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Litchfield, Minnesota

Litchfield public meetings in 2025

37 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 15, 2025

City Council

City Council approves 2026 tax levy and chemical contracts

The Litchfield City Council will consider the proposed 2026 property tax levy and budgets during a public hearing. The agenda also includes authorizing payments for water and wastewater chemicals for 2026.

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✓ Decided: City Council awards $6.05M transformer contract to WEG Transformers

The council approved the consent agenda and authorized payments for the LARC project ($28,499.34) and the Commercial Street & Holcombe Avenue drainage improvements ($48,642.87). It granted lawful gambling permit exemptions to Meeker County Ducks Unlimited and Meeker County Pheasants Forever, approved the 2026 Visitors Bureau budget, and kept the Pioneerland Library System budget at $173,496 for 2026. The council also awarded a conditional $6,053,700 contract to WEG Transformers for power transformers and approved a $18,850 G.A.R. Hall building assessment proposal. All actions were adopted unanimously.

Mon Dec 1, 2025

City Council

Council to vote on 2026 property tax levy and city budgets

The Litchfield City Council will hold a public hearing to certify the 2025 property tax levy and adopt the 2026 operating, debt service, revolving and dedicated fund budgets (Resolutions 25-12-248 to 25-12-251). Other agenda items include approval of 2025 public utility un‑collectibles, chemical quotes for 2026 water and wastewater, a heritage preservation certificate for the G.A.R. Hall at 308 North Marshall Ave, and updates on the VA clinic and 5th Street speed limit.

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✓ Decided: City Council adopts 2026 tax levy, budgets and water chemical contracts

The council certified the 2025 property tax levy and the 2026 levy totaling $4,052,020. It adopted the 2026 operating‑fund budgets. The council accepted quotes and bids for water and wastewater treatment chemicals, awarding both to Hawkins, Inc. The public hearing on the levy and budgets was closed with a 7‑0 vote.

Wed Nov 26, 2025

City Council

City Council adopts 2026 budget and property tax levy of $4.05 million

The Litchfield City Council will adopt the FY 2026 operating, debt service, and revolving fund budgets. It will also certify the 2026 property tax levy totaling $4,052,020, including a $3,484,520 regular levy. The budget reflects a $575,822 increase in labor costs and a 3% rise in electric and sewer rates. These actions were considered at the budget hearing on December 1, 2025.

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Mon Nov 24, 2025

Heritage Preservation Commission

Commission will decide on the 308 N. Marshall Ave historic repair application

The Heritage Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing for the project at 308 N. Marshall Avenue, reviewing the application to repair doors and windows of the historic G.A.R. Hall and then vote to approve, defer, or deny it. The meeting also includes an update on the State Historic Building Grant and an administrative approval of a COA for 109‑113 N Sibley Avenue. No new business was proposed.

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✓ Decided: Commission unanimously approved meeting minutes and property application

The Heritage Preservation Commission approved the meeting minutes by unanimous voice vote. The commission also voted unanimously that due process was followed for the application. Finally, the commission approved the property application as submitted, also by unanimous voice vote.

Mon Nov 17, 2025

City Council

City Council adopts 3% annual sanitary sewer rate increase and related measures

The council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 836 to raise sanitary sewer rates by 3.0 percent each year from 2026 through 2036. It also authorized equipment purchases under $25,000 for 2025‑2026 totaling $36,000 and approved lighting of a Maple tree in Central Park for $4,680 plus tax. Additional consent‑agenda items included payment of $413,170.40 for the Civic Arena floor replacement and approval of computer bills totaling $2,033,952.45.

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✓ Decided: Council gave a second reading to the sanitary sewer rate increase ordinance

The council approved payments totaling $337,760.48 for the LARC project and a final payment of $26,392.54 for the airport terminal building rehabilitation. It gave a second reading to Ordinance No. 836, authorizing a sanitary sewer rate increase, and entered it into the city’s codified ordinances. The council also authorized the purchase of a T66 Bobcat for $57,950 and a John Deere 1025R tractor with attachments for $39,650. Additional actions included approving the consent agenda, the list of bills, and reaffirming a part‑time employment offer, all by unanimous roll‑call votes.

Mon Nov 10, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider garage variances at 501 S. Chandler Ave.

