The Boring PartsFederalLocal · USLocal · Canada
Staples, MN

Staples public meetings in 2024

23 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 10, 2024

City Council

Staples City Council to hold public hearing on 2025 budget and tax levy

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the 2025 Final Budget and Property Tax Levy. The body will consider adopting a total property tax levy of $1,125,000 and a new fee schedule for 2025.

budgettaxescannabislicensingpublic-works
✓ Decided: Council approves 2025 budget and property tax levy

The Staples City Council approved the 2025 budget and the final property tax levy for 2024, along with the 2025 fee schedule. The council also adopted an ordinance regulating cannabis businesses and approved various licenses and agreements. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

Tue Nov 26, 2024

City Council

City Council to consider first reading of cannabis business ordinance

The Staples City Council will discuss and vote on several items including the first reading of an ordinance to regulate cannabis businesses, approval of 2025 legal services contracts, and a resolution to increase the fire relief association pension benefit. The council will also consider a write-off of $3,016.08 in utility bills, discuss the proposed 2025 city budget, and establish a task force to address feral cats.

cannabisbudgetlegal-servicesfire-reliefferal-catsutilities
✓ Decided: Council approves first reading of cannabis business ordinance

The Staples City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 551, which regulates cannabis businesses and repeals Chapter 16, Article VII of the City Code. The ordinance allows the city to impose the most restrictive measures legally permitted, as state law prohibits outright bans. The council also approved several contracts, resolutions, and routine items, including legal services contracts, a fire relief pension increase, and utility bill write-offs.

Tue Nov 12, 2024

City Council

Council to hold assessment hearing for 2nd St NE street and utility project

The Staples City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed assessment for the 2nd St NE Street and Utility Improvement Project, followed by a vote on Resolution 1972 to adopt the assessment. The council will also discuss amendments to City Code Chapter 6 regarding animals, consider a donation resolution, and review a request from Ottertail Ducks Unlimited to conduct bingo and raffle. Additionally, they will consider engaging CarlsonSV for 2024 audit services and act on budget adjustments and a commission appointment from the Public Works Commission.

assessmentpublic-hearinganimalscode-amendmentauditdonationpublic-worksbudget
✓ Decided: Staples council canvasses election, approves 2nd St NE assessments and $5,000 fire donation

The council canvassed the November 2024 election results, confirming Ron Murray as mayor and electing Mary M. Theurer, Douglas M. Case, and John Jewison to the council. It approved Resolution 1972 adopting assessments for the 2nd St NE Street and Utility Improvement Project, contingent on the accuracy of the calculation for Parcel #38-0106600, after a motion to table failed. The council also accepted a $5,000 Koch Industries donation for fire equipment, approved a Ducks Unlimited bingo/raffle request, engaged CarlsonSV for 2024 audit services, approved $40,000 in budget adjustments for a Vac/Jetter truck, and appointed Chad Longbella to the Public Works Commission. A resident's Trap-Neuter-Release proposal for wild cats was discussed with no action taken.

Tue Oct 22, 2024

City Council

Council considers $603,904 street and utility assessment for 2nd St NE project

The Staples City Council will consider two resolutions to declare costs and order a proposed assessment for the 2nd St NE Street and Utility Improvement Project, with a total cost of $603,904 and $170,778 assessed to property owners. Other business includes a support request from the Staples Historical Society, a bingo permit for Sacred Heart Catholic Church, approval of a purchase agreement for a lot in Valley View, a Sunday liquor license for I Am Rare Presents LLC, and a discussion of City Code Chapter 6 on animals. The council will also set a canvass meeting date and approve the consent calendar.

city-councilstreetsutilitiesassessmentshistorical-societyliquor-licenseanimalsbingo
✓ Decided: Staples City Council approves street improvements and land purchase

The City Council approved assessments for a street and utility improvement project and a purchase agreement for a lot in the Valley View Neighborhood. The council also granted a $2,000 support request for the Staples Historical Society and approved a Sunday liquor license.

