Jackson public meetings in 2024

City Council

The City Council will hold a Truth in Taxation public hearing and consider the proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy. Council will also discuss an Electric Rate Study by Missouri River Energy Services and the delegation of cannabis registration authority. A large consent agenda includes routine items such as liquor license renewals, ambulance department actions, a land sale warranty deed, and approval of Business Challenge winners.

• Truth in Taxation Public Hearing
• Review and Consideration of Proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy
• Electric Rate Study presented by Missouri River Energy Services
• Delegation of Cannabis Registration Authority
• Consent items: liquor license renewals (Kat's Hog Heaven, AmericInn, Family Dollar), ambulance software quote $9,320, and warranty deed for land sale to David and Dusti Thorn

The Jackson City Council approved a final property tax levy of zero percent for taxes collectible in 2025, as recommended by Interim City Administrator Rick Almich. The council also voted unanimously to retain the city's cannabis registration authority, allowing the city to issue its own cannabis licenses. A $67,345 fund transfer from the 101 Fund to the 222 Fund was approved as part of the consent agenda. The meeting included a proclamation honoring the JCC Huskies football team.

• Approved Resolution No. 52-1224 final tax levy of zero percent for 2025 (unanimous)
• Retained cannabis registration authority within the city (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including $67,345 transfer from 101 Fund to 222 Fund (unanimous)
• Moved Truth in Taxation Public Hearing to later in agenda (unanimous)

Utilities Commission

The Jackson Utilities Commission voted unanimously to keep the electric demand charge in place for Bridget's Bucksnorts Brew Ha Ha and Grill at its new location at 507 Second Street, despite an EDA request to waive it for six months. The commission also voted unanimously to treat David and Dusti Thorn's property on TV Tower Hill as commercial for electric metering and wiring. It agreed to continue charging Cody Goettler a $50 monthly fee for an old indoor electric meter until the city attorney provides guidance. Other items were informational, including a planned battery bank replacement and electric rate presentations.

• Demand charge kept for Bridget's Bucksnorts at 507 Second Street (unanimous)
• Thorn property on TV Tower Hill treated as commercial for electric meter/wiring (unanimous)
• Continued $50/month fee for Goettler's old electric meter until city attorney input (consensus)

Economic Development Authority EDA

The Jackson EDA approved the November/December financials and the consent agenda. Members discussed using wayfinding funds for new 'Welcome to Jackson' signs and getting a quote from Snick's Signs. The bid opening for the Coast-to-Coast demolition was extended by two weeks due to abatement. No major policy decisions were made; most items were informational or routine.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including November 12, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November/December financials (unanimous)
• Extended Coast-to-Coast demolition bid opening by two weeks due to abatement
• Adjourned meeting at 12:58 p.m. (unanimous)

Airport Commission

The Jackson Airport Commission rescinded an earlier motion to put airport farmland out for bids and instead unanimously approved extending the current lease with Matt Benson for three years at the same rental price per acre, with periodic price reviews. The commission also unanimously approved moving forward with seeking bids for snowplow equipment, funded by over $300,000 in state grant money, based on the engineer's recommendation.

• Rescinded motion to put airport farmland out for bids (unanimous)
• Extended airport farmland lease with Matt Benson for 3 years at same rental price per acre (unanimous)
• Approved seeking bids for snowplow equipment based on engineer's recommendation (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding Truth in Taxation and continue reviewing the proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget and property tax levy. The body will also consider liquor license renewals for nine local establishments.

• Truth in Taxation Public Hearing
• Review of proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy
• Liquor license renewals for American Legion, Bridget’s Brew HaHa and Grill, and Jackson Golf Club
• Liquor license renewals for United Fuels Midwest, LLC (Whoa N’ Go and Speedway)
• Liquor license renewals for Santee Crossing/Embers America, Fiesta Brava, AmericInn by Wyndham, and Family Dollar

City Council

The City Council will continue its review of the proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy. The body will also discuss the delegation of cannabis registration authority.

