Staples public meetings in 2023

City Council

The City Council meeting includes a proposal to adopt the updated City of Staples Personnel Policy for the 2024-2025 period. The agenda also covers committee reports from Parks & Recreation and Planning & Zoning, along with the City Administrator's report.

• Adoption of City of Staples Personnel Policy for 2024-2025
• Review of Parks & Recreation Advisory Board report
• Review of Planning & Zoning Commission report
• Approval of December 26th bills totaling $115,459.67 and $4,018.59

The Staples City Council unanimously adopted the 2024-2025 Personnel Policy, which adds Employee Sick and Safe Time (ESST) as required by state law. The council also approved the consent calendar, including payment of bills totaling $115,459.67 and $4,018.59 in employee reimbursements. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included presentations on ongoing projects and advisory board minutes.

• Agenda approved (5-0)
• Consent calendar approved, including December 12 minutes and bill payments (5-0)
• 2024-2025 Personnel Policy adopted, adding ESST (5-0)
• Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the 2024 Final Budget and Property Tax Levy. The meeting includes discussions on adopting Resolution 1920 for the property tax levy and approving various 2024 licenses and fee schedules.

• Public hearing for 2024 Final Budget and Property Tax Levy
• Consider adoption of Resolution 1920 – 2024 Property Tax Levy ($1,097,300 total)
• Proposed one-time items including $1,000,000 for Community Center Renovations
• Proposed one-time items including $350,000 for a Storm Shelter
• Consider approval of 2024 fee schedule (Resolution 1921)

The City Council approved the meeting agenda and the consent calendar. This included the approval of minutes from November 28, 2023, and the payment of bills as presented for December 12, 2023.

• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved November 28, 2023 minutes (7-0)
• Approved payment of bills for December 12, 2023 (7-0)

City Council

The City Council is reviewing the 2024 updated budget, which includes a projected total tax levy of $1,108,800. The meeting also addresses the write-off of $131.86 in utility bills and reviews committee reports.

• Proposed 2024 updated budget with total expenditures of $6,256,344
• Proposed 2024 total tax levy of $1,108,800
• Write-off of utility bills totaling $131.86
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Board committee report

The City Council approved the removal of concrete tunnels at Lincoln Park and the filling of empty tree grates in the downtown corridor. The council also approved the payment of bills and a small utility bill write-off.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $326,101.27 and $3,948.96 (5-0)
• Approved write-off of utility bills totaling $131.86 (5-0)
• Approved removing concrete tunnels at Lincoln Park and replacing them with a swing set (4-1)
• Approved filling in empty tree grates in the downtown corridor (5-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council unanimously approved 2024-2025 labor agreements for police and electrical workers. They also approved a retail license for tetrahydrocannabinol products at Two Rivers Liquor LLC, with one dissenting vote. Additionally, the council decertified a Tax Increment District and voted to stop using outdoor warning sirens for curfew alerts.

• Approved 2024-2025 labor agreement with LELS Local #422 (7-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 labor agreements for IBEW Local #31 and non-union staff (7-0)
• Approved THC retail license for Two Rivers Liquor LLC (6-1)
• Approved Resolution 1919 decertifying Tax Increment District No. 5 (7-0)
• Approved motion to stop sounding outdoor warning sirens for 10:00 p.m. curfew (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar including October 24 minutes and November 14 bill payments (7-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will consider approving Resolution 1917, which updates the 2023 fee schedule for city services, and Resolution 1918, which accepts donations from the Staples Relief Association and Lions Club. The meeting also includes a presentation on 2023 legal activities by the City Attorney and the consent calendar for minutes and bill payments.

• Resolution 1917: Updated 2023 fee schedule covering building permits, community center memberships, park rentals, equipment rentals, fire department charges, licenses, and police fees.
• Resolution 1918: Accepting $400 from Staples Relief Association for boulevard flags and $3,500 from Staples Lions Club for Pine Grove Park.
• Consent calendar includes payment of bills totaling $223,121.87 for October 24, 2023.
• Presentation of 2023 legal activities by City Attorney Joseph Krueger.
• Open Forum and City Administrator's Report.

The City Council approved an updated fee schedule and the acceptance of donations. The Council also decided to maintain Ordinance 542 without amendments regarding hemp-derived THC retail sales, noting that state law takes precedence.

