Start with the pledge of allegiance. Please stand if you're able. 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.
>> Call roll call starting on my right. >> Council person Josh King person Craig Anderson. >> Looking for approval of tonight's agenda. Any additions from there? Anything from the table? Move >> to approve. Motion to approve. We have a
second. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. Anyone? >> I opposed. Passes. Regular meeting minutes of November 25th. Excuse me. >> How does this work?
>> I can't really vote on it. It wasn't there. So, I don't know if it's accurate. You're not going to have enough people. >> 25th. >> The truth and taxation. Oh, talk about the second one. We ain't there yet. >> Okay. I can't vote on this one though cuz I wasn't there. You were in charge of that. >> Yeah. So neither one of these we we
don't have a quorum. >> So we'll bring them back to the next meeting. >> We have to bring them back. All right. We'll pass them both in. Truth and taxation institute. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> That takes us to finance and budgets payable. >> Saving time.
>> Additional payment. >> Saving time. >> Yeah. >> Good thinking. questions or problems with them, ask we'll speak to finance officer Kelly. >> So the whole tip stuff though, like that's just a pass through basically, right? For the most part.
>> Yep. We've got those money sent from their taxes and then we pay a portion back. >> Make the motion to approve. Yeah, I'll second it. >> What's the electric grid solar system? >> Let me take that one.
I am happy to report that we got a grant to cover 100% of uh the inst purchase and installation of solar panels over the uh of the new and existing the
library that I'll cover 103% of our uh the library's energy needs after the expansion um in order to lock in um the grant because it's through the univers is through the state of Minnesota. We
have to put 10% down on the total purchase which we will be reimbursed. Um so that's what that is. >> So you've got us a grant that's going to cover 100% of this. >> Yep. >> Perfect. All right. Thank you. Any other
questions or anything? And we've got a motion in the second place. All in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. That'll carry. >> Nate, can I ask a question? Does that do anything with the charging station? Nope. If >> we added a charging station, that would be separate.
>> Oh, okay. >> Hold on. Speaking of solar panels and charging stations, that United Therapeutic, their whole solar thing doesn't have anything to do with anything at the city. That's just theirs, right? Cuz I was talking to a few solar guys and they're like, they've got enough to four times what they need
uh that they'll generate. >> At one point, they did say any any like leftover usage or extra usage. Um but then they followed up another time and said no they'd probably be using it all. >> They can go a certain percentage over
usually I think and then the grid system the power company will buy has to buy it back at a >> discount rate. >> And then now the the most the power companies will come up with a new plan that they're going to charge you to sell it back to get to >> of course.
>> Yep. All right. We got that straightened out. That takes us to motion general business. First item under motions of general business is the 20 thou 2026 budget and 2025 tax levy approvals. So
we'll have two separate motions. Correct. >> Correct. >> Approval of the 2026 budget after discussion is held which we'll have in a second. The proposed the 2026 proposed final budget is 13,132,04. So that'll be a motion. The truth and
taxation presentation was held on December 1st to receive public comments, concerns, and additional input. In September, the council certified a preliminary levy of 5,583,475 plus the pool referendum levy of
$139,229 plus a firehaul referendum levy of $114,580. The council may certify this amount or lower amount as a final levy. The attached resolution shows the revised levy amount as presented in truth and
taxation is 5,496,187. The certified final levy needs to be adopted and sent to the county auditor on or before December 30th. So, discussion on
can we do the truth of tax or the levy one first, Cheryl, and get that out of the way and then go back and discuss the other one or not? >> No, you're supposed to do the budget first reason. >> Uh questions, comments, whatever on the budget.
