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Stacy City Council met July 15 for a regular meeting. Mayor Mark Utecht was absent.

In an open forum County Commissioner Ben Montzka gave an update from the county level.  Montzka said they were dealing with the ongoing strike and they are trying to find a common ground with “these great employees” and the hope is to get them back working as soon as possible.  Montzka said he supports the striking workers. 

Stacy firefighter Eric Coehn next addressed the council.  He had presented a proposal for a new fire engine a couple of council meetings ago and was told to come check back.   Coehn reminded the council the longer they wait to purchase a new truck the more expensive it will be. Coehn said if the council approved the purchase of a new truck today, the first payment wouldn’t be for 18 months.  Council member Jeff Barrtett thanked Coehn and told him the subject will be discussed at the budget meeting next week.  

Talk turned to a proposed indoor cannabis cultivation company hoping to  reside in the former XPress Trucking site in Stacy Ponds industrial park.   Council held a public hearing about the proposed business a couple of weeks ago that got contentious at times.  Some residents were demanding the council change the cannabis retail regulations such as proximity  to homes, parks and schools to include cannabis production and cultivation.  City attorney James Monge told the council he has researched the matter and the city can not prohibit cannabis business in the city.  

Resident Erica Gregory  voiced her concerns about the location as it pertains to the public walking trail as well as the ballfield and park behind the fire hall.  Gregory also told council the plan for the North Branch Hockey Association’s rink that has been under construction for years will eventually host after school activities which is also in proximity to the cultivation building.  

Nic Kirvida who is purchasing the building reminded council they have worked on the purchase and plans for the building for almost two years now.  “I would have not have pursued this if I hadn’t researched this thoroughly” Kirvida said.  “We are bringing businesses in that are consistent with city regulations. I am not asking for special treatment, just asking the city to agree to the rules they have set forth” Kirvida added.

Council was told there is a public hearing next week for the planning commission to review the existing ordinances.  

Council passed an agreement for advertising at Doyle Fields. The city owns the fields, and is allowing the Lions Club to sell and keep proceeds to put towards future projects.

City engineer Dan Boyum gave an update on the 2026 street improvements.  Boyum told council the contractor is on schedule and expects the final wear course paving to begin the week of July 6.

Council approved a partial payout to contractor Astech for $364,085.22.

Boyum and maintenance supervisor Troy Nelson discussed a bid from KLM for painting the water tower.  Boyum was asked if his company Stantec could take over the engineering and  general contracting of the water tower project. Boyum told council KLM specializes in water towers and would be more experienced at handling the project. Painting the inside and out or sand blasting and painting the exterior.

Council next approved 28 residents to be election judges for the August 11 and November 3 elections.

Olson then gave a quote for concrete at the Stacy maintenance cold storage building for $17,865 from Grizzly Concrete.  Olson said sidewalks were not included in the bid but Grizzly said they would charge time and materials for the walks.  

Olson and the council next discussed the aging maintenance pickup truck. Council member Tim Sawatzsky made a motion for Olson to check into MNStateBids to see what kind of a deal the city could receive through the state.

Council voted in favor  using the burn tower fund in the amount of $2452 for a 50 gallon drum of liquid smoke that is used during training.

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