Cold Spring public meetings in 2023
26 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved the $8.6 million construction budget and applied for a USDA loan to fund the new Fire Hall. They also discussed financing options and set a public hearing date of January 24, 2024.
- $8.6M fire hall construction budget approved
- USDA loan application authorized
- Public hearing on $9.7M fire hall financing set for Jan 24
- Becky Reynolds appointed to Planning Commission
- Ordinance creating fee for contaminated water disposal passed
Meeting
The City Council approved the final 2024 tax levy, budgets, and Truth in Taxation meeting. They also discussed the Fire Hall construction project and environmental assessment.
- Approved Resolution No. 2023-37 for the 2024 budget and levy
- Hired Wendel Companies to prepare an environmental assessment for the fire station property at $5,500
- Annexed Spartan Fields property by joint resolution
- Passed Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy effective January 1, 2024
Meeting
The City Council approved a steel building design for a new maintenance shop and authorized a contract with the St. Cloud City Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution services. The Council also scheduled a workshop to discuss a future wage study following discussions on water department compensation.
- Approved $43,000 contract with St. Cloud City Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution services
- Approved steel building design for new maintenance shop and directed Stantec to provide a proposal
- Approved $47,790.13 payment for 2023 improvements at the future library site
- Approved $22,475.36 payment for 2023 improvements to a city parking lot
- Approved appointment of Vicky Fall to the Economic Development Authority through 2029
Meeting
The City Council approved assessments for the 2023 Improvements Project, which has total costs of $4,252,498.37. The council also voted to waive a specific assessment for the Rocori Trail Construction Board property.
- Adopted Resolution No. 2023-32 regarding assessments for the 2023 Improvements Project
- Approved waiving an assessment of $12,353.48 for the Rocori Trail Construction Board property
- Approved purchase of a thermal imaging camera for $5,045.00 from Alex Air Apparatus
- Increased firefighter pay from $12.50 to $14.50 per hour
- Approved $23,500.00 for an addition to the water treatment plant infiltration basin
Meeting
The City Council approved the donation of the Rocori Trail to the Minnesota DNR for maintenance. The council also decided on new parking configurations for Main Street and a variance for roof materials at Cold Spring Bowling Lanes.
- Approved donation of the Rocori Trail in its entirety to the MN DNR
- Approved a variance for Cold Spring Bowling Lanes to use non-conforming steel roof materials
- Approved a new handicap parking space on the north side of Main Street and eliminated the south side space
- Adopted revised job descriptions for Public Works Director and Water/Wastewater Supervisor
- Approved $9,850 in sanitary sewer assessments for the 2023 Improvements Project
Meeting
The City Council approved hiring Braun Intertec to manage soil contamination at the proposed 109 Main St fire station site. The council also approved the hiring of three new firefighters and a $3,519 heater replacement for the wastewater building.
- Approved Braun Intertec proposal for environmental response plan at 109 Main St
- Hired three firefighters: Jason Buerman, Brandon Zenner, and Kevin Heinen
- Approved $3,519 purchase of a heater from Weidners for wastewater building
- Approved $1.5 million Lift Station No. 1 Rehabilitation project plans and advertising for bids
- Approved Change Order #2 for the 2023 Improvements Project regarding soil and utility costs
Meeting
The City Council approved a preliminary 2024 tax levy and several equipment purchases for the Public Works department. The council also approved a request for access to County Road 2 for a property north of Rocori High School.
- Adopted preliminary 2024 tax levy with a 9.54% increase
- Approved $11,500 purchase of a scissor lift from Central Equipment Sales
- Approved $6,251.50 purchase of an 18-foot Nova utility trailer from Farmrite Equipment
- Approved street closures for the Rocori Homecoming Parade on September 29, 2023
- Approved civil design scope and fee for the Cold Spring Fire Hall building
Meeting
The City Council approved a $37,200 contract for paving trails in Frogtown Park and 14th Avenue South. The Council also authorized the purchase of a $7,000 flatbed trailer for the fire department and approved additional granite blasting for the 2023 Improvements Project.
