Dassel public meetings in 2025

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will vote on the 2026 fee schedule, final budget, and water/sewer rate increases. The meeting also includes a public hearing on delinquent utility accounts and a discussion on a proposed digital archival system.

• Public hearing on 2026 Truth In Taxation and water/sewer rate increases
• Approval of 2026 fee schedule and final budget
• Discussion on digital archival system (Laserfiche/DocuWare) costing $10,815
• Approval of $15,000 donation from Dassel Firemens Relief Association
• Discussion on solar garden proposal from SunShare

The council approved the payment of claims totaling $554,870.80. It also approved a new liquor license for Thirsty's Bar & Grill pending a background check, scheduled the first 2026 council meeting for Jan. 20, approved the appointment of fire department officers effective Jan. 1, 2025, accepted a $15,000 donation from the Dassel Firemen's Relief Association, declined to waive municipal tort liability limits, and authorized the sale of a 2005 Ford Ranger for $1,500. All items were adopted as part of the consent agenda.

• Approved payment of claims $554,870.80 (motion carried)
• Approved new liquor license for Thirsty's Bar & Grill pending background check (motion carried)
• Approved scheduling of first 2026 council meeting on Jan. 20, 2026 at 6:00 pm (motion carried)
• Approved appointment of fire department officers effective Jan. 1, 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved acceptance of $15,000 donation from Dassel Firemen's Relief Association (motion carried)
• Approved motion not to waive municipal tort liability limits (motion carried)
• Approved sale of 2005 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 for $1,500 (motion carried)
• Approved consent agenda items as presented (motion carried)

Regular City Council Meeting

The council will consider several business items, including approving a $324,153.17 payment to R & K Industries for improvements to the Dassel‑Cokato Trail and adopting the 5‑Year Street Capital Improvement Plan for 2027‑2039. It will also vote on resolutions accepting donations of $60,000 from the Dassel Firemen’s Relief Association and $20 from Gary & Doris Kyllonen, and on a resolution to order a report on the 2027 Street Improvement Project. Additional agenda items are a public hearing, open forum, and a discussion on increasing council members’ per‑diem and salary, which was previously tabled.

• Approve $324,153.17 payment estimate to R & K Industries for Dassel‑Cokato Trail improvements
• Adopt 5‑Year Street Capital Improvement Plan for 2027‑2039
• Approve Resolution 2025‑028 to order a report on the 2027 Street Improvement Project
• Approve donations: $60,000 from Dassel Firemen’s Relief Association and $20 from Gary & Doris Kyllonen
• Discuss possible increase of council members’ per‑diem and salary (previously tabled)

The City Council approved the 5‑Year Street Capital Improvement Plan for 2027‑2039, a $324,153.17 payment to Diversified Paving for the Dassel‑Cokato Trail, and a $9,226.11 generator maintenance agreement. It also accepted two donations ($60,000 and $20), approved an attorney services contract with Flaherty & Hood, and raised council and mayor salaries for 2026. The cost‑feasibility study for the street improvement project was tabled for future discussion.

• Approved 5‑Year Street Capital Improvement Plan (2027‑2039) – motion carried
• Approved $324,153.17 payment to Diversified Paving for Dassel‑Cokato Trail – motion carried
• Approved Cummins 3‑year generator maintenance agreement for $9,226.11 – motion carried
• Accepted $60,000 donation from Dassel Firemen's Relief Association – approved via consent agenda
• Accepted $20 donation from Gary & Doris Kyllonen – approved via consent agenda
• Approved contract with Flaherty & Hood for attorney services – motion carried (Gaertner and Suchy voted no)
• Increased council salary to $2,000 and mayor salary to $3,000 for 2026 – motion carried (Landrus abstained)
• Tabled request for feasibility‑study cost on 2027 Street Improvement Project – no action taken

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will interview two law firms, Flaherty & Hood PA and Kennedy & Graven Chartered, to select a provider for civil legal services. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

• Interview Flaherty & Hood PA for civil legal services
• Interview Kennedy & Graven Chartered for civil legal services
• City Council members Gaertner, Landrus, Suchy, Thurn, and Mayor Lalone present

The council decided that the City Administrator will contact each interviewed attorney firm about billing and contracts and place that item on the November 17 agenda for final decision. The council also voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m., with the motion carried. No other substantive actions were taken.

