Dassel public meetings in 2024

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will hold public hearings on truth in taxation and delinquent utility accounts. They will consider adopting the final 2025 budget and levy, and discuss a proposed ordinance regulating adult cannabis sales. Other actions include approving a 2.5% staff pay increase, a used spreader purchase, and updates to personnel policy and fee schedule.

• Adopt Resolution 2024-024 approving final 2025 budget and levy
• Public hearing on Truth in Taxation and assessment of delinquent utility accounts
• Discuss draft ordinance regulating sale and marketing of adult cannabis
• Motion to approve 2.5% pay increase for staff effective 1/1/2025
• Purchase used SP12 Sand & Salt Spreader for $5,900 from Farm-Rite Equipment

The Dassel City Council approved the final 2025 budget and levy, a 2.5% wage increase for city staff, and several infrastructure purchases including a sand/salt spreader and lift station siding. The council also authorized pursuit of an Active Transportation grant for the DC Trail and certified delinquent utility accounts to county taxes. A draft adult cannabis ordinance was discussed but no action taken.

• Adopted Resolution 2024-024 approving final budget & levy
• Approved 2.5% pay increase for staff effective 1/1/2025
• Authorized purchase of used SP12 Sand & Salt Spreader for $5,900
• Approved $4,000 for siding/soffit at Main and 5th St lift stations
• Approved $4,516.30 for LED lighting retrofit at liquor store
• Approved Resolution 2024-023 authorizing Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant pursuit
• Certified delinquent water/sewer amounts to Meeker County Auditor
• Approved changes to Personnel Policy removing volunteer firefighters from Earned Sick and Safe Leave

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss updating health insurance providers to Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN and increasing employee HSA contributions. The body is also deciding on the purchase of a new office copier and the adoption of a new city seal.

• Payment of claims totaling $254,778.32
• Proposed purchase of a Konica Minolta C361i copier for $9,400.00
• Proposed increase of Alerus HSA contributions from $500 quarterly to $1,250 semi-annually
• Temporary street closing of 3rd street from the alley to Highway 12 on December 13, 2024
• Proposed $95.00 cost for a new 2-inch city seal stamp

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will consider consent agenda items including payment of claims ($482,243.61), a parking lot/sidewalk project payment ($121,998.47), a temporary liquor license, and joining a statewide volunteer firefighter plan. Staff reports propose hiring a liquor store assistant manager, purchasing fire extrication equipment for $60,500, and setting fees for a new THC sales license application. A key discussion item is the proposed 2025-2026 law enforcement contract with the Meeker County Sheriff, which includes a 6.48% and 6.52% increase per year.

• Payment of claims totaling $482,243.61
• Payment Request #4 for 2024 Parking Lot and Sidewalk Improvement to Levanen Underground LLC for $121,998.47
• Proposed purchase of battery-powered extrication equipment for $60,500 (fire department)
• Discussion and approval of THC sales license application including liability insurance limits, annual business license fee, and background investigation fee
• Proposed 2025-2026 law enforcement contract with Meeker County Sheriff (6.48% year 1, 6.52% year 2)

Special City Council Meeting

The City Council is meeting to discuss a request for a one-day temporary on-sale wine permit. This permit is for an event on October 26, 2024.

• Temporary On-Sale Wine permit for Dassel Cokato Lions at Dassel History Center, 901 1st St N

Regular City Council Meeting

The council will hold a public hearing and take action on a zoning amendment to rezone 421 Parker Ave W from R2 to R-3 for multi-family rental. They will also consider a lot line adjustment and conditional use permit for outdoor storage at 625/631 Parker Ave W, and approve fire relief pension changes including joining PERA and increasing annual pension to $4,000. The consent agenda includes $392,860.68 in claims and a $100,362.72 payment for the 2024 parking lot and sidewalk project.

• Zoning amendment for 421 Parker Ave W: R2 to R-3 for multi-family rental
• Lot line adjustment combining 625 and 631 Parker Ave W
• Conditional use permit for outdoor storage at 625/631 Parker Ave W
• Fire relief pension changes: join PERA, increase annual pension to $4,000
• Consent agenda: $392,860.68 claims and $100,362.72 payment for parking lot/sidewalk project

The Dassel City Council denied a zoning amendment request for 421 Parker Ave W, following the Planning Commission's recommendation. The council approved a lot line adjustment and a conditional use permit for outside storage for JC Clark LLC at 625/631 Parker Ave W, with conditions including fencing maintenance and drainage preservation. The council also approved the Dassel Fire Relief pension fund joining the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan under MN PERA and increasing the annual individual pension contribution from $3,300 to $4,000.