• Review of 2025 budget and tax levy for Airport, Ambulance, EDA, Library, and Recycled Concrete Fund
• Delegation of Cannabis Registration Authority
• Acceptance of Federated Rural Electric Trust Grant for the Jackson Ambulance Service
• Bills Lists for November 26, 2024 – Resolution No. 47-1124

City Council

The council will continue reviewing the proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy, covering funds for the airport, ambulance, EDA, library, and other areas. The consent agenda includes routine approvals for a fireworks permit, a parade permit, and a fire department alcohol request for a chili and oyster feed. No public hearings or bid lettings are scheduled for this meeting.

• Continued review of proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy (airport, ambulance, EDA, library, other)
• Approve fireworks permit for Jackson Chamber of Commerce for Holiday Fest Celebration on November 30, 2024, with fee waived
• Approve Holiday Fest Parade on November 30, 2024, route from North Highway south onto Main Street, with parade permit fee waived
• Fire Department request to serve alcohol (not sell) at Jackson Fire Hall for Annual Chili and Oyster Feed on January 6, 2024, 5:30–10:30 p.m.

City Council

The Jackson City Council will hold a public hearing on tax abatement and bond issuance, then consider consent agenda items including a $156,230 bond purchase and a $250 pension increase for the Fire Relief Association. The council will also canvass the November 5 election results, review the proposed 2025 governmental fund budget and property tax levy, and discuss airport projects, pool survey results, and a proclamation honoring Al McQuinn.

• Public hearing on tax abatement and issuance of bonds
• Approve Resolution No. 41A-1024: purchase of $156,230 taxable General Obligation Tax Abatement Bond from Minnesota DEED
• Approve Jackson Fire Relief Association request to increase annual pension benefit by $250
• Canvass of Jackson Municipal General Election held November 5, 2024
• Review proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding tax abatement and the issuance of bonds. Members will also review the proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy.

• Public hearing on Tax Abatement and Issuance of Bonds
• Proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy
• Taxable General Obligation Tax Abatement Bond, Series 2024A for $156,230
• Purchase of No. 2 Lift Station Transfer Switch for approximately $25,000
• Conditional Use Permit for Commercial Recreation business on Ballard Avenue

City Council

The Jackson City Council will consider a consent agenda including routine approvals and a Small Cities Development Program loan, then discuss appointing election judges, changing the November meeting date, and hold a closed session for contract discussions. The meeting includes a public forum and a resolution for the ambulance department account.

• Approve Small Cities Development Program loans: $6,000 to Rachelle Neal R.T. Investments LLC at 406 Second Street and $600 for Loan #2
• Request to use Jackson Fire Department for Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Training with alcohol consumption on Oct. 3-4, 2024
• Resolution No. 37-1024 appointing election judges for the November 5, 2024 General Election
• Change first regular November council meeting to Nov. 12, 2024, and canvass election votes
• Closed session under attorney-client privilege for contract discussions

City Council

The Jackson City Council will discuss and vote on several routine items, including approving loans for small-city development, appointing election judges for the November 5 general election, and changing the November meeting date. The consent agenda also includes a request from the sheriff's office to use the fire department for sobriety testing training with alcohol consumption.

• Approve Resolution No. 37-1024 appointing Election Judges for November 5, 2024 General Election
• Approve Small Cities Development Program Loans: $6,000 to Rachelle Neal R.T. Investments LLC (406 Second Street) and $600 for Loan #2
• Consent agenda includes request from Jackson County Sheriff's Office to use Jackson Fire Department for field sobriety testing training with alcohol on Oct 3-4
• Resolution No. 34-0924 approving account opening for Jackson Ambulance Department at Bank of Lake Mills (tabled from Sept 25)
• Change first regular November meeting to Nov 12 at 6 p.m., including canvass of election votes