• City Administrator to contact each attorney firm regarding billing and contracts and add item to Nov 17 agenda (decision made)
• Motion to adjourn meeting carried (motion by Landrus, seconded by Gaertner)

Closed City Council Meeting

The City Council is convening a closed meeting to conduct a preliminary consideration of allegations against the City Administrator. This session is held pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.05.

• Closed session for preliminary consideration of allegations against the City Administrator

The council entered a closed session to preliminarily consider allegations against City Administrator Renee Eckerly. Council decided there was no reason for disciplinary action and directed the Personnel Committee to find appropriate training for staff, supervisors, and council members. The motion was carried. The meeting was then adjourned at 6:49 pm.

• No disciplinary action taken regarding City Administrator (decision)
• Directed Personnel Committee to find workplace training for staff, supervisors and Council (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:49 pm (motion carried)

Regular City Council Meeting

The council will discuss a motion to move forward with planning a new fire station after a recommendation from the Fire Advisory Board. The meeting also includes a consent agenda to pay $283,443.28 in claims, approve a gambling raffle permit, a hemp‑edible retail registration, and a donation to the fire department. Additional items include setting a public hearing for delinquent utility bills and accepting a commission resignation.

• Discuss new fire station planning (motion following Fire Advisory Board recommendation)
• Payment of claims totaling $283,443.28
• Approve MN lawful gambling permit for Dassel‑Cokato Wrestling Boosters raffle at Thirsty's Tavern, 241 Atlantic Ave W, on Feb. 7, 2026
• Approve retail registration for lower‑potency hemp edible‑retail (LPHE‑R) for the municipal liquor store, $125 pending MN Office of Cannabis Management approval
• Approve Resolution 2025‑025 accepting a donation to the City of Dassel Fire Department from Paula Trisko

The council moved forward with the Spectralytics wastewater expansion by approving use of a DEED BDPI grant. It also approved payment of city claims totaling $283,443.28 and authorized a state gambling raffle permit. Additional approvals included a low‑potency hemp edible license, a fire‑department donation, a public hearing date, and the declaration of a surplus vehicle.

• Approved Spectralytics Wastewater Expansion using DEED BDPI Grant (motion carried)
• Approved payment of claims $283,443.28 (motion carried)
• Approved MN lawful gambling permit for Dassel‑Cokato Wrestling Boosters raffle at Thirsty's Tavern, 241 Atlantic Ave W, Feb 7 2026 (motion carried)
• Approved retail registration for lower‑potency hemp edible at Dassel Municipal Liquor Store, $125 pending state approval, starting Nov 1 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑025 accepting donation to the Fire Department from Paula Trisko (motion carried)
• Set public hearing for Dec 15 2024 on delinquent utility bills (motion carried)
• Accepted resignation of Bill Ward from the Heritage Preservation Commission (motion carried)
• Declared 2005 Ford Ranger (VIN 1FTZR15E35PA93134) surplus property; authorized bid advertisement with $2,500 minimum (motion carried)

Special City Council Meeting

The council will consider two motions on Jill Crowe’s variance request for 81 7th St S, one to approve a 9‑ft‑9‑in side‑wall height and one to deny a 4‑ft side‑yard setback for an accessory structure. They will also vote on approving the request for proposals for city legal services. A motion will be taken to approve a $29,675.00 quote from Daston Mechanical to replace the HVAC system at the History Center, with cost sharing previously approved by the DAHS Board.

