Shafer public meetings in 2025
24 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council approved three new appointments: Joe Bohn to the EDA and Parks Commission, and Nelce Sluka to the EDA, all unanimously. The council also discussed the completed purchase of the Mitthun property and a lower cleanup bid from Gustaphsons, but took no formal action on it. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved Joe Bohn as new EDA member (4-0)
- Approved Joe Bohn as new Parks Commission member (4-0)
- Approved Nelce Sluka as new EDA member (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and accounts payable (4-0)
Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved the final levy for 2026, increasing the levy by 5% to a total of $607,340. It also approved a .44% payroll deduction for Paid Family & Medical Leave starting Jan 1 2026. A two‑day suspension was imposed on Shafer Saloon for serving alcohol to a minor. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved final levy for 2026 with 5% increase to $607,340 (5-0-0)
- Approved .44% payroll deduction for Paid Family & Medical Leave (5-0-0)
- Approved two‑day suspension for Shafer Saloon (5-0-0)
- Approved consent agenda (5-0-0)
- Approved adjournment of meeting (5-0-0)
Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the November 4 and November 13 meeting minutes and accounts payable. They also unanimously confirmed Nelce Sluka as a member of the Parks Commission. A resolution to increase the benefit level for firefighters in the statewide volunteer firefighter plan was approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:08 p.m. after a unanimous motion.
- Approved consent agenda (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Approved Nelce Sluka as Parks Commission member (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-11-5 to increase firefighter benefit level (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous 5-0-0)
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council unanimously approved a fee schedule for water and sewer rates, adjustments to employee vacation accrual, an employee appreciation token program, and holiday hours as working hours. It also accepted two donations from CHOPS INC and approved a $390,000 transfer from the General Fund—$375,000 to the Road Repair/Maintenance Fund and $15,000 to the Gambling Fund. All actions were carried by a 4-0-0 vote.
- Approved Ordinance 2025-11-1 fee schedule (water & sewer rates) – 4-0-0
- Approved adjustment of employee vacation hour allocation – 4-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-11-1 employee appreciation policy ($100 token) – 4-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-11-2 accepting CHOPS INC donation $1,102.98 – 4-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-11-3 accepting CHOPS INC donation $1,224.31 – 4-0-0
- Approved holiday hours to be considered working hours – 4-0-0
- Approved transfer of $390,000 from General Fund: $375,000 to road repair/maintenance fund, $15,000 to gambling fund – 4-0-0
- Approved consent agenda items (previous minutes, budget, HR, parks) – 4-0-0
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including prior meeting minutes. It approved the 2026 Workman's Compensation and Commercial insurance renewal. The council also approved four 2026 liquor license renewals and two resolutions: one granting Chisago County authority to readdress city streets for emergency services, and another accepting $561.68 in donations. All motions passed with a 4-0-0 vote.
- Approved consent agenda (2025-10-07 and 2025-10-14 minutes) – vote 4-0-0
- Approved 2026 Workman's Comp and Commercial renewal – vote 4-0-0
- Approved 2026 liquor license renewals for four establishments – vote 4-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-10-1 granting Chisago County authority to readdress streets for emergency services – vote 4-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-10-2 accepting donations of $561.68 – vote 4-0-0
- Adjourned meeting at 6:52 pm – vote 4-0-0
Council Meeting
The council unanimously voted to delete a line from the September 13 Joint Powers minutes that incorrectly quoted Mayor Hanson. They also unanimously approved the accounts payable items on the consent agenda. The council approved using one‑third of the reserve gambling fund to pay the Shafer/Franconia Fire Department’s share of the Mitthun fire‑property purchase (PIDs 18.00087.00, 18.00027.00, 18.00028.00). The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Remove inaccurate line from 2025-8-13 Joint Powers minutes – unanimous 4-0-0
- Approve accounts payable items on consent agenda – unanimous 4-0-0
- Approve payment of one‑third of purchase price for fire property acquisition from reserve gambling fund – unanimous 4-0-0
- Adjourn meeting – unanimous 4-0-0
Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved Resolution 2025-9-4, certifying the preliminary levy for 2026 and scheduling the Truth in Taxation public hearing for December 2, 2025. It also approved a resolution to conduct inspections of businesses, adopted an assessment for unpaid charges for 2026, and accepted donations for Shafer Days. All votes were 4‑0‑0 in favor.
