying to earn the business almost to the point of trying to negotiate a contract or ne negotiate prices. I didn't think that was fair based on quoting practices and processes. Um but they're eager to earn our business. So maybe in the future
that happens, but um labor cost was part of the difference in the pricing as well as equipment. Pretty apples to apples, but um some things cost more on one side than the other. Indiana DTM has a more favorable price for the equipment to go into the next car. Recommend.
>> All right. I get a motion to approve the DTM fleet services in the amount of $15,37162. >> So move. >> Second. All >> in favor say I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Tri County Humane Society contract. Over the past several years, animal
shelters have not been able to accommodate the housing of stray or impounded animals. The Tri County Humane Society offers these services. Um, we're fortunate they do because a few years ago when we had CO, we did not have a choice. So, this would be the second year that we would be signing a contract
with them. We have not taken advantage of them yet. We haven't had to use them. Um, we've had pretty good success in the strays getting taken care of just by people picking them up or whatever. So, but it's there if we need to, right? So, I would recommend that the council give
consideration approving the Tri County Humane Society contract. >> All right. Can I get a motion to approve? >> Move. >> Second. In >> favor, say I. >> I. I. >> Motion carry. >> Resolution number 2025-55, resolution approving uh the final
acceptance of the sidewalk. Sir. >> Yep. Mindad has requested a formal resolution. And it was the sidewalk that was actually done a couple years ago on front of the school. They just need us to do a final resolution. >> All right. Can I get a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second. All >> favor say I.
>> Oppos. Motion carried. >> And then we are on to uh 7A which would be the Verizon contract. So, at the last regular city council meeting on October 24 3rd, sorry, the council directed myself and city attorney Krueger to
draft a counter offer offer to Verizon. If you'll recall, they submitted what was called a cell tower lease optim optimization letter to us basically stating that they wanted our rent to go from what it is now down to um 30,000.
and we said that's not something we're necessarily interested in looking at. Uh we want to stay with the 5-year lease that we have and then see what we can negotiate beyond that. So that was the direction we were given. So the counter
that we provided to Verizon was 41,250 per year and that would not commence until 112030 and then the new rent escalator would be 3% every year. Um, after that additional renewal terms
would be six additional five-year renewal terms. Well, we received the counter from Verizon and they are saying this is their best and final offer on the rent reduction. So, they would do $35,000 annually starting in January
2030. They are willing to keep the annual escalator at 3%. They would like one initial five-year term with six five-year renewal terms. In talking with um council member Nihoff, we talked
about this and you know obviously being in the industry and everything, Verizon is doing this everywhere and um just based on and they're pretty serious about it. Um, so I don't know if other communities just haven't asked or how
they've negotiated it, but we feel that this probably is the best we're going to get from them and we're able to keep the existing lease that we have for 5 years, which is a $75,000 incoming money that um had we gone with
just 30,000 a year would wouldn't have it. So, I would say my recommendation would be we probably take their counter. Guys, want to open it up for discussion? We certainly can. I was going to find,
let me see, Mark, I know you sent this to me, so I got to find it. I was going to find the information from um here we go. So in visiting with the senior sales manager and at our big he thought Verizon was serious about vacating the
tower if we don't reduce our lease rate. Um there Verizon is going through a huge cost cutting initiative right now and is laying off some 15,000 employees. So based on the conversation Mark had with their senior salespeople, they're trying
to cut costs wherever they can. um knowing kind of what they're doing, he doesn't he believes that they're not bluffing. This is this is what they're trying to do. So, I believe that this is probably the best deal we're going to get.
>> Mike doesn't have a crystal ball, but he does have a pretty good pulse on the industry. I tend to believe him on that. So, >> that that'd be my thought, too. We take it, but >> kind of Yeah, it might be. You know, on the on the flip side, you play devil's
advocacy, you go, where would they go? >> They would go to the small towers is what they're saying. >> Oh, that's what they're saying. >> The neighborhood. >> Yeah, the little neighborhood. Yeah, >> they got to buy buy land or whatever for them, too. And probably need a lot more
of them, but probably get more capacity also. I mean, that's that's not a cheap solution for them either. But on the flip side, if you look at sell service, it's actually gotten cheaper. >> So, I don't know what the profit margins are. I haven't looked at Verizon, but I
know their stock has been down in the last 5 years. So, I get it. I'd rather secure a deal that we're going to get be sure to have somebody up there making the 35,000 a year. Um because I don't know who else we could
rent it to the space up there. Not a whole lot. I mean, T-Mobile's I don't know if they're big in this area or not, but >> we have to ask T-Mobile. >> We have a deadline. We have a deadline on this January 1st or
>> so we could research till next meeting if we wanted to. >> I don't know how much. >> Who wants to call T-Mobile? >> What? >> Who wants to call T-Mobile? >> We already They're on the other tower. >> Oh, they are. Yeah. They're in here, too. >> Yeah. So,
>> and their lease is much less than Vis. So, >> okay. Sounds good. >> So, we should move. Personally, I think we should just move forward. >> Yeah, we can do that. >> You agree with that? We need a motion for this or do we put it on? >> Yes, we do. >> Okay. I'll make a motion >> to approve the terms as presented by the
second. All All in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Opposed. >> Motion is carried. Okay. Random new business council to review and discuss the 2026 uh meeting schedule for any possible changes. >> I don't think we have any. Just keep in
mind that in January we will have two meetings instead of the usual one because we'll have our organizational meeting as as well as um you know the regular regular meeting. So um yeah, I think we're fine.
>> Okay. anformational item utility lady commission meeting minutes. Unless there's anything else, >> I have one more item just as a reminder and I sent this to you earlier today. Originally, we were going to have a joint meeting with the council and the PUC on December 8th at 5:15. That
meeting has been changed to 5:45. Fingers crossed we can get it started at 5:45. And the reason we did that is because we're we have engineers presenting um at the PUC meeting and we're looking at our budget then. So a half hour meeting simply wasn't enough.
I don't know if an hour is going to be enough, but um anyway, so we're having the joint meeting at 5:45 just I mean you certainly can come anytime, listen to the PUC and what's going on. Um we're looking at engineering for wastewater. So that's where we're at. I have nothing
else, sir. >> All right. Nothing else. Can I get a motion to adjourn this meeting? So >> second. >> All in favor say I. >> Oppos. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.