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Lake Crystal, MN

Lake Crystal public meetings in 2024

48 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 10, 2024

Council

Lake Crystal Public Utilities Commission to review 2025 budget

The Public Utilities Commission is meeting to approve the 2025 budget and various operational purchases. The body will also discuss next steps for the WW Treatment Facility with John Graupman of Bolton-Menk.

utilitiesbudgetwastewaterinfrastructurepublic-works
Tue Dec 10, 2024

Meeting

EDA introduces new CEDA specialist and discusses daycare funding update

The Lake Crystal Economic Development Authority approved minutes from November 12, 2024. They introduced Josh Schuetz as the new CEDA representative who will work on business development and creating a business startup guide. An update on county daycare funds was noted for future discussion with county commissioners and mayors.

economic-developmentbusiness-developmentdaycarecedalake-crystal
Mon Dec 9, 2024

Council

Council approves $1.08M rec center expansion and $1.65M tax levy

The Lake Crystal City Council certified the 2025 final tax levy and general fund budget totaling $1,645,115, authorized the sale of GO bonds, and approved a $1,079,509 bid from WEB Construction for the Rec Center Expansion Project. The council also adopted the 2025 fee and salary schedules, accepted donations and grants, and approved hiring a new admin assistant. Other actions included approving a rural fire contract, increasing the annual fire pension to $2,500, and cancelling the December 23 meeting.

budgettax-levybondsrec-center-expansionfire-departmentit-serviceshiring
Mon Nov 25, 2024

Meeting

Park and Recreation Commission to review Tree Plan, recommend donation acceptance

The Lake Crystal Park and Recreation Commission will meet to approve previous minutes, hear staff reports, and discuss new business including a review of the city's Tree Plan and a recommendation that the City Council approve Resolution 2437 to accept donations. The commission will also receive an update on a Park and Recreation Specialist and review a quote for lighting installation.

parksrecreationtree-plandonationslightingcommission
Fri Nov 15, 2024

Council

Council canvas election results, certify winners

The Lake Crystal City Council met to review and certify the November 5, 2024 general election results. Mayor Todd Wiens was re-elected with 1,237 votes; Brett Hanson (1,019) and Jennifer Bierma (905) were elected to two council seats. The council approved the abstract and signed the certification. The meeting adjourned at 4:05 PM.

electionscity-councilcanvascertificationlake-crystal
Wed Nov 13, 2024

Meeting

PUC moves to take over electric service in annexed area

The Lake Crystal Public Utilities Commission approved several action items including a roof repair contract, bond terms for water and sewer portions of the Highway 60 project, and hiring an additional administrative assistant for 2025. Commissioners discussed and agreed to pursue a service territory transfer to bring annexed areas under city electric utility ownership. They also reviewed the 2025 draft budget and received staff reports on safety and utility operations.

utilitiespublic-utilities-commissionbudgetservice-territoryhighway-60roof-repairhiringbonds
Tue Nov 12, 2024

Council

Council approves rec center expansion plans and hires new staff

The Lake Crystal City Council met on November 12, 2024, to approve routine payments, contracts, and hiring decisions. They also advanced plans for a recreation center expansion and discussed staffing needs for the ambulance service and city administration.

budgethiringrecreation-centerambulancecontracts
Tue Nov 12, 2024

Meeting

EDA recommends approval of 2025 CEDA contract

The Lake Crystal Economic Development Authority discussed the onboarding of a new CEDA representative and reviewed the 2019 Strategic Economic Development Plan. The body also reviewed a streamlined priorities list and received staff reports on childcare and electrical capacity.

economic-developmentcontractschildcareinfrastructurestrategic-planning
Mon Oct 21, 2024

Council

Lake Crystal City Council approves cannabis business regulations

The City Council held a public hearing and passed the second reading of Ordinance 2024-04 regarding cannabis business regulations. The body also approved several payments and a mutual aide agreement.

