Pierz public meetings in 2024

December Council

The Pierz City Council will hold public hearings on a cannabis ordinance and the Truth in Taxation statement, then vote on the cannabis zoning amendment, the final 2025 budget and a 4.5% levy increase, plus several resolutions for interfund loans and paybacks. The council will also accept a clubhouse director resignation, discuss hiring a replacement, and set 2025 clubhouse pricing.

• Cannabis ordinance and zoning amendment with summary publication (Resolution #2024-1209-1, #2024-1209-2)
• Final budget and 4.5% levy increase (Resolution #2024-1209-3)
• Interfund loan resolution (Resolution #2024-1209-4)
• Payback resolutions for electric, solid waste, and stormwater (Resolutions #2024-1209-5, -6, -7)
• Clubhouse director resignation effective 12/27/24; hiring committee for replacement

The Pierz City Council held a public hearing on the final 2025 budget and levy, as required before January 1, 2025. No questions or comments were received from the council, city administrator, or the public. The hearing was closed unanimously at 6:08 PM, and the regular council meeting resumed.

• Closed the Truth in Taxation public hearing for the 2025 budget and levy unanimously at 6:08 PM

November Council

The Pierz City Council is holding a workshop to discuss several items, including a cannabis ordinance, employee health insurance, a fund review, designations and appointments, LMCIT 2025 pricing, 2029 Park Ave sidewalks, department updates, and an assessment defer application. No formal decisions are being made at this workshop.

• Cannabis Ordinance
• Employee Health Insurance
• LMCIT 2025 Pricing
• 2029 Park Ave Sidewalks
• Assessment Defer Application

November Council

The Pierz City Council is meeting to approve final assessments, canvass the November election results, and consider a workshop request. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes, the treasurer's report showing $3,819,679.46, and a claims report of $449,033.01. A public hearing on final assessments is scheduled.

• Public hearing and approval of final assessments
• Resolution to canvass election results
• Workshop request for December 9, 2024
• Treasurer's report: $3,819,679.46
• Claims report: $449,033.01

October Council

The Pierz City Council is meeting to approve minutes and agenda, then will take up planning and zoning items including a lot split, a fence permit, and a canvas hoop garage. They will also consider a gambling permit for Holy Trinity School bingo, liquor license approval, and a $397,203.75 payment application. Department updates and council updates are also on the agenda.

• Lot split application by Scott Specker at 317 Main St S
• Fence permit for Eric Stuckmayer at 322 Robert St S
• Canvas hoop garage for Jordon Przybilla at 26889 153rd St
• Gambling permit for Holy Trinity School bingo on 2/2/25
• Pay application #5 for $397,203.75

The Pierz City Council approved three property permits (a lot split, a fence, and a temporary structure), a bingo gambling permit for Holy Trinity School, a liquor license for Toni's Tavern, and Pay App #5 for $397,203.75 on the 2024 street project. All votes were unanimous. The meeting also included reports on public works, the golf course, and city administration.

• Approved Scott Specker's lot split permit (west 47.89 ft of 317 Main St S) on condition of sale and merger with Eric Stuckmayer's parcel (unanimous)
• Approved Eric Stuckmayer's 6-ft wood fence permit at 322 Robert St S on condition of lot merger (unanimous)
• Approved Jordan Przybilla's temporary 13x24-ft canvas hoop garage permit at 26889 153rd St (Nov 1, 2024–Apr 30, 2025) (unanimous)
• Approved Holy Trinity School bingo gambling permit for 2/2/25 (unanimous)
• Approved liquor license for Toni's Tavern (formerly Pat's Bar) (unanimous)
• Approved Pay App #5 for $397,203.75 for 2024 street project (unanimous)

October Council

The Pierz City Council is meeting to approve minutes, review planning and zoning applications, and discuss several agenda items including a gambling permit for the Legion Ball Park, a solar application, a mower purchase, and a resolution for a final assessment. The council will also consider changing its meeting time to 6:00 pm and appointing a board member to RPSWD.

