Benson public meetings in 2024
25 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Benson City Council voted to increase sewer and water rates effective January 1, 2025, and approved the purchase of eight Taser10 tasers for $39,892 over five years. It also authorized an interfund loan of up to $50,000 for Tax Increment Financing District No. 8 (Nelson Townhomes Project). Other actions included final pay to Stantec Engineering for the wastewater treatment plant, approval of 2024 assessments payable in 2025, and acceptance of donations.
- Sewer rate increase: unit rate from $8.25 to $8.50, minimum charge from $41.25 to $42.50
- Water rate increase adopted (exact amounts not provided in minutes)
- Purchase of eight Taser10 tasers and training for $39,892, spread over five years starting 2025
- Interfund loan of up to $50,000 for TIF District 8 (Nelson Townhomes) at 4% interest
- Final pay request to Stantec Engineering for wastewater treatment plant engineering: $32,640.28
City Council
The City Council held a required Truth in Taxation public hearing on the proposed 2025 property tax levy. Staff reduced the initially proposed 12% increase to less than half, which will be reflected in final statements. The Council also approved a preliminary plat for the Cottage Square Second Addition, waiving a road-width standard, and called a special election for April 8, 2025 to fill a council vacancy.
- Public hearing on proposed property tax levy; staff reduced 12% preliminary increase to less than half
- Approved preliminary plat for Cottage Square Second Addition with waiver of 2-foot road width
- Called special election for April 8, 2025 to fill City Council vacancy
- Approved hiring Jeff Reuss as Public Works Director
- Approved CDS as city auditor for 2024 audit at $37,500
City Council
The council approved the second reading of a cannabis ordinance and a land use ordinance, ordered the destruction of two dogs that bit postal workers, and discussed a preliminary budget with a 5.4% levy increase. They also approved various pay requests and set a special election to fill a council vacancy.
- Approved $3,500 refund of building permit fees for MiniSota Agricultural Museum at 1207 Pacific Avenue
- Ordered destruction of a dog at 806 12th St N (bit two postal workers) and a dog at 510 19th St N (bit a postal worker, required hospitalization)
- Approved second reading of Cannabis Ordinance (Chapter 120) and land use ordinance amendment (Section 154.056)
- Approved pay requests: $16,773 to Benson Public Schools for summer rec, $16,738 to Rodeberg & Berryman for Cottage Square Phase III engineering, $25,637 to Pioneerland Library, $13,600 to Molden Concrete for pool floor coating
- Set special election to fill council vacancy; preliminary budget with 5.4% levy increase subject to Dec 2 Truth in Taxation hearing
City Council
The City Council held its regular meeting on November 4, 2024, addressing several items. It approved first readings of a cannabis ordinance for 2025 sales and an ordinance removing term limits for Hospital Board appointees, and passed multiple financial resolutions including a $516,000 capital outlay transfer and a resolution for a potential $1M bond for the Armory project. The Council also accepted the resignation of Councilmember Chris Carruth and approved a $4,800 furnace replacement at the Racquetball Club.
- First reading of ordinance to enact cannabis regulations for sales beginning in 2025
- First reading of amendment removing term limits for City-appointed Hospital Board members
- Approval of $4,800 for replacement furnace at Racquetball Club
- Approval of pay request for $124,997.25 for AWOS system installation at the airport
- Approval of transfer of $516,000 from General Fund to Capital Outlay Fund for streets ($260,000), police ($75,000), and parks ($181,000)
City Council
The Benson City Council held a special meeting to review plans and costs for the Armory renovation project. After discussion, they unanimously approved sending the project out for bids, with an estimated cost of $2,335,578 before deduct alternatives bring it to $1,343,480. The project includes demolition, new foundation, landscaping, and mechanical upgrades, and must align with a grant timeline. Sewer and water costs are additional, estimated at $30,000.
- Unanimous approval to put the Armory project out for bids
- Estimated project cost: $2,335,578; after $602,835 in deduct alternatives: $1,343,480
- City to cover sewer and water costs separate from total, estimated $30,000
- Public Works Director recommends including a grease trap in kitchen plans
- State DEED must approve plans before bids go out
City Council
The Benson City Council approved several expenditures including a $313,444 payment for a Rosenbauer pumper fire apparatus, a $74,417.67 pay request for bituminous paving, and a $19,966 tree removal invoice. They also adopted a resolution to assess unpaid water and sewer bills totaling $2,317.39 against property taxes and donated $1,000 to the Reach out for Warmth heating assistance program. A special meeting was set for November 7 to canvass the general election.
