This transcript has been formatted with speaker names based on the context provided and the dialogue within the meeting. [0:03] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I'd like to welcome everyone to the original meeting of the Moose Lake City Council for Wednesday September 13th at 4pm and I'd like to start with the Pledge of Allegiance please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and through the Republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. [0:38] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** To take all our guests for being here this afternoon thank you for coming. Next item is the agenda. I believe we have some additions. [0:45] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Yes so we'll have two additions. Letter M will be the Police Department administrative assistant coverage discussion and then letter N will be part-time police officer coverage discussion. [1:36] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Can there be any other Corrections or additions to the agenda? Hearing none, I have a motion and second. All in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Opposed? Motion carries. Moving on to number two, the consent agenda. 2A the minutes: number one the regular city council meeting for August 9th 2023, number two the emergency city council meeting August 15 2023 and number three the joint meeting with the Moose Lake... [2:20] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Do you have any discussion or questions on the minutes? Is there any from anyone? Do I have a motion to accept the minutes? (Council: So moved). Do I have a second? (Council: Second). All in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Opposed? Motion carried. Under 2B the financial reports: number one the city council table for August 2023, the number two the city financial statements August 2023 and number three the liquor store profit loss statement for 2023. [3:01] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Any discussion or questions? Anything? Hearing none from the council, do I have a motion to accept the financial reports as stated? (Council: So moved). Do I have a second? (Council: Second). All in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Opposed? Motion carried. Number three is public comment. This time is reserved for comments from the public on matters not listed on the agenda and please keep those comments for three minutes. Everyone here does have an agenda item here they're here for. [3:49] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Very good. Moving on to number four, departmental reports. 4A the police officer Chad Patterson for August 2023. [4:12] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** There were 334 total calls per service. 23 business tracks, 81 extra patrol, 97 traffic stops and nine community engagement. Our total response: there were 15 assists to other agencies, 104 calls for service and five medicals for a total of 334. The interim supervisor listed on this report Chad Patterson is now interim Chief and so he did provide a little message for Council regarding his efforts to continue to recruit officers to fill open shifts and to account for the drop in self-initiated calls for the months. Interim Chief Patterson is currently on vacation, I'm hoping he's having a blast out in Montana. When he returns he will be presenting at the next council meeting. We do have an officer present and thank you for the good work this last month, passing on to the other officers please. Greatly appreciate it. [5:40] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Moving on to 4B the City Superintendent Phil Entner. [5:45] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, Mrs. Owens. Busy month and we want to hear this but we are wrapping up for summer activities. We're getting geared up for the fall/winter thing, you know we like it, some people actually do like it, but some of us don't. So we're going to make this quick because we have a lot to touch on later tonight. Water department: water department distributed 7.0 million gallons of drinking water for the month of August. Hydrant flushing will be happening next week or the week after that. Residents real soon will see discoloration with water and lack of water pressure at times. Any long-standing issues at the work, just reach out to the department, we will take care of whatever we are able to do. Back at the rolling, the sewer department: the collection system collects 10.8 million gallons a month for August. Sanitary sewer flow meter will be getting calibrated on Monday so that'll be another thing to check off the list. The treatment side of the sanitary sewer system: we're looking really good on all the brushing/mowing completed up there for the year. Potentially one more discharge which will be lower than normal. Typically we have about four, but we should produce two and a half to three this year, so that's showing positive things for our lining progress that we've made, so that's good. Street Department: right-of-way is Second Street patch. The catch basin on Second Street we're in the middle of construction, that will be finished with that on Friday. Third and Cedar catch basin decided to collapse on us yesterday so we'll be working on that next week. Pothole filling is completed, monthly road patching is an ongoing process. Right-of-way maintenance addition: mowing, grubbing, clearing, all that's happening as well. We still have quite a bit of patching to make up this year so if residents and community see an area that needs attention just reach out to me. Cemeteries, Campground and Parks: cemeteries are just about wrapped up, we'll be winterizing those next week. Final teardown and removal of all the monuments and flowers, hanging baskets, shepherd hooks. Campground: that's coming down to the end of the season, we will be winterizing that system Monday the 2nd. And then the arena, just some small maintenance because we're going down there. One extra thing I want to touch on: Minnesota Rural Water continued that training class tomorrow with people. Council, Mayor, Admin, come on up, stop in and see what's going on. This is a free service we offer with the help of Minnesota Rural Water. It's a bonus for us because all of our licensed operators—we have three of them—they get three contact hours instead of sending our guys all the time to Minneapolis or St. Paul. I ended up having a grill lunch which is cool. Everyone picks on my grilling but that's okay, it saves a bunch of money. I got a bunch to touch on later but that's all for now. [8:44] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Any questions? [8:48] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** So real quick, did the park board members get the items too? I know I haven't. [8:55] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** No, they are not. They have not all gotten to me, some have, but okay. [9:02] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Thank you. [9:05] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Thanks. [9:10] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Moving on to 4C, Municipal Liquor Store Department report for August 2023. [9:29] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** Members of the Council, Mayor Shaw, Administrator Owens. I put an invitation for you guys, it looks like this. Donna Kirk with the township has accepted a new role as Community Relations Program Manager for Essentia Health. You might ask yourself what does that have to do with the liquor store? Well, first she's inviting the council and Mayor and Administrator to the party, and also she's wondering if we would be able to discount some beverages from the liquor store for this event. I'm not sure what the standard practice is; normally I would bring this up at the liquor board meeting but she's in a bit of a time crunch for this. I'm just asking for any input I guess. [10:15] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Otherwise, I think you oversee it as far as like... I would say use the scope of authority as he sees fit. I mean, we're not looking at sweeping things. I guess we've done it in the past, that's what we give people the positions for. So I would say that's what we should do. As a member of the liquor committee, we should have consensus with everyone. [11:04] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Yeah, that sounds good. So I have no problem with it. [11:09] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Any concerns or things you think of? [11:13] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** Okay and I'll follow up with the board then on what position was made. Over Labor Day weekend, Rock the Riverside went really well. The music community was down there, so kudos to Moose Lake Area Hockey Association for the event even though it was super hot out. Also you'll notice some small repairs cosmetically. Joe Adamsack is fixing up a hole in the restroom, and some trim on the outside of the building. So look forward to that. That's what I have for the liquor store today, other than you know as we get into the slower seasons I like to think of that as we're busier in-house management-wise with planning for the following year. Looking forward to sitting down with Mari and... any questions by the Council? [12:30] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Thank you very much, appreciate it. Under 4D Technology and Library Department. [12:37] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** I'll touch on the technology part. I've been very busy with this, had a lot of meetings, some web demos with VC3. Next week they will begin their part of the background for our server upgrade. They won't be touching anything, they're just getting all of their bases covered on their end. Then when they complete that, they'll start meeting with me and with perhaps some other departments. In the meantime, to be more proactive, I've been emailing with departments getting what kind of apps they use, things that aren't normal search engine tools on their workstations. We don't want to get caught off guard when this happens and things don't work. I've whittled down... they wanted us to replace a lot of workstations in the coming year. We've whittled that down to five workstations that really essentially need it now. These workstations no longer receive security patches. Some computers are so old that that no longer takes place which means they're vulnerable. Those five workstations should be replaced in the coming year, but five is better than 18. I also went through web training on cyber security training, so we are getting a quote for that. It won't be very expensive but something will be coming down the pipe for insurance purposes as well. [14:48] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Thank you very much Ryan. 4E City Engineer report for September 6 2023. [14:57] **City Engineer (SEH):** The agenda packet has our monthly engineering meeting. I'm just going to touch on a couple of these items. A lot of the meat and potatoes are going to be covered later on in the meeting. However, I did want to mention that we did receive our reimbursement from LCCMR for the Trunk Highway 73 Trail. That was the last grant reimbursement that we needed to become full on Phase 1 of the trail. That was a $330,000 grant and Taylor was very influential in getting that reimbursement for us, so thank you to Taylor on that. One thing from an audit standpoint, we never like the grants to float between years because the city essentially is holding the bag, but that did happen