• Building permit for new concession stand and ticket booth at 112 Kamnic St (ISD #484)
• Small accessory structure permit at 303 Peter Ave (Corey Israelson & Jacque Johnson)
• Gambling permit for raffles at Pierz Legion Ball Park-Hellie Field on 6/6/25
• Resolution for final assessment to be drafted (Jarod Griffith), public hearing requested for 11/12/24
• Solar application at 206 3rd Ave NW (Linda Belanger)

The Pierz City Council approved the final assessment resolution for the 2024 street project, declaring a city portion of $1,742,051.20 and $311,542.80 to be assessed against benefited property owners, payable over 20 years at 4.86% interest. The council also set a public hearing on the assessments for November 12, 2024, at 7:00 pm. Other actions included approving building permits, a gambling permit, a toy drive request, a $26,000 fairway mower purchase, a council meeting time change to 6:00 pm starting December 9, 2024, and a seasonal campground rate increase to $2,300 plus tax.

• Approved final assessment resolution 2024-1015-1 for 2024 street project (unanimous)
• Set public hearing on assessments for Nov 12, 2024, 7:00 pm (unanimous)
• Approved building permit for concession stand at 112 Kamnic St and carport at 303 Peter Ave (Johnson abstained)
• Approved gambling permit for Pierz Legion Ball Park Hellie Field Raffles (unanimous)
• Approved Pierz Healy High Honor Society toy drive collection jars (unanimous)
• Approved $26,000 purchase of 2018 fairway mower (unanimous)
• Approved council meeting time change to 6:00 pm starting Dec 9, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved seasonal campground rate increase to $2,300 plus tax (unanimous)

September Council

The Pierz City Council will hold its regular September meeting, covering routine approvals, planning and zoning permits, and department updates. The council will consider two building permit applications, discuss public works and fire department items, and review the treasurer's and claims reports for August.

• New construction garage permit for Mildred Joyce at 310 Third Ave NW #24
• Small accessory structure permit for Pierz Villa at 119 Faust St
• Pay Application No. 4 for Jarod Griffith
• Treasurer's report for August: $4,570,971.44
• Claims report for August: $356,720.78

The Pierz City Council approved the purchase of a front plow for the loader for $29,800, with Sourcewell reimbursing $22,350 and the city covering $7,450, and authorized selling the pusher. The council also approved three building permits, including a garage/deck/ramp, a woodshed with conditions, and a patio. A letter will be sent to the mobile home park owner about an RV violation. Pay App No. 4 for $146,825.54 was approved for the road project.

• Approved building permits for Mildred Joyce (garage, deck, ramp), Pierz Villa (woodshed, with 20-ft setback condition), and Josh Andrea (patio) (unanimous)
• Approved sending a letter to mobile home park owner about RV not allowed per ordinance
• Approved purchase of front plow for $29,800 and sale of pusher (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Clubhouse Assistant Lydia Otremba, effective Sept 26, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved Pay App No. 4 for $146,825.54 for road project (unanimous)
• Approved treasurer's report with June ending balance of -$4,570,971.44 (unanimous)
• Approved claims totaling $356,720.78 (unanimous)

August Council

The Pierz City Council will meet to approve minutes, discuss a preliminary levy, and consider three planning and zoning permits. They will also review gambling permit requests from Holy Trinity Catholic School for upcoming events and possibly schedule a workshop.

• Preliminary levy discussion
• Gambling permits for Holy Trinity Catholic School events (Steak and Wine Night, Raffle Calendar Drawing, School Carnival)
• Concrete permits for Shirley Kurtz (60 Vincent St S) and Darci Waytashek (113 Edward St S)
• Small accessory structure permit for James Caza (112 Edward St N)

August Council

The Pierz City Council will meet to approve minutes, a gambling permit for St. Isidore's Knights of Columbus, a $344,171.16 payment application, a new fire department training officer, a sanitation contract with Pierz Sanitation, and a resolution to pay off a $37,499 loan. The council will also review the treasurer's and claims reports, receive department updates, and conduct the city administrator's 6-month performance review.

