Litchfield public meetings in 2024

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a certificate of appropriateness application for 134 North Sibley Avenue. The commission will also review two administratively approved certificates of appropriateness for 213 N. Sibley Ave. (Lehmann Brothers, LLC) and 3 E. 4th Street (Trinity Episcopal Church). The meeting includes approval of October 28 meeting minutes and scheduling the next meeting for January 27, 2025.

• Public hearing on certificate of appropriateness for 134 North Sibley Avenue
• Administratively approved certificate of appropriateness for 213 N. Sibley Ave. by Lehmann Brothers, LLC
• Administratively approved certificate of appropriateness for 3 E. 4th Street by Trinity Episcopal Church
• Approval of minutes from October 28, 2024 meeting
• Next meeting set for January 27, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

The Heritage Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacement at 134 Sibley Ave. N., with conditions on window color and fit. They also approved two administrative roof repair permits and discussed concerns about the façade grant contract, deciding to communicate issues to the committee and start smaller projects in 2025.

• Approved window replacement at 134 Sibley Ave. N. (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved roof repair/replacement at 213 Sibley Ave. N. (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved roof repair/replacement at 34th Street E. (unanimous voice vote)
• Discussed façade grant contract concerns; decided to communicate to committee

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will discuss and possibly act on several items including proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance from the Planning Commission, a review of the Convention and Visitors Bureau budget, and updates on the LARC operations. The council will also consider a storage building roof improvement, an airport farmland lease, and make annual appointments for city attorney, official newspaper, city engineer, and weed inspector.

• Amendments to the zoning ordinance (Planning Commission recommendation)
• Convention and Visitors Bureau budget/annual report presentation
• LARC operations discussion
• Storage building roof improvement project
• Airport farmland lease (Resolution No. 24-12-239)

The Litchfield City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 831, which would allow cannabis retail sales only in the B-4 General Business District and require a 700-foot buffer from schools. The vote was 3-2, with Council Members Mathwig, Kotelnicki, and Miller in favor, and Mayor Dingmann and Council Member Carlson opposed. The council also approved the consent agenda, including payments for the LARC project, and approved a roof repair quote for the old Rescue Squad building.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 831 (cannabis retail in B-4 only, 700-ft school buffer) (3-2)
• Approved consent agenda including $227,696.97 in bills and $739,260.91 in LARC payments (unanimous)
• Approved Litchfield Visitors Bureau 2025 budget (unanimous)
• Approved $36,908.06 roof repair quote from Litchfield Building Center (unanimous)
• Approved 3-year airport farmland lease with Kurt Piepenburg (unanimous)
• Approved lawful gambling exemption for Meeker County Ducks Unlimited (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance related to cannabis businesses, as authorized by new state law. They will also review recent City Council actions, including a conditional use permit/variance/lot split at 702 W. 5th St., approval of the draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and zoning ordinance amendments on site plan expiration, signs, and agriculture. An update on the HPC/PC joint meeting discussions will be provided.

• Public hearing on zoning amendments for cannabis businesses
• Review of approved conditional use permit, variance, and lot split for 702 W. 5th St.
• Review of approved draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan
• Review of approved zoning ordinance amendments on site plan expiration, sign ordinance, and agriculture as permitted use
• Update on HPC/PC joint meeting discussions

The Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council adopt zoning ordinance amendments for cannabis businesses. The recommendation allows cannabis retail in B-2 Downtown Business, B-3 Highway Business, and B-4 General Business districts, with no school buffer. Non-retail cannabis businesses would be allowed in the I-2 General Industry District. The City Council had previously directed staff to allow retail only in B-4 and to include a 700-foot school buffer, but the Commission disagreed and recommended broader allowances.

• Recommended allowing cannabis retail in B-2, B-3, and B-4 districts (unanimous)
• Recommended no school buffer for cannabis businesses (straw vote unanimous)
• Recommended non-retail cannabis businesses in I-2 General Industry District
• Approved minutes of October 16, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss and adopt the 2025 property tax levy and various city budgets. The body will also consider the sale of bonds and a developer's agreement for the Gorman Avenue lot.

