Rothsay public meetings in 2024
29 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Economic Development Authority
The Rothsay Areawide EDA approved minutes and financials, elected new officers for 2025, and approved listing the EDA house at 214 1st Ave NW for $279,900 with an open house on December 29. The board also filled a vacancy and discussed future plans for the fitness center and grocery store.
- Approved November 20 and December 3 meeting minutes
- Approved financial reports
- Approved listing EDA house at 214 1st Ave NW for $279,900
- Elected Curtis as President and Weber as Secretary for 2025
- Appointed Rachel Puff to fill board vacancy
- Decided to hold an 'All School' social event instead of a live auction for Prairie Days
City Council
The Rothsay City Council approved the 2024 CLA Audit Contract and the Andersen chicken coop with signed permit. They also approved the agenda, November meeting minutes, special meeting minutes, and accounts payable/receivable including the CLA invoice. Several items were deferred to future meetings, including a cannabis retail ordinance change, zoning public input, and quotes for fence/gate, gas monitor, and memorial monument concrete.
- Approved agenda (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Tollefson)
- Approved November meeting minutes (motion by Tollefson, seconded by Ziegler)
- Approved November special meeting minutes (motion by Tollefson, seconded by Ziegler)
- Approved accounts payable and receivable with CLA invoice (motion by Tollefson, seconded by Ziegler)
- Approved 2024 CLA Audit Contract (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Holland)
- Approved Andersen chicken coop with signed permit (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Tollefson)
- Set January council meeting for Wednesday, January 8th at 7:00pm
Economic Development Authority
The Rothsay Areawide EDA discussed an offer received through a realtor for the house at 214 1st Ave NW. The board voted to not accept a counteroffer for more than $5,000 less than the offer, and to contact DJ Holland to list the home if the offer is declined. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved motion to not accept a counteroffer for more than $5,000 less (carried)
- Approved motion to contact DJ Holland to list the home if the offer is declined (carried)
Economic Development Authority
The Rothsay Areawide EDA approved the agenda, October minutes, and financial reports showing $94,811.63 in checking and $9,518.15 in savings. Members accepted the WCI Component Fund roster and confidentiality statement, enabling online tax-deductible donations. The board discussed a potential satellite grocery store in Rothsay with the new Barnesville owners, and planned Santa Day and tree lighting for November 30. No major funding or contracts were approved; most items were updates or planning.
- Approved agenda with additions for WCI roster and grocery store (motion carried)
- Approved October meeting minutes with attendance correction (motion carried)
- Approved financials: checking $94,811.63, savings $9,518.15 (motion carried)
- Accepted WCI Component Fund roster and confidentiality statement (motion carried)
- Adjourned regular meeting at 8:25 PM (motion carried)
- Adjourned Prairie Days planning meeting (motion carried)
City Council
The City Council held a special meeting to certify the results of the November 5, 2024, general city election. The council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2024-6, officially declaring Shane Balken elected as Mayor and Heather Weber and Daryl Schleeter elected to two four-year Council seats. The meeting was brief, lasting only five minutes, with two council members absent.
- Adopted Resolution No. 2024-6 certifying election results (unanimous)
- Declared Shane Balken elected Mayor (2-year term)
- Declared Heather Weber elected Council Member (4-year term)
- Declared Daryl Schleeter elected Council Member (4-year term)
- Adjourned meeting at 6:50 p.m.
Economic Development Authority
The Rothsay Areawide EDA approved paying invoices, trimming trees at the EDA house, and recommended John Reber to fill a leadership vacancy. They also discussed the Prairie Days financial loss and plans for a community fund. The Prairie Days meeting was cancelled due to lack of quorum.
- Approved September meeting minutes and financials (unanimous)
- Approved $120 payment to Signworks for Prairie Days 2025 signs (unanimous)
- Approved $2,592.46 payment to Otter Tail Power (unanimous)
- Approved $428.50 tree trimming quote from Carr's Tree Service (unanimous)
- Moved to recommend John Reber to City Council for leadership team vacancy (unanimous)
- Prairie Days meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum
City Council
The Rothsay City Council approved several routine items, including accounts payable, minutes, and various expenditures. Notable approvals included $2,500 for Prairie Days fireworks, up to $605 for a gas monitor sensor fix, $500 for bat removal, and a $50 donation. The council also authorized the clerk to sign building permits under $10,000 and approved opening a new bank account for Fitness Center funds. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely administrative.
