Dassel, MN

Special City Council Meeting

The City Council is holding a special meeting to potentially enter a closed session. The purpose is to develop or consider offers for the purchase of real property located at 520 Simon Avenue.

• Potential closed session regarding real property at 520 Simon Avenue (PID 23-0425000)

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed 2027 improvement project for Pacific Avenue, 5th Street, and associated alleys. The council is also considering a revised 2027 preliminary tax levy and a new waste management contract.

• Public hearing for Pacific Avenue, 5th Street, & Alley Improvement project estimated at $3,492,444
• Proposed reduction of preliminary 2027 tax levy from $1,659,139 to $1,314,454
• Payment of claims totaling $298,604.43
• Proposed $9,775 expenditure to migrate GIS data to ArcGIS Online
• Approval of 2026-2028 refuse and recycling contract with Waste Management

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Dassel Planning & Zoning Commission meets Monday, October 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm at Dassel City Hall, 460 Third St. The main item is a public hearing and vote on a zoning amendment for PID 23-0835000 abutting 961 1st Street N, requested by 961 RE LLC (Nelson Tubs LLC), to change the property from R-1 Residential to I-1 Light Industrial for industrial development. The commission will also consider a lot line adjustment/consolidation for the same parcel. Both items are recommendations to the City Council, which makes the final decision.

• Public hearing on zoning amendment for PID 23-0835000 abutting 961 1st Street N, from R-1 Residential to I-1 Light Industrial, requested by 961 RE LLC (Nelson Tubs LLC)
• Motion to approve or deny the zoning amendment and recommend it to the City Council
• Motion to approve or deny a lot line adjustment/consolidation for PID 23-0835000 and recommend it to the City Council
• Approval of minutes from the June 22, 2026 meeting
• Kristi Trisko, Community Planning Senior Planner with Bolton & Menk, attending via Teams to review the staff report

The Commission voted against recommending a zoning amendment and a lot consolidation for a parcel abutting 961 1st Street N. The requests, submitted by 961 RE LLC (Nelson Tubs LLC), sought to expand a facility for cold storage. Both motions failed due to a tie vote.

• Approved June 22, 2026 meeting minutes
• Zoning Amendment for PID 23-0835000 denied (2-2)
• Lot Line Adjustment/Consolidation for PID 23-0835000 denied (2-2)

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council meets in a special session on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 5:30 pm. The only substantive item is the 2027 preliminary budget, which the agenda states will be distributed to members on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. The agenda lists no other business beyond calling the meeting to order, roll call, and adjournment. Background materials are available for public viewing at the meeting and at city hall by appointment.

• 2027 Preliminary Budget — materials to be distributed Monday, Sept. 28, 2026
• Roll call for council members Gaertner, Landrus, Suchy, Thostenson and Mayor Lalone
• Agenda published 09/25/2026 at 4:58 PM; contact Renee Eckerly (320-275-2454)

The Council approved a preliminary proposed tax levy of $1,659,139, setting a maximum ceiling of 20%. The Council also directed the City Administrator to identify approximately $90,000 in budget reductions before the December 21st Truth in Taxation meeting.

• Approved preliminary proposed 2027 tax levy of $1,659,139 (4-1)
• Directed City Administrator to prepare a budget reduction target of approximately 12%

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will consider routine approvals, including claims, licenses, and donations, and discuss key items such as the 2027 preliminary budget, a new fire hall RFP, and street improvement resolutions. The agenda includes several public hearings and reports from staff and committees.

• Payment of claims totaling $407,283.73
• Resolution 2026-030: Feasibility report and hearing for Pacific Ave, 5th St, and alley improvements
• Resolution 2026-031: Seeking state revenue sharing to sustain Deputy Registrar Offices
• Fire Relief Bylaws: increase annual pension from $4,000 to $5,000 and allow electronic notifications
• RFP for engineering and architectural services for new fire hall

The Dassel City Council approved a request for proposals (RFP) for engineering and architectural services for a new fire hall. Additionally, the Council authorized an increase in the annual volunteer firefighter pension from $4,000 to $5,000 and initiated the improvement process for Pacific Avenue, 5th Street, and local alleys.

