Benson public meetings in 2022
24 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Benson City Council approved the final 2023 property tax levy of $1,543,902 and the 2023 operating and capital outlay budget totaling $3,982,130. The council also appointed former City Manager Rob Wolfington as interim city manager effective December 20, 2022, and approved several resolutions including donations totaling over $32,000 and transfers of Xcel Energy grant dollars for economic development projects.
- Appointed Rob Wolfington as interim city manager effective Dec. 20, 2022
- Approved $1,543,902 final property tax levy collectible in 2023
- Approved $3,982,130 general and library operating budget for 2023
- Transferred $1,191,352.90 in Xcel Energy grant funds for East Pacific Avenue road reconstruction
- Approved $41,000 pay request to Benson Golf Club for cart path repairs
City Council
The Benson City Council approved several items including a $31,875 migration to a new police records system, a first reading of a snow emergency ordinance amendment, and a $22,800 home improvement grant. They also set water and sewer assessments, approved budget transfers, and held a Truth in Taxation hearing on the 2023 proposed levy.
- Approved $31,875 for police records migration to Spillman Flex plus $19,125 annual maintenance
- Approved first reading of ordinance amending snow emergency parking rules after 2 inches of snow
- Approved $22,800 Xcel home improvement grant for residential improvements
- Approved $10,000 pay request to Benson Music Boosters for downtown flower pot watering
- Approved Resolution 2022-29 setting water and sewer assessments totaling $2,314.37 for 2022 payable 2023
City Council
The Benson City Council approved a joint housing study with Swift County at a cost of $5,500, declared a part-time police officer eligible for the Public Employees Police and Fire pension plan, and approved $29,469.45 for new fuel filters for power plant generators. The council also denied a request for monetary support for the Prom Afterbash, approved a traffic safety grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and approved bills totaling $1,331,413.25.
- Approved housing study with Swift County at a cost of $5,500
- Declared part-time police officer Noah Marrs eligible for Police and Fire pension plan (Resolution 2022-27)
- Approved $29,469.45 for new fuel filters on five caterpillar generators at the power plant
- Approved $29,928.72 pay request to Joe Riley Construction for asphalt patching
- Authorized traffic safety enforcement grant agreement with Minnesota Department of Public Safety (Resolution 2022-28)
City Council
The Benson City Council approved a new prosecuting attorney agreement with Danielle Olson, replaced the airport hangar door using COVID funds, and moved city health insurance to the Minnesota Healthcare Consortium for 2023. They also authorized transfers of Xcel Energy grant dollars for water and sewer projects, approved a LELS union contract, and discussed relocating the compost site to the old city dump.
- Approved prosecuting attorney agreement with Danielle Olson
- Approved replacing airport hangar door with COVID dollars
- Moved city health insurance to Minnesota Healthcare Consortium for 2023
- Transferred $94,763.90 from NSP Grant Fund to Water Fund (Resolution 2022-27)
- Transferred $166,966.20 from NSP Grant Fund to Sewer Fund (Resolution 2022-28)
City Council
The City Council reviewed a $1.146 million estimate for sewer, water, storm sewer, and road reconstruction on McKinney Avenue between 19th St. S. and 21st St. S., and agreed to bring the matter to the Utility Board for further consideration. The Council also approved several pay requests, including $60,000 for elevator demolition and $20,000 for pool repairs, and adopted tiered pricing for columbarium niches.
- Reviewed $1.146 million estimate for McKinney Avenue reconstruction (sewer, water, storm sewer, road) between 19th St. S. and 21st St. S.
- Approved $60,000 progress pay request to T & K Kennedy Excavating for elevator demolition (Xcel funds)
- Approved $20,000 payment to Craig's, Inc. for pool boiler parts and repairs
- Approved tiered columbarium niche pricing: top row $2,000, second $1,835, third $1,670, fourth $1,500
- Approved renewal of West Central S.W.A.T. Team agreement
City Council
The City Council approved several infrastructure pay requests and a contract for swimming pool play feature restoration. The council also directed staff to seek quotes for extending sewer and water lines to a new Baseball Association concession stand.
- Approved $12,990 quote from Horizon Pool for play feature restoration
- Directed quotes for sewer and water extension to new baseball association concessions
- Approved $196,792.63 pay request to Diversified Foundations for E. Pacific Ave. Project
- Approved pay requests to T & K Kennedy for storm clean-up and stump removal totaling $22,647.25
- Adopted Resolution 2022-25 accepting various donations including $4,000 from Southwest Initiative Foundation
City Council
The Council approved resolutions to lease Swift County-Benson Hospital facilities to CentraCare and Scandihaven to Cura. Additionally, the Council authorized the release of several mortgage liens from a 1981 community development program.
- Resolution 2022-18: Lease of hospital facilities to CentraCare Health System
- Resolution 2022-19: Lease of Scandihaven facilities to Cura of Benson, LLC
- Resolution 2022-20: Release of 1981 Community Development rehab liens totaling $84,636.35
- Pay request to Magney Construction for $27,236.50
- Final pay request to Kalcon LLC for $32,717.25
City Council
The Council heard a presentation on proposed affiliations between Swift County-Benson HealthServices and CentraCare, and Scandihaven with Cura. Members discussed a draft 2023 tax levy with a 5.3% increase and determined the funding sources for a new top mount fire truck.
- Approved $63,237.25 pay request to B.G. Amundson for Wisconsin Avenue curb and concrete work
- Approved $28,121.37 quote from Eaton for electric meter inventory
- Authorized application for a full-time building official training grant of $65,000
- Approved $6,407 for 2023 Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities dues
- Approved a Voluntary Memorandum of Understanding with Scandihaven for use of the Armory as an evacuation site
City Council
The Council reviewed two Rosenbauer bids for a new top mount pumper truck. They also authorized the purchase of three transformers and approved a 3-week refund plan for pool pass holders due to early closure.
- Fire Truck: Reviewed Rosenbauer bid #1 ($591,485) and bid #2 ($558,192)
- Transformers: Authorized purchase of 3 transformers not to exceed $10,000 each
- Pool Refunds: Approved a 3-week refund for pool pass holders
- Underground primary wire: Approved quote for $9,493.18
- Stantec Engineering: Approved pay requests of $48,486.65 and $21,992.07
City Council
The City Council approved acting as the fiscal agent for a fundraising effort to add a slide to the city pool and authorized a Smart Grid Technology Services Agreement with MRES. The Council also approved a disc golf course at Ambush Park and tabled a potential emergency ordinance regarding edible cannabinoids.
- Approved support for Benson Pool slide fundraising with a quote of $149,200 from Lemmie Jones LLC
- Approved Smart Grid Technology Services Agreement with MRES
- Approved $8,000 budget increase for hand-held tablets and supporting equipment
- Approved proceeding with a disc golf course at Ambush Park
- Approved payroll electronic transfers of $107,564.31
City Council
The City Council reviewed preliminary 2023 budget information and a potential $270,000 shortfall. Members also approved fund transfers for water and sewer projects and amended the city cemetery policy.
- Approved $320,254.36 transfer from NSP Grant Fund to Water Fund for 2020 Clear Well Project
- Approved $173,467.15 transfer from NSP Grant Fund to Sewer Fund for 2020 Deferred Maintenance
- Amended Cemetery Policy to prohibit bench-style headstone markers
- Approved $49,651.44 transfer from closed swimming pool refunding bonds to pool capital outlay
- Reviewed low bid of $558,000 for a new top mount pumper fire truck
City Council
The City Council approved the selection of WSB as engineers for the Southside Industrial Park feasibility study. The body also authorized the transfer of Xcel Energy grant funds for water and sewer projects and accepted several community donations.
- Approved WSB for Southside Industrial Park feasibility study
- Resolution 2022-12: Transfer of $8,333.88 from NSP Grant Fund to Water Fund for 2020 Clear Well Project
- Resolution 2022-13: Transfer of $304,264.19 from NSP Grant Fund to Sewer Fund for 2020 Deferred Maintenance
- Payment of $173,467.15 to Magney Construction Inc. for Anaerobic Digester Refurbishment
- Approval of $25,000 grant for two water features at the Benson Swimming Pool
City Council
The Council approved a conditional use permit for an anaerobic digester at 900 Industry Drive. They also authorized $471,006.12 in reimbursements to Swift County-Benson Healthservices for capital projects.
- Conditional Use Permit for Nature Energy US Ventures 1, LLC at 900 Industry Drive
- $471,006.12 reimbursement to Swift County-Benson Healthservices
- Approval of the 2021 City Audit
- $254,917.53 pay request to Magney Construction, Inc.
- $6,110.00 and $14,880.00 pay requests to B.G. Amundson
City Council
The Council approved several items including funding for new water features at the outdoor pool and an extension of the Mayor's Emergency Declaration. Additionally, they approved a contract for building official services and increased the city manager salary range.
- Extension of Mayor’s Emergency Declaration regarding elevator demolition
- Extension of agreement with Swift County-Benson Healthservices until July 10, 2024
- Denial of variance 2202-01 for Northview Court Townhomes
- Approval of $35,800 for Photo Op Booth Tippy Wedge and $20,005 for a Water Wheel
- Grant applications totaling $55,850 for pool water features
City Council
The City Council approved several budget increases for wastewater and engineering projects and hired an attorney for electrical negotiations. The body also approved a zoning map amendment and discussed the use of $332,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds.
- Approved $113,000 budget increase for the Clearwell engineering project
- Approved $10,742 budget increase for Wastewater Treatment Facility miscellaneous upgrades
- Approved Second Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of the City of Benson
- Approved letter of engagement for attorney Kaela Brennan regarding Nature Energy and a new 115 KV line
- Approved $3,500 from tourism funds for the Pioneerland Band Festival Committee
City Council
The Council approved a conditional use permit for an agricultural warehouse at 195 - 25th Ave. NW and a first reading for a zoning change at 640 Atlantic Avenue. Additionally, the Council approved a construction quote for Wisconsin Ave utility improvements and a grant reimbursement for Swift County HRA.
- Approved CUP #2022-03 for Nutrien Ag warehouse at 195 - 25th Ave. NW
- Approved first reading of ordinance to rezone property at 640 Atlantic Avenue to I-1
- Approved Duininck, Inc. quote of $185,165.00 for Wisconsin Ave utility improvements
- Approved $21,000 Swift County HRA grant reimbursement for home repairs
- Approved consent agenda items including $95,803.22 in payroll
City Council
The Council approved various expenditures including a golf cart purchase, flood protection engineering services, and new meter equipment. Additionally, the Council appointed Glen Pederson as acting City Manager following Rob Wolfington's retirement.
- Approved $19,000 purchase of a pre-owned Toro Workman HDX-D for the Golf Club
- Approved $4,500 in tourism funds for the Golf Club Rib Fest event
- Approved specifications for a new top mount engine pumper; financing to be determined later
- Approved second reading of Ordinance 184: CenterPoint Energy Gas Franchise Ordinance
- Approved $234,917 quote from Bolton & Menk for flood protection engineering services
City Council
The City Council approved an agreement with Bolton & Menk for an Airfield Masterplan Update and adopted a resolution to use $332,545.86 in ARPA funds for government services. The council also passed the first reading of the CenterPoint Energy Gas Franchise Ordinance and accepted several donations.
- Approved agreement with Bolton & Menk for Airfield Masterplan Update
- Passed first reading of Ordinance 184: CenterPoint Energy Gas Franchise Ordinance
- Adopted Resolution 2022-08 to accept donations from VFW, Shepherd of the Hills, and residents
- Adopted Resolution 2022-09 to use $332,545.86 in ARPA funds for government services
- Approved Stantec pay request for WWTP Misc. Upgrades of $8,238.75
City Council
The City Council approved a Conditional Use Permit for a slaughterhouse at 640 Atlantic Avenue and authorized several infrastructure maintenance projects. The body also reviewed the status of the Swift County-Benson Healthservices management agreement and progressed the City Manager search.
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for a slaughterhouse at 640 Atlantic Avenue with 11 specific conditions
- Approved $8,600 quote for Water Tower Clean and Coat, Inc. to clean and inspect the water tower
- Approved street closure of 13th St. S. between Kansas and Pacific Avenues for July 15-16, 2022
- Approved bills and warrants totaling $488,149.81
- Referred a rezoning request for property east of the Stony Ridge plant to the Planning Commission
City Council
The City Council awarded a contract for the Airport Layout Plan and approved engineering services for Wisconsin Avenue utility improvements. The council also authorized a land transfer for the Cottage Square Addition and reestablished voting precinct boundaries.
- Awarded Airport Layout Plan contract to Bolton and Menk
- Approved $12,500 proposal from Rodeberg & Berryman, Inc. for Wisconsin Avenue Utility Improvements
- Approved land transfer agreement with CSNelson for Cottage Square Addition
- Approved $6,393.00 pay request to Prairie Five Community Action Council for 2021 transit expenses
- Passed Resolution 2022-07 reestablishing voting precincts and polling places at McKinney’s on Southside
City Council
The City Council approved a $290,357.52 bid for East Pacific Avenue construction and authorized several fund transfers to the General Fund. The body also approved a grant application for trail resurfacing and updated the solid waste ordinance and fee structure.
- Approved $290,357.52 bid from Diversified Foundations, LLC for East Pacific Avenue construction
- Authorized transfer of $271,973 from EDA Fund and $80,000 from Liquor Fund to General Fund
- Approved $32,125 local match for a grant to resurface trails at Ambush Park and Northside Recreation area
- Approved extending warranties on five Caterpillar engines at $19,930.00 per engine
- Approved amendment to Ordinance 51: Solid Waste, including new overfill fees and cart rates
City Council
The City Council approved several capital expenditures for infrastructure and equipment. The body also authorized an annexation agreement with Torning Township and held a first reading for a solid waste ordinance amendment regarding residential garbage carts.
- Approved $2,449,305.00 bid from Magney Construction for the Clearwell project
- Approved $174,888.00 purchase of a Ditch Witch boring machine
- Approved $131,294.00 for a new wastewater plant SCADA system
- Approved $64,500.00 quote from Dude’s Tiling for tree removal on East Pacific Avenue
- Approved Petition for Orderly Annexation by Tim Mooberry and agreement with Torning Township
City Council
The City Council reviewed the search process and timeline for a new City Manager. The body also approved several budgets and architectural services for a city project.
- Approved architectural services for the CDBG-CV Armory Retrofitting Project from Engan Associates for $97,730
- Approved purchase of a JD Mower from Midwest Machinery for $33,100
- Approved 2022 Minnesota Municipal Utilities Assn. Membership Dues of $6,948.00
- Approved bills and warrants dated December 31, 2021 ($430,831.11) and January 10, 2022 ($40,920.96)
- Approved 2022 budgets for multiple funds including Library Endowment, Storm Water, and EDA
City Council
The City Council conducted annual reorganizational business, including board appointments and the designation of official depositories. The body also approved specific budget items and personnel salary increases for 2022.
- Approved 3% raises for City Manager, Finance Director, Public Works Director, Police Chief, Liquor Store Manager, and Administrative Assistant
- Approved $22,484.00 quote from Howard Industries for a transformer for the 2022 underground project
- Approved farm lease renewal with Goff Farms for land south of Homewood Editions
- Approved payroll electronic transfer of $84,595.61 from December 30, 2021
- Designated the Monitor News as the official newspaper for 2022