Claremont public meetings in 2024
19 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The City Council voted 4-0 (Mayor Dahl abstaining) to withhold the Certificate of Election from mayor-elect Casey Striver after the city attorney found no credible evidence Striver met the 30-day residency requirement. The council also approved a 3% hourly raise for maintenance worker Nathan Gustafson following his 90-day review.
- Council withholds Casey Striver's Certificate of Election based on city attorney's analysis of residency under MN Statute 200.031
- City attorney reports Striver changed driver's license to a Claremont address in October but moved out in mid-November
- Striver's attorney stated Striver would not comply with residency document requests
- Council approves 3% hourly wage increase for Maintenance Worker Nathan Gustafson
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved the 2025 tax levy of $547,254 and general fund budget of $571,625 after a public hearing. They also approved a resolution for 2025 street and utility improvements estimated at $612,000, including work on Third Street, Oak Street, and Paukert Drive. A special meeting was set for December 17 to review a write-in candidate's qualifications.
- Approved Resolution No. 24-28 adopting 2025 tax levy of $547,254 and general fund budget of $571,625
- Approved Resolution No. 24-27 for 2025 street and utility improvements with estimated cost of $612,000
- Approved Resolution No. 24-29 certifying past-due bills to Dodge County for collection with 2025 property taxes
- Set special meeting for December 17 at 7:00 p.m. to review write-in candidate qualifications
- Approved renewal of an Ameriprise Money Market Certificate as part of consent agenda
Meeting
The council held a public hearing on the proposed 2025 street and utility improvements, where many residents opposed the scope and cost. After hearing concerns, the council directed the city engineer to revise the project to focus on 3rd Street and Oak Street, add two patches on Julia Street, repair manhole covers, and include an alternate bid to establish Paukert as a gravel road with no assessments. The council also approved new fire department members, a shipping container for training, a food truck ordinance, and certified election results.
- Public hearing on 2025 Street and Utility Improvements; council revises project to 3rd Street, Oak Street, two Julia Street patches, manhole repairs, and gravel Paukert alternate bid
- Approved purchase of a 20' x 40' shipping container for fire department training at $2,100 from training budget
- Approved Nicholas Schamp and Nicole Schamp to the fire department
- Approved Ordinance No. 24-1114: Food truck ordinance with corrected spelling of Harmer Park
- Approved Resolution No. 24-26 certifying results of November 5, 2024 election (254 votes cast)
Meeting
The council voted to deny two fence height variances at 140 E Front Street and 120 Hayes Street, requiring compliance with city code. They also approved joining the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan and a $1.025 million street and utility improvement project for 2025.
- Denied variance for 8-foot fence at 140 E Front Street; owner must reduce to 6 feet within 2 weeks
- Denied variance for 9-foot fence at 120 Hayes Street; must follow city code
- Approved Resolution 24-22 to join the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan (PERA)
- Approved $2,500 façade grant reimbursement for Claremont Service Center
- Approved Resolution 24-23 for 2025 Street and Utility Improvements, estimated at $1,025,650
Meeting
The Claremont Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and voted to recommend approval of two fence variance requests, one for Richard Haberman at 140 E Front Street and one for Alec Vaughn at 140 Hayes Street. The commission also made administrative decisions, including appointing officers and changing meeting dates.
- Recommended variance for Haberman to keep an 8-foot fence but alter it to 6 feet, with fence near property line
- Recommended variance for Vaughn to allow a fence on the property line, up to 6 feet tall, with conditions
- Appointed Mike Stupka as Chair and Ed Krenke as Vice-Chair
- Changed Planning & Zoning meetings to last Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
- Approved Don Gray's 3-year term renewal
Meeting
The council voted to move forward with an order to abate a public nuisance at 300 E Front Street by removing a dilapidated garage deemed a public safety hazard. They also approved a 3-month extension for Arden Homes to finish three moved-in houses, renewed the city insurance policy for $32,301, and authorized a $225,000 investment in a money market account. A public hearing on the 2025 budget and levy was set for December 3.
