Benson public meetings in 2025
30 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Benson City Council will consider and adopt the 2026 general fund budget and property tax levy. Several resolutions will set garbage collection rates, approve budgeted fund transfers, and adopt other fiscal measures. Additional items include contract approvals, change orders, and utility fund planning.
- Pay Request – Bolton & Menk – Floodwall Project – $340,329.34 (balance $1,066,740.84)
- Authorize going out for bids for the 2026 Water Tower Project
- Change Order #008 – Add Exit Sign South West Corner – $645.60
- Purchase of Storm Sewer Lift Pump – $8,500
- Resolution adopting garbage rates for 2026
City Council
The council reviewed a 10‑year capital improvement plan for streets, water, wastewater, and storm sewer work, estimated at $16,385,100.34. Members discussed financing options, including a bond and an assessment policy that could spread costs over 20 years. They considered a $500 application fee for state‑guaranteed loan money and the need for a public hearing on the assessment policy. No formal decision was recorded during the meeting.
- 10‑year CIP cost $16,385,100.34 covering McKinney Ave (19th‑21st St S) and 10th St S (Oakwood Ave‑Wisconsin Ave)
- Financing options discussed: bond issuance under Chapter 429 and an assessment policy to fund debt service
- $500 application fee mentioned for applying for state‑guaranteed money
- Need for a new wastewater treatment plant permit noted for future planning
- Utility rate study budgets sent; final study expected January 2026
City Council
The Benson City Council will consider several actions, including multiple pay requests and first‑reading ordinances. Council members will vote on amendments to police department agreements and on authorizing the sale of surplus property from two police squads. Additional items include a proposal to apply for a matching grant for an EV charging station and a request to purchase cable and fiber‑optic services for a wastewater incident.
- Pay requests: Bolton & Menk – WWTF Flood Wall – $15,525.50; Rodeberg & Berryman – Utility Street & Utility Improvements – $4,875; others totaling over $40,000
- 1st reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 154.25 Accessory Structures
- Police Department Agreements: Court DATA Service Subscriber amendment to CJDN Agreement and Joint Powers Agreement with BCA
- Declare two police squads surplus property and authorize its sale
- Consider applying for a matching grant for an electric‑vehicle charging station
City Council
The Benson City Council will consider approving contracts for airport survey work and body cameras, a 2026 budget for power plant batteries, and a request to rename the Benson Armory to the Benson Community Center.
- Renaming Benson Armory to Benson Community Center
- Pay Request: Axon Enterprises Body Camera System - $54,229.98
- Consider Power Plant Batteries 2026 Budget - $33,960
- Non-Residential Sewer Charges for 2026
- Pay Request – Bolton & Menk – Airport AGIS Survey - $20,300.00
City Council
The Benson City Council will consider several financial and operational items, including a large payment request for floodwall work and a request for street and utility improvements. The meeting also includes a public hearing on a CDBG-CV grant project, a discussion of renewable energy credits, and several contract and equipment purchases. Additional items involve the armory rental agreement, a snow pusher purchase, and the sale of surplus dump truck property.
- Pay Request #2 – Floodwall Work – $628,256.16
- Pay Request #4 – Street & Utility Improvements – $259,469.96
- Consider Armory Rental Agreement
- Purchase of Snow Pusher – $20,000
- Declare 2007 Dump Truck Surplus Property & authorize Sale
City Council
The Benson City Council meeting on October 20, 2025 includes a mix of action items and informational reports. Council members will consider a floodwall change order, a $3,357.38 reimbursement for the Benson Golf Course Rib Fest, bids for the pool rehabilitation project, and an armory pay application of $95,999.49. The agenda also contains a consideration of the LELS Union Contract Agreement and several security contracts for the armory, including ADC video equipment ($7,795), ADC access equipment ($3,995), DSC fire‑suppression monitoring equipment ($1,114), and security electrical wiring ($5,317.60). Additional items are a donation resolution, bills and warrants, a strategic planning report, and a city manager report, listed as informational or action items.
- Floodwall Change Order #1 Storm Sewer Pipe (Krose) – Action Requested
- Benson Golf Course Rib Fest Reimbursement – $3,357.38 – Action Requested
- Armory Pay Application #5 – $95,999.49 – Action Requested
- Heartland Security Contracts for the Armory – ADC Video Equipment $7,795; ADC Access Equipment $3,995; DSC Equipment $1,114 – Action Requested
- Bradley Security & Electric LLC – Security Electrical Wiring $5,317.60 – Action Requested
City Council
The City Council will consider several actions, including a payment request of $411,114.65 for the Crow River Floodwall Project. Other items include a conditional use permit for 211‑11th St. S., a $19,950 quote to pave a new pickleball court, and a proposal from BNSF Railroad to swap land and address trespass on city property. The council will also review grant‑related resolutions and a $14,290 water‑plant quote.