• Public hearing for proposed 2025 property tax levy and budgets
• Developer's agreement and public hearing setting for Gorman Avenue lot
• Authorization for the sale of bonds (Resolution No. 24-12-226)
• Second readings of Ordinance No. 828 and Ordinance No. 829
• Approval of 2025 water and wastewater chemical quotes

City Council

The Litchfield City Council is adopting the 2025 budget and certifying a property tax levy of $3,791,900, an 8.9% increase over the prior year. The budget includes funding for two new administrative and public works positions, a new recreation center operating budget, and planned utility rate increases for electric and water services.

• Property tax levy certified at $3,791,900 (8.9% increase, down from preliminary 12.1%)
• Electric utility rates to increase in steps 2 and 3 for 2025 and 2026
• Water rates may be considered for first increase since 2015
• New recreation center (LARC) operating budget included for 2025
• Two new positions funded in administrative and public works departments

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on a proposed cannabis ordinance and the sale of the golf clubhouse. Other business includes updates on the Gorman Avenue lot, a Minnesota Housing grant, remote meeting access, and an airport grant agreement. The consent agenda covers approval of minutes, financial reports, and bills.

• Public Hearing – Consider Cannabis Ordinance (Resolution 24-11-213)
• Public Hearing – Consider Sale of Public Property – Golf Clubhouse (Resolution 24-11-214)
• Gorman Avenue Lot Update
• MN Housing Grant (memo/packet)
• Airport Grant Agreement (packet)

City Council

The Litchfield City Council is holding a special meeting solely to canvass votes from the November 5, 2024 election. This is a procedural step to certify official results. No other business is scheduled.

• Canvass of votes from the November 5 general election

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will discuss a cannabis ordinance and future street projects including Johnson Drive, Swift Avenue, and the Highway 12/CSAH 34 Intersection. The consent agenda includes second readings of ordinances 826 and 827, and payments for the Airport Terminal Building Rehabilitation and Library Exterior Improvements. The Heritage Preservation Commission recommends action on three Certificate of Appropriateness applications and a façade grant. Other business items include the Civic Arena floor, Gorman Avenue lot, and Circle 6 roofing improvements.

• Cannabis ordinance discussion
• Future street projects: Johnson Drive, Swift Avenue, Highway 12/CSAH 34 Intersection (Resolutions 24-11-202, 24-11-203, 24-11-204)
• Civic Arena floor improvements (Resolution 24-11-208)
• Gorman Avenue lot (Resolution 24-11-206)
• Heritage Preservation Commission: Certificate of Appropriateness at 309 N Sibley Ave, 202 N Sibley Ave, 229 N Sibley Ave, and Façade Grant

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Certificate of Appropriateness application for 309 North Sibley Avenue (the historic Kokavy's Bakery building). The commission will also consider a request for extension of a Certificate of Appropriateness for 202 N. Sibley Ave and a request for amendment for 229 N. Sibley Ave. An update on the Downtown Project will be provided under old business.

• Public hearing on Certificate of Appropriateness for 309 N. Sibley Ave
• Extension request for Certificate of Appropriateness at 202 N. Sibley Ave by Noah Barka, Strout Innovations
• Amendment request for Certificate of Appropriateness at 229 N. Sibley Ave by Jesse Narr
• Downtown Project update from Dean Urdahl

City Council

The City Council will set public hearings for the sale of the golf course clubhouse and a cannabis ordinance, consider a conditional use permit at 702 W. 5th Street, vote on the draft comprehensive plan and zoning amendments, approve a site plan for an FDA pretreatment facility, award bids for the LARC project, discuss wastewater agreements, appoint a liquor store manager and lineman, and hold a closed session on the law enforcement contract. Routine consent items include payments for the water treatment facility improvement and LARC projects, and approval of lawful gambling permits.