• Approved Resolution 1917 updated 2023 fee schedule (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 1918 accepting donations (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved payment of bills as presented (7-0)
• Decided to leave Ordinance 542 as is regarding hemp-derived THC retail sales

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the police department's body-worn camera policy. The agenda also includes a proposed budget adjustment for Fire Department rescue equipment and an easement approval for natural gas infrastructure.

• Public hearing for body camera policy review
• Budget adjustment to increase account 23.4330.4445 from $70,000 to $102,000 for a Fire Department hydraulic rescue tool
• Approval of easement for Minnesota Energy Resources (MERC) to extend natural gas infrastructure
• Review of the September 26, 2023, meeting minutes and payment of bills

The Staples City Council approved a budget adjustment to increase funding for a Fire Department hydraulic rescue tool from $70,000 to $102,000. They also granted an easement to Minnesota Energy Resources to extend natural gas infrastructure into the North Substation. Additionally, the council approved the consent calendar, which included paying bills totaling $208,122.92.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar including $208,122.92 in bills (5-0)
• Approved budget adjustment increasing account 23.4330.4445 from $70,000 to $102,000 for fire rescue tool (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved easement for Minnesota Energy Resources natural gas extension (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The City Council approved a preliminary property tax levy of $1,115,774 and the proposed 2024 preliminary budget. A Truth in Taxation Hearing is scheduled for December 12, 2023. The council also authorized several contracts and terminated a joint powers agreement.

• Approved Resolution 1915 adopting a total preliminary property tax levy of $1,115,774 (6-0)
• Approved proposed 2024 Preliminary City Budget and set Truth in Taxation Hearing for Dec 12, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 1916 authorizing State Airport Fund Grant Agreement No. 1054874 (6-0)
• Terminated Wadena/Hubbard County Emergency Response Unit Joint Powers Agreement (6-0)
• Approved 2024 Legal Services Contracts with Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A. and Kyra Ladd (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for body camera policy review on Oct 10, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved Sacred Heart Catholic Church request to conduct bingo on Nov 19, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $261,028.02 and $4,854.86 (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the 2023 Preliminary Budget and property value determinations from the Todd County Assessor. The meeting also includes consideration of several donation requests and gambling permits.

• Resolution 1913: Approving lawful gambling for Staples Fire Department Relief Association
• Resolution 1914: Accepting $500 for boulevard flags and $100 for planters from Staples Lions Club
• Consideration of Knights of Columbus raffle request for December 29, 2023
• Consideration of 2024 donation request for Hilltop Regional Kitchen
• Discussion of joint power and cost share agreement with Todd County for Pictometry International Corporation

The Staples City Council approved several funding and partnership actions, including a $2,000 payment to the Historical Society, lawful gambling for the Fire Relief Association, donations from the Lion Club, raffle approvals, a $3,024 donation to Hilltop Regional Kitchen, a joint power agreement with Pictometry International, and engineering work for 2024 street improvements.

• Approved $2,000 payment to Staples Historical Society (6-1-0)
• Approved lawful gambling for Staples Fire Relief Association (4-2-1)
• Approved donations from Staples Lion Club (6-1-0)
• Approved Knights of Columbus raffle at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (6-1-0)
• Approved Wahoo Valley Area MDHA raffle at Timberlake Hotel (6-1-0)
• Approved $3,024 donation to Hilltop Regional Kitchen (7-0-0)
• Approved joint power and cost‑share agreement with Pictometry International Corp (7-0-0)
• Approved preliminary engineering work with Bolten‑Menk for 2024 street improvements (7-0-0)

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a resolution to execute a federal grant for the design and construction of a six-unit T-Hangar building. The agenda also includes consideration of School Resource Officer agreements with Central Lakes College and Staples-Motley School District.

• Resolution 1912: Federal Grant AIP 3-27-0145-019-2023 for approximately $73,980.00
• 2023-2024 School Resource Officer Agreements with Central Lakes College & Staples-Motley School District
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Board: 2024 Seasonal Site Lease Agreement with a rate increase to $2,000
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Board: Proposal to remove concrete tunnels at Lincoln Park
• Appointment of Commissioner Kiley to the Board of Adjustments & Appeals

The City Council accepted the 2022 financial audit and approved a federal grant for the Mayor and City Administrator to execute. The council also approved school resource officer agreements and a seasonal site lease increase. A proposal to remove concrete tunnels at Lincoln Park failed due to a lack of a second.