and we were made whole again. That's really big. In addition, we are now looking at all of the grant monies that we've received for Phase 2 of the trail. Design and planning and the scope of work is going to be started a little bit this fall and winter here. There are terms and conditions on the grant money, so we just want to make sure that our process and what activities we're taking part in are reimbursable. I should have a schedule to present to Council on Phase 2 of the trail next month. In addition, we do have a pay app in to come later on. Engineering has been really busy. We also will be looking at the 2023 lining project later on in the meeting as well. [16:45] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Moving on to 4F, Chamber of Commerce updates. [17:05] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Yeah, the Chamber has wrapped up a majority of their summer events today. They shared that the triathlon netted the Chamber $5,100, which was an excellent impact for them. In addition, there is the Brew Fest that's coming up on October 14th at Docs and tickets can be purchased on the Chamber website. [17:42] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Moving to Old Business, number five. 5A Ordinance number 170, an ordinance for the keeping of livestock and hobby farms within the city. [18:05] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** So I think this was intended to be our last reading. We made two changes since last reading. We clarified on section two letter B number four: "chickens must remain on the owner's property at all times." And letter B number five: "chickens must be kept indoors." And I know that Doug and Ray discussed yesterday maybe adding a clarification that that means they are not allowed in the residence. The city has accomplished all of the requirements as far as publishing and posting. We have not received any feedback throughout the last two months other than what's transpired within the public meetings. If it's up to Council, we have fulfilled all of our requirements. If there's any questions about the two changes, that would happen now and then we would do a motion. [19:20] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Any other comments and or a motion to accept the changes to Ordinance 170? [19:40] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** I'll make a motion to accept Ordinance 170. [19:44] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** I'll second. [19:46] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Any other questions? All in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Opposed? Motion carry. Thank you very much, good job on that. 5B Fire District Board appointment. We do have an interested individual, Jon Lund. I did interview him and he understands he's representing the city on the Fire District Board. I think he did talk to our other council member that is on it and he talked to the fire chief and it was all positive feedback. So I guess it's up to the Council. [20:45] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** I'll make a motion to accept Jon Lund as our city representative on the Fire District Board. [21:00] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Second. [21:02] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Any further discussion or questions? Hearing none, all in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Opposed? Motion carry. Melissa, would you want to call Jon and tell him? [21:24] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Okay, thank you. [21:35] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** 5C, Phil has some information on 7th Street lift station lining update. [21:40] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Yeah just an update. In your packet on page 69 you'll see two pictures. That project is completed. That was just over a $20,000 project. We ended up with $14,500 worth of grants for that project. It's all completed. [22:12] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** How deep is it? [22:15] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** 22 feet or something. [22:17] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** I thought it was important for Council to see the before and after finished product. When we're looking for proactive infrastructure work, the ability to get a little bit of grant money for it and then budget for the remainder works really well. This process offers a 20-year warranty on it. [23:44] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Moving on to number six, New Business. City Campground seasonal camper request to remove property. [23:55] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Thank you Mayor. To provide a little bit of background, the city received communication from the city attorneys regarding liability for personal property left at the city Campground. In addition, the auditors had communication with the city regarding the seasonal term. The fact that there's personal property left there after the fact and there's no money or transactions or documentation of such was brought forward. From the insurance liability standpoint, it's been called out to us. The city engaged with the city attorneys to help draft some type of letter that went to every seasonal. That documentation was received and interpreted by seasonals, and I think we have some here today who would like to share their thoughts. [25:52] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Could you please come up to the podium and state your name? [26:02] **Max (Campground Representative):** Thank you for the opportunity. We drafted this as the seasonal site holders. We are requesting that City administrators rethink their position concerning removing personal property during the off-season. We are requesting the rule be