Paynesville public meetings in 2024

City Council

The council will vote on routine consent items including meeting minutes, payroll vouchers totaling $158,847.74, a tobacco license for DG Retail, LLC DBA Dollar General Store #15509, a gambling permit for a raffle at Queen Bee’s Bar & Grill (121 James St.), and two Voss Plumbing invoices of $5,406.84 and $6,678.75. In old business, they will consider a resolution to sell a 4‑acre parcel to Associated Milk Producers, Inc., trail easements, a Safe Routes to School grant, a cannabis ordinance, a liquor‑store scope of work, and an ESST policy. New business includes firefighter officer appointments and wage adjustments, a library grant from the Minnesota Department of Education, and a labor‑attorney consulting services agreement. A public forum will allow up to ten minutes of resident comments.

• Resolution 2024-37 authorizing sale of a 4‑acre parcel to Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI)
• Voss Plumbing & Heating invoice for residential sewer backup cleanup – $5,406.84 (112 Oak Park Ave.)
• Voss Plumbing & Heating invoice for storm water pond sediment removal – $6,678.75
• Gambling permit for Paynesville Sportsmen’s Club raffle at Queen Bee’s Bar & Grill, 121 James St.
• 2025 Tobacco License for DG Retail, LLC DBA Dollar General Store #15509

The Paynesville City Council approved a $89,500 contract with Bolton & Menk for design and bidding documents for a new Municipal Liquor Store, funded by bonds and the Liquor CIP fund. They also approved a new cannabis ordinance, an ESST policy option, firefighter officer appointments, and several trail-related agreements. No action was taken on the AMPI land sale resolution, pending plat approval.

• Approved $89,500 Bolton & Menk design contract for new liquor store (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 56 regulating cannabis businesses (unanimous)
• Approved Option 2 for ESST: additional 48 hours for full-time employees (unanimous)
• Appointed firefighter officers: Lieutenant $500/yr, Training Officer $1,500/yr, 2nd Training Officer $750/yr, effective Nov 1, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved $300,000 library grant application to MN Dept of Education (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 labor attorney contract with Madden Galanter Hansen, rates increased $10/hr (unanimous)
• Approved trail easements with MKI Enterprise and Paynesville Township (unanimous)
• Approved MnDOT Cooperative Maintenance Agreement and Resolution 2024-38 (unanimous)

Special Council-Public Works Director Interviews

The Paynesville City Council will hold a second round of interviews for the Public Works Director position. No other items are listed on the agenda. The meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on December 18, 2024 at the Public Works Building, 111 Pomero y Ave.

• Public Works Director – second round of interviews

The Paynesville City Council interviewed three candidates and voted unanimously to offer the full-time Public Works Director position to Daniel Gens at Grade 10, Step 5, $48.19/hour, contingent on background and reference checks. A separate motion to have the Policies & Procedures Board negotiate the employment contract passed 4-1, with Councilmember Herzberg opposed. The council also approved a $3,000 relocation incentive for Gens to move within city limits within 12 months of signing the contract, and placed Toby Koltes and Michael Tschida on an eligibility list in that order at Grade 10, Step 1, $41.79/hour, also contingent on checks.

• Offered full-time Public Works Director position to Daniel Gens at Grade 10, Step 5, $48.19/hour (unanimous)
• Approved Policies & Procedures Board to negotiate employment contract (4-1, Herzberg no)
• Approved $3,000 relocation incentive for Gens to move within city limits within 12 months
• Placed Toby Koltes and Michael Tschida on eligibility list in that order at Grade 10, Step 1, $41.79/hour (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the 2025 budget, tax levy, and water and sewer rates. The body will also consider various business licenses and a zoning ordinance amendment.

• Payment of $197,389.10 to Voss Plumbing & Heating of Paynesville, Inc. for Ampe Park Shelter
• 2025 Budget and Tax Levy
• 2025 Water & Sewer Rates (Resolution 2024-33)
• Ordinance No. 55, 3rd Series amending the Zoning Ordinance
• 2025 licenses for cannabinoids ($500), liquor ($3,400), tobacco ($200), and sewer installers

The Paynesville City Council approved the 2025 budget, a $1,395,893 tax levy, and water/sewer rate increases, including a $1 monthly residential storm water fee increase. Firefighter wages were increased to $18 per hour for 2025, with a plan to revisit a $20 rate in 2026. The council also approved a zoning ordinance amendment and several property transactions.

