Call the meeting to order. All 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. >> Roll call. Members are present. Approval of the agenda. Are there any changes? Council have anything? Do I have a motion to approve the minutes or the agenda? >> Motion to approve.
>> Motion by Joel. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Brad. Call the question. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Five in favor, none against. Approval of the minutes of the July 1,
2026 regular meeting. I'll receive them in your packet. Is there any corrections? Or questions? I just have the one in the beginning in the call to order. Um it says Mayor Council Member Koski was
absent. I know, but >> But I'm not the mayor. >> But he's not the mayor, Council. Maybe not yet. Is there any other changes or corrections? Okay, do I have a motion to approve the minutes with that change?
>> Motion to approve. >> Motion by Heidi. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Joel. Call the question. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Five in favor, none against. This now brings us to our
public open forum. Is there anyone here that would like to speak to the council? Is there anyone here that would like to speak to the council? Call a third time. Is there anyone here that would like to speak to the council? Seeing no one, our public open forum is
now closed. We have no public hearings. We'll move on to reports and presentations. 6A Police Department monthly report. >> Good evening, Mayor and Council. Uh if you look at the June 2026 activity report,
uh total of 998. Kind of right on average, kind of what we expect for uh June, July, and August. We're on that thousand mark. Um only ones that kind of stick out to me a little bit, uh 18 juvenile problems, but that's also again kind of to be expected. Um we're
just dealing with a little bit more of the juvenile stuff at night. Actually, it's been more during the day as of recent, just minor stuff. They're just kids being kids, but some people are a little more picky than than others. Um when you look at uh the thefts, uh
looking back, we had a rash of thefts in June, but they were they were they're online. So, like we're getting We're having people come in that are basically getting scammed. Theft by swindle, be it Marketplace or online purchasing. Um some of them up from amounts up to
$58,000. Um we were able to reverse some of those. Um and then we had some calls uh coming into our office where another online where someone set up a fake business and a car dealership in town, and people from around the
country, Kentucky, Louisiana, and I think I think one in Kansas, where they all sent over $55,000 a piece to this company in on Lincoln Street. Uh So, really not our
not much we could do because the the website said it was off of Lincoln Street in Sauk Centre. The it looked legit. But, the money they transferred went to I think it went to California. So, we were getting we we assisted with some agencies with kind of helping as much as we could with that.
But, we just saw a big uptick in online theft stuff. Uh If people get to us early enough, the nice thing is we're a lot of times we're able to get some or all their money back. Other times, if it's too far back well, it just gets tough for us. So, we are seeing a lot of that. We're trying
to do some education as far as beware what you're doing online cuz it's tough for us to when we get it a week later, it's tough for us to start digging back. We have some tools to do it, but it it's tricky. It's just a tricky thing for us and for anybody. Um
The the traffic and the Friday and Sunday traffic is still been interesting in town. Especially that July 5th we just had that Sunday. That got pretty wild. Uh I've been coming in and helping on Sundays just the during those peak hours to try to help with that and slow people down.
Um Coming up here, you know, we have the Sinclair Lewis Days. You'll see us out doing a bunch of extra work for that. Um We got a bunch of guys coming in to help with that. Last night I met with the Fair Board and just talked to them about the upcoming fair expectations and
things that we can help each other out as far as that goes, too. But, overall, the summer's been going pretty good. As far as park issues, we haven't had any serious vandalism yet in the park, which is always a bonus. Um We're doing a good job keeping track of that night. There's been a couple small
things, but nothing significant. So, pretty good June to start the summer. Any questions or concerns on >> Questions? Comments? Okay. thank you. >> Public works report?
>> Ben. >> Good evening, Mayor and Council. This past month, from our June storm, we had some tree damage from the high winds. Uh there were some broken branches that were still hanging in the trees. Once the leaves finally died on those, they were easier to see and we got all those removed.
Preparation in the park and streets for Synco de Mayo days, which started today. Everything was mowed, shelters were washed, sidewalks were cleaned and edged, along with a lot of other various tasks that need to be done for that event to prep for it. Uh the fountain in the park gets cleaned weekly.
Splash pad, we had a chemical pump tube fail this past weekend. We were able to repair that right away. Otherwise, just normal maintenance there and everything is working. Middle park, we removed all the old playground mulch in the four areas that uh have it there and we laid down 125 yd
of new mulch back into those areas. Those will be good for a couple years again. We removed brush in several places along the shoreline in the front park and we also cut back branches along the sidewalks throughout that park as well. The Sand Pro needed a minor repair to the motor. That was done in our shop.