• Set public hearing for sale of golf course clubhouse (Resolution 24-10-190)
• Set public hearing for cannabis ordinance (Resolution 24-10-191)
• Conditional use permit, variance, and lot split at 702 W. 5th Street (Resolution 24-10-186)
• Draft Comprehensive Plan resolution (Resolution 24-10-189)
• Site plan approval for FDA pretreatment facility (Resolution 24-10-188)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a conditional use permit, variance, and lot split at 702 W. 5th St., the draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and proposed zoning ordinance amendments. The commission will also review a site plan for a wastewater pre-treatment facility by First District Association and discuss updates on past council actions.

• Conditional use permit, variance, and lot split request by Dennis Rutledge at 702 W. 5th St. to allow an accessory structure without a principal structure and reduce driveway setback.
• Public hearing and consideration of adoption of the draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
• Proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding expiration of site plan approval, sign ordinance, and agriculture as a permitted use.
• Site plan review by First District Association for a wastewater pre-treatment facility.
• Review of council actions: variance approved for Eric Janey at 802 E. 2nd St. and final PUD approval for Midtown Lofts.

Planning Commission

The Litchfield Planning Commission is reviewing the draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which provides a 20-year guide for growth and development. The plan covers land use, housing goals, and demographic trends, including an aging population and decreasing household size. The meeting may involve discussion or action on adopting the plan, which is intended to supplement the 2009 Comprehensive Plan.

• Review of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan with a 20-year timeframe
• Discussion of housing goals addressing an aging population and decreasing household size
• Future land use map showing planned land use within the current municipal boundary
• Demographic data showing population decline since 2010 and a median age of 41.0

City Council

The City Council will discuss wastewater updates, lighting requests, and a certificate of appropriateness for 18 E. 2nd Street. A work session following the meeting will focus on mailbox placements and a proposed cannabis ordinance.

• Proposed Cannabis Ordinance work session
• Certificate of Appropriateness application for 18 E. 2nd Street
• Library Exterior Improvements payment (Resolution No. 24-10-175)
• Lawful Gambling Permits for VFW Post 2818 and Meeker County Pheasants Forever
• City Administrator performance evaluation summary

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission will conduct a public hearing and take action on an application for the property at 18 E. 2nd Street. The body will also discuss a historic plaque program and a historic color palette.

• Public hearing and action on application for 18 E. 2nd Street
• Discussion of Historic Plaque Program
• Discussion of Historic Color Palette
• Update on Downtown Façade Grant

City Council

The City Council will consider routine consent items including claims, a trunk sanitary sewer relocation resolution (No. 24-9-170), and appointment of election judges (No. 24-9-171). Under business items, they will discuss cannabis regulations, a library project update, professional services, and conduct the city administrator's performance evaluation. No public hearings or timed items are scheduled.

• Trunk Sanitary Sewer Relocation – Resolution No. 24-9-170
• General Election Judges – Resolution No. 24-9-171
• Temporary Street Closing Request – Litchfield Chamber of Commerce
• Cannabis discussion
• City Administrator Performance Evaluation

The Litchfield City Council approved the consent agenda, including payments and election judge appointments, and voted to hold a work session to review the proposed cannabis ordinance. No formal action was taken on the library project update or professional services report discussion. The council also closed the meeting to evaluate City Administrator Dave Cziok.

• Approved consent agenda including $455,325.88 in bills (unanimous)
• Approved $21,674.91 payment for Trunk Sanitary Sewer Relocation (consent)
• Approved election judges and polling place for Nov 5, 2024 election (consent)
• Approved work session to review proposed cannabis ordinance (6-0)
• Closed meeting for City Administrator performance evaluation (no vote recorded)

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will consider resolutions to set the 2025 preliminary property tax levy and budget, and schedule public hearings. Other business includes a certificate of appropriateness for a façade change at 217 Sibley Avenue North, an update on liquor store hiring, and the Small Cities Development Program. The consent agenda covers routine approvals of minutes, claims, and financial reports.

