Pierz public meetings in 2023
17 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December Council
The Pierz City Council approved the RPSWD Mutual Aid Agreement, a camping permit for Pierz Freedom Fest, and 2024 wage increases of 2.5% for city employees and 4.5% for the police chief. The council also approved a new Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) policy, directing police state aid into the records fund, and allocating $31,000 each to the fire and police funds. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved RPSWD Mutual Aid Agreement (unanimous)
- Approved camping permit for Pierz Freedom Fest July 18-21 (unanimous)
- Approved $31,000 to fire fund and $31,000 to police fund (unanimous)
- Approved directing police state aid to records fund annually (unanimous)
- Approved 2024 wage increase: 2.5% for city employees, 4.5% for police chief (unanimous)
- Approved PTO, Vacation, Sick and Safe Harbor policy (unanimous)
December Council
The Pierz City Council approved the final budget and levy for 2024, increasing the levy by 9% from $356,734 to $388,840. The council also approved several resolutions, including decertifying a TIF district, transferring funds to the golf fund, and approving an advertising budget for the City Administrator position. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved final budget and levy with 9% increase to $388,840 (unanimous)
- Approved resolution #2023-1211-2 decertifying TIF 1-9 Roach Housing (unanimous)
- Approved resolution #2023-1211-3 electric fund to golf fund (unanimous)
- Approved resolution #2023-1211-4 stormwater utility fund to golf fund (unanimous)
- Approved resolution #2023-1211-5 general fund to golf fund (unanimous)
- Approved $300/month advertising budget for City Administrator position (unanimous)
- Approved exempt permit for St. Joseph's Church bingo (unanimous)
- Approved exemption for Pierz boys' basketball club (unanimous)
November Council
The Pierz City Council approved a $19,977 annual HR consulting contract with Pro Resource, accepted City Clerk Kyle Bednar's resignation, and authorized Mayor John Perleberg to find a replacement. The council also approved a sign permit, reappointed two RPSWD board members, continued utility billing services, and passed resolutions for a road project and election funds.
- Approved Pro Resource HR consulting contract at $19,977/year (unanimous)
- Accepted Kyle Bednar's resignation as city clerk (unanimous)
- Authorized Mayor to find new city clerk (unanimous)
- Approved sign permit for Dale and Jodie Kloss (unanimous)
- Reappointed Mark and Dave Fischer to RPSWD board (unanimous)
- Approved city clerk continuing RPSWD utility billing (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #2023-1127-1 supporting LRIP application (unanimous)
- Approved sponsorship agreement with Morrison County for Centennial Drive project (unanimous)
November Council
The Pierz City Council approved a $190,000 transfer to fund the new 9-hole golf course expansion, drawing $80,000 from the stormwater fund, $60,000 from the electric fund, and $50,000 from the general fund. The council also approved a rezone, a marijuana ordinance public hearing, tobacco licenses, an audit contract, and a resolution for a public hearing on an easement vacation. The city is withholding payment on an approximately $29,000 invoice from Irrigation by Design until work issues are resolved.
- Approved $190,000 transfer for golf course expansion (unanimous)
- Approved rezone of 215 Third Ave NW to R-1 Medium Density Residential (unanimous)
- Approved marijuana ordinance for public hearing (unanimous)
- Approved tobacco licenses for five businesses (unanimous)
- Approved 2023 audit contract with Schlenner, Wenner & Co. for $19,500 (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #2023-1113-2 for easement vacation, public hearing set for Dec 11 (unanimous)
- Approved 2024 golf course rates and 2023 rates until Jan 1, 2024 (unanimous)
- Approved October 2023 claims of $339,279.02 (unanimous)
October Council
The Pierz City Council approved the purchase of 500 blue 65-gallon recycling carts from Otto for $30,988.43 and a $1.00 per month increase in the recycling drive-by fee for residents. They also approved a $200,000 interfund loan from the Electric Fund to the Park Complex Expansion Fund, terminated the golf course project manager contract with a $5,000 payment, and set 2024 campground rates at $2,100 seasonal, $55/night weekends/holidays, and $45/night weekdays. All motions were unanimous.
- Approved Resolution #2023-1009-1 TIF 1-13 Developer's Agreement (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of 500 recycling carts from Otto for $30,988.43 and $1.00/month fee increase (unanimous)
- Approved $200,000 interfund loan from Electric Fund to Park Complex Expansion Fund (unanimous)
- Terminated Dave Fischer's golf course project management contract with $5,000 payment (unanimous)
- Set 2024 campground rates: $2,100 seasonal, $55/night weekends/holidays, $45/night weekdays (unanimous)
- Approved sale of surplus Christmas decorations if needed (unanimous)
- Approved treasurer's report with checkbook balance of $1,762,536.60 (unanimous)
- Approved September 2023 claims of $324,244.25 (unanimous)
September Council
The Pierz City Council unanimously approved terminating the school resource officer contract with ISD #484, following Police Chief Eric Hanneken's recommendation due to recent legislation changes. The council also approved a resolution for the 2024 Street and Utility Improvement Project, a consent and estoppel certificate for a Midcontinent Communications tower lease, a rear apartment at 120 Main St N, a cash fund balance policy, and an exempt permit for Grad Bash. All decisions were made unanimously.
