Bagley public meetings in 2023
35 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Bagley City Council met in a special session to address state funding. The council decided to use Public Safety Aid to purchase new turnout gear for the Fire Department.
- Allocation of $56,000.00 to $58,000.00 for Fire Department turnout gear
- Receipt of $56,626.00 in Public Safety Aid from the State of Minnesota
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved a new wage schedule for 2024, including a 3% COLA and 2.25% step increase, and endorsed a $300 raise for commissioners. They also reviewed the Water/Sewer Project's liquidated damages, approving $40,170 in costs from construction delays and authorizing next steps. The board approved a contract renewal with Forum Communications and discussed other operational updates.
- Approved 2024 wage schedule with new job titles, 2.25% annual step increase, and 3% COLA
- Approved $40,170 in liquidated damages for 39 days of Phase I construction delays, plus $10,300 for 10 additional days
- Approved renewal of Forum Communications contract (WDAY, Xtra, True Crime)
- Recommended raising commissioner base pay to $1,800 per year for 2024
- Authorized advertising for Business Manager position
Meeting
The Commission approved several payments related to the ongoing Water/Sewer project. Officials discussed potential liquidated damages due to construction delays in Phase I paving. Revised bids for subsequent project phases are expected in January 2024.
- Approved Reierson Pay App #7 for $932,041.35
- Approved Draw #10 for $947,588.38 from MRWA interim financing loan funds
- Approved transfer of $114,767.82 to Water & Sewer Account
- Phase II and Phase III project bids scheduled for January 2024
City Council
The Bagley City Council met on November 8, 2023, to discuss the ongoing Water/Wastewater Project, including delays and paving problems with the general contractor. The council decided to take no action at this time but will keep the option open for assessing liquidated damages. They also approved routine items, including consent agenda, minutes, and financial transfers.
- Water/Wastewater Project: utilities in ground for phase 1, paving issues and contractor delays discussed; no action taken
- Approved transfer of $295,205.56 from R&B Capital Improvement Committed Fund to General Funds
- Approved consent agenda including checks, invoices, and Resolutions #45-23, #46-23, #47-23 accepting donations
- Police Chief reported 2014 Taurus delivered, only 2 applications for 4th officer opening, potential abatement on Willberg Ave property
- Approved moving city funds into CDs and Money Market accounts at local banks (First National Bank, Riverwood Bank)
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved several resolutions and payments, including rejecting Burlington Northern's $100,000 offer to close the Clearwater Ave. railroad crossing, approving payments for the Water/Wastewater Project, and authorizing up to $15,000 for a used squad car. The council also discussed but tabled a proposal to invest in the League of Minnesota Cities 4M Fund.
- Rejected Burlington Northern's $100,000 offer to permanently close the Clearwater Ave. railroad crossing
- Approved Pay Application #7 for $932,041.35 to Reierson Construction for Water/Wastewater Project Phase 1
- Approved Draw #10 for $947,588.38 for outstanding invoices to Reierson Construction, Karvakko Engineering, and American Engineering
- Approved $114,767.82 payment to Public Utilities Commission for ineligible USDA expenses
- Authorized up to $15,000 for a used squad car
City Council
The Bagley City Council met with township representatives to discuss fire protection contracts. They reviewed budget documents and agreed to add $5,000 to the 2024 budget for a required state audit. The meeting was brief and procedural, with no other business discussed.
- Approved $5,000 increase to 2024 budget for Firemen's Relief audit
- Reviewed 2024 proposed fire department budget
- Reviewed year-to-date fire department budget report
- Reviewed savings account register
- Meeting with townships holding fire protection contracts
City Council
The Bagley City Council met to review September finances and department reports. The Council passed an ordinance prohibiting public cannabis use and authorized the municipal liquor store to sell THC-infused beverages.
- Approved Ordinance #191 prohibiting public cannabis use or consumption
- Authorized sale of THC-infused products at the Bagley Municipal Liquor Store
- Rejected Burlington Northern's $75,000.00 offer to close the Clearwater Ave. railroad crossing
- Approved $6,024.00 prepayment for 2024 fireworks
- Authorized advertising to hire a new police officer
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved routine items including minutes, expenditures, and October bills. They also approved a $717,482.48 loan draw for the water/sewer project, purchased a GIS mapping package from Frontier for $30,000, and set new internet and cable rates effective December 1, 2023. The board also increased the residential garbage fee to $14.00 per month effective January 1, 2024.
