Aitkin public meetings in 2025
24 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved hiring two firefighters (Andrew Browne and Steve Tilbury) and a street maintenance worker (Chad Robbins), all contingent on background checks. It also approved a revised 2026 fire department pay structure, a mutual aid agreement with Cuyuna Range Fire Services, and accepted a $500,000 IRRR grant for the wastewater treatment facility. All votes were 3-0 with Council Member Cartie abstaining on fire-related items.
- Approved hiring firefighters Andrew Browne and Steve Tilbury, contingent on background checks (3-0, Cartie abstained)
- Approved Resolution 2025-12-15C revising fire department pay structure (3-0, Cartie abstained)
- Approved mutual aid agreement with Cuyuna Range Fire Services (3-0, Cartie abstained)
- Accepted $500,000 IRRR Public Works Grant for wastewater treatment facility
- Approved Resolution 2025-12-15A accepting $3,000 LMC Grant Navigator funding
- Approved Resolution 2025-12-15F to open financial account with Ehlers for investment services
- Approved hiring seasonal rink attendants Nolan Dotzler ($15.08/hr) and Jeremy Egstad ($15.57/hr), contingent on background checks
- Approved hiring Chad Robbins as Street Maintenance Worker at Grade STA3, Step 4 ($22.58/hr), pending background check and physical
Council
The council approved Resolution 2025-12-01A for the issuance and sale of $2,915,000 in general obligation sewage disposal bonds, with a low bid from Baird at 3.6571%. They also adopted the final 2025 tax levy and budget, setting a 5.18% levy increase over 2025, down from the preliminary 6.94%. The council approved a body camera audit, a MOA for LELS PFML, and Pay Application No. 1 for the WWTF. No public comments were heard during the Truth-in-Taxation hearing.
- Approved Resolution 2025-12-01A for GO sewage disposal bonds ($2,915,000) (all aye)
- Adopted Resolution 2025-12-01B final tax levy (5.18% increase) (all aye)
- Adopted Resolution 2025-12-01C final tax levy & budget (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including amended 11/17/2025 minutes and accounts payable (all aye)
- Approved MOA for LELS PFML (all aye)
- Approved Pay Application No. 1 for WWTF ($302,836.55) (all aye)
- Noted successful completion of 2025 body camera audit
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a resolution supporting American Peat Technology's Job Creation Fund application for a $1.325M expansion, and ordered removal of two hazardous buildings. It also approved several payments and contracts, including a water tower pay request, park power upgrade, and roof project final payment. Discussion on nuisance properties and a letter to the editor response occurred but no formal action was taken on those items.
- Approved Resolution 2025-11-17C supporting APT Job Creation Fund application (unanimous)
- Approved Resolutions 2025-11-17A and 2025-11-17B to remove hazardous buildings at 768 and 780 4th St SE (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Request No. 6 for $185,345 for Water Tower Project (unanimous)
- Approved $2,900 quote from Dutch's Electric for Central Park power upgrade (unanimous)
- Approved WWTF Pay Invoice No. 1 for $12,400 for CMAR preconstruction services (unanimous)
- Approved FD/PD Roof Pay Application No. 1 & Final for $130,400 (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including tobacco license renewals, audit services, and CD renewal (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a $3,105,000 general obligation bond for wastewater treatment facility improvements, accepted a street department resignation, updated the job description to fill a vacancy, hired a new liquor store employee, and approved proposals for grant applications and engineering reports. The council also certified assessments for three grass violation and six nuisance properties, with one assessment (206 4th St NE) passing 2-1 over concerns about equal enforcement.
- Approved $3,105,000 GO Sewage Disposal System Bonds for WWTF (unanimous)
- Accepted resignation of Street Department Employee #125 (unanimous)
- Approved updated Street Department job description and posted vacancy (unanimous)
- Extended employment offer to Madyson Burgstaler at Grade SS5, Step 1 (unanimous)
- Approved Small Cities Development Program preliminary proposal (unanimous)
- Accepted Preliminary Engineering Report proposal from Bolton & Menk (unanimous)
- Certified assessments for 3 grass violation and 6 nuisance properties (all but one unanimous)
- Approved assessment for 206 4th St NE (2-1, Miller nay)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved an interim use permit for Farmers Cannabis Company with conditions, approved a $15,000 Community Business Partnership loan for a roof repair, and adopted Ordinance 418 amending zoning and subdivision rules. The council also accepted a street department resignation and authorized an IRRR grant application for a redevelopment project.