- Terminated school resource officer contract with ISD #484 (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2023-0911-1 for 2024 Street and Utility Improvement Project (unanimous)
- Approved consent and estoppel certificate for Midcontinent Communications tower lease (unanimous)
- Allowed rear apartment with commercial storefront at 120 Main St N (unanimous)
- Approved cash fund balance policy (unanimous)
- Approved exempt permit for Grad Bash (unanimous)
- Accepted treasurer's report with $1,685,558.44 balance (unanimous)
- Accepted August 2023 claims of $884,403.15 (unanimous)
August Council
The Pierz City Council approved two interfund loans from the Electric Fund to the Golf Fund totaling $300,000, and a $1,500 pass-through donation from the Pierz Fire Relief Association to Oktoberfest. The council also approved three building permits, including a new detached garage for Randy Waytashek with a condition to remove an existing accessory structure. A workshop was scheduled for September 11 to discuss the 2024 budget, and the council closed the meeting for a performance review of the city administrator.
- Approved $200,000 interfund loan from Electric Fund to Golf Fund (unanimous)
- Approved $100,000 interfund loan from Electric Fund to Golf Fund (unanimous)
- Approved $1,500 pass-through donation to Oktoberfest (unanimous)
- Approved exempt permit for Knights of Columbus raffle on Jan 27, 2024 (unanimous)
- Approved building permits for Thielen Meats, Jeff and Tiffany Riley, and Randy Waytashek (unanimous)
- Scheduled city council workshop for Sept 11, 2023, at 5:30 pm to discuss 2024 budget (unanimous)
- Closed meeting for performance review of City Administrator Bob Otremba (unanimous)
July Council
The Pierz City Council approved two building permits, a $1.00/hour raise for Clubhouse Manager Toni Meyer, the treasurer's report, and June 2023 claims of $444,492.98. The council tabled a cannabis dispensary discussion until a full council is present. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved building permits for Steve and Nancy Weisz (215 Robert St S garage addition/patio) and Kyle Bednar (628 Park Ave SE concrete) (unanimous)
- Tabled cannabis dispensary discussion until full council present (unanimous)
- Approved $1.00/hour raise for Clubhouse Manager Toni Meyer, with future raises requiring performance review (unanimous)
- Approved treasurer's report with checkbook balance of $2,113,369.71 (unanimous)
- Approved June 2023 claims totaling $444,492.98 (unanimous)
June Council
The Pierz City Council approved a motion to work with the Planning and Zoning Commission to create a chicken ordinance and clarify permits, passing 3-2. They also added Juneteenth as a paid holiday for full-time employees, approved several building permits, transferred an industrial park lot via quit claim deeds, and approved multiple hires and purchases including a new assistant clubhouse manager position.
- Approved motion to create chicken ordinance and clarify permits (3-2)
- Added Juneteenth as paid holiday for full-time employees (unanimous)
- Approved building permits for fence and concrete at three properties (unanimous)
- Approved quit claim deed transferring Lot 4 Block 1 Industrial Park from Legacy Cabinets to city, then to Andrea Properties (unanimous)
- Approved developer's agreement with Andrea Properties (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #2023-0612-1 to apply for state bonding bill funds for Centennial Drive (unanimous)
- Approved creating assistant clubhouse manager position and posting (unanimous)
- Approved hiring Nathan Solinger at $11.50/hr and Maddie Poster at $12.50/hr for part-time clubhouse staff (unanimous)
May Council
The Pierz City Council approved a modified land exchange with TBC Marine, acquiring 60 feet on the east side and 35 feet on the west side of Lot 3 Block 2 in exchange for Lot 1 Block 2. The council also voted to post the maintenance technician position with a pay range of $25.00-$28.00 per hour, rejecting a higher range. Three building permits were approved, and a $1,000 donation to the Oktoberfest Committee was authorized.
- Approved modified TBC Marine land exchange (unanimous)
- Posted maintenance technician position at $25-$28/hr (unanimous)
- Approved building permits for Waytashek, Thesing, and Gruber (unanimous)
- Approved $1,000 donation to Pierz Oktoberfest Committee (unanimous)
- Approved shelter usage for Pierz Commercial Club, Father Pierz School of Religion, Big Brothers/Big Sisters (unanimous)
- Tabled fire truck purchase until full council present (unanimous)
- Approved $10,849 crack sealing bid from Mike Schaefer Sealcoating (unanimous)
- Tabled Nick Scholl pay raise discussion until June 12 (unanimous)
April Council
The Pierz City Council met with the Local Board of Appeals and Equalization. Morrison County Assessor Jean Popp reported residential valuations in Pierz for taxes payable in 2024 are up an average of 10% from 2023. No formal decisions were made; the meeting adjourned after the report.