cannabisordinancebudgetcontractspublic-safety
Tue Oct 8, 2024

Meeting

EDA approves $10,000 loan for Little Lakers Child Care Center

The Lake Crystal Economic Development Authority approved a 10-year, $10,000 loan for Little Lakers Child Care Center at 1% over prime. They discussed replacing the EDA Director role with CEDA and reviewed the priority plan, removing MIF Funds and focusing on downtown aesthetics. Staff reported developer interest in finishing Crystal Gardens #7 and that the council is reviewing Ordinance 2024-4 on cannabis businesses.

economic-developmentloanschild-caredowntowncannabiscrystal-gardenspriority-plan
Mon Oct 7, 2024

Council

Lake Crystal approves up to $6.25 million in bonds for streets and utilities

The City Council approved the issuance of general obligation bonds for street reconstruction and the Highway 60 project. The body also held a first reading of a cannabis business ordinance and accepted several grants for emergency services and a local museum.

bondsinfrastructurecannabisgrantspublic-safetyroads
Mon Sep 16, 2024

Council

Council approves 2025 preliminary tax levy and budget

The Lake Crystal City Council approved Resolution 2427 for the 2025 Preliminary Tax Levy and general fund budget. They also approved consent items including payment of bills totaling $365,527.12, ambulance write-offs of $1,366.20, a gambling permit for Holy Family Catholic Church, and a resolution supporting a Small Cities Development Program. The council set the truth in taxation hearing for December 9, 2024.

budgettaxescity-councilfinancepublic-safety
Tue Sep 3, 2024

Council

City Council approves $107,229.70 for street resurfacing and curb work

The City Council approved contracts for blacktopping and curb and gutter work on Humphrey and Blue Earth Streets. The council also passed a resolution for electric department project reimbursements and scheduled readings for a new cannabis business ordinance.

roadsbudgetelectric-departmentcannabisambulance
Tue Sep 3, 2024

Meeting

Public Utilities Commission approves electric apprenticeship and infrastructure repairs

The Lake Crystal Public Utilities Commission approved funding for an electric apprenticeship program and several infrastructure quotes. The body also discussed future engineering RFPs and the status of the power plant generator.

electric-utilitieswater-wastewaterinfrastructuretrainingbudget
Mon Aug 19, 2024

Meeting

Park and Recreation Commission to discuss dog park gate and disc golf updates

The Lake Crystal Park and Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting to approve prior minutes and hear staff reports. New business includes discussion of cleanup and a safety gate at the dog park, while old business covers updates on the disc golf course. No official action will be taken by the City Council.

parksrecreationdog-parkdisc-golfsafetylake-crystal
Mon Aug 19, 2024

Council

Council approves $1.6M transformer bid and Rec Center expansion contract

The Lake Crystal City Council approved a $1,612,224 bid from Niagara Transformers for a substation transformer, with 10% due by September 16. They also approved a $112,100 contract with Web Construction for the Rec Center expansion as Construction Manager at Risk. Additionally, the council approved $10,303 in security repairs to the police station and tabled a snow removal ordinance. Discussion items included a proposed cannabis business ordinance and the preliminary 2025 budget.

budgetpublic-safetypolicerecreationutilitiesinfrastructurecannabis-ordinance
Tue Aug 6, 2024

Meeting

Commission votes 2-1 to explore service territory transfer from BENCO

The Lake Crystal Utilities Commission voted 2-1 to engage a consultant for a service territory transfer from BENCO to the city for parcels 1, 2, and 3. They also approved hiring a new administrative assistant and authorized a final payment for water filter media replacement. Infrastructure updates included substation transformer bids, manhole sealing quotes, and pump repairs. The commission accepted the resignation of an administrative assistant and noted upcoming city council and primary election dates.

utilitiesstaff-hiringinfrastructurewaterservice-area-transferelectricbudget
Mon Aug 5, 2024

Council

Council approves 3% electronic payment fee for residents starting Oct 31

The Lake Crystal City Council approved a 3% electronic payment processing fee for residents, replacing the previous $1 fee, effective October 31, 2024. The council also accepted a $50,000 donation for the Rec Center Expansion, hired a new administrative assistant at $21.96/hour, and approved a new firefighter and $1,375 in fire training expenses.

