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Lindstrom City Council met November 19 for a regular meeting.  All members were present.

The council began the meeting with a public hearing for a lot adjustment on a Chisago Lakes Golf Estates lot on block three.  The owners Birdie Development LLC are asking for an easement vacation of 5 feet within the lot’s dedicated drainage and utility easement.  City planner Kendra Ellner told the council the property would still conform to city regulations along with setbacks.  No residents spoke during the public hearing and the council passed the easement vacation unanimously.

Ellner then told the council the property owner of two apartment buildings at 1316 3rd Street has applied for the construction of a new garage totaling 6,242 square feet.  The garage will  replace the existing 2,000 square foot garage and have more parking stalls.  There was discussion about roof pitch which the new plan will have both 8-12 and 6-12 pitches.  Council member David Waldoch told the council that according to the number of bedrooms in the apartments, the lot including the garage should have 39 spots.  He questioned if there were enough spaces.  The owner Mike Rueb told the council they were very close but adding more spots would bring the property over 50 percent of impervious surface. Ellner told the council the planning commission has already approved the plan. Council then voted in favor of the new parking garage by a vote of 4-1 with Waldoch voting against.

City engineer Brian Bachmeier then presented the council with new schematic and renderings of  a future Lift Station number 2, which is at the end of Park Street next to the lake.  Council all agreed the new plan looks great and thanked Bachmeier for adjusting the plan to make the area more visually pleasing.

Council next approved the hiring of Gustafson Excavation for the replacement of a storm sewer near South Center Lake that was discovered during the 295th road construction project.  The culvert is rusted and collapsing and needs replacing.  The bid from Gustafson is for $46,069.

Council heard from City Administrator Dan Undem about strategic planning.  Undem received a quote from  Homerun Leadership for a two day retreat (to be held locally) for $10,000. The council along with Undem, city Finance Director Kay Mattson, the public works director will meet twice with the company and discuss long term planning.  Undem said Homerun Leadership is an app based program that works in real time.  When a person enters their idea it filters into the overall plan and adjusts it accordingly making it fluid until the end result. The retreat would take place in late January.  Council approved the retreat by a 4-1 vote with Waldoch voting against.

Council then accepted public works director Matt Fraley’s resignation.  Fraley has accepted a job as North Branch’s public works director.  All members of the council praised Fraley for his dedication, hard work and ideas he has brought to the city over the years.  

Council then accepted a proposal by the County for reconstruction of county Road 19.  Undem told the council the project will cost the city nothing and he noted the county will be putting a new walking trail on the north side of the road.

Council then discussed the 2026 calendar and after a small discussion agreed to hold a work session once a month on the first Monday if needed.  The sessions will be on the calendar and can be cancelled if there is nothing on the agenda.

Undem told the council there was a surplus after the 295th and Akerson road projects of $135,000.  Undem told the council the monies have to be spent on downtown projects.  Waldoch suggested the city pay down the remaining debt for the former Holmquist property. Waldoch also reminded the council that during budget meetings the agreed to take some of the EDA budget away to help fund the new assistant administrator position.  Council discussed giving Tadalli, the future downtown design firm, a budget to see what they can come up with.

Undem told the council the city has received 54 applications for the assistant City Administrator position and that the interviewing process will begin soon.

Council then adjourned at 8:53 pm.

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