Lakefield, Minnesota

Meeting

The council will review LPD policy proposals, approve Pay Application #1 for the 2026 Street & Utility Improvement Project, and consider Resolution 26‑23 to accept grant funding. Additional items include discussion of multipurpose handicap door openers, a nuisance property at 409 Broadway Ave, and requests for sewer reimbursement for 308 Snure Street and 107 Milwaukee Street.

• Review LPD policy proposals (pg.42‑63)
• Approve Pay Application #1 for the 2026 Street & Utility Improvement Project (pg.64‑69)
• Adopt Resolution 26‑23 to accept grant funding (pg.70)
• Discuss multipurpose handicap door openers (pg.71)
• Consider nuisance property at 409 Broadway Ave and sewer reimbursement requests for 308 Snure St and 107 Milwaukee St (pg.72‑99, 100)

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council voted to issue up to $4,680,000 in general obligation bonds to fund the 2026 Street & Utility Reconstruction Project. It also adopted a tax abatement of $1,094.29 per year for the Vos Family through 2033 and approved several service invoices. Additional items included a special event permit for a July 8 Declaration of Independence reading and discussion of library foundation sealing.

• Resolution 26-19: approve issuance of up to $4,680,000 general obligation bonds for the 2026 Street & Utility Reconstruction Project (interest ≤ 4.75%)
• Resolution 26-20: adopt annual tax abatement of $1,094.29 for the Vos Family, effective 2018‑2033
• Approve Hanson Enterprises invoice for $1,787.25 for wastewater treatment plant office furnace repair
• Approve EMS Custom Education invoice for $4,370 for fire department 16‑hour refresher course
• Special event permit for Jackson County Historical Society to read the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026 at noon at the old middle school lot

City Council

The council accepted the 2025 city audit and authorized the sale of general‑obligation bonds up to $4,680,000 to fund the 2026 Street & Utility Reconstruction Project. It also adopted a tax‑abatement resolution fixing the annual abatement at $1,094.29 through 2033, approved several service invoices, and granted a special event permit for a July 8 Declaration of Independence reading.

• Approved 2025 audit as presented (voice vote, all in favor)
• Approved Resolution 26-19 to issue up to $4,680,000 bonds for street & utility reconstruction (voice vote, all in favor)
• Adopted Resolution 26-20 establishing $1,094.29 annual tax abatement through 2033 (voice vote, all in favor)
• Approved Hanson Enterprises invoice $1,787.25 for furnace repair (voice vote, all in favor)
• Approved EMS Custom Education invoice $4,370 for fire department training (voice vote, all in favor)
• Approved special event permit for JCHS July 8 reading of the Declaration of Independence (voice vote, all in favor)
• Terminated agenda item on T‑10 Construction peddler license revocation, taking no further action (voice vote, all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:15 p.m. (voice vote, all in favor)

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council approved Resolution 26-17, adopting assessments to fund the 2026 street and utility improvement project with a total estimated cost of $5,551,695. The council also approved the issuance of General Obligation Improvement & Utility Revenue Bonds (Resolution 26-19) and a tax abatement resolution (Resolution 26-20). Additional actions included a wage increase for the assistant manager of the city liquor store, adoption of seven Lakefield Police Department policies, and discussion of nuisance‑property abatement options.

• Resolution 26-17 – adoption of assessments for 2026 street and utility improvement project (total cost $5,551,695)
• Resolution 26-19 – approval of issuance of General Obligation Improvement & Utility Revenue Bonds
• Resolution 26-20 – consideration of tax abatement
• Wage increase recommendation for assistant manager of city liquor store to $15/hour
• Approval of seven Lakefield Police Department POST‑mandated policies

City Council

The council adopted Resolution 26‑17, establishing special assessments for the 2026 street and utility improvement project with caps of $14,000, $7,000 and $1,500 and a total project cost of $5,551,695. The assistant manager of the city liquor store received a wage increase to $15 per hour. Seven Lakefield Police Department policies were approved as required by POST. Standard agenda items such as the meeting agenda, prior minutes and the financial report were also approved.

• Approved Resolution 26‑17 adopting assessments for the $5,551,695 improvement project (voice vote, all Yes)
• Approved wage increase for assistant liquor store manager to $15/hour (all in favor)
• Approved seven POST‑mandated police policies (all in favor)
• Approved agenda for the meeting (all in favor)
• Approved minutes from May 18 2026 (all in favor)
• Approved financial statements in the amount of $352,286.57 (all in favor)

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed special assessments for the 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project. The hearing will cover assessment policy, rates, caps ($14,000, $7,000, $1,500), project scope, total construction cost of $5,551,695, and funding sources. The council will also consider related agenda items such as adopting assessments, a wage‑increase recommendation for the municipal liquor store assistant manager, and revisions to police and peddler‑license policies.

