Claremont public meetings in 2025
19 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved the 2026 budget and a tax levy of $563,672, a 3% increase. They also approved a $10,000 donation to Dodge County Ambulance, a fence variance for a resident, and a Minnesota Paid Leave Policy. The meeting included public input on water quality and budget concerns.
- Approved 2026 tax levy of $563,672 via Resolution No. 25-26
- Donated $10,000 to Dodge County Ambulance
- Approved fence variance for Alec Vaughn at 120 Hayes Street
- Approved Minnesota Paid Leave Policy for employees
- Approved resolutions certifying past-due bills to Dodge County for collection
Meeting
The Claremont Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting to hold a public hearing on a variance request and to renew a member's term. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes.
- Public hearing on a variance request
- Renewal of member Stupka's term
- Approval of minutes from January 27, 2025 meeting
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved a 3% budget and levy increase and authorized the final payment of $6,146.03 for the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements. They also approved a donation for a Christmas decorating contest and discussed selling the city snowplow due to ongoing repairs.
- Approved 3% budget and levy increase
- Approved Pay Application #5 (final payment) of $6,146.03 for 2025 Street & Utility Improvements
- Approved Resolution No. 25-25 accepting a $200 donation from Claremont Area Chamber for a Christmas decorating contest
- Discussed selling the city snowplow and purchasing a 4-wheel drive service truck with sander and V plow
- Approved MN Paid Leave employer and employee contributions of 0.44% each
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved several financial items including the sale of a city lot for $9,500, a $31,396 insurance policy renewal, and a $900 bid for a Cub Cadet. They also authorized new pedestrian signs on Front Street and approved estimates for hydrant and valve work at the wastewater plant. The meeting included public comments about safety concerns, speeding, and council conflict, with the city attorney suggesting mediation.
- Approved purchase of lot at 218 4th Place by Josh Benton for $9,500
- Approved city insurance policy renewal for $31,396
- Approved $900 bid from Brian Chelmo for a Cub Cadet
- Approved double-sided 'Stop for Pedestrians' signs on Front Street
- Approved $6,453.82 for freeze-less hydrants and $10,954 for gate valve at wastewater plant
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved the proposed 2026 budget and a 5% tax levy increase (Resolution No. 25-23), with Councilmember Gregory voting against. The council also approved a revision to the Assessment Policy, accepted sealed bids for a cub cadet, and discussed a resident's driveway repair issue. A public hearing on the budget and levy is set for December 2.
- Approved 2026 proposed budget (4-1 vote, Gregory nay)
- Approved Resolution No. 25-23: 5% tax levy increase for 2026 (4-1 vote, Gregory nay)
- Approved Pay Application #3 for 2025 Street & Utility Improvements ($76,033.25)
- Council will accept sealed bids for cub cadet until October 6; bids opened October 7
- Revised Assessment Policy to state interest accrues during deferment and is payable annually
Meeting
The Claremont City Council held a special meeting on August 11, 2025, to tour city facilities and discuss key items. They approved the purchase of a 2025 Polaris 1000 utility vehicle for $15,519.49, with the fire department paying for any extra features. The council also reviewed the proposed 2026 budget, recommending a 5% levy increase, with a final decision set for September.
- Approved purchase of 2025 Polaris 1000 from M&M Lawn & Leisure for $15,519.49, including 7-year warranty
- Fire department to pay for any extra features on the utility vehicle
- Discussed 2026 proposed budget with recommended 5% levy increase
- Final budget decision scheduled for September regular council meeting
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved a $170,484.15 payment for the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements, authorized replacing a fire-damaged utility vehicle with the maintenance and fire departments splitting costs, and approved a $80,080 annual law enforcement contract with Dodge County. The council also approved a GoTo Meeting subscription for remote meeting access and discussed tax deferral for special assessments.