- Pay request from Heiman Inc. for Rosenbauer pumper apparatus: $313,444
- Pay request from Ferguson Asphalt Paving for bituminous work: $74,417.67
- Resolution 2024-22 setting assessments for unpaid water, sewer, garbage, and storm sewer services (total $2,317.39)
- Pay request from A.L.T. Tree Service for tree removal: $19,966
- Quote from Quality Flow for lift station pump replacement: $8,959
City Council
The Benson City Council held a public hearing on updating the Economic Development Authority (EDA) Enabling Resolution, which would grant the EDA powers under state statutes to manage economic development funds, CVEC stock, and Small Cities Development Program funds, while Xcel funds and TIF Districts remain under city control. The council also approved a conditional use permit for a garage at 813 13th St. N., approved a $28,026.94 pay request for Armory project engineering, and set $3,100 in fire service charges for delinquent accounts. Discussion items included electric rate study adjustments and draft language for Hospital Board term limits.
- Public hearing opened for EDA Enabling Resolution update (no vote taken, remains open)
- Conditional Use Permit approved for Richard Trinkle to build a 1,152 sq. ft. garage at 813 13th St. N., exceeding size limits
- Pay request of $28,026.94 approved for Engan Associates engineering work on the Armory project
- Resolution 2024-20 approved, setting $3,100 in delinquent fire service charges for 2024 payable 2025
- Council directed drafting of ordinance to impose term limits on Hospital Board appointments only
City Council
The City Council voted unanimously to terminate City Manager Kyle Harris and appointed Rob Wolfington as interim City Manager. The body also adopted a proposed 2025 operating budget and a property tax levy of $1,910,596.
- Appointment of Rob Wolfington as interim City Manager
- Proposed 2025 property tax levy of $1,910,596
- Proposed 2025 General Fund Operating Budget with total revenues and expenditures of $4,398,476
- Contract with Dahl Waste Handling LLC for $15,550 to haul wastewater plant sludge
- Payment of $14,275.32 to Craig’s, Inc. for power plant generator fuel line work
City Council
The City Council approved an interfund loan for the Nelson Townhomes Project and authorized several infrastructure payments. The body also decided to continue the city's flower program despite budget cuts.
- Approved $35,000 interfund loan from General Fund to TIF District 8 for preliminary plat design
- Approved $145,840 change order for AWOS Replacement project (funded by MnDOT)
- Approved conditional use permit for a garage at 1625 Aldrich Avenue
- Approved $33,573.93 pay request to Engan Associates for the Armory project
- Approved wire purchases from Border States ($8,184.99) and Stuart C. Irby ($12,837.83)
City Council
The Benson City Council approved a Multi-Party Joint Coordination Agreement for a new 115kV electrical line involving Ottertail Power, Great River Energy, WMMPA, and the city. The council also approved a conditional use permit for an oversized garage at 800 16th St. S., final pay requests for two construction projects, and discussed the 2025 flower program budget.
- Approved Multi-Party Joint Coordination Agreement for 115kV electrical line (no dollar amount specified)
- Approved final pay request #16 to Magney Construction for Clearwell project: $72,221.74
- Approved final pay request #15 to Magney Construction for Anaerobic Digester Refurbishment: $7,643.96
- Approved quote from Johnson Jetline to camera sewer line at Wisconsin Ave and 12th St S: $8,275
- Approved Conditional Use Permit 02-24 for an attached garage exceeding size limit at 800 16th St. S.
City Council
The Benson City Council approved two task orders with AE2S for wastewater permit assistance ($14,500) and plant operations review ($55,000), and rejected all bids for the Wastewater Flood Wall project after bids came in $1.2 million over budget. Officials will explore additional funding and may consider major changes to the wastewater plant. The council also approved sending a memo to WAPA opposing a 14% rate increase expected to cost the city $108,000 per year, and authorized purchasing 170 garbage carts for $9,979.46.