You got anything? Craig, >> I don't see this make sense to me. >> You got anything, Josh? No, it's good. >> Anybody at that table got anything they want to add? >> Just that the finance committee went through basically everything and shaved out of it uh some more so we could um
reduce that amount. So, >> all right, be a little bit more favorable. >> So, the council action requested on the first one is to approve or deny the 2026 final budget. >> Do we have a motion? >> I'll make the motion to approve the
second. We have a motion to approve. We have a second. All in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. That'll carry. Second resolution we do is adopt resolution 2025- a resolution approving the 2025
tax levy collectible in 2026. >> Move for approval. >> You have a second. >> Second that. >> Any other questions or discussion about the levy? >> All right. All in favor say I. >> I. opposed. That carries.
>> Before you go on to the next item, can we go back to the accounts payable um and then get approval to pay bills to the end of the year since we don't have another council meeting? >> Pay bill >> any bills that come in.
>> I was going to say what he gets done before >> to pay any any any bills that come in until the end of the year. It's standard practice. I'm sorry we forgot that. Yes. >> Can't afford a razor apparently. >> Huh? >> Can't afford a razor apparently.
>> Yeah, he is having a bad time. >> All right. Can we have a motion under uh >> just amend it? >> Just amend. >> Amend your previous motion if you >> of approving the finance accounts payable. >> Yes.
>> That was yours, right? >> Yeah, it was Art and Anderson. >> So, I'll amend my Approve approve approval to include paying bills any any bills until the end of the >> calendar year. Second that. All right. All in favor? I
>> opposed. That car. Thank you, Cheryl, >> for reminding us that. >> Next item under motion general business resolution one committee general and capital funds to specific purposes.
Is that No, I'm under something else. >> Gatsby 54 >> committee specific revenue sources and special revenue funds. The 2011 governmental accounting standards board adopted Gazsby number 54 which deals on how funds reserves are classified in
governmental financial statements and reports is similar to the old designation reserve terminology that has been used in the past. Two resolutions are attacks that are required as a condition of the gas B54. First resolution committing general fund balances and the new method of
transferring funds in and out of designated reserves that the councils have set up for specific projects or purposes. Second resolution will be committing to special revenue funds to document what funds the city has approved either by
legal requirement or council approval to be treated as a special fund. questions on either one of these funds? >> I do. >> All right. >> I think we did this last year. Same thing. It's been around for more than a year, right? And I probably had the same question last year. What prompted this?
I don't understand it. What What's wrong with calling things reserve reserves? I mean, it does it have something to do I if it's state related I find it hard to believe it has anything to do with any good oversight but I I'm curious
you know does anybody do or is it just because >> it's just because >> Yep. We're basically setting the funds aside so that they are reserved for a special purpose. >> Right. But didn't we do that prior? >> You have to do it every year. >> Just do it every year. We've been doing
it since 2011, but every year you have to recommmit to that. >> Well, yeah, I totally get that. I just don't understand the changes of the way that it's referred to. But that >> neither here nor there. >> That's so the state commissioner can keep track of all the money goes in the
state. They're too great. >> All right. Any other questions, Josh? I >> think so. All right. First resolution to approve or deny the resolution committee general fund balances for specific purposes and projects. >> They're separate. >> Yeah.
>> Oh, yeah. Okay. >> I'll make that motion to approve. >> I'll second that. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. That'll carry. Second resolution is to approve or deny the resolution committee specific revenue sources in the special revenue fund.
>> All make a motion to approve. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. Then >> questions or discussion on that one. >> Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. That will also carry. All right. Now we're into the 2025 year
end financial request. The council had previously approved the cash flow needs for the water and sewer 2025 projects. Recognized that retained earning balance would be utilized. Formal approval of the use of the enterprise designations in retained
earnings should be considered. Do you want me to read off all these items? The council action requested is to approve or deny the use of the enterprise designated retained earnings. >> Questions before we make a motion or
vote. >> So this is just taking what left over and moving it for next year. >> It's basically the same as the other one except this is for the enterprise openings. >> I'll make the motion to approve. Second. We have a second. All in favor say I. I.