And the new trees that were planted earlier this summer, those are all being watered weekly to keep them alive and healthy. Uh in the street, we had two storm sewer repairs that were completed. There were some catch basins that were leaking, um causing a small sinkhole to open in the tar and then subsequently wash a lot
of the gravel from the street down into the catch basins. So, two of those are are repaired and good to go again. The fuel tank project is nearing completion. We're just waiting for the electrician to wire everything right now. Once he gets there and does that, then we can have that up and operational. Several street signs were
replaced, uh such as some stop signs and street name signs. We installed the final mailbox in at Author's Edition. Uh we had several pieces of equipment that were due for service, so we completed those maintenance items on them. The street sweeper made another pass
across most of the streets in town. Um certainly everything that correlates with Sinclair Lewis Days was hit hard, and then other areas that were in need were done as well. The senior center, our guys painted the faded blue steel on the exterior of the building. It is now black, and I think it looks a lot more respectable. I think
it turned out good. And the parking lot project up there is still looking like early August to get started. Out at the airport, there is a car show and like a plane plane ride thing going on this weekend on Sunday. So, we've just been working on getting the grounds ready for that. Um we got to move barricades and
tables and garbage just out there for them to help with that event, so. Just a lot of lot of different little things happening across town for us lately. Any questions I can answer? >> Questions? Concerns? I know the senior center looks really
nice painted that. >> Yeah, it turned out good. >> It really makes it stand out. It looks good, so. >> good to get that done. >> Good job on that, so. Okay, thank you. >> Thanks. >> Planning Commission report? Sarah? >> Good evening. In your packet, you have a copy of the
Planning Commission agenda. We did have three public hearings, which are action items a little later on your agenda. And you have a copy of the building permits for April, May, and June. So, April of 2026, um we issued 26 permits for a total construction value of 1.03
million. A year ago, we issued 19 permits for 1.09 million. Uh during the month of May, 25 permits were issued. And the valuation was 380,000. And a year ago in May, it was 830,000.
And then in the month of June, we issued 35 permits at 1.2 million in construction value. And a year ago in June, it was 11 permits for only 908,000. And we have a copy of each month of the building permits. Do you have any questions for me?
>> Nope. Okay, so that's >> Thank you. >> Airport board? Vicky? >> So, the airport board met in regular session on Wednesday, July 8th. So, they they meet every other month. And they did review the results of the FAA consultation for the land acquisition
grant submittal. And so, we went through that. And then, since that, which was last week, then we've been able to gather I had to gather 31 signatures. And that's like a 600-page documentation right here. We And we got that all submitted off to the FAA in advance of
the deadline. So, that's good. So, we should be issued that grant. They'll probably issue it sometime in September. So, maybe by October we'll be able to get some reimbursement for that project. We also reviewed the punch list items for the box hanger project. It's not quite done
yet, but we will be utilizing that building for the air show. Or the fly-in car show, not an air show. And then, we did look at the CIP for available funding for future projects. And then, that next day the city got selected for a state only
70/30 grant for some seal coat crack fill out at the airport, which is good. And then, we did talk about the upcoming 5010 inspection because there's a the farm is kind of encroaching on the one side of the runway that will probably get they'll they'll probably talk to us about that.
And then, like Ben said, just the items remaining for the fly-in car show that they were talking about. And several of the members of the airport board will be actually volunteering at that event. So. >> Questions? Concerns? Okay, then we'll move on to action
items. 7A, approve agreement for geotechnical services. >> So, we did seek proposals for the geotech soil borings. There's actually going to be 43 soil borings for the Trunk Highway 71 phase one project. We did get two proposals, one from Braun
Intertec for $23,322, and the other from ITT Independent Testing for $20,030. So, based on those bids, we're recommending that we enter into the agreement with ITT for these services. >> Okay. Questions? Concerns?
I thought the state was taking care of all the boring. >> This is Highway 7 This is the Trunk Highway phase one, which was our side streets. >> Oh, the side streets. Okay. All right. Any other questions? Do I have a recommendation?
Motion. >> I'll make a motion to enter into the agreement with ITT Independent Testing. >> I'll second that. >> Okay, we have a motion by Joe, seconded by Scott. Any other discussion?
Call the question. All those in favor, signify by saying "Aye." >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed? Abstentions? Motion carries, five in favor, none against. 7B, approve resolution 2026-48 authorizing sale of excess equipment.
>> So, the fire department listed an obsolete signboard on the Min Bid on Min Bid online sales website for disposition. The successful bidder is Black Squirrel Properties LLC for $267. So, we're looking to approve resolution 2026-48
accepting the bid for that equipment. >> Questions? Concerns? Or do I have a motion to approve resolution 2026-48? >> Motion to approve. >> Motion by Heidi. Do I have second? No second. Second by Brad.