• Gambling permit for St. Isidore's Knights of Columbus (1/25/25)
• Pay App #3 for Jarod Griffith: $344,171.16
• Resolution to pay off loan: $37,499.00
• City of Pierz and Pierz Sanitation contract
• Fire Department approval of new training officer

The Pierz City Council approved Pay App #3 for the 2024 Street Improvement Project, authorizing a payment of $526,328.14. They also accepted a new contract with Pierz Sanitation effective October 1, 2024, through December 31, 2035, with rates increasing $0.75 starting January 1, 2025. The council approved a resolution to pay off the Golf Course loan from the General Fund in the amount of $37,499.00, and approved several other items including a gambling permit, a new fire department training officer, senior center carpet replacement, and PACC park donations.

• Approved Pay App #3 payment of $526,328.14 for street project (unanimous)
• Accepted Pierz Sanitation contract Oct 1, 2024–Dec 31, 2035 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to pay off Golf Course loan of $37,499.00 (unanimous)
• Approved gambling permit for Knights of Columbus Buffalo Feed on 1/25/25 (unanimous)
• Approved Nathan Athman as new fire department training officer (unanimous)
• Approved paying remainder of senior center carpet bill (unanimous)
• Approved PACC park accessory donations (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Steven Fyten for ground crew (unanimous)

July Council

The Pierz City Council will hold a public hearing on a floodplain ordinance and then vote on its approval. The council will also consider several concrete permits, including one for a mobile home installation, and discuss updates from the police and fire departments.

• Public hearing and approval of floodplain ordinance
• Concrete permit for Glenn Martin at 313 Cassie St
• Concrete permit for Holy Trinity Catholic School at 80 Edward St S
• Mobile home installation permit for Todd Weyer at 310 Third Ave NW #9, Pierz MHC LLC
• Gambling exempt permit request for Pierz Lions on 8/25/24

The Pierz City Council held a public hearing on a floodplain management ordinance required by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to take effect by July 31, 2024. No questions or comments were made by the council or the public. The hearing was closed unanimously at 7:04 PM.

• Closed public hearing for floodplain ordinance (unanimous)

July Council

The Pierz City Council will consider several building and zoning permits, including a new home construction and a mobile home installation, and will review Pay Application No. 2 for the ongoing street project. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes, treasurer's and claims reports, and department updates.

• Building permit for new construction home at 310 Karst St by Kloss Homes LLC
• Mobile home installation at Pierz MHC LLC, 310 Third Ave NW #24, with attached deck and wheelchair ramp
• Fence permit reapplication for Guy Anderson at 220 Third Ave NE
• Concrete permit for Clint Poster at 107 Third Ave NE
• Pay Application No. 2 for street project, with $288,089.94 from City of Pierz and $198,428.72 from RPSWD

June Council

The Pierz City Council is holding a workshop to discuss employee healthcare options with a Pro Resources representative, an assessment policy/ordinance with SEH Engineer Jarod Griffith, and updates to the employee handbook. Other discussion items include a checklist for new hires, lawn care refusal, compensation increases from the Biden-Harris Administration, invoice review procedures, and a floodplain committee. This is a workshop, so no formal decisions are being made.

• Employee healthcare discussion with Pro Resources rep Stacy Gray
• Assessment policy/ordinance with SEH Engineer Jarod Griffith
• Review of employee handbook updates
• Discussion of Biden-Harris Administration compensation increase
• Floodplain committee discussion

The Pierz City Council held a workshop on June 24, 2024, to discuss several topics but made no formal decisions. They reviewed employee healthcare options through ProResource, discussed updating the assessment policy (with a suggestion to adopt the 2020 version), reviewed the employee handbook updates, and discussed the new nine golf course checklist. No votes were taken; items were directed for future council meetings or committee review.