- Approved Resolution 2025-9-4 (preliminary levy certification for 2026 and Dec 2 public hearing) – 4-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-9-3 to conduct inspections of businesses – 4-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-9-5 adopting assessment for unpaid charges – 4-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-9-6 accepting donations for Shafer Days – 4-0-0
- Approved consent agenda items (minutes and reports) – 4-0-0
- Adjourned meeting at 6:28 p.m. – 4-0-0
Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda. It also accepted two donation resolutions for Shafer Days and FD Relief. Mayor Hanson’s motion to move Drake Siemonsma off probation to a permanent position with a $1.00 raise was approved unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided.
- Approved consent agenda (5-0-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-9-1 accepting $500 donation from Lakes Area Auto and $500 from J. Hempel (5-0-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-9-2 accepting $306.14 donation for FD Relief and Gambling 10% (5-0-0)
- Approved moving Drake Siemonsma off probation to permanent employee with $1.00 raise (5-0-0)
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council unanimously approved hiring Brad Swenson as the new Public Works Director at $38.00 per hour, granting him a credit‑card account and vacation credit for his prior eight years on council. The council also approved a $75‑per‑hour advisory contract for former director Dan Cooper, waived a $35 fee for a community meeting, and voted to terminate water service for residents with overdue bills effective August 20. Additional actions included tabling a conditional‑use‑permit revocation and supporting a regional trail‑grant letter.
- Approved hiring Brad Swenson as Public Works Director at $38.00/hr (4-0-0)
- Approved Dan Cooper advisory services contract at $75.00/hr (4-0-0)
- Waived $35.00 fee for City Hall use for sheriff’s department meeting (4-0-0)
- Terminated water service for residents with outstanding bills effective Aug 20 (4-0-0)
- Tabled revocation of Richard Berget’s storage‑lot CUP and ordered cost analysis (4-0-0)
- Approved letter of support for the “Big Idea” trail grant (4-0-0)
- Removed Dan Cooper from city credit‑card authorization (4-0-0)
- Recognized mailed public‑hearing letters had incorrect date and proceeded with hearing (4-0-0)
Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved a $35,000 contract with Visu Sewer to repair a sewer line. It also approved a $12,000 route‑and‑seal road maintenance contract, accepted a $292.54 donation, and amended a conditional use permit for a towing operation. The public works director’s resignation was accepted and the Capital Improvement Plan discussion was tabled for the next budget meeting.
- Approved Public Works Director Daniel Cooper’s resignation (5-0-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-8-1 accepting $292.54 donations (5-0-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-8-2 amending CUP for towing operation at 17638 Industrial Drive (5-0-0)
- Approved spending up to $12,000 for route and seal maintenance (5-0-0)
- Approved $35,000 sewer repair contract with Visu Sewer (5-0-0)
- Tabled Capital Improvement Plan discussion for future budget meeting
- Forwarded Dan Cooper retainer‑services proposal to HR committee
- Noted Xcel Energy pole issues; no action taken
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council unanimously approved a series of items, including a $1,950 Economic Development Strategic Plan and several resolutions on donations, gambling at Shafer Day, and nuisance automobile abatement. The council also authorized the purchase of a 2019 MultiHog CX75 snow removal machine with a condition for a $1,000 inspection. All motions passed with a 5-0-0 vote.
- Approved consent agenda (5-0-0)
- Approved Economic Development Strategic Plan up to $1,950 (5-0-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-7-3 accepting donations (5-0-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-7-4 permitting gambling at Shafer Day (5-0-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-7-5 abating nuisance abandoned automobile bodies at 30375 Redwing Ave (5-0-0)
- Approved election judge pay for 2026 at $14/$15 (5-0-0)
- Approved purchase of 2019 MultiHog CX75 with $1,000 inspection condition (5-0-0)
Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda. It also approved a $16,000 purchase for skate park items, a $500 Shafer Days donation, and a resolution declaring 30375 Redwing Ave a hazardous structure. No public comments were received during the open hearing.
- Approved consent agenda (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Approved purchase of skate park items up to $16,000 (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Approved Shafer Days donation of $500 to Shafer Contracting (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-7-2 declaring 30375 Redwing Ave a hazardous structure (unanimous 5-0-0)
Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda. It approved up to $1,660 to cover advertising, waste management, and restroom costs for Shafer Days, and authorized use of city assets for the event. The regular council meeting date in August was changed from the 5th to the 4th, and Diane Whiting was confirmed as an EDA member. The council also approved training compensation for members in the 2026 budget and the purchase of lightweight embroidered jackets.