• Denied zoning amendment for PID 23-0076000, 421 Parker Ave W
• Approved lot line adjustment for JC Clark LLC, 625/631 Parker Ave W, with conditions on handicap signage and pavement responsibility
• Approved conditional use permit for outside storage at 625/631 Parker Ave W with six conditions
• Approved Dassel Fire Relief pension fund joining Statewide Volunteer Firefighter (SVF) Plan under MN PERA
• Approved annual individual pension contribution increase from $3,300 to $4,000 with no city contribution increase
• Approved drafted Dassel Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association Bylaws addressing pension contribution change
• Scheduled special council meeting for November 14, 2024 to canvass election results
• Decided to change council meeting start time from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. beginning in November

Dassel Fire Advisory Board

The board will review year-to-date revenue and expenditures for 2024. Members will also discuss the preliminary 2026 budget and related contracts.

• Review of 2024 YTD Revenue & Expenditures
• Discussion of preliminary 2026 budget and contracts

The Dassel Fire Advisory Board discussed the need for a new fire hall, noting economic conditions are not favorable for borrowing. It was decided that firefighters will determine their needs (not wants), visit other new fire halls, and report back to the board. The board also approved the February 28, 2024 minutes and the agenda, and reviewed the 2024 year-to-date finances and preliminary 2026 budget.

• Approved February 28, 2024 minutes (7-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (7-0)
• Directed firefighters to evaluate needs for new fire hall and report back
• Reviewed 2024 YTD revenue/expenditures and preliminary 2026 budget

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Dassel Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and then decide whether to recommend approval or denial of a conditional use permit application by JC Clark LLC for outdoor storage at 625 and 631 Parker Ave W. Commissioners will review findings of fact and set recommended conditions for the city council. Additionally, they will appoint a commission member to the Dassel Heritage Preservation Commission.

• Public hearing for conditional use permit (PID 23-0498001 and PID 23-0499000) at 625/631 Parker Ave W for outdoor storage by JC Clark LLC
• Commission to review Findings of Fact and determine recommended conditions for the conditional use permit
• Motion to approve or deny a recommendation to City Council for the conditional use permit
• Appointment of a Planning Commission member to the Dassel Heritage Preservation Commission
• Approval of minutes from August 20, 2024 meeting

The Dassel Planning & Zoning Commission approved a conditional use permit for outside storage at 625/631 Parker Ave W, allowing Dassel-Cokato Marine to operate a winter boat and watercraft storage business. The approval includes conditions regarding lot consolidation, utility easement access, and drainage. The commission also appointed a member to the Heritage Preservation Commission.

• Approved conditional use permit for outside storage at 625/631 Parker Ave W (motion carried)
• Appointed Suchy to the Dassel Heritage Preservation Commission (motion carried)

Special City Council Meeting

This special meeting includes a public hearing and potential adoption of three ordinances: one regulating THC edible product manufacturing, distribution, and sale; one establishing a municipal THC dispensary; and one authorizing off-sale of THC products at the city liquor store. The council will also consider purchasing a freestanding display sign for the liquor store for $47,275 and discuss the 2025 preliminary budget with a directed 6% increase and 2.5% COLA for staff.

• Public hearing and vote on Ordinance 05-2024 regulating THC edible product manufacturing, distribution, and sale
• Public hearing and vote on Ordinance 06-2024 establishing a municipal THC dispensary
• Public hearing and vote on Ordinance 07-2024 authorizing off-sale of THC products at the city liquor store
• Purchase of freestanding display sign from Scenic Sign for $47,275, paid from General Capital Project fund with $5,000 annual payments from Liquor Store Fund
• Discussion of 2025 preliminary budget with 6% increase and 2.5% COLA for staff

The Dassel City Council held a special meeting and approved three ordinances related to THC products: one regulating manufacturing, distribution, and sale of THC edible products (Ordinance 05-2024), one establishing a municipal THC dispensary (Ordinance 06-2024), and one authorizing off-sale of THC products at the municipal liquor store (Ordinance 07-2024). The council also approved purchasing a new freestanding display sign for the liquor store. The 2025 preliminary budget was discussed but no action was recorded.