• Set 2025 preliminary levy (Resolution 24-9-163)
• Set 2025 preliminary budget (Resolution 24-9-164)
• Set public hearing dates (Resolution 24-9-165)
• Certificate of Appropriateness for CBTC, LLC at 217 Sibley Avenue North (Resolution 24-9-166)
• Award bids for LARC (Litchfield Aquatic Recreation Center)

The Litchfield City Council set a 12% preliminary property tax levy increase for 2025, after a 15% increase failed. They also approved the proposed 2025 tax-supported budgets and accepted bids for the LARC project. A certificate of appropriateness was granted for a property on Sibley Avenue, and the Small Cities Development Program application was postponed to 2025.

• Approved 12% preliminary tax levy increase (4-2)
• Rejected 15% tax levy increase (3-3)
• Adopted proposed 2025 tax-supported budgets (4-2)
• Accepted LARC Bid Package #2 bids (5-1)
• Granted Certificate of Appropriateness at 217 N Sibley Ave (unanimous)
• Authorized MN Historical Society Conference attendance (unanimous)
• Postponed Small Cities Development Program application to 2025 (unanimous)
• Set 2025 Budget and Tax Levy meeting for Dec 2, 2024 (unanimous)

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for work at 217 North Sibley Avenue, a contributing building in the historic district. The commission will also receive an update on the Façade Grant program. Approval of the previous meeting's minutes and scheduling of the next meeting are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing on Certificate of Appropriateness for 217 North Sibley Avenue (historic contributing building)
• Update on Façade Grant program for downtown Litchfield
• Approval of July 22, 2024 meeting minutes
• Next meeting scheduled for September 23, 2024

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will meet to act on a consent agenda, a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) resolution, and planning commission recommendations including a variance request and the Midtown Lofts Planned Unit Development (PUD). Other business items include discussion of a skate park, fire relief bylaws, a LARC joint agreement, a civic arena license agreement, and a downtown council request.

• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Resolution No. 24-8-154
• Variance Request by Eric Janey, Sunrise Apartments, LLC at 802 E. 2nd Street – Resolution No. 24-8-156
• Midtown Lofts PUD – Resolution No. 24-8-155
• Skate Park memo discussion
• Fire Relief Bylaws and LARC Joint Agreement items

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a variance request for a maintenance shed at 802 E. 2nd Street. The body will also review a draft of the Comprehensive Future Land Use Plan and the final development plan for Midtown Lofts.

• Public hearing for variance request by Eric Janey, Sunrise Apartments, LLC at 802 E. 2nd Street for a 12x16 shed
• Review of Midtown Lofts TIF Presentation and Final Development Plan
• Discussion of the draft Comprehensive Future Land Use Plan
• Review of approved rezoning and site plan for 8-unit apartments at 181 North Gorman Avenue

City Council

The council will hold a public hearing on a proposed annexation of two city-owned properties by ordinance. They will also consider consent agenda items including licenses, permits, and claims; commission recommendations on certificate of appropriateness applications; and discuss business items such as the LARC project, wastewater facility plan, salt storage, library, meter bids, and a joint agreement.

• Public hearing on annexation of city-owned parcels (Resolution 24-8-143)
• Certificate of Appropriateness application for Meeker Area Food Shelf at 120 Sibley Avenue North (Resolution 24-8-140)
• Certificate of Appropriateness application for Jesse Narr at 229 Sibley Avenue North (Resolution 24-8-141)
• Bid considerations for electric and water meters
• Water Treatment Facility Improvement Project resolution (Resolution 24-8-145)

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission will hold public hearings for certificates of appropriateness at 120 and 229 North Sibley Avenue. Old business includes an update on the Downtown Façade Grant program. New business covers the Minnesota Historical Society Conference and administratively approved certificates for three other Sibley Avenue addresses.

• Public hearing for Certificate of Appropriateness at 120 North Sibley Avenue
• Public hearing for Certificate of Appropriateness at 229 North Sibley Avenue
• Update on Downtown Façade Grant with timeline and state appropriation ($4 million, available until Dec 31, 2028)
• Administratively approved Certificates of Appropriateness for 134, 201, and 202 North Sibley Avenue
• Discussion of Minnesota Historical Society Conference attendance

The Heritage Preservation Commission approved two certificates of appropriateness (COAs) for properties on North Sibley Avenue, with amendments to reflect non-contributing status and cornice painting. It also authorized the chair to send a letter requesting interested party status regarding a façade grant, and approved three administrative COAs.

