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Lindstrom City Council met September 18 for a regular meeting.  Council member Greg Krueger was absent.

The council  turned discussion to the preliminary Levy.  Finance officer Kay Mattson presented a proposal levy that totals $3,623,471.00.  Mattson pointed out there is a road construction increase of $212,775, an increase for Lakes Area Police Department for $101,488 and an increase for the EDA for $33,500.  This would bring the tax rate for Lindstrom up to 45.83 percent.  Last year’s tax rate was 41.99 percent.  Overall increase for the proposed levy comes in at 10.32 percent.  

On a $250,000 valued house – if the value did not change, city tax in 2024 was $1,050, in 2025, with this preliminary budget, the same house, the tax would be $1,146. 

The increase of the total tax from year to year is $96.00.

Example: In 2024, the tax per month was $87.50, the tax per month in 2025 with this preliminary budget will be $95.50. The difference per month from 2024 to 2025 is $8/month.

Mattson pointed out if the road construction and EDA increases were omitted the levy would only be 2.8 percent.  Council member Linda Merkel made a motion to approve the maximum levy which passed unanimously.

The council then discussed a variance application for a home on Neal Avenue on the lakeside of the street.  The home is built on an undersized lot and when it was built a few years ago, the council then passed variances on impervious surface allowances.  Max allowed in Lindstrom is 25 percent and the homeowner was allowed 28 percent.  A condition was added to the homesite requiring gutters.  The homeowner claimed they never saw or were notified of the condition and have since landscaped to capture rain runoff through various landscaping alternatives.  The DNR has been to the residence and has reportedly approved the landscaping.  

The homeowner is asking for the gutter condition to be removed.  Council passed the request.  Councilmember Brian Norelius added that he has a neighbor who recently applied for a small deck expansion and was denied.  Norelius told the council he would like to see city decisions be consistent in the future.  Council agreed.

The council then accepted a donation from Boy Scout Troop 159 for $480.62.  Eagle Scout Kaden Beaupre completed a bridge project in Allemansratt Park where he raised over $1,500 in donations.  Materials came in under budget and he would like to donate the remaining to the city.  The council thanked Beaupre for doing a great job and agreed to install a plaque of recognition on the bridge he constructed.

City engineer Brian Bachmeier then updated the council on the lead service line inventory.  Bachmeier told the council there have been 42 galvanized and nine lead services reported.  Bachmeier added there are another 1,000 unknown service lines at this time.  Bachmeier said homes built after 1985 do not have to be tested.  He was asked what harm galvanized potentially caused. “Galvanized pipe attracts lead in water, so over time it can accumulate” he said. 

Bachmeier then presented a cost analysis for adding four flashing crosswalk signs.  Council had directed Bachmeier to look into cost of adding four lights at Hwy. 8 and Park Street and Hwy. 8 and Maple and or Park Street on the westbound side.  Bachmeier had a breakdown of costs including hard wired and solar.  Solar cost would be $201,300 and hard wired would cost $230,000.  Council member David Waldoch told the council he would like to wait and add the lights project in with the Park Street project to save money.  The new lights will require new concrete that is ADA approved.  Both Norelius and Mayor Judy Chartrand added they would like to see something yet this year done with the lights.  Waldoch then asked if the lights could be temporarily installed and the new bases be grouped with the Park Street project. Bachmeier said they could be.  

With that, the council approved up to $36,000 for engineering fees to get the project moving.  

City administrator Undem  told the council the planning commission will be looking into a request by neighbors to rezone the south side of Newell Avenue.  Currently it is zoned central business district.

Undem told the council there is a newly formed group of downtown businesses that want to add to the tree lighting festivities.  The city would still be responsible for the lighting, but the group is looking to incorporate downtown businesses such as encouraging Christmas lights on businesses.

Undem then told the council there will be a Highway 8 Task Force open house held at Lindstrom City Hall on October 1 from 5-7 p.m.  The public is encouraged to attend. The open house will focus on the stretch from Karmel Avenue in Chisago City to Taylors Falls.

Undem then told the council the city was applying for a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Committee for a potential artist mural along the west side of the liquor store.  Undem has spoken with the artist who recently did a mural in St. Croix Falls and they are interested.

Council adjourned at 8:46 p.m. 

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