• Approved $407,283.73 in claims
• Approved liquor license for Thirsty's Bar & Grill
• Approved $35,000 donation from Firemans Relief Association
• Increased firefighter pension from $4,000 to $5,000 (unanimous)
• Approved RFP for new fire hall engineering and architecture (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-030 for street/alley improvements (unanimous)
• Tabled resolution regarding state revenue sharing for deputy registrars
• Reverted maintenance worker wage to $25.48 per hour (unanimous)

Special City Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss the 2027 preliminary budget, including contracts and facility needs. The meeting also includes motions regarding the Fall Frolic Flea Market Festival and a closed session regarding threatened litigation from a city employee.

• Closed session regarding threatened litigation from a City of Dassel employee
• Temporary Street Closing Application for the Fall Frolic Flea Market Festival
• Resolution 2026-027 declaring Fall Frolic Craft & Flea Market a City Festival
• 2027 Preliminary Budget discussion including Sheriff's coverage and Building Official contracts
• Discussion of facility needs including Breed's park restroom, Mushroom Building roof, and Fire Hall status

The Dassel City Council met in closed session for about 48 minutes to discuss threatened litigation from former city employee Carolyn Holje, then returned to open session. In open session, the council approved a temporary street closing application and Resolution 2026-027 for the Fall Frolic Craft & Flea Market. The council also reviewed large-ticket items for the 2027 preliminary budget but made no decisions to eliminate any items. No spreadsheet was distributed before the meeting.

• Closed meeting on threatened litigation from former employee Carolyn Holje (unanimous motion to close)
• Approved Temporary Street Closing Application for Fall Frolic Flea Market Festival (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution 2026-027 declaring Dassel Fall Frolic Craft & Flea Market a City Festival (motion carried)
• Reviewed 2027 preliminary budget items; no decision to eliminate any items
• Adjourned at 7:59 pm (motion carried)

Dassel Fire Advisory Board

The Dassel Fire Advisory Board will meet to approve minutes from a joint meeting, hear reports from the fire chief and city administrator, and discuss the 2028 preliminary budget and contracts. Business items include updates on the new fire truck and fire hall, and a proposal to increase the volunteer pension by $1,000 per year under PERA.

• Review 2026 year-to-date revenues and expenditures
• Discuss preliminary 2028 budget and 2027 contracts
• Report on status of new fire truck
• Report on status of new fire hall
• Proposal to increase volunteer pension from $4,000 to $5,000 per year

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will consider a resolution regarding revenue sharing to sustain Deputy Registrar Offices, approve several liquor store clerk pay raises, and discuss joining the MN Small Cities Organization. The meeting also includes a closed session to discuss real property purchase offers and a proposal to install camera systems at city buildings.

• Resolution on revenue sharing for Deputy Registrar Offices
• Payment of claims totaling $224,607.12
• Pay raises for three liquor store clerks to $14.50/hour
• Payment estimate of $17,060.69 for Dassel-Cokato Trail improvements
• Closed session to discuss real property purchase offers

The Dassel City Council met on August 17, 2026 with all members present. In open session, the council approved the consent agenda including $224,607.12 in claims and several liquor store wage increases, approved a $17,060.69 final payment to R & K Industries for Dassel-Cokato Trail work, voted to join the MN Small Cities Organization, and approved camera systems for three city facilities. After a closed session on real property at 22300 725th Avenue in Dassel Township, the council unanimously directed staff to prepare a counteroffer for its purchase, subject to negotiation and later council approval.