- Approved Pay Application #2 for 2025 Street & Utility Improvements: $170,484.15
- Authorized replacement of 2010 Cub Cadet utility vehicle with either a Polaris (~$11,984) or CFMoto (~$13,499); maintenance dept pays $6,000, fire dept pays remainder
- Approved 2026 Law Enforcement Contract with Dodge County Sheriff's Department at $80,080 annually
- Approved subscription to GoTo Meetings at $16/month for 1 year for remote meeting access
- Approved deferral applications for special assessments for qualifying seniors and disabled residents, with interest accruing during deferment
Meeting
The Claremont City Council held a public hearing for the 2025 Street and Utility Improvement Project, where residents raised concerns about assessment calculations, sewer line costs, and project necessity. The council approved Resolution No. 25-21 with adjustments for two properties and approved Pay Application 1 for $127,769.54.
- Public hearing on 2025 Street and Utility Improvement Project assessments
- Resolution No. 25-21 approved with adjustments for 549 W Front St and a vacant lot owned by Ethan Reed
- Pay Application 1 approved in the amount of $127,769.54
- Residents questioned assessment methods, sewer line responsibility, and administrative costs
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved a $558,000 bond for the 2025 Street and Utility Project, awarded contracts for park improvements and street striping, and discussed National Night Out participation. The meeting included routine approvals of minutes, financial reports, and bills.
- Approved Resolution No. 25-20 for a $558,000 General Obligation Improvement Note for the 2025 Street and Utility Project
- Approved Thiemann Construction bid for concrete under bleachers at Harmer Park (Thiemann donating $4,000 of work)
- Approved circular outfield fencing at Harmer Park for $10,236 from Sutherland Fence
- Approved $5,465 proposal from Sir Lines-A-Lot for epoxy striping of 5th Street
- Approved Hogfest Temporary Liquor License and increased travel reimbursement amounts by $5 per meal with up to 20% gratuity
Meeting
The Claremont City Council held a special meeting to advance the 2025 street and utility project. They approved a bid, a loan application, and resolutions for bond issuance and an assessment hearing. The council also approved a construction service agreement and scheduled budget work sessions.
- Approved Resolution No. 25-18 accepting JJD Companies LLC bid of $443,772.75 for street and utility project
- Approved midi loan application with MN Rural Water Association for project financing
- Approved Resolution No. 25-19 declaring costs assessable and calling for assessment hearing on July 15 at 6 p.m.
- Approved Bolton & Menk construction service scope and fee with estimated total of $64,290
- Scheduled special meetings before July and August council meetings for budget work
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved a 4% raise for Maintenance Supervisor Casey Dahl and a $2/hour increase for Maintenance Worker Richard Klindworth, both taking on additional water and wastewater duties. The council also discussed a resident complaint about a neighbor's fence with pagan markings, but the city attorney advised no action can be taken. A new ballfield reservation form was introduced with no charge, and the Harmer Park Dedication was set for June 13.
- 4% pay increase for Maintenance Supervisor Casey Dahl
- $2/hour pay increase for Maintenance Worker Richard Klindworth
- City attorney advises no city action possible on fence with pagan markings
- Harmer Park Dedication scheduled for June 13 at 6 p.m.
- Ballfield Reservation Form created with no charge for use
Meeting
The Claremont City Council voted on whether to hold a special election for a vacant council seat, but both motions failed, resulting in a deadlock. The council then approved a resolution appointing Ethan Johnson to fill the seat until a future election. The council also reviewed the 2024 audit, which recommended reviewing water rates, and approved a $500 donation to Triton Summer Recreation.
- Motion to hold special election failed 2-2; motion to not hold special election also failed 2-2
- Resolution 25-15 approved appointing Ethan Johnson to vacant council seat, removing 'a special' from election language
- 2024 audit presented by Abdo recommends reviewing water rates due to operating costs exceeding receipts
- Council approved $500 donation and use of ballfield for Triton Summer Recreation t-ball program
- City will bill PeopleService $10,495 for damaged flow meter at lift station
Meeting
The Claremont Local Board of Appeal and Equalization heard one property valuation appeal from Jim Zylstra at 209 Main Street and voted to keep the value unchanged. The council also awarded a park weed/fertilizer treatment contract to Corey's Outdoor Service for $854 per treatment, rejecting a higher TruGreen bid of $1,005. Council members reviewed two Code of Conduct drafts and directed the city administrator to combine them for the May meeting.