Tue Oct 8, 2024

City Council

Council considers $324,330 water revenue note and delinquent utility assessments

The Staples City Council will hold a public hearing on delinquent utility assessments and consider several resolutions, including approval of a $324,330 water revenue note from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, appointment of election judges for the November 5 general election, and a grant agreement for airport improvements. They will also discuss an outdoor event request for a Christmas parade on November 30 and consider amendments to City Code Chapter 6 regarding animals.

waterutilitiesfinanceelectionsanimalsparadeairportcode
✓ Decided: Staples City Council adopts utility assessment roll and approves airport grant

The Staples City Council approved an assessment roll for delinquent utility bills, appointed election judges for the November 2024 General Election, and accepted a water revenue note. The council also authorized a grant agreement for airport improvements and discussed the local stray cat population and feeding enforcement. Additionally, the council approved the payment of bills, a Christmas Light Parade event request, and final project documents for the 2nd St NE Street and Utility Project.

Tue Sep 24, 2024

City Council

Council to adopt preliminary 2025 tax levy and budget

The Staples City Council will consider adopting Resolution 1965 to set a preliminary 2024 property tax levy of $1,125,099 and approving the 2025 preliminary city budget totaling $7,983,939 in expenditures. They will also set a Truth in Taxation hearing for December 10, 2024, and consider an outdoor event request for the Christmas Parade on November 30, 2024, and a raffle request from the Knights of Columbus. Additionally, the council will consider a Memorandum of Understanding with AFSCME and the AFSCME 2024-2025 Labor Agreement.

budgetproperty-taxpublic-safetylabor-agreementscommunity-eventscity-council
✓ Decided: Council adopts $1.125M preliminary property tax levy for 2025

The Staples City Council approved Resolution 1965 adopting a preliminary property tax levy totaling $1,125,099 for 2025, and approved the proposed 2025 preliminary city budget, setting a Truth in Taxation hearing for December 10, 2024. The council also approved a Knights of Columbus raffle, an AFSCME memorandum of understanding, and a 2024-2025 labor agreement with AFSCME Local #3628. A proposed Christmas celebration was not approved but will be discussed further after the organizer attends a future meeting.

Tue Sep 10, 2024

City Council

Staples council to decide on airport hangar funding, utility assessments, and bar hours

The Staples City Council will consider several resolutions, including authorizing federal grant agreements for airport expenses and T-hangar construction, calling a public hearing for delinquent utility bill assessments, and approving liquor licenses. They will also discuss a request from B&B’s Sports Bar & Grill for an early Sunday opening on October 6 for a Vikings game, and an outdoor event request from Beck's Burger Co. Additionally, the council will discuss the 2025 Preliminary Budget.

airportbudgetliquor-licensespublic-hearingutilitiesevents
✓ Decided: Council approves airport hangar funding and liquor licenses

The Staples City Council approved several resolutions, including authorizing federal airport expense reimbursement, calling a public hearing for delinquent utility assessments, approving liquor licenses, and authorizing airport grant acceptance and fund transfers for a 6-unit T-hangar. The council also approved special event requests for B&B's Sports Bar & Grill and Beck's Burger Co., and heard presentations on the 2025 preliminary budget and commission minutes.

Tue Aug 27, 2024

City Council

Council to adopt Ordinance 550 updating public nuisance rules

The Staples City Council will hold the second reading and vote on Ordinance 550, which amends notice procedures for public nuisances including weed and grass removal. Other items include approving amendments to Valley View Neighborhood property restrictions, a request from Sacred Heart Catholic Church to hold bingo and a raffle, and a recommendation to sell a portion of Lot 8 to Lois & Jerome Kneisl. The council will also receive an update on the Community Concern for Youth program.

city-councilordinancespublic-nuisancepropertyzoningcommunity-youthchurch-request
✓ Decided: Council adopts nuisance ordinance, approves bingo, land sale

The Staples City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 550 amending public nuisance regulations, approved a second amendment to Valley View Neighborhood covenants, and approved a bingo/raffle request from Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The council also voted to sell a portion of Lot 8 Blk 1 in First Addition to Lois and Jerome Kneisl. All votes were unanimous except the bingo request, which passed 4-1.