• Approved COA for 120 North Sibley Avenue as amended (unanimous)
• Approved COA for 229 North Sibley Avenue as amended (unanimous)
• Authorized chair to send letter requesting interested party status for façade grant (unanimous)
• Approved administrative COA for 134 North Sibley Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved administrative COA for 201 North Sibley Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved administrative COA for 202 North Sibley Avenue (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will decide on setting a public hearing for annexation (Resolution 24-7-133), consider second reading of Ordinance No. 824 (Resolution 24-7-134), and discuss updates on wastewater treatment, LARC, and scooters. The consent agenda includes approving July 1 minutes, claims, and appointing primary election judges. A presentation from the Litchfield Area Community Foundation on a popcorn stand is also scheduled.

• Set public hearing on annexation (Resolution 24-7-133)
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 824 (Resolution 24-7-134)
• Appointment to Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA)
• Discussion on wastewater update (FDA-related)
• Discussion on scooters

City Council

City Administrator Cziok presented an organizational review regarding future staffing needs and tax impacts. The presentation noted that 13 of 44 employees are eligible to retire within the next five years. The Council scheduled a follow-up work session for July 15, 2024.

• Presentation on organizational review and potential $1.1M budget impact
• Discussion of 13 employees eligible to retire in the next five years
• Identification of a potential 18% tax impact from proposed position additions
• Scheduling of follow-up work session for July 15, 2024

City Council

The City Council will receive an update regarding the First District Association wastewater issue. The council will also consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for 309 Sibley Avenue North and review routine items such as liquor licenses and gambling permits.

• FDA Wastewater Update
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 309 Sibley Avenue North
• Kiwanis Club Lawful Gambling Permit (Resolution No. 24-7-129)
• Civic Arena Advertising discussion
• Façade Grant review

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission reviewed several property applications and discussed local grant funding. They approved historic preservation applications for properties on Sibley Avenue. The commission also voted to ask the City Council to reinstate a three-year, $8,000 1:1 façade grant.

• Approved brick work on west façade at 222 N. Sibley Ave
• Approved sign application for 231 N. Sibley Ave
• Deferred action on 309 N. Sibley Ave due to insufficient information
• Requested City Council reinstate a three-year, $8,000 1:1 façade grant

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will review a rezoning and site request for 181 North Gilman Avenue. The agenda also includes the appointment of an HRA Council Liaison and discussions regarding the Historic Downtown Commercial District Grant. Additionally, the council will receive updates on wastewater and the city code of conduct.

• Rezoning and site request by Gregg Schilling at 181 North Gilman Avenue
• HRA Council Liaison appointment
• Historic Downtown Commercial District Grant review
• Liquor license application for Litchfield Baseball Association
• Lawful Gambling Premise Permit for Litchfield Golf Club, Inc.

Planning Commission

The Litchfield Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request by Gregg Schilling for a rezoning, variance, and site plan review to construct an 8-unit apartment at 181 North Gorman Avenue. The commission will also review minutes from the April 8 meeting and receive a report from the Heritage Preservation Commission. Additionally, they will note the council's granting of a planned unit development for a 60-unit apartment building at 415 Ramsey Ave S.

• Public hearing for rezoning, variance, and site plan review for an 8-unit apartment at 181 North Gorman Avenue
• Review of minutes from April 8, 2024 meeting
• HPC meeting report
• Council action: Planned Unit Development granted to Litchfield Midtown Lofts LLC for a 60-unit market-rate apartment building

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will consider several items related to the golf clubhouse, including a racquetball agreement, roof work, and lease amendments, following the prior approval of a lease and sale to Parlil Holdings, LLC. They will also review resolutions for LARC appropriations, a wastewater lab technician agreement, and HRA appointments. The agenda includes routine consent items like minutes, financial reports, claims, and a temporary liquor license for the Litchfield Baseball Association.