Call the question. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Abstentions? >> I. >> I. >> Motion carries three in favor, none against, two abstentions. 7C, approve resolution 2026-49
authorizing variance for Kolkoski. >> So, the Planning Commission, acting as the Board of Adjustment, conducted public hearing on July 8th to consider the request of Austin L. Kolkoski for a variance from the setback requirement from an alley to allow the construction of addition to an attached garage at
10-ft setback. The property is located at 506 Lakeshore Drive. The required setback from the alley is 20 ft when a door greater than 36 in wide wide opens onto that alley. So, there would be a garage door from the alley, and so that is why he's here for this variance
request. The proposal is to allow an 18-ft by 16-ft addition to the rear of the existing garage. It would make a double deep garage, and it would have door access from each end. Due to the size of the lot, attaching to the side to create double garages is not feasible. Uh the existing storage shed
will be removed. And you can see I do have shaded in blue where that will be, and then you can also see the alley, and then of course the the surveyor did shade in the gravel portion of the alley. So, the Planning Commission recommends that the variance be granted. They do have the findings that are listed there,
and they do have some conditions that downspouts and gutters shall be directed to the rear of the lot. Uh no storm sewers shall be storm sewers shall be directed towards a neighboring property. No part of the garage shall be used for human habitation. And then of course the variance not used with within 1 year
would be a uh would be denied or would become void if he doesn't act on it within a year. And then of course if you were to deny this, then he couldn't reapply for 6 months. There's one additional thing that I'm noting that since I've done this staff report, if you see that dotted line that
goes down through that survey, that's actually an old easement that the city had when the sewer ran back there, and I would recommend that he pursue vacating the part of that easement that's under his structure because that could cause an issue in the future as an encumbrance
at a sale. So, it is I think it would be his best interest that we proceed with vacating that portion of the easement that is under the structure. And and we don't need that anymore because we've moved the sewer over. >> All right. >> Questions?
>> Is that request for vacation a separate item he'll need to do? >> Yep. >> We would have to We would have to do that as a separate item and cuz that would also require a public hearing in front of the city council. >> Okay. >> But should that be included as a condition? >> Uh that's up to you.
Cuz the city can proceed with doing that vacation on our own as well. >> Okay. >> Any other questions, concerns? Do I have a motion? >> I'll make the motion to approve uh the variance. >> Okay. Including all the findings and
conditions, I take it since planning commission's already approved them, so. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Seconded by Joel. Any other discussion? >> So, is that that that has nothing to do with the vacation of the easement?
No. >> No, not at this time. >> Okay. Okay. So, the easement will not be included. >> really in his benefit to do it, so I think that he would likely proceed with having us do that. >> Okay. >> It doesn't hurt us any to have it there. It just might be a future sale might be
an issue. >> Right. Okay. Any other discussion? I have a motion and a second. I'll call the question. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Abstentions? >> I.
>> Motion carries four in favor, none against, one abstention. 7D approve resolution 2026-50 authorizing variance Eisenbart. >> So, the planning commission acting as the board again conducted a public hearing on July 8th to consider the
request of Patrick J. and Jessica L. Eisenbart for variance in the road right-of-way to construct a 6 by 8.33 foot overhang over an existing landing and steps on the east side of their home. Uh the property is located at 714 Ash Street South. The required setback from
the road right-of-way is 30 feet. The existing landing steps are located 14 feet from the right-of-way. Uh the proposal would allow for the construction of the covered porch over that landing. The commission recommends that the variance be granted. Do you have the findings listed for you? They do have the condition that if they don't do it within 1 year, it would become
void. Uh if it is denied, they can't apply again within 6 months. That no part shall extend beyond the existing stairs. And it shall be constructed of material similar in quality and appearance to that of the main dwelling. So, if you've been by there and you see the front steps, this is basically posts
up and a and a roof over the existing. And this is resolution 26-50 granting this variance and the planning commission does recommend that that be granted. >> Okay. Questions? Concerns? Do I have a motion to approve the resolution 2026-50?
>> Motion to approve. >> Motion by Brad. I heard him first. And Scott second. Any other discussion? Call the question. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Abstentions? Motion carries
five in favor, none against. 7E approve ordinance 855 amending city code. >> So the planning commission conducted a public hearing on July 8th to consider an amendment to the city code that would allow residential short-term vacation
rentals in the C1 central business district except for the congested district. And the map that you have in there uh kind of shows which part of the C1 district is considered the congested district. Um the which is um from 6th Street South and the side streets from 6th Street South up to the dam. That's
kind of the area that is the C1 area. After deliberation, the the commission voted to recommend the amendment which would allow rentals by conditional use permit. So the the the backstory of this a little bit is that we did have an ordinary in that C1 district that has an
is an apartment on the back of their business and they wanted to rent it out a short-term rental, but we can't even she can't even apply for that conditional use permit or interim use permit because it's not an allowed use in that zoning district. So then staff brought that forward to the planning commission to
see if they would consider making that amendment to the city code and they recommended that amendment be made. And so that is ordinance 855 amending the city code to allow short-term rentals in the C1 business district except for the congested portion.