- Approved $37,200 paving contract with Granite City Paving for Frogtown Park and 14th Avenue South trails
- Approved purchase of a 2006 flatbed trailer from Scott Simpson for $7,000
- Approved Change Order #1 for granite blasting near 1st Street South and 3rd Avenue South
- Authorized purchase of an external security camera for approximately $500-$800
- Ordered additional granite blasting for the 2023 Improvements Project at an estimated $15,000-$20,000
Meeting
The City Council approved a special use permit for CLT Properties, LLC to construct a coffee shop with a drive-thru. The council also authorized a temporary road closure on 5th Avenue South for an upcoming community event.
- Approved special use permit for CLT Properties, LLC to add a Caribou Coffee drive-thru
- Approved closing 5th Avenue South from Highway 23 to 4th Street South on October 29, 2023
- Authorized $3,621.00 purchase of a new surge protector for the wastewater building
- Approved HVAC improvement plan for city offices and council chambers using reserve funds
- Accepted accounts payable totaling $154,875.31 and supplemental list of $6,942.38
Meeting
The City Council passed Ordinance No. 408 to regulate the public use of cannabis and hemp products. The council also approved various expenditures for road reconstruction, vehicle purchases, and utility maintenance.
- Approved Ordinance No. 408 regulating public use of cannabis and hemp products
- Hired WSB for engineering services on 3rd Avenue SE Reconstruction Project for $64,922.00
- Approved purchase of a 2023 Chevrolet truck for $42,989.31
- Approved $3,500.00 to reconstruct a temporary road at the Water Treatment Plant
- Approved purchase of a new air conditioning unit for Well #7 for $5,728.00
Meeting
The City Council approved the issuance of $4,155,000 in general obligation bonds to fund the 2023 Improvements Project at a 4.03% interest rate. The council also approved a purchase agreement for a vacant lot at 210 1st St S for a future library and authorized a change order for brewery sanitary improvements.
- Issuance of $4,155,000 in General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2023A
- Purchase agreement with Cold Spring Granite Co. for a lot at 210 1st St S
- Approval of $60,000 contract for street seal coating and crack filling with Astech Corporation
- Change order of $31,252.69 for the 2022 Brewery Sanitary Improvements Project
- Approval of $20,255 for materials testing from Independent Testing Technologies
Meeting
The City Council approved several local projects including a community service initiative at Lookout Park and plumbing work for the Splash Pad. The council also authorized a scope of work for 3rd Ave SE and approved the hiring of a full-time police officer.
- Support for Rocori FFA Chapter's Lookout Park rehabilitation project
- Resolution No. 2023-13 supporting state bonding funds for wastewater treatment expansion
- Approval of $4,214.79 for Splash Pad plumbing work by Hennen Waterworks
- Approval of scope of work for the 3rd Ave SE project
- Hiring of Brodey Sweeter as a full-time police officer at $29.21 per hour
Meeting
The City Council approved a financing plan for $4,320,000 in 2023A Bonds to fund the 2023 Street Improvements Project. The council also approved an assessment abatement of $30,735.71 for a property intended for a future Fire Hall.
- Approved $4,320,000 bond finance plan with a 4.09% true interest cost
- Approved $30,735.71 assessment abatement for parcel 48.29401.0016
- Approved agreement with Donlar Construction for new Fire Station services
- Authorized $11,547.20 purchase of blinking pedestrian crossing signs for 2nd Avenue and Main Street
- Offered $20,000 to purchase BNSF parcel 48.30599.0000
Meeting
The City Council approved a revised architecture contract for the new fire station with specific fee rates based on project cost. The Council also agreed to purchase land for a new library provided a $41,000 assessment is forgiven.