• No formal decisions made; workshop only
• Discussed healthcare options; no plan selected
• Suggested adopting 2020 assessment policy at future council meeting
• Employee handbook updates to be finalized after one-week comment period
• Parks overtime can be approved by City Administrator without council approval
• Floodplain committee appointment to be brought to council meeting

June Council

The Pierz City Council is meeting to review the 2023 audit report, approve minutes from the May 28 meeting, and hear the treasurer's report and claims for May. Department updates from police, clubhouse, and city administrator are also on the agenda. The meeting is largely routine, with the audit review being the most substantive item.

• Review 2023 Audit Report with Ashley Meagher
• Approval of minutes from May 28, 2024 regular meeting
• Treasurer's report for May
• Claims for May
• Department updates from police chief, clubhouse director, city administrator

The Pierz City Council approved spending up to $8,000 to repair a water pump, funded from the existing golf course fund. The council also accepted the 2023 audit, which found three compliance issues: a late debt report, an unrecorded closed session, and missing quotes on some contracts over $25,000. The May treasurer and claims reports were approved unanimously.

• Approved up to $8,000 for water pump repair from golf course fund (unanimous)
• Accepted 2023 audit with clean opinion; noted compliance issues
• Approved May treasurer report (unanimous)
• Approved May claims report (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from May 28 special meeting (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with additions (unanimous)

May Council

The Pierz City Council is meeting to approve minutes and agenda, then will discuss planning and zoning items including several permits and a lot split/merge restriction. They will also hear updates on Clean Up Day, a Senior Center carpet replacement request, and liquor license applications, followed by department and council updates.

• Concrete permits for Pierz ISD #484 (112 Kamnic St), Keith Herold (206 Edward St S), Shane Knutson (517 Park Ave SE)
• Small accessory structure permit for Eric Gaffke (65 Kamnic St)
• Fence permit for Kyle Martin (421 Main St S)
• Rediscuss lot split/merge for Virginia Litke/Richard & Stacy Monson (127 4th Ave NW/325 Vincent St N)
• Liquor license applications

May Council

The Pierz City Council will meet to approve minutes, consider a concrete permit and a lot split/merge, and discuss an exempt permit for St. Joseph Church. They will also hear updates on Music in the Park, a bond sale and tax abatement resolution from David Drown Associates, a cost share agreement with RPSWD, a donation request from United Way, and a treasurer position. The meeting includes routine reports and department updates.

• Scott Herold concrete permit
• Jean Litke lot split/merge application
• St. Joseph Church exempt permit for Aug. 4, 2024
• Bond sale resolution and tax abatement resolution with David Drown Associates
• Cost share agreement with RPSWD

The Pierz City Council approved a bond sale resolution for $2,790,000 at 3.8598% interest for the 2024 Street Utility Project, along with a related tax abatement resolution covering 94 properties. The council also approved all planning and zoning permit requests, including a concrete permit and a lot split/merge, and an exempt permit for St. Joseph Church's bazaar. Several other actions were taken, including hiring a part-time grounds crew member, waiving park shelter fees, and moving $750 for a golf course donation budget.

• Approved $2,790,000 bond sale resolution (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatement resolution for 94 properties (unanimous)
• Approved all planning and zoning permit requests (unanimous)
• Approved exempt permit for St. Joseph Church bazaar (unanimous)
• Hired Korey Hermansdorfer for part-time grounds crew (unanimous)
• Waived North Shelter fee for American Legion on July 10, 2024 (unanimous)
• Waived North Park Shelter fee for peer helper training on May 9, 2025 (unanimous)
• Moved $750 from general fund to golf course donation budget (unanimous)

April Council

The Pierz City Council is meeting to approve minutes and several planning and zoning permits, including accessory structure, concrete, and fence permits. They will also set a public hearing for a 2024 street and utility tax abatement resolution and consider a donation request from the Pierz Legion Park Board. Staff updates from the Clubhouse Director, Park Complex Superintendent, and City Administrator are on the agenda.