• Approved 2025 City Budget (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Tax Levy of $1,395,893 (unanimous)
• Approved water/sewer rate increases including $1/month residential storm water fee (unanimous)
• Approved firefighter wage increase to $18/hour for 2025, revisit $20 in 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 55 amending zoning ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved $197,389.10 payment to Voss Plumbing for AMPE Park shelter (unanimous)
• Approved sale of 295 Kira Court to Frontier Homes for $21,000 (unanimous)
• Approved application for MnDOT Aeronautics Equipment Grant for mower (unanimous)

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will consider the consent agenda, including approval of meeting minutes and vouchers totaling $593,485.60, and will accept the resignation of Public Works Director Ron Mergen effective March 31, 2025. Old business includes approving the civil legal services agreement with Kennedy & Graven. New business items include Ordinance No. 54 to amend Safety Board membership, a fund transfer for the AMPE Park Project, an EDAP Revitalization Loan with Lieser Insurance, and the Airport 2025‑2031 Capital Improvement Plan. The council will also hold closed‑session discussions on offers for real property.

• Approve minutes and vouchers totaling $593,485.60
• Accept resignation of Public Works Director Ron Mergen, effective March 31, 2025
• Approve civil legal services agreement with Kennedy & Graven (hourly rates $205‑$300)
• Ordinance No. 54 – amendment to Safety Board membership
• Transfer from 129 Park Dedication Capital Improvement Fund to 123 Park Capital Improvement Fund for the AMPE Park Project

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will vote to approve meeting minutes and vouchers totaling $395,689.85. Council members will consider a new lease allowing the Paynesville Police Department to use storage unit #39 at the municipal airport for $1,500 per year plus a $125 deposit. The council will also act to close Inactive Fund 525 Heather Wood Plat 3 and will hold a public open forum for up to 10‑minute comments.

• Approve minutes from September 9, September 23, September 19, September 18, and April 3 meetings
• Approve vouchers totaling $395,689.85, including payroll and other expenses
• Approve Airport Storage Garage Lease for Paynesville Police Department – $1,500 annual rent, $125 deposit, unit #39
• Close Inactive Fund 525 Heather Wood Plat 3
• Public open forum – up to 10 minutes per speaker

Joint Council, Budget & Finance, & Liquor Board

The Paynesville City Council will meet to review a business plan and financial forecasts for a proposed new liquor store. The meeting also includes the Budget & Finance and Liquor Boards.

• Review of business plan for new liquor store
• Presentation of financial forecasts for new liquor store
• Review of revised layout for new liquor store

City Council - Working Session

The Paynesville City Council working session will include a discussion of the city attorney interviews. Participants are asked to bring the October 14 agenda packet that contained six RFPs related to the attorney search. No other decisions or actions are listed on the agenda.

• Discuss City Attorney Interviews – reference six RFPs from Oct. 14 agenda packet

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will vote to approve minutes from four recent board meetings and a total of $1,076,799.58 in payroll and other vouchers. Council members will discuss the proposed Cannabis Ordinance, which would amend the city code to regulate cannabis businesses. Additional items include setting the 2025 fee schedule, reviewing an administrative lot split for Koronis Properties LLC, and considering a candidate for the Public Works Director position.

• Approve minutes from August‑December board meetings (Item VI‑A)
• Approve vouchers totaling $1,076,799.58, including payroll and a $978,141.45 voucher (Item VI‑B)
• Review and potentially move forward with the Cannabis Ordinance (Item VII‑A)
• Set fees for 2025 as outlined in the Fee Schedule (Old Business)
• Administrative Lot Split – Koronis Properties LLC (EW Business)

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will vote on several consent agenda items, including approval of meeting minutes and payroll vouchers totaling $289,499.61. It will also accept the resignations of an Environmental Board member, a firefighter, and the Public Works Director. Additionally, the council will consider and vote on an administrative lot split that transfers .98 acres from a city lot to Fortitude Senior Living.

• Approve minutes from multiple prior special meetings
• Approve payroll vouchers totaling $289,499.61
• Accept resignation of Environmental Board member Will Beardmore (effective Aug 12 2024)
• Accept resignation of Firefighter Chris Price (effective Oct 4 2024)
• Approve administrative lot split of .98 acres to Fortitude Senior Living

City Council - Working Session

The Paynesville City Council will hold a working session to discuss a strategic message regarding an MPCA cleanup and the future of a liquor store. The meeting is scheduled for September 30, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

• Strategic message regarding MPCA cleanup
• Future Liquor Store

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will consider several items, including a transfer of $16,670.94 from the 123 Park Capital Improvement Fund to the 525 Heatherwood Plat 3 Fund. They will vote on a variance request that would allow a 477‑square‑foot sign for NS Retail Holding’s Tractor Supply location at 810 Diekmann Drive, exceeding the city’s 400‑square‑foot limit. The council will also approve a temporary street closure on James St. W. for a Trunk‑or‑Treat event on October 26, 2024, and discuss grant awards of $8,300 and a $10,000 application for water‑related projects.