Tue Aug 13, 2024

City Council

Council to consider 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan and SRO agreement

The Staples City Council will hold a public hearing and consider approval of the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan, which outlines major infrastructure projects. They will also vote on second reading of Ordinance 549 for the sale of city property, first reading of Ordinance 550 amending public nuisance regulations, and approval of a School Resource Officer Agreement with the Staples-Motley School District. Additionally, a raffle request and setting a date for the 2025 Budget Workshop are on the agenda.

capital-improvementbudgetordinancespublic-nuisanceproperty-saleschool-safetypolicepublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Council approves 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan, moves Generation to 2026

The Staples City Council approved the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan as amended to move Electric Generation to 2026, after Councilmember Case expressed concerns about its cost and necessity. The council also adopted Ordinance 549 for property sale, approved the first reading of Ordinance 550 on public nuisances, and approved the School Resource Officer Agreement with Staples-Motley School District. A raffle request from Wahoo Valley Area MDHA was approved with one dissenting vote.

Tue Jul 23, 2024

City Council

Council to consider first reading of Ordinance 549 regarding sale of city property

The Staples City Council will consider accepting the 2023 audit, approve Railroad Days event requests, schedule a public hearing for the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan, and not waive statutory tort liability limits. The council will also conduct a first reading of Ordinance 549 for the sale of property, approve a purchase agreement for a lot in Valley View, and consider a separation agreement.

city-councilauditproperty-saleordinancerailroad-daysseparation-agreement
✓ Decided: Council approves 2023 audit, property sale ordinance, and officer separation

The Staples City Council approved the 2023 audit and financial statements, the first reading of Ordinance 549 for property sale, a purchase agreement for a lot in Valley View, and a separation agreement with Police Officer Ron Case. They also approved Railroad Day requests, an outdoor event request, and a donation resolution. All votes were unanimous except for one abstention on the outdoor event request.

Tue Jul 9, 2024

City Council

Staples City Council considers adoption of cannabis business moratorium

The council will consider the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 548, which establishes a moratorium on cannabis businesses. Other items include reviewing a MnDOT grant agreement for airport improvements and discussing lot sale policies in the Valley View Neighborhood. The meeting also includes appointing election judges for the August 13 Primary Election.

cannabiszoningairportelectionspublic-worksordinance
✓ Decided: Staples council adopts cannabis business moratorium, sets Valley View lot price at 70 cents/sq ft

The Staples City Council adopted Ordinance 548 on its second reading, imposing a moratorium on cannabis businesses in the city. It also approved selling vacant Valley View lots at 70 cents per square foot based on an appraisal, and authorized a MnDOT airport improvement agreement excluding land acquisition. Routine items — the agenda, June 25 minutes, and payment of bills — were approved, and the August 13 meeting was moved to 8:01 p.m. because of the Primary Election.

Tue Jun 25, 2024

City Council

Staples City Council to hold public hearing on cannabis business moratorium

The Staples City Council will hold a public hearing and first reading for Ordinance 548, which proposes a moratorium on cannabis businesses. The council will also consider adopting Ordinance 547 to vacate portions of Spruce Drive and certain utility easements. Additionally, members will review the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan.

cannabiszoningpublic hearingbudgetschool resource officerordinance
✓ Decided: Staples council advances cannabis business moratorium to Jan. 1, 2025

The Staples City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 548, which adopts a moratorium on cannabis businesses in the city until January 1, 2025, after a public hearing with no public comments. The council also adopted Ordinance 547 vacating a portion of Spruce Drive and certain utility easements in the Valley View Neighborhood, approved Resolution 1954 on write-in vote counting, and approved Resolution 1955 for a bid award and grant applications for a six-unit T-Hangar. The council reached consensus to have Valley View First Addition lots appraised before setting a selling price, and heard that a watermain pigging project on the south side did not go well, with the city planning another attempt later this summer.