• Danielle Miller small accessory structure permit
• Richard Henry and Rodney Boser concrete permits
• Donald Gilson and ISD #484 fence permits
• Public hearing set for May 13, 2024 on 2024 Street and Utility Tax Abatement resolution
• Donation request from Pierz Legion Park Board

The Pierz City Council held a public hearing on April 22, 2024, for the 2024 Street and Utility Tax Abatement, totaling roughly $920,000. No public comments or questions were made. The recommendation and bond award will be presented on May 13, with a ratings call scheduled for Wednesday at 1 pm with S&P.

• Held public hearing for 2024 Street and Utility Tax Abatement (no public comments)
• Scheduled bond award recommendation for May 13
• Scheduled S&P ratings call for Wednesday at 1 pm

April Council

The Pierz City Council is meeting to approve minutes and agenda, and to act on several items including a donation request from the Pierz Legion Park Board, a scope of work from Minnesota Power, and a construction services agreement with SEH. The council will also receive reports from the treasurer, park complex superintendent, and clubhouse director, and consider claims for payment.

• Donation request from Pierz Legion Park Board
• Minnesota Power scope of work
• SEH Construction Services Agreement
• Board of Appeal meeting scheduled for April 11 at 1:00 pm
• Claims for payment

March Council

The Pierz City Council is meeting to consider a floodplain ordinance public hearing, an accessory structure permit, and various administrative items including employee salary changes, a bridge project, and 2024 street improvement project estimates. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes and reports.

• Public hearing on Floodplain Ordinance
• Sandra Robbins Small Accessory Structure Permit
• 2024 Street Improvement Project Estimates and possible tax abatement hearing
• Bridge Project discussion
• Employee salary changes and new hire wages

The Pierz City Council held a public hearing on a floodplain ordinance on March 25, 2024. No questions were raised by the public. The council voted unanimously to close the hearing.

• Closed the public hearing on the floodplain ordinance (unanimous)

March Council

The Pierz City Council is holding its regular March meeting to approve minutes and agenda, then take up planning and zoning building permit applications, a reminder about the Local Boards of Appeal & Equalization, and a presentation from Horizon Health Faith in Action. Department heads will report on clubhouse floor estimation, a freezer, part-time staff hiring and wages, a Toro work cart, and public works items. The council will also consider claims for payment.

• Planning & Zoning building permit applications
• Local Boards of Appeal & Equalization reminder
• Horizon Health Faith in Action presentation
• Clubhouse floor estimation and freezer
• Hiring part-time staff and current wages

The Pierz City Council unanimously approved two building permits, a concrete permit for Mike Lucking and a shed permit for Pierz Mobile Home Park, and directed the city administrator to send a letter about an unpermitted pod. The council also approved several expenditures, including a clubhouse floor repair, a new freezer, a used Toro work cart, and a part-time grounds crew hire. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Mike Lucking concrete permit (unanimous)
• Approved Pierz Mobile Home Park shed permit (unanimous)
• Approved sending letter to Mobile Home Park about unpermitted pod (unanimous)
• Approved Troy Pick clubhouse floor repair for $600 plus materials (unanimous)
• Approved clubhouse freezer purchase for $2,195 (unanimous)
• Approved $5,600 for used Toro work cart (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Wayne Pierzynski as part-time grounds crew at $15.00/hour (unanimous)
• Approved February 2024 claims (unanimous)

February Council

The Pierz City Council is meeting to vote on several routine items, including donation requests for Freedom Fest and Oktoberfest, a potential city-wide cleanup date of May 18, and updates to city phones. They will also consider moving the October 14 council meeting to October 15. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy changes or large contracts.