- Approved $15,000 CBP loan for Greater Midwest Insurance/Hanson Ins. Agency roof repair (all aye)
- Approved interim use permit for Farmers Cannabis Company (2-1, 1 abstention)
- Approved CBP/SFL application updates (all aye)
- Approved $3,000 Bolton & Menk LRIP grant assistance for Bunker Hill Dr. project (all aye)
- Approved Ordinance 418 amending Chapter 152 zoning and subdivisions (all aye)
- Accepted resignation of Street Department Employee #53 effective Nov 13, 2025 (all aye)
- Approved Resolution 2025-10-20B authorizing IRRR grant application for 117 1st St NW (3-1)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a $15,000 Community Business Partnership loan to RE/MAX Northland for an emergency roof repair, with loan payments to be directly deposited to the city. The council also approved a $361,581.40 pay request for the Water Tower/Rice Lake project, a $1,900 change order for Thelen Roofing, and hired Elek Christensen as a liquor store clerk. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved $15,000 CBP loan to RE/MAX Northland (all aye)
- Approved Pay Request No. 5 for $361,581.40 for Water Tower/Rice Lake (all aye)
- Approved Change Order No. 1 for Thelen Roofing at $1,900 (all aye)
- Hired Elek Christensen as liquor store clerk, Grade SS5 Step 1 (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including MnDOT snow removal agreement (all aye)
- Approved agenda as amended (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved the 2026 preliminary budget and tax levy, which includes a 6.94% increase ($144,266 more than 2025), and set a Truth-in-Taxation hearing for December 1, 2025. The council also approved a $278,474.89 pay request for water storage improvements, a cooperative landscaping agreement with MnDOT, a resolution authorizing sewer repair assessments, a rooftop unit replacement for the liquor store, and an interest allocation resolution. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved 2026 preliminary budget and tax levy with 6.94% increase (unanimous)
- Set Truth-in-Taxation hearing for 12/1/2025 at 6:00 p.m. (unanimous)
- Approved Water Storage Improvements Pay Request No. 4 for $278,474.89 (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2025-09-15A with MnDOT for $8,000 roundabout landscaping (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2025-09-15B authorizing sewer repair assessments (unanimous)
- Approved rooftop unit replacement for Aitkin Liquor/Riverside Pub (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2025-09-15C on interest allocation (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, financial reports, 2026 COA & PUC Agreement, and Riverside Pub Lease Agreement (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-09-02A, amending the conditional use permit for the new apartment complex to relocate the sidewalk to avoid a wetland. The council also approved the consent agenda, including a gambling permit and a special event permit. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved Resolution No. 2025-09-02A amending CUP PC2024-05-28 to move sidewalk west of wetland (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, gambling permit for Knights of Columbus event, PUC minutes, and special event permit for Aitkin County Employee 5K & BBQ (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a second Community Business Partnership loan of $6,682.50 for Curio North, bringing their total to the $15,000 maximum. They also approved a $2,000 grant from MN Energy for a police ballistic shield, a $488,252.50 water storage pay request, a $362,400 wastewater treatment facility design contract, and a $21,450 trail repair. A motion to ban parking on Bunker Hill Drive failed 3-2 after the mayor broke a tie.
- Approved $6,682.50 CBP loan for Curio North (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2025-08-18A accepting $2,000 MN Energy grant for ballistic shield (unanimous)
- Approved Water Storage Pay Request No. 3 for $488,252.50 (unanimous)
- Approved WWTF CMAR design/construction services up to $362,400 (unanimous)
- Awarded City Park 430' trail reconstruction to Rocon Paving for $21,450 (unanimous)
- Denied No Parking on Bunker Hill Drive (3-2, mayor broke tie)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a temporary liquor license for Aitkin County Friends of the Arts for 9/6/2025, approved posting a vacant liquor store clerk position, and approved painting buckle-up signs in parking lots. A proposal to ban parking on Bunker Hill Drive was tabled until the next meeting after opposition from Riverwood. The consent agenda, including minutes and accounts payable, was approved.
- Approved agenda as amended (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, and Welcome to Aitkin Sign easement (all aye)
- Approved Aitkin County Friends of the Arts temporary liquor license for 9/6/2025 (all aye)
- Approved posting of vacant Liquor Store Clerk (14 hours or less) position (all aye)
- Approved painting buckle-up signs in parking lots (all aye)
- Tabled Bunker Hill Drive no-parking zone discussion until next meeting
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved Ordinance 417, allowing Sunday on-sale liquor sales to begin at 8:00 AM and requiring alcohol training every three years. They also approved a $5M+ wastewater treatment facility rehabilitation project funded by a $2M PUC equipment fund and a $3M general obligation sewer revenue bond, plus engineering fees. Other actions included approving a $5,500 expense to relocate park security cameras and internet, removing trees by CVS Pharmacy, and authorizing a MnDOT grant application for a roundabout landscaping project.