• Accepted 2022 Audit and financial statements (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 1912 for Federal Grant AIP 3-27-0145-019-2023 (5-0)
• Approved 2023-2024 School Resource Officer Agreements with Central Lakes College and Staples-Motley ISD 2170 (5-0)
• Approved 2024 Seasonal Site Lease Agreement with rate increase to $2,000 (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Kiley to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals (5-0)
• Motion to remove concrete tunnels at Lincoln Park died due to lack of a second

City Council

The Staples City Council will discuss the State Building Code with Scott Sadusky, hold a public hearing and consider adopting the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan, and discuss possible regulations on cannabis in public spaces and the future of downtown tree grates. The agenda also includes approving consent items, donations, and several public works resolutions.

• Public hearing and consideration of 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution 1910 accepting donations
• Resolution 1911 ordering report on 4th St NE (CSAH 34) street and utility improvement project
• Discussion of ordinance regulating cannabis in public spaces
• Discussion of future of tree grates in downtown district

The City Council approved the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan following a public hearing. The council also authorized a report for a street and utility project and approved several administrative resolutions.

• Adopted 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 1910 accepting a donation (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 1911 ordering report on 4th St NE (CSAH 34) street and utility improvement project (6-0)
• Approved MMUA delegate appointments (6-0)
• Approved infrastructure projects open house for September 14, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved consent calendar of July 25, 2023 minutes and payment of bills (6-0)

City Council

The City Council approved requests for the 2023 Railroad Days event and an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Revenue for tax collection. The council also decided not to waive monetary limits on statutory tort liability for 2023-2024 insurance. A raffle for Sacred Heart Catholic Church was approved.

• Approved requests for 2023 Railroad Days (6-0)
• Approved agreement with Minnesota Department of Revenue for local sales and use tax collection (6-0)
• Decided not to waive monetary limits on statutory tort liability for 2023-2024 insurance (6-0)
• Approved Sacred Heart Catholic Church raffle for October 29, 2023 (5-1)
• Approved July 11, 2023 minutes and payment of bills (6-0)

City Council

The City Council held its final meeting to adopt Ordinance 545, which allows for administrative penalties of up to $250 for building regulation violations. The council also reviewed the agenda for the upcoming July 11 meeting, including discussions on scheduling a public hearing for the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan.

• Adoption of Ordinance 545 regarding building and building regulation penalties
• Consideration of scheduling a Public Hearing for the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan
• Consideration of scheduling the 2024 Preliminary Budget work session
• Approval of bills totaling $378,199.47 and $22,702.27 for July 11th

The City Council approved Ordinance 545 to amend building regulations and scheduled a public hearing for the upcoming Capital Improvement Plan. The council also approved the consent calendar and payment of bills.

• Approved Ordinance 545 amending Chapter 103 Articles III and IV of buildings and building regulations (6-1)
• Scheduled 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan Public Hearing for August 8, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar of June 27, 2023 minutes and payment of bills (7-0)

City Council

The City Council reviewed the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan and held a first reading for building regulation updates. The council also tabled a decision regarding a tobacco license for Staples Smoke Shop LLC.

• Adoption of Ordinance 544 requiring pawn businesses to use Leads Online
• First reading of Ordinance 545 regarding building and building regulations
• Review of the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan including a $350,000 storm shelter construction at Dower Lake
• Tabling of tobacco license approval for Staples Smoke Shop LLC at 215 2nd Ave NE
• First reading of building regulations amendments in Chapter 103

The City Council approved a tobacco license for Staples Smoke Shop LLC and the first reading of an ordinance to incentivize property maintenance. The council also adopted an amendment to Section 16-161 and approved the payment of bills.

• Approved tobacco license for Staples Smoke Shop LLC at 215 2nd Ave NE (4-1, 1 abstention)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 545 regarding building regulations and property maintenance (5-1)
• Approved second reading and adoption of Ordinance 544 amending Section 16-161 (6-0)
• Approved payment of bills as presented for June 27, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved June 13, 2023 minutes (6-0)

City Council

The City Council approved a budget adjustment for a feasibility and planning study and a facilities use agreement with Central Lakes College. The council tabled a tobacco license application for Staples Smoke Shop LLC. A first reading of an ordinance amendment was also approved.

• Approved $25,000 budget adjustment for BTM Generation feasibility and planning study (6-0)
• Approved Facilities Use Agreement with Minnesota State (Central Lakes College) (6-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 544 amending Section 16-161(b) (6-0)
• Tabled tobacco license for Staples Smoke Shop LLC at 215 2nd Ave NE (5-1)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $488,379.34 and $17,313.60 (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved write-off of invoice #7037 for $50 (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will review a conditional use permit for a meat harvesting and butchery business at 901 Prairie Ave NW. The meeting also includes presentations on the Prairie View Neighborhood concept and a review of the Valley View Neighborhood preliminary plat.

