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Stacy City Council met July 9 for a regular meeting, all members were present.  

The council opened the meeting with Chisago County Commissioner Ben Montzka briefing the council on the county happenings.  Montzka referenced the bus ride the commissioners took around Stacy and told the council the tour members got out and walked the County Rd 19 bridge.  Montzka admitted the bridge is frighteniong to walk over as a pedestrian and assured the council he was pushing to get the bridge replaced.

The council then amended an ordinance prohibiting the use of cannabis on certain public properties.  The ordinance clarifies cannabis flower, paraphernalia and edible products.  The council passed the resolution 3-2 with mayor Mark Utecht and council member Tim Sawatzsky voting against.

Council then discussed a motion to allow a fireworks permit for Stacy Daze.  Mayor Utecht and Sawatzsky both said they received many complaints last year with the fireworks company setting off a loud firework every hour leading up to the show.  The council was told the fireworks on the hour were to do wind checks.  Council asked a representative from Minnesota Pyrotecnics if they could wind check beginning at 6 p,m.  The representative said yes and council passed the permit unanimously.

Council then passed  temporary liquor license and fireworks permits for Ribfest that will be held on the A-1 Tire’s property along County Road 17.  The event will take place on September 21.  

The council then discussed tree removal for the property  located at the corner of Falcon Avenue and Fawn Lake Drive.  Maintenace received two quotes for the removal of  seven trees that hinder sightlines of traffic and pedestrians.  Lowest bid was $2,300 which the city will cover.  Mayor Utecht asked the clerk to please reach out to the homeowner and let them know the city would like to remove the brush and the wood left after dropping the trees.  Utecht said the home is curently vacant and it would look better all cleaned up.

Council then discussed a theft case involving a former city employee at the city liquor store.  Council was told total loss in the theft was $27,000 which has since been reimbursed from the city’s insurance company.  Council agreed on a meeting to discuss the next steps, on July 23 at 6:30 p.m.

In the engineer’s report, city engineer Dan Boyum told the council there are still 100 or so water service lines that need to be tested for lead contamination.  Boyum told the council the MN Dept. of Health moved up the submittal date for cities and towns to July 15.  Boyum told the council some cities have requested an extension and suggested Stacy do so.  

Council then set a preliminary budget meeting for August 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Council then passed a resolution limiting days and times which city water may be used for lawn sprinkling.  While the resolution is not enacted at this time, the resolution is there to be in place if the state deems a drought and cities cut back water usage.

Council then passed a temporary gambling license to Long Spurs of Sunrise River. The group will host a Hunting Heritage banquet in February of 2025.

Council then passed a motion to purchase four new trash baskets for the lift stations for $9,967.  Funds will come out of the water asset  fund.

Council then discussed with maintenance supervisor Troy Olson looking into a back up generator for the Lent Town Hall building.  Council agreed it was a good idea and asked Olson to get bids.

Olson then told the council the state is recommending televising of Minnesota cities’ sewer lines.  Olson said the cost of televising runs around $1.50 per linear foot.  

Council then passed a temporary expanded premises permit to the Stacy Sports Bar and Grill for Stacy Daze.  The permit will allow a beer garden to be fenced off in the parking lot.

Council adjourned at 9:36 p.m.

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