- Approved consent agenda (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Approved up to $1,660 for Shafer Days advertising, waste management, and restrooms (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Changed regular council meeting date in August from the 5th to the 4th (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Approved Diane Whiting as an EDA member (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Approved incorporation of council training compensation into the 2026 budget at full daily rate (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Approved purchase of lightweight embroidered jackets for council members (unanimous 5-0-0)
Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda (5-0-0). It also unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-6-1 establishing duties of the Fire Marshal (5-0-0). Council members advised Dawn Gominsky to coordinate street closure with the county for her proposed car show on July 31. The next budget meeting for 2026 is scheduled for July 7.
- Approved consent agenda (5-0-0)
- Approved Ordinance 2025-6-1 Duties of the Fire Marshal (5-0-0)
- Advised car‑show organizer to arrange street closure with the county (no vote)
- Scheduled 2026 budget meeting for July 7 at 5:00 PM
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council unanimously approved the 2024 city audit and a fee‑schedule ordinance. It also adopted an amendment to the city code that changes planned unit development fees. The council voted to table a proposed capital‑improvement plan and agreed to distribute council packets on Fridays. All actions were approved by a 5‑0‑0 vote.
- Approved consent agenda (including prior minutes) – unanimous 5-0-0
- Approved 2024 city audit – unanimous 5-0-0
- Approved Ordinance 2025-5-1 Fee Schedule – unanimous 5-0-0
- Approved Ordinance 2025-5-2 amendment to planned unit development fees – unanimous 5-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-5-1 accepting $538.18 donation – unanimous 5-0-0
- Tabled discussion on a ten‑year capital improvement plan (estimated $25,000) – no vote recorded
- Agreed to move council packet distribution to Fridays (or Thursday if clerk unavailable) – unanimous 5-0-0
- Adjourned meeting – unanimous 5-0-0
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda items from the April meetings. It also passed Resolution 2025-5-1 to accept donations for FD Relief and gambling, noting the amount was incorrect and will be revisited, and Resolution 2025-5-2 to accept a $100 donation for Shafer Days Bonnie Olmschenk. All three motions carried with a 5-0-0 vote.
- Approved consent agenda (2025-4-15, 2025-4-28, 2025-4-29 minutes) – Unanimous 5-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-5-1 accepting FD Relief and gambling donations – Unanimous 5-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-5-2 accepting $100 donation for Shafer Days Bonnie Olmschenk – Unanimous 5-0-0
Council Meeting
The council approved the consent agenda and several ordinances covering lawful gambling, signage, and fee schedules. It granted CHOPS Inc a gambling premise permit and an off‑sale liquor permit for Patooie's Shafer Saloon, along with off‑site gambling permits for April 24‑30. The council also forwarded the Shafer Meadows second‑edition housing project to the Planning Commission for further review.
- Approved consent agenda (2025-4-1 Council Minutes, 2025-4-8 EDA Minutes, 2025-4-9 Board of Appeal Minutes, Accounts Payable) – 5-0-0
- Approved Ordinance 2025-4-1 Lawful Gambling – 5-0-0
- Approved Ordinance 2025-4-2 Signs – 5-0-0
- Approved Ordinance 2025-4-3 Fee Schedule – 5-0-0
- Approved Resolution 2025-4-4 granting CHOPS Inc a gambling premise permit at Patooie's Shafer Saloon – 5-0-0
- Approved off‑sale liquor permit for Patooie's Shafer Saloon – 5-0-0
- Approved off‑site gambling permits for Shafer Saloon for April 24‑30 – 5-0-0
- Forwarded Shafer Meadows second‑edition development to the Planning Commission – 5-0-0
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, and the purchase of a new server costing about $4,000. All three motions passed with a 4-0-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
- Approved consent agenda (4-0-0)
- Approved 2025 Shafer Comprehensive Plan (4-0-0)
- Approved purchase of new server for approx. $4,000 (4-0-0)
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2025-3-3 and Ordinance 2025-3-1, both modifying the EDA bylaws and the city code regarding the EDA Board of Commissioners. They also approved moving to Phase 2 of the wastewater facility capacity planning with ISG Engineering, and approved purchasing herbicide and road patch materials from Team Labs for $3,187.50. The council heard a detailed report from Public Works Director Dan Cooper about a sanitary sewer main line clog and subsequent jetting and inspection, but took no formal action on that matter.