- Adjourned meeting at 1:20 pm (unanimous)
April Council
The Pierz City Council approved a $18,300 study for a gravel pit purchase, a new point-of-sale system for the golf course and campground, and several new hires and wage increases. All motions were unanimous. The council also approved a resolution for community impact funding and the March 2023 claims.
- Approved building permit for concrete at Holy Trinity Catholic School, 80 Edward St S (unanimous)
- Approved $18,300 study for gravel pit purchase (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #2023-0410-1 for Community Impact funding (unanimous)
- Approved Club Caddie as new point-of-sale system for golf course and campground (unanimous)
- Approved new hires Lisa Leidenfrost ($13.00/hr), Kyle Stangl ($11.50/hr), Chris Emerson ($12.50/hr), and wage increase for Lydia Otremba to $14.50/hr (unanimous)
- Approved hiring Jack Byker and Bryce Leblanc at $10.75/hr (unanimous)
- Approved wage increase for Nick Scholl to $20.00/hr (unanimous)
- Approved March 2023 claims of $418,531.71 (unanimous)
March Council
The Pierz City Council tabled discussion on selling two industrial park lots to interested businesses, including Pro Peak Construction and TBC Marine, to a future workshop. The council approved a building permit for ISD #484, appointed Gary Berg to the council, and approved two grant resolutions. It also approved the Al Gast dedication, denied a Morrison County Fair donation, and hired a temporary laborer for golf course construction.
- Tabled industrial park lot sales discussion to workshop (unanimous)
- Approved building permit for ISD #484 accessory structure (unanimous)
- Appointed Gary Berg to city council (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #2023-0313-1 (MN DNR Grant) (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #2023-0313-2 (LCCMR Grant) (unanimous)
- Approved Al Gast dedication in Legion Park (unanimous)
- Denied Morrison County Fair donation (unanimous)
- Hired temporary laborer for golf course construction up to $20/hour (unanimous)
February Council
The Pierz City Council approved the 2023 annual designations and appointments, swore in Mayor John Perleberg and City Treasurer Sarah Fyten, and approved a two-year agreement with the Morrison County Humane Society for $2,200 per year. The council also approved Resolution #2023-0227-1 regarding a state joint powers agreement and authorized the city administrator to attend a loss control workshop. No items were denied or tabled.
- Approved 2023 Annual Designations and Appointments (unanimous)
- Swore in Mayor John Perleberg and City Treasurer Sarah Fyten
- Approved Morrison County Humane Society agreement, $2,200/year for 2 years (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #2023-0227-1 State of Minnesota Joint Powers (unanimous)
- Approved City Administrator attendance at League of Minnesota Cities loss control workshop (unanimous)
February Council
The Pierz Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on a variance application from Jim and Laura Kahlhamer for a 40' x 45' building addition at 120 Main St N. The commission discussed the three statutory criteria and agreed the applicant met all tests. A motion to recommend approval to the city council carried unanimously.
- Recommended approval of Kahlhamer variance application for 40' x 45' addition (unanimous)
January Council
The Pierz City Council approved option #2 in the 2024 Street Lighting Feasibility Study, selecting aluminum streetlight poles that match those on Third Ave N for the upcoming street reconstruction on Summer St S, First Ave SW, Peter Ave, and First Ave NE. The council also directed SEH to design additional streetlighting on First Ave S and Kamnic St, with construction to be decided later. A $500 local scholarship award for the MMUA Tom Bovitz program and a $100 donation to Pine Grove Zoo were approved. The council scheduled a workshop and special meeting for January 30 to discuss the mayor position.
- Approved option #2 aluminum streetlight poles for 2024 street project (unanimous)
- Approved SEH design of additional streetlighting on First Ave S and Kamnic St (unanimous)
- Approved $500 local winner award for MMUA Tom Bovitz Scholarship Program (unanimous)
- Approved $100 donation to Pine Grove Zoo (unanimous)
- Approved SEH assistance for LCCMR and MN DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant applications (unanimous)
- Approved committee to organize Pierz Garage Sale Days (unanimous)
- Approved process to allow business owners on city boards, grandfathering current members (unanimous)
- Scheduled city council workshop and special meeting for January 30 to discuss mayor position (unanimous)
January Council
Mayor Toby Egan resigned, citing health and family needs, and the council accepted his resignation via Resolution #2023-0117-3, declaring a vacancy. The council tabled the mayor appointment discussion until January 23, 2023. The council also approved two building permits, a new police squad car, and several routine annual items.
- Accepted Mayor Toby Egan's resignation and declared vacancy (unanimous)
- Tabled mayor appointment discussion until Jan 23, 2023 (unanimous)
- Approved building permits for Michael Greer (mobile home, Lot 37) and Jim & Laura Kahlhamer (120 Main St N) with conditions (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of 2023 Dodge Durango squad car for $41,485 (unanimous)
- Transferred $30,000 to dedicated fund for police records management (unanimous)
- Transferred $5,800 to dedicated fund for police radios (unanimous)
- Approved 2023 Designations and Appointments (unanimous)
- Approved December 2022 claims for $257,434.83 (unanimous)