Lewiston public meetings in 2023
23 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Economic Development Authority
The Lewiston Economic Development Authority will hold a regular meeting to approve the November agenda and October minutes, discuss the Lewiston Hardware Facade and Revolving Loan Fund application, and receive an update on the Heartland Country Club.
The Economic Development Authority approved the November 2023 meeting minutes and agenda with unanimous 5-0 votes. They removed the Lewiston Hardware Facade and Revolving Loan Fund application from the agenda because the application was not complete. The board also discussed 2024 goals including grants for housing, downtown demolition, parks, and safe routes to school.
- Approved November 2023 meeting agenda (5-0)
- Approved October 2023 regular meeting minutes (5-0)
- Removed Lewiston Hardware application from agenda due to incomplete submission (5-0)
- Approved adjournment (5-0)
City Council
The Lewiston City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss police department staffing and to open the police chief position for applications. Personnel matters are also on the agenda. No other business is scheduled.
- Discussion of Police Department Staffing
- Open Police Chief Posting
The City Council held a special meeting to discuss police department staffing, wages, and the hiring of a new Police Chief. No substantive council actions were taken during the session.
- Police Department staffing and budget discussion: No Council Action taken
- Police Chief hiring and qualifications discussion: No Council Action taken
- Personnel and meeting procedure discussion: No Council Action taken
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
City Council
The Lewiston City Council is meeting to handle routine business and several notable actions. They will vote on resolutions for road improvement funding, liquor and refuse licenses, and donations, as well as consider hiring a new firefighter and terminating another. The council will also hold a truth-in-taxation hearing and introduce ordinances on snow removal, fees, and public dances.
- Resolution 2023-44 supporting pursuit of MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program funding for reconstruction of North Fremont Street
- Resolution 2023-45 granting annual liquor licenses and renewals
- Resolution 2023-46 granting refuse hauler licenses
- Fire Department hire of Nicholas Meeker as firefighter and dismissal of Jason Sikkila
- Ordinance 2023-03 amending snow removal procedures and assessments
The City Council approved the 2024 budget and a road maintenance agreement with Utica Township. A proposal to increase police department base pay failed for lack of a second. The council also held a Truth-in-Taxation public hearing.
- Adopted 2024 Budget with $1,319,923 levy (5-0)
- Approved Road Maintenance Agreement with Utica Township (5-0)
- Approved $36,313.02 payment to Utica Township for Dutchman's Crossing (5-0)
- Approved $24,500 work order for CIMP and I&I Reduction Plan (5-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda including liquor and refuse licenses (5-0)
- Approved hiring Nicholas Meeker as Firefighter (5-0)
- Approved dismissal of Jason Sikkila from Fire Department (5-0)
- Proposed Police Department base pay increase failed (0-0)
City Council
The Lewiston City Council is holding a special meeting to hear presentations from three capital campaign firms (BWF, MGI, and Crescendo) and to discuss ideas for repurposing or selling the property at 75 Rice Street. No decisions are listed on the agenda; the items are for discussion and presentation.
- Capital campaign firm presentations by Kari Clark (BWF), John Martin (MGI) at 6:00 p.m., and Ellen (Crescendo) at 8:00 p.m.
- Discussion of 75 Rice Street repurpose ideas or sale
The special meeting scheduled for December 11, 2023, was not held because no quorum of council members was present in person. Only two council members attended, while three were absent. Consequently, no official decisions, votes, or approvals took place during the session.
- Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum
- No actions taken or decisions made
Economic Development Authority
The Lewiston Economic Development Authority will consider approving updated grant fund guidelines and applications, as well as proposed changes to its 2024 bylaws. The board will also discuss a city nuisance letter regarding the Mikrut property.
- Approval of EDA Grant Fund Guidelines and Application
- 2024 EDA Bylaws amendment changing regular meeting schedule to 4th Thursday at 5:15 pm
- Discussion of City Nuisance Letter for the Mikrut Property
- EDA Savings Account Closed
The Economic Development Authority approved a Revolving Loan Fund application for Lewiston Hardware Store (Arches Liquor). The board also updated grant guidelines and moved savings account funds into the revolving loan fund.
- Approved $50,000 Revolving Loan Fund application for Lewiston Hardware Store/Arches Liquor at 6% interest for 10 years (5-0)
- Approved Demolition Grant Fund guidelines with a $10,000 maximum (5-0)
- Approved closing EDA Savings Account with Minnwest Bank and moving funds to the revolving loan fund account (5-0)
- Approved November 2023 EDA Regular Meeting Minutes (5-0)
- Approved agenda (5-0)
City Council
The Lewiston City Council is holding a regular meeting with a work session to review the 2024 budget. They will also hold a public hearing on utility bill certification and assessment, and consider a resolution to assess unpaid utility charges. The agenda includes routine items such as consent agenda, minutes, and reports.