• Approved Ordinance 05-2024 regulating THC edible products (new Chapter 113)
• Approved Ordinance 06-2024 establishing a municipal THC dispensary (amendment to Chapter 113)
• Approved Ordinance 07-2024 authorizing off-sale of THC products at municipal liquor store (amendment to Chapter 110)
• Approved purchase of new freestanding display sign for Municipal Liquor Store

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Dassel Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a zoning amendment to rezone 421 Parker Ave W from R2 to R3 for multi-family rental property. The commission will also review a lot line adjustment to combine two parcels at 625 and 631 Parker Ave W, and set a public hearing date for a conditional use permit for outside storage at those same properties.

• Public hearing for zoning amendment PID 23-0076000, 421 Parker Ave W, from R2 to R3 for multi-family rental (35 Blue Property Group LLC)
• Lot line adjustment to combine 625 and 631 Parker Ave W (JC Clark LLC)
• Conditional use permit application for outside storage at 625/631 Parker Ave W; public hearing tentatively set for September 10, 2024
• Business item considering zoning amendment with attachments including city planner report and site plans
• Approval of July 9, 2024 minutes

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on designating the Kaufman House at 250 Pacific Ave W as a historic landmark. They will also consider multiple ordinances regulating THC products and a municipal dispensary. Other decisions include approving payments totaling $600,731.06, hiring staff, and accepting a $3,920 donation for firefighter PPE.

• Public hearing and vote on historic landmark designation for Kaufman House, 250 Pacific Ave W
• Approval of $600,731.06 in payments, including $119,074.90 for parking lot and sidewalk improvements
• Acceptance of $3,920 donation from Dassel Fireman's Relief Association for PPE
• Consideration of ordinances regulating THC products and establishing a municipal dispensary
• Approval of $.50/hour raises for two liquor store clerks and hiring of part-time museum worker

Special City Council Meeting

The city council will hear from Meeker County Sheriff Brian Cruze regarding renewal of the policing contract, and from County Assessor Missi Voigt about whether the Board of Appeal and Equalization will be conducted by the city or county.

• Discussion with Sheriff Cruze on policing contract renewal
• Discussion with Assessor Voigt on Board of Appeal and Equalization/Open Book process

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will determine if the property at 520 Simon Avenue is a public nuisance and consider a lot line adjustment for 220 S 7th St. The body is also reviewing several construction payment requests and staff reports.

• Public hearing regarding public nuisance at 520 Simon Avenue
• Payment of claims totaling $248,663.63
• Final payment of $138,615.79 to Landwehr Construction Inc for Project 2022 First Street (CSAH 4) Improvements
• Payment Request #1 of $332,407.00 to Levanen Underground LLC for Project 2024 Parking lot and Sidewalk Improvement
• Lot line adjustment application for Marlene Blunt at 220 S 7th St

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission will review a historic landmark application for 250 Pacific Ave W and provide feedback on the Highland Circle development plan. The agenda also includes a zoning map amendment request for 421 Parker Ave W.

• Historic landmark designation application for Kaufman House at 250 Pacific Ave W
• Lot line adjustment to combine parcels at 220 S 7th St
• Zoning map amendment for 421 Parker Ave W from R-2 to R-3 residential
• Feedback on Highland Circle Planned Unit Development concept layout plan

Special City Council Meeting

The council will discuss adult-use cannabis regulations and potential changes to allow THC sales at the Municipal Liquor store. The meeting will also include consideration of quotes for manhole repairs and playground work at Summit Park.

• Approval of quotes for playground equipment concrete work at Summit Park
• Approval of quotes for two manhole repairs
• Discussion on adult-use cannabis regulations
• Proposed amendments to allow THC sales at the Municipal Liquor store

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will review staff reports regarding highway 12 and sidewalk projects. The agenda includes approving various resolutions, a fire department donation, and the discontinuation of the Cannabis Committee. A special meeting is scheduled for June 24 to discuss cannabis dispensaries and zoning ordinances.

• Payment of claims totaling $245,674.35
• Resolution 2024-016 regarding a Fire Department donation
• Discontinuation of Cannabis Committee meetings
• Special meeting on June 24 to discuss cannabis dispensaries and zoning
• Update on the 2024 Sidewalk - parking lot project

Special City Council Meeting

The City Council will consider adopting an updated organizational chart into the Personnel Policy. The meeting also includes reviewing amended job descriptions for several city positions and approving a wage for the City Clerk/Treasurer. Additionally, the council will consider a spending limit for the City Administrator.