• Approved consent agenda including $224,607.12 in claims (motion carried)
• Approved $0.50/hour raises to $14.50 for liquor store clerks Brittney Stoddard, Tina Kramer, and Jeremiah Denn after 90-day evaluations
• Acknowledged resignation of Mary Jensen, Museum Associate, effective immediately
• Approved $17,060.69 final payment to R & K Industries, LLC dba Diversified Paving for Dassel-Cokato Trail improvements (motion carried)
• Voted to join MN Small Cities Organization instead of Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution 2026-026 amending mayoral committee appointments; Peder Thostenson assigned to Fire Advisory Board (motion carried)
• Approved purchase of camera systems from Security and Sound: Public Works $5,681.00, Water plant $4,815.00, Sewer plant $3,988.00 (motion carried)
• Directed staff to prepare a counteroffer for purchase of 22300 725th Avenue, Dassel Township, subject to negotiation and council approval (unanimous)

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will meet to consider renewing its law‑enforcement contract with the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office. The current 2025‑2026 contract pays $61.25 per hour for two full‑time deputies, costing $254,800 annually. Sheriff Brian Cruze will be present to answer questions.

• Policing contract renewal – $61.25/hr for two deputies, $254,800 annual cost

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will vote on disconnecting water service for three delinquent accounts and approving a conditional use permit for 651 Parker Ave W. Members will also discuss wage increases for election judges and security camera installations for city plants.

• Payment of claims totaling $763,659.52
• Resolution 2026-023 accepting a $25,000 donation from Dassel Firemans Relief Association
• Proposed Election Judge wage increase from $14.00 to $16.00 per hour
• Security camera quotes: Public Works ($5,681.00), Water plant ($4,815.00), and Sewer Plant ($3,988.00)
• Water service disconnection for 530 Todd Street Lot 5, 241 Linart Ave W, and 260 5th Street S

The Dassel City Council approved its consent agenda, including payment of $763,659.52 in claims, a $25,000 donation from the Dassel Firemans Relief Association Gambling Account, and street closures for Red Rooster events. The council voted to disconnect water service at 530 Todd Street Lot 5 and 260 5th Street S for delinquent accounts, raised election judge wages from $14.00 to $16.00 per hour, and approved a conditional use permit at 651 Parker Ave W. A proposal for new security cameras at the Public Works, water, and sewer plants was tabled, and the council approved $7,855 for Daston Mechanical to fix the Thrift Store air conditioning.

• Approved consent agenda including $763,659.52 in claims (motion carried)
• Accepted resignation of Firefighter Kent Shaker effective July 13, 2026 (consent agenda)
• Approved Resolution 2026-023 accepting $25,000 donation from Dassel Firemans Relief Association Gambling Account (consent agenda)
• Approved Resolution 2026-024 declaring Red Rooster Celebration a City Festival on Sept 6, 2026 (consent agenda)
• Approved temporary street closures for Minn-e Rod Pull and Waterball Contest on Sept 5-6, 2026 (consent agenda)
• Approved disconnecting water service at 530 Todd Street Lot 5 and 260 5th Street S until delinquent accounts paid in full (motion carried)
• Increased election judge wages from $14.00 to $16.00 per hour effective July 20, 2026 (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution 2026-025 for a Conditional Use Permit at 651 Parker Ave W (motion carried)

Special City Council Meeting

The council will vote on a lot line adjustment for 580 Simon Avenue West (PID 23-0279001). It will also consider a zoning map amendment from R-1 to I-1, a Shoreland Overlay conditional use permit, and a front‑yard setback variance for 610 Parker Avenue East (PID 23-0008000). Additionally, the council will review a purchase of 21,779 square yards of chip seal at $1.87 per square yard, totaling $40,726.73, from Pearson Bros, Inc. The meeting includes standard procedural items and public notice information.

• Approve lot line adjustment for PID 23-0279001, 580 Simon Ave W
• Approve zoning map amendment (R‑1 to I‑1) for PID 23-0008000, 610 Parker Ave E
• Approve Conditional Use Permit – Shoreland Overlay for PID 23-0008000, 610 Parker Ave E
• Approve variance reducing front‑yard setback for PID 23-0008000, 610 Parker Ave E
• Approve purchase of 21,779 sq yd chip seal at $1.87/yd ($40,726.73) from Pearson Bros, Inc

The council approved a lot line adjustment for 580 Simon Avenue West and a conditional use permit, shoreland overlay, and variance for 610 Parker Avenue East. It also adopted Ordinance 04‑2026 rezoning a property from single‑family to limited‑industry. Finally, the council authorized the purchase of 21,779 square yards of chip seal for $40,726.73.