- Property owner Jim Zylstra, 209 Main Street, appealed his valuation; board voted unanimously to sustain the current value
- Corey's Outdoor Service awarded park weed/fertilizer contract at $854 per treatment (TruGreen bid $1,005)
- Council reviewed two Code of Conduct guidelines; combined draft due at May meeting
Meeting
The Claremont City Council appointed Ethan Johnson to fill a vacant council seat until a special election on August 12. The council also adopted an ordinance regulating cannabis businesses and approved contracts for independent water and sewer operators, saving over $77,000 compared to the previous provider. Other actions included approving a V-plow purchase and porta-potty rentals for parks.
- Appointed Ethan Johnson to vacant council seat (replacing Ryan Hedberg) until special election on August 12
- Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-0402: Regulation of Cannabis Businesses
- Approved wastewater contract with Chas Schroht at $1,500/month and water contract with Spencer McDermott at $1,000/month, saving over $77,000
- Approved purchase of V-plow from Trucking America for $9,932.50
- Approved Resolution No. 25-13: Procedures for appointing a person to fill the vacant council position
Meeting
The Claremont City Council accepted Council Member Ryan Hedberg's resignation, leaving one vacant seat to be filled by appointment and a special election in August. The council also approved a resolution delegating cannabis licensing to Dodge County and discussed a new cannabis zoning ordinance. Public input raised concerns about code enforcement and council accountability.
- Accepted resignation of Council Member Ryan Hedberg effective March 3, 2025
- Approved Resolution No. 25-08 delegating cannabis licensing registration to Dodge County
- Discussed new cannabis ordinance with 1000-foot buffer from schools and 500-foot from daycares, parks, and trails
- Approved fire contract renewals for Claremont, Ripley, and Aurora Townships
- Approved city flowers proposal not to exceed $850, split with Claremont Chamber
Meeting
The Claremont City Council held a special meeting to restructure the Maintenance Department. They voted to terminate the PeopleService contract, which expires April 30, and to hire an independent contractor for facility services. The council interviewed two candidates and unanimously offered the part-time maintenance worker position to Richard Klindworth at $20 per hour, pending a background check.
- Termination of PeopleService contract (expires April 30)
- Withdrawn proposal from Water Treatment Consulting and Certification
- Interviewed Richard Klindworth and Keith Cloutier for part-time maintenance worker
- Motion to offer Richard Klindworth the position at $20/hour with 90-day review, passed unanimously
Meeting
The Claremont City Council approved a 3% wage increase for Council Member Deb Ellis, bringing her hourly wage to $17.48, and discussed cleaning the overgrown Julia Street storm water pond. The council also approved optional city email accounts for members and agreed to look into purchasing microphones for the council table. A petition for a special election on April 5 was submitted during public input.
- Approved 3% wage increase for Council Member Deb Ellis to $17.48/hour
- Discussed cleaning the overgrown Julia Street storm water pond with 3 feet of muck
- Approved optional city email accounts for council members at $250 each
- Agreed to look into purchasing microphones for the council table
- Petition submitted for a special election on April 5
Meeting
The Claremont Planning and Zoning Commission met and handled routine administrative business. They accepted a resignation, appointed a new member, and approved commission member terms. No zoning or planning decisions were discussed.
- Accepted Don Gray's resignation from the commission
- Appointed James Zylstra to fill the vacancy until 12-31-2026
- Approved commission terms: Ellis, Hedberg, Stupka end 12-31-2025; Zylstra ends 12-31-2026; Krenke ends 12-31-2027
Meeting
The Claremont City Council appointed Ryan Hedberg as interim mayor and opened applications for the vacant mayor seat until January 27. The council also approved annual designations, 2025 fees, fire department officers, a 3% wage adjustment for employees, and accepted a resignation.
- Ryan Hedberg sworn in as Interim Mayor; applications for mayor seat open until Jan 27
- Resolution No. 25-01: Annual Designations for 2025 approved
- Resolution No. 25-02: 2025 Fees approved
- 3% wage adjustment approved for 3 employees
- Fire Department officers approved: Casey Dahl as Fire Chief, Jacob Klejeski as Assistant Chief, Jacob Hesse as Training Officer