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a request for two variances to allow a detached garage addition. The commission will also review a recently approved site plan for a farmer's market shelter.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission tables Jeremy Lehr’s variance request

The commission approved the minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting (Asmus, Carlson, Woods voted aye; Barnes and Mueller abstained). A motion to table the variance request for 501 S. Chandler Ave. was carried (Asmus, Carlson, Woods, Mueller voted aye; Barnes voted nay). The commission noted that a site plan for 21 West Depot Street had been approved by the council.

Mon Nov 10, 2025

City Council

City Council holds a Roles and Responsibilities Workshop

The Litchfield City Council convened a workshop to review its goals, structure, and staff roles. Participants discussed best practices for collaboration, communication, and public input. The session also covered efficient meeting procedures such as agenda setting and decision making. No formal decisions or votes were taken.

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✓ Decided: City Council held a workshop on roles and responsibilities, no decisions made

The Litchfield City Council met on November 10, 2025 for a workshop on council and staff roles, responsibilities, and collaboration practices. Representatives from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust presented an overview and the council discussed current committees and communication methods. No formal actions, approvals, or denials were recorded. Participants agreed to continue the discussion in January 2026.

Mon Nov 3, 2025

City Council

City Council to consider a sanitary sewer rate increase

The council will vote on authorizing a sanitary sewer rate increase (Resolution No. 25‑11‑234). Other agenda items include a Civic Arena floor replacement project, an easement vacation ordinance (Ordinance No. 835), an official newspaper designation, and a lease agreement for LARC space with the State of Minnesota. Several routine consent‑agenda items such as financial reports and routine payments will also be approved.

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✓ Decided: City Council approves 3% annual sanitary sewer rate increase through 2036

The council adopted the first reading of Ordinance 836, establishing a 3.0% yearly increase in sanitary sewer rates starting Jan 1 2026 and a variable residential‑reduced rate. It approved payment for the Civic Arena floor replacement project and adopted Ordinance 835 (easement vacation) on second reading. The council also authorized equipment purchases under $25,000, a $4,680 tree‑lighting contract for Central Park, and a new LARC walking membership program. All actions were adopted by roll‑call vote.

Mon Oct 27, 2025

Heritage Preservation Commission

Heritage Preservation Commission to review state grant and property certificates

The commission will discuss updates regarding the State Historic Building Grant and review an administratively approved Certificate of Appropriateness. The meeting follows a previous session where the body discussed the city's responsibility for grant payments.

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✓ Decided: Commission approved COA for 109‑113 N Sibley Ave

The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes by voice vote. It also unanimously approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for 109–113 N Sibley Avenue by voice vote. No public hearings were held, and the next meeting is set for November 4, 2025.

Mon Oct 20, 2025

City Council

Litchfield City Council to hold public hearing on vacating drainage and utility easement

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the vacation of a drainage and utility easement. The body will also consider a property purchase request for 1002 South Armstrong and a lease for the LARC with the State of Minnesota.

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✓ Decided: City Council approved a lease of LARC space to Minnesota for $600 monthly

The council approved a $148,498.91 payment for the Johnson Drive and 260th Street improvement project. It adopted the first reading of Ordinance No. 835 to vacate part of a 20‑foot drainage and utility easement (6‑0). It authorized a lease of LARC space to the State of Minnesota with a monthly rent of $600 (6‑0). It approved the purchase of two lots from Ecumen for $40,000 and authorized staff to prepare a report on the 1002 South Armstrong property (both 6‑0).

Mon Oct 20, 2025

City Council

City Council to discuss grant distribution and scoring strategies

The City Council will hold a work session to determine the philosophy and criteria for distributing grant funds. Members will review scoring guides and strategies to decide how to allocate dollars across properties.

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✓ Decided: Council agrees all grant applicants receive some funding if paperwork complete

The City Council held a work session to discuss how to allocate roughly $6 million in grant requests for downtown property improvements. Members debated criteria, minimum and maximum award amounts, and eligible project types. The Council reached a consensus that every eligible applicant should receive some grant money provided the paperwork is completed. The City Administrator will draft a resolution on the process for the regular council meeting later that day.

Mon Oct 6, 2025

City Council

Council will hold a public hearing on the Swift Ave. and Ripley St. Improvement Project.

The Litchfield City Council will approve routine consent‑agenda items, including minutes, financial reports, claims and other payments. A timed public hearing will be conducted on the Swift Avenue and Ripley Street Improvement Project (Resolution No. 25‑10‑214). The council will also discuss updates on wastewater, the South Park Revitalization (including a pickleball court and shelter), the Light Up Litchfield initiative, and airport T‑hangar grant matters.