• Approved Lot Line Adjustment for PID 23-0279001 580 Simon Ave W (motion carried)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit – Shoreland Overlay for PID 23-0008000 610 Parker Ave E (motion carried)
• Approved Variance for PID 23-0008000 610 Parker Ave E (motion carried)
• Approved Ordinance 04-2026 rezoning property from R‑1 to I‑1 (motion carried)
• Approved purchase of 21,779 sq yd chip seal at $1.87 per sq yd, total $40,726.73 from Pearson Bros, Inc (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:30 pm (motion carried)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a zoning amendment, a conditional use permit for the Shoreland Overlay, and a front‑yard setback variance for 610 Parker Avenue E. Commissioners will then vote on whether to approve or deny these applications and forward a recommendation to the City Council on June 29. The agenda also includes a lot‑line adjustment request for 580 Simon Avenue W, which will receive the same treatment.

• Zoning amendment application to change 610 Parker Ave E (PID 23-0008000) from R‑1 Residential to I‑1 Light Industrial
• Conditional Use Permit (Shoreland Overlay) for industrial use at 610 Parker Ave E
• Variance request to reduce front‑yard setback from 25 ft to 12 ft for 610 Parker Ave E
• Lot line adjustment request for 580 Simon Ave W (PID 23-0279001) by Nelson Family LLC
• Motion to approve or deny the above applications and forward recommendations to City Council

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a zoning amendment changing 610 Parker Ave E from R‑1 Residential to I‑1 Light Industrial, along with the associated Conditional Use Permit and variance. The commission also approved a lot line adjustment for 580 Simon Ave W. Earlier, the September 23, 2025 minutes were approved.

• Approved zoning amendment for 610 Parker Ave E to I‑1 Light Industrial (motion carried)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit – Shoreland Overlay for 610 Parker Ave E (motion carried)
• Approved variance for front yard setback at 610 Parker Ave E (motion carried)
• Approved lot line adjustment for 580 Simon Ave W (motion carried)
• Approved September 23, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)

Closed City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will hold a closed session under Minnesota Statutes §13D.05 to consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase of real property identified as 07-0532000, located at 22300 725th Avenue. No decision has been recorded; the discussion is limited to evaluating potential purchase terms. The meeting otherwise follows standard procedural items such as call to order and roll call.

• Closed session to discuss offers or counteroffers for purchase of real property 07-0532000 at 22300 725th Avenue, Dassel, MN

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will consider the consent agenda, including a $229,525.44 payment of claims, hiring a seasonal maintenance worker at $18 per hour, a $0.50 wage increase for a liquor store clerk, and closing City Hall on July 17 for election training. Business items include amending the ordinance that sets council salaries, approving up to $1,500 for a new computer for the liquor store, and appointing a new council member. The meeting also features a public hearing, open forum, and several resolutions on donations and a city festival.

• Payment of Claims – $229,525.44 (Consent Agenda)
• Hire Seasonal Maintenance Worker at $18.00 per hour (Consent Agenda)
• Increase liquor store clerk wage by $0.50 to $12.86 per hour (Consent Agenda)
• Approve up to $1,500 for a new computer for the Liquor Store (Business Items)
• Motion to amend City Council salaries ordinance (Ordinance 03-2026) (Business Items)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet to approve the September 23, 2026 minutes, hold any scheduled public hearings, and consider a motion to approve or deny a lot line adjustment request for 580 Simon Avenue West (PID 23-0279001). The recommendation from this commission will be placed on the City Council agenda for final action. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Approval of September 23, 2026 commission minutes
• Public hearings (items not specified)
• Additions or omissions to the agenda
• Motion to approve or deny lot line adjustment for PID 23-0279001 at 580 Simon Ave W
• Adjournment

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will consider a public hearing on potential street and utility reconstruction along Pacific Avenue, 5th Street, an alley south of Parker Avenue, Todd Street, and 6th Street. A second public hearing will address the vacation of utility and drainage easements on parcels in the Sellards Addition (PID 23-0540000). The council will also act on several motions, including payment of claims totaling $321,772.01, a roof replacement quote of $43,829.65 for City Hall, and a lot line adjustment for 580 Simon Avenue West.