- Approved agenda with two additions (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Tollefson)
- Approved September meeting minutes and three special meeting minutes
- Approved accounts payable and receivable
- Approved clerk to sign building permits under $10,000 (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Tollefson)
- Approved opening new bank account for Fitness Center funds (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Tollefson)
- Approved $2,500 for Prairie Days fireworks (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Tollefson)
- Approved up to $605 for gas monitor sensor fix (approved by Balken and Tollefson)
- Approved $500 for bat removal in East Park Shelter (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Tollefson)
City Council
The Rothsay City Council held a special meeting to review and revise the 2025 preliminary budget. A motion to approve the budget was made by Councilmember Balken, seconded by Councilmember Holland, and carried. The meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Approved 2025 Preliminary Budget (motion carried)
Economic Development Authority
The Rothsay Areawide EDA approved opening a new checking account to separate fitness center fees from other funds, with the current account to be transferred to the city. The board also approved paying $2,500 for fireworks, applying for a SVEDA loan for a strategic study, and discussed updates on the house renovation and upcoming events.
- Approved motion to seek city approval for new checking account to transfer fitness center fees (carried)
- Approved $2,500 payment for Prairie Days fireworks (carried)
- Approved application for SVEDA loan for CEDA strategic plan study (carried)
- Approved August meeting minutes (carried)
- Approved financial reports (carried)
- Approved agenda with addition of fireworks bill (carried)
City Council
The Rothsay City Council held a special meeting to review and discuss the 2025 budget. A motion to approve the 2025 preliminary budget was made, seconded, and carried. The meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Approved 2025 preliminary budget (motion carried)
City Council
The City Council reviewed and discussed the 2025 preliminary budget. No formal votes or approvals were recorded during this special meeting.
- Scheduled next budget meeting for September 18th at 6pm
Economic Development Authority
The Rothsay Areawide EDA approved moving Prairie Days to June 20-22, 2025, and added Cecil Mosher to the leadership team. They also approved invoices, authorized the treasurer to pay bills under $250 without board approval, and discussed ongoing projects like the RAEDA house renovation.
- Approved agenda with additions (motion carried)
- Approved July minutes (motion carried)
- Approved financials (motion carried)
- Approved invoices totaling $3,392.90 (motion carried)
- Authorized treasurer to pay regular invoices under $250 without board approval (motion carried)
- Added Cecil Mosher to Leadership Team (motion carried)
- Donated $50 to Vendor Show/Turkey Bingo (motion carried)
- Consensus to hold Prairie Days June 20-22, 2025
City Council
The Rothsay City Council held a special meeting on August 7, 2024, and approved wage increases of $3.00 per hour for six employees, effective January 1, 2025. The motion was made by Council Member Tollefson, seconded by Ziegler, and carried unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved $3.00/hr wage increase for Jordan Barry, effective Jan 1, 2025
- Approved $3.00/hr wage increase for Eric Larson, effective Jan 1, 2025
- Approved $3.00/hr wage increase for Kacey Watterud, effective Jan 1, 2025
- Approved $3.00/hr wage increase for Gene Nord, effective Jan 1, 2025
- Approved $3.00/hr wage increase for Kellie Barry, effective Jan 1, 2025
- Approved $3.00/hr wage increase for Amanda Kuschel, effective Jan 1, 2025
Economic Development Authority
The board appointed a new treasurer and secretary following resignations and absences. A sub-committee was created to manage day-to-day decisions for the home renovation at 214 1st Ave NW. The board also approved several invoices related to Prairie Days and property maintenance.
- Created house renovation sub-committee consisting of Curtis and Honer
- Elected Stacy Honer as treasurer
- Elected Steph Curtis as secretary
- Approved payment of invoices totaling $3,413.14
- Approved June meeting minutes
- Approved financial reports showing $192,205.70 in checking and $9,518.15 in savings
City Council
The Rothsay City Council approved several routine items, including scheduling an aerial mosquito spray for end of July, paying a $1,497 EDA invoice, approving $782.09 for fire hall door decals and $500 for two flags, and accepting two donated crab apple trees. The council also approved the revised Ordinance 6.03 and set a wage negotiation meeting for August 7. No major policy decisions were made; most items were routine approvals.