• Approve variance for 9‑ft‑9‑in side walls at 81 7th St S (Resolution 2025‑023)
• Deny variance for 4‑ft side‑yard setback at 81 7th St S (Resolution 2025‑024)
• Approve Request for Proposals for City Legal Services
• Approve $29,675.00 quote from Daston Mechanical for History Center HVAC replacement
• Distribution of 2026 Preliminary Budget (to be provided)

The council approved a 9% preliminary budget for 2026. It also approved two variances for Jill Crowe at 81 7th St S: 9‑foot‑9‑inch side walls and a 6‑foot side‑yard setback (Landrus voted no on the setback). Additionally, a $29,675 quote from Daston Mechanical to replace the History Center HVAC system was approved.

• Approved 9% preliminary budget for 2026 (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution 2025-023: 9'9" side walls variance for 81 7th St S (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution 2025-024: 6‑ft side‑yard setback variance for 81 7th St S (motion carried, Landrus voted no)
• Approved Daston Mechanical HVAC replacement quote for History Center, $29,675 (motion carried)
• Amended agenda order, moving item 2b to 2a and vice versa (motion carried)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and then vote on a variance application submitted by Jill Crowe for an accessory garage at 81 7th Street S. The request seeks to reduce the side‑yard setback from 10 feet to 4 feet and increase the side wall height from 9 feet to 9 feet 9 inches. A written comment supporting the variance was received from James Rieger on September 2, 2025. The meeting will also discuss the term expiration of board member Nick Corbin.

• Variance request for 81 7th St S: side‑yard setback 4 ft, wall height 9 ft 9 in
• Public hearing on the variance scheduled Sep 23 2025, 6 pm at City Hall, 460 Third St
• Written support comment from James Rieger dated Sep 2 2025
• Staff report and variance application attached (dated Sep 18 2025)
• Discussion of board member Nick Corbin’s term expiring Dec 31 2025

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved the minutes from the July 7, 2025 meeting. It approved a variance allowing a 9'9" side‑wall height for an accessory structure at 81 7th St S. It denied the requested 4‑foot side‑yard setback variance for the same property, with the motion carried despite one member voting no. The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 pm.

• Approved July 7, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved variance for 9'9" side‑wall height at 81 7th St S (motion carried)
• Denied 4‑ft side‑yard setback variance at 81 7th St S (motion carried; Corbin voted no)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:20 pm (motion carried)

Dassel City Council EDA Meeting

The Dassel City Council EDA will discuss a revolving loan request for Shear Elegance Salon. The body is scheduled to vote on a loan agreement and promissory note for $5,000 at zero percent interest.

• Loan Agreement & Promissory Note for Shear Elegance Salon ($5,000)
• Revolving Loan Request for Amy Gaertner
• Motion to recommend approval or denial of the loan

The council approved a loan agreement and promissory note for Amy Gaertner in the amount of $5,000 at zero percent interest for 60 months. The motion passed with Councilmember Gaertner abstaining. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved $5,000 revolving loan to Amy Gaertner (Gaertner abstained)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will consider approving a $3,500 quote to repair the Liquor Store building's gutters and a $5,000 revolving loan for Shear Elegance Salon. The meeting also includes a public hearing and a discussion on a draft ordinance regarding hunting and dangerous weapons in city limits.

• Approval of $3,500 gutter repair quote for Liquor Store building
• Approval of $5,000 revolving loan for Shear Elegance Salon
• Public hearing scheduled for Truth In Taxation
• Discussion on draft ordinance prohibiting hunting and dangerous weapons
• Approval of liquor license for Thirsty's Bar & Grill

The council voted to accept the resignation of City Attorney Kurt Greenley and will issue a letter opposing the Heritage Preservation Commission bill while requesting proposals for new attorney services. They also approved a $3,500 gutter repair quote, a $5,000 loan to Amy Gaertner, set the Truth In Taxation Hearing for Dec. 15, 2025, and tabled a draft hunting ordinance. The $43,345 HVAC repair quote for the History Center was placed on the Sep. 30 special council agenda.

