Bagley public meetings in 2025
35 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved routine items including minutes, November expenditures, and December bills. They discussed a contractor's rejected liquidated damages and $90,000 delay claim, approved employee raises and benefits, renewed a TV channel, and increased electrical project funds.
- Reierson Construction rejected liquidated damages for Phase 5 water/sewer project; requested $90,000 for flushing delays
- Approved $1,200 insurance benefit, 3% COLA, 2% step increase for PUC employees effective Jan 1, 2026
- Increased designated funds for electrical maintenance to $250,000 from $100,000
- Renewed TBN channel through Dec 31, 2030 at no charge
- Approved Resolution #03-2025 updating bank account agents
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved the 2026 city budget and levy, awarded a park road improvement bid, and handled routine items like financial reports and personnel matters. The Truth in Taxation hearing drew no public comments. The council also approved resolutions amending and decertifying TIF districts.
- Approved 2026 City Budget and Levy (levy unchanged at $651,973)
- Awarded Park Road Improvement Project bid to R.J. Zavoral & Sons for $124,863 (City share $41,030)
- Approved Resolution 23-25 amending TIF District 2-1 boundaries
- Approved Resolution 24-25 decertifying TIF District 2-2
- Approved transfer of $11,995 from Police Car committed fund to general fund
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved recommendations from the Public Utilities Commission to assess liquidated damages on the Water Sewer project and pay a phase incentive, approved a police vehicle purchase, and discussed subcontracting with the county. The meeting also covered routine approvals of minutes, consent agenda, and financial reports.
- Approved $4,500 liquidated damages for Water Sewer Phase 2/3 and $85,200 total project liquidated damages
- Approved $21,100 amendment to engineering contract for Phase 5
- Approved spending up to $28,000 on a 2021 Durango police vehicle
- Approved $4,000 early buy for fireworks
- Approved conditional use permit for seasonal bar for Troy Jesness and John Gerbracht
City Council
The Bagley City Council held a public hearing to discuss whether to continue exploring subcontracting police services with the Clearwater County Sheriff's Department. Residents and officials raised concerns about response times, costs, and coverage, while the Sheriff noted potential staffing changes. No decision was made; the council will discuss the matter at its next meeting.
- Public hearing on subcontracting police services to Clearwater County
- Current police budget: $445,000 for three officers
- Sheriff's estimate: at least two more deputies needed for county coverage
- Officer Schipper estimated $2-3 million to reestablish police department if disbanded
- Examples cited: Red Lake Falls contracts at $6,000/month; Moose Lake pays about $590,000/year
City Council
The Bagley City Council met with townships holding fire protection contracts to discuss the 2026 proposed budget, a denied FEMA grant for SCBA equipment, and questions about coverage and mutual aid. The meeting was informational, with no formal decisions made beyond adjourning.
- Discussion of denied FEMA grant for SCBA replacement (equipment ~16 years old, OSHA standards)
- Review of proposed 2026 budget and year-to-date Fire Department budget report
- Discussion of fire coverage, mutual aid agreements, and insurance implications for taxpayers
- Review of Fire Truck Savings Account register and General Ledger Account Activity
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved routine financial items, including payments, fund transfers, and construction pay applications. They also approved a police officer's transition to part-time and authorized advertising for a full-time replacement. The council set a public hearing on subcontracting for October 29 and approved park fee increases.
- Approved moving $26,725.44 from Police Equipment Fund to General Fund
- Approved USDA Fund Request #19 for $793,798.36
- Approved Pay App #3 Tanksco Inc. Water Tower Project for $257,094.50
- Approved Pay App #3 Reierson Construction Phase 5 for $478,515.36
- Approved park camping rate increase from $30 to $35 and shelter rental from $35 to $40
City Council
The Bagley City Council met and approved the 2026 preliminary budget, which includes a 3% COLA and increased health benefits, with the proposed levy remaining at $651,973. They also accepted a fire mutual aid agreement, approved a rebid estimate for engineering on Tad Pole Loop, and handled routine consent agenda items.
