Aitkin public meetings in 2024
27 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a resolution ordering abatement of a nuisance property at 517 2nd Street NW, owned by Christopher Crapser, after minimal progress despite prior notices. The council also approved a second amendment to extend the tax abatement agreement for the Bunker Hills workforce housing project, hired two seasonal rink attendants, and approved the 2025 city meeting calendar. A resolution authorizing a $10,500 cost-share for lobbying services was approved with one dissenting vote.
- Approved Resolution 2024-12-16A: Notice of Order to Abate Nuisance for 517 2nd St NW (all aye)
- Approved Second Amendment to tax abatement agreement for Bunker Hills workforce housing (all aye)
- Approved hiring Nolan Dotzler ($15.08/hr) and Jeremy Egstad ($15.57/hr) as seasonal rink attendants (all aye)
- Approved 2025 city meeting calendar (all aye)
- Approved Resolution 2024-12-16B: $10,500 cost-share for lobbying services (4-1, Dotzler nay)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved the 2025 final tax levy and budget, setting a 6.82% increase over 2024, down from the preliminary 9.39%. The council also approved an extension for the Bunker Hill workforce housing tax abatement, new cannabis zoning ordinances, and a full replacement of the fieldhouse flooring at no cost to the city.
- Adopted 2025 final tax levy (Resolution 2024-12-02A) with 6.82% increase (all aye)
- Adopted 2025 final tax levy & budget (Resolution 2024-12-02B) (all aye)
- Approved extension of tax abatement for Bunker Hill housing to start June 2025, complete Dec 31, 2026 (all aye)
- Approved out-of-state DRE training for two police officers (all aye)
- Approved Ordinance 412 regulating cannabis businesses and Ordinance 413 amending zoning code (all aye)
- Approved full replacement of fieldhouse flooring at no cost to city (all aye)
- Approved hiring Samantha Sass as City Clerk, contingent on background check (all aye)
Council
The council awarded the water tower construction contract to Rice Lake Construction Group for $4,264,800, the lower of two bids, and approved a $266,500 engineering services agreement with Bolton & Menk. It also approved a resolution to consolidate city funds into a new 12-month CD at Security State Bank of Aitkin at 4.25% interest, accepted a street department resignation, and approved posting the vacancy. The council approved a liquor store clerk's request to reduce hours, with the understanding she will lose union benefits once earned benefits are depleted.
- Awarded water tower construction contract to Rice Lake Construction Group for $4,264,800 (all aye)
- Approved Bolton & Menk engineering services proposal for $266,500, billed hourly, not to exceed without prior approval (all aye)
- Approved Resolution No. 2024-11-18A to close CD and investment accounts and transfer funds to a new 12-month CD at Security State Bank of Aitkin at 4.25% (all aye)
- Accepted resignation of Street Maintenance Worker Jacob Kohlgraf (all aye)
- Approved posting and job description for Street Maintenance Worker vacancy (all aye)
- Approved liquor store clerk Stephanie McConnell's request to reduce hours, with loss of union benefits after earned benefits depleted (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved the sale of the Bunker Hill property (PID 56-1-179201) via Resolution No. 2024-11-04A, and approved a conditional job offer for a part-time liquor store clerk. The council also approved an MOU with AFSCME regarding the new hire's pay, and discussed a resident's request to restrict recreational fire times, taking no immediate action.
- Approved Resolution No. 2024-11-04A authorizing sale of Bunker Hill property (all aye)
- Approved conditional offer to Jennifer Rollinger for part-time liquor store clerk at Grade SS5, Step 1 ($14.79/hr) (all aye)
- Approved MOU with AFSCME Council 65 on new hire pay and 2% COLA for 2025 (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, and postage machine contract (all aye)
- Approved agenda as presented (all aye)
Council
The council decided not to place any limits on cannabis retail business registrations within city limits, with a 3-1 vote and one abstention. It also approved event permits for Block North and the Aitkin Chamber of Commerce's Fish House activities, and passed resolutions to increase firefighter benefits and accept a MnDOT grant for school zone signage.
