Staples, Minnesota

City Council

The Staples City Council will consider authorizing a Police K9 program, review a resolution to remove hazardous buildings at 512 5th St NE, and discuss the 2027‑2031 Capital Improvement Plan, including setting a public hearing. Additional agenda items include rescheduling an August meeting, appointing election judges for the primary election, and approving an outdoor event request for the NAPA Customer Appreciation celebration.

• Authorization to pursue a Police K9 program (Item 5)
• Resolution 2041: order to remove hazardous buildings at 512 5th St NE (Item 6)
• Review and discussion of the 2027‑2031 Capital Improvement Plan (Item 7)
• Change Order No. 1 for the 4th St NE Street & Utility Project (Item 14)
• Approval of Outdoor Event Request for NAPA Customer Appreciation on July 21, 2026 (Item 11)

City Council

The council voted to adopt Resolution 2040 setting new water utility rates. It also approved Resolution 2039 granting a lawful gambling premises permit for the Staples Fire Department Relief Association at Becks Burgers, 119 3rd St NE. Additional actions included adopting Resolution 2038 authorizing mutual aid, adopting Resolution 2037 to reimburse expenditures from tax‑exempt bonds, and presenting the 2025 audit and financial statements for consideration.

• Resolution 2040 – adoption of new water utility rates
• Resolution 2039 – gambling premises permit for Staples Fire Department Relief Association at 119 3rd St NE
• Resolution 2038 – authorization of mutual aid deployments
• Resolution 2037 – reimbursement of expenditures from tax‑exempt bonds
• Presentation of 2025 audit and financial statements by Dean Birkland, CPA

The Staples City Council approved the meeting agenda and the consent calendar with June 23 bill payments. The council accepted the 2025 audit and financial statements. Members voted not to waive statutory tort liability limits for insurance coverage and then adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar and bill payments (5-0)
• Accepted 2025 audit and financial statements (5-0)
• Did not waive monetary limits on statutory tort liability for insurance (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:45 p.m. (5-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will review the 2027‑2031 Capital Improvement Plan and consider three resolutions: reimbursing certain expenditures from tax‑exempt bond proceeds (Resolution 2037), authorizing mutual aid (Resolution 2038), and approving a lawful gambling premises permit (Resolution 2039). The Public Works Commission will present Resolution 2040 to adjust water utility rates. The meeting also includes routine items such as approving the agenda and consent calendar.

• Review and discuss the 2027‑2031 Capital Improvement Plan
• Consider Resolution 2037 to reimburse expenditures from tax‑exempt bond proceeds
• Consider Resolution 2038 to authorize mutual aid
• Consider Resolution 2039 to approve a lawful gambling premises permit
• Consider Resolution 2040 to adjust water utility rates (Public Works Commission)

The Staples City Council approved the agenda and consent calendar, then adopted several resolutions: a reimbursement intent for tax‑exempt bonds, a mutual‑aid authorization, a gambling‑premises permit for the Fire Department Relief Association, and new water utility rates. All motions passed, with the mutual‑aid resolution passing 4‑1.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar and bill payments (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2037 to reimburse expenditures via tax‑exempt bonds (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2038 authorizing mutual aid (4-1)
• Approved Resolution 2039 gambling premises permit for Fire Dept Relief Association (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2040 water utility rates (5-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council considered several resolutions at its May 26, 2026 meeting. It approved a $240,000 transfer of FAA entitlement funds to the Tower Municipal Airport, accepted donations of $500 from the Staples Lions Club and $100,000 from the Lakewood Health System Foundation, and granted one‑year liquor licenses to Still Lefty’s LLC, Costa Azul Mexican Bar & Grill LLC, and Prime Eats LLC. The council also approved a $108,000 street overlay contract and seasonal mower wages.