- Approved Ordinance 417 amending Sunday on-sale liquor hours to 8:00 AM and requiring alcohol training every 3 years (all aye)
- Approved Amendment No. 3 to Bunker Hills Workforce Housing Tax Abatement/Developers Agreement, changing commencement to Sept 1, 2025 and completion to Dec 31, 2026 (all aye)
- Approved proceeding with WWTF Rehabilitation Project cost model and $3M bond funding (all aye)
- Approved $5,500 expense to relocate security cameras and internet to Fieldhouse Building (all aye)
- Approved removal of Streetscape Trees by CVS Pharmacy and filling with concrete (all aye)
- Approved Resolution No. 2025-07-21C authorizing MnDOT application for US Hwy 169 South Roundabout Landscaping Project (all aye)
- Approved employment offer to Laurie Tollakson at Grade SS5, Step 1, 14 hours or less, contingent on background check (all aye)
- Approved Final Pay Request No. 9R of $11,473.16 with Mutual Release of Claims (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved Ordinance 416, establishing Chapter 97 to regulate property maintenance, and approved Pay Application No. 2 for the water tower construction project. The council also discussed the water tower color, a draft zoning ordinance, active shooter training, and the absence of fireworks this year.
- Approved Ordinance 416: Establishing Chapter 97 to Regulate Property Maintenance (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Application No. 2 for the Water Tower Construction Project (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including permits and licenses (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a $564,181.81 pay application for the water tower construction project and a new code enforcement services agreement with Cities to Lakes Inspection Services. They also accepted a donation for a Story Walk at City Park, appointed Cindy Sykes to the Library Committee, and approved a consent agenda including a special event permit and an off-site gambling resolution. The council held a closed session to discuss emergency response procedures.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, financial reports, special event permit for Nature Rocks, and Resolution 2025-06-16B (all aye)
- Approved Resolution 2025-06-16A accepting donation and authorizing Story Walk installation at City Park (all aye)
- Approved Code Enforcement Inspection Services Agreement with Cities to Lakes Inspection Services (all aye)
- Approved Pay Application No. 1 for Water Tower Construction to Rice Lake Construction Group for $564,181.81 (all aye)
- Approved appointment of Cindy Sykes to Library Committee (all aye)
- Closed meeting for emergency response procedures per MN Statute 13D.05, Subd. 3(d)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved Ordinance No. 415, updating the fee schedule in Chapter 33 of the City Code, and authorized a contract with Thelen Heating & Roofing for the firehall/police department roof, including $100 per day liquidated damages. The council also approved posting a part-time liquor store clerk position after accepting a resignation, and approved the consent agenda with routine items. No public hearings or other substantive decisions were held.
- Approved Ordinance No. 415 updating fee schedule (unanimous)
- Approved contract with Thelen Heating & Roofing for firehall/police roof (unanimous)
- Approved posting part-time liquor store clerk position (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, liquor license renewals, and special event permits (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council unanimously accepted the 2024 audit, approved a $6,000 compensation study with David Drown & Assoc., and approved a compensation adjustment for the City Administrator. The council also reviewed a draft fee schedule ordinance and discussed a MnDOT grant application for roundabout landscaping.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, financial reports, liquor license, special event permits, and data policy updates (unanimous)
- Accepted 2024 audit presented by Clifton Larson Allen (unanimous)
- Approved Professional Services Agreement with David Drown & Assoc. for compensation study at $6,000 (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2025-05-19B for City Administrator compensation adjustment (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved Rice Lake Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) Improvement Project Phase 1, and approved the $5 million project budget to proceed with construction. Both motions passed unanimously. The city is pursuing state and federal funding, with a fallback plan of a $3 million PFA bond and $2 million from the Public Utilities Equipment Replacement Fund if needed.
- Approved Rice Lake Construction as CMAR for WWTF Phase 1 (unanimous)
- Approved $5 million Phase 1 project budget and authorized construction (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and accounts payable (unanimous)
- Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a resolution authorizing the Aitkin County Land Department to facilitate and publicly auction the sale of timber, with proceeds going to the 403 Park Capital Improvement Fund. The council also denied an offer from Marcia Hasskamp to purchase property PID 56-0-174900, following recommendations from the Public Utilities Commission and Park Committee. Additionally, an event permit for the Long Lake Conservation Foundation's Nature Rocks event was approved, and two library committee appointments were made.