City Council

The Jackson City Council will review the preliminary proposed 2025 governmental fund budget and consider setting the preliminary tax levy collectible in 2024, scheduling a Truth in Taxation hearing for December 17, 2024. The consent agenda includes approving new natural gas service lines at three addresses and a wage increase for a utility billing technician. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Approve installation of new natural gas service lines at 268 Pond Drive, 264 Pond Drive, and 300 State Street in Jackson
• Approve hourly wage increase for Utility Billing Technician Marcy Hassing effective September 10, 2024
• Review and consider Preliminary Proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget
• Resolution No. 34-0924 to open account for Jackson Ambulance Department at Bank of Lake Mills
• Resolution No. 35-0924 setting the Preliminary Tax Levy collectible in 2024 and setting Truth in Taxation Hearing on December 17, 2024

City Council

The Jackson City Council will discuss the preliminary proposed 2025 governmental fund budget and consider a $20,000 contract with David Drown Associates for a City Administrator search. Consent agenda items include accepting an EMT resignation, approving utility reimbursements for flood-affected residents, and acting on personnel committee recommendations.

• Review and consider David Drown Associates proposal for City Administrator search (cost: $20,000)
• Brief discussion on Preliminary Proposed 2025 Governmental Fund Budget
• Approve utility reimbursements for residents with extra utility costs due to flooding
• Accept resignation of Caitlin Place as part-time EMT, revert to casual on-call staff
• Personnel committee actions: review admin staff job descriptions/compensation, adjust Ambulance Service Director compensation, seek partial refund for previous admin search fees

The Jackson City Council voted to send the City's Peak Demand Policy back to the Utilities Commission for review and a recommendation, after Doug Bradley Trucking objected to being charged a higher electric rate for 12 months. The Council also approved a $20,000 contract with David Drown Associates for a City Administrator search. No other substantive decisions were made; the 2025 budget was discussed but no action was taken.

• Approved $20,000 City Administrator search contract with David Drown Associates (unanimous)
• Sent Peak Demand Policy back to Utilities Commission for review and recommendation (5-0-1, Peterson abstained)
• Approved consent agenda minus item 7(E) (unanimous)

Economic Development Authority EDA

The Jackson EDA approved the sale of parcel 23.571.0250 (Lot 10, Sunset View) to Tom Davis for $5,500 plus legal fees, subject to covenants and ordinances. The board also discussed a potential sale of the TV Tower property to the Thorns, recommended they submit a formal offer, and received updates on the JBDC Building Improvement Program and the Coast-to-Coast demolition mitigation plan.

• Approved sale of Lot 10 (parcel 23.571.0250) to Tom Davis for $5,500 plus legal fees, subject to covenants and ordinances (unanimous)
• Approved August 13 meeting minutes and financials (unanimous)
• Discussed TV Tower property sale to Thorns; recommended they submit a formal offer
• Noted JBDC approval of 2024 Building Improvement Program awards to Deputy Registrar, Cosmos & Clover, Heser Auto, Royal Treatment, Spiral Spa
• Decided to develop a comprehensive plan for Coast-to-Coast demolition, historic preservation, and funding

City Council

The Jackson City Council will consider routine consent agenda items including approval of minutes, bills, surplus property, and a resignation. Under discussion items, they will receive an update on a cannabis dispensary from Brandi Fletcher, consider Torgerson Lane final pay estimate No. 3, Belmont Heights pay application No. 5, and a Utilities Commission recommendation on a utility issue.

• Cannabis dispensary update discussion
• Torgerson Lane final pay estimate No. 3
• Belmont Heights pay application No. 5
• Surplus property: 1995 Snogo Snow Blower and 2008 F350 pickup
• Accept resignation of Kelly Johnson from Ambulance Department

The Jackson City Council approved the consent agenda (minus one item), rescheduled the September 17 meeting to September 16, approved two construction payments, and heard a presentation on a completed electric rate study. The study recommends 5% electric rate increases in January 2025, 2026, and 2027, with typical residential increases of $4–$7 per month each year. No formal action was taken on the rate study; it was presented for information only.