• Golf course restaurant: racquetball agreement, roof, lease amendments
• LARC appropriations resolutions 24-6-107 and 24-6-108
• Wastewater lab technician agreement
• HRA appointment, council liaison, roster confirmation
• Heritage Preservation Commission: certificates of appropriateness for 222 and 231 Sibley Ave N, and $8,000 façade grant

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Litchfield Heritage Preservation Commission will hold public hearings on applications for three properties on North Sibley Avenue (222, 231, and 309) to decide on Certificates of Appropriateness. The commission will also discuss an update on the façade grant and a new $8,000 city 1:1 matching grant program.

• Public hearings for 222, 231, and 309 North Sibley Avenue
• Update on façade grant
• New business: City $8,000 1:1 grant

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will hold its regular meeting on May 20, 2024, with a consent agenda covering routine items like minutes, financial reports, claims, licenses, and employment offers. The main business items are updates on the LARC agreement, wastewater timeline, and golf course restaurant, along with a legal consideration on a code of conduct. No public hearings or major votes are scheduled.

• Consent agenda includes lawful gambling permits for Songs of Summer Festival and Church of St. Philip
• Employment offer resolution for part-time positions
• Noise variance request for Muddy Cow
• Discussion on LARC agreement update
• Wastewater timeline update and golf course restaurant discussion

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will consider bids for the trunk sanitary sewer and airport A/D building improvement projects, and discuss current projects and financial planning. The agenda also includes a skate park presentation, electric/water meters, library exterior improvements, Backage Road and Johnson Drive, cemetery, LARC, baseball liquor license, golf course restaurant and rates, and equipment purchase. A work session on the Code of Conduct is scheduled before the meeting.

• Consider bids for trunk sanitary sewer (Resolution No. 24-5-86)
• Consider bids for airport A/D building improvement project
• Skate park presentation
• Electric/water meters discussion
• Library exterior improvements

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission will hold a special joint meeting with the City Council to review a proposed scope of services for the next phase of the downtown facade improvement program, with estimated costs totaling $49,250. The commission will also discuss comments on the facade grant program and consider approving the minutes from the March 25 meeting.

• Review of proposed scope of services for facade grant program, including $49,250 in estimated fees
• Discussion of grant administration by DEED or MNHS pending legislative amendment
• Downtown facade grant comments on eligibility, match, and priorities
• Approval of March 25, 2024 meeting minutes
• Next meeting scheduled for May 27, 2024

City Council

The Litchfield City Council is holding a special meeting with the Heritage Preservation Commission to review a new history proposal and consider awarding a contract. The proposal, from New History, outlines a scope of services for the next phase of the city's building facade improvement program, with estimated consulting fees totaling $49,250 plus additional hourly costs. The council will decide whether to approve the proposal and award the contract.

• Review of New History proposal for Litchfield Building Facades project
• Award of contract for facade improvement program consulting services
• Estimated consulting fees of $49,250, plus hourly costs for stakeholder meetings
• Scope includes MMB grant agreement, grant timeline, team assembly, design administration, and local selection criteria

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will hold a public hearing for the Board of Review, receive an audit presentation, and consider several business items. Key decisions include a Planned Unit Development request by Meeker County EDA at 415 Ramsey Ave. South, a TIF termsheet and MN Housing grant application for Midtown Lofts, and updates on the LARC project and golf course restaurant purchase offer. The consent agenda includes routine approvals like claims, licenses, and employment offers.

• Public hearing for Board of Review
• Planned Unit Development request by Meeker County EDA at 415 Ramsey Ave. South
• Midtown Lofts TIF termsheet and MN Housing grant application
• LARC project scope, cooperative agreement, and O&M estimates
• Golf course restaurant purchase offer update

City Council

The Litchfield City Council is receiving the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, from the accounting firm Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP. The independent auditor's report gives an unmodified (clean) opinion, meaning the financial statements fairly present the city's financial position. The management letter notes no significant difficulties, disagreements, or uncorrected misstatements, and all material misstatements were corrected. The agenda is primarily a presentation of the audit results and related communications.

