Shafer, MN

2026

2026

The Shafer City Council will review the preliminary 2027 budget and property tax levy. The meeting includes a public hearing and discussions on manganese treatment and public works updates. Routine administrative items, including minutes and accounts payable, are on the consent agenda.

• Resolution 2026-8-3 Preliminary Budget and Property Tax Levy for 2027
• Manganese Treatment presentation by ISG Jake Guzik
• Adding offender residency map to the ordinance book at a cost of $380.00 from ISG
• New swing set chains for Buffalo Ridge presented by Nick Brehm

Commission Committee

The Ordinance Committee discussed a potential ordinance to permit chickens, agreeing on several tentative rules (50-foot setback, hens only, max 5 chickens, coop size limits) but took no formal action. The committee also voted unanimously to add a $1,000 fee to the fee schedule for unauthorized use of a fire hydrant. Further discussion on the chicken ordinance is scheduled for the next meeting in about a month.

• Added $1,000 fee for unauthorized fire hydrant use (unanimous 2-0)
• Discussed chicken ordinance; no formal motion made
• Agreed tentatively on 50-foot setback for coops from property lines
• Agreed tentatively on hens only, max 5 chickens
• Agreed tentatively on coop size limits (5x10 ft, 6 ft high)
• Agreed tentatively on coops counted as structures (max 2 per property)
• Agreed tentatively on coop materials and fencing requirements

Commission Committee

The Shafer City Council met in a special session to discuss the 2027 budget. Treasurer Richard Hill reported a healthy cash reserve due to full bond repayment in 2026 and proposed water rate increases of 4-5% and sewer rate increases of 1.5-2.5% effective January 1, 2027, to be detailed at a future meeting. The council indicated its intention to set the preliminary levy at 8%, with the final levy only adjustable downward in December; a formal vote will occur at a future meeting. No formal decisions were made at this session.

• Indicated intention to set 2027 preliminary levy at 8% (vote pending at future meeting)
• Discussed potential reduction of Sheriff's contract hours from 90 to 80 for 2027
• Adjourned at 5:48 pm (unanimous 5-0)

2026

The Shafer City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, transitioned Public Works Director Brad Swenson from probationary to permanent employment, accepted donations for Shafer Days, and adopted election judges for the 2026 primary election. No public comments were made, and no reports were given by the attorney, engineer, or public works director.

• Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes and accounts payable (5-0)
• Transitioned Brad Swenson to permanent employee status (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-8-1 accepting Shafer Days donations totaling $2,450 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-8-2 adopting election judges, removing Gerald Higgins and adding Patti Kowalski (5-0)

2026

The Shafer City Council will meet on August 5, 2026, to conduct routine business including approving past meeting minutes, accepting donations for Shafer Days, and adopting election judges for the 2026 primary election. The agenda also includes reports from the attorney, engineer, public works, and clerk.

• Accept donations for Shafer Days: Rochel Farm $500.00, Lakes Area Automation $500.00, Virga Chiropractic $100.00, Bonnie Olmschenk $100.00, Security State Bank of Marine $500.00
• Resolution 2026-8-2: Adopt election judges for the 2026 primary election (removing Gerald Higgins and adding Patti Kowalski)
• Approve 2026-7-21 Council Meeting Minutes and 2026-7-27 Parks Meeting Minutes
• Brad Swenson: Transition to Permanent Employment Status

Commission Committee

The Shafer Parks Commission tabled a request from LARA to build up the Shafer Meadows ballfield after receiving quotes of $15,460 for a 1-inch build-up and $19,770 for a 2-inch build-up. The commission noted the expense was not in the current budget and would require a council motion to overspend the general fund. They indicated they would be more receptive if LARA covered 50% of the costs, and will revisit the matter when LARA attends a future meeting. The commission also prioritized public works tasks, including ice rink wall relocation, Circle Park fencing, and dead tree removal in Willow Park.

• Tabled LARA ballfield build-up pending LARA attendance and cost-sharing discussion
• Prioritized ice rink wall relocation and Circle Park fence installation for 2026
• Deferred final half-pipe assembly to spring 2026
• Prioritized wood chip laying and dead tree removal in Willow Park
• Approved consent agenda including June 22, 2026 minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned at 6:36 pm (5-0)

2026

The City Council will discuss new ordinances regarding cannabis retail hours and the city fee schedule. The body will also review requests for chickens at a specific residence and liquor license fees for Shafer Days.

