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Stacy City Council met January 13 for a regular meeting.  All members were present.

In an open forum, resident Terri Peterson asked the council a few questions regarding the sewer commission and Stacy’s part in it.  Peterson asked questions pertaining to an article in the County Press recently.  Council member Tim Sawatzsky answered as many of the questions as he could, but urged Peterson to email him with a list of questions for the next meeting.

Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Haider then gave a brief rundown of calls for December.  Haider said there were 47 traffic stops, 23 medical calls, and 377 self implemented checks by his department.  

City attorney James Monge next discussed a contract from Corrpro. Corrpro has had a contract for the inspection and maintenance of cathodic protection and corrosion control of the water tower. Council approved the 2026 contract unanimously which totals $720.

Monge and the council then discussed a property that borders Forest Boulevard and 30th Street.  The property has a frontage road that runs to the bridge right in town. Monge said there are utilities in that piece of land but was unsure of the property owners. Council then directed Monge to do a title search before taking any action.

Council discussed a reoccurring issue that involves an inoperable vehicle on Stacy Trail in town.  The owner has been sent multiple letters stating city policy and requiring removal.  Monge told the council they could send another letter informing  the owner the next step will be taking legal action or instruct the Sheriff’s Office to serve a citation to the property.  Council agreed to issue a ticket.

Council then discussed the replacement of street signs.  

Public Works Director Troy Nelson told the council he divided the city into four quadrants and priced one quadrant out at $4,175.  Finance Manager Michelle Hayes told the council the city has a balance of $23,176 in its budget still for signage.  Council member Jeff Barrett made a motion to allow Nelson permission to purchase needed street signs not to exceed $23,000. The motion passed unanimously.

Council then approved a road improvement feasibility study presented by City Engineer Dan Boyum.  The study and improvements will include 320th Street (east of Fern Trail), 315th Street at Forest Blvd., Gable Avenue (from 314th to 315th), Genesis Avenue, and 314th Street.  The next step will be a public hearing yet to be scheduled.

Council approved a preliminary plat for a second addition of Deer Run.  The planning commission has held a public hearing and has approved the plat.  Council approved unanimously.

Council then agreed upon committee assignments which will remain the same as last year.  

Council discussed the outdated point of sale system for the Stacy Sports Bar.  Bar manager Rachel Zemke and Finance manager Michelle Hayes have looked into replacing the existing system which is currently not allowing them to take inventory.  Hayes said they have priced out a few options, one of which is a cloud based system.  Hayes told council the cloud based one could easily be modified and services added on at a low cost.  Mayor Mark Utecht made a motion for Zemke and Hayes to authorize the purchase of a new system not to exceed $7,000.  The motion passed unanimously.

Council then passed a new rental agreement for the Lent Town Hall building.  The new contract was revised protecting the city from potential renter issues.

In the finance report, council member Jeff Barrett told the council the city will end 2025 with investment interest earned just under $200,000.  Council thanked Barrett and Hayes for their hard work with city finances. 

Council resumed conversations about term limits for the mayor position.  It had been suggested the mayor’s term be extended to four years instead of the current two.  Council member Barrett said he spoke with some constituents and they felt four years was a long time to potentially have a mayor that could be a bad fit for the city and the residents.  Council discussed putting the question to the public on the ballot but ultimately decided on tabling the topic.  Mayor Utecht said he would respect whatever decision the council chose.

Council adjourned at 9:03pm.

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