- Public hearing on Utility Bill Certification and Assessment
- Resolution 2023-43: Assessment of Unpaid Utility Charges
- 2024 Budget Review work session
- Police Squad Commute Use request
- Claims for payment approval
The City Council adopted a resolution to assess unpaid utility charges. The council also reviewed the 2024 budget and discussed water tower rehabilitation and police squad commute use, though no action was taken on the latter.
- Adopted Resolution 2023-43 Assessment of Unpaid Utility Charges (3-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda including Nov 8 minutes and claims (4-0)
- Police Squad Commute Use request died for lack of a motion
City Council
The Lewiston City Council is holding a regular meeting with a consent agenda, department reports, and a work session to review the 2024 budget. They will also consider hiring several fire and ambulance volunteers, accept an ambulance resignation, and discuss proposals for recodifying the city code.
- Hire Tom Sula to Lewiston Fire Department
- Hire ambulance volunteers Nickole Jonsgaard, Carter Haag, and James Guenther
- Ambulance Department resignation of Jason Sikkila
- City Code of Ordinances proposals for recodification and online services
- 2024 Budget Review work session
The council approved a contract for the recodification of city ordinances and online services. Several personnel changes were made for the fire and ambulance departments. The council also reviewed the 2024 budget and discussed future water tower replacement costs.
- Approved city code recodification and online services via American Legal Publishing for $8,090 (4-0)
- Approved hiring Tom Sula to the Fire Department (4-0)
- Approved hiring Nickole Jonsgaard as an ambulance volunteer (4-0)
- Approved hiring Carter Haag as an ambulance volunteer (4-0)
- Approved hiring James Guenther as an ambulance volunteer (4-0)
- Accepted resignation of Jason Sikkila from the Ambulance Department (4-0)
- Adopted October 25, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
Economic Development Authority
The Lewiston Economic Development Authority will meet to review October 2023 financial reports, approve minutes from the September meeting, and consider a reimbursement for the EDA Gala. The board will also discuss Rislow's facade improvement application, a potential pizza/video store proposal, the 2024 CEDA contract, and the EDA grant fund.
- Approval of reimbursement to EDA Chair Jon N. for the EDA Gala held on September 19, 2023
- Rislow's Facade Improvement Program application
- Pizza/Video Store Discussion
- 2024 CEDA Contract Discussion
- EDA Grant Fund Discussion
The Economic Development Authority established a new EDA Grant Fund by transferring $22,765.50 from the EDA Fund. The board also approved a facade improvement grant for Rislow's and a reimbursement for the EDA Gala.
- Approved $22,765.50 transfer to create new EDA Grant Fund (4-0)
- Approved $625 Facade Improvement Program grant for Rislow's (4-0)
- Approved reimbursement to Jon N. for EDA Gala expenses (3-0)
- Approved September 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Approved adding Agenda Approval item to monthly agendas (3-0)
- Approved 2024 CEDA contract (4-0)
City Council
The Lewiston City Council will hold a regular meeting with consent agenda items, department reports, and committee updates. Key actions include a work session to review and discuss the 2024 budget, and a vote on approving a full-time EMT job description.
- 2024 Budget Review & Discussion in work session
- EMT Full Time Job Description for Approval
- Emergency Services Building (Lewiston Government Center) committee report for consideration
- Police Monthly Activity Report
- Claims approval before payment
The City Council voted to amend plans for the Emergency Services Building to include City Hall and renamed the project the Lewiston Government Center. The council also approved a three-year commitment for Granicus Live Cast and a job description for a full-time EMT.
- Approved amending plans to include City Hall in the Lewiston Government Center (5-0)
- Approved 3-year commitment for Granicus Live Cast (5-0)
- Approved full-time EMT job description (5-0)
- Adopted consent agenda including claims and previous minutes (5-0)
City Council
The Lewiston City Council will hold a public hearing on a hazardous building at 80 Main Street and consider a resolution to order its removal or razing. The council will also discuss contracts, including an EDA grant fund administration resolution and a 2024 CEDA contract, and review the 2024 budget and capital finance plan.
- Public hearing and resolution on hazardous building at 80 Main Street
- Resolution 2023-41 to establish a fund for EDA grant administration
- Resolution 2023-42 amending the 2023 operating budget for EDA
- Economic Development Authority-CEDA 2024 contract for services
- EMT full-time post vacancy and police squad commute use
The City Council ordered the removal of hazardous conditions or the razing of a building at 80 Main Street following a public hearing. The council also approved a 2024 CEDA contract and established a new fund for EDA grant administration.