>> Okay. Questions? Discussion? I've got one. Oh, go ahead, Joe. >> I was just going to ask, so this will follow all the other same short-term rental as far as like how many are in that area and all those things too? >> Yes. So they would they would require an
interim use permit by us and then also a lodging permit from the county. >> Okay. Okay. Any other questions? I've got one. Would we be changing this if we didn't have somebody come walking in
asking to do it? >> Uh probably not. It probably wouldn't come on our radar. >> Can I add a little more to the backstory, Lauren. >> Well, the main the main thing I'm just thinking that I understand that they did the remodel and all this stuff, but usually there has to be a petition
brought forward to change city code. And rather than staff just bringing it to us so that person has to sites doesn't have to pay the $150 for the permit fee or the because
I don't think it's right. >> So, there's there's three different ways that things can come before you for an amendment to the city code. Someone can file a formal petition. Um the city council can recognize something they want changed, or another board commissioner or staff can see something in the code that they think likely
should be amended. Um for an for example, uh Chief Jensen had mentioned maybe we need to do some updates to our bicycle ordinance due to e-bikes. You know, we're not having a petition from anybody. That's something that's starting on staff level. This is similar to that.
Um this um what happened when we first did this um ordinance, which is is a pretty new ordinance, uh we just did residential districts you can do it. We didn't We thought we'll just keep it out of the commercial area. And then as time went on and we saw, you know, this
wasn't so many people taking advantage as we thought it was, so we thought it was okay maybe to open up more areas to it. >> I If I can from the planning and zoning, we did have quite a bit of conversation. We also looked at what other communities around were doing and um
it is being done uh by by other areas as well. And uh I think currently we have two licensed uh three now. >> have three. >> Three licensed um short-term rentals and just uh making more options for
it's not just one applicant, but we just felt it was uh a positive thing for the community as a as a planning and zoning commission as a whole. >> Okay. >> The only thing is I got worse out center. And I've had numerous people even on
this council say just because somebody else does it doesn't make it right for us to do it. So, it's like here we are making it a positive thing for how many people? One? >> Well, everybody in the big zone.
>> Well, I know, but I mean >> There's others >> It wouldn't have never got changed if we wouldn't have had staff in my opinion do a favor. >> I don't >> Yeah, I don't. I guess I don't know if I would see it that way, but that's that's
your decision. So >> Well, it I don't know. I've talked to the other I talked to the other board planning commission members. And they thought the same thing. But they said it was pretty much look like it was cut and dried.
And you were on that side and it was happening, so >> Um >> That's what I was told. So >> There was a full support of the of the >> It's because they said what good does it do to vote against it because of they would have been only one or two people. The majority was still on your side. So
>> It's interesting. Fine. >> I just think we didn't follow the protocol. It wouldn't have happened if we wouldn't have one person come in and ask about it. So
We can move on. It's you know Is there any other comments or anything on it? Um Do I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion to approve ordinance 855 amending city code as recommended by the planning and zoning commission.
>> Okay. >> I'll second. >> Seconded by Joel. Other discussion? Call the question. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? >> I. >> Abstentions?
Motion carries four in favor, one against. 7F, authorizing hiring list, police. >> So, Chief Jensen is just requesting that the city council authorize advertising or posting of a potential vacant position. Um, this is more like, um, having a hiring list. We don't have a
vacant position right now, but we just want to keep keep the word out there and have it available so that we're keeping in touch with everybody and have a hiring list to go to in the event that does happen. >> Okay. And we've done this before. >> Yes. >> Yeah.
>> The fire department does, too. >> It's kind of like the fire department does hiring lists all the time, as well. >> Right. Do I have questions? Concerns? Do I have a motion to authorize the advertisement of / posting of position? >> So moved.
>> Motion by Brad. >> I'll second. >> Second by Edie. Last-minute discussion? Call the question. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries five in favor, none against.
7G, approve bylaw amendment, Sax Center Fire Relief. >> Uh, the Sax Center Fire Relief has sent a request to the city to increase the annual pension benefit to 4,200 per year of service based upon the funding ratio and financial projections. I do have a copy of the request that talks about,
uh, the the value of their pension fund. And this would, even with that increase, even if the pension didn't increase this next year, it would still be enough to fund the increase in the pension. And I'm sure you've had the time to actually
look at the the detail request. And so, what the, uh, request of the council is just to ratify this bylaw amendment as presented. >> Questions? Concerns? I just have a couple questions um in regards to the
typically I think in the past they tried to be so much a year consistent year after year uh 50 to 100 or whatever it was. This is a big increase of 500. Is that um I know it goes by the funding. I I get all of that. Um there there just is no risk whatsoever of going that large
amount at one time. >> The only risk to the city is that if it started going backward, you know, really bad, and then they did a future report, there would, you know, there's always the potential of the relief or the city having to contribute back. I
mean, that has happened once in the in the past. It was quite a while ago now. Um when the market and everything fell. But um it's been pretty steady.
