Lakefield public meetings in 2023

12 18 Council

The Lakefield City Council will meet to discuss the position of City Attorney and several updates to personnel policies regarding holidays, comp time, and earned safe and sick time. The agenda also includes reviewing a quote for office furniture and considering a resolution for Safe Routes to School.

• Consider Position of City Attorney
• Personnel policy changes for Holidays, Comp Time, and Earned Safe and Sick Time
• Resolution 23-37: Supporting Safe Routes to School
• Resolution 23-38: Approving Liquor & Tobacco Licenses
• Consider Quote for Office Furniture

12 4 Council

The City Council will review the 2024 final tax levy resolution, which proposes a total levy of $861,785. The meeting also includes discussions on golf course wages, equipment purchases, and a property purchase agreement for 903 Colonial Avenue.

• Consider Final Tax Levy Resolution 23-36
• Consider Purchase Agreement – 903 Colonial Avenue
• Consider Golf Course Assistant Greens Keeper Wage
• Consider Golf Course Purchase of Used Fairway Mower
• Request to Dispute Assessment for 804 N HWY 86

11 6 Council

The City Council will review proposed assessments for the Lakefield Infrastructure Improvement and TH 86 Reconstruction projects. The agenda also includes discussions on utility bill adjustments, construction invoices, and property purchase agreements.

• Adoption of proposed assessments for Lakefield infrastructure and TH 86 reconstruction
• Review of Holtmeier Construction invoice for concrete crushing
• Consideration of a purchase agreement for 903 Colonial Avenue
• Discussion regarding a 4.7% PeopleService CPI-U increase
• Review of estimate for lumber to repair the golf course bridge

10 16 Council Proposed Assessment Hearing

The Lakefield City Council will hold a hearing to consider adopting proposed assessments for the Infrastructure Improvement Project and the TH 86 Reconstruction Project. The total proposed assessment amount is $2,449,828.00, intended to cover costs for sanitary sewer, water main, and road improvements across various streets.

• Proposed assessment of $2,449,828.00 for infrastructure and TH 86 reconstruction
• Consideration of utility bill sewer charges at 102 W Menage
• Review of Holtmeier Construction invoice for concrete crushing
• Consideration of Resolution 23-30 regarding acceptance of grants/donations
• Discussion of forfeited properties for potential auction or withholding from sale

10 2 Council

The City Council will review several amendments to the Infrastructure Improvements Project, including a $112,600 task budget increase. The agenda also includes consideration of new police department policies regarding criminal justice data security and dissemination of information.

• Infrastructure Improvements Project Amendment No. 4: Increase task budgets by $112,600
• General Engineering Services Amendment No. 1: Increase fee from $10,000 to $15,000
• Police Department Policies #345, #346, and #347 regarding CJDN security and data dissemination
• Pay Application #14 to Rice Lake Construction: $57,34 Му0.00 for WWTF Improvements
• Lakefield WWTP Change Order #4: Increase of $110,210.00

9 18 Council

The Lakefield City Council will consider setting the preliminary 2024 property tax levy at $904,704, accepting a $10,000 grant for age-friendly improvements, and approving a change order for the Lakefield Infrastructure Improvement Project. They will also discuss assessment rates for the infrastructure and TH 86 reconstruction projects, Mainstreet sidewalks, and an office remodel. The meeting includes routine approvals of minutes and financial reports.

• Resolution 23-27: Set preliminary 2024 tax levy at $904,704
• Resolution 23-28: Accept $10,000 grant from Southwest Initiative Foundation
• Change Order #3 for Lakefield Infrastructure Improvement Project
• Set assessment rate, term, and hearing date (Oct 16, 2023) for infrastructure and TH 86 reconstruction
• Adopt procurement policy for federal funds

9 5 Council

The City Council will review several large construction payments, including over $1 million for Grein Residential Development. The meeting also includes discussions regarding sidewalk removals and maintenance at the former school property and Mainstreet.

• Final payment of $1,085,470.51 to R & R Excavating, Inc. for Grein Residential Development Phase 1
• Payment of $528,204.47 to R & R Excavating, Inc. for infrastructure improvements
• Payment of $46,882.50 to Rice Lake Construction Group for WWTF improvements
• Consideration of sidewalk demolition at the former school property
• Review of public comments regarding Mainstreet sidewalk level changes

8 21 Council

The City Council will review ordinances regarding National Flood Insurance Program participation and the prohibition of cannabis use in public places. The agenda also includes reviewing a FEMA grant award for the Fire Department and various local permits.

• Ordinance 152.021: Participation in NFIP
• Ordinance 130.02: Prohibiting cannabis use in public places/property
• Fire Department FEMA grant award of $164,571.42
• Variance application for 113 Menage Ave
• Event permit and one-day liquor license for Immanuel Octoberfest

8 7 Council

The City Council will consider first readings for ordinances regarding National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participation and the prohibition of cannabis use. The agenda also includes reviewing a construction payment for wastewater treatment plant improvements and discussing traffic concerns in school and park zones.