• Ordinance 2026-7-2: Regulating hours of operation for cannabis retail sales
• Ordinance 2026-7-1: Fee Schedule
• Resolution 2026-7-6: Accepting $500 donations each from Shafer Contracting and PLC for Shafer Days
• Resolution 2026-7-5: Approving and waiving the temporary liquor license fee for SFFD Shafer Days
• Request regarding chickens at 30775 Reflection Ave (Paisley Carty)

2026

The Shafer City Council forwarded a resident request to amend the ordinance to allow backyard hens on residential lots to the Ordinance Committee for review on August 17th. The council also approved four ordinances, including a new fee schedule, cannabis retail hours, and two city code amendments, all unanimously. Additionally, the council approved a temporary liquor license fee waiver and donations for Shafer Days, and authorized repairs and well inspections.

• Forwarded backyard chicken ordinance request to Ordinance Committee (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-7-5 waiving temporary liquor license fee for SFFD Shafer Days (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-7-6 accepting $1,000 in Shafer Days donations (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2026-7-1 Fee Schedule (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2026-7-2 regulating cannabis retail sales hours (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2026-7-3 amending Section 207.02 of city code (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2026-7-4 amending Section 207.05 of city code (4-0)
• Approved $1,117 garage door repair and $430 well inspections (4-0)

Commission Committee

The committee voted to align cannabis retail hours with state law and standardize the compliance timeframe for vehicle-related code violations. Amendments to the fee schedule were prepared for council review, and several items were tabled for further research.

• Amended code 511.03 to establish cannabis retail hours by state law (2-0-0)
• Standardized code compliance time for junk, abandoned, and unregistered vehicles to 30 days (2-0-0)
• Tabled quiet time matter to research other cities' codes
• Tabled offender residency map for law enforcement clarification

2026

The Shafer City Council will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit for Lakes Area Manufacturing and consider resolutions accepting donations for Shafer Days and approving a temporary gambling permit for the fire department. The council will also discuss a moratorium on data centers and a request to join the Planning Commission.

• Public hearing for Lakes Area Manufacturing CUP 30410 Regal Ave
• Resolution accepting Just Cuz Chrome donation of $250.00
• Resolution accepting FD Relief and Gambling donations totaling $1,063.16
• Resolution approving temporary gambling permit for SFFD
• Discussion on moratorium on Data Centers and Planner Fees

Commission Committee

The Planning Commission approved the consent agenda and minutes with a 3-0-0 vote. It approved a conditional use permit for Lakes Area Manufacturing at 30410 Regal Ave and forwarded it to the council, also by a 3-0-0 vote. The commission voted 3-0-0 to request a quotation from ISG Engineering to research suitable city property for a data center. The meeting was adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Approved Consent Agenda and minutes (3-0-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Lakes Area Manufacturing at 30410 Regal Ave (3-0-0)
• Requested quotation from ISG Engineering to study city property for data center (3-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0-0)

Commission Committee

The Shafer Parks Commission approved the consent agenda and a $2,000 purchase of wood chips for Willow and Buffalo Ridge Parks, both unanimously (3-0-0). It then unanimously denied park funds for a proposed dog park and splash park. The discussion of a National Night Out event was tabled for future consideration.

• Approved consent agenda (3-0-0)
• Approved purchase of 100 yards wood chips up to $2,000 (3-0-0)
• Denied park funds for dog park and splash park (3-0-0)
• Tabled National Night Out discussion

2026

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, budget line‑item changes, a change of the August 4 council meeting to August 5, the resolution adopting primary election judges, and a three‑year Intermedia telephone service contract. The new phone contract includes a monthly fee of $90.16 and a $389.56 hardware cost. The 2025 census reported a population of 1,195, a decline of 12 residents from 2024.

• Approved consent agenda (5-0-0)
• Approved budget line‑item changes (5-0-0)
• Amended council meeting date to August 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm (5-0-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-6-4 appointing primary election judges (5-0-0)
• Approved Intermedia three‑year phone contract ($90.16/month, $389.56 hardware) (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:26 pm (5-0-0)

2026

The Shafer City Council will discuss budget updates presented by City Treasurer Richard Hill. It will consider amending the National Night Out council meeting date to August 4. The council will vote on Resolution 2026-6-4 to adopt primary election judges. Additional reports and public hearings are scheduled.

• Budget updates discussion by City Treasurer Richard Hill
• Amend National Night Out council meeting date to August 4
• Resolution 2026-6-4 adopting primary election judges
• Public hearing
• Open hearing to the public

Commission Committee

The Shafer City EDA commission unanimously approved the consent agenda and the minutes from the May 12, 2026 meeting. They also unanimously moved the scheduled August 11 meeting to Thursday, August 13. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:08 p.m.