- Ordered removal of hazardous conditions or razing of building at 80 Main Street (4-0)
- Approved 2024 CEDA contract for services for $29,975 (4-0)
- Approved Resolution 2023-41 to establish internal funds for EDA grant administration (4-0)
- Approved Resolution 2023-42 to move $22,765.50 from EDA general fund to grant fund (4-0)
- Approved posting for a full-time EMT position in Saint Charles (4-0)
- Approved sending public nuisance notice for 5 Fremont Street (4-0)
- Postponed decision on police squad commute use until November 22 meeting (4-0)
Economic Development Authority
The Lewiston Economic Development Authority will review and discuss the final 2024 budget and coordination with the City Council. The meeting also includes approval of financial reports and minutes from previous meetings.
- Review of 2024 EDA Budget Final Review
- Discuss EDA and City Council Coordination
- Approve September EDA Financial Reports
- Approve August 2023 Regular EDA Meeting Minutes
The Economic Development Authority approved the September financial reports and the minutes from the August 2023 meeting. The board conducted a final review of the 2024 budget.
- Approved September EDA Financial Reports
- Approved August 2023 Regular EDA Meeting Minutes
- Completed final review of 2024 EDA Budget
City Council
The Lewiston City Council will hold its regular meeting, which includes a consent agenda with routine items such as donations, licenses, and claims. The main substantive item is a work session to review the 2024 preliminary budget and levy. The meeting also includes reports, a presentation on traffic safety, and approval of an audit services contract.
- Resolution 2023-36 accepting donation for Fire Department
- Resolution 2023-37 accepting donation for Summer Recreation
- Resolution 2023-38 accepting donation for Ambulance Department
- Transient Merchant (30 Day License) - Karl Erickson
- 2024 Preliminary Budget & Levy review
The City Council approved the 2024 preliminary levy and a 4.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for 2024. The council also approved a three-year audit services contract and accepted two ambulance volunteer resignations.
- Adopted 2024 preliminary levy of $1,374,816.69 (5-0)
- Adopted 2024 cost-of-living adjustment of 4.5 percent (4-1)
- Approved three-year audit services contract with Smith Schafer (5-0)
- Accepted resignation of ambulance volunteer Matt Stephens (5-0)
- Accepted resignation of ambulance volunteer Terese Market (5-0)
- Approved revised 2023 meeting schedule (5-0)
- Adopted Consent Agenda including donations and surplus property disposal (5-0)
- Denied 5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (2-3)
City Council
The council will consider consent agenda items including donations for National Night Out, annual liquor license renewals, and claims payments. A work session and closed session are scheduled for the city administrator's annual performance review.
- Resolution 2023-32: Accepting donations for National Night Out
- Resolution 2023-33: Approving annual liquor license renewals
- Claims approved for payment (after and before payment)
- Hiring of multiple ambulance volunteers
- Fire department resignations: Brandon Rislow and Chris Lisowski
The City Council approved the hiring of seven volunteers for the St. Charles Division of the ambulance department. The council also accepted two resignations from the fire department and approved annual liquor license renewals.
- Approved hiring of seven ambulance volunteers for St. Charles Division (4-0)
- Accepted resignation of Fire Department member Brandon Rislow (4-0)
- Accepted resignation of Fire Department member Chris Lisowski (4-0)
- Adopted consent agenda including Resolution 2023-32 for National Night Out donations (4-0)
- Adopted consent agenda including Resolution 2023-33 for annual liquor licenses and renewals (4-0)
- Approved claims before and after payment via consent agenda (4-0)
City Council
The Lewiston City Council will consider several personnel actions including hiring an ambulance volunteer, accepting resignations, creating an Assistant Police Chief position, and adjusting the Ambulance Director's wage. They will also vote on resolutions to accept a grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and amend the operating budget. A work session for budget review is scheduled after the regular meeting.
- Resolution 2023-34 accepting grant from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
- Resolution 2023-35 amending operating budget
- Wage adjustment for Ambulance Director Matt Essig
- Create and post vacancy for Assistant Police Chief
- Purchase of administrative vehicle
The Lewiston City Council approved several personnel actions, including posting vacancies for a Police Chief and a full-time Police Officer, and hiring an ambulance volunteer. The council also authorized the purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox for $2,818.06 and approved a wage adjustment for the Ambulance Director. A work session reviewed the preliminary 2024 budget, with the final levy determination scheduled for a future meeting.
