Cold Spring public meetings in 2022
29 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved amendments to the 2022 revenue and expenditure budgets. They discussed proposed sewer rate increases, with staff recommending no increase to water rates but a 5% sewer rate increase for 2023 and another for 2024. The Council also voted to seek requests for proposals for city engineer and city attorney firms.
- Approved budget amendments for 2022 revenue and expenditures
- Discussed sewer rate increases: 5% would generate ~$100,000/year, 10% would generate ~$200,000/year
- Voted to advertise for requests for proposals for city engineer and city attorney firms
- Fire Department reported 601 calls in 2022, up from 470 in 2021
- Approved payment of bills totaling $778,976.58 and supplemental list of $91,008.70
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved the final 2023 tax levy and budgets, authorized a $250,000 land purchase from Coldspring USA, and approved two revolving loans for downtown renovations. The council also discussed a Phase II environmental study for the Granite Landing site, approved a $46,000 Tom Decker memorial statue, and directed staff to explore equity training options.
- Approved Resolution No. 2022-35 adopting final 2023 collectible tax levy and budgets
- Authorized purchase of parcel 48.29401.0016 from Coldspring USA for $250,000 plus assessment abatement of $32,953.76
- Approved $49,999 revolving loan to RJS Enterprises for renovation at 113 Main Street
- Approved $48,000 revolving loan to Side Bar & Grill for interior and exterior renovations
- Approved $46,000 Tom Decker memorial statue from Brodin Studios, funded by donations
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council voted 4-0 to table a request from the Inclusion Committee to mail a community letter to all residents at an approximate cost of $650. The council also approved a one-year police services contract with Richmond, hired six part-time plow drivers, and approved several public works expenditures including $3,665 for Pioneer Park lights and $4,200 for a chemical feed pump.
- Council tabled discussion on mailing Inclusion Committee letter to all residents (cost ~$650)
- Approved 2023 police services contract with Richmond, striking multi-year language
- Approved $3,665 to replace and fix lights at Pioneer Park by Faber Electric
- Approved hiring six part-time plow drivers for 2022-2023 winter season
- Council agreed to add 2nd Street North sidewalks to 2023 Improvements Feasibility Report, pushing timeline
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council held a short special meeting to approve the agenda and canvass the results of the 2022 General Election. The meeting was adjourned after two minutes with no other business.
- Canvassed and approved the 2022 General Election results (vote 3-0)
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved a $500,000 contribution from sewer fund reserves to cover overage costs for the Cold Spring Brewery project, with the remainder to be repaid through sewer rate increases. The council also approved a $35,000 bronze memorial statue for Officer Tom Decker, funded by donations, and a tobacco license for King Tobacco Cold Spring Inc. A request to purchase a GARE membership for $1,000 was discussed but deferred for public feedback.
- Approved $500,000 from sewer fund reserves for Cold Spring Brewery project overage costs, with balance repaid via sewer rate increases
- Approved $35,000 bronze memorial statue for Tom Decker from Brodin Studios, paid by Tom Decker Memorial Foundation donations
- Approved tobacco license for King Tobacco Cold Spring Inc. in Holiday strip mall, with THC moratorium noted
- Discussed but deferred $1,000 GARE membership for equity and inclusion work pending public feedback
- Approved accounts payable totaling $1,162,734.01
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved a $1/hour pay increase for firefighters, effective December 1, 2021, and authorized $8,020 for materials testing on the 2022 Brewery Sanitary Sewer Improvement. They also voted to send a revised police contract proposal to Richmond and approved a community letter on inclusivity.
- Firefighter pay increase from $11.50 to $12.50 per hour, effective December 1, 2021
- Approved $8,020 for Independent Testing Technologies to perform materials testing for 2022 Brewery Sanitary Sewer Improvement
- Voted to send revised police contract proposal to Richmond with 26% expense share, River Lake Days security, no 60-day extension, and $50,000 liquidated damages
- Approved a letter to the community about the city's commitment to inclusivity
- Appointed council members to meet with Cold Spring Brewery regarding a potential city contribution
Meeting
The City Council approved several items related to the 2023 Reconstruction Project, including soil borings and owner reports. Additionally, the council authorized new stop signs at a specific intersection and appointed members to hiring committees for police and administrative staff.