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✓ Decided: City Council awards $1.54 M sewer rehab contract to CC Steel LLC

The council approved payment of $373,265.96 for the 2022 water treatment facility improvement. It awarded the trunk sanitary sewer rehabilitation contract to CC Steel LLC of Fargo, ND after a bid process. The council also ordered the Swift Avenue and Ripley Street improvement project and designated Bolton & Menk, Inc. as the engineer. Additional actions included approving a lawful gambling permit for Church of St. Philip, a part‑time liquor position, and a dedicated fund for South Park revitalization.

Mon Oct 6, 2025

City Council

City Council to receive training on best practices

The Litchfield City Council will meet for a work session on October 6, 2025, to receive training from the League of Minnesota Cities regarding best practices. The session is scheduled to adjourn at 3:00 PM.

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✓ Decided: City Council held best‑practices workshop; no decisions taken

The council met on October 6, 2025 for a best‑practices training workshop presented by League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust representatives. No substantive actions, approvals, or denials were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. by unanimous consent.

Mon Sep 22, 2025

Heritage Preservation Commission

Commission will vote on Appropriateness certificates for 225 N Sibley Ave & 237 N Sibley Ave

The Litchfield Heritage Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing on the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness at 225 N Sibley Avenue, with the commission able to approve, defer, or deny the request. The agenda also lists administratively approved Certificates of Appropriateness for 225 N Sibley Avenue and 237 N Sibley Avenue. In old business, the commission received an update on a State Historic Building Grant request totaling $2,000,025. No reports are scheduled and the next meeting is set for October 27 2025.

heritage-preservationhistoric-buildingsgrantscertificates-of-appropriatenesspublic-hearingzoning
✓ Decided: Commission approved painting bulkhead, windows, signage at 225 Sibley Ave

The Heritage Preservation Commission approved the amended Certificate of Appropriateness to allow painting the bulkhead, windows, and signage area on the east facade of 225 N Sibley Avenue. The commission also approved the COAs for 225 N Sibley Avenue and 237 N Sibley Avenue as submitted. All motions passed unanimously by voice vote.

Mon Sep 15, 2025

City Council

City Council will consider the Airport Maintenance and Operations Grant Agreement

The Litchfield City Council meeting on Sept 15, 2025 will first approve a consent agenda that includes routine payments, the Johnson Drive & 260th Street Improvement Project, a LARC payment, and three lawful gambling permits. The council will receive a State Historic Building Grant update and discuss the Airport Maintenance and Operations Grant Agreement (Resolution No. 25-9-204) along with a hangar lease. Additional business items include a memo on the LARC floor sweeper, a nuisance‑property matter, a year‑in‑review presentation, and the city administrator’s performance evaluation.

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✓ Decided: Council approves airport grant, hangar lease, historic grant funding, and payments

The Litchfield City Council approved several financial payments, a state airport grant, a lease for a new hangar, and funding for historic building grant assessments. It also approved lawful gambling exemptions for three local organizations. A motion to buy an autonomous floor scrubber failed and was tabled.

Tue Sep 2, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approves $8,000 downtown façade grant and free LARC room use

The council approved an $8,000 matching grant for a downtown façade project, with the mayor and Council Member Carson voting nay. It also approved free use of a LARC community room for the Golden Age Card Club on Fridays, with Council Member Larson voting nay. Payments were authorized for the Civic Arena floor replacement ($73,131) and the final trunk sanitary sewer relocation ($7,169.51). Part‑time employment offers for several city departments were adopted.

Mon Aug 25, 2025

Heritage Preservation Commission

Heritage Preservation Commission to discuss State Historic Building Grant

The Heritage Preservation Commission will meet to review the minutes from the July 28 meeting and discuss a State Historic Building Grant. No new business or public hearings are scheduled for this session.

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✓ Decided: Historic Preservation Commission approved meeting minutes unanimously

The commission approved the minutes of the August 25, 2025 meeting by unanimous voice vote. No public hearings, new business, or reports were presented. The commission also set the next meeting for September 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

Mon Aug 18, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council authorizes bidding for $5‑$8 M transmission transformers

The council approved a resolution authorizing DGR to seek bids for transmission transformers needed for the incoming 115‑kV line upgrade, with estimated costs between $5 M and $8 M. It also approved LARC project payments totaling $1,001,943.91, part‑time employment offers, and authorization for Bolton & Menk to prepare FAA documentation for a possible airport‑property sale. Additional actions included adopting the consent agenda, committing to League of MN Cities training, and scheduling the City Administrator’s annual performance review for September 15, 2025.