• Resolution 2036 authorizes transfer of $240,000 FAA entitlement funds to Tower Municipal Airport
• Resolution 2034 accepts donations: $500 from Staples Lions Club and $100,000 from Lakewood Health System Foundation
• Resolution 2035 grants liquor licenses to Still Lefty’s LLC, Costa Azul Mexican Bar & Grill LLC, and Prime Eats LLC for July 1 2026–June 30 2027
• Approval of street overlay bid from Ideal Construction for $108,000
• Approval of seasonal mower wages as presented

The Staples City Council approved the meeting agenda and the consent calendar of May 12 minutes and bill payments. It adopted Resolution 2034 to accept donations, Resolution 2035 to approve liquor licenses for 2026‑2027, and Resolution 2036 to transfer Airport Improvement Entitlement Funds to Tower Municipal Airport. The council then adjourned the meeting.

• Agenda approved (4-0)
• Consent calendar and bill payments approved (4-0)
• Resolution 2034 (accept donations) approved (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Resolution 2035 (liquor licenses) approved (3-1)
• Resolution 2036 (airport fund transfer) approved (4-0)
• Meeting adjourned (4-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will consider approving annual liquor licenses for seven businesses, a parcel split, and a gambling permit. The council will also discuss flag display policies and review seasonal mower wages and street overlay bids.

• Approval of 2026-2027 liquor licenses for Beck's Burger Co., B & B's Sports Bar, and others
• Consideration of parcel split for 38-0093900 and 38-0094000
• Approval of gambling permit for Knights of Columbus raffle at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
• Consideration of seasonal mower wages for Public Works Commission
• Consideration of street overlay bids totaling $108,000

The Staples City Council approved Resolution 2032 authorizing liquor licenses for 2026‑2027 (5‑1). Council members also voted to return to flying the 1983 Minnesota State flag (6‑0). Additional actions included approving a parcel split/combination, a raffle gambling permit, a $108,000 street overlay bid, and seasonal mower wages.

• Approved liquor license resolution for 2026‑2027 (5‑1)
• Returned to flying the 1983 Minnesota State flag (6‑0)
• Approved parcel split/combination for parcels 38‑0093900 and 38‑0094000 (6‑0)
• Approved gambling permit for Knights of Columbus raffle (5‑1)
• Approved street overlay bid from Ideal Construction for $108,000 (6‑0)
• Approved 2026 seasonal mower wages (6‑0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will consider a professional‑services agreement with SEH for the 2026 Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan, valued at $357,500. It will also vote on Resolution 2031 to grant a liquor license to Prime Eats LLC. Committee reports from the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and the Board of Adjustment & Appeals will be presented, followed by an open forum and the City Administrator’s report.

• Agreement for Professional Services with SEH for the 2026 Master Plan with Airport Layout Plan – lump‑sum fee $357,500
• Resolution 2031 approving a liquor license for Prime Eats LLC
• Committee reports: Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and Board of Adjustment & Appeals
• Open Forum for public comments
• City Administrator’s Report

The council unanimously approved the agenda and the consent calendar. It also approved the Agreement for Professional Services with SEH for the 2026 Master Plan with Airport Layout Plan. A resolution granting liquor licenses to Prime Eats LLC passed with a 4‑1 vote. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Agenda approved (Murray, Case, Gerard, Jewison, Miles voted yes)
• Consent calendar of April 14 minutes and April 28 payments approved (Murray, Case, Gerard, Jewison, Miles voted yes)
• Agreement for Professional Services with SEH for 2026 Master Plan approved (Murray, Case, Gerard, Jewison, Miles voted yes)
• Resolution 2031 approving liquor licenses for Prime Eats LLC approved (Murray, Case, Gerard, Jewison voted yes; Miles voted no)
• Meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m. (Murray, Case, Gerard, Jewison, Miles voted yes)

City Council

The Staples City Council will consider several approvals, including an outdoor hot‑air‑balloon event for May 22, a new Standard Operating Procedures Manual for the Fire Department, and a Facilities Use Agreement with Minnesota State (Central Lakes College). The council will also review a resolution to accept donations and an amendment to the city’s firm electric service contract with Western Area Power Administration and Missouri River Energy Services. Additional items include a tourism update and routine consent calendar approvals.