- Approved Task Order No.1 with AE2S for NPDES permitting assistance at $14,500
- Approved Task Order No.2 with AE2S for wastewater plant operations review at $55,000
- Rejected all bids for the Wastewater Flood Wall project due to $1.2M over budget
- Voted to send a memo to WAPA opposing a planned 14% rate increase costing $108,000/year
- Authorized purchase of 170 garbage carts from Cascade Engineering for $9,979.46
City Council
The Benson City Council approved several items including a conditional use permit for a drive-through coffee shop at 1802 Atlantic Avenue, a dangerous dog appeal decision, and bids for an airport weather system. The council also discussed the wastewater floodwall grant project, noting a low bid of $2.7 million versus an estimate of $2.2 million, and will explore local funding options before an August 26 deadline. Council appointments were made, including Gary Landmark filling a vacant seat and Stephen Kowal as City Attorney.
- Approved Conditional Use Permit #24-01 for a drive-through coffee shop at 1802 Atlantic Ave with a screening condition on the north side.
- Accepted bid of $110,095 from Neo Electrical Solutions for Airport AWOS replacement, 100% funded by MnDOT.
- Approved noise ordinance extension until midnight on July 20 for the Kid Day teen event.
- Discussed $2.7M low bid for the wastewater floodwall project; will explore additional local funding by August 26.
- Approved purchase agreement for city property at 1020 Pacific Ave, confirmed in a development district.
City Council
The Benson City Council appointed Gary Landmark to fill a vacancy left by Mark Schreck. The Council also reviewed bids for wastewater plant floodwall mitigation and held a public hearing regarding the police department drone program.
- Appointed Gary Landmark to fill a City Council vacancy (Resolution 2024-12)
- Reviewed wastewater floodwall mitigation bids, with Crow River Construction at $2,745,610.50
- Approved a sewer tap license for Joe Riley Construction
- Approved a $200 donation to the Swift County Benson Hospital Auxiliary
- Accepted donations including $5,960 for the Fire Department Fish Fry
City Council
The City Council met to discuss a change order from Stantec Engineering regarding the Wastewater Treatment facility improvement project. Discussion included engineering errors and supply chain issues affecting the project. The council voted unanimously to approve the $30,343.00 change order.
- Approval of a $30,343.00 change order from Stantec Engineering for wastewater treatment facility improvements
City Council
The Benson City Council adopted an amended 2040 Comprehensive Plan and approved several infrastructure updates. Key decisions included authorizing a new wastewater pump purchase and approving the sale of city property for a coffee shop. The council also addressed dangerous dog cases and scheduled a public hearing for a police drone program.
- Adoption of amended 2040 Comprehensive Plan (Resolution 2024-10)
- Approval of $1 property sale at 1802 Atlantic Avenue for a coffee shop
- Authorization of $34,584.00 for a new wastewater pump from QualityFlow
- Approval of $51,966.41 deduct change order for the Clearwater project
- Order for destruction of a dog following an attack
City Council
The Benson City Council approved a resolution to continue a joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The council also accepted the 2023 City Audit, which received an unqualified opinion. Additionally, members discussed potential amendments to expand the authority of the Economic Development Authority.
- Approved street closure for 13th St. S. during Kid Day weekend
- Passed Resolution 2024-09 regarding the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
- Approved $3,500 in tourism funds for the Pioneerland Band Festival
- Approved a $26,650.00 pay request to Marcus Construction for power plant wall repairs
- Accepted the 2023 City Audit with an unqualified opinion
City Council
The Benson City Council met to approve several infrastructure and utility contracts. Key decisions included funding for housing development engineering and water well rehabilitation. The council also directed staff to seek grants for a community National Night Out event.
- Approved $175,000.00 Rodeberg & Berryman proposal for Cottage Square Phase III engineering
- Approved $23,525.00 Craig’s Inc. quote for a wastewater treatment plant air exchanger
- Approved $31,400.00 Thein well quote to rehabilitate water well #32
- Accepted DM Electric’s $31,242.00 quote for the overhead to underground power line project
- Directed staff to apply for grants to fund a National Night Out event in Roosevelt Park
City Council
The Council approved a request to close Nevada Avenue for a museum event and authorized the pursuit of a police drone program using grants. Members also approved a $5,000 salary increase for City Manager Kyle Harris and extended Public Works Director Elliot Nelson's hours. Funding decisions for well rehabilitation and an air exchanger were deferred to May 20.
- Approval of MiniSota Museum request to close Nevada Avenue on June 20, 2024
- Authorization to pursue a Police Department drone program via grants
- $5,000 salary increase for City Manager Kyle Harris to $114,000 annually
- Approval of a $5,000 mentorship program for the City Manager
- Extension of Public Works Director Elliot Nelson's hours from 24 to 30 per week
City Council
The Council approved several property tax value reductions during the Board of Appeal and Equalization session. Members also approved a variance for a new duplex on 19th St. S. and tabled a proposal for city manager mentoring services. Additionally, officials decided to inspect the sewer under Idaho Avenue before deciding on paving work.