>> Opposed. That also carries. Next 2026 fee schedule. Department heads and city hall staff reviewed the fee schedule. The finance committee has also re reviewed the fee schedule and re
recommending the following changes for 2026. Uh you want me to read the updates? >> No, you can the public can just refer to the RCA on the website. >> Okay. refer you can refer anybody wants to see the changes you can refer to the
RCA on the website you guys have read through them so the council actually requested is to approve or deny the 2026 fee schedule resolution 2025- a resolution establishing 2026 fees for city licenses permits and
services move to approve >> second >> second questions, discussion, hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? That will carry.
Next item. 2026 proposed utility bill rates. Department has the city staff review utility rates for 26. Finance committee also reviewed utility rates for 2026. Recommend the following changes. The 3% increases for sewer and
storm are based on capital planning that was done with Mike Bubani. Sewer fee increase 3% year to date. Storm fees 3% year to date. Sur charge be 45 cents per bill per month.
We did the recycling. We took it up 7 cents because we were real short on last year's which we love doing that program for the city but we were short. CIP fees increase 30 cents per bill per month. Sidewalk fee is one that we
discussed and decided that it will be $1 per bill for residential per month and $5 per bill for commercial per month. And for anyone that doesn't understand what that's for, we will be doing the maintenance of the sidewalks. Am I correct?
>> So people don't have to worry about that impact on residents total bill. A two-unit bill would be $246 increase. Three units $2.74. Four units $32. So council action request is to approve
or deny the planned 2026 utility increase. Questions or discussion? >> Motion to approve. >> We have a motion. >> I'll second. >> We have a second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. That will carry.
All right. Now this is going to take us to union contract and non union personnel policy personnel committee has completed the negotiation process with union local 49 representatives per council budget directive upon
approval the contract personnel policy documents will be updated accordingly includes council representatives recommendations for the updates of the city organizational chart. uh the pay grid will the
non-UN employees will also fall under these same recommendations for those same three years. These directives will become effective January 1st if passed tonight. Personnel Committee also reviewed a regional comparison on library wage and title positions and recommended a title change
for associate to librarian page Tyler Smith to aid and a onele pay grade adjustment for the library associate librarian and library aid positions. Personnel committee also reviewed and recommended proposed adjustment for officer positions within the fire department as presented by the chief
which provides for a nominal schedule of set compensation amounts. Personnel Committee is recommending approval of the renewal of the three-year agreement for the city's union contract and personnel policy for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028 for all affected city
employees, including the library and the fire department positions as outlined above. Now, council acts requested will be the approval of the 2026, 2027, 2028 union contract and personnel policy and organizational chart revisions as
outlined above. I'll make a motion to approve that. >> We have a motion to approve. We have a second. >> Second that. >> Questions or discussion? You guys know what it is because you were you were the guys that did. >> Yeah, I thought it was >> pretty smooth. Yeah.
>> Yep. All right. Motion in a second. All in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. That will carry. Next general business. And next is engagement letter for 2025 year end audit. Attached
you'll find the proposal from Smith Schaefer to conduct the 2025 year end financial audit and prepare the financial statements under all legal compliances. Proposals for 43,500 including expenses. This is an increase of 3,000 from last year. But included in
the proposal is the work needed for the application and necessary documentation for the GFOA certificate of achievement. Council has previously taken action directing staff to obtain this certificate. We've obtained it for years now, ever since I've been here. This certificate is a national recognition of
the city's financial and economic status which will be used to determine bond ratings and e and economic development tool and a measurement of the council and the staff's financial management of public assets. Council actions requested to approve or deny the Smith Schaffer Associates LTD
proposal to conduct the 2025 year-end audit, prepare the financial statements, and provide information for the GFOA certificate of achievement application. >> I'll make a motion to move forward with that. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Do we have any questions or discussion?