• Public Hearing – Facility Plan for improvements on Pacific Ave, 5th St, alley, Todd St, 6th St
• Public Hearing – Vacation of utility and drainage easement on PID 23-0540000 (Lots 9 & 10, Sellards Addition)
• Motion to approve payment of claims totaling $321,772.01 (Consent Agenda)
• Motion to approve roof replacement for City Hall – Roof Shield quote $43,829.65
• Motion to approve Lot Line Adjustment Application for PID 23-0279001, 580 Simon Avenue W

The council approved the April 20 City Council minutes and the consent agenda. It authorized payment of claims totaling $321,772.01 and approved a temporary one‑day on‑sale liquor license for the Cokato Dassel Lions Club on August 7, 2026. The agenda item for a lot‑line adjustment (Item 9D) was removed.

• Approved City Council minutes (motion carried)
• Approved Consent Agenda (motion carried)
• Authorized payment of claims $321,772.01 (motion carried)
• Approved temporary 1‑day on‑sale liquor license for Cokato Dassel Lions Club, Aug 7 2026 (motion carried)
• Removed Item 9D lot‑line adjustment from agenda (motion carried)

Regular City Council Meeting

The council will discuss two roof replacement quotes—Roof Shield Commercial Roofing LLC for $43,829.65 and APR Roofing Inc. with options from $84,600 to $98,550—and how to fund the work from the $500 General Capital Outlay balance of $185,442.47. It will also vote on Ordinance 02-2026 to amend city codes on hemp retail businesses and edibles, approve a $283,800.49 payment of claims, and consider several hiring and procurement items.

• Roof replacement quotes: $43,829.65 (Roof Shield) and $84,600–$98,550 (APR Roofing) funded from $500 General Capital Outlay ($185,442.47 balance)
• Ordinance 02-2026 amending hemp retail business and low‑potency hemp edibles regulations
• Purchase of a 4x4 D‑Max XT4 for raffle using Red Rooster funds up to $14,000
• Payment of claims totaling $283,800.49
• Hiring of part‑time Liquor Store clerks (Tina Kramber, Jeremiah Denn) at $14/hr and Administrative Assistant Desirae Nelson at $21.50/hr

The council approved the March 16, 2026 meeting minutes and the revised agenda, including a consent agenda. It approved hiring three part‑time staff members and accepted the resignation of a seasonal maintenance worker. A public hearing was scheduled for May 18, 2026, to consider the 2027 Improvement Project Facility Plan. The city received a clean audit opinion for 2025, confirming its financial position.

• Approved March 16, 2026 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved revised agenda with changes (motion carried)
• Approved consent agenda as presented (motion carried)
• Approved hiring Tina Kramber as part‑time Liquor Store Clerk ($14/hr) (motion carried)
• Approved hiring Jeremiah Denn as part‑time Liquor Store Clerk ($14/hr) pending background check (motion carried)
• Approved hiring Desirae Nelson as part‑time Administrative Assistant – Utility Billing Clerk ($21.50/hr) (motion carried)
• Accepted resignation of Dale Wright, seasonal maintenance worker, and began hiring process (motion carried)
• Set public hearing for May 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. for 2027 Improvement Project Facility Plan (motion carried)

Joint Dassel Fire Advisory Board & Dassel City Council

The joint Dassel Fire Advisory Board and City Council will review the status of a new fire truck and hold further discussion on constructing a new fire hall building, following earlier talks in January. The meeting will also approve prior meeting minutes, receive fire department financial updates for 2026 year‑to‑date, and note the approved Fire Advisory Board by‑laws from 2017. Additional reports from the Fire Chief and City Administrator will be presented.

• Approve January 28 and February 25 meeting minutes
• Review 2026 year‑to‑date fire department revenues and expenditures (March report)
• Informational note: Fire Advisory Board By‑Laws approved 02‑22‑2017
• Report on status of new fire truck
• Further discussion regarding a new fire hall building

The joint Dassel Fire Advisory Board and City Council approved the January 28 and February 25, 2026 meeting minutes and unanimously approved the agenda. No formal decisions were made on the new fire truck delivery schedule or the proposed fire hall project; those items were discussed only.