- Approved hiring Polly Johnson as ambulance volunteer with up to $2,000 training expenses (5-0)
- Approved resignation of Police Officer Matt Stephens (5-0)
- Approved posting for Police Chief position (5-0)
- Approved posting for full-time Police Officer position (5-0)
- Approved internet equipment for emergency services building up to $3,200 (5-0)
- Approved trade-in of 2023 Equinox and purchase of 2024 Equinox for $2,818.06 (5-0)
- Approved wage adjustment for Ambulance Director Matt Essig from Step 3 to Step 6 (5-0)
- Reviewed preliminary 2024 budget in work session; levy determination deferred to Sept 27
Economic Development Authority
The Lewiston Economic Development Authority is meeting to approve July meeting minutes, receive updates on the EDA Gala, and hear the CEDA and coordinator reports. The agenda is largely procedural with no major financial decisions or public hearings listed.
- Approval of July 2023 regular EDA meeting minutes
- Ilegislate instructions for EDA members
- EDA Gala updates
- CEDA report and EDA coordinator's report
The Economic Development Authority met on August 17, 2023. The board approved the minutes from the July 2023 regular meeting. No other substantive decisions were recorded.
- Approved July 2023 Regular EDA meeting minutes
City Council
The Lewiston City Council will consider several resolutions, including a new base pay structure and a lease-purchase agreement for a skid loader for Public Works. They will also accept a donation in memory of Daryl Oevering and hire two ambulance volunteers. Department reports include a building inspection status update for 50 Fremont St. S. and monthly police activity reports.
- Resolution 2023-29: Base Pay Structure and Implementation
- Resolution 2023-31: Lease-purchase agreement for a skid loader for Public Works
- Resolution 2023-30: Accepting donation in memory of Daryl Oevering
- Hire two ambulance volunteers
- Building inspection status report for 50 Fremont St. S.
The City Council approved a lease-purchase agreement for a Bobcat skid loader and adopted a new base pay structure. The council also hired two new ambulance volunteers and accepted a memorial donation.
- Adopted Resolution 2023-29 Base Pay Structure and Implementation (5-0)
- Approved $38,000 lease purchase of Bobcat skid loader from Lewiston Rentals and Repairs (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 2023-31 for Execution of a Lease-Purchase Agreement (5-0)
- Approved hiring Isaiah Kronebusch as ambulance volunteer with up to $2,000 training expenses (5-0)
- Approved hiring Nicole Bailey as ambulance volunteer with up to $2,000 training expenses (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 2023-30 accepting donation in memory of Daryl Oevering (5-0)
City Council
The Lewiston City Council is holding a regular meeting with a consent agenda that includes financial reports, meeting minutes, claims for payment, a budget amendment for ARPA funds, and two transient merchant permits. The council will also hear a PeopleService report, an update from Nature Energy, and discuss a WWTP blower motor issue. A work session will review and discuss the compensation step/grid and points plan.
- Resolution 2023-28 Amending Budget (ARPA)
- Transient Merchant/Solicitor Permits for Kelsey Anderson and Trace Severson
- Claims for payment (before and after payment)
- WWTP Blower Motor discussion
- Compensation Step/Grid and Points Plan review
The City Council approved the purchase of a replacement blower motor for the wastewater treatment plant. The council also adopted a consent agenda including budget amendments and merchant permits. A new compensation step and points plan was discussed during a work session for future adoption.
- Approved $7,079.10 for WWTP blower purchase (5-0)
- Adopted consent agenda including Resolution 2023-28 Amending Budget (ARPA) (5-0)
- Approved Transient Merchant/Solicitor Permit for Kelsey Anderson (5-0)
- Approved Transient Merchant/Solicitor Permit for Trace Severson (5-0)
- Approved July 12, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
City Council
The council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to order removal or razing of hazardous conditions at 50 South Fremont Street. Other business includes consent agenda items, department and committee reports, and an ambulance member resignation.
- Public hearing and resolution on hazardous building at 50 Fremont St. S.
- Consent agenda includes claims and appointment to MN Board of Firefighter Training
- Ambulance member resignation
- Nature Energy Project updates
The City Council adopted a resolution to raze hazardous buildings at 50 South Fremont Street after a public hearing. The council also approved emergency medical training and a cooperative purchasing agreement.