• Freedom Fest donation request
• Oktoberfest donation request
• Community Education presentation by Sarah Funk
• Potential city cleanup date of May 18
• City phone updates

The Pierz City Council approved several donations and fire department funding items. They approved $3,100 for the firefighter retirement fund, $550 for each of 30 firefighters, a $1,000 donation to Freedom Fest, a $2,000 donation to Oktoberfest, and a $3,100 donation to Community Education. They also approved five additional parking spots for the fire department and a tentative citywide cleanup date of May 18, 2024.

• Approved $3,100 for firefighter retirement fund (unanimous)
• Approved $550 for 30 firefighters for 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 donation to Pierz Freedom Fest (unanimous)
• Approved $2,000 donation to Pierz Oktoberfest (unanimous)
• Approved $3,100 donation to Community Education (unanimous)
• Approved five additional parking spots for fire department (unanimous)
• Approved tentative citywide cleanup date of May 18, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved background checks for all new city employees (unanimous)

February Council

The Pierz City Council is holding its regular February meeting. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes and claims, plus consent agenda items to accept the 2023 Pierz Public Library Annual Report, set a date for a city workshop, and schedule the Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting. No major policy decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Approval of minutes from January 22, 2024 regular meeting
• Pierz Public Library Annual Report – 2023
• Set date for a city workshop
• Schedule Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting
• Treasurer's report and claims approval

The Pierz City Council approved job postings for two summer grounds crew positions, set a city workshop for February 21, and scheduled the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for April 11. They also approved a $2/hour pay increase for Clubhouse Manager Toni Meyer for January and February, and accepted the treasurer's report and claims. No items were denied or tabled, though discussion on city employee cellphones was postponed to March.

• Approved job postings for level one grounds crew ($15-20/hr) and level two grounds crew ($11-15/hr) for summer 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved City Workshop on February 21, 2024 at 6 pm (unanimous)
• Approved Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting on April 11 at 1 pm (unanimous)
• Approved Toni Meyer receiving additional $2/hour for January and February 2024 (unanimous)
• Accepted treasurer's report for February 12, 2024 (unanimous)
• Accepted claims report for February 12, 2024 totaling $445,009.31 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from January 22, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

January Council

The Pierz City Council will consider approving the 2024 Street and Utility Improvements Project Plans and a resolution to advertise for bids. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as minutes, exempt permits for youth sports, and employee cell phone reimbursement. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Resolution #2024-01-22-1 approving plans and ordering advertisement of bids for 2024 Street and Utility Improvements
• Approval of 2024 Street and Utility Improvements Project Plans
• Exempt permits for Pierz Youth Fastpitch (June 15, 2024) and Pierz Youth Baseball (June 7, 2024)
• 2024 Employee Cell Phone Reimbursement and Plan
• Renewal of consumption and display permit for the Golf Course

January Council

The Pierz City Council is holding a special meeting on January 17, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The main item is a vote on hiring Laura Wacker, listed under the consent agenda. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as approval of the agenda and adjournment.

• Vote to hire Laura Wacker

The Pierz City Council held a special meeting and unanimously approved several personnel actions. Sarah Fyten was moved from city treasurer to city clerk and sworn in, creating a vacancy for treasurer. Laura Wacker was approved as the new city administrator. The council also approved paying out unused floating holidays from 2023 to four employees.

• Approved agenda with additions (unanimous)
• Moved Sarah Fyten from treasurer to clerk and swore her in (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Hired Laura Wacker as city administrator (unanimous)
• Approved payout of 2023 floating holidays to four employees (unanimous)

January Council

The Pierz City Council is meeting to consider two public hearings: Ordinance No. 231, an interim ordinance on cannabis sales, and Ordinance No. 232, regarding no use in public. The council will also handle routine items like approving minutes, designating the official newspaper and depository, setting the 2024 fee schedule, and making annual appointments.

• Public Hearing Ordinance No. 231 Interim Ordinance Cannabis Sales
• Public Hearing Ordinance No. 232 No Use in Public
• 2024 Fee Schedule
• Designate Official Newspaper
• Select Official Depository for City Funds