- Approved aerial mosquito spray for end of July (motion by Tollefson, seconded by Ziegler)
- Approved $1,497.00 EDA invoice for Rothsay Enterprise (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Tollefson)
- Approved Honer as EDA Treasurer and Curtis as Secretary (motion by Tollefson, seconded by Ziegler)
- Approved $782.09 for fire hall door decals (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Balken)
- Approved $500.00 for two new flags (motion by Tollefson, seconded by Balken)
- Approved two flowering crab apple trees donated by Cecil Mosher (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Balken)
- Approved revised Ordinance 6.03 (posted and approved)
- Approved agenda, June minutes, special meeting minutes, and accounts payable/receivable (all carried)
City Council
The City Council approved payments for business signs and Prairie Days games, as well as a gambling permit and a park donation. Council also approved specific sections of Ordinance 2.05B regarding employee policy.
- Approved $633.00 invoice for business signs
- Approved $2,190.12 for Prairie Days games (to be reimbursed by EDA)
- Approved NWRFA Gambling permit
- Approved $40.00 park donation
- Approved sections 11 and 28 of Ordinance 2.05B employee policy
- Approved May meeting minutes and two special meeting minutes
- Approved accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Tabled dust control for 2025 budget
City Council
The Rothsay City Council held a special meeting on May 25, 2024. The council decided to postpone the discussion on dust control until the June meeting and agreed to file an extension for the City Auditor. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Dust control discussion tabled to June meeting
- City Auditor extension filed
- Meeting adjourned (motion by Ziegler, seconded by Tollefson)
Economic Development Authority
The Rothsay Areawide EDA approved several payments and continued work on the home at 214 1st Ave NW, including reimbursing the EDA account for a prior carpentry payment. The board also approved paying invoices for county filing fees, park clean-up supplies, and business signs, and discussed future projects like Prairie Days and tree planting.
- Approved agenda with additions (motion by Sullivan, 2nd by Honer)
- Approved minutes and financials (checking $258,323.36, savings $9,506.30)
- Reimbursed EDA account for prior payment to Carl Crews Carpentry (motion by Weber, 2nd by Mosher)
- Approved Prairie Days meeting schedule through July (motion by Curtis, 2nd by Sullivan)
- Paid Wilkin County Recorder invoice of $146.00 (motion by Honer, 2nd by Curtis)
- Paid Marlow Rasmusson invoice of $16.25 for park clean-up supplies (motion by Sullivan, 2nd by Honer)
- Paid Signworks invoice of $630.00 for business signs (motion by Weber, 2nd by Honer)
City Council
The City Council approved the purchase of a water softener for the REC. The council also discussed the implementation of an Employee Plan Review.
- Approved $3,450.00 water softener for REC (Carried)
City Council
The City Council approved a police contract with the Wilkin County Sheriff’s Department and accepted the resignation of the Building Official. The council also appointed a new Assistant Fire Chief/Training Officer and approved several community event advertisements and activities.
- Approved Wilkin County Sheriff’s Department police contract for $19,384.20
- Approved Cale Brandt as Assistant Fire Chief/Training Officer
- Approved resignation of Building Official Jim Boyce effective end of August
- Approved advertising for Rothsay Event Center and Fire Department in Prairie Chix calendar
- Approved Summer Kick-Off/Father’s Day Grill Out
- Approved April meeting minutes and April 16th special meeting minutes
- Approved accounts payable and accounts receivable
Economic Development Authority
The Rothsay Areawide EDA approved a $3,750 payment to the TC Club for the street dance band, and agreed to spend up to $500 on a 9 Square game for Prairie Days and REC events. The board also discussed tax abatement efforts with Wilkin and Otter Tail counties and tabled 501(c)(3) options until after Prairie Days. No other new business was considered.
- Approved $3,750 payment to TC Club for street dance band (motion carried)
- Approved up to $500 for 9 Square game for Prairie Days and REC events (motion carried)
- Approved agenda with additions for tax abatement, TC Club request, Nine Square, and Mascot Challenge (motion carried)
- Approved March 27, 2024 meeting minutes (motion carried)
- Approved financials: checking $11,744.27, savings $9,506.30 (motion carried)
City Council
The City Council approved a Minnesota fee schedule for building permits. The council also authorized payment for fence installation at East Park.
- Approved Building Permit Fee Schedule (Carried)
- Approved $845.00 invoice for Heartland Fencing installation at East Park (Carried)
- Approved April 1st Special Meeting Minutes (Carried)
City Council
The City Council approved funding for fire department radio upgrades, fitness center equipment, and website development. The council also authorized new REC rental rates and approved a request for Rothsay Powerhouse to host DU Bingo.