• Accepted resignation of City Attorney Kurt Greenley (motion carried)
• Decided to send a letter opposing the Heritage Preservation Commission bill
• Approved $3,500 quote from Vos Construction for Liquor Store gutter repair (motion carried)
• Approved $5,000 zero‑percent loan to Amy Gaertner (motion carried, Gaertner abstained)
• Set Truth In Taxation Hearing for Dec 15, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. (motion carried)
• Tabled Draft Chapter 96 ordinance on hunting and weapons (decision to table)
• Placed $43,345 HVAC quote for History Center on Sep 30 special council agenda
• Approved consent agenda as presented (motion carried)

Dassel Fire Advisory Board

The Dassel Fire Advisory Board will approve the February 26, 2025 minutes and the agenda, hear the Fire Chief’s and City Administrator’s reports, and review the 2025 year‑to‑date revenue and expenditures. The board will discuss a presentation on a new fire station, referencing a 2021 feasibility study. An update will be given on the fire rescue‑pumper truck ordered for 2027 costing $1,430,218.00.

• Approve February 26, 2025 minutes
• Approve agenda
• Review 2025 year‑to‑date revenue and expenditures
• Discuss new fire station presentation (research and 2021 feasibility study)
• Update report on ordered 2027 fire rescue‑pumper truck $1,430,218.00

The board approved the February 26, 2025 minutes unanimously. It voted 5‑1 to recommend that the Dassel City Council move forward with planning a new fire station. An update on the 2027 fire‑rescue pumper truck noted a delivery in Q1 2028 and no price increase. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

• Approved February 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended new fire station planning to City Council (5‑1)
• Noted fire‑rescue pumper truck delivery schedule with no price change
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Special City Council Meeting

The Dassel City Council will consider approving payments totaling $44,077.28, a paving contract for the Trail Improvement project, and a grant agreement with the State of Minnesota. The meeting will also set a date for a City Council EDA meeting.

• Claims payment of $44,077.28
• Paving contract for Trail Improvement project ($332,545.45)
• Active Transportation Infrastructure Solicitation grant agreement
• Setting date for City Council EDA Meeting

The council approved payment of $44,077.28 for outstanding claims and a $15,501.48 payment to Levanen Underground LLC for the 2024 parking lot and sidewalk project. It accepted a $332,545.45 bid from Diversified Paving for a Trail Improvement project, with construction slated to start around September 22, 2025. The council also approved and authorized signing the Active Transportation Infrastructure grant agreement with the State of Minnesota and set the date for the City Council EDA meeting.

• Approved payment of claims $44,077.28 (motion carried)
• Approved payment request #5 to Levanen Underground LLC $15,501.48 (motion carried)
• Approved bid from Diversified Paving $332,545.45 for Trail Improvement project (motion carried)
• Authorized signing of Active Transportation grant agreement with State of MN (motion carried)
• Set City Council EDA meeting for 5:30 pm before September 15 2025 (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:23 pm (motion carried)

Regular City Council Meeting

The council approved the July 21 City Council minutes, the consent agenda—including $725,091.57 in claims and a $15,501.48 payment to Levanen—and accepted two staff resignations. It adopted the 2025 annual fee schedule, approved the purchase of 25 Kenwood Viking portable radios for $61,520.75, and approved the Highland Circle PUD amendment despite one dissenting vote. No other items were acted on.

• Approved July 21 City Council minutes (motion carried)
• Approved Consent Agenda, including $725,091.57 claims payment (motion carried)
• Approved payment to Levanen Underground LLC $15,501.48 (motion carried)
• Accepted resignation of Kent Shaker, part‑time liquor store clerk (effective July 24, 2025) (motion carried)
• Accepted resignation of Jack Nesseth, temporary seasonal public works staff (effective Aug 13, 2025) (motion carried)
• Approved purchase of 25 Kenwood Viking 7/800 MHz portable radios for $61,520.75 (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑021 setting 2025 annual fee schedule (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑020 Highland Circle PUD amendment and lot line adjustment (motion carried, Thurn voted no)

Regular City Council Meeting

The council approved the consent agenda, which included payment of claims totaling $457,289.01. It also approved hiring two part‑time liquor‑store clerks, accepted two clerk resignations, and authorized a street closure for the Red Rooster City Festival on August 30. Appointments to the Planning Commission and an agenda addition to discuss the Lions & Rotary picnic‑table project were also approved.