- Approve payment #1 for Crow River Floodwall Project – $411,114.65 (balance $2,107,942.14)
- Consider Conditional Use Permit – 211 – 11th St. S.
- Approve quote for Pickleball Court paving – $19,950.00
- Review BNSF Railroad proposed land swap and trespass on city property
- Approve water plant quote from Border States – $14,290
City Council
The City Council will meet to decide on funding for the Benson Golf Club and the approval of swimming pool rehabilitation plans. The body will also consider a grant application policy and a 'Towards Zero Death' resolution.
- Benson Golf Club 2026 funding request for $60,000
- Approval of swimming pool rehab plans, specs, and bid process
- Consideration of lot at 9th St. N. & Oregon Avenue
- Grant application policy
- Towards Zero Death Resolution
City Council
The City Council approved several land-use permits, airport maintenance grants, and construction payments. The body also authorized a wellhead protection plan update and seasonal flower pot funding for 2026.
- Approved $509,530.63 payment to Land Pride Construction for Cottage Square and street work
- Approved $357,058.45 payment to Marcus Construction for Armory work
- Approved $19,230 Stantec proposal for Wellhead Protection Plan part 2
- Approved conditional use permit for a Prairie Five bus garage at 640 Atlantic Avenue
- Approved $9,538 for 35 ground-level flower pots for the 2026 season
City Council
The Benson City Council will meet on August 18, 2025, to approve routine minutes, correspondence, and pay requests, as well as act on several contracts and agreements. Items include an asset purchase agreement with WMMPA, a flooring change order for the Armory Project, and a resolution for an interfund loan.
- Asset Purchase Agreement – WMMPA
- Change Order #5 – Special Flooring – Armory Project
- Consider Quotes for Sludge Hauling ($16,177.00)
- Pay Application No. 3 – Marcus Construction ($405,385.90)
- Resolution Authorizing and Interfund Loan
City Council
The Benson City Council will meet on September 8, 2025, to decide on several financial requests, including a $60,000 funding request for the Benson Golf Club, a $24,755 payment for Cottage Square Phase 3, and a $509,530.63 payment for Cottage Square and road projects. The Council will also consider zoning variances, a conditional use permit, and grant agreements for airport maintenance and operations.
- Stantec Wellhead Protection Plan Proposal - $19,230
- Variance Application at 1000 Wisconsin Avenue
- Variance Application at 2010 Kansas Avenue
- Conditional Use Permit for 640 Atlantic Avenue
- Benson Golf Club 2026 Funding Request - $60,000
City Council
The City Council will vote on several pay requests for infrastructure projects and review land-use applications. The meeting includes decisions on a flood wall contract amendment and a grant offer for airport infrastructure.
- Bolton & Menk Flood Wall Engineering pay request for $130,580.76
- FFA Grant Offer Letter for Airport Infrastructure
- Purchase of doors for Wastewater Plant for $25,146.47
- Conditional Use Permit for shed expansion at 307 – 19th St. N.
- Variance Application for right-of-way encroach at 1000 Wisconsin Ave.
City Council
The City Council will review a resolution to amend electric rates and consider several high-value pay requests for infrastructure projects. The body is also deciding on a SCADA system replacement agreement and a proposal for aquatic engineering and design.
- Pay request for Bolton & Menk floodwall engineering: $130,580.76
- Marcus Construction pay application No. 2: $243,022.82
- Resolution to amend electric rates
- DGR Engineering Master Agreement for SCADA system replacement
- USAquatics proposal for aquatic engineering and design
City Council
The City Council will review an updated electric rate study and consider several equipment purchases. The body is also deciding on road closures for community events and the sale of a city lot.
- Pay request for Marcus Construction Armory Project: $331,596.55
- Sale of Lot at Nevada & 16th St. N. (Parcel 23-0503-000)
- Purchase of two 2015 dump trucks from Swift County
- Purchase of a Swenson Cross Conveyor for $12,818.00
- Pay request for Rodeberg & Berryman, Inc. Cottage Square Phase 3: $11,085.00
City Council
The City Council will vote on the issuance of Series 2025A General Obligation Bonds and an amended TIF-8 agreement. The body will also review a wage study and personnel committee recommendations.