• Conditional use permit for meat harvesting, processing, and butchery at 901 Prairie Ave NW
• Presentation of the Prairie View Neighborhood concept
• Review of preliminary plat concept for Valley View Neighborhood Outlot A
• Purchase of three electronic roster 'pollpads'
• Resolution 1909: Authorization for Minnesota DOT Airport Maintenance and Operation Grant Contract

The City Council approved a conditional use permit for a meat harvesting and butchery business and authorized 2023-2024 liquor licenses. The council also approved the purchase of electronic PollPads and a MnDOT airport maintenance grant contract.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for meat harvesting, cutting and butchery business (7-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit to expand an existing nonconforming use (7-0)
• Approved purchase of three electronic roster PollPads for Todd County precinct (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 1906 accepting donations for the Bike Rodeo (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 1907 for participation with Community Concern for Youth Program (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 1908 for 2023-2024 liquor licenses (6-1)
• Approved Resolution 1909 for MnDOT Airport Maintenance and Operation Grant Contract (7-0)
• Approved payment of bills as presented for May 23, 2023 (6-0, 1 abstention)

City Council

The City Council is considering several resolutions regarding liquor licenses, a joint powers agreement for internet crime investigations, and funding for fire department gear. The meeting also includes a second reading of an ordinance to amend tobacco sale regulations.

• Adoption of Ordinance 543 amending tobacco sales and background check requirements
• Approval of Resolution 1902 regarding 2023-2024 liquor licenses
• Approval of Resolution 1903 for a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Joint Powers Agreement
• Approval of Resolution 1904 for Sourcewell community match funds for fire department gear
• Purchase agreement for Lot 19, Block 1, Valley View Neighborhood

The City Council adopted an ordinance amending the city code regarding the sale of tobacco and tobacco-related devices. The council also approved 2023-2024 liquor licenses and a specific license for Costa Azul Mexican Bar & Grill LLC. Other actions included authorizing a hazardous building removal and approving a property purchase in the Valley View Neighborhood.

• Adopted Ordinance 543 amending City Code III regarding Sale of Tobacco and Tobacco-related devices (4-0-1)
• Approved Resolution 1901 to remove hazardous buildings at 212 Wisconsin Avenue Southeast (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 1902 for 2023-2024 liquor licenses (4-1)
• Approved Resolution 1903 for BCA Joint Powers Agreement for Internet Crimes Against Children (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 1904 for 2023 Sourcewell match funds for Staples Fire Department turnout gear (5-0)
• Approved Knights of Columbus gambling permit for August 20, 2023 raffle (4-1)
• Approved on-sale and Sunday on-sale liquor license for Costa Azul Mexican Bar & Grill LLC (4-1)
• Approved purchase agreement with J & M Property Holdings 3 LLC for Lot 19, Block 1 in Valley View Neighborhood (5-0)

City Council

The council discussed amending the city code regarding tobacco sales, including a proposed restriction near schools. They also held a public hearing for a $948,750 Community Development Block Grant application.

• First reading of Ordinance 543 regarding tobacco and tobacco-related devices
• Public hearing for $948,750 in Community Development Block Grant funding
• Proposed road closure for the Bike Rodeo on May 18th
• Request from Charmed Coffee for extended operation for 2023 Grad Blast
• Airport Board agreement with SEH, Inc. for the 2023 Hangar Project

The City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance regarding the sale of tobacco and denied a tobacco license for Staples Tobacco Shop LLC. The council also approved an engineering agreement for a new airport hangar and a parcel split for Diana and Joel Ulring.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 543 amending tobacco sale codes (5-0)
• Denied tobacco license for Staples Tobacco Shop LLC at 215 24 Ave NE (5-0)
• Approved architect/engineering agreement with SEH, Inc. for a six unit T hangar (5-0)
• Approved request from Diana and Joel Ulring to split parcel #38-0014400 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 1900 adopting assessment Roll No. 341 (5-0)
• Approved road closure of Community Center parking lot and portions of 4th Avenue and Centennial Drive for Bike Rodeo on May 18 (5-0)
• Approved request from Charmed Coffee to extend operations from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. for 2023 Grad Blast (5-0)
• Approved payment of bills as presented for April 25, 2023 (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting ordinances regulating THC sales and amending tobacco sale codes. The meeting also includes a public hearing regarding Community Development Block Grant funding.

• Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 542 regulating THC product sales
• Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 543 amending tobacco sale regulations
• Public hearing for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding application
• Consideration of Resolution 1898 approving CDBG funding application
• Consideration of Resolution 1899 declaring a slum and blight area

The City Council approved an application for Community Development Block Grant funding and adopted an ordinance regulating THC product sales. The council also authorized several electric system improvements and a water tower lease with Verizon.

• Approved Resolution 1898 for $948,750 CDBG funding application (6-0)
• Approved Citizen Participation Plan (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 1899 declaring slum and blight area (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 542 regulating sale of THC products (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Denied second reading of Ordinance 543 regarding tobacco sales (6-0)
• Approved grant opportunity for 12.5kV line and SCADA system (6-0)
• Approved adding diesel generation per MRES agreement (6-0)
• Approved water tower lease agreement with Verizon (6-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will hold first readings of two new ordinances: Ordinance 542, which regulates the sale of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, and Ordinance 543, which amends rules for tobacco and tobacco-related devices. The council will also consider scheduling a public hearing for Community Development Block Grant funding and approving a grant application for technology transition costs. Additionally, the council will review a gambling permit for a bingo and raffle event.

• First reading of Ordinance 542 regulating the sale of tetrahydrocannabinol products
• First reading of Ordinance 543 amending City Code Article III regarding tobacco sales
• Consider scheduling a Public Hearing on proposed Community Development Block Grant funding
• Approval of Resolution 1897 for 2023 Sourcewell Impact Community Funding for Central Square Technologies
• Approval of gambling permit for Ottertail Ducks Unlimited for bingo and raffle on May 18, 2023

The City Council approved first readings for ordinances regulating THC product sales and tobacco-related devices. The council also authorized a funding application for technology transition and scheduled a public hearing for a community development grant.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 542 regulating THC product sales (7-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 543 amending tobacco sale codes (7-0)
• Scheduled Community Development Block Grant public hearing for April 11, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 1897 for Sourcewell Impact Community Funding for Central Square Technologies (7-0)
• Approved gambling permit for Ottertail Ducks Unlimited for May 18, 2023 (6-1)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $73,678.39 and $6,164.31 (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding facility plans for reconstructing the sanitary sewer collection system on several streets. Additionally, the council will consider an ordinance regulating the sale of tetrahydrocannabinol products.

• Public hearing for sanitary sewer reconstruction on 2nd St NE, Roosevelt St SW, McKinley St SW, 4th St SW, 3rd St SW, 2nd St SW, and 4th St NE
• Consideration of Resolution 1895 regarding the sanitary sewer facility plan
• Consideration of Resolution 1896 for a notice of order to remove a hazardous building
• First reading of Ordinance 542 regulating tetrahydrocannabinol product sales
• On-sale liquor license for Costa Azul Mexican Bar & Grill LLC at 304 2nd Ave N E

The City Council approved a facility plan for sanitary sewer reconstruction and the removal of hazardous buildings at 202 Wisconsin Ave SE. The council denied liquor and tobacco license applications and approved a temporary street closure for construction.

• Approved Resolution 1895 accepting sanitary sewer collection system facility plan (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 1896 notice to remove hazardous buildings at 202 Wisconsin Ave SE (7-0)
• Denied on-sale liquor license for Costa Azul Mexican Bar & Grill LLC (7-0)
• Denied tobacco license for Staples Tobacco Shop LLC at 215 2nd Ave NE (7-0)
• Approved closing Pleasant Avenue between 2nd Street and 3rd Street this summer for construction staging (7-0)
• Approved payment of bills as presented for March 14, 2023 (7-0)
• Proclaimed April 28, 2023, as arbor day in the City of Staples

City Council

The Staples City Council will consider scheduling a public hearing for a sanitary sewer reconstruction project on multiple streets and approve an on-sale liquor license for I Am Rare Presents LLC at 418 2nd Ave NE. The meeting also includes approval of the consent calendar and committee reports.

• Public hearing for sanitary sewer reconstruction on 2nd St NE, Roosevelt St SW, McKinley St SW, 4th St SW, 3rd St SW, 2nd St SW, and 4th St NE scheduled for March 14, 2023
• On-sale liquor license for I Am Rare Presents LLC at 418 2nd Ave NE
• Payment of bills totaling $96,282.94
• Approval of minutes from February 14, 2023

The City Council approved an on-sale liquor license for a business at 418 2nd Ave NE. The council also scheduled a public hearing for sanitary sewer reconstruction plans and approved city bills.