Hearing none, all in favor say I. I. I. >> Opposed? That will carry. Next pool report. The surface swimming pool was open for the 2025 season from June 9th through September 1. The attendance was slightly
higher than 2024. Revenues for 25 were $198,94.85, which is a little less than the revenue from 2024, which was $21,725. Expenses here today are 424,82749. The expenses are large due to the large,
excuse me, payment of $140,100. That is for half of the pool reservicing project with the remainder being paid upon the completion of the project in 2026. There were reserves in the pool fund for this project. Now, this is anformational item. No
actions requested. Is there any questions about it from anybody? Josh? >> No. >> All right. Thank you. Well, you know what? That takes us out of general business and the mayor's staff and consultant reports. Mayor's
report for tonight. city would like to send your sympathies of this holiday season to the families of Carol Peterson, Larry Turner, Diane Harvey, Steven Bonsuch, Florence Drews,
and Lauren Catch. Um, little housekeeping item we forgot to get done here. Yesterday was Justin Castle's birthday, so we'd like to wish him happy birthday tonight.
I didn't even know that. >> So, I thought about that after I left. She wish me happy birthday. I don't I don't know everything. >> Do we need to Do we need to spank you 26 times? Is it >> I don't think so. It's might hurt a little bit. >> Did you Did you celebrate at all? At
least go out to dinner? >> Uh I had a union meeting last night. >> They fed me. >> I can't believe they give somebody that young a gun. Huh? >> Yeah. Huh? >> He's a lot older than a lot of the people we've been hiring. >> Really? Oh, wow. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> Well, Justin, I'll tell you what. Thanks. Since you've been here, thanks a million. >> Well, I appreciate it. Pretty welcomed here. Feels good. >> You and I meet a little one. You know, I seriously hear there's a lot of people. You get out and meet a lot of
people. People are very happy at the work you do. So that's I'll be happy if you happen to take your snowblower down and blow my driveway. >> I asked you and you said no. >> Don't we don't do that. Don't.
All right. Event's coming up. City Hall Christmas open house on December 17th right here in city hall from 9 to 11:00 a.m. They might have a guest appearance by council person Craig maybe be here. is now retired. You can meet her.
>> Actually, I'll be in St. Iowa that day. >> Really? >> Watching our grandson. >> No golf tournament. >> Watching our grandson. >> Check the star for more detail. Cold red. You think we'll call one tonight?
Cold red is sign up for notices for snow. You know, get your cars off the street. If you don't know by now that when it snows, plow streets. So, you should get your cars off. Otherwise, Justin has to spend his birthday driving around writing out tickets.
>> They did pretty good on the last one. >> Only nine. >> Pretty good. Well, the new guy went around and uh did some community service. >> Okay. Knocked on some doors or >> consider it was the first snowfall of the year, too. Usually that's the worst one.
>> Get the word out. >> So, for Cold Red, if you haven't signed up now, sign up. You need some information. Can they call down here and get some information how to do it or is it pretty selfish? >> It's right on our website. You just >> right on our website. Get on the city website. You'll find it.
>> I should probably sign up. >> But they can always call us. >> All right. Well, >> this is our last meeting of uh this year 2025. This is a a big countdown now. There's
only Cheryl's only got a handful of means left. >> Makes me nervous. Yeah, that's going to be sad day in everybody's life. But uh we're wishing our employees and citizens this holiday season a very special, very blessed Christmas. You know, I had on a personal note, I had my daughter, my
youngest daughter always thinks she needs to get me something. She called us said, "What what do you want for Christmas this year?" And believe it or not, as old as I'm getting, I finally said, "All I want is my kids at home and my grandkids, and I want to have a good time. That's all I need anymore.
It is. I I was surprised. Usually I want cashews, a whole bunch of cows. Well, cows. I buy them for myself. No. And I I I would wish all of our sisters is just a blessed Christmas with your family and friends. And just as you age a little, you find out
there's nothing better than family and friends. And the few I got left, I try to hang on to. Got some family though. But one last item we need to take care before the year is out. I would like to
thank Paul. Stand up. >> Paul, turn the camera on you. >> He's been running our camera, doing our sign. He's been helping us out here for the for for quite a while now because we were kind of in between and he volunteered to step in for now. And I
think is this your last session? >> Yes, it is. >> Well, thank you very much for all you've done. You've done a fantastic job here. >> I've learned a lot. >> You know, >> I'm glad I'm >> You know, you're always welcome back anytime you want. >> Absolutely. Appreciate it.