- Approved architecture contract with Wendel Architecture, P.C. for the new fire station
- Approved purchase of property for a new library on condition that a $41,000 assessment is forgiven
- Awarded 2023 Improvements project contract to Douglas-Kerr Underground, LLC for $3,380,878.65
- Authorized purchase of 84 meters from Dakota Supply Group for $21,672.00
- Approved $4,815.00 for a new sprinkling system at the Water Treatment Plant
Meeting
The City Council approved financing for the purchase of property for a new fire station using Fund 33. The council also authorized the purchase of two Motorola radios for $10,426.76 and addressed various utility and maintenance items.
- Approved financing for Outlot G in Granite Landing for a fire station, including $250,000 plus assessment abatements of approximately $32,953.76
- Authorized purchase of two Motorola APX 6000 radios from Granite Electronics for $10,426.76 total
- Approved a utility bill reduction of $574.56 for sewer charges and $67.30 in late fees at 427 5th Avenue North
- Approved canceling an inter-fund loan balance of $87,311.16 owed to the Future Capital Improvements Fund
- Agreed to a $600 per year per unit maintenance plan for AED cabinets
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council met to consider a variation request from KHK Properties regarding building setbacks in the C-1 Downtown Commercial District. The council discussed the impact of a hydrant near the property line and traffic sight lines at 2nd Ave S and Main St. The council voted to approve a 10-foot setback for the proposed construction.
- Approved Resolution No. 2023-12 allowing a 10' setback in the C-1 District
Meeting
The City Council approved a purchase agreement with Cold Spring Granite Company to acquire land for a new fire station. The council also reviewed 2022 audited financial statements and discussed various infrastructure updates.
- Resolution No. 2023-08: Approval of land purchase from Cold Spring Granite Company for a fire station
- Approval of 2022 audited financial statements presented by BerganKDV
- Installation of a new stop sign at the intersection of 5th Avenue South and 2nd Street South
- Approval of extended operating hours for tank installation at the Industrial Pre-Treatment Facility
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $89,773.12 and supplemental list of $13,261.22
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council will consider a purchase agreement with Coldspring USA for a lot in Granite Landing to be used for a fire station. The meeting also includes votes on the CEDA Comprehensive Plan, various equipment purchases, and several seasonal hiring advertisements.
- Purchase agreement for a lot in Granite Landing for a new fire station
- Approval of the CEDA Comprehensive Plan
- Purchase of two picnic tables from NOF INC. for $2,351.00
- Purchase of an Ex Mark lawnmower for a final price of $8,636.99
- Purchase of two Motorola Solutions M500 in-car video systems for $5,160.00
Meeting
The City Council postponed the adoption of a 20-year Comprehensive Plan for review at the next meeting. The Council also appointed Becky Reynolds to the Planning Commission and approved a contract for legal services with Flaherty & Hood P.A.
- Postponed adoption of the 100+ page Comprehensive Plan
- Appointed Becky Reynolds to the Planning Commission
- Approved hiring Landon Winkleman at $13.00 per hour for up to 15 hours per week
- Approved legal services contract with Flaherty & Hood P.A.
- Accepted accounts payable totaling $79,488.50 and supplemental list of $12,277.79
Meeting
The City Council approved several expenditures including salt for winter use and UV ballasts for the wastewater plant. The Council also decided to temporarily lower downtown flower baskets by one foot and adopted a new job description for a water/wastewater operator.
- Purchase of 125 tons of salt from Cargill for $11,553.75
- Purchase of 128 UV ballasts from UV Doctor for $19,410
- Approval to lower downtown flower baskets on Main Street by one foot
- Adoption of revised job description for Water/Wastewater Operator
- Acceptance of accounts payable totaling $801,162.87 and supplemental list of $38,240.43
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council voted 5-0 to move forward with purchasing the Granite Landing lot for a future fire hall, with Coldspring agreeing to help cover soil remediation costs. The Council also voted to explore purchasing part of an adjacent lot at 18 2nd Avenue North to square off the property. A purchase agreement will be drafted by the City Attorney for final approval.