• Unmodified audit opinion on 2023 financial statements
• No significant difficulties or disagreements with management
• All material misstatements corrected by management
• No new accounting policies adopted in 2023
• Audit report includes schedules for pension and OPEB liabilities

Planning Commission

The Litchfield Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a Planned Unit Development request by Meeker County EDA for a 60-unit market-rate apartment building at 415 Ramsey Ave South. The commission will also elect officers and review a previously granted conditional use permit for the Meeker County Family Service Center.

• Public hearing: PUD request for 60-unit apartment building at 415 Ramsey Ave S, with density and setback variances
• Election of chairperson, vice chairperson, and HPC representative
• Review of council action: CUP granted for off-street parking at 102 N Armstrong Ave (Meeker County Family Service Center)

City Council

The Litchfield City Council is meeting to consider several business items, including a golf clubhouse purchase offer, a wine license application for Mimi's Café, electrical transformer and switchgear purchases, an airport terminal building rehabilitation project, a trunk sanitary sewer relocation, and the use of ARPA funds. The agenda also includes consent items like minutes, financial reports, claims, and licenses, as well as commission recommendations for certificates of appropriateness on Sibley Avenue properties.

• Golf Clubhouse Purchase Offer from the Golf Course Negotiation Committee
• Mimi's Café wine license application
• Electrical transformers and switchgears purchase
• Airport terminal building rehabilitation project
• Trunk sanitary sewer relocation

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Litchfield Heritage Preservation Commission will hold public hearings on Certificate of Appropriateness applications for 202 and 226 North Sibley Avenue, and will discuss the Downtown Façade Grant. The commission will decide whether to approve, defer, or deny the applications.

• Public hearing for 202 North Sibley Avenue
• Public hearing for 226 North Sibley Avenue
• Discussion of Downtown Façade Grant

City Council

The Litchfield City Council is meeting to consider several business items, including a presentation on the Gorman Avenue lot, an update on a restaurant, and a cooperative agreement for East US Hwy 12. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as minutes, financial reports, claims, and licenses. The meeting is largely procedural with no major public hearings or rezonings listed.

• Lawful Gambling Permits for Litchfield Baseball Association (Resolutions 24-3-49, 24-3-50)
• Street closure request for Parade of Bands
• Gorman Avenue lot presentation
• East US Hwy 12 cooperative agreement
• Airport farmland lease

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will hold its regular meeting on March 4, 2024, with several business items on the agenda. These include sewer line replacement, golf course matters, a tobacco license application, tree replacement, and a Downtown Council, Inc. item. The council will also receive the Fire and Rescue annual reports and consider certificates of appropriateness for two downtown properties.

• Fire and Rescue annual reports (Resolution No. 24-3-41)
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 226 Sibley Avenue North (Resolution No. 24-3-42)
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 236 Sibley Avenue North (Resolution No. 24-3-43)
• Sewer line replacement discussion
• Tobacco license application

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Litchfield Heritage Preservation Commission will hold public hearings on applications for 226 and 236 North Sibley Avenue, likely for Certificates of Appropriateness. The commission will also review a site plan and an administratively approved COA for 202 N. Sibley Ave., and receive an update on the façade grant program.

• Public hearing for 226 North Sibley Avenue
• Public hearing for 236 North Sibley Avenue
• Site plan review for 202 N. Sibley Ave.
• Administratively approved COA for 202 N. Sibley Ave.
• Façade Grant Update

City Council

The City Council is reviewing options regarding the Golf Course Restaurant Committee's proposal to dissolve the building lease agreement with Golf Club, Inc. Discussions include potential costs for roof repairs and equipment purchases to prepare the facility for a new tenant.

• Dissolution of 2013 Golf Course Facility Building Lease Agreement
• Proposed $100,000 equipment replacement value estimate
• Estimated $90,000 roof repair cost
• Proposed $36,000 purchase of Shady’s equipment
• Planning Commission appointment of Shannon Asmus and Larry Dahl

City Council

The Litchfield City Council is holding a work session to review materials and develop bullet points for a new code of conduct policy. Mayor Dingmann will lead the discussion, using Rochester's code as a basis, and the council will compile input for review by the League of Minnesota Cities and the city attorney. This is a discussion and drafting session, not a final decision.