- Order to abate nuisance at 300 E Front Street and remove dilapidated garage
- 3-month extension for Arden Homes to complete three houses
- Insurance renewal approved at $32,301 for 2025
- $225,000 investment in 6-month money market account with Ameriprise Financial
- Maintenance Director authorized to purchase a truck for no more than $30,000
Meeting
The Claremont City Council held a special meeting solely to interview Nathan Gustafson for the part-time maintenance worker position and voted unanimously to offer him the job. The offer includes $20 per hour, a $200 annual clothing allowance, PERA, decreasing term life insurance, and a 90-day probation period. No other business was discussed.
- Offered part-time maintenance position to Nathan Gustafson at $20/hour
- $200 annual clothing allowance included
- PERA and decreasing term life insurance provided
- 90-day probation period established
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved the proposed 2025 tax levy of $588,130 and the 2025 budget. They also adopted a new floodplain ordinance and applied to the National Flood Insurance Program, aiming to improve insurance options for residents. The council addressed administrative fines for non-compliant properties, reduced one fine, and authorized cleanup actions. Additionally, they approved a street improvement project for 2025 and discussed a potential EMS taxing district with neighboring cities.
- Approved 2025 tax levy of $588,130 and 2025 proposed budget
- Adopted Ordinance No. 24-4.70 Floodplain Ordinance and Resolution No. 24-16 to apply to National Flood Insurance Program
- Approved Resolution No. 24-18 ordering preparation of report for 2025 street project on 3rd Street, Oak Street, Church Street, 3rd Place, Julia Street, Oakview Drive, and Oakview Place
- Approved Ripley Electric bid of $8,698.40 for scoreboard and lights
- Reduced administrative fine for 220 Church Street from $1,500 to $300; authorized cleanup at 411 N East St Lot 239 and 300 E Front Street
Meeting
The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss the proposed 2025 budget and levy. Discussion items also include funding for 2025 street projects and quotes for expansions at Claremont Field.
- Parking Lot Expansion Quotes at Claremont Field
- Claremont Field Electricity/Lighting Quotes
- 2025 Street Project Funding
- 2025 Proposed Budget and Levy Discussion
- Resident Request Regarding Kennel License
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved a 14-day deadline to schedule sump pump inspections and a 30-day repair deadline, with a $100 monthly surcharge for non-compliant properties. They also discussed funding options for a 2025 street project, tabled ball field parking and scoreboard bids, and approved a 4% wage increase for the Maintenance Director.
- Approved $100/month surcharge for non-compliant sump pump connections with 14-day inspection deadline
- Discussed 2025 street project funding; $16/month impact per $100,000 residential value; decision needed by September
- Tabled Hodgman Drainage estimate for ball field parking expansion
- Tabled electric bids for scoreboard and lights
- Approved part-time maintenance worker job posting at $18-$21/hour
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved several routine items including a $2,500 façade improvement grant for the Claremont Service Center, a $11,620 bid from Chelmo Construction for dugouts at Claremont Field, and a temporary liquor license for Hogfest. They also discussed a potential sidewalk repair, a sump pump ordinance, and possible cannabis regulations, but took no final action on those items.
- Approved $2,500 façade improvement grant for Claremont Service Center
- Approved Chelmo Construction bid of $11,620 for dugouts at Claremont Field
- Approved temporary liquor license for Hogfest (Aug 2-4)
- Discussed sidewalk repair in front of City Hall, total cost $5,710, with property owner paying 30% ($615)
- Council requested public hearing notices for three properties with code violations
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved routine items, including financial reports, fire department appointments, and a scoreboard purchase. They also extended an option agreement for housing development, discussed a new state sulfate limit for wastewater, and authorized a food forest project.
- Approved $5,192 Varsity Scoreboard 3312 for the ball field
- Approved Chas Schroht and Nathan Gustafson as fire department members
- Extended Arden Homes option to purchase RK&T lots to August 31, 2024
- Authorized $412.50 for city flower pots, with Chamber paying half
- Requested 60-day extension from MPCA to respond to new sulfate limit
Meeting
The Claremont Local Board of Appeal and Equalization met to hear property owners' appeals of their valuations or classifications. No letters, calls, or residents appeared, so no appeals were considered. The board adjourned after confirming there was no business.