- Approved 2026 preliminary budget with $651,973 levy (no increase from 2025)
- Accepted Fire Mutual Aid Agreement with Clearbrook, Shevlin, Itasca, Gonvick fire departments
- Approved Tad Pole Loop engineering rebid estimate not to exceed $1,750
- Approved payment of Henry's invoice for $2,052.49
- Approved Arnold's attendance at NABCA conference (expenses covered)
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved routine minutes, expenditures, and bills, and authorized a consent agenda with payments for the water/sewer project. They also accepted the retirement of Business Manager Vicky Fletcher, appointed Ashley Shongo to replace her, and adjusted Shongo's wage. The commission discussed project progress, including a completed water tower and ongoing Phase 5 work, and tabled a review of the Business Manager job description.
- Approved Reierson Construction Phase 5 Pay App #2 for $388,956.58
- Approved TanksCo Inc Water Tower Project Pay App #2 for $261,630.00
- Approved Regions Bank draw request #17 for $717,784.78 pending USDA approval
- Approved Change Order #2 for water tower mixer at $22,600
- Accepted Vicky Fletcher's retirement effective October 31, 2025; Ashley Shongo to become Business Manager
City Council
The Bagley City Council met in regular session and approved routine financials, a consent agenda, and several construction payments. They rejected the Tad Pole Lane bids as too high and will rebid next year. The 2026 preliminary budget was discussed but not approved, with approval expected at the next meeting.
- Approved USDA Funding Request #17 for $717,784.78
- Approved Pay App #2 for Tanksco Inc for $261,630.00
- Approved Pay App #2 for Reierson Construction Inc for Phase 5 for $388,956.58
- Rejected Tad Pole Lane bids due to high cost; will rebid next year
- Set township fire contract meeting for October 22 at 6 pm
City Council
The Bagley City Council held a regular meeting where it evaluated a city employee in closed session, approved a full liquor license for Daroo's Pizza, and discussed the 2026 preliminary budget, including new paid leave requirements. The council also discussed options for the liquor store and a new park attendant building, but left the latter out of the 2026 budget for now.
- Approved full liquor license for Daroo's Pizza
- Discussed payoff schedules and potential addition to city liquor store
- Reviewed 2026 preliminary budget, including new paid leave starting in 2026
- Discussed new park attendant building and bathhouse, left out of 2026 budget
- Closed session for employee performance evaluation
City Council
The Bagley City Council is deciding whether to contract law enforcement services with the Clearwater County Sheriff's office, forming a committee to meet with the county. The council also approved several payments and resolutions, including over $2.4 million in water tower and sewer project payments. Other business included a new firefighter hire, a zoning variance, and an animal ordinance enforcement deadline.
- Formed committee to discuss contracting law enforcement with Clearwater County
- Approved consent agenda with payments totaling over $2.4 million for Water Tower and Phase 5 projects
- Approved zoning variance for Adam Willey
- Fire Department hired Jaxon Paulson; open house set for August 23
- Gave individual until Monday to register animals or face enforcement
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved routine items including meeting minutes, July expenditures, and August bills. The main action was approving a consent agenda with five payments totaling about $2.44 million for the ongoing water/sewer project, including pay applications to Reierson Construction and TanksCo. The commission also approved hiring two new utility office staff and received manager updates on project progress and an electric system study.
- Approved Reierson Construction Phase 2/3 Pay App #8 with CO #4 for $678,705.05
- Approved Request #8 from MN PFA for grant funds of $814,693.80
- Approved Reierson Construction Phase 5 Pay App #1 for $323,395.22
- Approved TanksCo Inc Water Tower Project Pay App #1 for $113,192.50
- Approved Regions Bank draw request #16 pending USDA approval for $512,332.72
City Council
The Bagley City Council met in a special session on August 5, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. After discussion on agenda items, the council voted to adjourn at 5:37 p.m. The agenda contains no specific action items or decisions, only the meeting's opening and adjournment.