• Public hearing on proposed assessments for the 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project (assessment caps $14,000/$7,000/$1,500)
• Resolution 26-17 adopting assessments
• Recommendation from Liquor/Personnel Committees for wage increase for Assistant Manager of Liquor Store
• LPD Policies for consideration (pages 36‑72)
• Revoking peddlers license of T‑10 Construction (closed session)

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council will approve the receipt of bids for the 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project and adopt a resolution to assess property owners for the project's costs. It will also consider a geotechnical services proposal, special event permits for the JCC and Summerfest, and a contract with SEH for construction‑phase services. The council approved a financial report for $317,760.58 and other routine items.

• Approve Resolution 26-12 receiving bids for the 2026 Street & Utility Improvement Project; bids range from $3,693,516.25 to $4,667,510.34.
• Approve Resolution 26-13 calling a public hearing to assess $777,549.08 of project costs to property owners, with total project cost $5,551,694.18.
• Review and approve a Geotechnical Services Proposal (pages 19‑29).
• Approve special event permits for the JCC and Summerfest (pages 30‑33).
• Approve SEH construction‑phase services for the project, fee not‑to‑exceed $553,600.

City Council

The council amended Resolution 26-13 to change the installment due date to January 2028. It approved the bid from M.R. Paving and Excavating for the 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project at $4,112,366.06. Several permits, a peddler’s license, and a $1,500 valve replacement estimate were also approved.

• Amended Resolution 26-13 paragraph 3 to state installments payable by first Monday in January 2028 (voice vote, all yes)
• Approved Resolution 26-16 accepting bid from M.R. Paving and Excavating, Inc. for $4,112,366.06 (voice vote, all yes)
• Approved Geotek Engineering and Testing Services Inc. for geotechnical services up to $53,175 (all in favor)
• Approved Pleasantview Elementary School special event permit for water run (all yes)
• Approved SummerFest special events permit for June 15‑21 (all yes, Hussong-Reasoner abstain)
• Approved Lakefield Lions BINGO permit for June 17 (all yes)
• Approved Summer School Treats peddler’s license (all yes)
• Approved Schwickert’s estimate to replace main ball valve for $1,500 (all in favor)

Meeting

The Economic Development Authority approved the meeting agenda, the March 6, 2026 minutes, and the financial report and accounts payable, each with unanimous support. No formal actions were taken on the proposed pricing or marketing of commercial lots; those items were discussed for future consideration. The next meeting is scheduled for June 12, 2026.

• Approved agenda (all in favor)
• Approved March 6, 2026 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved financial report and accounts payable (all in favor)

City Council

The council approved the agenda, April 20 minutes, and financial statements totaling $317,760.58. It adopted Resolution 26-12 to receive bids for the 2026 Street & Utility Improvement Project and Resolution 26-13 to assess costs and schedule a public hearing. It also approved a supplemental letter for construction-phase services (fee up to $553,600) and five police department policies.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved April 20 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial statements $317,760.58 (unanimous)
• Approved receiving bids for 2026 Street & Utility Improvement Project (voice vote, all yes)
• Approved assessment plan for 2026 Street project, hearing set for June 8, 2026 (voice vote, all yes)
• Approved supplemental letter for construction phases, fee not to exceed $553,600 (unanimous)
• Approved police policies numbers 320, 604, 1010, 308, and 1000 (unanimous)

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council approved a 50/50 cost‑share with Wild Compass for a controlled burn on city‑owned land. It also hired a pool manager and assistant manager for the recreation center and approved several city invoices, including Computer Lodge services, workers‑comp insurance, and property/casualty coverage. Additional actions included approving ten transient/peddler licenses, selling crushed concrete at $13.50 per ton, and accepting Officer Stender’s resignation.

• Approve 50/50 cost‑share with Wild Compass for controlled burn on city land
• Hire recreation pool manager ($20/hr) and assistant manager ($16/hr)
• Approve Computer Lodge invoice $3,976.43 (city portion $1,988.22)
• Approve LMC property/casualty insurance premium $112,298 (shared across departments)
• Approve ten transient/peddler license applications

City Council

The council voted to share the cost of the fire department's controlled burn with Wild Compass. It also approved hiring a pool manager and assistant, approved several city invoices, sold crushed concrete at a reduced price, and accepted Officer Stender's resignation. All motions passed with unanimous support except where noted abstentions.