• Approved payment of claims $457,289.01 (motion carried)
• Approved hiring of Desirae Nelson and Kent Shaker as part‑time Liquor Store Clerks (motion carried)
• Accepted resignation of Alyssa Carlen, part‑time Liquor Store Clerk effective June 28, 2025 (motion carried)
• Accepted resignation of Dakota Cadorette, part‑time Liquor Store Clerk effective June 8, 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved street closing for Red Rooster City Festival on Aug 30, 2025, 4:00‑8:00 pm, 2nd St N to 3rd St N (motion carried)
• Approved Al Sexton appointment to Planning Commission until Dec 31 2026 (motion carried)
• Approved Isaac Nelson appointment to Planning Commission until Dec 31 2027 (motion carried)
• Approved agenda addition to discuss Dassel‑Cokato Lions & Rotary picnic‑table project (motion carried)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission approved the June 9, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved the Planned Unit Development amendment and the associated lot line adjustment for Highland Circle Block 5 lots 1‑4 and 25‑28, each with specified conditions. The commission also approved extensions of the terms for members Al Sexton and Isaac Nelson.

• Approved June 9, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved Highland Circle Block 5 PUD amendment for single‑family structures with conditions (motion carried)
• Approved lot line adjustment for Highland Circle Block 5 lots 1‑4 and 25‑28 with conditions (motion carried)
• Approved extension of Al Sexton's term to 12/31/2026 (motion carried)
• Approved extension of Isaac Nelson's term to 12/31/2027 (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:08 pm (motion carried)

Regular City Council Meeting

The council approved Resolution 2025-017, officially designating the Red Rooster Celebration as a city festival to be held on August 30, 2025. It also approved a lot line adjustment for Sunrise Circle (PID 23-0756000) and authorized the purchase of an irrigation system and sod for the Mushroom Building up to $7,500. Additional actions included repealing a 2015 "No Trucks" sign on Centennial Avenue, removing trees in Bandstand and Breed's Parks for $6,400, and approving a one‑day on‑sale liquor license for the Cokato Dassel Lions Club on August 9, 2025.

• Approved Resolution 2025-017 declaring Red Rooster Celebration as a city festival (motion carried)
• Approved Lot Line Adjustment Application for PID 23-0756000 1000 Sunrise Circle (motion carried)
• Approved purchase and installation of irrigation system and sod for Mushroom Building, not to exceed $7,500 (motion carried)
• Repealed 2015 "No Trucks" sign on Centennial Ave (motion carried)
• Approved removal of trees in Bandstand Park and Breed's Park at cost $6,400 (motion carried)
• Approved temporary 1‑day on‑sale liquor license for Cokato Dassel Lions Club on Aug 9, 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved payment of claims $257,255.21 (consent agenda)
• Approved hire of part‑time liquor store clerk pending background check (consent agenda)

Special City Council Meeting

The council approved Resolution 2025-016 to apply for the MHFA Greater Minnesota Housing Public Infrastructure Grant for water, sewer, and stormwater work at the Cherry Circle project. They also considered purchasing a 2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty for $18,200, allocating costs across public works, water, and sewer capital outlay funds; the minutes do not record a vote outcome. The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

• Approved Resolution 2025-016 application for MHFA Greater Minnesota Housing Public Infrastructure Grant (motion carried)
• Considered purchase of 2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty for $18,200, allocating $6,068 from Public Works Capital Outlay, $6,066 from Water Capital Outlay, $6,066 from Sewer Capital Outlay (outcome not recorded)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:04 p.m. (motion carried)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission approved the March 10, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved the lot line adjustment application for PID 23‑0756000 at 1000 Sunrise Circle, requiring recording of documents within 120 days. The commission set a public hearing and action on the Highland Circle PUD amendment for July 7, 2025 at 6:00 pm. The meeting was adjourned at 6:13 pm.