- Approved $16,870 purchase of a new mixer for the Wastewater Treatment Plant from Landia Company
- Approved Change Order Number 6 for the Water Treatment Plant, extending the substantial completion date to April 21, 2023 (passed 3-2)
- Approved $3,075 purchase of Stalker DSR radar for a new squad car from Applied Concepts, Inc.
- Approved amendment to the Fund Balance Policy directing positive balances in closed funds to Future Capital Improvements
- Council agreed to begin exploring sites for a standalone library after GRRL announced reduction in library services and collections
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved several ordinances including a fee schedule update, sewer rate increase, and a change to firefighter residency requirements. They also appointed members to the EDA and Park Board, authorized sale of a surplus police vehicle, and endorsed the annual Firefest event.
- Approved Ordinance No. 403 amending various city fees
- Approved Ordinance No. 404 adjusting sewer utility rates
- Approved Ordinance No. 405 eliminating firefighter residency district requirement, keeping 10-minute response time
- Declared 2014 Chevrolet Impala (VIN ending 8860) as surplus for online auction on MinnBid
- Approved agreement with CEDA for economic development services, consultant on site five days per month
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council held a special meeting to review the 2023 fire department budget, discuss staffing and equipment repairs, and provide an update on the proposed new fire hall. A Phase II Environmental Study is underway on the Main Street lot across from the splash pad. The meeting was adjourned after discussion.
- Review of 2023 fire department operating budget
- Discussion of fire truck equipment repairs from 2022
- Update on new fire hall: Phase II Environmental Study on Main Street lot across from splash pad
- Fire call billing policy: insurance companies billed, no pursuit of payment from property owners
- Township supervisors request year-end reports for March 14 annual meeting
Meeting
The City Council voted 3-2 to approve a non-union employee contract with 3% pay increases in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and longevity pay of 5% after 10 years and 7% after 15 years. They also voted 3-2 to approve a Law Enforcement Labor Services Union contract with 4% pay increase in 2023, 3% in 2024, 3% in 2025, and the same longevity increases. Several alternative motions failed.
- Non-union contract approved: 3% raises each year 2023-2025, longevity pay 5% after 10 years, 7% after 15 years
- Police union contract approved: 4% raise in 2023, 3% in 2024, 3% in 2025, same longevity increases
- Failed motions included proposals for 4% in 2025 and different longevity structures
- Non-union changes also included 30-minute on-call response time for Public Works employees
- Council member requested investigation into health insurance that reimburses health club memberships
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved a $3.8 million street improvement project covering multiple road sections, with $2.7 million paid by the city and $1.1 million through property assessments. The council also approved an 8% sewer usage rate increase (from $7.00 to $7.56) while lowering the base rate to $20, and tabled discussion on a $1.9 million lift station rehabilitation project until the next meeting.
- Approved Resolution 2023-02 ordering the 2023 Improvements Project ($3.8M total) and appointing Stantec as engineer
- Approved sewer rate increase: base rate lowered to $20, usage rate up 8% to $7.56
- Approved variance for Cold Spring Brewing Co. to place holding tanks within the 5th Ave N setback
- Approved variance for Dale Spohnholtz for a detached garage exceeding the 60% size limit
- Tabled $1.9M Lift Station #1 Rehabilitation project until next meeting (3-1 vote)
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved several operational items including a $9,800 salt purchase, a pay increase for snow plow drivers to $20.90/hour, and the hiring of a full-time police officer. They also discussed proposed sewer rate increases and appointed two members to the Planning Commission.
- Approved purchase of 100 tons of salt from Cargill for $9,800
- Approved pay increase for snow plow drivers from $18.89 to $20.90 per hour (3-2 vote)
- Approved hiring of full-time police officer Jessica Schnell-Schwieters at starting wage
- Approved repair of City Hall automatic door opener for $2,980.32
- Appointed Bill Molitor and Derek Hoium to Planning Commission