- Special session held August 5, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers
- Meeting adjourned at 5:37 p.m. on motion by Merschman, seconded by Kaiser
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved a consent agenda including a property sale resolution, a cannabinoid license renewal, and revised payments for water and sewer projects. They also approved hiring part-time liquor store workers at a higher pay step and a $1,500 contribution to Tri-Valley Public Transportation. Discussions were held on police coverage, zoning enforcement, campers, and a possible sheriff contract, but no decisions were made on those topics.
- Resolution #18-25 Property Sale
- Revised Pay App #10 to Reierson Construction for $232,101.63
- USDA Draw Request for $381,081.88 (Phase 1)
- USDA Draw Request for $147,803.37 (Water Tower and Phase 5)
- Tri-Valley Public Transportation request for $1,500.00
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved routine items including June expenditures, July bills, and the consent agenda for the water/sewer project, which includes a $1,092,281.16 payment to Reierson Construction and a $1,163,757.16 grant request. The board also approved a resolution formalizing a 4% electric rate increase and a $1 per month increase for security lights, and accepted the 2024 audit report. Manager updates covered sewer pond repairs, paving, temporary water system, and underground electric line conversion plans.
- Approved consent agenda: Reierson Construction Pay App #7 for $1,092,281.16 and MN PFA grant request for $1,163,757.16
- Approved Resolution #2025-02: 4% electric rate increase and $1/month security light rate increase
- Accepted 2024 BPU Audit report presented by Amanda Scanson of Brady Martz
- Underground electric/cable conversion: 3 blocks estimated at $55,000-$60,000, with $125,000 annual budget for replacements
- Authorized hiring new office staff and purchasing office equipment
City Council
The Bagley City Council met in regular session and approved the consent agenda, including a $1,163,757.16 pay request for the Phase 2/3 Water and Sewer Project. They also heard financial reports, a sheriff's department update, and discussed liquor store staffing and a fireworks trailer repair. The meeting was largely routine with several approvals and updates.
- Approved Pay Request #7 from MN PFA for Phase 2/3 Water and Sewer Project: $1,163,757.16
- Approved Pay Application #7 to Reierson Construction for Phase 2/3: $1,092,281.16
- Approved moving $26,934.00 from 2024 GO Bond 2024A – CIP Fire Hall Committed Funds to General Fund
- Approved Temporary Liquor License for the American Legion
- Discussed sale of Kastner Lot #7; council authorized resolution and purchase agreement
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved cross-training street department employees to be on call for Public Utilities, contingent on wage increases effective August 1. They also approved the sale of items from a sealed bid auction, a road repair quote of $14,200, and several minor requests. The meeting included updates on software transition and park maintenance.
- Approved cross-training street employees for Public Utilities on-call duty, with wage increases starting August 1
- Approved sale of items from sealed bid auction opened June 23
- Approved road repair quote of $14,200 for road adjoining Lomond Loop
- Approved Cub Scout use of library community room
- Discussed Wi-Fi booster installation at park and requested estimate for women's bathroom plumbing repair
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved a 4% increase to all electric rates, with the ripple rate set at $0.07, and raised facility charges to $21 for residential and $31 for commercial/three-phase services. The board also voted to end participation in the Powersavers program effective January 1, 2026. They approved payments, including a $613,699.38 construction pay application and a $643,901.38 grant request for the water/sewer project, and discussed combining utility and street departments.
- Approved 4% increase to all kWh rates, ripple rate to $0.07, facility charges to $21 residential/$31 commercial
- Ended Powersavers program participation effective January 1, 2026
- Approved Reierson Construction Pay App #6 for $613,699.38 and MN PFA grant request for $643,901.38
- Hired William Gray and Charles Kaiser as summer employees at $12.00 per hour
- Discussed combining utility and street departments into public works
City Council
The Bagley City Council approved the consent agenda, including a $643,901.38 pay request for the Phase 2/3 Water and Sewer project, and reviewed monthly financials. They discussed hiring for the Liquor Store, a road repair quote of $16,180, and a citizen complaint about law enforcement. The meeting was largely routine, with several items tabled or scheduled for future discussion.