• Approved consent agenda except item 7(G) (unanimous)
• Rescheduled second September council meeting to Sept 16, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved Torgerson Lane Final Pay Estimate No. 3 for $13,530.49 to R & E Enterprises (unanimous)
• Approved Belmont Heights Pay Application No. 5 for $199,248.03 to Holtmeier Construction (unanimous)

City Council

The Jackson City Council meets at the fire hall on August 20 to consider a consent agenda of routine items and hold discussions on several topics. Key discussion items include an update on a proposed cannabis dispensary, a flooding update, a burn permit request, and a street closure for the Jackson Center for the Arts. The consent agenda covers approvals of minutes, bills, temporary liquor licenses, personnel hires, and a raffle permit for Ducks Unlimited.

• Consent agenda includes hiring two EMTs and one full-time paramedic for the Jackson Ambulance Department
• One-day temporary liquor licenses approved for three Jackson Center for the Arts concerts and a Knights of Columbus fundraiser
• Council to discuss update on proposed cannabis dispensary in Jackson (Brandi Fletcher)
• Flooding update with Public Works Director Tony Oxborough
• Discussion on declaring a community festival for the August 29 Jackson Cruise-In event

City Council

The Jackson City Council will consider approving a resolution to commit local matching funds for a Minnesota grant program to demolish the former Coast to Coast building. Other discussion items include an update on flooding, the former Prairie Winds Motel property, designating a community festival for the August 15 Cruise-In event, and changing signors on city bank accounts. The consent agenda includes routine approvals of minutes, bills, and a raffle permit request.

• Resolution 30-0724: commit local match and authorize contract for demolition of former Coast to Coast building under MN grant program
• Designate a Community Festival for the August 15, 2024 Jackson Cruise-In Event
• Remove former City Administrator Shelley Oltmans and add Gloria Pell and Mayor Marcus Polz as signors on city bank and investment accounts
• Update regarding the former Prairie Winds Motel property
• Monthly Economic Development Report for July 2024

City Council

The Jackson City Council will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda including routine approvals and a $10,000 grant for Albertus Field stadium lighting. Discussion items include a supplemental development agreement with Belmont Heights, appointment of election judges, and requests for street closures for cruise-in events. The council will also consider changing the August 6 meeting date to August 5.

• Accept $10,000 Bank Midwest Community Grant for Albertus Field Stadium Lighting (consent item)
• Approve gambling exemption permit for Jackson County Ducks Unlimited annual banquet (consent item)
• Discuss supplemental development agreement between City of Jackson and Belmont Heights
• Appoint election judges for Minnesota Primary Election on August 13, 2024
• Consider designating July 18 and Aug 1 cruise-in events as community festivals

City Council

The council will consider a DEED loan application for the demolition of the former Coast to Coast Building. Discussion items include a pay estimate for the 2022 Street Improvement Project and a request for a block party on Pond Drive.

• DEED Loan Application for demolition of the former Coast to Coast Building
• Pay Estimate No. 9 for the 2022 Street Improvement Project
• Request for a block party at 113 Pond Drive on July 13, 2024
• Designation of a community festival for the July 6th Cruise-In Event

City Council

The Jackson City Council scheduled an emergency meeting for June 22, 2024. The council will discuss plans and take action regarding a flooding emergency in the city.

• Discussion of plans and necessary action regarding the city's flooding emergency

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the Belmont Heights Subdivision Final Plat. Discussion items include an EDA recommendation to sell Sunset View Center lots for $1 and a resolution to adopt bicycle-friendly facilities. The council will also review infrastructure invoices and pay applications.

• Public hearing on Belmont Heights Subdivision Final Plat
• Proposal to sell Sunset View Center/Middle lots for $1 to spec home builders
• Resolution No. 25-0624 to Adopt Bicycle Friendly Facilities
• Sidewalk reconstruction application for 928 Sherman Street
• Request for a Jackson County Fair sign near Highway 71

City Council

The Jackson City Council will review several business-related requests and permit applications. The agenda includes approving rehabilitation loans for commercial buildings and reviewing peddler's license requests.