Tue Aug 12, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved temporary liquor license and land appraisal for wastewater facility

The Litchfield City Council adopted a resolution approving a temporary off‑site liquor license for the American Legion Nelson‑Horton Post #104's Songs of Summer event on August 15, 2025. The council also approved the land appraisal report for the property sold to the First District Association (FDA) to build a wastewater pretreatment facility. Both motions passed with all members present voting aye. The meeting was adjourned at 1:03 p.m.

Mon Aug 4, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved $272,336.50 payment for Civic Arena floor replacement

The council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, including a $272,336.50 payment for the Civic Arena floor replacement project. It also adopted three Certificates of Appropriateness for properties at 19 East Depot Street, 136 North Marshall Avenue, and 217 North Sibley Avenue. The council authorized a CLG grant application and attendance for HPC members at the Preserve MN 2025 conference. Licenses and a temporary street closure request were approved as part of the agenda.

Mon Jul 28, 2025

Heritage Preservation Commission

✓ Decided: Heritage Commission approves three historic property applications and one administrative COA

The Litchfield Heritage Preservation Commission approved three Certificate of Appropriateness applications—19 Depot Street East, 136 Marshall Avenue North (door repair), and 136 Marshall Avenue North (sign)—as submitted, each by unanimous voice vote. The commission also administratively approved a COA for 215 Sibley Avenue North by unanimous voice vote. All motions were passed without dissent.

Mon Jul 21, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved $1.25 M in payments for the LARC project and other key actions

The council approved Payment No. 18 of $151,050 for the 2022 water‑treatment facility improvement. It also approved $1,254,398.76 in multiple invoices for the LARC project. Additional actions included granting a lawful gambling exemption to Meeker County Ducks Unlimited, approving the site‑plan for a farmer’s market at 21 West Depot Street, appointing Jessica Weseman as LARC Member Service Specialist, selecting 4594 Design as the architect for the State Historic Building Grant, and moving forward with building‑owner applications (5‑0 vote).

Mon Jul 14, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommended approval of farmer's market shelter site plan

The commission approved the minutes from the June 9, 2025 meeting. It then voted to recommend approval of the First District Association's site plan for a farmer’s market shelter at 21 West Depot Street, subject to four conditions. All four commissioners present voted aye. The next meeting was scheduled for August 11, 2025.

Mon Jul 7, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council adopts LARC membership rates and approves key facility and zoning actions

The council approved payment for the Civic Arena floor replacement and authorized a $2,910,081.55 computer bill claim. It adopted Ordinances 832, 833, and 834 covering a property sale, zoning map amendment, and street vacating. The council also approved a noise variance for Muddy Cow and adopted membership and fee rates for the new LARC recreation facility.

Mon Jun 23, 2025

Heritage Preservation Commission

✓ Decided: Heritage Commission approves amended opera house preservation plan

The commission approved the minutes from the May 27, 2025 meeting. It approved the opera house Certificate of Appropriateness, adopting items 1‑3 and removing item 4, as amended. Both actions passed unanimously by voice vote.

Mon Jun 16, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved sale of public property and multiple payments

The council approved the consent agenda, including $1,323,008.18 for the LARC project and $188,575.00 for the Civic Arena floor replacement. It held and closed public hearings, then adopted the first reading of Ordinance No. 832 to sell portions of PIDs 27-0001000 and 27-2466000 to the First District Association. The council also adopted the first reading of Ordinance No. 834 to vacate part of Lockerbie Street and Ramsey Avenue, and approved a variance and site‑plan for a 25‑unit apartment at 1402 East Ripley Street.

Mon Jun 9, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommended approval of rezoning and variances for 1402 E. Ripley St.

The commission approved the minutes of the May 12, 2025 meeting, with all members present voting aye. They voted to recommend approval of the rezoning, site plan review and variances for the 28‑unit apartment project at 1402 E. Ripley St., subject to staff‑listed conditions. The meeting also recorded that a variance reducing the corner side‑yard setback for a garage replacement at 408 N. Gilman Ave. had been granted by the city council. The next Planning Commission meeting was scheduled for July 14, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

Mon Jun 2, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approves $1.5M road grant and awards contract for Johnson Drive project

The council approved a $1,500,000 Local Road Improvement Program grant for the Johnson Drive & 260th Street Improvement Project. It also awarded a conditional contract to Northern Lines Contracting for that project. In addition, the council approved a lawful gambling permit for the Church of St. Philip and granted Certificates of Appropriateness for properties at 217 and 225 North Sibley Avenue. All actions were adopted unanimously.