• Adoption of updated Organizational Chart
• Review of amended job descriptions for five city roles
• Approval of hourly wage for City Clerk/Treasurer Bergum
• Approval of spending limit for the City Administrator

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a property tax abatement for a sidewalk/parking lot project, adopt a zoning map amendment, approve a land use plan, and adopt new shoreland regulations. The council will also discuss licensing for THC products, an adult cannabis ordinance, and address nuisance and parking complaints.

• Public hearing and Resolution 2024-011 for property tax abatement (sidewalk/parking lot project)
• Ordinance 02-2024 zoning map amendment
• Resolution 2024-009 approving land use plan and future land use map
• Ordinance 03-2024 shoreland regulations and Resolution 2024-012 for summary publication
• Nuisance complaints at 520 Simon Ave W and 260 5th St S; parking complaints at 150 Parker Ave W

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council is holding a special meeting to receive the 2023 audit report presentation from City Auditor Sara Oberloh and to consider a motion to hire a City Administrator. The agenda contains only these two business items before adjournment.

• Presentation of 2023 audit report by City Auditor Sara Oberloh
• Motion to hire City Administrator

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct interviews for the city administrator position. The meeting consists solely of these interviews, followed by adjournment.

• Interviews for Administrator position

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Dassel Planning & Zoning Commission is reconvening its April 29 meeting to continue discussions on the 2024 zoning map, comprehensive plan, future land use map, and a proposed shoreland ordinance. These items were carried over from the previous meeting and are up for further review and potential action.

• 2024 Zoning Map review
• Comprehensive Plan discussion
• Future Land Use Map review
• Proposed Shoreland Ordinance
• Staff report review

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Dassel Planning & Zoning Commission is holding a public hearing to consider updates to the land use maps, comprehensive plan, and shoreland ordinance. The meeting will also include approval of prior minutes and an open forum. The meeting will recess and reconvene on May 7.

• Public hearing on 2024 Zoning Map
• Public hearing on Comprehensive Plan
• Public hearing on Future Land Use Map and Shoreland Regulations
• Approval of February 12, 2024 meeting minutes

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will hold its regular meeting, primarily consisting of routine approvals and reports. Key actions include approving the consent agenda with payments totaling $517,571.95 and hearing updates from council members and staff, including a report on 2024 parking lot and sidewalk improvement bids.

• Payment of claims totaling $517,571.95
• 2024 Parking Lot & Sidewalk Improvement Bids report
• 2023 Consumer Confidence Report
• Council reports on Park & Rec, DC Trail Board, Joint Cokato & School meeting
• Staff reports from Museum, Liquor Store, Fire Chief, Public Works, City Engineer, Clerk, Sheriff

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council is holding a special meeting with three business items: a cyber security training presentation, an AED refresher video, and a discussion on changing the Public Works Director position from hourly to salaried. No votes are listed on the agenda; items are for discussion or informational purposes.

• Erik Haapala Computer Samurai - Phishing & Cyber Security Training
• AED refresher video
• Discussion on changing Public Works Director position from hourly to salaried

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council is holding a special meeting with a single business item: interviewing Deputy Clerk Bergum. No other decisions or discussions are on the agenda.

• Interview Deputy Clerk Bergum

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss staffing at the city's liquor store. The agenda contains only this single business item, with no other substantive topics listed.

• Discussion of liquor store staffing

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss changing the Public Works Director position from hourly to salaried, including related overtime and staff hours considerations. This is a discussion item only, with no formal vote or decision listed on the agenda.

• Discussion on changing Public Works Director position from hourly to salaried
• Discussion on overtime and staff hours

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council is meeting to handle routine approvals and several notable items. They will consider a Planning & Zoning Commission rezoning recommendation, discuss library expansion options, and vote on a cooperative agreement with MnDOT for a Highway 12 sidewalk project. The agenda also includes consent items like paying claims of $263,862.15 and a final pay request of $26,543.55 for the Safe Routes to School project.

• Rezoning recommendation from Planning & Zoning Commission
• Library expansion options discussion
• Approve MnDOT Cooperative Construction Agreement for Hwy 12 Sidewalk Project
• Payment of claims totaling $263,862.15
• Final pay request of $26,543.55 to Landwehr Construction for Safe Routes to School Project

Dassel City Council EDA Meeting

The Dassel City Council EDA meeting on March 7, 2024, will include a presentation by Meeker County EDA representative Lisa Graphenteen. No other substantive business is listed; the agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Presentation by Meeker County EDA representative Lisa Graphenteen

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will review and potentially approve a proposed City Administrator job description, and discuss changing the Public Works Director position from hourly to salaried, including overtime and staff hours. This is a special meeting with two business items.

