Staples public meetings in 2020

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a proposal to prepay $125,000 in principal for bonds used for 12th Street and Wright Avenue improvements. This action is intended to save $11,602.50 in interest and reduce future property tax levies. The council is also reviewing a managed IT service proposal from CTC.

• Proposed redemption of $125,000 in principal for 2008 General Obligation Bonds (Resolution 1827)
• Managed IT service proposal from CTC for $1,750 per month
• List of bills for payment including $481,960.24 to Verizon and $315,319.25 to Magney Construction

The City Council approved the prepayment and redemption of 2008 General Obligation Debt to save $11,602.50 in interest. The council also approved a 2021 IT services contract and a pawnbroker license.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $483,130.39 (7-0)
• Approved 2021 Pawnbroker License for Like-Nu Pawn shop (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1827 to prepay and redeem 2008 General Obligation Debt (7-0)
• Approved 2021 IT services contract with CTC (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting the 2021 final budget and property tax levy. The meeting includes approvals for legal service contracts, city fees, and staff wages for 2021.

• Proposed 2021 total property tax levy of $1,059,038
• Legal services contract with Brown, Krueger & Vancura, P.A. for $22,900 plus hourly fees
• Legal services contract with Kyra Ladd for a $3,000 flat rate retainer
• Increase in Staples Fire Relief Association annual benefit from $1,700 to $1,900
• Franchise extension for Spectrum Mid-America, LLC to June 30, 2021

The Staples City Council adopted the 2021 budget and property tax levy, approving a 1.9% levy increase that does not raise the tax rate due to increased market values. The council also approved several contracts, licenses, and resolutions, including legal services, fire relief benefit increases, and a franchise extension for Spectrum. All votes were unanimous except for the tobacco license approval, which passed 6-1.

• Adopted Resolution 1823 for 2021 property tax levy (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 budget totaling $17,738,981 (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 legal services contract with Brown, Krueger & Vancura ($22,900 prosecution, $125/hr civil) (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 legal services contract with Kyra L. Ladd ($3,000) (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 1826 increasing Fire Relief benefit from $1,700 to $1,900 (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 part-time and seasonal staff wages (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 1822 - 2021 fee schedule (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 tobacco licenses (6-1, Miles no)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding unpaid utility assessments in Todd County. The body is also considering new electric and water rates effective January 1, 2021, and the write-off of specific utility bills.

• Proposed Resolution 1821 establishing new electric and water rates
• Public hearing on proposed assessments for non-payment of utility bills in Todd County
• Proposed write-off of utility bills and invoice 6796 totaling $6,582.54
• Proposed Resolution 1820 certifying unpaid utility charges in Todd County
• Nomination of a Council member to the Sourcewell Board of Directors

The City Council approved a list of bills totaling $159,108.94 and authorized utility write-offs. The council also certified unpaid utility charges in Todd County and set the 2021 utility rates, which included an increase to water base rates.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $159,108.94 (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1820 certifying unpaid utility charges in Todd County (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1821 establishing electric and water rates, including a water base rate increase (7-0)
• Approved utility and invoice write-offs totaling $6,582.54 (7-0)

City Council

The Council approved the 2021 Dower Lake Seasonal Campground Agreement and a property line adjustment for 522 8th St NE. Additionally, the Council established a no parking zone at Michigan Avenue and 12th Street NE and agreed to return to Zoom meetings due to COVID-19.

• Approved 2021 Dower Lake Seasonal Campground Agreement
• Approved Resolution 1818 supporting a Small Cities Development Program Grant application
• Approved property line adjustment for parcel 38-0108600 at 522 8th St NE
• Approved Resolution 1819 establishing a no parking zone at Michigan and 12th Street NE
• Approved consent calendar including bill payments totaling $832,142.46

The Staples City Council approved the agenda and consent calendar, including minutes from October 27 and payment of bills totaling $1,194,045.49. The council recessed to canvass election results, which showed Chris Etzler re-elected mayor with 929 votes and council members Douglas M. Case (868) and Mary Theurer (743) elected. The council accepted the election results and adjourned at 9:07 a.m.

• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar including October 27 minutes and bill payments (5-0)
• Recessed to canvass election results (5-0)
• Accepted election results: Mayor Etzler re-elected, Case and Theurer elected to council (5-0)
• Adjourned at 9:07 a.m. (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss applying for a Small Cities Development Program grant for community center renovations and rental property rehabilitation. The body is also considering a seasonal campground agreement and a parking restriction at 12th Street NE and Michigan Avenue.

• Resolution 1818: Application for Small Cities Development Program for Community Center and rental property rehab
• Dower Lake Seasonal Campground Agreement ($1,800 seasonal rate + electric)
• Resolution 1819: No parking at intersection of 12th Street NE and Michigan Avenue
• Property line adjustment request for parcel 38-0108600
• Payment of bills totaling $832,141.46 (including $715,237.37 to Magney Construction)

The City Council approved a grant application for community center and rental home rehabilitation. The council also authorized a property line adjustment for a residential lot and established a new no-parking zone.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $836,647.40 (5-0)
• Approved 2021 Dower Lake Seasonal Campground Agreement (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 1818 supporting grant application to MN DEED Small Cities Development Program (5-0)
• Approved property line adjustment to the south boundary of parcel 38-0108600 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 1819 establishing no parking zone at Michigan and 12th Street NE (5-0)
• Reached consensus to return to Zoom meetings due to COVID-19 cases

City Council

The City Council is deciding on the allocation of CARES Act funds to local non-profits and a grant agreement for airport improvements. The body is also scheduling a public hearing for delinquent utility bill assessments and appointing election judges.

• Resolution 1814: MnDOT grant agreement for Staples Municipal Airport improvements
• Resolution 1815: $19,999 in CARES Act funds for five non-profits, including $5,000 each to STEP and Staples Chamber of Commerce
• Resolution 1817: Public hearing on November 24, 2020, for delinquent utility bill assessments totaling $4,409.47
• Resolution 1816: Appointment of Election Judges for the November 3, 2020 General Election
• Proposed water rate increase to cover fixed costs (recommended by Public Works Commission)

The City Council authorized a grant agreement for airport improvements and allocated CARES Act funds to five non-profit entities. The council also scheduled a public hearing for delinquent utility bill assessments and rescheduled the November 10 meeting.

• Approved Resolution 1814 to execute MnDOT grant agreement for airport improvement (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 1815 allocating CARES Act funds to five non-profit entities totaling $19,999 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 1816 for a public hearing on November 24, 2020, regarding delinquent utility bill assessments (5-0)
• Rescheduled November 10 regular meeting and set Canvassing meeting for November 12 at 9 a.m. (5-0)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $250,785.04 (5-0, Mayor Etzler abstained from payment of bills)
• Decided to lease parking lot south of Beck’s Burger for a one-year trial basis
• Reached consensus to not allow recreational vehicles to reside in mobile home parks

City Council

The City Council will discuss the proposed 2021 preliminary budget and a resolution to adopt the preliminary property tax levy. The body will also consider a gambling permit for the Knights of Columbus and discuss signage for the Highway 10 overpass.

• Resolution 1813 to adopt preliminary property tax levy
• Proposed 2021 preliminary City Budget
• Gambling permit for Knights of Columbus at Sacred Heart on December 27, 2020
• Discussion on signage for Highway 10 overpass
• Truth in taxation hearing date set for December 8, 2020

The Staples City Council adopted Resolution 1813 setting the 2021 preliminary property tax levy at $1,064,605, a 2.4% increase from the 2020 final levy, and approved the 2021 preliminary budget with a truth-in-taxation hearing set for December 8, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. The council also approved a gambling permit for Knights of Columbus at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on December 27, 2020. A discussion on Highway 10 overpass directional signage resulted in consensus to direct the City Administrator to contact the new MNDOT District Traffic Engineer and bring the item back once costs, liability, and signage requirements are known. All votes were unanimous (7-0) except where noted.