• Transfer $16,670.94 from 123 Park Capital Improvement Fund to 525 Heatherwood Plat 3 Fund
• Variance request for a 477 sq ft sign at 810 Diekmann Drive (Tractor Supply)
• Temporary street closure of James St. W. from River St. to Washburne Ave. on Oct 26, 2024, 11 am‑3 pm
• Grant award notification of $8,300 for MN Dept. of Health Source Water Protection Plan
• Grant application for $10,000 for water festival, newsletter, and security cameras

Special Council TIF Public Hearing

At the September 19 special council meeting, the Paynesville City Council will consider and vote on Resolution 2024‑29. The resolution modifies Municipal Development District No. 1, adopts a revised development program, creates Tax Increment Financing District No. 1‑17, and approves the TIF plan for Nelsa Properties, LLC. Council members will hear a verbal report from Tarig Al‑Rifai before voting.

• Resolution 2024‑29 to modify Municipal Development District No. 1
• Adoption of the Modified Development Program for District 1
• Establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 1‑17 for Nelsa Properties, LLC
• Approval of the Tax Increment Financing Plan for District 1‑17
• Public hearing with verbal report by Tarig Al‑Rifai

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will approve the consent agenda items, including meeting minutes and payroll vouchers totaling $259,583.31. Old business includes a review of the police prosecution services contract with Stearns County at $15,300 per year and a resolution petitioning the MPCA to clean up petroleum contamination at 400 Lake Ave. New business covers hiring two part‑time liquor store clerks at $15.69 per hour, airport hangar and storage leases, a utility access bundle with Tyler Tech, the annual tree lighting event, a public hearing on past‑due utility and snow removal bills, a fund transfer for deferred assessments, and the 2025 preliminary property tax levy.

• Approve minutes (Consent A) and payroll vouchers totaling $259,583.31 (Consent B)
• Review and consider Stearns County Attorney contract for police prosecution services at $15,300 per year
• Adopt Resolution 2024-27 petitioning MPCA for cleanup of petroleum contamination at 400 Lake Ave.
• Hire Becky Adams and Shawn Salcedo as part‑time liquor store clerks at $15.69 per hour
• Consider the 2025 preliminary property tax levy

Joint Council, Environmental, Wellhead & Public Works

The joint City Council, Environmental, Wellhead and Public Works boards will hear updates on petroleum-related contamination at 400 Lake Ave. Representatives from Barr Engineering and Mark Toso will present their reports and letters for council consideration. The meeting is informational; no actions are listed.

• Petroleum contamination – 400 Lake Ave: review Barr Report (page 1)
• Petroleum contamination – 400 Lake Ave: review Toso Letter (page 10)

Joint Council & Library Board

The Paynesville City Council and Ad Hoc Library Board are meeting to discuss the future location of the library. No other business items are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion regarding the future location of the library

City Council

The City Council will review a hotel development study and discuss the future location of the library. The body is also considering several variances and employment contracts for the City Administrator and Police Chief.

• Hotel development study recommending against pursuing new development at this time
• Variances for Koronis Brewing Properties, LLC and NS Retail Holdings LLC (Tractor Supply)
• Employment contracts for the City Administrator and Police Chief
• MN Department of Health Grant Award of $10,000.00
• Vouchers totaling $221,977.77

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will vote on the 2025 budget funding requests and a proposed 2025 fee schedule. The council will also act on a School Resource Officer agreement with the Paynesville School District, a rain barrel proposal, and a variance request from Koronis Brewing Properties, LLC. Consent agenda items include approval of meeting minutes, vouchers totaling $453,187.34, a liquor store clerk resignation, and a sewer installer license for Hoffman Construction. Old‑business items address employee benefits and a cannabis moratorium ordinance.

• 2025 Budget – Funding Requests (page 11)
• Proposed 2025 Fee Schedule (page 22)
• Police Department – School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement with Paynesville School District (page 30)
• Rain Barrel Proposal (page 37)
• Variance — Koronis Brewing Properties, LLC (page 44)

City Council

The City Council will review a presentation on the 2024 Strategic Plan, which outlines long-term visions for community wellbeing, sustainable growth, and fiscal responsibility. The body is also deciding on labor agreements and a cannabis moratorium.