- Approved Draw #9 for $717,482.48 in loan funds for water/sewer project
- Purchased GIS mapping package from Frontier for $30,000 plus annual support
- Set internet packages: 50Mb at $35/month and 100Mb at $40/month effective Dec 1, 2023
- Increased expanded basic cable rate by $4 effective Dec 1, 2023
- Increased residential garbage fee to $14.00/month effective Jan 1, 2024
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved the 2024 proposed city budget and levy, and agreed to join as a co-applicant for a federal Recompete grant. They also approved several financial items, including a $7.2 million grant agreement, a water/wastewater project draw, and payment of ineligible expenses. Public hearings were scheduled for a cannabis ordinance and Truth in Taxation.
- Approved 2024 Proposed City Budget and Levy
- Approved Resolution #41-23, Grant Agreement with MPFA for $7.2 million
- Approved Draw Request #9 for Phase 1 Water/Wastewater Project: $717,482.48
- Approved payment of $110,752.33 ineligible expenses for Phase 1 Water/Wastewater Project
- Scheduled public hearings: Ordinance 191 (cannabis) on Oct 11, 2023; Truth in Taxation on Dec 13, 2023
City Council
The Bagley City Council met in special session to discuss the 2024 city budget. They decided to include $5,000 for a Firemen's Relief audit in the Fire Department budget, with plans to discuss cost-sharing with townships in October. Pay increases for the Cemetery Sexton and Zoning Administrator were removed from the budget.
- Added $5,000 to Fire Department 2024 budget for Firemen's Relief audit
- Removed pay increases for Cemetery Sexton and Zoning Administrator from 2024 budget
- Scheduled October meeting with townships to discuss audit cost-sharing
City Council
The Bagley City Council met in regular session on September 13, 2023, to discuss and decide on several items. They approved a $68,980.11 invoice for the Truck Highway 92 project, accepted a $64,355.00 matching grant for a fishing pier on Lake Lomond, and reviewed the proposed 2024 city budget, which will be further discussed at a special session on September 20. The council also discussed a potential sale of a city-owned lot at 203 Brown Ave. and heard from the All-School Reunion committee about parade and event plans.
- Approved payment of $68,980.11 to Widseth, Smith, Nolting & Assoc. Inc. for Truck Highway 92 project
- Accepted $64,355.00 matching grant for fishing pier on Lake Lomond
- Reviewed 2024 proposed city budget (3.3% increase, no levy impact)
- Quoted price of $12,300.00 plus closing costs for city-owned lot at 203 Brown Ave.
- Approved Consent Agenda including Ordinance No. 190 and Reierson Construction pay request #6
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved a $80,000 final payment to Widseth Smith Nolting (WSN) to settle the engineering contract for the Hwy #92 project, after WSN's invoice was reduced from $123,000. The commission also approved minutes, expenditures, and bills, recommended a grant agreement for a $7.2 million bonding grant, and tabled a discussion on upgraded internet packages.
- Final payment of $80,000 to WSN for Hwy #92 engineering, funded by MN PFA loan and BPU funds
- Approved August 2023 expenditures and September 2023 bills
- Recommended City Council adopt Resolution 41-23 for $7.2 million MN PFA bonding grant
- Reviewed July financial reports
- Tabled discussion on upgraded internet packages and promotions
City Council
The Bagley City Council met on August 23, 2023, and discussed the 2024 budget (postponed), an ordinance on public cannabis use, and fire hall repairs after a sewer backup. They approved a settlement with Renee Benson, authorized purchase of two used rifles, and set dates for a public hearing and budget review.
- Public hearing set for Sept. 13, 2023, on cannabis ordinance
- Approved Settlement and Release Agreement with Renee Benson
- Authorized purchase of two used rifles from Menaga Police Dept. for $1,500 each
- Fire hall sewer backup damages discussed; repair options considered
- 2024 budget review set for Sept. 20, 2023
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved two draws from interim loan funds totaling about $657,000 to reimburse engineering and construction costs for the water/sewer project. They also discussed a final invoice dispute with WSN, generator installations, and upgraded internet options, but made no decisions on those items.