Tue Jun 11, 2024

City Council

Council considers Spruce Drive street vacation and cannabis business moratorium

The Council will hold a public hearing regarding the vacation of Spruce Drive and utility easements in the Valley View Neighborhood. Members will also consider scheduling a June 25 hearing for a cannabis business moratorium and reviewing the First Addition to Valley View Neighborhood Final Plat.

zoningcannabispublic hearingland usegrants
✓ Decided: Staples City Council approves street overlay bid and Valley View plat

The Staples City Council approved the final plat for the First Addition to the Valley View Neighborhood and the first reading of an ordinance to vacate a portion of Spruce Drive. The council also authorized a public hearing for a proposed cannabis business moratorium and accepted a bid from Ideal Construction for street overlays. Additionally, the council approved a grant agreement with Todd County for emergency response equipment.

Tue May 28, 2024

City Council

Staples City Council considers hangar bids and Spruce Drive easement changes

The Staples City Council will consider a public hearing regarding the vacation of part of Spruce Drive and utility easements in the Valley View Neighborhood. The council is also reviewing bids for a new 6-unit hangar and participation in the Community Concern for Youth Program.

zoningconstructionpublic-hearingcommunity-programs
✓ Decided: Staples City Council authorizes bids for 6-unit T-Hangar construction

The City Council approved several resolutions, including the authorization to advertise for bids for a new hangar and a public hearing for a street vacation. The council also approved a facilities use agreement and participation in a youth program.

Tue May 14, 2024

City Council

Staples City Council considers adopting new electric rates following a study

The Council will review an electric rate study proposing increases of 7% in July 2024 and 5-7% annually through 2027. Other agenda items include the approval of annual liquor licenses and a labor agreement with AFSCME Local #3628. The meeting also includes consideration of a new City Council invocation policy.

utilitieszoninglaborbudgetappointmentslicensing
✓ Decided: Council approves 7% electric rate increase and new labor agreement

The Staples City Council approved a 7% increase in electric rates across all classes to cover operating costs. They also ratified a 2024-2025 labor agreement with AFSCME Local #3628 and adopted a new invocation policy. Additionally, the council approved assessments for the 2nd Street Northeast project and a park use agreement for the Staples Amateur Baseball Association.

Tue Apr 23, 2024

City Council

Staples City Council considers bid for 2nd St NE street and utility improvements

The council will consider approving a bid for the 2nd St NE Street and Utility Improvement Project. Members will also discuss the City Council Invocation Policy and review a gambling permit request for a Knights of Columbus raffle.

zoninginfrastructurepublic-policypermitsutilities
✓ Decided: Staples City Council approves street and utility improvement project bid

The City Council accepted a bid for the 2nd-4th St NE Street and Utility Improvement Project and approved the first reading of a zoning amendment. The council also authorized a gambling permit for a Knights of Columbus raffle.

Tue Apr 9, 2024

City Council

Staples council considers $60,000 in grants for parks and sirens

The Staples City Council will consider two resolutions to apply for state-linked grants totaling $60,000 for park playground upgrades and new civil defense sirens. The council will also approve plans for a sewer and watermain improvement project and authorize bids for a 6-unit airport T-hangar construction. Additionally, the meeting covers a street closure for the annual Bike Rodeo and recommendations for Charter Commission appointments.

grantsparksinfrastructureemergency-servicesaviationbudget
✓ Decided: Council approves playground funding, new sirens, and T-Hangar bids

The Staples City Council approved resolutions to apply for state funding for playground projects and civil defense sirens. They also authorized bids for a new T-Hangar and approved plans for an Industrial Park sewer and watermain project. The council recommended appointments to the Charter Commission and approved a road closure for a bike rodeo.

Tue Mar 26, 2024

City Council

City Council considers utility bill assessments and bids for 2nd Street NE improvements

The Staples City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed assessments for delinquent utility bills and consider Resolution 1938 to certify those unpaid charges to Todd County for property tax collection. The council will also review plans and authorize bids for the 2nd Street NE Street and Utility Improvement Project, accept a donation, and evaluate a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application for the Dower Lake Storm Shelter. These actions address local utility revenue recovery, planned infrastructure upgrades on a residential street, and potential funding for community storm safety.

utilitiesroadsgrantsbudgetpublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Staples City Council approves street improvements and storm shelter grant application

The City Council approved plans for a street and utility improvement project and authorized a grant application for the Dower Lake Storm Shelter. The council also adopted an assessment roll and approved a donation.