• $39,884.00 Commercial Building Rehabilitation loan for storefront improvements
• $20,440.00 Classic Hair Commercial Building Rehabilitation Loan
• Liquor License request for Peanuts Hub LLC at 2007 Highway 71 North
• Peddler’s license requests for book sales and a food trailer
• 2024 street seal coating authorization for M.R. Paving

Liquor Committee

The Jackson City Liquor Committee discussed municipal liquor store operations and prepared two recommendations for the City Council: approving up to $40,000 for an electronic outdoor sign that will display local event information, and purchasing an integrated point-of-sale system to reduce manual payment errors. The committee also approved cell phone reimbursements for the store manager and reviewed increased sales since the store began Sunday hours in April.

• Recommend City Council approve up to $40,000 for a 3-foot-by-10-foot Daktronics LED sign at the municipal liquor store
• Approve a one-time $400 fee plus $80 annual charge for an integrated POS credit card system
• Authorize reimbursement for Liquor Store Manager Michelle Bratrud’s personal cell phone used for city business
• Review Sunday sales performance since the store opened 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 7

City Council

The Jackson City Council will process routine approvals and discuss several operational requests affecting local services. Members will consider awarding a $50,752 road seal coating contract to maintain pavement conditions, approve a replacement police SUV for the Sheriff’s Office, and allocate up to $15,000 for municipal technology upgrades. The agenda also includes a property variance request on South Street and a proposed school zone designation along Springfield Parkway to address traffic safety near schools.

• Award 2024 seal coating bid to M.R. Paving and Excavating for $50,752
• Jackson County Sheriff’s Office request to purchase a new 2023 Ford SUV
• City staff request for technology upgrades not exceeding $15,000
• Planning Commission variance for an accessory building at 1203–1205 South Street
• Letter of support to designate Springfield Parkway (Park Street to Highway 71) as a school zone

City Council

The Jackson City Council will process routine consent agenda items, including bill approvals and meeting minutes. Under discussion are recommendations to create three full-time paramedic positions for the Ambulance Department and resolutions to designate city representatives for two regional power agencies. These decisions affect local emergency response staffing, municipal energy contracting costs, and traffic safety near schools.

• Recommendation to create three full-time paramedic positions for the Ambulance Department
• Resolutions designating authorized representatives for Missouri River Energy Services and Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
• Utilities Commission proposal to enable email billing and a 12-month meter reimbursement policy
• Request to designate Springfield Parkway from Park Street to Highway 71 as a school zone
• Discussion of HDR Engineering presentation, Fourth Street construction closure, and the Erickson Lot

City Council

The Jackson City Council held a special meeting to discuss three items. Members will review a recommendation to sell three lots in the Sunset View Addition for new home construction and consider a county variance request regarding street setbacks on White Street and Ashley Street. The council will also update authorized signers on all city bank accounts by adding City Administrator Shelley Oltmans and removing Matt Skaret.

• Recommendation to sell three lots in the Sunset View Addition for new home construction
• Variance application from Jackson County regarding setbacks on White Street and Ashley Street
• Update to city bank account signers: add Shelley Oltmans, remove Matt Skaret

City Council

The Jackson City Council will discuss a workforce housing development funding application that could support future residential projects, a food trailer permit for Ole’s Gathering Place affecting local commercial activity, and an update to the employee personnel policy handbook governing city staff operations. Routine financial approvals, meeting minutes, and a peddler license renewal are scheduled for consent agenda action.

• Application for Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Workforce Housing Development Deferred Funding Program
• Food trailer permit application for Ole’s Gathering Place
• Update on Petersburg Drive vacation
• Renewal of peddler license for Angela Brown (Angela's Egg Roll) food truck
• Employee Personnel Policy Handbook update

City Council

The Jackson City Council will process routine consent agenda items, including a $4,200 grant for ambulance equipment and a mediation settlement. Members will discuss several proposals, such as a food trailer permit, a hotel market feasibility study, and a temporary closure of 4th Street for law enforcement center construction. The council will also review second consideration on Ordinance No. 142 to set mayor and council compensation, alongside a request to vacate Petersburg Drive. These items directly impact local road access during public works, park usage, business operations, and municipal leadership pay.

