What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
Council meeting agenda format
The work-session agenda called for a discussion of the Council meeting agenda format, but the minutes in the bundle do not record this work-session discussion or any decision on it.
Agenda: WS-1.
Council vision, values, goals and working style
The packet included notes on City values, vision and goals, including rural character, infrastructure, communication, the fire department rollout, the recycling center, roads, parks and internet service. The agenda also listed Meyers Briggs results, but the minutes in the bundle do not show what was discussed or decided at the work session.
Agenda: WS-2, WS-3. Speakers: Mary Rainville, Lynda.
Planning and Zoning Commission structure and applicants
The work-session packet included a proposed Planning and Zoning Commission policy, code of conduct, per-meeting compensation, and applications from Troy M Bednarz, Martin H Bies and Joel F. Springer. The agenda called for finalizing policy, qualifications, interview questions, commission size and the posting/interview process, but the minutes in the bundle do not record a work-session decision on those items.
Agenda: WS-4. Speakers: Lori Streich.
Mack dump truck replacement
The Clerk/Treasurer recommended replacing the 2001 Sterling dump truck using the Capital Improvement Plan. The packet stated the CIP would have $330,500 after a 2021 General Fund transfer, and the proposed Mack chassis and TowMaster dump box/plow package would cost $257,365 total. The minutes in the bundle do not show a work-session vote on this purchase.
Agenda: WS-5. Speakers: Lori Streich.
Nowthen Fire Department startup
In the minutes document, the Council approved policies for the Nowthen Fire Department, authorized beginning the hiring process for firefighters transitioning from Ramsey Fire, discussed relief association and aid-agreement issues, and authorized up to $15,000 from the City budget to complete the Fire Station addition.
Motions: M-006, M-007, M-008, M-009. Speakers: Dave Schmidt, Lori Streich, Mayor Pilon, Council Member Rainville, Councilmember Blake.
Regular-meeting Planning and Zoning cases
The minutes document records Council action on several Planning and Zoning items: Carr's Tree Service variances were approved with a change to core hours and an added variance, Leistico findings and recommendations were accepted, the snow-removal ordinance amendment was approved, self-storage facilities were tabled to April, and Resolution 2021-10 was approved for illegal occupation of a pole shed at 19111 Cleary Road.
Motions: M-010, M-011, M-012, M-013. Speakers: Mayor Pilon, Councilmember Alders, Councilmember Blake, Council Member Rainville, Councilmember Greenberg, Lori Streich.
Fee schedule update
The minutes document records that Clerk Streich presented fee-schedule changes from a Council work session, and the Council approved the fee schedule with corrections, including striking the phrase “Not to exceed $300” regarding litigation cases.
Motions: M-014. Speakers: Lori Streich, Councilmember Blake, Councilmember Alders.
Employee Personnel Policy
The minutes document records that the Council approved the Employee Personnel Policy while noting that emergency medical benefits versus disability, a personnel committee, and staff spending authority still needed more discussion.
Motions: M-015. Speakers: Lori Streich, Council Member Rainville, Councilmember Blake, Councilmember Alders, Mayor Pilon.
City logo
Under Good of the Council in the minutes document, Councilmember Greenberg presented logo options that had been discussed previously, and the Council generally approved the richer-looking version described by Clerk Streich, though no separate formal logo-adoption motion is recorded before adjournment.
Motions: M-016. Speakers: Councilmember Greenberg, Mayor Pilon, Lori Streich, Councilmember Alders.