- Resolution Approving Issuance of G.O. Bonds, Series 2025A
- Draft TIF-8 Amended & Restated Agreement
- Pioneerland Library System Quarterly Request for $29,918.50
- Stantec Pay Request for Clearwell Improvements Project of $15,599.75
- Fire Hydrant Quote for $7,358.61
City Council
The City Council will review several funding requests, including a $25,000 purchase for power plant fuel and a $45,772.10 change order for Marcus Construction. The body will also discuss a conditional use permit for 625 8th St. N. and a proposed bus garage.
- Request to purchase power plant fuel for $25,000
- Marcus Construction Change Order #001 for $45,772.10
- Conditional Use Permit for 625 8th St. N.
- Proposed bus garage presentation by Paul Coyour with Prairie Five
- Pay requests for Rodeberg Berryman: $2,430 (Cottage Square Phase 3) and $9,900 (2025 Street & Utility Improvements)
City Council
The City Council will decide on a loan co-sign request for the Civic Center roof and a matching grant solicitation for the Golf Club. The body will also review water and sewer connection requests and a street dance application for Patrick’s Pub & Grill.
- Civic Center Roof loan co-sign request
- Matching grant solicitation from MRES for Golf Club
- Water and sewer connection at 1925 Robert Street
- OHUG Alley East of Armory quote for $8,898.56
- 2025 Pool Admission Proposal
City Council
The Benson City Council will hold public hearings on adopting a street reconstruction plan with intent to issue general obligation bonds and on proposed property tax abatements. The council will also consider bids for street projects, purchases for police equipment including body cameras, and various grants. Other items include a discussion on THC low dose product sales at the liquor store and pool pass changes.
- Public hearings on street reconstruction plan with GO bonds and property tax abatements
- Bids for 18th St. N., 12th St. S., and Cottage Square street improvements
- New body cameras and server system for police at $45,374.47 annually
- Consideration of MPCA wastewater floodwall grant agreement
- Discussion on allowing THC low dose product sales at Benson Liquor Store
City Council
The council will swear in new member Cherie Stielow and hold a public hearing on moving the Go Set Ready Coffee building. Key decisions include authorizing a rebid for the Wastewater Flood Protection Project, purchasing a police squad car for $68,893.11, and approving several other equipment purchases. The meeting also covers consent agenda items, appointments, and a road closure request for Wings & Wheels.
- Swear in Councilmember Cherie Stielow following April 8 special election
- Public Hearing on Go Set Ready Coffee Building Move
- Authorize rebid of Wastewater Flood Protection Project
- Purchase police squad car – $68,893.11
- Purchase water meters – $17,450 and electric sub-meters – $19,726.56
City Council
The City Council met to canvass the results of the April 8, 2025 Special City Council Election. The Council unanimously approved the election results.
- Election of Cherie Stielow to a 21-month City Council term beginning April 21, 2025
- Total voter turnout of 223 votes from 1,801 registered voters
City Council
The Benson City Council holds a special meeting to act on several financial and infrastructure items. Key actions include resolutions authorizing the presale of 2025A bonds and calling public hearings on a street reconstruction plan and property tax abatements. The council will also consider quotes for construction material testing, purchases for the overhead-to-underground utility project, bituminous paving bids, and authorization to seek plans for Cottage Square. Other items include a fire department request to sell a 1980 pumper and setting a special meeting to canvass a special election.
- Resolution authorizing presale of 2025A bonds (financial terms not specified)
- Resolutions calling public hearings on Street Reconstruction Plan and Property Tax Abatements
- Consider quotes for special inspections: American Engineering Testing $17,414 vs Chosen Valley Testing $8,871
- Approval of overhead-to-underground project purchases: Border States $18,915.66 and JT Services $30,728
- Consider bituminous paving quotes: Ferguson Asphalt $58,936, Joe Riley $59,983.80, Central Specialties $74,446.50
City Council
The Benson City Council is holding a special meeting to consider consent agenda items including approval of minutes, pay requests totaling over $62,000 for three projects, license renewals for liquor and garbage collection, and electronic transfer of payroll. No separate public hearings or ordinances are scheduled; the agenda is largely procedural.
- Pay request of $4,221.83 to Engan Associates for Armory Project (remaining balance $16,622.26)
- Pay request of $17,190.00 to Rodeberg & Berryman, Inc. for Cottage Square (remaining balance $10,547.00)
- Pay request of $14,400.00 to Rodeberg & Berryman, Inc. for 18th St. N. Project (remaining balance $53,710.00)
- Funding request of $26,918.50 for Pioneerland Library System 2025 1st Quarter
- Renewal of on-sale liquor, Sunday liquor, sidewalk café permit, off-sale 3.2 malt beverage, on-sale wine, garbage collection, and sewer tap licenses
City Council
The City Council met to review and approve the employment contract for City Manager Matt Skaret. The council also appointed an election judge for an upcoming special election.