• Approval of $561,507.85 in vouchers
• Memorandum of Agreement with AFSCME Council 65 and LELS Local #489
• Discussion on Cannabis Moratorium
• Bid for a 1987 Fire Truck
• Closed session to discuss a land swap of real property

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will meet on July 8, 2024, to address benzene contamination and a proposed pay increase for the Police Secretary. The agenda also includes an airport ground lease and a street closure request for Night To Unite.

• Benzene contamination
• Police Secretary pay increase MOU
• Airport Ground Lease — Brown
• Washburne Ave street closure for Night To Unite
• Gambling permit for MN Deer Hunters Association raffle

Joint Council & Library Board

The Paynesville City Council and Ad Hoc Library Board will meet to discuss the future location of the library. This is the only substantive item listed on the agenda.

• Future location of the library

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will review several items including the sale of property at 255 Kira Court. The council will also consider hiring a new full-time police officer and extending the city liquor store lease.

• Approval of property sale at 255 Kira Court to Mark Rodenwald
• Hiring Adam Kaeter as a full-time police officer at $29.15 per hour
• Lease extension for the city liquor store through December 31, 2025
• Approval of 2024 Cannabinoid License for Kwik Trip #598 with a $500 fee
• Authorization for a new life jacket station at Veteran’s Park

City Council

The Council will review a report regarding potential leaded gasoline contamination in drinking water wells. They will also discuss a real property offer at 255 Kira Court in closed session. Additionally, the meeting includes discussions on library location and parking requests for Stearns Ave.

• Leaded Gasoline Contamination Analysis Report review
• $9,690.00 payment to Hydro Engineering, Inc. for WWTF irrigation improvements
• Sewer installer licenses for Warrior Drain Solutions and Ozzy's Excavating
• Closed session discussion regarding a real property offer at 255 Kira Court
• CentraCare "No Parking" request for Stearns Ave.

Special Council Strategic Planning Session

The Paynesville City Council will hold a special strategic planning session on June 6, 2024. The provided agenda does not list specific topics or items for discussion.

Special Council Business Tour

A quorum of the Paynesville City Council may attend a business tour in Little Falls. No motions will be entertained and no decisions will be made during this meeting.

• Business tour at 15657 18th Street NE, Little Falls

Stearns County Municipal League Meeting

The Paynesville City Council will attend the Stearns County Municipal League meeting on May 14, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. to hear updates. The posted agenda explicitly states that no motions will be entertained and no decisions will be made. This is a procedural attendance item with no substantive business scheduled.

• Procedural attendance only; no agenda items listed for discussion or vote.

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will hold its regular meeting on May 13, 2024, covering a consent agenda with routine approvals and several old and new business items. Key discussions include a lodging tax update, a police department clerical services contract, the 2023 audit, housing incentives, and a parking ordinance. The council will also consider property sales and various project agreements.

• Police Department contract for clerical services and police secretary pay increase
• 2024 Sealcoat Improvement Project
• AMPI Phase 2 Purchase Agreement
• Resolution on sale of property to Karen Neu and to Justin & Brooke Schmitz
• Housing incentives and housing study

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will consider several action items, including approving the sale of city-owned property at 300 Kira Court to Frontier Homes, a contract for city prosecution services, hiring firefighters, and a pay increase for police clerical services. They will also discuss a deputy public works director position, utility box purchase, airport hangar remodel and ground lease rate increase, and a temporary street closure for the Farmers Market. Two closed sessions are scheduled to discuss offers on properties at 225 Kira Court and 365 Kira Lane.

• Resolution 2024-12: sale of 300 Kira Court to Frontier Homes LLC
• City prosecution contract update with Stearns County Attorney Janell Kendall
• Fire Department hiring of firefighters Schaust & Savage
• Police Department contract for clerical services and police secretary pay increase
• Airport ground lease rate increase and Tee Hangar No. 16 remodel request

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will consider hiring a realtor to sell the remaining residential lots in Heatherwood Plat 3, an item tabled from March 25, 2024. They will also review bids for the Ampe Park Shelter, which came in higher than expected, and discuss a Laserfiche document management proposal. The meeting includes several other old and new business items, plus two closed sessions to discuss real estate offers.