• Approved 50/50 cost‑share for Wild Compass controlled burn (all in favor, Paplow abstain)
• Approved hiring of Eliza Liepold as pool manager and Ava Fisher as assistant (all in favor)
• Approved Computer Lodge invoice $3,976.43, city portion $1,988.22 (all in favor)
• Approved Computer Lodge block‑time agreement $3,800, city portion $1,900 (all in favor)
• Approved sale of crushed concrete/asphalt at $13.50 per ton, includes loading (all in favor, Hussong‑Reasoner abstain)
• Approved all ten transient‑license applications (all in favor)
• Approved LMC workers‑compensation invoice $33,590 (all in favor)
• Approved resignation of Officer Nathan Stender effective May 1 2026 (all in favor)

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council approved several contracts, including a $300 cost‑share for 28 American flags for Main Street, a $1,912.68 crack‑sealing order with Midstates, a $2,274.51 water‑pump repair for Squad 19, and a $496.50 purchase of ten delineator posts for a bike rodeo. The council also adopted Resolution 26‑12, approving the final design, plans and specifications for the 2026 Street and Utility Improvement project and ordering advertisement for bids. All motions passed by voice vote.

• Cost‑share contribution up to $300 for 28 American flags and poles for Main Street
• Approval of crack‑sealing contract with Midstates for $1,912.68
• Approval of water‑pump replacement for Squad 19 at a cost of $2,274.51
• Purchase of 10 delineator posts for the bike rodeo for $496.50
• Resolution 26‑12 approving the 2026 Street and Utility Improvement project plans and bid advertisement

Meeting

The council approved the meeting agenda, the previous meeting minutes, and the financial report. No other substantive business was decided, as the agenda item noted there was no meeting due to lack of agenda items. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 8, 2026.

• Approved agenda
• Approved minutes
• Approved financial report

City Council

The council approved the agenda, minutes, and a $260,504.89 financial report. It also authorized a $300 cost‑share for 28 American flags, approved the 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project plans and bid advertisement, and approved several maintenance contracts including crack sealing, a water‑pump repair, and purchase of delineator posts for a bike rodeo, while raising the wastewater chemical spending limit to $8,000.

• Approved agenda (all in favor)
• Approved minutes from March 16, 2026 (all in favor)
• Approved financial report totaling $260,504.89 (all in favor)
• Approved cost‑share up to $300 for 28 American flags and poles (all in favor, one abstain)
• Approved Resolution 26-11: 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project plans and bid advertisement (voice vote all yes)
• Approved ordering crack seal from Midstate for $1,912.68 (all in favor)
• Approved water‑pump repair for Squad #19 at $2,274.51 (all in favor)
• Approved purchase of 10 delineator posts for $496.50 from Police Forfeiture Funds (all in favor)

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council approved the 2026 contracted assessment invoice from Jackson County Assessor for $12,636.75. It also approved the 2026 seasonal wages and admission rates for the Lakefield Aquatic Center and a general engineering services agreement with SEH limited to $10,000. Additional items on the agenda included the final design for 2026 street improvements, crack‑sealing quotes, and other contract quotes.

• Jackson County Assessors invoice – $12,636.75 approved
• 2026 Seasonal Pay and Rates for Lakefield Aquatic Center – wage rates and admission fees approved
• 2026 General Engineering Service Proposal – hourly not‑to‑exceed $10,000 approved
• 2026 Street Improvement Final Design – Resolution 26‑12 considered
• Crack Sealing Quotes – reviewed (pages 16‑19)

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council approved a support letter requesting $20 million for electric system upgrades, including transformer replacements and a new emergency generator. It also approved a support letter for street and utility improvements on Snure, Griffin, Fifth, Third, and First Avenues. The council accepted a $700 Remick Foundation grant for bicycle safety and approved the $290,934.38 financial report. Agenda items included a Jackson County Assessors invoice, seasonal pay rates for the Aquatic Center, and a general engineering service proposal.