- Approval of employment agreement for City Manager Matt Skaret
- Appointment of Sandy Hill as an election judge
City Council
The Benson City Council will consider multiple action items including public works contracts for seal coating ($114,160), concrete ($43,500), and chloride ($6,000), capital requests for a parks mower ($22,044.70) and mower deck ($5,400), repairs to a digger truck ($16,484), and appointment of election judges. The council will also discuss the selection of a new city manager and consider canceling the March 3 meeting.
- Seal coating contract with Morris Seal Coat for $114,160
- Concrete work with Amundson Concrete for $43,500
- Capital request for a 72" John Deere Z997R mower for parks at $22,044.70
- Digger truck repairs estimate from ABM Equipment at $16,484
- Discussion on appointing a new city manager
City Council
The City Council will decide on several equipment purchases and contract approvals. The body will also consider a second reading of a lodging tax ordinance amendment and a proposal for stack testing at the power plant.
- Stack testing at the power plant proposal
- Purchase of 2 grinder pumps for Cottage Sq. for $31,893.00
- Airport grant for tractor-mower-blower totaling $46,800
- Prairie Waters membership for $5,000
- 2nd reading of Lodging Tax Ordinance Amendment
City Council
The City Council will consider the first reading of a lodging tax ordinance amendment and a land lease for Sylte Farm. The body will also review a variance for the Cottage Square Second Addition and a support request for the Mini-Sota Museum.
- 1st Reading of Lodging Tax Ordinance Amendment
- Sylte Farm Land Lease
- Variance for Cottage Square Second Addition
- Rodeberg & Berryman, Inc. payments: $15,150.00 (Cottage Square) and $1,890.00 (18th St. N. Sewer Project)
- Mini-Sota Museum request for support
City Council
The City Council held a special meeting to gather citizen input on the Armory remodeling project. Discussions focused on project costs, tax levy impacts, and the city's cash flow for high-ticket projects. The City Manager also provided an update on the search for a new City Manager.
- Armory remodeling low bid of $1,525,361.00
- Estimated 5-7% levy increase for 7-8 years for the project
- Armory project estimated to add $115,00 to the levy
- Grant received for a FEMA certified flood wall around the wastewater plant
- City Manager search with 5 applications and interviews scheduled for February 14-15, 2025
City Council
The Council reviewed bids for the Armory remodel project, identifying Marcus Construction as the low bidder. Members discussed potential project deductions, grant funding for the kitchen, and overall city funding for upcoming projects estimated at $9.2 million.
- Low bid for Armory remodel from Marcus Construction at $1,525,361.00
- Discussion of 11 possible project deductions including roof replacement and LED fixtures
- Estimated $30,000-50,000 cost for new sewer and water lines into the Armory
- Review of $600,000 city match for project funding
- Mention of $9.2 million in upcoming projects including Cottage Square and 18th St. N. sewer
City Council
The City Council will consider approvals for the Cottage Square 2nd Addition final plat and a proposal for sewer work at 18th St. North-Idaho Ave. and 12th St. S. The body will also review city insurance and the city charter.
- Final Plat Approval for Cottage Square 2nd Addition
- Pay request for Total Control Sys-Water Plant CPU Replacement: $12,222.59
- Pay request for Cannon Technologies Annual Software Fee: $8,496.56
- LMC Membership Dues: $4,515
- Proposal for 18th St. North-Idaho Ave. & 12th St. S.
City Council
The Benson City Council will meet to appoint a person to fill a council vacancy and swear in replacement and new councilmembers. They will also act on several contracts and financial items, including a $121,000 2025 CEDA contract, a $82,312 SCADA controls payment, and a $9,500 electric rate study. Other business includes designating the official newspaper, bank depositories, and check signers, as well as updates on the 18th St. N. & Utah Ave sewer project and the Armory reconstruction project.
- Resolution appointing a person to fill a council vacancy and swear-in ceremony
- Consider 2025 CEDA contract for services – $121,000
- Pay request: Total Control Sys. for final SCADA controls at WWTF – $82,312.06
- Pay request: MRES electric rate study – $9,500
- Resolutions to contract for sale of surplus equipment to JAX of Benson