- Approved motion to not limit cannabis retail registrations (3-1, Dotzler abstaining)
- Approved Block North event permit for street closure and alcohol service until 4 p.m. (all aye)
- Approved Fish House Parade event permit (all aye)
- Approved Fish House 5K event permit (all aye)
- Approved Fish House Sip & Stroll event permit (all aye)
- Approved Resolution 2024-10-21A increasing firefighter SVF benefit from $3200 to $4100 per year (all aye)
- Approved Resolution 2024-10-21B accepting MnDOT grant of $58,985 for school zone signage (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a $37,531.56 payment for the Catlin litigation court judgment, with one councilmember voting against. They also approved a $2,150 cost-share for utility extension engineering with ISD #1, the 2025 Aitkin Public Utilities agreement, a $2,500 donation for the Wayfinding project, and an updated personnel policy. The council tabled a decision on cannabis retail limits until October 21.
- Approved $37,531.56 Catlin litigation payment (3-1)
- Approved $2,150 engineering proposal for utility extension, split with ISD #1 (5-0)
- Approved 2025 Aitkin Public Utilities agreement (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 2024-10-07A accepting $2,500 donation from Riverwood Healthcare Center (5-0)
- Approved updated Personnel Policy as of Oct 7, 2024 (5-0)
- Tabled cannabis retail limit decision until Oct 21 (5-0)
- Approved conditional hire of Jason Pierce as part-time liquor store clerk (5-0)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved the 2025 preliminary budget and tax levy, which includes a 9.39% increase ($182,545 more than 2024). The council also approved several contracts, including a five-year Axon Taser contract, a new credit card processor for the liquor store, and engineering services for the Fire Hall/Police Department roof replacement. A Truth-in-Taxation hearing was scheduled for December 2, 2024.
- Approved 2025 preliminary budget and tax levy with 9.39% increase (all aye)
- Approved Axon 2025-2029 Taser contract (all aye)
- Approved posting for two part-time liquor store clerks (all aye)
- Approved Heartland credit card processing contract for liquor store (all aye)
- Approved Widseth engineering agreement for roof replacement at $11,750 (all aye)
- Set Truth-in-Taxation hearing for Dec 2, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (all aye)
- Approved C3 Fencing quote and advertisement for $5,000 or less (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including TZD agreement renewal and property disposal resolution (all aye)
Council
The council appointed Gary Tibbitts as interim mayor following Megan Workman's resignation, despite concerns about his candidacy in the November election. They also approved a nuisance abatement order for a property at 113 4th St NE, modified parking and speed limits on Bill Cline Way, and approved pay estimates for the fieldhouse construction.
- Appointed Gary Tibbitts interim mayor through Dec. 31, 2024 (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2024-09-03C: Notice of Order to Abate Nuisance for 113 4th St NE (unanimous)
- Approved increased parking and 20 mph speed limit on Bill Cline Way (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2024-09-03A and Joint Powers Agreement for Evidential Breath Test machine (unanimous)
- Approved Baratto Bros. Pay Estimates No. 5 ($53,564.98) and No. 6 ($129,360.43) for fieldhouse (unanimous)
- Approved Wayfinding project for recreational trails with SHIP and county funding (unanimous)
Council
The council accepted Mayor Megan Workman's resignation effective August 14, 2024, declared a vacancy, and invited letters of interest for the appointment. They also approved a $35,000 purchase of a used pickup truck for the street department, approved a gambling permit for the Aitkin Gobblers NWTF event, and approved a $20,050 quote from Lundberg Plumbing & Heating for the fire department rooftop unit. The council decided not to appeal a District Court decision after a closed session.