• Letter of support for LPU electric system upgrade – $20 million request for substation, transformer, and generator upgrades
• Letter of support for 2026 street & utility improvements on Snure St, Griffin St, Fifth Ave, Third Ave, and First Ave
• Resolution 26-10 accepting $700 Remick Foundation grant for bicycle safety education
• Jackson County Assessors invoice (item on agenda, amount not specified)
• 2026 Seasonal Pay and Rates for Lakefield Aquatic Center (item on agenda, amount not specified)

City Council

The Lakefield City Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda, prior minutes, and year‑to‑date financial report. It also approved the Jackson County assessor invoice for $12,636.75, the 2026 seasonal wages and rates for the Lakefield Aquatic Center, and a 2026 engineering services agreement with SEH limited to $10,000. No action was taken on the semi‑parking issue. The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

• Approved agenda with semi‑parking addition (unanimous)
• Approved March 2, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved year‑to‑date financial report (unanimous)
• Approved Jackson County assessor invoice $12,636.75 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Lakefield Aquatic Center wages and seasonal rates (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 General Engineering Service agreement with SEH, fee up to $10,000 (unanimous)
• No action taken on semi‑parking issue (tabled)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:28 p.m. (unanimous)

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council approved the meeting agenda, the February 6 minutes, and the financial report with accounts payable. It also approved a supplemental letter agreement for the Main Street Development of the former middle school property, authorizing a $9,400 fee for research and plat preparation. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda (all in favor)
• Approved February 6 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved financial report and accounts payable (all in favor)
• Approved $9,400 supplemental letter agreement for Main Street Development (all in favor)

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda, the February 17 minutes, and the financial report of $290,934.38, each with unanimous support. It adopted a letter of support for the Lakefield Power Utility electric system upgrade and the 2026 street and utility improvement project, and will send the letter to local representatives. The council also accepted a $700 Remick Foundation grant for bicycle safety education. The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

• Approved agenda as presented (all in favor)
• Approved minutes from February 17, 2026 (all in favor)
• Approved financial report totaling $290,934.38 (all in favor)
• Approved support letter for LPU electric system upgrade and 2026 street/utility improvements (all in favor)
• Approved acceptance of $700 Remick Foundation grant for bicycle safety (voice vote, all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:24 p.m. (all in favor)

Meeting

The City Council will meet to review financial and department reports. The body is considering letters of support for electric system upgrades and 2026 street and utility improvements, as well as a resolution to accept a donation.

• Letter of Support for electric system upgrades
• Letter of Support for 2026 Street & Utility Improvement
• Resolution 26-10 Accepting donation

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council will approve the agenda, minutes from February 2, 2026, and a financial report (none to approve). It will hear department reports and consider providing CPR instructor training for two ambulance employees. The council will also receive updates from the EDA, LPU, Parks, and Planning & Zoning committees.

• Consider CPR instructor training for two ambulance employees
• Approve agenda and any changes
• Approve minutes from February 2, 2026
• Approve financial report – no report to approve, preparing for city audit
• Hear department reports (pages 5‑11)

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from February 2, 2026. It approved funding of $180 per person for two ambulance employees to obtain CPR instructor certification, totaling $360. No other substantive actions were taken. The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

• Approved agenda (all in favor)
• Approved minutes from Feb 2 2026 (all in favor)
• Approved $180 per person CPR instructor training for Kruger and Johnson (total $360) (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:08 p.m. (all in favor)

Meeting

The council approved the meeting agenda, the minutes from the January 9 meeting, and the financial report and accounts payable. They also approved Option A for the redevelopment of the former school property on Main Street. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (all in favor)
• Approved minutes from Jan 9 (all in favor)
• Approved financial report and accounts payable (all in favor)
• Approved Option A for Main Street old school redevelopment (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the city's financial report showing a balance of $632,639.59. It approved several invoices, including Emergency Apparatus Maintenance ($2,026.35), UCAP loan administration ($3,000), Banyon Data Systems ($2,230), and Denison Drywall ($2,465.50). The council also approved the agreement with CDS for the city’s financial audit, authorizing fees of $40,350 plus a $5,000 single‑audit fee. Finally, the council voted to keep the city liquor store open on Presidents Day from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a part‑time employee and on Juneteenth from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a part‑time employee.

• Approved financial report showing $632,639.59 (unanimous)
• Approved Emergency Apparatus Maintenance invoice $2,026.35 (unanimous)
• Approved CDS audit engagement agreement (fees $40,350 + $5,000) (unanimous)
• Approved UCAP loan administration invoice $3,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Banyon Data Systems invoice $2,230 (unanimous)
• Approved Denison Drywall invoice $2,465.50 (unanimous)
• Approved liquor store open 2 p.m.–9 p.m. Presidents Day with part‑time staff (unanimous)
• Approved liquor store open 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Juneteenth with part‑time staff (unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council will meet to discuss a recommendation from the Liquor Committee. The body will also review several invoices for emergency apparatus maintenance, loan administration, and construction services.