• Approved Jan 28 & Feb 25 2026 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)

Board of Appeal & Equalization Meeting

The Board of Appeal & Equalization will receive a brief overview from the Assessor, review the attached update documents, and consider the Assessor’s recommendations. Residents may provide public comments after the overview. The meeting will then recess and adjourn.

• Brief overview from the Assessor (with attached update documents)
• Public comments from residents
• Assessor’s recommendations

The board voted to adopt the assessor’s recommendations for PID 23-0500000 (651 Parker Avenue West) and PID 23-0498000 (621 Parker Avenue West). It also approved the assessor’s recommendation of no change for 901 Fifth Street North. Both motions were carried without a recorded vote tally. The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 pm after a motion to adjourn was carried.

• Approved assessor's recommendation for PID 23-0500000 (651 Parker Ave West) – motion carried
• Approved assessor's recommendation for PID 23-0498000 (621 Parker Ave West) – motion carried
• Approved assessor's recommendation of no change for 901 Fifth Street North – motion carried
• Adjourned meeting at 6:49 pm – motion carried

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will consider a feasibility study for improvements to Pacific Avenue, 5th Street, and an alley. The body is also deciding on several personnel updates, including starting wage increases for liquor store clerks and a new paid leave policy.

• Payment of claims totaling $221,141.15
• Approval of 2027 Feasibility Study for Pacific Avenue, 5th Street, and Alley improvements
• Proposed increase of starting wage for Liquor Store Clerk from $12.00 to $14.00 per hour
• Replacement of the furnace at the wastewater treatment plant
• Proposed Minnesota Paid Leave City Policy

The council approved the consent agenda and a payment of $221,141.15 for outstanding claims. It also approved hiring Bethany Conlow and Brittney Stoddard as part‑time liquor clerks at $14.00 per hour, pending background checks. Several resolutions were adopted, including acceptance of donations for Red Rooster Day and a mural repair, a wine/strong‑beer license for the Cokato Dassel Lions, a lawful gambling exempt permit for a Lions Club raffle, and a title change from Museum Worker to Museum Associate.

• Approved consent agenda (motion carried)
• Approved payment of claims $221,141.15 (motion carried)
• Approved hiring of Bethany Conlow and Brittney Stoddard as part‑time Liquor Clerks at $14.00/hr (pending background checks)
• Approved Resolution 2026-012 accepting donation for Red Rooster Day – Joah's Ark petting zoo
• Approved Resolution 2026-013 accepting donation for mural repair
• Approved wine/strong‑beer license for Cokato Dassel Lions at Saints Field (April 1–Sept 30 2026, pending paperwork)
• Approved Lawful Gambling LG220 exempt permit for Cokato Dassel Lions Club raffle on Oct 5 2026 at 460 3rd St E
• Approved title change from Museum Worker to Museum Associate

Closed City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will hold a closed session to discuss a real property identified as 07‑0532000, located at 22300 725th Avenue. Council members will develop or consider offers and counteroffers for purchasing the property. No decision is recorded on the agenda.

• Closed‑session discussion of offers and counteroffers for real property 07‑0532000 at 22300 725th Avenue

The council voted to pursue the purchase of a portion of the property at 22300 725th Ave. for $2,000 per acre. The motion was carried. The council also approved an adjournment of the meeting.

• Approved pursuit of purchase of portion of 22300 725th Ave. property at $2,000 per acre (motion carried)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (motion carried)

Dassel Fire Advisory Board

The Dassel Fire Advisory Board will discuss the preliminary 2027 budget and associated fire contracts, noting that the budget does not include engineering/architectural costs for a new fire hall. They will also review 2026 year‑to‑date revenue and expenditure reports, approve the minutes from the January 28 joint meeting with the City Council, and conduct elections for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the February 2027 term. The board will need to reschedule the next meeting originally set for April 8, 2026.