• Approved Consent Agenda (5-0-0)
• Approved May 12, 2026 minutes (5-0-0)
• Amended August meeting date to Aug 13 (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:08 p.m. (5-0-0)

2026

The Shafer City Council will consider repealing a local lodging tax and accepting donations for community events and a cannabis retail business registration.

• Ordinance repealing lodging tax
• Accepting $263.31 in donations
• Accepting $1,000 in Shafer Days donations
• Approving cannabis retail registration at 16440 Lake Blvd

2026

The Shafer City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda and repealed and replaced sections 510.01‑510.16 of the city code that imposed a local lodging tax. It also approved three resolutions to accept donations totaling $1,263.31 and granted a cannabis retail business registration for North South Cannabis at 16440 Lake Blvd. All actions were carried out with a 5‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved consent agenda (5-0-0)
• Repealed and replaced lodging tax sections 510.01‑510.16 (5-0-0)
• Accepted FD Relief and gambling donation of $263.31 (5-0-0)
• Accepted Ole’s Crossroads and J. Olson Construction donations of $500 each (5-0-0)
• Approved cannabis retail business registration for North South Cannabis at 16440 Lake Blvd (5-0-0)

2026

The council unanimously approved a new liquor license for The Saloon at 30220 Redwing Ave after required documentation and checks. They also unanimously authorized the city engineer and ISG to apply for an Intended Use Plan to seek a grant for a manganese treatment plant. The council approved overtime pay for the Public Works Department to accelerate pothole patching. Routine items, including the consent agenda and adjournment, were approved unanimously.

• Approved new liquor license for The Saloon (30220 Redwing Ave) – unanimous 4-0-0
• Approved motion to move forward with ISG to apply for Intended Use Plan for manganese treatment grant – unanimous 4-0-0
• Approved Public Works Department overtime for pothole patching – unanimous 4-0-0
• Approved consent agenda items (2026-5-5 Council Minutes, 2026-5-11 Parks Minutes, 2026-5-12 EDA Minutes, Accounts Payable) – unanimous 4-0-0
• Motion to adjourn passed – unanimous 4-0-0

2026

The Shafer City Council will hold a public hearing for a liquor license application at 30220 Redwing Ave and discuss funding opportunities for manganese treatment with an ISG representative.

• Public hearing: Liquor license for The Saloon, Deanna Pedersen
• Discussion: Manganese treatment funding opportunities
• Consent agenda: Approval of meeting minutes and accounts payable

Commission Committee

The Shafer City EDA meeting opened with Chair Patty Mattson calling it to order. The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda and the minutes from the April 14, 2026 meeting. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned. No other actions were decided.

• Approved consent agenda and minutes (4-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)

Commission Committee

The Shafer Parks Commission unanimously approved the consent agenda from the April 27 meeting. They also approved purchases for the Kids Day event on June 13, authorizing up to $300 for prizes, $50 for game supplies, and $300 for food. The meeting was adjourned at 6:24 pm.

• Approved consent agenda (2026-4-27 minutes) – unanimous 3-0-0
• Approved purchase of prizes up to $300, game supplies up to $50, and food up to $300 for Kids Day – unanimous 3-0-0
• Adjourned meeting at 6:24 pm – unanimous 3-0-0

2026

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included prior meeting minutes. It also unanimously adopted a resolution granting a gambling premise permit for The Saloon and the Shafer/Franconia Fire Department. The council approved up to $20,000 for spray‑patch repairs on Buffalo Ridge Road and up to $10,000 (plus $2,000 for tools) for an asphalt hot box purchase. All votes were 5‑0‑0.

• Approved consent agenda (2026-4-21 & 2026-4-27 minutes) – 5-0-0
• Approved Resolution 2026-5-1 granting gambling premise permit for The Saloon and Shafer/Franconia Fire Department – 5-0-0
• Approved up to $20,000 for Buffalo Ridge road spray‑patch repairs – 5-0-0
• Approved up to $10,000 for asphalt hot box purchase and $2,000 for tools – 5-0-0

2026

The Shafer City Council will consider a gambling premise permit for The Saloon and review reports from the attorney, engineer, public works, and clerk. The meeting will also cover consent agenda items and a public hearing.