• Approved March 10, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved lot line adjustment for PID 23‑0756000 1000 Sunrise Circle with recording conditions (motion carried)
• Scheduled public hearing and action on Highland Circle PUD amendment for July 7, 2025 at 6:00 pm
• Adjourned meeting at 6:13 pm (motion carried)

Regular City Council Meeting

The council approved the consent agenda, including a temporary liquor license for the Cokato Dassel Lions Club, a resignation of a liquor store clerk, renewal of the Minnesota Lottery contract, and lease agreements for land with Brian Dahlman and Greg Nelson. It also voted to shut off water service and repair a curb stop at 610 Parker Ave East due to delinquent payments. Additional actions included hiring attorney David T. Anderson for a property matter and authorizing Bolton & Menk to investigate trail options.

• Approved payment of claims $263,123.34 (motion carried)
• Approved temporary 1‑day on‑sale liquor license for Cokato Dassel Lions Club, June 19, 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved resignation of Melinda Boltz, Liquor Store Clerk effective April 30, 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved renewal of annual contract with Minnesota Lottery and authorized City Administrator to sign (motion carried)
• Approved lease agreement with Brian Dahlman for 63 acres at $125/acre and 20 acres at $30/acre (motion carried)
• Approved lease agreement with Greg Nelson for 50 acres at $125/acre (motion carried)
• Approved shutoff of water service at 610 Parker Ave E for delinquent account (motion carried)
• Approved repair of curb stop at 610 Parker Ave E and invoicing property owner up to $1,000 (motion carried)

Special City Council Meeting

The council voted 4-1 to approve Resolution 2025-015, authorizing acceptance of the Minnesota Department of Education grant for the library project. Council members also reached consensus to add a closed‑session item to the May 19 agenda to discuss a potential real‑property purchase for the library. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved Resolution 2025-015 authorizing grant acceptance (4-1)
• Consensused to add closed session on potential property purchase to May 19 agenda
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Regular City Council Meeting

The council approved its consent agenda, which included payment of $234,213.33 in claims, hiring a volunteer firefighter, approving a seasonal maintenance worker job description, purchasing tires, granting a lawful gambling permit, accepting a $30,000 donation, and authorizing a temporary street closure for the Fall Frolic Craft & Flea Market. Council also hired Dale Wright and Jack Nesseth for seasonal public works positions and set a May 13 special meeting to discuss the library grant. Additionally, the council decided not to move forward with purchasing the Red Rooster Grocery property.

• Approved consent agenda items (payment of $234,213.33 claims, volunteer firefighter hire, seasonal maintenance worker description, tire purchases, gambling permit, $30,000 donation, temporary street closing)
• Hired Dale Wright as seasonal public works worker ($18/hr) pending background check
• Hired Jack Nesseth as temporary seasonal public works worker ($18/hr) pending background check
• Set special council meeting for May 13 to discuss library grant
• Decided not to purchase Red Rooster Grocery property

Special City Council Meeting

Council members discussed the 2024 Library Construction Grant opportunity, including fiscal responsibility, grant procedures, and possible locations such as 800 Parker Ave. W. No formal decision on the grant was made. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm after a motion carried.

• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Board of Appeal & Equalization Meeting

The board voted to approve no change in the estimated market value (EMV) for the listed properties. It also accepted the assessor's recommended values, including several decreases, for six properties. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:25 pm.

• Approved no change in EMV for listed properties (motion carried)
• Accepted assessor's recommended values for six properties (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:25 pm (motion carried)

Closed City Council Meeting

The council entered a closed session to discuss real‑property PID 23-0103000 at 465 2nd St. After reviewing the budget and planned projects, they voted not to make any offer on the property. The motion passed unanimously (5 ayes, 0 nays). The meeting was then adjourned.

• Motion to not pursue 465 2nd St property (PID 23-0103000) carried (5-0)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting carried