city-councilfeeselectronic-paymentshiringfire-departmentrecreation-centerdonations
Mon Jul 29, 2024

Council

Council holds work session on rural fire contracts

The Lake Crystal City Council is meeting for a work session to discuss contracts with Rural Fire. No formal votes or decisions are on the agenda; the session is for discussion only.

firecontractsruralcity-councilwork-session
Mon Jul 15, 2024

Council

Council approves $582,561.80 bid for CSAH 20/RR project

The Lake Crystal City Council approved a $582,561.80 bid from GM Contracting for the CSAH 20/RR project, authorized moving MIF funds to Small Cities for downtown and residential improvements, and designated a slum and blight area. The council also accepted $70,569.88 pay estimate for Crystal Gardens #7, approved removal of unused sirens at no cost, and tabled discussion on raising credit card processing fees until August 2.

roadscontractspublic-workshousingpublic-safetyfinance
Tue Jul 9, 2024

Meeting

Utilities Commission recommends $582,561.80 bid for CSAH 20/Railroad project

The commission recommended the City Council accept a construction bid for the CSAH 20/Railroad project and approved a 3% credit card processing fee. Members also discussed recent flooding impacts on electrical infrastructure and substation damage.

utilitiesinfrastructureconstructionfinanceelectricflooding
Mon Jul 1, 2024

Council

Council approves library agreement and $13,098 for city website subscription

The City Council approved an updated library services agreement with Blue Earth County. They also authorized a four-year, $13,098.00 subscription for the city's website. Discussion included potential work sessions regarding a cannabis ordinance and updates on the recreation center RFP.

librarybudgetpublic-serviceswebsiteinfrastructure
Thu Jun 20, 2024

Council

Lake Crystal Council work session on Rural Fire contracts

The City Council will hold a work session regarding Rural Fire contracts. This meeting is for discussion purposes and does not include formal decisions or votes.

firecontractswork-session
Mon Jun 17, 2024

Council

Lake Crystal Council approves City Hall upgrades and Rec Center expansion plans

The Lake Crystal City Council approved contracts for new gutters and a backup generator at City Hall. They also authorized the formation of a committee to move forward with the Lake Crystal Area Rec Center expansion project. Additionally, the council addressed police department personnel changes and seasonal hires.

infrastructurepublic-safetybudgetrecreationpersonnel
Tue Jun 11, 2024

Meeting

Lake Crystal EDA discusses solar energy and a 218-acre annexation

The Economic Development Authority will discuss the pros and cons of solar energy with Heartland Energy. The meeting also includes an MIF update and a joint resolution for an orderly annexation of approximately 218 acres.

solarannexationeconomic-developmentzoning
Thu Jun 6, 2024

Council

Public hearing on Ordinance 2402 to establish an Ambulance Commission

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding Ordinance 2402 to establish an Ambulance Commission. The council also plans to review quotes for City Hall generator and gutter work and consider a new hire for utility billing and cemetery clerk roles.

ambulancehiringcity hallparksfinanceordinance
Tue Jun 4, 2024

Meeting

Lake Crystal Utilities Commission approves utility bills and hires new billing clerk

The commission approved utility bills totaling $84,864.13 and hired Ramsey Graff as the new Utility Billing Clerk. Members also discussed Capital Improvement plan updates and requested a delay on two annexation projects.

utilitieshiringbudgetannexationinfrastructure
Mon Jun 3, 2024

Council

Council establishes Ambulance Commission and approves new utility billing hire

The City Council approved Ordinance 2402 to establish an Ambulance Commission, which may include surrounding townships. The council also approved hiring Ramsey Graff as the Utility Billing and Cemetery Clerk. Additionally, officials discussed potential city funding for a recreation center indoor playground expansion.

ambulancehiringfire-departmentrecreationordinancebudget
Mon May 20, 2024

Meeting

Commission discusses lighting upgrades for Collis Field and dock installations.