• Hiring of realtor for City residential lots in Heatherwood Plat 3; housing incentive $4,550/lot, deferred assessments $16,670.94/lot
• Ampe Park Shelter bids: Breitbach Construction $843,343.06; Voss Plumbing & Heating $791,088.00
• Laserfiche OPG3 proposal $15,890.00, annual fee $3,100.00, funded from ARPA
• Closed session to discuss offer for 300 Kira Court (Lot 2, Block 3, Heatherwood Plat 3)
• Closed session to discuss offer for 18799 County Road 33

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will vote to approve $214,115.99 in monthly vouchers, three new sewer installer licenses, and an airport tee hangar lease agreement with Brad Dahmes for Hangar 14 at $185 per month. The council will also discuss whether hiring a realtor to sell remaining Heatherwood Plat 3 residential lots is affordable given the $4,550 housing incentive and $16,670.94 in deferred assessments per lot. These items affect local home construction permits, municipal budget allocations for payroll and services, and airport operations.

• Approve $214,115.99 in vouchers covering payroll direct deposits, taxes, benefits, and vendor payments
• Decide on hiring a realtor to sell Heatherwood Plat 3 residential lots, weighing costs against the $4,550 housing incentive per lot
• Approve sewer installer licenses for Gilk Plumbing, Voss Plumbing, and Burski Excavating ($75 fee each)
• Approve Airport Tee Hangar Lease Agreement with Brad Dahmes for Hangar 14 at $185 monthly ($1,480 annual for 2024)
• Review Final Plat application for Joshua Flats and discuss surplus dock and miscellaneous equipment disposal

All Boards & Special Council Meeting

This agenda outlines a procedural annual reporting session for all Paynesville city boards. Each board will present notes on completed projects, proposed ideas, and concerns during a working session. The document lists formal reports from thirteen committees but does not include specific votes, contracts, or policy changes.

• Working session for each board to report completed projects, proposals, and concerns
• Formal reports from thirteen city committees including Budget & Finance, Planning, and Public Works
• Mayor Shawn Reinke provides welcome and closing remarks

City Council

The City Council will consider an ordinance to allow longer grass in April and May to support pollinators. The agenda also includes discussions on airport leases, fire department equipment, and potential real estate transactions in closed sessions.

• Ordinance No. 51, 3rd Series for pollinator promotion
• Airport Tee Hagar Leases (Doyle, Underland & Mastey)
• Fire Department surplus fire truck (Unit 12)
• Closed session regarding property at 890 South St. and 950 South St.
• WWTF Irrigation System Improvement Project payment estimate

City Council

The City Council will review vouchers totaling $176,165.46 and approve various board minutes. The agenda includes a proposal for a preliminary engineering report for downtown drainage improvements and discussions regarding nuisance property at 899 Flanders Drive. A closed session is also planned to discuss a real property offer.

• $16,900 proposal for Bolton & Menk, Inc. to conduct a survey and preliminary design for downtown drainage
• Vouchers totaling $176,165.46
• Findings regarding inoperable vehicles at 899 Flanders Drive
• Proposed purchase of a 2024 Ram 3500 by Public Works
• Closed session discussion for real property at 890 South St. and 901 South St.

City Council - Working Session

The City Council held a working session to review the 2027 Downtown Improvement Project, including its preliminary cost estimate of $5.5 million and proposed assessment rates. The session covered project goals, streetscape planning, and potential drainage improvements involving a stormwater pond.

• $5.5 million preliminary estimated cost for the 2027 Downtown Project
• Proposed street reconstruction assessment of $90-$110 per front foot
• Proposed water service assessments of $2,500-$3,500 (1/4") and $5,000-$6,000 (6")
• Planned construction timeline from April/May 2027 through July 2028
• Discussion of stormwater pond property acquisition and drainage improvements

Special Council-Cancelled

The Special City Council meeting scheduled for January 26, 2024, was cancelled. The original agenda included a motion to enter a closed session to discuss allegations against an employee.

City Council

The City Council will consider several new business items, including appointing new Fire Department officers and approving a 5-year QTpod agreement for the airport. The council will also discuss proceeding with a $125,000 airport crack repair project and reviewing a closed session motion regarding real property at 317 State Hwy. 55.

• Appointment of Fire Department officers including Chief Mike Stern
• Approval of $10,380 for a 5-year QTpod agreement renewal at the airport
• Proposal for a $125,000 airport crack repair project
• Review of vouchers totaling $206,555.49
• Closed session motion regarding property at 317 State Hwy. 55

City Council

The Paynesville City Council will review old business including a nuisance property at 899 Flanders Drive, with a public hearing scheduled. New business includes appointments and budget-related items.

• Nuisance Property - 899 Flanders Drive (public hearing)
• Hiring of Part-Time Liquor Store Clerk - Kassandra Herding ($15.69 per hour)