>> Have we been doing incremental increases annually or not for a while? >> We have been. >> We have been. And they're varying amounts. It just depends on >> 7-year period where there was nothing. >> What's that? >> There was a 7-year period of approximately that there was nothing. >> Okay.
All right, very good. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Any other discussion? Okay. I have a motion to ratify the bylaw amendment. >> Motion to approve. >> Motion by Heidi. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Brad.
Last minute questions? Call the question. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Opposed? Abstentions? >> I. >> Motion carries. Three in favor, none against, two abstentions. 7H, approve resolution 2026-52
accepting quote for grading archery range. >> So the city council pretty previously authorized quotes for grading for the installation of the archery range. Uh we advertised and they were opened on July 9th. We have the following results. We did have an option for the parking lot area. Um I think we probably will wait on the
parking lot area and do that sometime in the future after that road goes through in 2027. So we kind of fit that in then. Um but we do have the the bids came all the way from 13,434 all the way up to 71,200. So we had a wide range and they all have
the same specs. So that's interesting. Uh the funding is is uh proposed from the capital sinking fund park allocation. Uh we did have $19,000 in that for the purchase of land or some kind of improvement that's been sitting there. So that was where that funding would come from.
So we're going to look at the resolution 26-52 awarding that bid for the archery range uh to Ilgen Excavating. And then I want you to make the choice to include or not include. You know, we could do the bid and then have the option happen after the road goes in. You know, there's some
maybe Ben can elaborate a little bit more on that. >> Okay. Questions? Is there an issue if we don't include that right away, Ben, or is would it be better just to do it all so it's done so you guys can
continue on with it? >> Um it's not an issue. They're going to do the rough grading there anyways. That that option was to bring in all the class five place it, level it, and compact it. So that can easily be done at any point in the future. And it might make a little
more sense once the road is in to tie that in a little better. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. So if we were to approve that option now, they would I mean, would they stand behind that price and then not do the work until we get that road in? Is that kind of what we're thinking here? >> that it would increase next year. >> Yeah, I would That's what I would I
anticipation would be. >> What's the straight up to >> So, what do you recommend? >> I I would just do the base bid of 13,434 and just get all the grading done. And we do have dump trucks as well, so we can take care of the class five down the
road if that becomes a thing. So, that that's what I would do, but we just wanted to explore what that cost would be if we had them do it. >> All right. Makes sense. Okay. Any other concerns or questions?
Do I have a motion to approve resolution 202652? >> I'll make a motion that we go with Elgin Excavating just for the archery range and does not include the parking lot at this time. >> Okay. I have a motion by Scott. Do I have a second? >> I'll second.
>> Second by Heidi. Last minute discussion or questions? Call the question. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Abstentions? Motion carries, five in favor, none against.
Unfinished business, 2025 Birch Pine update. >> Okay. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Just give you an update on these three projects. Uh start with stop there at 2025 Birch and Pine. Uh the project is moving right along to to completion.
Um the start with the church the church area the concrete looks uh really nice in through there. The only thing left there is the railing and that's still scheduled for yet this week. So, that two more days hopefully be in in the next Thursday or Friday of this week for that. Uh if you would happen to go by
there today, the paving final wear course started today. So, that's going pretty well. About mm a third or maybe a little over the project was was got the wear course on today. They'll be back on Friday and then finishing up probably on a little bit on
Monday. So, it should be done by sometime Monday. It should all be for the paving. Uh all the concrete uh replacement removal type items are been completed at this point and uh contractor did a nice job on on doing those. Uh I got a few little minor things left. I know there's
a couple curb boxes that still need to get lowered and couple of things like that, but most most of that item is is done. Uh the last kind of big thing is the um the surface sealing on some of the areas that we had scaling and spalling on the on the concrete. Uh and
we are we have been working with the with the contractor to us to uh what we can do with that. We did as as I think I mentioned before, we did a couple test spots, uh three of them actually on on a product called a T2 product. It's a service and it kind of
bonds to the existing and and we did that, looked really well. We let that cure out and we put a mechanical broom on it, broomed it really good just to make sure it's going to stay on there cuz it's not a product that we're overly familiar with, you know, something that we don't normally
utilize. So so it's a little unknown for us, so we did those tests, make sure it worked out well and and it did. It works out worked out really nice. So we're looking at moving forward. Um we did have a discussion with the contractor about, okay, this you know,
part of it cuz it is somewhat new to us. Uh we asked for an additional warranty for that for that work. So we've been discussing some different options. One was, you know, uh not an extended warranty and to have some um