The Park and Recreation Commission will review staff reports and discuss several new items, including dock installations on city shoreland and lighting upgrades for Collis Field. These projects affect public park amenities and waterfront property regulations for Lake Crystal residents. The agenda also covers updates on disc golf, an upcoming Arbor Day event, and a job description for the department.

parks-recreationshoreland-managementcollis-field-lightingbudgetcommunity-events
Mon May 20, 2024

Council

Council approves $95,000 for 2025 lighting at Collis Field

The council approved several infrastructure projects, including HVAC repairs for the Rec Center and lighting infrastructure for the Highway 60 trail. They also budgeted $95,000 for the city's portion of 2025 lighting at Collis Field. Additionally, the first reading of an ordinance to establish an Ambulance Commission was discussed.

budgetinfrastructureparkspublic-safetyfinance
Wed May 8, 2024

Meeting

Lake Crystal Public Utilities Commission discusses well sealing and account write-offs

The commission will review a quote to seal Well #2 and consider writing off $748.91 in uncollectable accounts. The agenda also includes the resignation of Lisa Jacoby and wastewater discussions involving John Graupman.

utilitieswastewaterwaterelectricfinancepersonnel
Mon May 6, 2024

Council

Lake Crystal signs annexation agreement with Garden City Township

The Lake Crystal City Council approved an annexation agreement with Garden City Township and adopted property assessments for the Crystal Gardens development to fund local infrastructure improvements. Officials authorized $5132.90 in exterior cleaning for the city hall and public library building, while discussing a potential playground expansion at the recreation center that could require up to $450,000 from the city. Council members also reviewed plans to advance a new public safety building on the capital improvement schedule and considered installing centralized postal boxes costing approximately $102,500.

annexationbudgetparks-recreationpublic-safetyinfrastructurepostal-services
Mon Apr 15, 2024

Meeting

Park and Recreation Commission discusses Arbor Day 2024 and disc golf updates

The Park and Recreation Commission will discuss the 2024 Arbor Day celebration and the Saddle Club. The agenda also includes reviews of the Park and Rec job description and disc golf course updates.

parksrecreationarbor-daydisc-golf
Mon Apr 15, 2024

Council

Lake Crystal Council approves $42,287 sidewalk repair project

The City Council approved a sidewalk repair project estimated at approximately $42,287 and authorized two land sales to MnDOT. The council also reviewed updates from the ambulance and fire departments. Future agenda items for May include discussions on annexation and a written agreement with the Saddle Club.

sidewalksinfrastructuremndotpublic-safetyland-use
Tue Apr 2, 2024

Meeting

Lake Crystal Utilities Commission approves infrastructure upgrades and vendor payments

The Lake Crystal Utilities Commission met on April 2, 2024, to approve utility projects and invoices that maintain local water filtration and electric service reliability. Commissioners approved a $116,051.39 payment for the Water Filter Media Replacement project, televise Well #2 for $11,250.00, and upgrade metering data systems with Tantalus for $9,000.00 to support accurate customer billing. The commission also authorized mandatory power plant stack testing for $9,500.00, approved utility bills totaling $79,080.10, and discussed generator repairs and annexation efforts.

water-treatmentutility-billinginfrastructure-upgradesmetering-systemspower-generationannexation
Mon Apr 1, 2024

Council

Council approves $2,200,444.26 assessment for Crystal Gardens improvements

The Lake Crystal City Council approved a $2,200,444.26 assessment to fund infrastructure upgrades in the Crystal Gardens Subdivision No. 7 development and set a public hearing for May 6 to finalize property charges. The council passed Ordinance 2024-03, which formalizes a gas franchise agreement with CenterPoint Energy for utility service in the city. Officials also confirmed receipt of a $1,000,000.00 grant to plan sidewalks and trails linking Lilly Lake Estates to public schools.