Tue May 27, 2025

Heritage Preservation Commission

✓ Decided: Heritage Commission approved paint and window projects at 217 & 225 Sibley Ave

The commission approved the minutes from the April 28, 2025 meeting. It unanimously approved the paint application for 217 Sibley Avenue North, adding flat latex paint and allowing replacement of the transom vertical siding if needed. It also unanimously approved the window replacement application for 225 Sibley Avenue North, adding weather‑resistant material for infill and an option to align with the decorative band.

Mon May 19, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council appoints Owen Boerema as LARC Director and approves key permits

The Litchfield City Council approved the consent agenda and accepted statutory tort liability limits. It adopted lawful gambling exemptions for the Kiwanis Club, the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Litchfield Baseball Association. The council granted a side‑yard setback variance for 408 North Gilman Avenue and appointed Owen Boerema as the LARC Facility Director. A motion to hold the Communication Manager/Assistant City Clerk position was also passed.

Mon May 12, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission approves garage variance and tables housing rezoning

The commission approved the minutes from the April 14 meeting. It approved a variance for a garage replacement at 408 N. Gilman Ave., with conditions. It tabled the rezoning, site‑plan and variance requests for a 28‑unit development at 1402 E. Ripley St. to allow further plan revisions. The next meeting was scheduled for June 9, 2025, and a prior variance for a fence height increase at 711 Capwood Ave. was recorded as granted.

Mon May 5, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Bob Powers appointed to vacant Ward 5 council seat

The City Council appointed Bob Powers to the vacant Ward 5 council seat after a coin‑flip decision, with all members voting aye. The council also approved LARC project payments totaling $2,355,917.81 and a $213,750 payment for the Civic Arena floor replacement project. Certificates of Appropriateness were granted for properties at 207 North Sibley Avenue and 112 North Sibley Avenue. Part‑time employment offers were approved for the Golf Course and Liquor departments.

Mon Apr 28, 2025

Heritage Preservation Commission

✓ Decided: Heritage Commission approves exterior door changes at 112 & 207 Sibley Ave.

The commission approved the applications to add exterior doors at 112 Sibley Ave. North and 207 Sibley Ave. North, each passing unanimously by voice vote. The public hearing for 112 Sibley Ave. North continued after a 6‑yea, 1‑nay voice vote. Minutes from the March 24, 2025 meeting were also approved and the meeting was adjourned.

Mon Apr 21, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved $20,000 deferred loan for low‑income housing project

The council approved the consent agenda and authorized $1,464,905.36 in payments for the LARC project. It adopted a $20,000 zero‑interest deferred loan for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority to purchase land for low‑income housing. The council also voted to adjust the 2025 EMV for several Cedar Meadows parcels to $36,500 and to keep the 2025 EMV unchanged for two other parcels.

Mon Apr 14, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved prior minutes and recommended a fence height variance

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the February 10, 2025 meeting. A public hearing was held for a variance request to increase rear‑yard privacy fence panels to eight feet at 711 Capwood Ave. Commissioners voted unanimously to recommend approval of that variance. No other business was acted upon.

Mon Apr 7, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approves stop signs, historic permits, LARC director job and gambling licenses

The Litchfield City Council adopted the consent agenda and approved lawful gambling exemptions for the Litchfield Baseball Association and the Litchfield Lions Club. It granted Certificates of Appropriateness for properties at 207 and 100 North Sibley Avenue. The council also approved stop signs at the Ramsey Avenue and Weisel Street intersection and authorized the creation of a LARC Facility Director position.

Mon Mar 24, 2025

Heritage Preservation Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved exterior staircase at 100 N. Sibley Ave with paint‑detail condition

The Heritage Preservation Commission approved the minutes from the February 24, 2025 meeting. It unanimously approved a sign application for 207 N. Sibley Avenue as submitted. It approved the exterior staircase application for 100 N. Sibley Avenue, adding a requirement that the owner submit paint color details before painting, with one commissioner voting no.