Tue Mar 12, 2024

City Council

Public hearing held for 2nd St NE street and utility improvement project

The City Council is holding a public hearing regarding the 2nd St NE Street and Utility Improvement Project. The council will consider resolutions to order improvements, prepare final plans, and apply for a loan through the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.

infrastructureutilitiespublic hearingstreetswater
✓ Decided: City Council approves 2nd St NE utility project and industrial park watermain bid

The City Council approved plans for the 2nd St NE Street and Utility Improvement Project and a loan application to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority. The council also awarded a contract for watermain and sewer extensions into the Staples Industrial Park.

Tue Feb 27, 2024

City Council

Staples City Council to consider new housing and commercial rehabilitation policies

The City Council will consider adopting policies for the Small Cities Development Program regarding residential and commercial rehabilitation. The agenda also includes requests for gambling permits and a public hearing on proposed assessments for delinquent utility bills.

housingzoningutilitiesgamblingrehabilitation
✓ Decided: Staples City Council approves Valley View First Addition plat and rezoning

The City Council approved the preliminary plat and rezoning for Valley View First Addition. The council also authorized a public hearing for delinquent utility bill assessments and approved two gambling permits.

Tue Feb 13, 2024

City Council

Council considers street and utility improvements for 2nd Street NE

The City Council is reviewing a feasibility report for the 2024 2nd St NE Street and Utility Improvement Project. This project involves replacing streets, sidewalks, storm drainage, sewer, and water services. A public hearing regarding these improvements is scheduled for March 12, 2024.

infrastructureelectionspublic-worksgovernment-fundingzoning
✓ Decided: Staples council advances 24 St NE street and utility project to March 12 hearing

The Staples City Council approved Resolution 1929, accepting a feasibility report and setting a March 12, 2024 hearing for the 2024 24 St NE Street and Utility Improvement Project. The council also approved Resolution 1927 appointing election judges for the 2024 Presidential Nomination Primary (Jewison abstained), Resolution 1928 accepting donations, a gambling permit for Sacred Heart Catholic Church bingo on March 24, 2024 at 310 4' St NE, a temporary liquor license for Sacred Heart Area School on May 4, 2024, a parcel split/combination of parcels 38-0006401 through 38-0006403 and 38-0006405, a Service by Exception agreement with Minnesota Power, and Resolution 1930 designating authorized representation for the Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency. The council also approved the agenda, the January 23, 2024 minutes, and payment of bills as presented. All recorded votes were unanimous except Jewison's abstention on Resolution 1927.

Tue Jan 23, 2024

City Council

Staples City Council to consider removal of hazardous buildings at 221 Dakota Ave SE

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding an order to remove hazardous buildings and debris at 221 Dakota Ave SE. The agenda also includes reviewing the annual fire report and considering a street improvement project report.

zoningpublic safetyinfrastructurehousingfire department
✓ Decided: Staples City Council orders removal of hazardous building

The City Council approved a notice order to remove hazardous buildings at 221 Daktota Avenue SE following a public hearing. The council also authorized a street and utility improvement project and approved the Fire Department's officer appointments.

Tue Jan 9, 2024

City Council

Staples City Council adopts Wadena County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan

The City Council is considering the adoption of the Wadena County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan to maintain eligibility for FEMA grants. The agenda also includes designating official bank depositories and reviewing various commission appointments.

zoningpublic-worksmitigationappointmentsfinance
✓ Decided: Staples City Council approves 2nd St NE project and various appointments

The City Council approved a modified project for 2nd St NE and authorized the jetting and televising of a portion of 4th Street. The council also designated Staples World as the official newspaper and appointed members to several boards and commissions.