infrastructureutilitiesgrantsdevelopmentbudgetpublic-hearing
Tue Mar 12, 2024

Meeting

EDA to discuss land purchase options for new City Maintenance Buildings

The Economic Development Authority will consider purchasing options for new City Maintenance Buildings on land owned by Dennis Kleinow. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding a Business View Magazine feature and identifying slum and blight areas for MIF funds.

economic-developmentland-usecity-maintenancebusiness-advertisingmif-funds
Tue Mar 12, 2024

Council

Lake Crystal Council approves CenterPoint Energy gas franchise agreement

The City Council approved the CenterPoint Energy Gas Franchise Agreement and a quote for cement work at the City Shop. Staff provided updates on fire department recruitment, police department renovations, and street maintenance. The council also reviewed recent election turnout and city expenditures.

utilitiespublic worksfinancepolicefireinfrastructure
Mon Mar 11, 2024

Meeting

Discussion of the Serviine Utility Protection Plan

The Lake Crystal Public Utilities Commission will meet to discuss the Serviine Utility Protection Plan. No other agenda items are listed for this meeting.

utilitiesserviinepublic-utilities
Mon Feb 26, 2024

Council

Council approves Collis Field repairs and irrigation cost-sharing

The Lake Crystal City Council approved fence repairs and an irrigation cost-sharing agreement for Collis Field. The council also discussed a new city sign for Highway 60 and an advance resignation program. Additionally, the council approved hiring a summer office intern through South Central Services Cooperative.

parksbudgetinfrastructureemployment
Mon Feb 26, 2024

Meeting

Commission recommends funding for Collis Field fence and irrigation system

The commission recommended approving a $45,273 estimate to repair the Collis Field fence. Members also voted to recommend the city pay one-third of a new $52,660 irrigation system cost and cover future water usage.

parkrecreationbudgetinfrastructuresportslandscaping
Tue Feb 13, 2024

Meeting

Economic Development Authority meeting on February 13, 2024

The Economic Development Authority will elect its officers and set future meeting times. The agenda also includes discussion of an annexation agreement and a regional bus tour.

government-administrationzoningeconomic-development
Tue Feb 6, 2024

Meeting

Commission approves utility bills and school solar MOU

The Commission approved January meeting minutes, $336,879.90 in utility bills, and a solar grant MOU for local schools. Discussions included potential changes to sewer caps, water meter policies, and 2024 utility rates.

utilitieswatersewersolarbudgetgovernment-operations
Mon Feb 5, 2024

Meeting

Planning and Zoning Commission discusses zoning violation citations

The commission will hear from Officer Matt Gangelhoff and Building Inspector Randy King regarding administrative citations for zoning violations. No official action is scheduled for this meeting.

zoningcode-enforcementgovernment-administration
Mon Feb 5, 2024

Council

Council approves generator purchase and updates city ordinances

The Lake Crystal City Council approved several action items including a new generator for the fire and ambulance building. The council also passed an ordinance regarding business hours and rescheduled upcoming meetings due to holidays and election preparations.

public safetyordinancesgrantsgovernment operationsbudget
Mon Jan 22, 2024

Council

Lake Crystal Council approves new police car and city business hour amendments

The City Council approved the purchase of a new police vehicle and accessories, as well as an amendment to city code regarding business hours. The council also appointed Matt Gangelhoff as the City’s Emergency Manager.

policepublic-safetyordinancefinanceappointments
Tue Jan 9, 2024

Meeting

Lake Crystal Utilities Commission approves electric and wastewater study options

The Commission voted to explore three paths for wastewater: regionalization with Mankato, upgrading the existing facility, or implementing temporary upgrades. They also approved proceeding with Phase 1 of the Electric System Study and Task Order #5 for the new South Substation design.

utilitieswastewaterelectricinfrastructurepublic-hearing
Mon Jan 8, 2024

Council

Lake Crystal Council approves public safety funds and new part-time police officer

The City Council approved an expenditure plan for public safety funds and a part-time police officer position at $27.47 per hour. The council also processed several retirements, resignations, and various administrative resolutions.

public-safetypolicefire-departmentbudgetappointmentspersonnel