• Resolution 2026-5-1: Gambling premise permit for The Saloon at 30220 Redwing Ave
• Approval of 2026-4-21 and 2026-4-27 Council and Parks meeting minutes
• Accounts Payable list
• Attorney's Report
• Engineer's Report

Commission Committee

The Shafer Parks Commission voted unanimously to rent a bounce house and a dunk tank from Froggy Hops for the National Night Out event on August 4, 2026. It also approved purchase of three warming‑house signs for $120.00 and denied a request to loan the cotton‑candy machine to the Rotary. Additional actions included adopting a butterfly theme for the bike rack and walking trail and tabling a study of park sign costs.

• Approved rental of bounce house and dunk tank from Froggy Hops (5-0-0)
• Approved purchase of three warming house signs for $120.00 (5-0-0)
• Denied Rotary's request to borrow cotton candy machine (5-0-0)
• Adopted butterfly theme for bike rack and walking trail (5-0-0)
• Tabled investigation of park sign costs (no vote recorded)
• Approved consent agenda (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

2026

The Shafer City Council meeting will include a presentation of the 2025 audit by Oberloh & Oberloh. Council members will consider the Shafer/Franconia Fire Department demo invoice. A representative for Shafer Days and a report on potholes in front of Emily Jos will also be discussed. The council will receive updates from the attorney, engineer, public works, and clerk reports.

• Oberloh & Oberloh 2025 Audit Presentation
• Shafer/Franconia Fire Dept Demo Invoice
• Shafer Days – Mike Olmschenk representing
• George Warren – potholes in front of Emily Jos
• Public hearing and open hearing to the public

2026

The Shafer City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, the 2025 city audit, and a $39,506.67 payment to Franconia Township for fire cleanup costs. It also approved the logistics and funding for the Shafer Days celebration, including street closures, use of city assets, and up to $1,660 for event supplies.

• Approved consent agenda (2026-4-7 Council minutes, 2026-4-8 BOA minutes, 2026-4-14 EDA minutes) – unanimous 4-0-0
• Approved 2025 city audit – unanimous 4-0-0
• Remitted $39,506.67 to Franconia Township for fire cleanup from gambling donations fund – unanimous 4-0-0
• Approved Shafer Days event use of hay wagon, city insurance, closure of 305th St to Redwing Ave, and public works parking lot for market and parade – unanimous 4-0-0
• Approved use of City Hall for historical display, city land for bounce house, road‑closure signs, vendor‑spot paint, and up to $1,660 for trash receptacles, portable toilets, and advertising – unanimous 4-0-0

Commission Committee

The commission approved the consent agenda and the minutes from the 2026-01-13 meeting with a 5‑0‑0 vote. They also voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:10 p.m. unanimously. Additionally, the commission decided to invite the owners of Ole’s Crossroads, The Saloon, and Nancy Hoffman to the next meeting to discuss grant opportunities for new businesses.

• Approved consent agenda and 2026-01-13 minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:10 p.m. (5-0-0)
• Will invite Ole’s Crossroads, The Saloon, and Nancy Hoffman to next meeting to discuss grant opportunities

Commission Committee

The Shafer City Council voted to adjourn the April 8, 2026 meeting. The motion was moved by Councilmember Mattson, seconded by Councilmember Anderson, and passed with a unanimous 5-0-0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

2026

The council approved two ordinances updating the fee schedule and accessory‑building rules, and set a $45‑hour rate for fire‑code inspections. It also revoked the liquor license for Patooie's Shafer Saloon and denied a $300 donation request from the Chisago County Senior Center. Additional actions included moving lodging‑tax administration to the state and approving the consent agenda.

• Approved Ordinance 2026-4-1 Fee Schedule (unanimous 5-0-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2026-4-2 Accessory buildings amendment (unanimous 5-0-0)
• Approved fire inspection pay rate of $45.00/hour for Ed Kubicki (unanimous 5-0-0)
• Revoked Patooie's Shafer Saloon liquor license (unanimous 5-0-0)
• Denied $300 donation request from Chisago County Senior Center (4-1)
• Approved transition of lodging tax collection to Minnesota Dept of Revenue (unanimous 5-0-0)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous 5-0-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous 5-0-0)

2026

The Shafer City Council will hold a public hearing on Ordinance 2026-4-2, which amends city code regarding accessory buildings, and will consider a new fee schedule. The meeting also includes consent agenda items and reports from city departments.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 2026-4-2 (Accessory Buildings)
• Ordinance 2026-4-1 Fee Schedule
• Fire code inspection pay rate set at $45.00/hour
• Potholes in front of Emily Jos
• Approval of 2026 meeting minutes