• $4,200 Healthcare Foundation grant for ambulance department laptop and scanner
• Temporary closure of 4th Street (White St to Ashley St) for Law Enforcement Center construction
• Ordinance No. 142 fixing compensation of the Mayor and City Councilmembers
• Request to use Ashley Park Shelter House and erect a sign at Water Plant for Farmers and Makers Market
• Commercial Building Project Plumbing Plan Review Contract with Rum River Consultants

City Council

The Council will consider several items including conditional use permits for short-term rentals and seasonal staff hiring. Discussion topics include city official compensation, hotel licensing, and the Water Plant Media Filter Replacement Project.

• Conditional use permit for short-term rentals at 511 and 503 Sixth Street
• Hiring three seasonal Park Board staff at $15/hr starting wage
• Ordinance No. 142 regarding Mayor and City Council compensation
• Water Plant Media Filter Replacement Project Pay Application 4
• Bids for surplus property from the Economic Development Office

City Council

The Jackson City Council and Jackson County Central Schoolboard will hold a special joint meeting. The agenda includes an informational presentation and discussion regarding the swimming pool.

• Discussion regarding the swimming pool

City Council

The council will review an ordinance amendment regarding weed trimming and removal responsibilities. The agenda also includes a recommendation for sanitary sewer project funding and updates from the EDA and Chamber of Commerce.

• Second consideration of Ordinance No. 141 regarding weed maintenance
• Recommendation to submit LS-4 Sanitary Sewer Forcemain Improvements Project for FY 2025 funding
• Approval of a dance permit and fee waiver for the Jackson Fire Department's Annual Fireman’s Dance
• Discussion of Resolution No. 10-0324, an approving Federal Grants and Awards Policy
• Closed session regarding a possible real estate purchase

City Council

The City Council will conduct a second interview with Shelley Oltmans, a finalist for the City Administrator position. The council will also enter a closed session to discuss labor negotiations and employment agreement parameters for the new role.

• Second interview with City Administrator finalist Shelley Oltmans
• Closed session regarding labor negotiations and employment agreement for the City Administrator

City Council

The City Council will consider an employment offer for a full-time Ambulance Director and a FEMA grant application for fire department gear. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the Belmont Heights Development Agreement and water plant media replacement projects.

• Employment offer for Grant Landbo as full-time Ambulance Director
• FEMA grant application for Jackson Fire Department turnout gear and boots
• Belmont Heights Development Agreement discussion
• Water Plant Media Replacement Project change orders
• One-day on-sale liquor license for the April 5, 2024, Fireman's Dance

City Council

The City Council will consider several consent agenda items including license renewals and staff appointments. Discussion items include city meeting schedule changes, street department equipment, and a joint meeting regarding the pool.

• Renewal of Peddler’s License for Lep’s Take Me Out Food Truck
• Appointment of Alderman Mark Titus to the Jackson Business Development Committee
• Application for the Housing Fix-up Fund Lending Program by David and Susan Schrader
• Hiring of EmmaLee Krosch as PT Liquor Store Clerk
• Resolution No. 06-0224 appointing judges for the March 5, 2024 Presidential Nomination Primary

City Council

The City Council will discuss routine items including bills approval and budget transfers. Notable among these is a recommendation to fund spaying and neutering services for registered non-profits.

• Approve A.J. and Bridgette Lusk's request to reduce the payback amount on their Business Challenge Forgivable Loan to $1,250
• Approve appropriating $500 to the Jackson Business Development Corporation (JBDC) for operating expenses
• Approve Quote From Last Touch Painting and Glass to Repair Cracks and Paint at the Liquor Store for $4,830
• Animal Committee recommends up to $2,000 in funding for spaying and neutering services
• Park Board Recommendation: Approve Memorial Park Shelter/Skating Rink Warming House Concept and Agreement

City Council

The City Council will review the 2023 audit engagement letter and a new Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy. The agenda also includes approving staff hires and designating official city depositories.

• Approval of Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy (Resolution No. 01-0124)
• Hiring of three Skating Rink Warming House Attendants at $12/hr
• Designation of official city depositories including Bank Midwest and Security Bank
• Review of Belmont Heights Phase One Development Pay Applications 1 and 2
• Approval of Jackson County Pilot as the official city newspaper for 2024