- Adopted Resolution 2023-27 ordering removal of hazardous buildings at 50 South Fremont Street (5-0)
- Required City Attorney to obtain additional approval before filing Resolution 2023-27 with the Court (5-0)
- Approved $5,550 purchase of EMR Series Training from Action Training Systems (5-0)
- Approved reaffirmation of Cooperative Purchasing, Repayment, and System Use Agreement (5-0)
- Approved resignation of Marshall Ruhoff from St. Charles Ambulance Dept. (5-0)
- Adopted consent agenda with a correction to a check for Beth Carlson (5-0)
Economic Development Authority
The Lewiston Economic Development Authority will consider approving the EDA Gala invitation, schedule, and budget. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and a change of the regular meeting date to the third Thursday evening of each month.
- Approval of EDA Gala invitation, schedule, and budget
- Change of regular EDA meeting date to third Thursday evening each month at 5:15 p.m.
- Approval of minutes from previous EDA meeting
- Review of CEDA report
The Economic Development Authority approved the invitation, schedule, and budget for the EDA Gala. The board also changed the regular meeting date to the third Thursday of each month at 5:15 p.m.
- Approved EDA Gala invitation, schedule, and budget
- Changed regular meeting date to the third Thursday of each month at 5:15 p.m.
City Council
The Lewiston City Council will consider a fire truck purchase, a cooperative purchasing agreement, and a leave donation request. The agenda also includes approval of consent agenda items such as meeting minutes, financial reports, and a transient merchant permit application.
- Fire truck purchase
- Cooperative purchasing, repayment, and system use agreement
- Leave donation with exception
- Application for transient merchant/solicitor permit
- Claims approval (after and before payment)
The Council approved the purchase of a 2023 Custom Fire rescue pumper and a records management agreement with Winona County. They also approved a leave donation exception for an employee using FMLA for childbirth.
- Approved purchase of 2023 Custom Fire rescue pumper for $806,573 (5-0)
- Approved Cooperative Purchasing, Repayment, and System Use Agreement with Winona County with initial payment of $4,545.76 (5-0)
- Approved leave donation by an employee in conjunction with FMLA for childbirth (5-0)
- Adopted consent agenda including claims and financial reports (5-0)
City Council
The Lewiston City Council is meeting to handle routine business, including consent agenda items, department reports, and several personnel hires for the ambulance and fire departments. The most consequential items are resolutions to amend the operating budget for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and a capital budget request. The agenda also includes a citizen concerns period and committee reports.
- Resolution 2023-25: Amending Operating Budget for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
- Resolution 2023-26: Capital Budget Request
- Hire of multiple ambulance volunteers and one fire department member
- Uniform Street Naming and Addressing System Procedure Manual
- Claims approved after and before payment
The Council adopted a procedure manual for uniform street naming and addressing. They also approved the hiring of four ambulance volunteers and one fire department member.
- Adopted Uniform Street Naming and Addressing System Procedure Manual (4-0)
- Approved hiring ambulance volunteer Isaiah Brindamour (4-0)
- Approved hiring ambulance volunteer Friedrich Weissing (4-0)
- Approved hiring fire department member Jason Sikkila (4-0)
- Approved hiring ambulance volunteer Rachel Russell (4-0)
- Approved hiring ambulance volunteer Joelle Hammann (4-0)
- Adopted consent agenda including ARPA budget amendment and capital budget request (4-0)
Economic Development Authority
The EDA will review business and financial reports and approve previous meeting minutes. The agenda also includes updates regarding the EDA Gala and a report from CEDA.
- Business and Financial Reports Approval
- Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
- Updates on EDA Gala
- CEDA Report
The minutes record a special meeting held at City Hall. No substantive decisions, votes, or policy actions were documented in the provided record.
City Council
The Lewiston City Council is meeting to handle routine business including approving minutes, claims, and financial reports, as well as accepting a donation and issuing transient merchant permits. They will also discuss the 2022 audit, a resolution and proclamation policy, and hiring part-time temporary ambulance EMTs and volunteers.
- Resolution 2023-24 accepting donation from Headway Marketing LLC/Lewiston Auto/Chevy Youth Sports
- Applications for Transient Merchant/Solicitor Permit (2)
- 2022 Audit by Hawkins Ash
- Hire Part-Time Temporary Ambulance EMT
- Hire Ambulance Volunteer
The council approved the hiring of two ambulance personnel. They also approved a consent agenda including financial reports and a donation acceptance.
- Approved hiring Grace Chamberlin as Part-Time temporary EMT at $20.00 per hour (5-0)
- Approved hiring David Fruth as volunteer EMT (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including May 10 and May 17 minutes, claims, and financial reports (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 2023-24 accepting donation from Headway Marketing LLC/Lewiston Auto/Chevy Youth Sports (5-0)
- Approved two applications for Transient Merchant/Solicitor Permit (5-0)