- No property valuation appeals were filed or heard
- Board has authority to decrease, sustain, or increase property market values
- Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved several routine items, including the sale of a 1990 Spartan fire truck to Federal Dam for $3,000 and a $500 contribution to Triton summer recreation. They also discussed a resident's request to use city land for a food forest, which will be revisited in May, and reviewed quotes for park improvements.
- Approved sale of 1990 Spartan fire truck to Federal Dam for $3,000
- Approved $500 contribution to Triton summer recreation and use of Henning Park ballfield
- Discussed food forest proposal by Ethan Reed; further discussion at May meeting
- Quaale Masonry quoted $4,958 to enlarge basketball court at Henning Park; seeking second quote
- Approved engagement letter for Dodge County Ambulance Special Taxing District attorney
Meeting
The Claremont City Council appointed Ryan Hedberg to fill a vacant council seat, approved a $3,287 park fertilizer contract, extended a housing developer's agreement, and set a city-wide clean-up day for June 10. The council also approved a 3% pay increase for the city administrator and scheduled a public hearing for a grant program.
- Appointed Ryan Hedberg to vacant council seat (Resolution 24-12)
- Approved Corey's Outdoor Services quote of $3,287 for park fertilizer and weed control
- Extended Developer's Agreement with Matt Durand until August 31 for 3 housing permits
- Approved PeopleService operations agreement at $150,624 for the year
- Scheduled SCDP public hearing for April 2
Meeting
The City Council held an emergency meeting to discuss upgrading the fire department's 1990 Spartan pumper truck. The Council voted to authorize the purchase of a 2003 pumper truck via online auction. Funds for the purchase will be drawn from the fire department's savings account.
- Approval of 2003 pumper truck purchase up to $40,000 plus auction fees
- Funding to be provided by fire department savings account
- Plan to sell the 1990 Spartan truck to replenish savings
Meeting
The City Council approved pump repairs at the Hayes Street lift station and a full rehab of the Oak Street lift station. The council also accepted the resignation of Hunter McGovern and established procedures to fill his vacant seat.
- Approved Quality Flow Systems pump repair for approximately $4,800
- Approved MN Pump Works Oak Street lift station rehab for $52,500 using sewer reserves
- Accepted resignation of Council Member Hunter McGovern
- Approved 2024 Assessment Agreement with Dodge County for $3,300
- Set election judge pay at $14/hour for head judges and $13/hour for regular judges
Meeting
The Claremont City Council held a special meeting to discuss the future of the Dodge County Ambulance service, which faces staffing shortages and low reimbursement rates for Medicaid and Medicare patients. Officials are exploring a joint powers board or taxing district to fund the service, and the council expressed willingness to continue discussions but has no definite preference yet.
- Discussion of Dodge County Ambulance staffing challenges and low reimbursement rates
- Consideration of a joint powers board or taxing district to fund ambulance service
- Council concerns about non-participating cities or townships
- Meeting with cities and townships to gauge support for funding options
Meeting
The Claremont City Council held its regular January 2024 meeting, approving routine items like financial reports and consent agenda, plus several annual designations and resolutions. Key actions included approving the 2024 fee schedule, amending the fence ordinance, reappointing the fire chief, and granting 3% wage increases to staff. The council also received an update on a 3-house housing project and approved a final payment for a tank project.
- Approved Ordinance 24-0105 amending fence regulations (Section 4.60, Subd. 33)
- Approved Resolution No. 24-02: 2024 Fees
- Approved 3% wage increases for Deb Ellis, Casey Dahl, and Elizabeth Sorg
- Approved Casey Dahl as 2024 Fire Chief; received $22,318 state public safety aid split between Fire Dept and First Responders
- Approved Tanksco Pay Application #5 for $12,424.10 contingent on closeout paperwork