• Review and approve proposed Administrator Job Description
• Discuss changing Public Works Director from hourly to salaried
• Discussion of overtime and staff hours for Public Works

Dassel Fire Advisory Board

The Dassel Fire Advisory Board is meeting to handle routine business including officer elections, approval of minutes, and reports. The main substantive item is a review and discussion of the 2023 year-end financials, the updated 2024 budget, and the proposed 2025 budget and fire contracts, with two options presented in the attached preliminary budget information.

• Election of officers
• Approval of minutes from August 23, 2023 and January 31, 2024
• Review and discuss 2023 year-end financials, updated 2024 budget, and 2025 proposed budget and contracts
• Next meeting set for August 28, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at Dassel Fire Hall

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council is holding a special meeting to review the updated Clerk/Treasurer job description and to discuss Administrator job descriptions, including whether to hire a contractor or an employee. No votes are listed on the agenda; the items are for review and discussion only.

• Review updated Clerk/Treasurer job description
• Discuss Administrator job descriptions and contractor vs. employee options

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will consider a rezoning request for 811 Parker Ave, with a recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission and a comment from a resident. The council will also review several staff reports, including updates on the opioid settlement, cannabis committee, and a lease renewal for Pro Works.

• Rezoning request for 811 Parker Ave
• Payment of claims $699,856.19
• Appoint Isaac Nelson to Planning & Zoning Commission
• Pro Works lease renewal 2024-2027
• Review 2024 Parking Lot & Sidewalk Improvement memorandum

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Dassel Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a zoning amendment for the property at 811 Parker Ave W. The commission will also discuss scheduling a public hearing for March 11, 2024, regarding the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Map, and Shoreland Ordinance. The meeting includes approval of the January 22, 2024 minutes and an open forum.

• Public hearing: Zoning Amendment for 811 Parker Ave W
• Discussion: Schedule public hearing for March 11, 2024 on Comp Plan, Zoning Map & Shoreland Ordinance
• Approval of minutes from January 22, 2024 regular meeting

Dassel Fire Advisory Board

The Dassel Fire Advisory Board is meeting to review the fire chief's annual department update and discuss 2023 year-end financials, a preliminary 2025 budget, and proposed contracts. The agenda includes routine items like roll call, minutes approval, and open forum.

• Review and discuss 2023 year-end financials
• Preliminary 2025 budget and contracts
• Fire Chief's annual department update
• Next meeting set for Feb 28, 2024

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Dassel Planning & Zoning Commission will hold its regular meeting, including the swearing-in of a new member and approval of prior minutes. The main business item is a request from JLG Investment Properties for a lot line adjustment and consolidation of two properties at 206 Highview Dr. No other substantive actions are listed.

• Swearing in of new Commission member Debra Suchy
• Approval of October 30, 2023 meeting minutes
• JLG Investment Properties lot line adjustment/consolidation request for 206 Highview Dr (PIDs 23-0659000 & 23-0658000)

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss staffing in the Clerk's office. The agenda contains only this single business item, with no other decisions or proposals listed.

• Discuss staffing Clerk's office

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council is holding a special meeting to hear a capital financial plan from Northland Securities, review the 2024 enterprise fund budgets for liquor, water, sewer, and surface water, and receive state-of-department updates from department heads. No votes are listed on the agenda; items are for discussion and review.

• Capital Financial Plan presentation by Peter Meidal of Northland Securities
• 2024 Enterprise Fund Budgets for Liquor, Water, Sewer, and Surface Water
• Department Heads' 2024 State of Departments reports

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council is meeting to approve routine annual items including the 2024 water, sewer, surface water, and liquor fund budgets, a new fee schedule, and several resolutions for appointments and financial procedures. The agenda is largely procedural, with no public hearings or major policy decisions listed.

• Payment of claims totaling $763,385.73
• Adopt Resolution 2024-006 approving annual fee schedule
• Adopt 2024 Water, Sewer, Surface Water & Liquor Fund Budgets
• Adopt Resolution 2024-004 appointing City Assessor & Building Official
• Adopt Resolution 2024-001 designating official newspaper & financial institutions