• Outdoor Event Request for Grad Blast Hot Air Balloon Experience – May 22, 2026
• Approval of Staples Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures Manual
• Facilities Use Agreement with Minnesota State (Central Lakes College)
• Resolution 2030 amending firm electric service contract with Western Area Power Administration and Missouri River Energy Services
• Resolution 2029 accepting donations

The council voted 5‑2 to adopt the Staples Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures after a failed 2‑4 motion to table them. Other actions included approving an outdoor balloon event, a facilities use agreement with Minnesota State, waiving a sewer assessment for two property owners, and authorizing a Braun Intertec testing contract for the 4th St NE Project. The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

• Approved Fire Department SOP (5‑2)
• Failed motion to table Fire Department SOP (2‑4, 1 abstain)
• Approved Outdoor Event Request for Grad Blast Hot Air Balloon (7‑0)
• Approved Facilities Use Agreement with Minnesota State (7‑0)
• Waived sewer service assessment for two property owners (7‑0)
• Approved Braun Intertec testing services for 4th St NE Project (7‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2030 amendment to Firm Electric Service Contract (7‑0)
• Approved repainting the historic caboose in Tuscan Red (7‑0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will consider several actions, including approving a tourism marketing agreement with LEAP and adopting Ordinance 561 to sell the property at 1406 Prairie Ave NW. The council will also vote on a road closure for a Bike Rodeo on May 28, and on resolutions for joint powers agreements and lead service line financing. Additional items include a memorandum of understanding with IBEW and a labor agreement with IBEW Local #31.

• Approve Tourism Marketing Agreement with LEAP
• Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 561 for sale of 1406 Prairie Ave NW (purchase agreement $647,000)
• Road closure of Community Center parking lot, part of 4th Avenue and connecting road to Centennial Drive on May 28, 3‑8 p.m. for Bike Rodeo
• Resolution 2028 application for MPFA financing for Lead Service Line Replacement Project
• Approve Memorandum of Understanding with IBEW

The Staples City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to approve MPFA financing for a lead service line replacement project. It also approved a tourism marketing agreement with LEAP, the sale of property at 1406 Prairie Ave NW, a road closure for a bike rodeo, and joint powers agreements with the State of Minnesota. Additionally, the council adopted labor agreements with IBEW Local #31 and determined no conflict of interest for a small‑city development grant request.

• Approved Resolution 2028 for MPFA financing of lead service line replacement (5-0)
• Approved Tourism Marketing Agreement with LEAP (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 561 for sale of property at 1406 Prairie Ave NW (5-0)
• Approved road closure of Community Center parking lot for Bike Rodeo (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026 for State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements (5-0)
• Approved Labor Agreement with IBEW Local #31 for 2026‑2027 (5-0)
• Determined no conflict of interest for Joel Ulring's small‑city development grant (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2027 accepting donations (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the sale of the Staples Industrial Building to Redemske Real Estate LLC and the sale of property at 1406 Prairie Ave NW. The body is also considering two zoning amendments to allow multi-family housing.

• Purchase Agreement for Staples Industrial Building for $647,000.00
• Ordinance 559: Rezone property 38-0101900 from B-1 Business to R-3 Multi-Family Housing
• Ordinance 560: Rezone property 38-4012800 from B-1 Business to R-3 Multi-Family Housing
• Ordinance 561: First reading regarding the sale of property at 1406 Prairie Ave NW
• Gambling permit for Ottertail Ducks Unlimited for bingo and raffle on April 16, 2026

The council adopted two zoning amendments (Ordinances 559 and 560) and the first reading of Ordinance 561 for the sale of 1406 Prairie Ave NW. It approved a $647,000 purchase agreement for the Staples Industrial Building, contingent on Ordinance 561. The council also granted a gambling permit for Ottertail Ducks Unlimited (5‑1 vote), appointed Tom Good to the Public Works Commission, and approved an after‑hours disconnect policy and a joint powers agreement with the State of Minnesota.