- Approved Resolution No. 2025-04-21A authorizing timber sale auction (all aye)
- Denied offer to purchase PID 56-0-174900 (all aye)
- Approved event permit for Long Lake Conservation Foundation Nature Rocks (all aye)
- Approved appointments of Paige Van Pelt and Judy Thomas to Library Committee (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including disposal of public property resolution (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a $128,500 contract with Thelen Heating & Roofing for the Fire and Police Department re-roof project. They also approved a revised rain garden plan at the library, an MOU for a records tech phone stipend, Ordinance No. 414 updates, software purchases, an actuarial services agreement, and a new liquor store hire. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved $128,500 roof contract with Thelen Heating & Roofing (unanimous)
- Approved revised Rain Garden Plan at Library (unanimous)
- Approved MOU AFSCME Council 65 - Records Tech Phone Stipend (unanimous)
- Approved Ordinance No. 414 & Summary Publication (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of miViewPoint and AP Workflow software modules (unanimous)
- Approved USI Actuarial Services Agreement (unanimous)
- Approved employment offer to Jerry Dagen at Grade SS5, Step I (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved Resolution 2025-03-17A, committing $75,000 from the EDA as a match for a Minnesota Housing Trust Fund grant, potentially totaling $150,000 for city properties. They also hired a new liquor store employee and tabled a discussion on a library rain garden until the next meeting. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved Resolution 2025-03-17A committing $75,000 EDA match for MN Housing Trust Fund grant (all aye)
- Extended employment offer to Jayson Benage at Grade SSS, Step 1, 14 hours or less, contingent on background check (all aye)
- Tabled rain garden discussion at library until April 7, 2025 meeting (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, financial reports, and two gambling permits (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a $2,348,190 general obligation bond for the Water Storage Improvement Project, finalizing the PFA loan. They also approved Change Order No. 3 for the Fieldhouse Project, deducting $18,600 in liquidated damages from Baratto Brothers, and approved a separate invoice of $7,239.53 for additional project expenses. The council approved the LMC Insurance liability waiver form, declining to waive tort liability limits, and accepted the 2024 Pay Equity Report as compliant.
- Approved Resolution No. 2025-03-03A authorizing $2,348,190 GO bond for Water Storage Improvement Project (all aye)
- Approved Fieldhouse Project Change Order No. 3, deducting $18,600 in liquidated damages (all aye)
- Approved Invoice #3447 for $7,239.53 from Baratto Brothers for Fieldhouse expenses (all aye)
- Approved LMC Insurance Liability Coverage Waiver Form, not waiving tort liability limits (all aye)
- Approved agenda as amended (all aye)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and accounts payable (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved purchasing six convertible benches for the Community Fieldhouse for $5,902.14, funded by a $1,800 donation from the Northern Lakes Hockey Association and the Park Fund. The council also accepted the donation via Resolution No. 2025-02-184, approved pay estimates for the Fieldhouse project, and held a closed session to discuss possible litigation.
- Approved agenda and consent agenda (all aye)
- Approved Resolution No. 2025-02-184 accepting $1,800 donation from Northern Lakes Hockey Association to Park Fund (all aye)
- Approved purchasing six convertible benches for Community Fieldhouse for $5,902.14 (all aye)
- Approved Pay Estimate 7 & 8 to Baratto Brothers for Fieldhouse Project (all aye)
- Closed public session for attorney-client privilege to discuss possible litigation (all aye)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a resolution to close the Store Front Loan account at Bremer Bank and open a new account at Neighborhood National Bank, consolidating EDA loan accounts for easier operation. The council also approved hiring a part-time liquor store clerk and an amendment to the Chamber's special event permit for a wagon ride. No other substantive decisions were made; several items were deferred to future meetings.
- Approved Resolution No. 2025-02-03A to transfer and close Store Front Loan account at Bremer Bank and open new account at Neighborhood National Bank (unanimous)
- Approved hiring a part-time liquor store clerk (under 14 hours/week) (unanimous)
- Approved amendment to Chamber's special event permit for Winter Wonderama to include wagon ride at City Park (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, 2025 meeting schedule, and generator contract renewal (unanimous)
Council
The council approved Resolution 2025-01-21A to seek $4.722M in state bonding for extending public utilities to school district property, with the mayor breaking a 2-2 tie. Also approved were a $25,000 Bolton & Menk proposal for the WWTF CMAR process, a $14,179.85 push camera purchase, and hiring Kyle Nelson for the street maintenance worker position.
- Approved Resolution 2025-01-21A to seek $4.722M state funding for utility extension (3-2, mayor broke tie)
- Approved $25,000 Bolton & Menk proposal for WWTF CMAR process (unanimous)
- Approved $14,179.85 purchase of MC80 Push Camera from Jetline Sales & Service (unanimous)
- Approved hiring Kyle Nelson as Street Maintenance Worker, contingent on background check and physical, with license requirement (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, and gambling permit (unanimous)
Council
The Aitkin City Council approved a resolution supporting an Active Transportation Grant application for reconstructing the walking trail in City Park and replacing the pedestrian bridge. The council also accepted a $2,500 grant from the MN Chiefs of Police Foundation for community outreach, and approved the mayor's appointments. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved Resolution 2025-01-06A supporting Active Transportation Grant for walking trail and bridge (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2025-01-06B accepting $2,500 grant from MN Chiefs of Police Foundation (unanimous)
- Approved mayor's appointments for 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including payments, contract renewals, and event permit (unanimous)