- Reduced market value for Craig’s, Inc. from $320,700 to $290,000
- Approved variance application #04-24 for a duplex at 101 19th St. S.
- Tabled proposal for a $5,000 annual city manager mentoring program
- Approved bills and warrants in the amount of $654,410.71
City Council
The Benson City Council approved several infrastructure and public safety expenditures during its April 1 meeting. The council authorized bids for the 2024 bituminous road paving season, ordered replacement rail systems for two wastewater lift stations, and funded an upgrade for a new police chief pickup truck. These approvals maintain local street conditions, ensure reliable wastewater operations, and support public safety vehicle readiness.
- Approved Ferguson Asphalt Paving Inc. for $61,627.50 in bituminous road work after removing one project from the scope
- Authorized $21,147.44 to outfit a new police chief pickup truck, bringing the total vehicle cost to $72,536.24
- Approved Quality Flow Systems quotes of $9,976.00 and $9,766.00 to replace deteriorated rail systems at two lift stations
- Approved a backup lift station pump from Quality Flow Systems for $8,959.00 and concrete work from BG Amundson for $28,400.00
- Directed staff to meet with Swift County about purchasing one or both of their available dump trucks
City Council
The Benson City Council approved an engineering proposal to proceed with the Armory project and authorized the sale of the Creamery building at 1020 Pacific Avenue for $1.00. The council also approved several contracts, including a new police vehicle purchase and demolition-related services.
- Sale of Creamery building at 1020 Pacific Avenue for $1.00
- Purchase of 2024 Chevrolet Silverado PPV for $51,388.80
- T & K Kennedy quote of $7,116.00 for ash hauling and demolition work
- Diamond C Trailers purchase for boring machine trailer at $17,285.00
- Purchase of transformers from B & B Transformers for $25,441.59
City Council
The council authorized Bolton and Menk to seek bids for the wastewater plant flood wall project. Members also approved a new schedule of fees and charges for various city services and licenses. Additionally, the council approved rezoning the Creamery building to a mixed-use zone.
- Authorized Bolton and Menk to seek bids for the flood wall project
- Approved rezoning the Creamery building from I-1 to Mixed Use
- Approved $15,000 toward a new greens mower for the Benson Golf Club
- Accepted a $20,284.00 quote from Border States for electrical wire
- Adopted Resolution 2024-07 establishing a new schedule of fees and charges
City Council
The City Council approved multiple property variance applications for Robert Street and Duininck Concrete. The council also passed a resolution to transfer funds from the EDA to the General Fund and approved a first reading for mixed-use zoning and cannabis use ordinances.
- Variance #1-24: 2020 Robert Street property split
- Variance #2-24: 2020 Robert Street duplex setback
- Variance #3-24: Duininck Concrete fence height
- Resolution 2024-06: Transfer of $271,973 from EDA Fund to General Fund
- 2024 Sylte land farm lease: $29,104.00
City Council
The Council approved a $99,999.99 loan for Abundant Ag to clean the fuel hall at the old Fibrominn site. Members also authorized various infrastructure payments and a data extraction fee from Avenu.
- $99,999.99 five-year forgivable loan for Abundant Ag to clean the fuel hall property
- $68,000 quote from Bolton & Menk for water tower engineering and management
- $27,500 maximum fee to Avenu for utility software data extraction
- $12,561.00 for new LED snowflake Christmas light decorations from Display Sales
- Three pay requests to T & K Kennedy totaling $36,195.58 for water, sewer, and septic work
City Council
The Council held a work session to review updates on the Armory project, housing needs, and utility infrastructure. Discussions included evaluating the financial feasibility of a new liquor store and reviewing rising engineering costs for the floodwall project.
- Review of $852,450 estimate from Marcus Builders for a 5,250 sq. ft. liquor store building
- Discussion of $1.4 million grant for floodwall with an estimated City share of $515,000
- Identification of $100,000 cost to bury electrical and $80,000 potential cost for diesel tank removal
- Review of $212,000 in previous engineering costs and $112,000 in additional recent engineering fees
- Discussion regarding a $2 million DEED BDPI grant opportunity for South Industrial Park