- Approved four stop signs at 14th Ave S, River Links Dr, and West Wind Rd
- Approved Resolution No. 2022-31 for the 2023 Reconstruction Project feasibility report
- Approved Braun Intertec for soil borings for $8,842.00
- Approved Stearns County Abstract for owners and encumbrances reports for $6,175.00
- Appointed Ryan Hennen to the police officer hiring committee
Meeting
The City Council approved a new contract for City Administrator Kris Dockendorf at a starting pay of $89,086.40. The council also appointed Lois Lieser as Finance Director and authorized advertising for a temporary full-time administrative assistant.
- Approved City Administrator contract for Kris Dockendorf at $89,086.40
- Appointed Lois Lieser to Finance Director via Resolution No. 2022-30
- Approved advertising for a temporary full-time administrative assistant ($20.46-$24.44 per hour)
Meeting
The City Council approved the preliminary 2023 tax levy and authorized a $94,800 preliminary study for municipal wastewater facility expansion. Other actions included approving a special use permit for Cold Spring Co-Op and authorizing a feasibility report for downtown road improvements.
- Approved Resolution 2022-28 adopting the preliminary 2023 tax levy
- Approved Resolution 2022-29 for Cold Spring Co-Op special use permit expansion
- Authorized $94,800 proposal from Stantec for wastewater facility expansion study
- Ordered a feasibility report and topographic survey for downtown road improvements
- Approved a lane closure on 7th Avenue South near the Field House construction area
Meeting
The City Council approved a major construction contract and authorized early morning work for the hockey rink project. The council also discussed potential leadership changes regarding the City Administrator position.
- Awarded Northdale Construction Co., Inc. $2,676,877.59 for 2022 Brewery Sanitary Improvements
- Approved purchase of Pro Series 2000 front end loader forks from Ziegler for $6,525.00
- Authorized a 5:00 a.m. start time for hockey rink concrete work pending resident notification
- Accepted accounts payable and supplemental payments totaling $1,725,379.73
Meeting
The City Council discussed department budget requests for 2023, including public works, police, and fire. The Council adjusted several line items to reduce a proposed 36% levy increase to a final tax increase of 5.03%.
- Proposed $800,000 for a new maintenance shop in the Wastewater budget
- Agreement to increase garbage hauling licenses from $1,500 to $2,000
- Proposed purchase of two police squad cars, with $30,000 drawn from the Gambling Fund
- Proposed firefighter pay increase to $14.50 per hour
- Removal of a $225,000 used sweeper from the budget
Meeting
The City Council approved a contract for hockey rink concrete and accepted a police service contract with the City of Richmond. The body also appointed an interim city administrator and approved a lot consolidation for Nathan and Kate Orbeck.
- Contract for hockey rink concrete installation with Troy Boucher and Jeff Kraemer for $106,052
- Police service contract with the City of Richmond including a 26% service rate increase
- Resolution No. 2022-26 approving lot consolidation for Nathan and Kate Orbeck
- Appointment of Kris Dockendorf as Interim City Administrator with a $3.66 per hour pay increase
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $498,372.97 and a supplemental list of $4,209.49
Meeting
The City Council established a moratorium on the sale of hemp-derived THC food and beverages to allow for the development of licensing and zoning regulations. The body also approved water rate increases and a joint powers agreement with the state for the police department and city attorney.
- Ordinance No. 401: Moratorium on the sale of hemp-derived THC food and beverages
- Ordinance No. 402: Residential water rate increase for usage over 51,000 gallons from $3.35 to $6.75 per thousand gallons
- Resolution No. 2022-25: Approved plans and bid advertisement for the 2022 Brewery Sanitation Improvement Project
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $658,526.42 and a supplemental list totaling $120,345.49
- Discussion of a $22,000 contract with David Drown and Associates for a City Administrator search
Meeting
The City Council approved a tax abatement agreement for an apartment project and the sale of the final lot in the Cold Spring Business Park. Additionally, the council approved a shade structure plan for Alexander Park and increased fire department retirement benefits.
- Resolution 2022-23: Tax abatement agreement with Alliance Land and Development LLC
- Sale of Lot 2, Block 3, Cold Spring Business Park
- Approval of a $14,500 shade structure plan for Alexander Park bikes
- Increase of fire department retirement benefits from $2,400 to $2,750 per year of service
- Acceptance of City Administrator resignation effective August 25, 2022
Meeting
The City Council discussed the location of a future public safety building and approved moving forward with soil borings at the Granite Landing site. Other actions included approving a baseball field house agreement, fire department staffing, and various city contracts.