- Accepted Mayor Megan Workman's resignation effective 8/14/2024, declared vacancy, invited letters of interest (all aye)
- Approved $35,000 purchase of 2011 Ford 550 pickup truck for street dept (all aye)
- Approved gambling permit for Aitkin Gobblers NWTF event 9/28/2024 (all aye)
- Approved $20,050 quote from Lundberg Plumbing & Heating for fire dept rooftop unit (2-1, Galliger opposed)
- Decided not to appeal District Court decision (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, event permits, gambling permit for Pheasants Forever (all aye)
Council
The council discussed the Catlin litigation with Attorney Kurt Porter, who criticized the court ruling and a news article. After a closed session on attorney-client privileged information, the council voted to table the decision on whether to appeal until the next meeting. The council also approved an event permit and temporary liquor license for the Harvest Moon Brewfest, and the mayor announced she may resign if her home sale finalizes, with Jason Henke set to become Acting Mayor.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, and IRRRB water tower resolution (all aye)
- Approved event permit for Harvest Moon Brewfest on 9/7/2024 (all aye)
- Approved temporary liquor license for Harvest Moon Brewfest on 9/7/2024 (all aye)
- Entered closed session to discuss attorney-client privileged information (unanimous)
- Tabled decision to appeal Catlin litigation until next meeting (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council held a special meeting at the police department and received the 2023 audit presentation from Mary Reedy of Clifton Larson Allen. Reedy reported continued low reserves in the general fund and advised the council to focus on building cash reserves over the next year and beyond. No formal decisions were made; the council only approved the agenda and adjourned.
- Approved meeting agenda (all aye)
- Adjourned meeting at 5:37 p.m. (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved Ordinance 411, an interim moratorium on new or expanded cannabis-related uses, after a public hearing with no comments. They also approved a tax abatement extension for the Bunker Hill property, a DNR grant amendment removing the fieldhouse from the project scope, and a planning services proposal from Bolton and Menk. Conditional job offers were made to two police officer candidates.
- Approved Ordinance 411, interim moratorium on cannabis uses (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2024-07-15A, tax abatement extension for Bunker Hill property (unanimous)
- Approved DNR Grant Amendment #6, removing fieldhouse from project scope (unanimous)
- Approved Bolton and Menk planning services proposal (unanimous)
- Approved conditional offer to Colton Cobb, police officer, Grade STA6 Step 2 (unanimous)
- Approved conditional offer to Keith Bennett, police officer, Grade STA6 Step 6 (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, event permit, and data access policy (unanimous)
Council
The council rejected all bids for the WWTF project after the low bidder rescinded and bids exceeded estimates, directing staff to reassess. It also approved Resolution No. 2024-07-01 to sell the Bunker Hill property while retaining utility easements. The 2023 audit filing deadline was extended to August 16, and a special meeting was set for July 23.
- Rejected all WWTF bids (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution No. 2024-07-01 to sell Bunker Hill property (unanimous)
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including permits and accounts payable (unanimous)
- Called special meeting for July 23 at 5:00 p.m. for audit presentation (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council denied a resolution that would have required write-in candidates to match the lowest vote total to be counted, opting to count all votes to maintain voter trust. They approved a resolution allowing the city to reimburse itself with bond funds for engineering fees on water tower and WWTF projects, and approved a special event permit for Ripplesippi Music Fest with a street closure. The council also approved a $6,000 pro forma analysis for the liquor store, terminated a probationary employee, and made a conditional job offer.
- Denied Resolution 2024-06-17A on write-in vote counting (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2024-06-17B on bond reimbursement compliance (unanimous)
- Approved special event permit for Ripplesippi Music Fest with 3rd St NW closure (unanimous)
- Approved $6,000 CLA pro forma analysis for liquor store (unanimous)
- Approved appointment of Kalen Schultz to library board (unanimous)
- Approved termination of probationary employee Kathy Peterson (unanimous)
- Approved conditional job offer to Kayla Luke for liquor store clerk at $14.79/hr (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a conditional use permit for Aitkin Growth on two parcels on Bunker Hill Drive, with 10 conditions as recommended by the Planning Commission. The council also approved a conditional offer for Andrew Boldt as Assistant Police Chief, effective June 14, 2024. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved conditional use permit for Aitkin Growth on Bunker Hill Drive parcels (unanimous)
- Approved conditional offer to Andrew Boldt for Assistant Police Chief, PM1 Step 6, effective June 14, 2024 (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, liquor license renewals, and utility minutes (unanimous)
Council
The council approved adding THC products to the Aitkin Liquor Store, with Council Member Galliger opposed. They also approved bidding for a new water tower and wastewater treatment facility improvements, extended a tax abatement agreement for INH Properties, and accepted an offer to sell the Creamery Lot. Several other routine items were approved.