- Approved pay request #6 from MN PFA for Phase 2/3 Water and Sewer project for $643,901.38
- Approved pay application #6 to Reierson Construction for $613,699.38
- Discussed road repair quote of $16,180 for a property owner; tabled to work session
- Discussed potential purchase of Clearbrook PD's old Ford Explorer squad car
- Approved parade permits for Bagley High School Homecoming and Bagley Rotary July 4th
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission held a special meeting to discuss and approve a temporary schedule change for employee Allison Brooks. The commission voted unanimously to allow Brooks to work three days per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) from June 2 through July 31, 2025, after which her employment in that position will end.
- Approved Allison Brooks' return to Temporary Deputy Business Manager with a 3-day-per-week schedule (Mon/Wed/Fri) from June 2 to July 31, 2025
- Employment in the stated position will terminate on July 31, 2025
- Motion passed unanimously by commissioners Lien and Merschman
City Council
The Bagley City Council met on May 28, 2025, and approved a task order for construction improvements at Tad Pole Lane in the park, funded largely by a state grant. They also discussed a potential full-depth reclamation of the airport runway, with a study recommended to secure future funding. Updates were given on water and sewer projects and the water tower project. A public hearing on the animal ordinance was scheduled for the week of June 16th.
- Approved task order for Tad Pole Lane construction improvements; 75% funded by $120,000 State Park Road Account Grant, city pays 25% plus engineering
- Discussed airport runway replacement; full-depth reclamation estimated at $1,000,000, with MNDOT Aeronautics paying 90% and city 10%
- Water and sewer project Phase 2 and 3 underway, completion expected July 18; Phase 5 starts June 16, completion September 4
- Water tower project projected to start June 16, completion by August 1
- Approved consent agenda including Resolution #16-25 Off Site Bingo Application
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved hiring Frontier Electric to connect new underground electric service lines to existing meters for $250 per customer, initially for 8 customers on Brown St NE. The board also set the annual interest rate on utility deposits at 4.4% effective July 1, 2025, and discussed updates on the electric system assessment, streetlight replacement, water tower renovation, and the Well Head Protection Plan.
- Approved Frontier Electric for underground service hookups at $250 per customer, starting with 8 customers on Brown St NE
- Set annual interest rate on utility service deposits at 4.4% effective July 1, 2025
- Approved April 2025 expenditures and May 2025 bills
- Water tower renovation scheduled to start around June 15, 2025
- Well Head Protection Plan updated; public meeting to be scheduled
City Council
The Bagley City Council met for its regular session and made several decisions, including approving the purchase of new police radios, accepting a grant for a park road project, and moving forward on an animal ordinance. The council also discussed a pollinator garden, liquor store conference attendance, and a potential outdoor rink.
- Approved $37,053.94 for four Motorola police radios from GO Bond 2024A-Equipment funds
- Accepted $120,000 grant for Tadpole Lane rebuild; city share ~$40,000
- Approved moving $61,516.38 from GO Bond 2024-CIP Fire Hall funds to general fund
- Discussed hiring private firm for July 4th fireworks; only one council member licensed
- Approved material testing proposal for Phase 5 of Water Sewer Project
City Council
The Bagley City Council awarded the Water and Sewer Project Phase 5 bid to Reierson Construction for $1,565,288.88, contingent on USDA Rural Development funding, with work planned June 2 to September 5. The council also approved a one-year trial agreement with BARCO to take in extra dogs at $1,000 per month plus $150 per dog over five, and discussed tree removal at the Sanford Health heliport to comply with MNDOT license requirements. Updates were given on other construction phases, a $120,000 grant for resurfacing the Tad Pole loop, and ongoing ordinance revisions.