• Approved purchase agreement with Redemske Real Estate LLC for Staples Industrial Building, $647,000 (6‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 559 amending zoning of property 38‑0101900 (6‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 560 amending zoning of property 38‑4012800 (6‑0)
• Adopted first reading of Ordinance 561 for sale of 1406 Prairie Ave NW (6‑0)
• Approved gambling permit for Ottertail Ducks Unlimited (5‑1)
• Appointed Tom Good to the Public Works Commission (6‑0)
• Approved after‑hours disconnect policy (6‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025 joint powers agreements with the State of Minnesota (6‑0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the sale of the Staples Industrial Building and consider a new utility customer deposit policy. The meeting also includes first readings of two zoning amendments and a potential board appointment.

• Consider action regarding the sale of the Staples Industrial Building
• Consider adopting Resolution 2022 Utility Customer Deposit Policy
• First reading of Ordinance 559 amending zoning for property 38-0101900
• First reading of Ordinance 560 amending zoning for property 38-4012800
• Consider appointment of Amber Houselog to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

The council approved a direct sale of the Staples Industrial Building, including the 31 acres of land, and authorized the city administrator to draft the necessary ordinance, easements, and purchase agreement. It also adopted the 2022 Utility Customer Deposit Policy, granted transaction authority to Stephanie Lenk for First International Bank & Trust accounts, approved first readings of two zoning amendments, and appointed Amber Houselog to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. All motions passed unanimously.

• Authorized direct sale of Staples Industrial Building and 31 acres (unanimous)
• Authorized City Administrator Nelsen to draft sale ordinance, easements, and purchase agreement (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022 Utility Customer Deposit Policy (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2023 granting Stephanie Lenk transaction authority for First International Bank & Trust accounts (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 559 amending zoning of property 38-0101900 (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 560 amending zoning of property 38-4012800 (unanimous)
• Appointed Amber Houselog to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda and consent calendar, including payment of $103,236.60 in bills (unanimous)

City Council

The Staples City Council will consider several items, including the removal of Jessica Strege as an authorized signer on all city bank accounts, approval of a labor agreement with LELS Local #422 for 2026‑2027, approval of a labor agreement with AFSCME Local #3628 for 2026‑2027, and adoption of the 2025 Todd County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The agenda’s principal financial decision is the acceptance of the lowest responsible bid from Blombeck Construction, Inc. for the 4th Street NE street and utility improvement project, valued at $5,346,193.43. The meeting also includes routine agenda approval, invocation schedule, committee reports, and an open forum.

• Remove Jessica Strege as authorized signer on First International Bank & Trust accounts
• Approve Resolution 2020 awarding $5,346,193.43 bid to Blombeck Construction for 4th St NE street & utility project
• Approve labor agreement with LELS Local #422 for 2026‑2027
• Approve labor agreement with AFSCME Local #3628 for 2026‑2027
• Adopt 2025 Todd County Hazard Mitigation Plan (Resolution 2021)

The Staples City Council unanimously approved the agenda, consent calendar, removal of an authorized signer, a utility project bid, two labor agreements, and the 2025 Todd County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Council members also reached consensus to move forward with the sale of the Staples Industrial Building, with a formal agenda item to be presented at the next meeting. All motions carried with no dissenting votes.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent calendar of Jan 27 minutes and Feb 10 bills (unanimous)
• Removed Jessica Strege as authorized signer on all city accounts (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2020 accepting bid for 4′ St NE Street and Utility Project (unanimous)
• Approved Labor Agreement with LELS Local #422 for 2026‑2027 (unanimous)
• Approved Labor Agreement with AFSCME Local #3628 for 2026‑2027 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2021 adopting the 2025 Todd County Hazard Mitigation Plan (unanimous)
• Council agreed to proceed with sale of the Staples Industrial Building (consensus, future agenda item)

Meeting

The board approved several utility easements, a sponsorship, and multiple month-to-month leases. It also recommended that the City Council evaluate selling the Industrial Building, which was appraised at $647,000. Finally, the board requested rezoning of PID 38-4012800 from commercial to multi‑family residential.

