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Lindstrom City Council met October 15 for a regular meeting.  All members were present.

The council began the meeting discussing the city’s five year capital improvement plan for city roads, water and sewer.  

The road plan is as follows according to years:

2026 - Olinda Trail N Resurfacing (Hwy 8 to 3rd

Ave), downtown parking lots and downtown restriping

2027 - Park Street, Maple Street, Linden Street, Summit Ave.

2028 - Olinda Trail N (Cedar Ridge-Peninsula), Irene Ave

2029 - Marigold Lane

2030 - N 3rd Ave, N 4th Ave.,  Morley Drive, Orton Drive, N Meadow Curve, N 3rd Ave.

2031 - Neal Ave (299th to Akerson), 299th (Olinda to Akerson).

Highlights for the Water CIP Projects:

2026  - Test well

2027 - Linden/Summit Line

Replacement, meter replacements

2028 - Meter replacements

2029 - Meter replacements

Highlights for the Sewer CIP Projects:

2026 - Lift Station #2 Upgrades & S. Lindstrom Lining

2027 - Meter Replacements

2028 - Meter Replacements

2029 - Meter Replacements

2030 - Sewer Lining (Olinda Tr N, Park, Maple, Linden Summit, Irene, 3rd, 4th)

City administrator Dan Undem told the council  approving the plan  does not lock the city into the projects.   The plan would potentially raise sewer/water rates over the next five years.  2026 would see a seven percent increase with an eight percent increase for sewer. 2027 would have a seven percent water increase with an eight percent increase. 2028 would see six percent for both. 2029 and 2030 would bring six percent for water and a five percent increase for sewer. 

Council approved the plan unanimously.

Council then discussed the replacement and raising of lift station #2, sewer lining, meter and manhole removals. The lift station is on the end of Park Street next to South Lindstrom Lake.  

The project would include •Raising the lift station manhole, valve manhole, and access drive by constructing an eight-foot-high retaining wall with guard rail around the structures.

• Relocation of the control panel so it’s closer to the lift station manhole.

• Replacement of the pump discharge piping through the valve manhole due to excessive corrosion.

• Replacement of the standby generator with a natural gas generator.

See LINDSTROM/6

• Replacement of the fencing/gate with black chain-link fencing.

• Lining the sanitary sewer which runs along the shore of South Lindstrom Lake from

Newlander Avenue to the Park Street lift station.

• Removal of unused metering equipment from two manholes on Stacy Trail.

Total cost of the projects would come to $1,063,270 which was included in the 2026 CIP.

The council was shown drawings of the lift station project which is at the end of Park Street.  Mayor Judy Chartrand wondered if there was a way to make the project look more pleasing.  “Adjacent homeowners and tourists would like to see the lake,” Chartrand added.  Council member David Waldoch told the council, “There is a great place to view the lake down at Beach Park”.  Council member Brian Norelius said he would like to have the maintenance department meet with property owners to get their opinions.  Norelius also asked for better drawings of what the property will actually look like when completed. Mayor Chartrand said she would like the eight foot black chain link fence included in the drawings if possible.

Council agreed to table the project for now.

Council then approved the preparation of plans for the 2026 mill/overlay improvement project for Olinda Trail north to 3rd Avenue, Parking lots; P1, P2, and the liquor store, along with Highway 8 parking space and crosswalk striping.  Council member Norelius asked if it was important to do parking lots instead of a street or two.  Maintenance supervisor Matt Fraley reminded the council it was their decision to wrap up the bituminous downtown.  Council approved the request unanimously.

Council then had discussion about the park board and how the liaison position can now be a voting member. It was also noted that the student liaison position should be returned to an advisory role to the commission rather than a voting member. With these changes, there are currently three open park commission seats.  Council approved the re-organization of the park board 4-1 with Waldoch voting against.

Council then discussed the forming of a new city position of assistant administrator. The proposed Assistant City Administrator’s role would be overseeing the Park Division and Community Engagement, including the production of city-sponsored events.

This position focuses on advancing strategic initiatives, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring high-quality customer service. It requires a high degree of independent judgment and decision-making.   Starting salary for the proposed position would be $96,677. Council member Waldoch said, “The city cannot afford this. Lindstrom is not that big for this need. The EDA is underfunded and we are going to hire this position? This is counter intuitive.”

Council then passed the job description 4-1 with Waldoch voting against.

Council then had a discussion about city speed limits which are currently set at 30 miles per hour.  Lakes Area Police Chief Bill Schlumbohm told the council in 2019 the state voted to allow cities to set their own speed limits.  In the past, if a city chose to change a speed limit, it would require a speed study. Schlumbohm said that is longer needed.  Council agreed to start the self-study of Lindstrom speed limits in the future.

Schlumbom then told the council there has been 41 registrations of UTV’s, ATV’s and golf carts.  

Council then adjourned at 9:44pm.

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