- Approved THC sales at Aitkin Liquor Store (3-1, Galliger opposed)
- Approved extension of INH Properties tax abatement agreement (all aye)
- Authorized bidding for Water Tower Construction Project (all aye)
- Authorized bidding for Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvement Project (all aye)
- Approved conditional offer to Daniel Merrill for Police Officer (all aye)
- Approved conditional offer to Kathy Peterson for Liquor Store Clerk (all aye)
- Accepted offer from Jacob Schanz to purchase Creamery Lot for $70,000 (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved donations to the fire and police departments, accepted several resignations, and authorized posting for vacant positions. It also approved a contract for the city administrator and tabled a tax abatement extension request pending clarification.
- Approved Resolution 2024-05-06A accepting $1,000 fire dept. and $500 police dept. donations (all aye)
- Accepted resignation of Assistant Police Chief Shawn Brown (all aye)
- Approved posting Chief of Police position internally for 14 days (all aye)
- Approved posting police officer position (all aye)
- Tabled INH Properties tax abatement extension request until clarified (all aye)
- Accepted resignation of Liquor Store Clerk Kathy Chamberlin (all aye)
- Approved posting liquor store clerk position (all aye)
- Approved City Administrator contract with Jennifer Thompson (3-1, Galliger opposed)
Council
The council approved Resolution 2024-04-15A to apply for a $495,000 deferred forgivable loan from the Minnesota Workforce Housing Development Program for a 44-unit workforce apartment complex on Bunker Hill Drive. The vote was 3-1, with Council Member Dotzler opposed. The city will act as fiscal agent, and the developer must cover legal fees and a $7,000 processing fee if the application succeeds. The council also approved conditional job offers to two police officers at $29.10 per hour.
- Approved Resolution 2024-04-15A for workforce housing loan application (3-1)
- Approved conditional police officer offer to Colton Gutenkauf (all aye)
- Approved conditional police officer offer to Daniel McNamara (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, and financial reports (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved the 2024/2025 insurance renewal with a $10,000 deductible at a cost of $99,033, and approved two Memoranda of Agreement raising police officer and police chief wages by $3.75 per hour. The council also voted to cancel the 2024 fireworks event due to a roughly $2,300 deficit in the fireworks fund. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved 2024/2025 insurance renewal with $10,000 deductible at $99,033 (all aye)
- Approved MOA with LELS raising police officer wages by $3.75/hour (all aye)
- Approved MOA with Teamsters 320 raising police chief wages by $3.75/hour (all aye)
- Cancelled 2024 fireworks event due to insufficient funding (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including development agreement for Riverview Lodge Motel (all aye)
Council
The council approved Pay Estimate No. 3 for the fieldhouse project ($41,671.41) despite frustration over delays, and learned the substantial completion date was moved to June 21, 2024 via Change Order No. 1. They also approved a Nor-Son building analysis for the liquor store, appointed Kira Jensrud-Peura to the Library Board, approved a fence quote, and approved several personnel items including an MOU for the new police chief and a new Accountant position.
- Approved Pay Estimate No. 3 for fieldhouse ($41,671.41) (3-1, Galliger no)
- Approved Nor-Son liquor store building analysis ($8,500) (unanimous)
- Appointed Kira Jensrud-Peura to Library Board (unanimous)
- Approved C3 Fencing privacy fence quote ($5,692.50) (3-1, Galliger no)
- Approved MOU with Teamsters for Chief Riedel (unanimous)
- Approved Accountant job description and pay range (unanimous)
- Approved MOU with AFSCME for Accountant position (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved two resolutions authorizing applications to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) for Drinking Water Revolving Fund loans to cover the water tower replacement project's additional costs. The project exceeded its original $2.3M estimate by about $1.8M, and the council also discussed bonding for a $4M wastewater treatment facility improvement. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was otherwise procedural.