- Approved Rothsay Powerhouse request to host DU Bingo
- Approved website hire at $13.00 per hour for 20 hours
- Approved $1,350.00 for emergency radio speaker upgrade
- Approved purchase of iPads for electronic council packets
- Approved $1,075.00 for new dumbbells and hex bar for Fitness Center
- Approved new REC rental rates
Economic Development Authority
The board approved transferring $20,000 from savings to checking, contingent on City Council approval, to pay Carl Crews Carpentry for construction at 214 1st Ave NW. The board also tabled discussions regarding the Schleeter commercial lot and 501(c)(3) status options.
- Approved transfer of $20,000 from savings to checking if City Council approves payment to Carl Crews Carpentry
- Tabled purchase and cleanup of Schleeter commercial lot
- Tabled discussion on 501(c)(3) status options via West Central Initiative
- Approved February 21, 2024 meeting minutes
- Approved March 6, 2024 special meeting minutes
- Approved financials (Checking: $11,659.30; Savings: $29,469.56)
City Council
The Rothsay City Council approved a tax abatement incentive for new home construction and abolished the 2016 free water and sewer incentive program starting April 1, 2024. They also approved several expenditures, including $600 for Event Center gutters, $1,000 for gravel (shared with Akron Township), and a $3,000 contribution to the Summer REC Program. New fire department member Patrick Lee was approved, and a variance for a Schleeter shed was granted.
- Approved tax abatement incentive for new home builds
- Abolished Resolution 2016-2 Free Water and Sewer Incentive Program effective April 1, 2024
- Approved $600 for Event Center gutters
- Approved $1,000 for gravel at southern city limits (Akron Township shares cost)
- Approved $3,000 contribution to Rothsay Summer REC Program
- Approved new fire department member Patrick Lee
- Approved variance for Schleeter shed
- Approved hazardous waste contract
Economic Development Authority
The Rothsay Areawide EDA approved a $50 donation to Community Ham Bingo and accepted a contractor agreement with Carl Crews for the rehabilitation of the purchased home at 214 1st Ave NW. The contract cost increased from the initial quote to $216,000 to include a heat pump, main floor bathroom, and building permit. The contractor expects completion in about 3 months and will use local sub-contractors as possible. Reusable items from the home will be stored in the garage until plans are made.
- Approved $50 donation for Community Ham Bingo
- Approved $216,000 contractor agreement with Carl Crews for remodel at 214 1st Ave NW
Economic Development Authority
The Rothsay Areawide Economic Development Authority approved the agenda, January meeting minutes, and financials showing a checking balance of $42,645.13 and savings balance of $29,469.56. The board approved paying the Otter Tail Power bill for The Enterprise and authorized up to $500 for a water and sewer line survey at 214 1st Ave NW. A decision on a $10,000 quote to remove the Schleeter commercial lot building was tabled.
- Approved agenda with changes
- Approved January 17th meeting minutes
- Approved financials (checking: $42,645.13, savings: $29,469.56)
- Approved payment of Otter Tail Power bill for The Enterprise
- Authorized up to $500 for a water and sewer line survey at 214 1st Ave NW
- Tabled decision on $10,000 quote to remove the Schleeter commercial lot building
City Council
The meeting reviewed the 2023 fire report, noting 114 calls and new grants for equipment. It was decided that 2025 township fire contract amounts will not increase, with full townships paying $3,150 and half townships paying $1,575. The meeting adjourned after a motion by Council Member Nathan Ziegler.
- Approved 2025 township fire contracts: $3,150 full townships, $1,575 half townships
- Confirmed no increase in 2024 fire department contracts
- Motion to adjourn carried (Ziegler/Holland)
City Council
The Rothsay City Council approved a five-year tax abatement program for new home, twin home, and townhouse builds, starting March 1, with three years of city taxes abated. They also approved several routine items, including December receipts and disbursements, January claims, and various resolutions. The council approved the EDA's purchase of a building behind Big J's Smokehouse for $1,000 and authorized Council Member Balken to write the purchase agreement.
- Approved tax abatement incentive for new home builds (5-year program, 3-year abatement)
- Approved December receipts and disbursements
- Approved January claims
- Approved EDA purchase of building behind Big J's Smokehouse for $1,000
- Approved Resolution 2024-1 regarding access to city checking and savings accounts
- Approved Resolution 2024-2 concerning official depository, newspaper, attorney, and acting mayor
- Approved replacement of snowplow box cylinder ($4,500) and sander/plow controls ($17,000 from trust account)
- Approved combining REC parcels into one parcel