• Approved utility easement with City of Staples across southerly 30’ of PID 38-4012800 (7-0)
• Approved drainage and utility easement with Todd County for 2,800 sf adjacent to 4" Street NE (7-0)
• Approved $1,500 sponsorship for Todd County Development Corporation (7-0)
• Approved month-to-month lease for Unit C in Industrial Building with Norston Fontaine and Steve Benson at $600 per month (7-0)
• Recommended City Council consider sale of Industrial Building valued at $647,000 (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Authorized month-to-month lease with Olander Tooling and Machining at the yearly rate (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved request to rezone PID 38-4012800 from B-1 (Commercial) to R-3 (Multi‑Family Residential) (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the progress of the Small Cities Grant Fund Community Development Block Grant. The body will also review the annual fire report and consider approvals for fire officers and a gambling permit.

• Public hearing on Small Cities Grant Fund (Original Grant Amount: $948,750)
• Consideration of gambling permit for Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 310 4th St NE
• Consideration of Resolution 2019 to accept a donation from Staples Fire Relief Association
• Approval of Fire Officers for 2026
• Payment of bills totaling $49,257.92 and $2,776.48

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the consent calendar with bill payments. They approved the listed Staples Fire Department officers, a donation resolution from the Fire Relief Association, and a bingo gambling permit for Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar and bill payments (7-0)
• Approved fire department officers (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved fire relief donation resolution (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved bingo permit for Sacred Heart Catholic Church (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will vote on designating official depositories for city funds and on designating Staples World as the legal newspaper for 2026. It will also consider a fee schedule resolution for 2026, an annual pawnbroker license resolution, and appointments to various boards and commissions. Additional items include a public works commission report and an open forum for residents.

• Designate Staples World as the official newspaper for 2026
• Adopt Resolution 2016 designating official depositories for 2026
• Consider adopting Resolution 2017 fee schedule for 2026
• Consider adopting Resolution 2018 annual pawnbroker license
• Consider board, commission and office appointments

The Staples City Council approved the meeting agenda and consent calendar, designated Staples World as the official newspaper, and adopted official depositories. It also approved a slate of board, commission and office appointments and appointed the mayor and city administrator to the Firefighter's Relief Association Board. The council adopted Resolution 2017 establishing the 2026 fee schedule and Resolution 2018 authorizing an annual pawnbroker license. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

• Approved agenda (Murray, Case, Gerard, Goff, Jewison, Theurer yes; none no)
• Approved consent calendar and bill payments (Murray, Case, Gerard, Goff, Jewison, Theurer yes; none no)
• Designated Staples World as official newspaper (Murray, Case, Gerard, Goff, Jewison, Theurer yes; none no)
• Adopted Resolution 2016 designating official depositories (Murray, Case, Gerard, Goff, Jewison, Theurer yes; none no)
• Approved board, commission and office appointments (Murray, Case, Gerard, Goff, Jewison, Theurer yes; none no)
• Approved mayor and city administrator appointment to Firefighter's Relief Association Board (Murray, Case, Goff, Gerard, Miles, Theurer, Jewison yes; none no)
• Adopted Resolution 2017 fee schedule for 2026 (Murray, Case, Gerard, Goff, Jewison, Theurer yes; none no)
• Adopted Resolution 2018 annual pawnbroker license (Murray, Case, Gerard, Goff, Jewison, Theurer yes; none no)