- Approved Resolution 2025-3-3 modifying EDA bylaws (4-0)
- Approved Ordinance 2025-3-1 amending city code for EDA Board of Commissioners (4-0)
- Approved proceeding to Phase 2 of wastewater facility capacity planning (4-0)
- Approved $3,187.50 purchase of herbicide and road patch from Team Labs (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and accounts payable (4-0)
Council Meeting
The council heard complaints from the Shafer Saloon and the Fire Department about pull-tab gambling operations, including late game submissions, missing boxes, and shortages. No decision was made; the matter was tabled for further investigation. The council also declined to participate in the Shafer Township Clean-Up Day, approved a hazard mitigation plan resolution, accepted a donation, and approved a $1,670 payment for Wellhouse #2 ceiling work.
- Tabled pull-tab gambling dispute for further investigation
- Declined participation in Shafer Township Clean-Up Day (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-3-1 Chisago Co Hazard Mitigation Plan (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-3-2 Accepting Donations FD Relief and Gambling $102.53 (5-0)
- Approved $1,670 payment to Scandia Electric for Wellhouse #2 ceiling (5-0)
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council met on February 18, 2025, and approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the February 4 meeting and accounts payable. No public hearing comments were made, and the KLM water tower warranty item was cancelled due to no updates. The clerk reported that a property owner is arranging cleanup after a fire.
- Approved consent agenda including 2025-2-4 council minutes and accounts payable (4-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 6:04pm (4-0)
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council unanimously approved several items, including a 2% merit raise for all employees effective February 13, 2025, and amended the annual stormwater late fee from $40 to 10%. They also approved ordinances abolishing the Events Committee and updating the fee schedule, plus resolutions waiving liquor license fees and permitting gambling for Shafer Days. The council established the 2026 polling place at City Hall and allowed an outside committee to use City Hall for Shafer Days planning.
- Approved Ordinance 2025-2-1 abolishing Events Committee (5-0)
- Amended stormwater late fee from $40 to 10% (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-2-1 waiving liquor license fee for Almelund Lions Club (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-2-2 permitting lawful gambling at Shafer Day (5-0)
- Approved overtime pay for city staff working Shafer Days (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 2025-2-3 setting 2026 polling place at Shafer City Hall (5-0)
- Approved use of City Hall by volunteer committee for Shafer Days, waived $35 fee (5-0)
- Approved 2% merit raises for all employees (5-0)
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council approved outdoor event requirements for liquor establishments (excluding Shafer Days), authorized training for two new councilmembers, accepted a donation, and purchased a skid steer and a ferromagnetic locator. The council also discussed snow emergency vehicle enforcement with sheriff's deputies and received updates on the water tower feasibility study and well head protection plan.
- Approved outdoor events requirements for liquor establishments, excluding Shafer Days (5-0)
- Approved Councilmember Anderson's attendance at New Elected Official Training, $350 plus hotel and mileage (4-0-1, Anderson abstained)
- Approved Councilmember Henderson's attendance at New Elected Official Training, $350 plus hotel and mileage (4-0-1, Henderson abstained)
- Approved Resolution 2025-1-1 accepting $610.49 donation for Fire Department Relief and Gambling (5-0)
- Approved purchase of New Holland L328 skid steer for $1,500 (5-0)
- Approved purchase of Vivax-Metrotech VM-880 ferromagnetic locator for $1,300 (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including Jan 7 council minutes, Jan 14 EDA minutes, and accounts payable (5-0)
Council Meeting
The Shafer City Council approved a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees, with the Human Resources Committee allowed to grant merit-based raises during performance reviews, enabling total increases up to 5%. The council also approved appointments for 2025 offices, Patti Kowalski to the Planning and Parks Commissions, and changed the Planning Commission meeting time to 6:00 PM. All votes were unanimous 4-0.
- Approved 3.5% COLA raise for all employees, with merit raises up to 5% total (4-0)
- Approved appointment of offices for 2025, contingent on Marilyn Anderson's swearing-in (4-0)
- Approved Patti Kowalski as Planning Commission member (4-0)
- Approved Patti Kowalski as Parks Commission member (4-0)
- Amended Planning Commission meeting time from 7:00 PM to 6:00 PM (4-0)