Benson public meetings in 2021
27 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council voted to participate in national opioid litigation settlements and approved two roofing contracts for city buildings. The body also authorized the rebidding of the Clear Well project and set the 2022 meeting and polling schedules.
- Approved $65,241.46 contract with West Central Roofing Contractors, Inc. for the line garage
- Approved $19,700.91 contract with West Central Roofing Contractors, Inc. for the digester building
- Adopted Resolution 2021-43 to participate in national opioid litigation settlements
- Approved rebidding the Clear Well project through Stantec
- Designated McKinney’s On Southside (300 – 14th Street South) as the 2022 polling place
City Council
The City Council approved infrastructure plans for Gusty's Road and a $25,000 electrical system study. The body also voted to increase residential and commercial water rates for 2022 and denied a cigarette license for Up-N-Smoke.
- Approved plans for Gusty's Road improvements with a cost estimate of $465,791.15
- Approved $25,000 for DGR Engineering to conduct an electric system study
- Approved $56,730.05 for a 2021 Ford F-150 K-9 vehicle and equipment
- Approved $34,100 for the Benson Golf Club for operating and capital uses
- Approved 2022 water rate increases for residential and commercial service charges and consumption
City Council
The City Council approved a contract for UMVRDC to author a $5 million Economic Adjustment Grant application. The council also adopted a formal City Procurement Policy and accepted the retirement letter of City Manager Rob Wolfington.
- Approval of UMVRDC to author a $5 million grant application to the Federal EDA
- Approval of City Procurement Policy
- Bills and warrants approved in the amount of $547,429.15
- Magney Construction pay request for Anaerobic Digester: $29,586.80
- Stantec pay request for wastewater treatment facility upgrades: $15,641.18
City Council
The City Council reviewed and approved the results of the November 2, 2021 General Election. This included the election of the Mayor and two Council members, as well as the passage of two Charter Amendments.
- Approval of Charter Amendment No. 1 to move municipal elections to even-numbered years
- Approval of Charter Amendment No. 2 to move council vacancy procedures from Charter to Ordinance
- Payment of $31,263.12 to MN Mechanical Solutions for airport A & D building work
- Discussion of tree removal along the south side of the east end of Pacific Avenue
City Council
The City Council approved the creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 8 to support affordable rental and single-family housing at the Cottage Square addition. The council also appointed an interim City Manager and approved infrastructure repairs.
- Establishment of TIF District 8 with a projected market value increase of $7,975,000
- Interfund loan of $1,923,128 at 4.00% interest to finance TIF qualified costs
- Approval of wastewater plant valve replacement not to exceed $15,000
- Appointment of Glen Pederson as interim City Manager for 30 days
- Decision to table the tobacco license application for Up-N-Smoke for 30 days
City Council
The City Council approved several utility agreements with Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) and authorized a grant for police traffic enforcement. The body also approved a new computer server purchase and transferred grant funds for sewer improvements.
- Approved MRES Distribution Maintenance Services Agreement (2023-2028) and Reserved Capacity Agreement extension through May 31, 2052
- Authorized $17,965.94 for a new computer server from Morris Electronics
- Transferred $188,918.63 from NSP Grant Fund to the Sewer Fund for deferred maintenance
- Approved $10,000 payment to Benson Music Boosters for watering city flowers
- Approved a $750 fire service charge assessment for Riley Brothers Property Inc
City Council
The Council approved a Real Estate Option Agreement with Nature Energy including specific land ownership and environmental clauses. Additionally, the Council considered Resolution No. 2021-30 to adopt an updated schedule of various city service fees and license charges.
- Approved Real Estate Option Agreement with Nature Energy
- Resolution No. 2021-30: Adoption of a new schedule of fees and charges
- Water main connection fees ranging from $250.00 to $500.00
- Residential sewer connection fee of $2,000.00 per unit
- Dog license fee of $10.00
City Council
The City Council approved the transfer of Xcel Energy grant funds for water treatment and sewer maintenance. The body also approved a conditional use permit for a storage shed and discussed a potential $70 million investment from Nature Energy.
- Transfer of $96,416.02 from NSP Grant Fund to Water Fund for 2020 Clear Well Project
- Transfer of $150,283.80 from NSP Grant Fund to Sewer Fund for 2020 Deferred Maintenance
- Approval of Conditional Use Permit #2021-01 for a storage shed at 1529 Oregon Avenue
- Payment of $56,664.08 to B.G. Amundson for cement work
- Payment of $14,598.63 to Stantec Engineering for wastewater treatment flood grant work
City Council
The City Council authorized an interfund loan of up to $253,499 to finance costs for the Cottage Square development. The council also scheduled a public hearing for November 1, 2021, regarding the establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 8.
- Interfund loan of up to $253,499 at 4.00% interest for TIF District No. 8
- Public hearing scheduled for Nov 1, 2021, for TIF District No. 8 and TIF Plan
- Liquor license transfer for Brady Lee at McKinney’s on Southside
- Authorization for Police Chief to bid up to $50,000 for a 2021 Chevy Tahoe K9 vehicle
- Payment of $53,572.40 to Kalcon Construction for AD Building
City Council
The City Council approved the purchase of land in the Cottage Square addition for $195,000 to facilitate a duplex development by CSNelson Properties. The Council also established an Absentee Ballot Board and designated City Hall as the absentee voting location for the 2021 General Election.
- Purchase of Cottage Square addition land for $195,000
- Payment to Stantec Engineering for clear well project: $96,416.02
- Payment to Stantec for WWTP Miscellaneous Upgrades: $66,433.80
- Award of $678,000 Minnesota Community Development Block Grant Covid-19 for Armory renovation
- Approval of travel and lodging expenses for up to 4 people to visit Nature Energy plants in Denmark
City Council
The City Council decertified Tax Increment Financing District No. 7 because the Scandihaven Village project was declared tax exempt. The Council also approved the second reading of a zoning ordinance to define where a slaughterhouse may operate.
- Resolution 2021-19: Decertification of Tax Increment Financing District No. 7
- Approved second reading of ordinance amending Title XV: Land Usage, Chapter 154: Zoning
- Payroll electronic transfers: $94,179.00
- Appointment of Eric Payne to the Park Board
- Appointment of Mike Nicolas to the Planning Commission
City Council
The City Council held a public hearing on charter changes for municipal elections and approved the first reading of a zoning ordinance to allow slaughter facilities in specific zones. The body also authorized the transfer of Xcel Energy grant funds for sewer improvements and reviewed an Armory renovation report.
- First reading of ordinance to allow slaughter facilities on property zoned I-1, I-2, I-3, B-2 & B-3
- Resolution 2021-18: Transfer of $162,959.02 from NSP Grant Fund to Sewer Fund
- 2022 Pioneerland Library System Budget Request: $94,811
- Pay request to Rubin Construction, LLC for trickling filter doors: $7,751.63
- Pay requests to LandTeam Incorporated for elevator demolition ($5,737.56) and Gusty’s Road engineering ($6,450.80)
City Council
The Council approved a resolution to collect coronavirus local fiscal recovery funds from the State of Minnesota. Other actions included approving hospital bylaw changes, a catering event at Ambush Park, and road project modifications on Nevada Avenue.
- Resolution 2021-16: Acceptance of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds
- Approval of amended Swift County-Benson Hospital Bylaws
- Approval for Brink’s Beer Joint & Grill to serve alcohol at Ambush Park on July 17, 2021
- Amendment to Nevada Avenue road project to include expanded parking
- Resolution 2021-17: Acceptance of various donations totaling $5,031.00
City Council
The City Council voted to reject two bids for a 300,000-gallon below ground clearwater tank after costs significantly exceeded engineer estimates. The Council also scheduled a public hearing regarding a potential change to municipal election years.
- Rejected bids for clearwell project from CC Steel, LLC ($2,570,900) and Meyer Contracting Inc. ($2,811,631)
- Scheduled public hearing for July 19, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. regarding moving municipal elections from odd years to even years
City Council
The City Council approved a permit for the Benson Hockey Association to conduct gambling at the Benson Golf Club. The Council also accepted the 2020 City Audit and approved over $1.1 million in bills and warrants.
- Resolution 2021-15: Lawful gambling premise permit for Benson Hockey Association at 2222 Atlantic Ave
- Acceptance of the 2020 City Audit
- Approval of bills and warrants totaling $1,135,513.27
- Discussion of additional work for street construction on Nevada Avenue
City Council
The City Council approved a $40,000 forgivable loan to Young Marran’s LLC for the purchase and remodeling of the DeMarce Theater. The loan includes terms for annual principal and interest forgiveness based on theater showings. The project is supported by a $15,000 grant from the Benson Area Community Foundation.
- $40,000 forgivable loan to Young Marran’s LLC
- Purchase, modernization, and remodeling of DeMarce Theater
- $15,000 grant from Benson Area Community Foundation
City Council
The City Council approved plans and bidding for a 300,000 gallon Water Clearwell project and authorized the purchase of a new wastewater influent pump. The council also decided on several maintenance contracts and denied a request to waive development agreement fees.
- Approved variance #2021-02 for a 1,400 sq. ft. garage at 602 – 11th St. S.
- Approved W.W. Goetsch Associates quote for a wastewater influent pump for $12,903 plus installation
- Approved $31,647.00 pay request to Rubin Construction LLC for trickling filter repairs
- Approved $10,000 pay request to Discovery Kids for the 2020-2021 school year
- Approved $8,000 quote from Univar for mosquito spray and $5,700 from Brock White for crack filler
City Council
The City Council authorized a grant application for the Armory and approved a $600,000 matching fund if the CDBG-CV grant is awarded. The Council also approved several infrastructure repairs and a small land sale.
- Approved Resolution 2021-14 to apply for a CDBG-CV grant for the Armory
- Approved a $600,000 match for the Armory grant (4-1 vote)
- Denied a request for roof repairs at the Armory
- Approved $18,233.00 for a desiccant dryer for power plant air compressors
- Approved $17,461.25 for repairs to well #31 by Thein Well
City Council
The City Council approved a loan to support a $2.5 million expansion for Custom Roto Mold and authorized a grant application for Armory rehabilitation. The body also approved equipment purchases for the power plant and a property acquisition.
- Approved $200,000 loan to Custom Roto Mold ($100,000 at 2.5% interest for 15 years; $100,000 5-year forgivable loan)
- Authorized grant application for up to $600,000 from Minnesota Community Development Block Covid19 for Armory rehabilitation
- Approved $15,233 quote from Atlas Copco for a new air compressor and dryer
- Accepted $500 bid from Wade Ascheman to purchase the golf course building by the water plant
- Scheduled public hearing for the CDBGCV Grant for May 17, 2021
City Council
The City Council approved a construction bid for the wastewater plant and authorized the transfer of Xcel Energy grant funds for water and sewer projects. The council also granted a property variance and discussed potential grants for the Blue Ribbon Armory.
- Approved $893,200.00 bid from Magney Construction, Inc. for anaerobic digester work
- Approved $4,950.00 per engine for one-year warranties on five Ziegler CAT engines
- Transferred $43,558.50 from NSP Grant Fund to Water Fund for 2020 Clear Well Project
- Transferred $44,223.00 from NSP Grant Fund to Sewer Fund for 2020 Deferred Maintenance
- Approved variance for Jamie & Matt Moe at 1102 – 12th St. N. for a 28’ x 32’ second ancillary building
City Council
The Council rejected all demolition bids for the Armory and formed a committee to study its future use. They also approved an agreement with LandTeam for engineering services on Gusty's Road.
- Rejected all demolition bids for the Armory
- Formed a 7-member committee to study Armory renovation or demolition
- Approved professional services agreement with LandTeam for Gusty’s Road engineering
- Accepted various donations totaling $470.35 via Resolution 2021-11
- Approved $82,569.63 pay request to MN Mechanical for water plant chlorine repairs
City Council
The City Council met to establish a work plan based on community priorities for housing, workforce, and marketing. Members discussed the future of the Armory and the impact of rising construction costs on federal grants.
- Decision to remove the sewer line portion from the Federal EDA Grant application for the WWTP Flood Project
- Discussion of potential federal funding for Armory upgrades
- Discussion of replacing the Armory with a new city hall and community center
- Scheduled vote for April 5 regarding the demolition of the Armory
City Council
The City Council discussed the future of the Armory and approved several business licenses. The body also extended a Letter of Intent for a Nature Energy project and approved a request to use the UMVRDC for a Federal EDA grant.
- Extended Nature Energy Letter of Intent to 360 days (until September 9, 2021)
- Approved UMVRDC administration of Federal EDA grant with a cost of up to $60,000
- Approved street closure of 13th St. S. for Patrick’s Pub and Grill from July 16–17, 2021
- Approved bills and warrants totaling $394,691.64
- Issued liquor and general licenses for various local businesses
City Council
The City Council approved several capital requests for public safety and recreation equipment. The body also voted to transition the Municipal Utility to 100% carbon-free power and authorized a traffic safety grant.
- Approved $21,000 for structure and grassland fire turnout gear
- Approved $25,000 for a 2005 John Deere 320 skid steer for Benson Golf Club
- Approved $2,400.26 annual cost to move Municipal Utility to 100% carbon-free power
- Adopted Resolution 2021-10 for a $4,700 'Toward Zero Deaths' traffic grant with a $940 local match
- Approved $18,368.25 payment to Stantec Engineering for wastewater plant upgrades
City Council
The City Council held a public hearing and passed resolutions to apply for a Small Cities Grant for residential and commercial rehab projects. The body also approved several equipment purchases and infrastructure contracts for the 2021 season.
- Small Cities Grant application for 20 residential and 8 commercial rehabs totaling $942,000
- Wastewater plant equipment: Boiler ($180,000), Primary Digester Mixer ($138,900), and Heat Exchanger ($33,000)
- Equipment purchases: John Deere loader ($135,420.77), dump trailer ($10,385.00), and John Deere X390 mower ($4,490.00)
- 2021 infrastructure contracts: Central Specialties for bituminous ($166,750) and Amundson Concrete ($29,255)
- Direction to City Attorney to draft language moving City elections to even-numbered years
City Council
The City Council approved a Paycheck Protection Program loan for Swift County-Benson Hospital and authorized several infrastructure payments. The body also passed 2021 departmental budgets and transferred funds from the liquor fund to the general fund.
- Resolution 2021-05: Approval of $1,311,037.00 PPP loan for Swift County-Benson Hospital
- Payment of $104,634.64 to Buttweiler’s Do-All for power plant roof repairs
- Payment of $55,250.10 to Kalcon, Inc. for airport arrival/departure building work
- Agreement with Flaherty and Hood for legislative services not to exceed $15,000.00
- Resolution 2021-07: Transfer of $80,000 from the Liquor Fund to the General Fund
City Council
The City Council approved a rebate from Missouri Rivers Energy Services to be credited to electric utility customers. The body also authorized several fund transfers from Xcel Energy grant dollars for water and sewer projects and appointed members to city boards.
- Approved $43,315.19 rebate for electric utility customers
- Transferred $8,446.65 from NSP Grant Fund to Water Fund for 2020 Clear Well Project
- Transferred $12,114.65 from NSP Grant Fund to Sewer Fund for deferred maintenance and flood protection
- Approved $12,535.80 pay request to UMVRDC for audit and administrative services
- Appointed MacKenzie Dokkebakken and Ron Hanson to Park Board and Dan Enderson to EDA