- Awarded Water and Sewer Project Phase 5 to Reierson Construction at $1,565,288.88, contingent on USDA Rural Development funds
- Approved one-year trial with BARCO for extra dogs at $1,000/month plus $150 per dog over 5
- Discussed removing trees obstructing the Sanford Health heliport approach to comply with MNDOT license
- Approved consent agenda including Raffle Permit for Bagley Rotary Club and Airport Equipment Grant Application
- Received $120,000 grant for Tad Pole loop resurfacing with 75-25 state split
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved routine items including minutes, March expenditures, and April bills. They accepted a three-year maintenance contract for lift stations, approved several cable contract renewals and an HBO termination, and raised the basic cable rate to $84 per month. The board also discussed an electric system assessment and a new wholesale power rate increase.
- Approved $1,577 annual maintenance contract with MN Pump Works for lift station inspections
- Approved basic cable rate increase to $84/month effective May 1, 2025
- Approved cable contract extensions for FanDuel, MLB Twins, Warner Bros. Discovery, and RFD; terminated HBO
- Discussed electric system assessment by HDR Engineering (cost covered by NMPA) and design costs estimated at $15,000-$20,000
- Noted new wholesale power rate with ~8% increase effective April 1, 2025
City Council
The Bagley City Council met in special session to handle routine business and discuss animal control. The council ordered 10 additional live animal traps and tabled a partnership with the Bemidji Area Regional Animal Control Organization until the next meeting. They also approved the consent agenda, reviewed March finances, and heard updates from department heads.
- Ordered 10 more live animal traps; animal control officer reported catching 111 cats since September
- Tabled Bemidji Area Regional Animal Control partnership until next meeting
- Approved consent agenda including resolutions for raffle permits, NMPA appointments, and donations
- Approved $4,090.07 transfer from Fire Department Capital Outlay funds and $2,424.54 from GO Bond 2024A-CIP Fire Hall funds to general fund
- Approved $114,580.00 transfer from GO Bond 2024A-Equipment Committed Funds to general fund
City Council
The Bagley City Council met to receive updates on several infrastructure projects, including the water tower and roadwork phases, and heard from the HRDC about housing rehabilitation funds. The council also accepted a $2,500 donation from the Bagley Rotary Club for the water tower project and approved a consent agenda that included a raffle permit. A property detachment request and a lot sale were also discussed.
- Karvakko Engineering update: Phase 1 closeout, Phase 2/3 resume late May, Phase 5 bid opening April 17, start June 2, completion Sept 15
- Water Tower project: pre-con April 9, start April 21, completion Aug 31; $2,500 Rotary Club donation accepted
- HRDC Small Cities program: up to $20,000 block grant for public building energy audits through 2026
- DEED Small Cities Project: $25,000 per household for home rehab, 12 homes eligible, 3 under contract, 2 applications
- Zingsheims purchasing Lot 1 in Kastner subdivision for $12,000
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved February expenditures and March bills, and discussed updates on the water/sewer project, including a payment dispute with Knife River over $70,000 in incentive payments. The board also declined to grant sewer charge relief without a written policy, suggested a payment plan, and approved exploring combining street and utility departments into a public works department.
- Approved February 2025 expenditures and March bills
- Discussed unpaid Pay App #10 for Phase I due to missing paperwork and $70,000 incentive dispute with Knife River
- Phase V of Water/Sewer Project approved by USDA, bids open April 17, 2025, work starts June 2
- Denied sewer charge credit for residential leak, suggested payment plan without penalties
- Approved exploration of combining street department with public utilities into a public works department
City Council
The Bagley City Council met on March 12, 2025, and approved routine items including minutes, consent agenda, and financial reports. They also discussed the Bagley Area Arts Collaborative's plans for a pollinator garden, approved hiring a part-time liquor store employee, and moved funds for fire department costs. The council is preparing for Phase 5 construction, with bid opening scheduled for April 17.