uh to have some deduct on the concrete and instead still do the work, but have a deduct on it instead of the warranty. We uh what we came back for a formal proposal from the contractor actually just finalized this afternoon uh to us was to um
to do a uh 2 and 1/2 year extended warranty from the time that that work is done. So, we'll be done generally we think next week. So, after next week it would be a 2 and 1/2 year warranty. That gets us through a
through two winter cycles on that. Um we initially had thought that we kind of requested 3 years, so we were looking at maybe compromising on that. We have had discussion I have with with Vicky, with Ben on those. We discussed we felt that this was
acceptable and we would we would recommend moving forward with that with that 2 and 1/2 year warranty that's the base warranty just you know is at at substantial completion which was last
November. So, it's 2 years from then. So, we essentially go to next November, November of 2027. This would bring us 2 and 1/2 years for just those portions that were sealed from essentially the end of July or start of August through it 2 and 1/2
years beyond. So, it gets us through two winters and almost into the next winter, the beginning of the following winter. We thought that was acceptable through there. So, I guess we are I'm asking you for for approval that that we would accept
that proposal from them that we would actually put that into an official change order. It wouldn't be a dollar change order, but would change the contractual relationship if you will for that, so it gets documented. That would be 2 and 1/2 years from from when that work is done. So, uh
so I'm looking for your your approval on that that you're accepting of that that proposal so that we can we can have we can move forward with them on that. I I'll gladly entertain any questions you might have. And Ben might have you
know if you have any for him he might uh have something to say as well. The contractor actually is in in the audience if there's any questions that we that that he might be able to answer, but his subcontractor, I should say. >> Any questions so far?
>> That's a The extension is is from end of the end of the work, but does that also cover work that is existing that was not touched in this project? >> not work would still fall under that original. So, it doesn't change the original base uh warranty period. So, that's still is
that 2-year warranty period. So, everything else falls under that. That doesn't change. It's only the areas that are sealed with this surface sealer that goes 2 and 1/2 years from the time that work is done.
So, if that work is an example, um if that area say say we had some sort of a large crack that occurred, and say it was after the initial 2 year, that would fall into it because it's
beyond that initial 2 year. That's not related to the surface. So, it's only things related to the surface treatment, meaning say if it's falling off, it's scaling off, those kinds of things. So, just to be real clear on how that could work, you know, certainly hopefully that
wouldn't happen, but just in case, that would be an example where it would fall under the original bid and if the original warranty and if it by chance was just outside of that, that would then be up to us to have to make any
repairs as as needed. So, this is just for the surface, the scaling things. That's what this 2 and 1/2 years is. >> So, basically we're looking at a 4-year warranty. >> Not over the whole thing, no. It's the 2
and 1/2 years for the that portion which has the surface treatment put on it. The other still falls under the original 2-year warranty period. >> Okay. I just don't want to be doubling up. We can say we get in the warranty,
but if you put it on top, it's not the same same time frame. It's like buying a car. It's 10 year warranty and then you get an extended and but it's during the same time. You're wasting your money. >> Well, we have to write it up so that the contract that's very clear of what this two and a half year
when it starts and what it's for and it would then be in in our documentation that the contractor signs so it becomes part of the contract so that they have to they have to honor that warranty for that work
for that time period, that two and a half year time period. Okay. If that makes sense. Hopefully it does. >> So based on the test areas that you've done and the performance of that's upheld, your recommendation recommendation from Ben and Saf is that this two and a half year warranty is is
acceptable. >> acceptable, yes. >> Okay. What's any other comments, concerns? >> This would come back to you as an official change order. So I'm just looking for you know, if you could do it by general consensus that you're accepting of moving that forward. We'll
prepare that change order and you'll ultimately sign that and you'll sign that. >> Then at the next meeting we'll get an actual change order and something to look at to vote on. >> Yeah, we Well, that's why I'm asking for it cuz they're going to do the work. So they're looking
for are we moving forward with the proposal that's put before us. So assuming you say consensus, you're going to then the change order would be you know, essentially it would be a formality if you will to to approve that. So we would write that up. It would be
the understanding that that would be approved and we would be moving forward with the contractor along those lines. Does that make sense? >> Mhm. >> Okay. What's the council's wishes? >> I I guess I'd support the staff's ex-
you know, opinions based on what they've seen from the test product and follow the recommendation is my thoughts. >> Okay. >> I guess it's worth the try. It's kind of thrown at us at the last minute with not much information. That part I don't
like, but >> Yeah. General consensus, huh? >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. Um moving on to um Author's uh phase two project. The grading is going quite well out there. They're moving right along.