• Approve January 28, 2026 minutes of joint meeting with Dassel City Council
• Review 2026 year‑to‑date revenue and expenditure reports
• Discuss preliminary 2027 fire budget and contracts (no engineering/architectural cost listed for new fire hall)
• Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for February 2027 term
• Reschedule next meeting originally planned for April 8, 2026

The Dassel Fire Advisory Board unanimously approved the preliminary 2027 budget and associated contracts. The board also elected Josh Johnson as Chairperson and Jeff Atkinson as Interim Vice Chairperson. The agenda was approved and the special fire‑hall meeting was rescheduled to April 15, 2026. The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary 2027 budget and contracts (unanimous)
• Elected Josh Johnson as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Elected Jeff Atkinson as Interim Vice Chairperson (unanimous)
• Rescheduled special fire‑hall meeting to April 15, 2026 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:33 p.m. (unanimous)

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss an ordinance to remove pet licensing and review a library grant. The body is also deciding on personnel changes for the liquor store and fire department, as well as various city contracts and permits.

• Ordinance 01-2026 to remove pet licensing requirement
• Payment of claims totaling $640,937.31
• MNDOT project SP 4705-49 change order payment of $150.00
• Resolution 2026-011 to accept an $1,800 donation for the Fire Dept
• Land Owner Permit for the Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club

Joint Dassel Fire Advisory Board & Dassel City Council

The joint body will review 2025 fire call reports and year-to-date financial data. Members will discuss financing for a new fire hall with Northland Securities and review preliminary 2027 budgets. The City Council will also consider approving the 2025 Pay Equity Compliance Report.

• Financing discussion for a new fire hall with George Eilertson of Northland Securities
• Distribution of 2026 Dassel Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department Contracts
• Review of preliminary 2027 budget and contracts
• City Council vote on the 2025 Pay Equity Compliance Report
• Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to January 2028

The council unanimously approved the September 10, 2025 minutes and the agenda as presented. It also unanimously approved the 2025 Pay Equity Compliance Report and authorized its submission to the state. The election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson was postponed to February. A regular meeting for February 25 and a special meeting for April 8 to discuss a new fire hall were scheduled.

• Approved September 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Pay Equity Compliance Report and authorized submission (unanimous)
• Tabled election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to January 2028 (postponed to February)
• Set regular meeting for Feb 25, 2026 at Dassel Fire Hall
• Scheduled special meeting for Apr 8, 2026 to discuss new fire hall

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will consider several 2026 administrative appointments, annual stipends for public works employees, and the final budgets for water, sewer, and liquor store enterprises. The body will also discuss a proposal from BNSF Railroad for surface replacement at the 3rd St S crossing.

• Payment of claims totaling $696,458.37
• Proposed $40,000 cost for BNSF Railroad surface replacement at 3rd St S Crossing
• Engagement letter for 2025 audit with Oberloh & Oberloh, Ltd. for $10,850.00
• Acceptance of a $5,000 anonymous donation for the Fire Department
• Approval of a new liquor license for Thirsty's Bar & Grill (GTown LLC)

The council approved the final 2026 budgets for water, sewer and liquor store enterprises. It also approved a solar setback waiver, rescinded a prior liquor license action and approved a new license for Thirsty's Bar & Grill, and adopted several resolutions and payments. Additional actions included adding the BNSF railroad crossing to the 2027 plan, appointing a Data Practices Compliance Official, and scheduling a joint City Council and Fire Advisory Board meeting on Jan. 28, 2026.

• Approved final budgets for water, sewer & liquor store enterprises (motion carried)
• Approved Solar Setback Waiver for Ice House Solar 2 LLC (motion carried)
• Rescinded prior liquor license action and approved new license for Thirsty's Bar & Grill (motion carried)
• Approved $3,875.37 payment to Levanen Underground LLC (motion carried)
• Approved $10,850 audit engagement letter with Oberloh & Oberloh (motion carried)
• Added BNSF Railroad 3rd St crossing project to 2027 plan (motion carried)
• Approved appointment of Data Practices Compliance Official (motion carried)
• Scheduled special joint City Council and Fire Advisory Board meeting for Jan. 28, 2026 (motion carried)