amended to read: "The Moose Lake City Campground is not responsible for any other infrastructure left on premises; you leave them at your own risk." Many members are physically or financially not prepared to have these demands placed at the end of the season, especially with such short notice. Many members have physical impairments and need the stability of their steps or decks to gain entry. We want to do our part as far as securing these. [28:35] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Is there another spokesperson? State your name please. [28:51] **John (Campground Representative):** John McIntyre. I appreciate the opportunity to speak. I'm a seasonal, been here for seven years. When we received the letter we were obviously a little bit upset because it was our understanding through the rules that we could have a deck, a shed, and it had specific things: only six inches high, not as long as the camper. My wife and I built a deck 24 feet long by eight feet wide. If this rule goes through, I'll have to take a chainsaw to it and burn it. I don't have a semi to haul it away. There are some campers that have just carpet, they're going to have to roll up carpet that has been on the ground for a few years and that will destroy it. The stones, some people have patio stones at ground level. We're looking for something reasonable. We think if we secure our stuff to the ground safely, the risks are gone. One thing the auditor said was there was nothing in place that allows us to keep it there, but the rules provided by the city in the past did have that in place. [32:41] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I just want to make a comment. This has been brought up before regarding the steps and decks because in the winter they get covered with snow and we get people that snowmobile around here that do not know the structures are underneath the snow. That’s where the liability comes in. [33:04] **John (Campground Representative):** I can speak to that. The decks are six inches tall. You should be able to see the stairs. We're more than happy to put flags on these things or surround the deck with snow fence. The stuff is flat on the ground and shouldn't be a hazard. [34:14] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I think you guys realize that no matter how the accident happens, the city becomes liable. When our insurance company says you have to remove it, that puts us in a spot. We have been sued before for issues that happen in the city. [34:55] **John (Campground Representative):** Seasonals were more than happy to pay to store our stuff over the winter to cover the insurance if we have to. [36:32] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** What we're asking for is at least some consideration. Council discussion? [37:19] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** I think we need to talk with our legal counsel. If we can bring information back to them and tell them ideas about what will be acceptable. We also had problems with flooding this last year where personal equipment ended up in somebody else's yard down the river. [38:06] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** One problem is the park closes the 1st of October. We're not meeting before then. If we send this to the lawyers, we would have to call a special meeting. [39:25] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** We have 22 seasonals. We have email addresses for everybody. [40:04] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I remember in 2012 we had to tell the long-term campers everything had to be gone because that flood literally took just about everything into the lake. FEMA would not cover personal property. I don't want to be put in that situation again. [43:39] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** When this first came up, the city building official was brought into the mix. There's no record of building permits for any of these permanent structures. We would be paying the city building official to go down and do inspections. [46:50] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** I'm in favor of looking for a compromise. If it's somebody that's disabled, maybe there are possibilities where things can be stored somewhere nearby. Is there a consensus to have Ellissa discuss this with the law firm? [48:00] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** The reason the patio blocks were included is the attorneys did an analysis of all the pictures. A lot of times people are using patio blocks stacked to support structures or frames. They weren't being seen at ground level. [48:58] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** If we can get the insurance company to agree to some of that, I'm all for it. We have a consensus. I direct the City Administrator to talk to our law group and see if there's any room for a compromise before October 1st. [52:14] **John (Campground Representative):** Thank you. [53:18] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Moving on to 6B, the Riverside Arena cooling system repair. [53:30] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** In your packet on page 73 you'll find a quote for $18,576.69. We have one quote because there's only two of these refrigeration companies in the state and the other one will not call us back. [54:50] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** All of the repair money for the arena in the budget has been utilized. This would have to come out of another department's repair budget or the general fund. [56:54] **Amy Fitzsimmons:** I'm Amy Fitzsimmons, president of Moose Lake Area Hockey Association. I would urge you to approve this item. Our association pays over $20,000 in rent and gambling funds to the city. Last year our tournaments brought in 648 skaters and well over 