Things are going to probably wrapped up um by maybe the middle of next week for the grading portion thereof. So, it's looking really good. The The uh the house pads, the initially we had a few that didn't pass the compaction test. Uh they've been re- they reworked and re-
redid them, and they're all passing at this point. And most of them are actually done at this point. So, they're getting getting pretty close. They're kind of digging the pond area right now. Using getting some of that dirt and moving that moving that around. But, it's getting pretty close. Looks looks pretty good. It's looks like a
looks like a a street out there now. So, um pipe work's going to start on Monday for that. So, the contractor got delayed a couple days. They were going to start today, actually. So, got delayed in another project a couple days, but they'll be there. Their backhoe's already out there. So, they'll be
starting on Monday with that one. Uh Trunk Highway 71 phase one updates. Designs moving along just fine. We are actually just working on services for the project. So, the sewer and water portions are essentially done kind of the first run through that's you know, I
would call that a 90% complete at this point. Services are being designed and worked on. Storm sewer is also at that 90%. So, all all completed for that, as well. Uh so, that's moving along. Um they're working starting to work on intersection
designs because we have to make sure that we're matching in with what phase two will be. We had a discussion with MnDOT just yesterday. And it was agreed that they're going to do basically everything that's in, the graphic on the wall there. So, they're coming back into
some of our side streets a ways. It varies from place to place, but anywheres from 15 ft to 40 ft thereabouts beyond, you know, the trunk Highway 71 right-of-way into into our right-of-ways. So, we agreed upon that they are going
to take care of the all that in phase two. So, we're going to go up to it. And so, there's going to be, you know, and chunks at the end of the streets that will be just patched in until the next year comes around and they start working on the phase two portion thereof. Now,
that realized makes as we're doing it to make sure that the grades were the you know, the water and the curb grades going around. Sometimes they come into our street, sometimes they come from our streets out. But, that's what we're working on now to make them all fit. So, it's going to work between phase one and
phase two. This splitting of them does cause a little more consternation of making sure everything's going to fit between phase one and phase two. But, uh so, that's kind of where we're at with that. Um and we just continue that coordination with MnDOT. Everything seems to be going
well so far. Their storm sewer portions that they're working on are are getting closer. We haven't gotten anything from them yet, but they promised that we'll see something soon, particularly on the north side where we have a a big trunk that'll go down Second Street North. And
they they promised me that'll be soonish. So, you know, I've got ours pretty well done, but you know, I don't we really don't have much to change. I mean, they got to make it work because there isn't any grade to deal with. It's so it's it's pretty flat through there, so but they're working on that. I showed
everything that we were doing to them yesterday and got comments, so just you were working pretty well together as you know, as a team, so So, that's where that one's at. So, any questions? Questions? >> Is there a possibility of cost savings
uh based on those conversations? >> Um I would say probably not. One thing I did find some cost savings on our 2nd Street South. I was able to reduce some of the storm sewer sizes through there, so that'll be a little bit of cost savings I was able to find in the design through there.
Uh actually having those the two phases and them going back and everything, you know, we end up having to put down a little bit more of patching and temporary curb that ends up getting torn out again. Now, unfortunately, that
becomes our cost to do that. So, so I would have rather have done it the other way around. I I I tried to look at, "Okay, how about if we'd go so far building portions of that stuff that you see on there that's coming in."
But they weren't comfortable with that. Um wanted to do it a different direction, so that's kind of where we're at. So, it's not financially ideal. It's not huge in the scope of things, but you know, it all adds up little here, little there, but
we will have to do I think what we can do is try to do things as cheaply as possible such as like temporary curbs cuz it's only going to be a year. Um maybe we just do a bituminous like the patching back in, just do a bituminous curb, not do a concrete curb. You know,
just things that are simple that will last for the time period they need to last and then, you know, to try to save as much money as we can. So, you know, if the council's fine with that kind of approach, that's the way I would propose we we'd move forward with those
temporary connections. >> Okay. Questions? Comments? >> All right. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. New business. 2027 budget schedule. >> I just have the schedule for a budget
planning that I had proposed, but since I had put this out there, now I realize that uh I'm not here on the 26th of August. >> Not either. >> And neither is Jacqueline. So, I don't know if you don't want the two of us at the meeting, then maybe we have to pick a different date. Um
and of course the date the last date the council meeting we have that we can adopt the budget is the 16th of September. I think that's a Yeah. Sep- September 16th. So, that adoption of the preliminary levy that's 9/2 can be 9/16. So, we can work
backward from there to pick a date anywhere, you know, if that last week of August all the way up through when we need to to adopt. You know, in the past we've sometimes picked that middle second meeting. It doesn't have to be a Wednesday, though. It can be any day.