- Approved Draw #7 of $106,109.57 for engineering and testing reimbursements
- Approved Draw #8 of $550,897.90 for construction invoices including Reierson Construction Pay App #5
- Discussed WSN final invoice; WSN president to attend September meetings
- Received $17,000 quote to install generator at cable headend, funded by grant
- Tabled discussion on upgraded internet packages
City Council
The Bagley City Council met in regular session and approved several payments and actions, including a major payment for the Water/Wastewater Project. They also approved the release of police handguns, allowed the police chief to drive his squad car home, and approved repairs to the Liquor Store.
- Approved Pay Request #5 from Rerierson Construction for the Water/Wastewater Project in the amount of $525,326.52
- Approved Draw #7 for Engineering and Attorney Fees for the Water/Wastewater Project in the amount of $106,109.57
- Approved quote from First City Caulking, LLC for Liquor Store exterior repairs in the amount of $6,650.00
- Approved release of 6 Glock 22 .40 caliber guns from the Police Department
- Approved payment of outstanding utility bill in the amount of $1,617.71
City Council
The Bagley City Council met in special session to discuss a pending EEOC charge (Charge # 444-2023-01635) against the city. The council voted to close the meeting for the discussion, then reconvened and adjourned. No other business was conducted.
- Closed session to discuss EEOC Charge # 444-2023-01635 against the City of Bagley
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved the purchase of a 2023 Dodge Durango police vehicle for $39,911, funded by insurance from a damaged squad car. They also directed the city attorney to draft a panhandling ordinance and discussed rental agreements from other cities for future consideration. The council declined to sell city-owned land to North Star Self-Storage, and received an update on the Water/Wastewater Project.
- Approved purchase of 2023 Dodge Durango police vehicle for $39,911.00
- Directed city attorney to draft panhandling ordinance
- Declined to sell parcel #R23.308.0340 to North Star Self-Storage
- Discussed rental agreements from other Minnesota cities
- Received update on Water/Wastewater Project
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission reviewed progress on the Phase I water and sewer infrastructure project, including a $7.2 million state bonding grant and plans to borrow $8.35 million. They approved routine items such as minutes, expenditures, and an audit report, and made decisions on equipment purchases, hiring, and rate adjustments.
- Approved draw #6 of $384,378.80 from interim loan funds for Reierson Construction Pay App #4
- Approved purchase of 2016 Ford F250 truck with utility box from Michels Pipeline for $17,500
- Approved hiring Duane Lewis as licensed utility worker effective July 10, 2023
- Adjusted wind energy rate effective May 1, 2023 to match NMPA 2023 Wholesale Rate
- Discussed but decided not to pursue a program to help homeowners replace sewer service lines
City Council
The Bagley City Council held a public hearing to consider an interim ordinance prohibiting the commercial sale, testing, manufacturing, cultivation, growing, transporting, delivery, and distribution of cannabinoid products in the city. The ordinance is a moratorium to give the Council and Mayor more time to decide how to handle cannabis following new state legislation. County Attorney Kathryn Lorsbach suggested that the City Council, County Commissioners, and a Tribal Government representative discuss how Clearwater County should proceed. The hearing was closed after questions and comments from the Council and audience.
- Public hearing on interim ordinance banning commercial cannabinoid activities
- Moratorium ordinance to allow time for cannabis policy review
- County Attorney suggests joint discussion with County Commissioners and Tribal Government
- New Minnesota state law legalizing cannabis use and distribution cited as context
City Council
The Bagley City Council reviewed the 2022 city and utility audits, discussed the water/wastewater project phases, and decided to pursue a moratorium on cannabis licenses and public consumption, scheduling a public hearing for July 12. They also approved several administrative actions including an employee handbook update and step raises.
- Public hearing scheduled for July 12 on cannabis moratorium
- 2022 City Audit approved
- Final pay request for 2022 airport obstruction removal to Reierson Construction approved
- Up to $5,000 approved for Employee Handbook update
- Step raises for employees approved for July
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission held a special meeting to review the 2022 audit report, presented by Tracee Bruggeman. The audit noted recurring findings and a new issue with underinsured bank deposits. The commission postponed official approval until the regular July meeting so all commissioners could be present.
- 2022 BPU Audit presented by Tracee Bruggeman
- Recurring findings: annual report compilation and segregation of office duties
- New finding: BPU funds at First National Bank underinsured on Dec 31, 2022
- Corrective action: additional pledges and daily monitoring of bank balances
- Audit approval postponed to regular July board meeting
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved routine items including minutes, May and June expenditures, and a revised designated funds schedule. They also authorized a final loan draw of $71,344.27 to pay Widseth for engineering services on the Hwy #92 project, designated Juneteenth as a paid holiday, and increased the customer deposit interest rate to 4.7%.