- Approved $13,550 for soil borings on the Granite Landing property
- Approved development agreement with Cold Spring Area Baseball Inc. for a field house
- Approved variance for a deck at 1308 4th Street South
- Awarded seal coat project to Astech Corp up to $90,000
- Approved contract with Flip Cleaning for $1,680.00 per month
Meeting
The City Council held a public hearing to discuss a construction committee report regarding new facilities for police, fire, and city administration. Officials and residents debated various site options, including Sauk River Road and Granite Landing, and discussed the impact of inflation on project costs.
- Public hearing on construction committee report for police, fire, and city administration buildings
- Discussion of 'Package A' and 'Package C' facility plans
- Debate over building sites at Sauk River Road and Granite Landing
- Discussion of a potential $6.5 million stand-alone Fire Hall
- Discussion of a potential $12 million total project cost
Meeting
The City Council approved several infrastructure expenditures and discussed potential water rate increases to deter overwatering. The body also authorized the police department to seek grants for a new K9 officer and heard a presentation on Rocori School District referendum questions.
- Accepted $49,164 bid from Braun Industries for pre-treatment plant construction testing
- Approved $3,475 purchase of an aeration valve from Dezurik Company
- Authorized police department to seek grants and donations for a new K9 officer
- Approved accounts payable totaling $610,989.82 and supplemental list of $15,384.01
- Discussed potential water rate increases for higher-tier usage to be proposed July 12
Meeting
The City Council met to review negotiation activity and the history of contracts regarding a Police Department agreement. Members discussed tactics and strategy for a meeting scheduled for June 9, 2022.
- Discussion of Police Department agreement negotiation strategy
Meeting
The City Council appointed Ryan Hennen to fill a vacancy on the council. The body also approved a special use permit and variance for a new field house at the Cold Spring Baseball Park.
- Appointment of Ryan Hennen to City Council
- Special use permit and setback variance for Cold Spring Area Baseball Inc. field house
- Hiring of three part-time seasonal employees at $12.00 per hour
- Change order #1 for Stand Pipe Water Tower due to steel supply delays
- Transfer of fund balances totaling $663,790.62 to various funds
Meeting
The Community Conversations Project Ad Hoc Committee met to review the engagement plan and protocol questions for upcoming community conversations. The group identified additional stakeholders to include in the project and provided feedback on the wording and order of conversation questions.
- Added stakeholders: Appointed officials, Fire Department, Cold Spring Brewery, Cold Spring Granite company, Care Givers/Childcare, and Assumption Court
- Review and approval of guiding research questions
- Revision of conversation protocol questions
Meeting
The City Council authorized the issuance of taxable general obligation sewer revenue bonds and awarded a contract for the 2022 Industrial Pre-Treatment Facility project. The body also approved a development agreement for LED lighting upgrades at the Cold Spring Baseball Park.
- Approved $23,590,000 in taxable general obligation sewer revenue bonds (Series 2022A)
- Awarded contract to Rice Lake Construction Group for the 2022 Industrial Pre-Treatment Facility project
- Approved development agreement with Cold Spring Area Baseball Inc. for LED lighting upgrades
- Approved noise variance until 1:00 a.m. on June 5, 2022, for the senior graduation party
- Approved payment of accounts payable totaling $512,770.51 and a supplemental list of $33,344.20
Meeting
The City Council approved a revolving loan of up to $85,000.00 for the demolition of the former Kiess Chevrolet building at 20 Main Street. They also passed an ordinance allowing community centers in residential districts via special use permits. Additional approvals included dog park fencing and a police squad car camera.
- $85,000.00 revolving loan for KHK Properties LLC (20 Main Street) demolition and abatement
- Special use permit for a 12-foot fence at 224 Krays Mill Road
- Ordinance No. 400 allowing community centers in residential districts by special use
- $13,919.41 for dog park fencing at Pioneer Park
- $5,740.00 for a Motorola squad car camera
Meeting
The City Council approved the issuance of taxable general obligation sewer revenue bonds for a new Pre-Treatment Facility, setting a true interest cost parameter of less than 4.25%. The council also accepted the resignation of Councilmember Shannon Miller and authorized land purchase negotiations for a public facility.