>> Thanks a lot. >> That's about all I've got right now. Uh, next would be I suppose we could skip Bill and get this over be city administrator's report. >> Kelly's the star of our show today.
all under basket. Glory. >> Um just a report and then just a thank you this year because this year was one of those years we had all of you help us out with either some workshop sessions, some planning sessions, committees, and
so we're appreciative for that and the time you take to do that because that helps us keep the the good old operation running. And then the only other thing is on behalf of all of our departments, uh we wish all of you and all of our citizenry a merry Christmas.
>> All right. Thank you. Any questions for administrator? >> All right. That'll take us to Kelly, finance officer's report. >> I don't have much else, but I did want to mention that if you guys would like a final copy of the final budget to let me
know and I can print it off or a binder for you. Otherwise, I could send it to you in PDF as well. So, let me know if you'd like a final copy. >> All right. >> Instead of just making all the copies, I thought I would ask >> try to save some trees. >> There you go. And I guess I I' I'd be a
little remiss if I also thank you for stepping in the way you did and you've done a bangup job since you've been here. >> I can see many great things coming ahead of us. So, thanks a lot, Kelly, for all you've done, too. >> Thank you. So, any questions for finance
officer Kelly? None. Public works director Sean, you got a report? >> Yeah, reported there. I just say that for early December, it's been uneventful with the snow and the things we've had and the calls that we've received and stuff, but uh it is the earliest I think
and I can't remember how long that we've had the hockey rinks open this early. We've been struggling to get them open by the holiday seat time there when kids are off, but the hockey rinks are open and hopefully they can continue. Sounds like we're going to get the right weather for them into this week.
>> Yeah. >> All right. >> Hope next week is not It looks warmer next week. So, >> you know, you guys have done a bang up job already with the amount of snow. I mean, we've had as much snow already that we probably had pretty all last year. one
that one event >> following events and everything else. So, keep it up. You guys are doing great already. All right. Any questions for Sean? None. Jenna's not here for a report.
Um just we're we've started today planning process for what could be a potential big CIP project that right now we're looking at uh 2027 but because of the size of it and depending on how we have to maybe stretch it out. We're
starting the planning now and it'll be in the industrial part TBase and so we'll start working with notifications and communications for all those businesses um because obviously the impact and how we set this up stage it and then in the
end pay for it uh will cause for or be cost for some work ahead. So we'll keep you posted as those plans continue. >> All right. Thank you. library director's report. >> Uh, you kind of spoiler alerted me, but
we got a really big grant to our silver. >> Can't say it enough, Nate. That's pretty. >> Yep. It's super cool. Uh, it was the probably the It was certainly the fastest turnaround for a grant uh either Bill or I have ever seen. me um I hit
submit on uh Friday and um the the Friday before Thanksgiving and we got uh uh request a request for more information on Tuesday and then on Wednesday before Thanksgiving they say
you're good to go. >> So um uh otherwise gingerbread houses we built 300 of them this year. They've all been spoken for. Um, people have picked up 178 so far. >> Wow. >> And merry Christmas.
>> That's your report? >> That's my report. >> Great. Great. Great. Any questions for the library director? Nothing. >> Josh? No. >> All right. Thank you, Nate. >> That will take us to fire chief. Hey, chief. What do you got for us?