• First reading of Draft Ordinance 152.021 regarding NFIP participation
• First reading of Draft Ordinance 130.02 prohibiting cannabis use
• Pay Application #12 for $64,609.50 to Rice Lake Construction for WWTF improvements
• Review of Police Chief recommendation regarding traffic concerns in School/Park Zones
• Consideration of repair quotes for City Hall condensing unit and Fire Department engines

7 24 Council

The City Council is reviewing a bid for the City Hall office remodel and considering several infrastructure items. The agenda also includes discussions on cannabis product licensing, fee waivers, and street striping.

• Review of City Hall Office Remodel bid (previous bid of ~$74,000 was declined)
• Consideration of Main Street striping and parking lane
• Consideration of Family Dollar/Dollar Tree platting
• Cannabinoid/Cannabidiol Products License Application consideration
• Review of 2022 City of Lakefield Audit presentation

07 10 Council

The Lakefield City Council will review a $337,104.65 payment application for wastewater treatment facility improvements and consider a building agreement with Lakefield Lumber. The body will also address a zoning variance request for 105 N Hwy 86 and discuss potential changes to golf course management duties.

• Consider Pay App #11 – Rice Lake Construction $337,104.65 for work on WWTF Improvements
• Consider Recommendation from Planning & Zoning – Variance for 105 N Hwy 86
• Lakefield Lumber – Cold Storage Building Agreement/Storm Sewer
• Consider Transferring Golf Course Advisory Board Duties to Parks Board
• Consider Laptop Computer for Channel 70 for $289.00

06 05 Council

The Lakefield City Council will set a final agenda and consider several action items, including special event permits for Silverbacks LLC and the Prairie Ecology Bus Center, a resolution accepting donations, an engagement letter for bond counsel services from Dorsey & Whitney LLP, and a resolution approving a bond from the Minnesota Rural Water Finance Authority. The meeting also includes public comment periods for a sidewalk staining request and weed concerns.

• Special event permit – Silverbacks LLC
• Special event permit – Prairie Ecology Bus Center
• Resolution 23-22 – Accepting donations
• Engagement letter for bond counsel – Dorsey & Whitney LLP
• Resolution 23-23 – Approving bond from Minnesota Rural Water Finance Authority

Virtually Attend Council

The Lakefield City Council is meeting to consider action on a lot sold to the Halls, plan for a middle school site, and receive information on initiating a housing study. The agenda also includes updates on a sign and the city website, and is largely procedural with no detailed proposals or dollar amounts provided.

• Consider action on lot sold to Halls
• Planning for Middle School site
• Information about how to initiate a housing study
• Updates on sign and website

05 08 Council

The City Council will review several personnel recommendations for the Police Department and Golf Course Board. The meeting also includes discussions on ambulance service agreements and a wastewater treatment plant payment.

• Hiring of a full-time Police Officer
• Approval of Pay App #9 WWTF for $383,258.50
• Ambulance coverage agreement with Jackson Ambulance
• Golf Course Board budget approval
• Resolution 23-18 regarding acceptance of donations

Meeting

The Lakefield Public Utilities commission will consider several contracts and purchases, including a utility shed replacement quote and a backflow preventer replacement. They will also discuss a proposed 2024 Missouri River Energy Services contract and a change to the meeting date. The board will approve the agenda, minutes, and accounts payable totaling $170,550.07.

• Consider Contract No. 23-UGPR-50 (pages 15-46)
• 2024 MRES DM Contract Proposal (pages 47-63)
• Roger Construction quote for utility shed replacement (page 65)
• Quote to replace LF909QT RPZ backflow preventer at WTP (pages 67-68)
• Change date for meeting (page 66)

Council Regular 04 17 23

The City Council will review several items including a Mental Health Month proclamation and agreements regarding Hi-Lo. The meeting also includes discussions on recreation board recommendations and updates from various city boards.

• Consider appointment of Board Members for Golf Course
• Consider hiring Jen Hash as Aquatic Center Manager at $15.00/hour
• Consider Development, Maintenance, And Expense Recovery Agreement – Hi-Lo
• Consider Recreation Board recommendation for POS System
• Review Family Dollar – Dollar Tree item

Virtually Attend Council

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) voted to continue the purchase of the golf course and transition its operations to the City. The board also requested a current lot map and incentives be sent in response to layout suggestions. Members requested pricing for a local housing study to attract developers.

• Approved continuing purchase process for golf course and turning operations over to the City (All in favor)
• Approved request for Finance Manager to respond to golf course layout suggestions with current lot map and incentives (All in favor)
• Approved agenda (All in favor)
• Approved March 10 minutes (All in favor)
• Approved financial report and accounts payable (All in favor)

Meeting

The Lakefield Public Utilities commission is meeting to approve accounts payable totaling $126,398.56, review department reports, and discuss several agenda items including a generator oil sample result, MMUA Generation School, employment disclosure, and a quote from Thein Well. Old business includes a Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) contract discussion, and informational items cover the SMBS report, building committee, power factor information, and the MRES annual meeting.