- Approved $8,267 for tower cleaning and inspection by Midco Diving and Marine
- Approved $8,650 for boiler tubing repairs at the Wastewater Treatment Plant by Twin Cities Boiler Repair
- Approved $7,057.50 for 2022 police squad equipment from RWB Emergency Lighting
- Approved annual liquor and tobacco licenses for multiple local businesses
- Authorized the City Administrator and committee members to negotiate land purchase for a public facility
Meeting
The City Council approved proceeding with a privately funded field house at the Baseball Park and authorized the issuance of bonds for an Industrial Pre-Treatment Facility. The body also approved several public works contracts and discussed updates to snow parking ordinances.
- Approved drafting a developer agreement for an 85 by 120 foot baseball field house
- Authorized taxable general obligation bonds Series 2022A for an Industrial Pre-Treatment Facility
- Approved sludge hauling bid from R-Way Pumping not to exceed $35,000.00
- Approved Change Order No. 3 for the Water Treatment Plant
- Discussed snow parking ordinance fees of $30.00 for first violation and $50.00 for second
Meeting
The City Council approved a contract for soil borings and extended a revolving loan for Granite Community Bank. The Council tabled a request to purchase a new squad car pending police service contract negotiations with the City of Richmond. They also renewed an agreement with the River Park Foundation for concerts at Alexander Park.
- Awarded $17,975 to Braun Intertec for 2022 Sanitary Sewer and Water Improvements soil borings
- Extended Granite Community Bank's revolving loan to September 30, 2022
- Tabled purchase of a 2022 Ford Police Interceptor Utility 4x4 costing $33,992
- Approved agreement with River Park Foundation for Alexander Park concerts through December 31, 2023
- Accepted accounts payable totaling $436,127.49 and a supplemental list of $65,827.94
Meeting
The City Council approved the design and construction scope for the Brewery Sanitation Sewer project and authorized the purchase of body-worn cameras. The council also reestablished the city's precinct and polling place for 2022 elections.
- Approved Brewery Sanitation Sewer design and construction services scope and fee
- Approved purchase of WatchGuard Video/Motorola Solutions body-worn cameras for $8,096.40 annually for five years
- Approved Resolution No. 2022-06 reestablishing the precinct and polling place for 2022 elections
- Approved accounts payable totaling $97,629.74 and a supplemental list totaling $18,087.78
- Approved Resolution No. 2022-05 declaring surplus property
Meeting
The City Council approved a new policy for police body worn cameras and appointed members to construction committees for the City Hall and Fire Hall. The body also authorized wastewater equipment repairs and supported a funding initiative for downtown investment.
- Adopted Body Worn Camera Policy for the Police Department
- Approved $28,914.00 for BVC Systems to rebuild two wastewater blowers
- Appointed Jim Kraemer, Marv Soldner, and Ken Kramer to the Fire Hall Construction Committee
- Appointed Audrey Nierenhausen, Derek Hoium, and Steve Dingmann to the City Hall Facility Construction and Renovation Committee
- Approved payment of accounts payable totaling $87,393.62 and a supplemental list of $10,709.44
Meeting
The City Council approved Ordinance No. 389 to adjust water utility rates and authorized the sale of two lots in the Cold Spring Business Park to Brenton Kent. Additionally, the council approved a $8,100 asset tracking system purchase and a $8,100 classification study.
- Approval of Ordinance No. 389 adjusting water utility rates
- Sale of Lot 7 and Lot 8 in Cold Spring Business Park to Brenton Kent
- Authorization to hire four firefighters
- Purchase of Silversmith GIS Asset Tracking System for $8,100.00
- Hiring of Alton Hegg as a full-time police officer at $26.65 per hour
Meeting
The City Council held a public hearing regarding a proposed public safety building. Following resident and council testimony, the body decided to abandon the combined facility in favor of building a standalone fire hall and remodeling the existing police department site.
- Approved purchase of a stainless-steel sander from Falls Equipment for $5,705.00
- Approved purchase of 125 tons of salt from Cargill for $10,701.25
- Decided to build a fire hall at a downtown location and remodel the police department at its current site
- Approved a feasibility study of the Granite Landing site for a standalone fire hall
- Approved a feasibility study for remodeling police, administration, and library at their current location