- Approved Resolution 2024-03-04A for $456,250 (well supply) PFA DWRF application (all aye)
- Approved Resolution 2024-03-04B for $1,875,000 (water tower) PFA DWRF application (all aye)
- Approved agenda with added library minutes (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda with revised 2/20/2024 minutes (all aye)
Council
The council approved a conditional job offer to Colter Riedel for police chief, allowing the personnel committee to negotiate. It also approved replacing the Aitkin Liquor Store rooftop unit with a $18,989.75 quote from McGuire Mechanical, approved a restrictive covenant for the city park, and approved a temporary bookkeeping contract with Jason Dox at $5,500 per month, waiving insurance. The council adopted the personnel policy update with a clause to bring back a gender-neutral version later.
- Approved conditional job offer to Colter Riedel for police chief (all aye)
- Approved $18,989.75 quote from McGuire Mechanical for liquor store rooftop unit replacement (all aye)
- Approved Declaration of Restrictive Covenants for Aitkin City Park (all aye)
- Approved temporary bookkeeping contract with Jason Dox at $5,500/month, waiving insurance (all aye)
- Adopted personnel policy update with ESST, with gender-neutral version to be brought back later (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council voted 3-2 to hire Jen Thompson as City Administrator, with an employment offer to be made. The council also approved several Fieldhouse project payments and change orders, a fire hose purchase, and a $15,000 loan to Rosallini's.
- Hired Jen Thompson as City Administrator (3-2)
- Approved Fieldhouse Pay Request No. 2 for $82,659.68 (unanimous)
- Approved Fieldhouse Change Order No. 2 for $5,630.25 (3-1)
- Approved MN Energy installation agreement for $3,656.25 (unanimous)
- Approved Dinges Fire quote for $13,690.00 for 200 feet of hose (unanimous)
- Approved $15,000 EDA CBP loan to Rosallini's (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council held a special meeting to interview two finalists for the City Administrator position. The council discussed the applicants but did not make a final decision at this meeting.
- Interviewed finalists Jennifer Thompson and Scott Ackerman for City Administrator
- Adjourned meeting at 6:45 p.m. (motion by Galliger, seconded by Dotzler, all in favor)
Council
The Aitkin City Council held a special meeting to interview five applicants for the City Administrator position. After discussion, the council narrowed the selection to two finalists. A follow-up special meeting was scheduled for January 29, 2024, to conduct second-round interviews with the top two candidates.
- Narrowed city administrator candidates to two finalists after interviews
- Scheduled second-round interviews for January 29, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
- Adjourned meeting at 7:10 p.m. (all in favor)
Council
The Aitkin City Council accepted Police Chief Paul Ryan's notice of retirement and voted to post the chief position internally for 10 days. It also approved a temporary wage adjustment for the city clerk, a second handicap parking space for St. John's Lutheran Church, and a 120-hour PTO deduction for an employee. All votes were unanimous.
- Accepted Police Chief Paul Ryan's retirement notice (5-0)
- Posted Police Chief position internally for 10 days (5-0)
- Approved temporary wage adjustment for City Clerk Jen Thompson retroactive to Jan 2, 2024 (5-0)
- Approved second handicap parking space on 4th Ave NW, church to pay for sign/marking (5-0)
- Approved deducting 120 hours from an employee's PTO balance (5-0)
- Approved moving Personnel Committee meetings to first Monday monthly at 4:30 pm (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, special event permit, and PUC agreement (5-0)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved hiring two seasonal rink attendants and a part-time liquor store clerk, all pending background checks. It also voted to reopen the city administrator application period until January 10 and set interviews for January 20. The council tabled the December 18, 2023 minutes for correction and approved a proclamation declaring January 19, 2024 as Noel Bailey Day. No public hearings were held.
- Approved hiring Jeremy Egstad and Bret Latterner as rink attendants, pending background checks (all aye)
- Approved conditional job offer to Kathryn Chamberlin for part-time liquor store clerk, pending background check (all aye)
- Reopened city administrator application period until January 10, 2024 (all aye)
- Set city administrator interviews for January 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (all aye)
- Approved proclamation declaring January 19, 2024 as Noel Bailey Day (2-1, Dotzler nay)
- Tabled 12/18/2023 minutes for correction (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda items including PUC reappointment and resolutions (all aye)
- Set city administration office hours to Monday-Thursday, 8 am-4 pm until further notice (all aye)