>> Right. >> So, if you want to look at your your calendars and see if there's a day in there that we can pick and then we'll just adjust from that when the other meetings occur. The department has We're given their year-to-date numbers in their budget worksheets already, so they have those. And then once I get those
back, then I'll be calling operations committee and finance committee and to kind of review their parts of it. So, we'll still move forward with that. It's just that what day will the council have the workshop is what we need to know. >> So, you're looking at possibly the week between the first and the second
meeting? >> It It could be. I'm just saying throwing that out there as an option. >> Okay. >> You know, or it could be that same week of the 26th, maybe it's the 25th or you know, maybe it's the Thursday day after the next council meeting or
>> Okay. I know the week between the two council meetings is Labor Day weekend, so we got that'd be a crunch time for staff to be put numbers together. If we did it that If we did it that Tuesday or Wednesday, I would say
probably a Thursday the 10th would probably be working the best, but >> The numbers would be prepared before that. >> Should be. >> Yeah, I mean >> Right. >> Now, the finance committee second Wednesday is now planning commission night, so we would step on their toes and they'd have to
either move their meeting or cancel it for September. Cuz planning commission is now the second Wednesday of each month. >> Oh, okay. >> Wednesdays work better with my schedule knowing that there's no conflicts from >> Right. >> children's activities and stuff like
that. Wednesdays are usually open for me, so >> to have that packet to the weekend before anyway, so to me which day of the week doesn't really matter. >> Yeah, Wednesdays work the best for me, too. So, if we did it on that 9th, planning commission could move if
they have anything. >> Planning commission is at 4:30. We could do it after. >> Yeah. 5:30. We don't know whether or not planning commission's got anything. You know, you only had one meeting now in the last 3 months, so >> But it is a scheduled night scheduled
night, so I >> Right. >> I mean, 5:30 there's seems like we could have it afterwards. Is there time that we have to have it early? >> No. 5:30 >> 5:30 >> September 9th works.
>> It's far enough out that it will something comes up. >> And that is moving the adoption to >> No, that that would be No, that would be the workshop. >> Okay. >> Adoption will be 9/16. >> So, 9/9 is that >> Well, yeah, that'd be the week before.
So, it should be Wednesday. >> At 5:30. >> 5:30 you said? >> Yep. >> Okay. So, that eliminates the 8/26 and 9/2 from this current schedule. We could We'll adjust that then. >> Yep. >> I'm just I'm gone both the 26th and the 2nd, so I'm just
>> Oh, yeah, it'll remove those two from this. >> Okay. >> It's 9/9 and 9/16. >> So, it'll be 9/9 and 9/16. >> Any other last minute? Okay. Then we will move on to our consent agenda. We have our uh
schedule of claims, unpaid claims of $216,921.51 for a total of the same. June checks, paid claims paper of $385,867.15. We have a request from PJ Klumke representing the Sauk Centre Melrose
Lions Club has submitted a application and permit for a one-day temporary on-sale liquor license for beer and wine tasting on September 25th, 2026 at the Sauk Centre Civic Arena.
Fee and certificate of insurance have been provided. We also have resolution number 2026-51 approving an offsite gambling permit for the Sauk Centre Melrose Lions. The permit will allow for a pull tab and tip
boards to be held on September 25th, 20 September 25th, 2026 at the Sauk Centre Civic Arena. Is there any questions or concerns about the consent agenda? Do I have a motion to approve the
consent calendar as presented? >> Motion to approve. >> Motion by Heidi. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Scott. Last minute discussion. Call the question. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Abstentions.
>> I. >> Motion carried. It was four in favor, none against, one abstention. Informational items. >> A few things. We did get our updated population estimate as of April 2025. So, that's just over a year ago. The
population estimate is 4,651. Um and then some things about early voting. Uh you can early vote now. All of Stearns County can early vote uh June 26th to August 10th. So, this is the primary. So, all of Stearns County can vote at the Stearns County Admin Center, St. Cloud City Hall, or Melrose City
Center. And then if you're Sauk Centre City resident, you can vote here at City Hall beginning on August 4th. So, we're 1 week in advance including Saturday that we'll be conducting early voting here. So, just so people are aware that if they're in the township and they want
to vote early, they have to go to Melrose or St. Cloud. If they're city Sauk Centre, you can vote here beginning on the 4th. Um and then also the council and mayor candidacy uh filing dates uh started yesterday, 7:14, and they go through 7:28.
>> Okay. >> Any questions about the information items? Okay. And we are scheduled to go into closed session, so we will recess this council meeting until the
council chambers are closed. >> I do have to say that this is pursuant to Minnesota statute 13D.05 subdivision 3C.3. So, that gives us the authority to convene in closed session to discuss potential real estate purchase as the north 25 ft of lot 9 block 13
town site of Sauk Centre. >> Okay, we call the council meeting back to order. We have direct directed staff to keep working on the potential purchase
of some property downtown. And uh she will the staff will be bringing us back more money or uh >> Yeah, more money. >> Yeah, some more uh ideas and figures to work with. >> Okay. >> With that, it brings us to the end of
our agenda. Do I have a motion to adjourn? >> Motion to adjourn. >> Motion by Heidi. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Brad. Call the question. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. Opposed? Abstentions? Meeting adjourned.