2,500 visitors who spend money at local restaurants and motels. We have 125 children in our community ages 4 to 14 who call the arena home. Our kids are looking to you to ensure the rate stays open. [1:01:33] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** I have received a couple of letters from other individuals in support of the repair, from Maria Elena and Emily Hedman. [1:04:40] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** How much money did we bring in this year in sales tax? Our sales tax is designated for roads, library, and parks. The arena is part of parks. [1:04:55] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** Every year it's been between $225,000 and $250,000. [1:05:26] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** My concern is we have a lot of money needed for compressors and the next item is locker rooms. I'm not against fixing this, but we need to look at the big picture. If you don't have ice, the locker rooms don't matter. [1:06:58] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** We have been meeting with the Hockey Association and the school district to formulate a plan for compressors. Malaha has about $200,000 set aside right now for compressors. [1:10:45] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** I think this is important to do, the question is just where the money comes from. I have concern about taking it from the sales tax given our vast infrastructure needs. [1:15:33] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** I'll make a motion that we approve the invoice for $18,576.69 using sales tax funds. [1:16:07] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I'll second that. All in favor say aye. (Council: Michalski and Juntunen vote Aye). Those against? (Council: Huso and Lower vote No). Motion failed. [1:18:17] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I'll make a motion that we accept this quote for $18,576.69 and we use the General Fund, giving the city administrator discretion of where to find that money. [1:19:00] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** I'll second that. [1:19:03] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** Is this something that the Hockey Association could share the bill for? [1:19:54] **Amy Fitzsimmons:** We are already paying for a scoreboard and locker rooms and we upped our rent. We are trying to save for the compressors as well. [1:20:41] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Motion is on the floor. All in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Opposed? (None). Motion passes. [1:22:18] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Moving on to 6C, Malaha Riverside Arena locker room project. [1:23:04] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** The Hockey Association is proposing to fully fund an additional locker room and referee room. This would allow us to host larger tournaments. The cost is fully funded by the association. [1:23:46] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Have our city engineers seen these plans? [1:24:00] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Our city building official is involved for permitting, but I haven't engaged the engineers at their hourly rate yet. [1:27:13] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** I will agree that corner of the arena is currently a mess with tables and chairs. This would be a good fit there. [1:32:23] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** I'll make a motion to approve the locker room project as submitted, fully funded by the Hockey Association, pending building inspector approval. [1:32:37] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Second. [1:32:45] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Opposed? Motion carry. [1:34:26] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** 6D, 4th Street sewer line repair reimbursement request. [1:34:34] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** This is a request from a homeowner on 4th Street. Our ordinance 161 states that residents own their sewer laterals to the main. They are asking for reimbursement for a repair on their portion of the line. [1:36:44] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** The homeowner believes the Fourth Street construction project impacted their line. Our engineers and staff do not believe the project caused this specific damage. [1:42:46] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** I'll make a motion to deny the reimbursement request based on the city ordinance. [1:43:44] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Second. [1:43:52] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Opposed? Motion carried. [1:44:34] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** 6E, 405 First Street tree reimbursement request. [1:44:50] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** A tree in the city right-of-way fell onto a house, garage, and vehicle. The insurance company denied the claim for damages, but the homeowners are asking for $3,850 for the removal of the tree itself. [1:45:11] **Homeowner (405 First St):** City ordinance 157 says the city will remove trees on public property that are diseased or hazardous. This tree was clearly diseased. We had to remove it immediately because we had roofing contractors starting the next morning. [1:50:05] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** I looked at it. We don't even have a piece of equipment big enough to lift that portion. [1:51:40] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** I'll make a motion to reimburse the family for $3,850. [1:51:50] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Second. [1:51:52] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Opposed? Motion carry. [1:52:00] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** We have a lot of diseased trees in the boulevards. We need to think about a budget for this because removing the remainder of that specific tree is going to cost another $4,000. [1:57:26] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** 6F, 4th Street reconstruction pay application. [1:58:06] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** This is for $10,717.90 to wrap up the project. [1:58:14] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Motion to approve? (Council: So moved). Second? (Council: Second). All in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Motion carried. 6G project acceptance? (Council: So moved/Seconded). Motion carried. [1:59:16] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** 6H, 2023 sewer lining project bid award. [1:59:30] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** One bid came in from Visu-Sewer for $108,306 for the base bid. We recommend accepting the base plus the alternate for a total project cost. [2:01:38] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** I’ll make a motion to accept the bid from Visu-Sewer for the base plus alternate one. [2:01:50] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Second. [2:02:23] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Opposed? Motion carry. 6I Road Project selection discussion. [2:02:40] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** We are applying for the L-REP grant, which is a 50% matching grant. The project must connect to Highway 73. [2:04:18] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** My recommendation is First Street from 73 to Elm Street. [2:08:35] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** I live on First Street, and it is in terrible shape. I rolled my leaf springs going down that road. [2:14:14] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I'll take a motion to select First Street for the L-REP application. (Council: So moved). Second? (Council: Second). All in favor? (Council: Three Ayes, one abstention). Motion carry. [2:14:26] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** 6J Community Center rooftop unit quotes. [2:15:01] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** We have two quotes for two units. D&E came in at $28,000 and Regional Electric was higher. We recommend the low bid. [2:17:52] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Motion to approve D&E? (Council: So moved). Second? (Council: Second). All in favor say aye. (Council: Aye). Motion carried. 6K Arena part-time employee. [2:18:38] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** We need to hire part-time arena attendants to replace two who left. [2:19:27] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Motion to approve pending background checks? (Council: So moved/Seconded). Motion carried. 6M Police Department Administrative Assistant. [2:20:13] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** The request is to increase Sarah's hours from 24 to 32 hours a week. [2:21:33] **Police Officer:** Sarah does a great job. When she's not there, it takes an officer off the street to answer phones or do fingerprints. It is well needed. [2:23:50] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** I'll make a motion to approve the increase in hours. [2:24:00] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Second. [2:24:05] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor? (Council: Aye). Motion carried. 6N part-time police officer coverage. [2:26:08] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** We are looking at options for additional part-time coverage. [2:28:28] **Police Officer:** We have filed paperwork to join the LELS union. Until that is official, we should be careful about changing contract terms, but we really need the part-time help. [2:33:05] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** I'm concerned about officers working too many shifts. I'd like more information on the scheduling. [2:34:36] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** We will table this for now until the interim Chief returns and the union status is clarified. Motion to table? (Council: So moved/Seconded). Motion carried. [2:36:10] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** 6L 2024 budget presentation. [2:36:59] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** We need to set the preliminary levy. The tax capacity has increased. If we keep the tax rate the same, the levy would increase by $82,914. To account for potential needs, I recommend setting the preliminary levy higher, as we can always go down but not up. [2:43:51] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** I'll make a motion to set the preliminary levy at $1,030,069.53. [2:44:38] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Second. [2:45:24] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor? (Council: Aye). Motion carried. 7A Senate Finance Committee presentation. [2:46:10] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** We hosted the Senate Finance Committee for a tour. We requested $1.5 million for I&I reduction. They were very engaged and asked great questions. [2:48:32] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** The visual on page 104 is great. Fixing 88 manholes for $400,000 could reduce I&I by 11.6 million gallons. That's a huge capacity increase. [2:56:16] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** 8A and 8B minutes are in the packet. Any announcements? The next regular meeting is Wednesday, October 11th. Do I have a motion to adjourn? [2:57:50] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Motion to adjourn. [2:57:55] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Second. [2:58:00] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor? (Council: Aye). Meeting adjourned.