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Center City Council met November 4 for a regular meeting. All members were present.  

The council began the meeting the same way it has for months discussing the topic of Hursh Ironworks.  The company is in talks with Taylors Falls and intends to build in Taylors Falls Industrial Park.  Neighbors have been coming to Center City council meetings for months describing issues they as neighbors have experienced such as noise violations, semis parked on the roadways, and working on non-business hours.  Council member Sally Swanson told the council she and council member Lloyd Vetter attended the last Taylors Falls EDA meeting where Hursh Ironworks was discussed.  Swanson told the audience after attending the meeting, she now believes the building and ultimately the move will eventually take place.  City attorney Ted Alliegro told the council he has been contacted by Hursh and they would like to set up a meeting with Mayor Jill Behnke and himself.  

Council then decided on December 2 at 7pm to hold their annual Truth-in Taxation meeting.  Members of the public who have questions about their taxes are invited to attend.

Council then passed a resolution increasing the Fire Departments pension by 10 percent going from $3,000 to $3,300.

Council then unanimously passed the approval of six liquor licenses upon correct paperwork filed. Licenses approved were for Pizza Pub, Jakes on the Lake, Tony’s Bar, Fiesta Cancun, the Nordic Rooftop and the Nordic Market.  

Council then discussed two catch basins located on the east side of Bayview apartments.  The basins were created in conjunction with the Soil and Water District when the apartments were constructed.  Both basins are in need of repair with sides completely washed away.  Discussion was what responsibility if any would lie with the city and what with the county.  The city has received three quotes for the repairs that vary from $18,400 to $98,000.  The original contract with the county states Center City will be responsible for 88 percent of repair costs and the county 12 percent.  The council and Alliegro asked if the catch basins need to be completely rebuilt would that then count as repairs.  Council agreed to set up a meeting with the county to discuss more.

Council then agreed to pay Maintenance Supervisor Shawn Gallagher $25 a day extra to carry a cell phone for on-call phone calls.  Council agreed on the increase and also agreed Gallagher would make time and a half if called in after hours. The agreement will take effect January 1, 2026.

Council then discussed garland and lighting for downtown Center City. City clerk Dana Miron told the council she found a package that includes lights and garland for $85 per light pole.  The city currently has 19 light poles.  Miron said the total would come to $1,615 for clear lights, and another $100 for colored lights which the council agreed would look better.  Former council member Scott Nelson told the council he would donate the difference of $100 for the color lights.  Council approved the purchase of the lights.

Council adjourned at 8:18pm.

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