- Approved hiring Tucker Quam as call-in part-time Liquor Store employee
- Moved $26,227.21 from Fire Department Capital Outlay committed funds to general fund for insurance costs
- Moved $49,688.72 from GO Bond 2024A – CIP Fire Hall committed funds to general fund for 2025 invoices
- Set city employee step increase date retroactive to January 1
- Phase 5 bidding documents submitted to USDA; bid opening April 17, work starts June 2
City Council
The Bagley City Council held its semi-annual meeting with townships that have fire protection contracts, reviewing fire department budgets and discussing equipment replacement planning. The main item was the $114,580 invoice for new SCBA gear, with a proposal to be developed for future payments to avoid bonding. No other business was conducted.
- $114,580.00 invoice for SCBA gear ordered in late 2024
- Discussion of future SCBA and turnout gear replacement funding plan
- Review of 2024 final budget and year-to-date 2025 fire department budget
- Review of fire truck savings account activity and township cost of protection estimates
City Council
The Bagley City Council met on February 12, 2025, and approved several items, including a resolution for county work on highways, a $200 raise for retired firefighters, the 2025 liquor store budget, and fire hall purchases. They also approved an amendment for the water and wastewater project and a bid for demolishing a vacant house.
- Approved Resolution 4-25 for county work on CSAH 24, 32, 53, 54, 56
- Approved $200 annual raise for retired firefighters
- Accepted 2025 Municipal Liquor Store Budget
- Approved fire hall purchases totaling $11,800 and $5,000 for desks/chairs
- Approved low bid of Dyrdahl Construction to demolish vacant house on Parcel 23.309.0280
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved moving Brown St NE to comply with USDA funding requirements for the Bagley WR&SE Project, authorizing related electrical and gas utility relocations. They also approved routine expenditures, a $3,000 water meter reading tool, and discussed a pump repair delay.
- Approved relocating Brown St NE to place it within City right of way, estimated $25,000 for re-design
- Authorized electrical and gas utility relocation for Brown St NE
- Approved purchase of water meter data tool for approximately $3,000
- Approved January 2025 expenditures and February bills
- Discussed MN Pump Works check valve repair, parts 6-8 weeks out
City Council
The Bagley City Council met in regular session and approved the final 2024 budget financials along with the clerk's recommendations for remaining funds. They also approved the consent agenda, which included reappointing Library Board members and paying outstanding invoices. The council approved transfers from committed funds for election expenses and fire department capital outlay, and designated $12,000 from a lot sale to the Economic Development Committed Funds. A fire meeting was scheduled for February 26th, and the council discussed potential city interest in properties coming up for sale.
- Approved final 2024 budget financials and clerk's recommendations
- Approved consent agenda: Library Board reappointments, invoice payments
- Transferred funds from Committed Funds Election Expense to General funds
- Transferred funds from Committed Funds Fire Dept Capital Outlay to General funds
- Designated $12,000 from Kastner lot sale to Economic Development Committed Funds
Meeting
The Bagley Public Utilities Commission approved increases to water and sewer base charges, effective January 1, 2025, and approved a $6,000 electric rate study. The board also reviewed expenditures, discussed the Water Tower Rehabilitation Project, and addressed changes to TV and internet services.
- Water base charge increased by $2.00/month; sewer base charge by $3.00/month for residential and commercial customers
- Electric rate study approved at $6,000 plus expenses
- Water Tower Rehabilitation Project bids open February 19, 2025
- Termination letter to Momentum for internet services effective May 3, 2025
- Bulk water rate remains $25.00 per thousand gallons
City Council
The Bagley City Council reviewed year-end public safety reports, including a record 7,852 sheriff's calls, and discussed closing 2nd Street between Main and Clearwater Ave for law enforcement only due to school-area traffic. They also received updates on the Fire Hall remodel, water tower rehab bidding, and zoning hearings. Several routine items were approved, including minutes, consent agenda, and a cell phone for the mayor.
- Sheriff reported 7,852 total calls in 2024, highest in 10 years; Bagley had 2,709 calls
- Discussed closing 2nd Street between Main and Clearwater Ave for law enforcement only
- Fire Hall remodel: painting done, HVAC installation underway, SCBA masks ordered
- Water Tower Rehab project: bids open Feb 19, council approval expected Feb 26
- Approved $100.16 transfer from Small Cities Grant to General Funds