>> Uh, so my reports in there as well. I'll touch some of the highlights. So we had another busy month in November, total of 74 calls. So average of two and a half per day. Um involves 14 fire calls, 60 EMS. Um so as you guys are probably
aware, we record from December 1st to November 30th to be able to do payroll and stuff at the end of the year. So our year end uh is complete um with a total of 688 for the year. So um gradually
keeps going up. Um, we've set our 2026 training calendar. So, the officer group has u got that set. And then we've held our last business meeting of the year last year um to hold our executive board elections. We had one position change
there uh with my yearly officer appointments. I had no changes. I'm not changing anything with my officer group. So, >> all right. It's been running pretty smoothly, J. Thank you for that. You had some great
turnouts this year at your pancake breakfast and at your open house, and it's you're greatly appreciated in this community. You guys are Thank you. >> Any other questions for Chief? >> All right. Thank you. That'll take us in because the pool director didn't show
up. >> Committee Commission, board reports, chamber of commerce. Nothing packet. Eh will be Do we have one this month? >> Do we have one this month? >> I thought we called it off.
>> Um finance. Anything else coming up audit? Right. Library. Nobody here except Nate to tell us about the library. >> We know. >> Hey, you got a really cool grant. You can tell about that.
wouldn't believe it. >> All right, Nate. Thank you. Barkboard, >> he's not here. Personnel >> minutes are in there. >> All right, great job. Applying zoning. Okay. >> We We do. So, we've been revamping our zoning ordinance um for the last year
and a half and we're close to um the final product. So, we'll be having some public hearings coming up probably in February. So, I'm looking to maybe do a joint public hearing with PNC and council so that we can get it adopted
and finalized. So, >> let us know. >> Public safety, you got November calls for service in there. Anything spectacular, Justin? not not for calls, but so for the past 3 years, the sheriff's office social media
guy has pieced together video clippets of our squad car lights to a song, some sort of like jingle bells, whatever. It looks pretty cool and it gets mad. I mean, a ton of shares. Uh this year on very very short
notice, I was advised that they wanted Stville Fire to be involved in this which then I put on Brandon and Brandon very happily pieced together people to show up the next afternoon. Uh so I am very thankful and the sheriff and the sheriff's office is very thankful for
Brandon and the five guys that showed up. >> So this year the the sheriff's office and the Circle Fire will will be in that video. We'll tag Circle Fire. Uh you go to their page as well. >> Like I said, it it gets a lot of lot of people.
>> He does good work on that stuff. >> So cool. >> It's it's hard work. He puts hours and hours in, but that's what he gets paid for. So, >> and then uh our sixth graders graduated here uh yesterday. >> Yeah, yesterday. Okay.
>> So, they had a little little kaboom there, cookies and milk stuff. So, congratulations to those guys. They're hoping for uh they send off little posters to the state and then those poster winners if they win across the
whole state they get to go to a Twins game and throw out the first pitch. >> Cool. >> Now under this dare person just because I know that she talks a lot and I've heard her say it. Three of them have won in her four years. >> So two of them have >> this year there's one that's got a
there's a nice poster. They've >> Looks like the mayor drew the picture cuz it is pretty good. you haven't seen me. >> So, we're hoping for the best, but it's cool cool to see them. They were happy to uh >> Good to finish here off. >> That's all I got.
>> Anything else to add? >> Nope. >> What about your birthday? >> It was my birthday. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Glad I just got to get off my parents' insurance. >> All right. >> Oh, Jesus.
>> Yeah. So they were the ones celebrating >> celebrate yet. I still got a little brother >> public works. Nothing right now. Ready? >> Uh just the community council minutes and it was Mar data centers again and um
regional planning organization and then just round robin of what the cities are up to. >> Are we up to stuff? >> I don't know. like to see what you tell them. >> Given our uh industrial park additions, that's been fun to >> our secret.
>> All right. Ro call >> uh just their minutes. Um just a tip item that got readjusted for you. >> Okay. No transit advisory committee tonight. No communications in the back. Open mic. Don't look like anybody's
here. >> Make a motion to adjourn. We got >> the last motion of the year. The motion to adjourn. really good. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed.