Benson public meetings in 2023
24 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council approved a contract with Inspectron for building official services and passed a resolution to increase PERA retirement benefits for firefighters. The Council also reviewed CEDA contract recommendations, utility assessments, and various administrative items.
- Approved contract with Inspectron for City building official services
- Passed Resolution 2023-50 to increase firefighter PERA benefit from $1,500 to $1,800
- Recommended approval of 2024 CEDA contract at $115,530
- Approved final 2023 operating payment of $7,064.00 to Prairie Five Rides
- Authorized writing off $11,104.80 in Utility Fund bad debt for 2023
City Council
The City Council discussed a potential contract with Inspectron for building inspections and other services. They also approved the Historical Society's proposal to move the Historic School House to Ambush Park.
- Contract with Inspectron for building inspections (to be decided later)
- Approval of Swift County Historical Society’s proposal to take possession of the school house
- $19,885.76 bill from Benson Community Education for summer recreation programs approved
- $7.77 payment to Benson Corn Pool
- $5,574 membership with Prairie Waters Tourism Guide
City Council
The City Council approved several infrastructure and property matters, including urgent structural repairs to the power plant. They also authorized a parcel split and land sale at the old Fibrominn site to Abundant Ag. Additionally, the council approved a separation agreement for a city employee and a new pressure washer for public works.
- Approved $36,070.64 pay request #13 for Magney Construction, Inc. wastewater plant digester
- Approved Separation and Release Agreement for Dan Gens
- Designated $4,440.44 in VOTER funds to Swift County
- Approved $25,650 contract with Marcus Construction for power plant wall repairs
- Approved parcel split and $1.00 sale of land at the old Fibrominn site to Abundant Ag
City Council
The Council met to evaluate the job performance of Public Works Director Dan Gens following his placement on paid administrative leave. Members discussed options including termination, reinstatement, or a separation agreement. The meeting was continued to the November 6, 2023, regular meeting for further decision-making.
- Discussion regarding performance concerns for Public Works Director Dan Gens
- Approval of Wastewater Treatment Plant Independent Contractor Agreement with Mr. Powers at $2,400 per month
- Potential separation agreement costs estimated at approximately $51,000 in salary and tax matches plus benefits
City Council
The City Council approved an agreement with DGR Engineering for the Part 70 Air Emission Permit and authorized a $3,000 preliminary study regarding power plant generators. The Council also approved an updated School Resource Officer services agreement with Independent School District #777.
- Agreement with DGR Engineering to complete the Part 70 Air Emission Permit
- $3,000 preliminary study by DGR Engineering regarding power plant generators
- Amended School Resource Officer (SRO) Services Agreement with ISD #777
- Approval of bills and warrants totaling $812,091.50
- Approval of October 5, 2023 payroll in the amount of $117,355.72
City Council
The City Council approved a resolution to acquire tax forfeited land on Pacific Avenue to preserve a public right-of-way. The Council also authorized several transfers of Xcel Energy grant funds for water, sewer, and road projects.
- Resolution 2023-25: Authorization to acquire tax forfeited parcel 23-1447-075 for public right-of-way
- Resolution 2023-26: Transfer of $799,330.21 from NSP Grant Fund to Water Fund for Clear Well Project
- Resolution 2023-27: Transfer of $124,778.33 from NSP Grant Fund to Sewer Fund for maintenance and flood wall
- Resolution 2023-28: Transfer of $24,082.00 from NSP Grant Fund to General Capital Outlay Fund for Gustie’s Road
- Resolution 2023-29: Transfer of $271,973 from the EDA Fund to the General Fund
City Council
The Benson City Council approved a new program to sell five city-owned lots for $5,000 to encourage residential construction. The Council also authorized significant expenditures for police and fire radios, emergency sirens, and a new alley plow.
- Approved housing in-fill lot sales at $5,000 per lot to promote development
- Authorized $100,826.23 for radios from West Central Communications and $30,455.00 for sirens from Federal Signal Corporation
- Approved a V-plow purchase for the one-ton truck not to exceed $9,933.00
- Approved $2,378.64 payment for demolition work on Atlantic Avenue
- Approved moving forward with the conditional use deed process for tax forfeiture parcel 23-1447-075
City Council
The City Council approved the purchase of a property at 904 Atlantic Avenue to support a possible liquor store off-sale expansion. The council also authorized several construction pay requests and funds for local community events.
- Approved purchase of house at 904 Atlantic Avenue for $67,500
- Approved $2,500 from Tourism funds for the Golf Club Rib Fest
- Approved B. G. Amundson Construction pay request for $55,422.25 for concrete work
- Approved purchase of 150 AMI load management boxes for $26,509.28
- Approved Stantec Engineering pay request of $27,153.15 for clearwell plant work
City Council
The Council approved the first reading of a resolution for an interim building moratorium in the B-2 District on the north side of Atlantic Avenue. Members also approved a two-year LELS contract proposal for the police department and addressed tax-forfeited land parcels.
- First reading of a resolution for an interim building moratorium in the B-2 District
- Approval of 2024–2025 LELS contract proposal including wage increases and Juneteenth holiday language
- Approval of Magney Construction pay request #13 for the Clearwell project in the amount of $92,533.40
- Decision to return three tax-forfeited parcels (23-0913-000, 23-1057-000, 23-1359-000) to the County for auction
- Approval of July 25, 2023 payroll electronic transfer of $118,927.52
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding an interim ordinance in the B-2 District. The council will also consider a tax-forfeited land auction for three parcels and the 2024–2025 LELS Union Contract.
- Public Hearing for an Interim Ordinance in B-2 District
- Tax-forfeited Land Auction for Three Parcels
- LELS Union Contract 2024 – 2025
- Approval of payroll electronic transfer totaling $118,927.52
City Council
The Council set a public hearing for August 7, 2023, to discuss rezoning land along Highway 9 west. Members also reviewed several construction pay requests and discussed the potential purchase of forfeited properties from Swift County.
- Public hearing set for August 7, 2023, regarding B-2 Business District moratorium
- Approval of Magney Construction pay request #12 for $93,397.35
- Approval of Magney Construction proposal for $12,763.23 to repair methane vent pipes
- Approval of Morris Chip Seal pay request for $10,683.96
- Approval of Crow River Construction pay request for $6,450.00 for storm sewer repair
City Council
The City Council approved a $12,987.00 purchase for a new City Hall HVAC unit and authorized various bond-funded pay requests. The Council also appointed Stephen Kowal as Assistant City Attorney and approved a $2,500 demolition incentive for Riverview LLP Construction.
- Approved $12,987.00 purchase of Bryant 5-ton HVAC unit from Hawley’s Inc.
- Approved $48,981.94 pay request to Total Control Systems for wastewater updates
- Approved $10,000.00 pay request to MRES for load control hosting fee
- Approved $2,500 demolition incentive for Riverview LLP Construction at 212 – 16th St. S.
- Approved conditional use permit for a 1,176 sq. ft. garage at 1735 Denfeld Drive
City Council
The City Council approved the purchase of a 2023 Ford Pursuit F150 and a 2023 Dodge Durango AWD for $140,000. Other items included approving service agreements and pay requests.
- Approved purchase of two police fleet vehicles: 2023 Ford Pursuit F150 ($70,121.77) and 2023 Dodge Durango AWD ($62,629.03)
- Approved generator service agreement with Ziegler for $11,256.61
- Paid Diversified Foundations for east Pacific Avenue road work: change order ($14,513) and final payment ($15,255.10)
City Council
The City Council approved Resolution 2023-21 to recognize Juneteenth as an official city holiday. The Council also reviewed the 2022 City Audit and adopted a new schedule of fees for various municipal services, permits, and licenses.
- Resolution 2023-21 establishing Juneteenth as a city holiday
- Resolution 2023-22 authorizing MnDOT FAA Airport Maintenance and Operations Grant Contract
- Resolution 2023-23 adopting a new schedule of fees for utilities, permits, and licenses
- Approval of Bolton & Menk for a 5-year airport engineering contract
- Approval of $29,470 for repairs to five electrical transformers
City Council
The Council discussed several construction bids for the Armory project, including potential cost-saving deductions. Additional actions included approving street closures for Kid Day weekend, park expansions, and new city phone systems.
- Armory project: discussion of $1.8 million low bid and potential $367,542 in deducts
- Approval of 13th St. S. closure between Kansas & Pacific Avenues for July 14-16
- Approval of $14,620.94 change order for swimming pool valve replacements
- Approval of $20,919.64 pay request to Fisher Sand & Gravel for crushed rock
- Approval of Ambush Park campsite expansion consisting of eight sites
City Council
The Council approved rate increases for existing camping sites and shelters while deciding to keep 2023 pool rates the same as 2022. Members also authorized the Benson Lion's Club to place emblems on city population signs at the club's expense.
- Approved camping rate increases: hard pad to $40.00, tent site to $25.00, and shelter to $25.00
- Authorized Benson Lion's Club to place emblems on six population signs at a total cost of $1,200
- Approved $10,500 pay request to T & R Service Company for PCB disposal
- Approved $1,905.06 pay request to Engan Associates for Armory work
- Accepted two grants for Benson Kid Day totaling $7,000
City Council
The Council approved several consent agenda items including construction pay requests and a charter communications fee change. The Board of Review addressed property value appeals, resulting in a denied adjustment for one property. Additionally, the Council tabled an ordinance regarding apartments in B-1 Districts for further research.
- Denied property value adjustment for Kathy Hilleren below $681,800
- Magney Construction Clearwell Project pay request: $41,925.40
- Magney Construction Anaerobic Digester Project pay request: $6,346.06
- Recreation by Lemmie Jones, LLC final payment for pool features: $17,900
- Approved bills and warrants totaling $1,412,079.99
City Council
The City Council approved a final reimbursement of $528,993.88 to CentraCare Benson for various hospital projects. The council also authorized the purchase of AMI metering equipment and hired local electricians to assist with the installation.
- $528,993.88 final reimbursement to CentraCare Benson for HVAC, network, parking, and security upgrades
- $343,405.06 pay request to Eaton for AMI metering equipment
- Approval of new MRES Reserved Capacity Agreement with an estimated $140,000 increase in capacity payment
- $30,000 approved toward the purchase of a used Toro Groundsmater 4500D mower
- Authorization to hire Goff, Loen, and E & M Electric for meter installation work
City Council
The Council approved several municipal purchase requests for public works and electric department inventory. Discussions included a proposal for a splash pad at Lathrop Park and the transition of the City Manager position.
- Approved $48,000 quote from Midwest Machine for a John Deere 324G skid steer
- Approved $81,829 purchase of a Rausch Mobile sewer camera from Jetline Sales & Service
- Approved $54,684.01 for electric department interduct and primary wire
- Approved $42,750 for 5 pad mount transformers from Staurt Irby
- Approved $24,650.75 funding request for Pioneerland Library System
City Council
The Benson City Council approved a $2,135,000 general obligation capital note sale for capital equipment, accepted a solid waste contract with West Central Sanitation, and approved $10,000 in matching funds for carpeting the mini-golf course at Ambush Park. The meeting also included consent agenda items and a presentation from the Benson Women of Today on park renovations.
- Approved $2,135,000 General Obligation Capital Notes, Series 2023A at 3.3935% interest for capital equipment
- Approved $10,000 matching funds for carpeting the mini-golf course at Ambush Park
- Approved solid waste contract with West Central Sanitation following purchase of Mattheisen Disposal
- Approved consent agenda including franchise fee payment of $8,151.59 and pay requests totaling $76,366.85
- Approved appointments to Airport Board and Library Board
City Council
The Benson City Council held a special meeting to discuss whether to proceed with scheduled interviews for a new city manager. Council members expressed concerns about the candidate pool and past failed searches, but voted unanimously to continue with the interviews. The city paid $21,000 to consultant David Drown for the search.
- Council voted unanimously to proceed with city manager candidate interviews on February 22
- City paid $21,000 to consultant David Drown for the search
- Mayor noted the council is not obligated to hire any candidate if none are suitable
- Council member Schreck said he and the mayor have been through the process twice before
- City Manager Wolfington noted that repeated failed searches could raise questions about the city
City Council
The City Council approved a $2,180,000 general obligation bond to purchase capital equipment for police, fire, sewer, water, and electric services. The council also passed a second resolution authorizing up to $2,200,000 in capital notes, triggering a 10-day publication period before issuance. Other actions included appointing a new Director of Finance and City Clerk, approving equipment purchases, and advancing four city manager candidates to interviews.
- Approved $2,180,000 General Obligation Capital Notes, Series 2023A for equipment (Resolution 2023-08)
- Passed Resolution 2023-09 determining necessity to issue up to $2,200,000 in capital notes, requiring 10-day publication
- Appointed Lisa Kent as Director of Finance ($86,500/year) and Valerie Alsaker as City Clerk ($73,200/year)
- Approved purchase of John Deere mower ($26,525), used bulldozer ($50,000 after trade-in), and CASE loader/backhoe ($83,539.24 after trade-in)
- Approved interim ordinance establishing a moratorium on sale of certain cannabinoid/cannabis products
City Council
The City Council approved the first reading of an interim ordinance establishing a one-year moratorium on the sale of certain cannabinoid and cannabis products, pending a Planning Commission study. The Council also authorized a $1,000 contribution to Prairie Five's Reach Out for Warmth program, approved a $106,490 final pay request for elevator demolition, and transferred $80,000 from the Liquor Fund to the General Fund. Additionally, the Council accepted the retirement of Director of Finance Glen Pederson and approved Valerie Alsaker as a check signer.
- First reading of interim ordinance for moratorium on sale of cannabinoid/cannabis products
- Transfer of $80,000 from Liquor Fund to General Fund (Resolution 2023-07)
- Final pay request of $106,490 to T&K Kennedy Excavating for elevator demolition
- $1,000 contribution to Prairie Five's Reach Out for Warmth program from utility fund
- Approval of 2023 budgets for multiple funds including Liquor Fund and EDA
City Council
The Benson City Council denied a conditional use permit for a 1,500-square-foot ancillary building at 695 Montana Avenue, citing concerns about property values and neighborhood character. The council also adopted water and sewer rate increases effective January 1, 2023, with residential water service charges rising from $25 to $26 and sewer unit rates from $7.50 to $7.75. Additionally, the council appointed Gary Landmark to fill a council vacancy, approved exempt employee wage increases of 6%, and discussed opening the AFSCME union contract for a 3% cost-of-living increase.
- Denied CUP #2022-04 for a second ancillary building at 695 Montana Avenue
- Adopted water rate increases (Resolution 2023-05): residential service charge $25→$26, consumption rates up $0.20 per unit
- Adopted sewer rate increases (Resolution 2023-06): unit rate $7.50→$7.75, minimum charge $37.50→$38.75
- Appointed Gary Landmark to fill a council vacancy (Resolution 2023-02)
- Approved 6% wage increases for exempt employees including City Manager ($109,500→$116,100) and Police Chief ($89,400→$94,800)