• Approved on-sale liquor license for I Am Rare Presents LLC at 418 2nd Ave NE (6-1)
• Scheduled public hearing for sanitary sewer collection system reconstruction for March 14, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $96,282.94 and $4,633.94 (7-0)
• Approved February 14, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will review the 2023 Pay Equity Report and several gambling permit applications for Sacred Heart Church. Additionally, the council will consider a mutual aid agreement and various public works engineering agreements.

• 2023 Pay Equity Report approval
• Sacred Heart Church bingo permit (April 2, 2023)
• Sacred Heart Area School bingo and raffle permit (May 6, 2023)
• Sacred Heart Area School temporary liquor license (May 6, 2023)
• Todd-Wadena Counties Fire Association Mutual Aid Agreement

The City Council approved engineering agreements with Bolten & Menk for the Second Street NE & South Side infrastructure project and the Second Avenue NE water main project. The council also approved several gambling and liquor permits for Sacred Heart Church and a mutual aid agreement for the Todd-Wadena Counties Fire Association.

• Approved engineering agreements with Bolten & Menk for Second Street NE & South Side infrastructure and Second Avenue NE water main projects (7-0)
• Approved Todd-Wadena Counties Fire Association Mutual Aid Agreement (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 1894 Fire Relief Pension Increase (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved gambling permit for Sacred Heart Church bingo on April 2, 2023 (6-1)
• Approved gambling permit for Sacred Heart Church bingo and raffle on May 6, 2023 (6-1)
• Approved temporary liquor license for May 6, 2023, at Sacred Heart Area School (6-1)
• Approved 2023 Pay Equity Report (7-0)
• Approved $52.42 utility bill rebate for a customer (7-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will hear the annual fire report and consider approving a budget adjustment of $70,000 for a new Fire Department Grass Rig and J5 track machine. The meeting also includes approval of consent items, committee reports, and an open forum.

• Budget adjustment to increase account 23.4330.4445 to $70,000 for Fire Department Grass Rig and J5 track machine
• Presentation of Annual Staples Fire Report by Fire Chief Cole Yungbauer
• Approval of Fire Officers for 2022
• Approval of consent calendar including minutes from January 10, 2023, and payment of bills totaling $194,893.28

The City Council approved a budget adjustment for fire department machinery and established a discounted fee for non-profits using the community center. The council also approved the appointment of Fire Department officers and the payment of bills.

• Approved budget adjustment to increase account 2.4330.4445 to $70,000 for a Fire Department Grass Rig and J5 track machine (7-0)
• Approved non-profit fee for Staples Community Center at 50% of residential fees (7-0)
• Approved Staples Fire Department officers as presented (7-0)
• Approved payment of bills as presented for January 24, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved minutes from January 10, 2023 (7-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will administer oaths of office for newly elected Mayor Ron Murray and Council Members Miles, Goff, and Gerard, then consider routine annual designations including Staples World as the official newspaper and Resolution No. 1893 for official depositories. The council will also make board and commission appointments, approve a leveraged funds plan for the Small Cities Development Program, and consider a raffle permit request from Lakewood Health System.

• Oath of office for Mayor Ron Murray and Council Members Miles, Goff, Gerard elected November 2022
• Designation of Staples World as official newspaper for 2023 at $11.65 per column inch
• Resolution No. 1893 designating First International Bank & Trust and others as official depositories
• Approval of Small Cities Development Program Leveraged Funds Plan using $225,978.05 from prior program funds
• Request from Lakewood Health System to conduct a raffle on April 28, 2023 at Timber’s Restaurant

The City Council administered oaths of office to new officials and approved several administrative appointments to city boards and commissions. The council also designated Staples World as the official newspaper and updated authorized signers for the city checking account.

• Designated Staples World as the official newspaper (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1893 designating official depositories (7-0)
• Approved appointments to Public Works, Airport Board, Planning and Zoning, Board of Adjustment, Parks and Recreation, and SEDA (7-0)
• Appointed Mayor Murray and City Administrator Nelsen to the Staples Firefighter’s Relief Association (7-0)
• Removed Chris Etzler and added Ron Murray as authorized signer for First International Bank & Trust account (7-0)
• Approved Small Cities Development Program Leveraged Funds Plan (7-0)
• Approved Lakewood Health System raffle for April 28, 2023 (5-1)
• Approved payment of bills as presented (7-0)