• Recommendation from Liquor Committee
• Emergency Apparatus Maintenance Invoice
• CDS Engagement Letter
• UCAP Invoice for Loan Administration
• Denison Drywall invoice from August

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council will consider the appointment of officers for the Fire Department and Police Department for 2026, approve invoices totaling $2,775, and review draft policies. The meeting will also include the approval of a liquor store schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

• Fire Department 2026 Officer Recommendations
• Police Department Draft Policies
• Approval of Heiman Invoice
• Approval of Silversmith Data Invoice
• Approval of Flaherty Hood Invoice

The board approved the utility policy revisions and resolutions 26‑01 through 26‑08. It authorized payment of the Silversmith GIS invoice ($2,990) and the Vessco chemical pump invoice ($1,757.15). The DGR task order for Phase 1 electric system improvements, costing $5.12 million, was approved. A purchase of three Dell Pro 16 laptops for $3,567 was also approved, while the tank enclosure estimates were tabled.

• Approved utility policy revisions (all in favor)
• Approved resolutions 26‑01 to 26‑08 (all in favor; Anderson abstained on 26‑01)
• Approved Silversmith invoice $2,990 split among three departments (all in favor)
• Approved Vessco invoice $1,757.15 for chemical pumps (all in favor)
• Approved DGR Phase 1 electric system improvement task order $5.12 M (all in favor)
• Approved purchase of three Dell Pro 16 laptops $3,567 from Computer Lodge (all in favor)
• Tabled tank enclosure estimates for water treatment plant (no action)
• Approved appointment of Chairman (Janssen) and Vice Chairman (Busch) (all in favor)

City Council

The Lakefield City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and the year‑to‑date financial report. It confirmed fire and ambulance officer assignments for 2026 and approved several invoices and policy updates. The council also voted to let the city liquor store operate on Martin Luther King Day 2026. All motions were carried.

• Approved agenda as presented (all in favor)
• Approved January 5, 2026 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved 2025 financial report (all in favor)
• Approved 2026 fire department officer assignments (all in favor)
• Approved 2026 ambulance service officer assignments (all in favor)
• Approved Heiman invoice $5,097.39 for fire engine repairs (all in favor)
• Approved LG230 gambling license for Fire Relief Association fundraiser (all in favor)
• Approved four Lakefield Police Department POST model policies (all in favor)

Meeting

The board approved the meeting agenda, minutes from December 12, 2025, and the financial report. Officers for 2026 were elected: Jesse Ackermann as president, Heather Reasoner as vice president, and Joshua Swanson as secretary. The loan committee was appointed and three annual resolutions were adopted. The Revitalize Lakefield Program application was approved.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved December 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial report and accounts payable (unanimous)
• Elected Jesse Ackermann as president (unanimous)
• Elected Heather Reasoner as vice president (unanimous)
• Elected Joshua Swanson as secretary (unanimous)
• Set loan committee members Ackermann, Reasoner, Swanson (unanimous)
• Approved Revitalize Lakefield Program application (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the annual resolutions, including a new $250 dangerous‑dog license fee. It appointed new members to utility commissions, the EDA board, and named a Mayor Pro Tem. The council voted to submit a redevelopment grant application for the vacant Milwaukee Street hospital site. It also approved several police policies, invoices for biosolids hauling and league dues, and an insurance claim with a $500 deductible.

• Approved annual resolutions 26-01 through 26-08, including dangerous dog license fee change (all in favor)
• Approved board and committee appointments and appointed Council Member Andrea Monson as Mayor Pro Tem (all in favor)
• Approved submitting grant application for redevelopment of 220 Milwaukee Street under MN Employment and Economic Development (all in favor)
• Approved Lakefield Police Department policies #300, #306, #601, and #1029 (all in favor)
• Approved invoice for biosolids hauling to Brian Majerus, $2,008.28 (all in favor)
• Approved League of Minnesota Cities membership dues invoice, $2,454 (all in favor)
• Approved insurance claim for multipurpose building air‑conditioner damage and $500 deductible (all in favor)

Meeting

The Lakefield City Council will consider several administrative actions, including the approval of four police department policies. It will also discuss a grant aid request for Milwaukee Street and review invoices for biosolids hauling and LMC membership. Annual resolutions such as fees for 2026 will be addressed.

• Approval Request of Four Police Department Policies – pages 46‑73
• Consider aid for grant application at Milwaukee Street – pages 26‑45
• Invoice for hauling Biosolids – page 74
• 2026 LMC Membership Due Invoice – page 75
• Annual Resolution: Fees for 2026 – page 22