- Approved $71,344.27 payment to Widseth from 2018 MN PFA Clean Water loan for Project #2019-11819
- Awarded $7.2 million matching-funds grant for Water and Sewer Infrastructure Project
- Designated June 19 (Juneteenth) as paid holiday
- Increased customer deposit interest rate to 4.7% effective July 1, 2023
- Approved revised designated funds totaling $750,000
City Council
The Bagley City Council met in regular session and handled routine approvals, including minutes, consent agenda, and payments. They approved licenses for Orton's and the Bagley Co-op C Store to sell cannabinoid products, but tabled a discussion about selling such products at the Municipal Liquor Store until the City Attorney can attend. The council also approved a $14,826.65 payment for a golf cart for the City Park.
- Approved applications from Orton's and Bagley Co-op C Store for cannabinoid sales licenses (vote 3-1, Merschman nay)
- Tabled discussion on selling cannabinoid products at Municipal Liquor Store until next meeting
- Approved payment of $14,826.65 for a 2023 Club Car golf cart for City Park
- Reviewed May receipts totaling $79,357.05 and expenditures totaling $105,804.42
- Police Chief discussed purchase of old supplies by officers; clerk to check with City Attorney
City Council
The Bagley City Council met and handled routine business, including tabling a proposed golf cart purchase for more research, approving a variance request, and accepting airport grant applications. The council also added Juneteenth as a city employee holiday and approved payments for a squad car repair and other invoices. The mayor announced the city received bonding funds it had sought.
- Tabled discussion on $7,800 golf cart from saferwholesale.com for Park Attendant
- Approved Resolution #35-23, a variance request by Wade Crist
- Approved Airport Maintenance and Operation Grant Application #1053247 and Resolution #36-23
- Added Juneteenth to city employee holidays
- Approved $1,332.09 to Bob Lowth Ford for 2013 Ford Taurus squad car repairs
City Council
The Bagley City Council met on April 26, 2023, and approved several items related to the city's 125th anniversary, including a Rotary raffle and gambling permit, and directed the clerk to check on banners and promotions. The council also noted that Police Chief Gunderson secured a $17,969.60 grant from the Team Foundation to cover the full cost of new police department computers.
- Approved Rotary raffle application
- Approved Resolution #29-23 for Bagley Rotary gambling permit
- Discussed Bagley 125th anniversary, including July 4th parade
- Directed clerk to check on banners and promotions for 125th birthday
- Police department received $17,969.60 grant from Team Foundation for new computers
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved moving forward with the bidding process for Phase Two of the Water/Wastewater project, contingent on USDA approval. They also welcomed new owners of Mac's Café, approved routine consent agenda items, set spring clean-up dates, and approved several expenditures and licenses.
- Water/Wastewater Phase Two bidding contingent on USDA approval
- New business: Rother's Just Desserts purchasing Mac's Café, renovation planned, August opening
- Consent agenda included donations, variance approval, NMPA director/advisor appointments, 2023 Township Fire Contracts
- Spring clean-up dates: May 8 (South side Hwy. 92), May 10 (North side Hwy. 92)
- City Hall flooring project and carpet cleaning approved (~$2,000, shared with Public Utilities)
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission voted to proceed with bidding Phase II of the water and sewer project, contingent on USDA approval, despite uncertainty about state bonding funds. The board also approved routine items, equipment purchases, and a new hire.
- Motion to put Phase II out for bids contingent on USDA approval
- Approved purchase of two new pumps at Getchell lift station for $26,253.75
- Authorized order for one new truck ($60,000) and boom ($70,000-$75,000)
- Ordered three dual-fuel backup generators from Clearbrook Electric
- Hired Nolan Nelson as licensed utility worker/utility technician
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission met on March 15, 2023, and made several decisions, including purchasing a mini excavator, authorizing installation of backup generators, and approving a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for former union employees. The board also discussed but tabled payment of an engineering invoice for the Hwy #92 project pending legal review, and reviewed updates on the water and sewer project.