• Review of code of conduct examples from Austin, Brooklyn Park, Edina, Alexandria, and Rochester
• Discussion of elected officials' roles and council structure per League of Minnesota Cities guidance
• Mayor Dingmann to lead bullet-point discussion based on Rochester example
• Input to be compiled for review by League of Minnesota Cities and city attorney

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will meet to consider several routine and business items, including consent agenda approvals, a certificate of appropriateness for a property on N. Sibley Ave., and reports on safe routes to school and law enforcement requests. The council will also discuss lease agreements for the Civic Arena and Mediacom, a temporary street closure, and make appointments to the Library Board and Police Civil Service Commission.

• Certificate of Appropriateness application by Fady Qumseya for 202 N. Sibley Ave. (Resolution No. 24-2-21)
• Lawful Gambling Permits for Crow River Area Chapter and Songs of Summer Festival (Resolutions No. 24-2-20, 24-2-22)
• Civic Arena lease agreement discussion
• Mediacom lease agreement discussion
• Appointments to Library Board (two terms) and Police Civil Service Commission (one term)

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Litchfield Heritage Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Certificate of Appropriateness application for 202 North Sibley Avenue. The commission will also review administratively approved COAs, including one for 234 N. Sibley Ave., and discuss the Downtown Grant. The meeting includes welcoming a new commissioner and approving the October 2023 minutes.

• Public hearing for Certificate of Appropriateness at 202 N. Sibley Ave.
• Administratively approved COA for 234 N. Sibley Ave.
• Discussion of Downtown Grant
• Approval of October 23, 2023 meeting minutes
• Welcome of new Commissioner Ian McGuire

City Council

The Litchfield City Council is meeting to handle routine consent agenda items, including minutes, financial reports, claims, and licenses, as well as a second reading of an ordinance. The main substantive item is a Planning Commission recommendation for a conditional use permit and variance request by Meeker County at 102 North Armstrong Avenue. The council will also discuss a golf course restaurant letter of interest, city-wide clean-up, and council roles and standards of conduct.

• Conditional Use Permit and Variance Request/Site Approval by Meeker County at 102 North Armstrong Avenue – Resolution No. 24-1-14
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 821 – Resolution No. 24-1-11 (cable franchise amendment)
• Lawful gambling permits for Litchfield Lions Club, MN Palomino Horse Exhibitors, Litchfield Rotary Club, and Litchfield Area Mentorship Program – Kinship
• Appointments to Heritage Preservation Commission: incumbent Kevin Hovey, applicant Ian McGuire
• Golf course restaurant letter of interest and committee report

Planning Commission

The Litchfield Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit, two variances, and site plan review for a 15-stall parking lot at 102 N Armstrong Ave. to serve the Meeker County Family Service Center. The commission will also review a concept plan by Steve Knisley at 702 W 5th Street and discuss the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update.

• Conditional use permit, variances & site plan review for 15-stall parking lot at 102 N Armstrong Ave by Meeker County
• Concept plan review by Steve Knisley at 702 W 5th Street
• Comprehensive Land Use Plan update discussion
• HPC/PC joint meeting discussions update
• Review of council actions: CUP granted to Beau Munsell at 516 Miller Ave S; Sparboe Addition plat granted

City Council

The Litchfield City Council will hold a public hearing to consider amending Ordinance No. 767 to extend the cable television franchise term for Mediacom Minnesota LLC. The council will also make annual appointments, set council committees, and discuss a Downtown Council funding request and LARC user groups. Several routine items, including official signatures, interest rates, and depository designations, are on the consent agenda.

• Public hearing on extending Mediacom cable franchise term (Resolution No. 24-1-6)
• Annual appointments and council committees (Resolutions No. 24-1-4 and 24-1-5)
• Golf Course Committee appointment (Resolution No. 24-1-7)
• Downtown Council request for additional funding for music in the park
• Crosswalk concern from Melody Scott