• Approve accounts payable: Electric $121,320.56, Water $5,077.62, Total $126,398.56
• Generator oil sample result discussion
• Quote from Thein Well
• MRES Contract Discussion (old business)
• MMUA Generation School

Virtually Attend Council

The Lakefield Economic Development Authority (EDA) is meeting to discuss several economic development items, including a proposal from Tony Vetch to purchase buildings on the former Doman Rose property, next steps for the golf course, and information on TIF and initiating a housing study. The agenda also includes old business regarding the Lakefield sign and open discussion.

• Tony Vetch to present proposal to purchase buildings on former Doman Rose property
• Discussion on next steps for the golf course
• Information on TIF and how to initiate a housing study
• Lakefield sign feedback from LBA

Virtually Attend Council

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved the purchase of the Lakefield Golf Course from Alex Krafka. The deal includes the land, clubhouse, and mowing equipment. Two members were tasked with creating an operating plan for the City Council.

• Approved purchase of Lakefield Golf Course from Alex Krafka for $269,000 plus loan forgiveness (All in favor)
• Approved appointment of Condon and Nesseth to create an operating plan for City Council (All in favor)

Virtually Attend Council

The Lakefield EDA is meeting to consider action on a golf course lot sold to the Halls, who failed to build a dwelling within 12 months as required by covenants. The board will also discuss a property with an outstanding small cities loan facing foreclosure, and an ad for the Jackson County Visitor Guide.

• Consider action on golf course lot sold to Halls for covenant non-compliance (no dwelling built within 12 months)
• Property with small cities loan balance of $7,580.41 facing foreclosure sale on March 15, 2023; bank bidding $38,814.93
• Ad for Jackson County Visitor Guide
• Update on Middle School investor strategies
• Agreement submitted for engineering 9 acres on Mill Road

The EDA voted to begin negotiations with Alex Krafka to purchase the golf course, offering $200,000 cash and forgiveness of a $31,000 loan. The board also approved writing off a small cities loan and accepting a recovery of funds from a recycling company settlement.

• Approved negotiations to purchase golf course for $200,000 plus forgiveness of EDA loan balance
• Approved Nesseth and Condon to discuss offer with Krafka, facilitated by Westensee
• Approved write-off of small cities loan with $7,580.41 balance
• Approved acceptance of ~$5,500 in funds from Green Earth Recycling settlement
• Approved publication of updated Jackson County Visitor Guide ad
• Approved request for City Clerk to research TIF and housing studies
• Approved financial report and accounts payable

Meeting

The Lakefield Public Utilities commission is meeting to approve routine items like minutes and accounts payable, and to discuss several operational matters. Key agenda items include considering quotes for repairs to the Multipurpose building, a Reserved Capacity Agreement, discussion of the Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) contract, and water license incentives. The meeting is scheduled for February 21, 2023, at 4:00 PM.

• Accounts payable totaling $259,288.92 (Electric $162,012.41, Water $97,276.51)
• Quotes for upgrade/repair on Multipurpose building
• Reserved Capacity Agreement (pages 13-38)
• Discussion on MRES contract (pages 39-71)
• Water License incentives (pages 73-80)

Virtually Attend Council

The Lakefield Economic Development Authority (EDA) is meeting to set its 2023 officers, loan committee members, and annual resolutions, including the interest rate for loans. They will also consider approving a $700 increase for engineering services on a 9-acre site near the county shop, bringing the total to $22,700. The agenda includes updates on downtown business vacancies and the Krafka loan foreclosure process.

• Set 2023 EDA officers (President, Vice President, Secretary)
• Set Loan Committee members
• Annual resolutions: financial institution signers, prepayment of accounts payable, official newspaper designation
• Set 2023 interest rate (WSJ rate is 7.5%)
• Approve $700 increase for engineering on 9 acres near county shop (total $22,700)

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) appointed its 2023 officers and loan committee members. The board approved three annual resolutions and a $700 price increase for engineering services on a 9-acre site. A committee was formed to assist with the city website design.

• Named Jesse Ackermann President, Jordan Jones Vice President, and Josh Swanson Secretary (All in favor)
• Maintained loan committee as Reasoner, Ackermann, and Swanson (All in favor)
• Approved resolutions E23-01, E23-02, and E22-03 (All in favor)
• Set 2023 interest rate to match prime rate (All in favor)
• Approved $700 engineering price increase for 9 acres near county shop, totaling $22,700 (All in favor)
• Authorized Kortney Nesseth to communicate Middle School site plans to the public and Superintendent Schmidt (All in favor)
• Formed website planning committee consisting of Nesseth, Reasoner, and Jones

Meeting

The Lakefield Public Utilities commission will meet to approve the agenda, minutes, and accounts payable totaling $206,997.15. They will also reorganize by appointing a chairman and vice chairman, and consider six resolutions including the 2023 fee schedule. The meeting includes department reports and discussion of strategic planning dates.

• Accounts payable: Electric $171,528.25, Water $29,560.50, total $206,997.15
• Resolution 23-01: Financial Institutions and Signers
• Resolution 23-06: 2023 Fee Schedule
• Resolution 23-05: Designation of Office Newspaper of Publication
• Appoint Chairman and Vice Chairman