- Approved purchase of Bobcat 33hp mini excavator for $54,786.39 after $15,000 trade-in
- Authorized installation of three backup generators: $36,381 for waterplant, $14,000 each for Getchell and Greensview lift stations
- Approved 2.5% COLA for former union positions and office staff retroactive to Jan 1, 2023
- Tabled payment of $123,006.92 WSN engineering invoice for Hwy #92 project pending attorney review
- Authorized advertising for utility workers, journeyman lineman, and business manager positions
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved routine financial items, including moving $500,000 to a higher-interest money market account, and authorized purchases of a Bobcat skid steer and new squad car computers. They also heard from residents about a suspected meth problem in an apartment building, discussed industrial park lot sales, and set a public hearing for April 12 on DEED funding.
- Approved purchase of Bobcat skid steer with sweeper and blower for $36,500 (trade-in)
- Moved $500,000 from city checking to money market account
- Approved $1,000 for additional 4th of July fireworks for Bagley's 125th birthday
- Set public hearing for April 12 at 5:15 p.m. on DEED funding (Resolution #17-23)
- Approved resolutions accepting donations for the Pier Project (#15-23, #16-23)
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission discussed the status of the Phase II water project, with USDA approval pending minor changes. They considered whether to wait for state bonding funds or proceed with bidding in March. The board approved minutes, January expenditures, and February bills, and received updates on union voting, the Hwy #92 project, and a lift station repair.
- USDA returned Phase II plans with comments; approval pending minor changes
- Discussion on waiting for bonding funds vs. bidding project in March
- Approved January 2023 expenditures and February 2023 bills
- BPU employees voted on union representation; contract discussions restricted
- Repair scheduled for broken piping at Golfview lift station
City Council
The Bagley City Council met with townships holding fire protection contracts to review fire department finances and charges. Attendees received budget and expense documents, but no questions were raised and the meeting adjourned without further discussion.
- Reviewed final 2022 fire department budget and general ledger
- Reviewed approved 2023 fire department budget
- Reviewed fire truck savings account activity
- Reviewed township charge breakdown and calculation method
City Council
The Bagley City Council met and discussed the Phase 2 Water/Wastewater project, deciding to wait for the Public Utility Commission's input before proceeding with bidding. They also reviewed the airport runway replacement need, approved the consent agenda, and handled routine financial reports.
- Phase 2 Water/Wastewater project: USDA comments 90% complete, bid process delayed pending funding source decision
- Municipal Airport runway replacement discussed, potential bonding dollars available
- Consent agenda approved: Resolutions #9-23 to #13-23 (HRA appointments, donations, real property sale, county attorney agreement)
- January receipts $31,399.25; expenditures $201,327.52 (December) and $215,946.41 (January)
- Purchase and Development Agreement with N. Lewis void; letter to be drafted
City Council
The Bagley City Council met and, in closed discussion, decided by consensus to hire candidate "A" for the Chief of Police position. The council also approved a labor agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services and accepted a donation for the Fire Department. Mayor Michel discussed a state bonding bill for the Water/Wastewater Project.
- Hired candidate "A" for Chief of Police position
- Approved Resolution #7-23: labor agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.
- Approved Resolution #8-23: acceptance of Fire Department donation
- Discussed state Bonding Bill for Water/Wastewater Project financial assistance
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission met on January 18, 2023, and approved a resolution increasing residential and commercial water and sewer base rates, plus a $0.10 per 1,000 gallons usage charge increase, effective January 1, 2023. The board also raised the monthly employee insurance benefit from $905 to $1,005, and discussed a potential state bonding award for a construction project, a union contract tabled due to a state mediation letter, and various department updates.
- Approved Resolution 2023-01 increasing water and sewer rates effective January 1, 2023
- Increased monthly employee insurance benefit from $905 to $1,005
- Discussed pursuing state bonding funds vs. USDA funds for construction project
- Tabled union contract discussion per MN Bureau of Mediation Services letter
- Noted retirement of Natalie Olson effective January 31, 2023
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved the 2023 consent agenda, including fund transfers and donations, and ratified labor agreements with Law Enforcement Labor Services Local 481. They also accepted a fuel bid from Bagley Cenex and discussed fire department concerns about hoarder homes and equipment needs.
- Approved labor agreement and MOU with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local 481
- Accepted fuel bid from Bagley Cenex at $0.05 below pump price
- Approved transfer of $68,186.06 from Roads and Bridges Capital Improvement fund for Water/Wastewater Project expenses
- Approved additional invoice payment of $2,501.25
- Discussed fire department issues: hoarder homes, snowplow, and turnout gear replacement