• Adopted Resolution 1813 preliminary property tax levy for 2021 at $1,064,605 (7-0)
• Approved 2021 preliminary budget and set truth in taxation hearing for Dec 8, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. (7-0)
• Approved gambling permit for Knights of Columbus at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Dec 27, 2020 (7-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar including Sept 8 minutes and bill payments (7-0)
• Directed City Administrator to contact new MNDOT District Traffic Engineer about overpass signage and return to agenda when info known (consensus)

City Council

The City Council approved a transition to a fee-based system and new operating hours for the Community Center. Members who pay an additional fee will receive 24-hour key card access to the fitness room, gym, and locker rooms.

• Approved 24-hour key card access for paying members (6-0)
• Approved change to fee-based facility model (6-0)
• Approved new operating hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m. and Tue/Thu 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss School Resource Officer agreements for Central Lakes College and ISD 2170 for the 2020-2021 school year. The body is also considering several event requests, including a Comedy Night and a food distribution event. A special meeting may be set to discuss the Community Center.

• SRO agreements with Central Lakes College and ISD 2170 for 2020-2021
• Comedy Night at NP Park on October 9th, including a temporary on-sale liquor license
• Street closure requests for Second Harvest food distribution on October 15th
• Raffle request from Wahoo Valley Area MDHA for October 10th at Timberlake Lodge
• Placement of Cardinal Hall of Fame sign

The Staples City Council approved placement of the Cardinal Hall of Fame monument sign at the southeast intersection of Highway 10 and Highway 210. They also approved a one-day temporary on-sale liquor license for the Chamber of Commerce's Comedy Night fundraiser, road closures for a Second Harvest food distribution, and School Resource Officer agreements with Central Lakes College and ISD 2170. A special council meeting was set for August 17 to discuss the Community Center's future.

• Approved Cardinal Hall of Fame monument sign placement at Hwy 10/210 (unanimous)
• Approved one-day temporary on-sale liquor license for Chamber of Commerce Comedy Night, waived fees (4-1-1)
• Approved road closures for Second Harvest food distribution on Oct 15 (unanimous)
• Approved gambling permit for Wahoo Valley Area MDHA raffle at Timberlake Lodge (5-1)
• Approved School Resource Officer agreement with Central Lakes College 2020-2021 (unanimous)
• Approved School Resource Officer agreement with ISD 2170 2020-2021 (unanimous)
• Set special council meeting Aug 17 at 5 p.m. to discuss Community Center future (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Plan and proposed assessments for unpaid utility charges. The body will also consider several resolutions related to grants and airport equipment.

• Public hearing and Resolution 1810 to certify unpaid utility charges in Todd County
• Public hearing and adoption of the 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution 1811 for 2020 Cares Act grant for elections (Todd County-City of Staples Agreement)
• Resolution 1812 for U.S. Department of Transportation Grant for airport snow removal equipment and runway 14/32 lights
• Gambling Permit for Sacred Heart Catholic Church for October 25, 2020

The Staples City Council adopted its 2021 to 2025 Capital Improvement Plan and approved several other items at its August 25, 2020 meeting. It certified unpaid utility charges in Todd County, accepted a 2020 CARES Act election grant from Todd County, and authorized a U.S. Department of Transportation grant agreement for airport snow removal equipment and runway end identifier lights. The council also approved a gambling permit for Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a COVID-19 Non-Profit Grant Relief Program with a $20,000 budget and $5,000 maximum grant. Three council members (Case, Johnson and Toepper) were absent.

• Approved the agenda as presented (4-0)
• Approved consent calendar: minutes of August 11 and August 17, 2020 meetings and payment of bills as presented (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1810 certifying unpaid utility charges in Todd County (4-0)
• Adopted the 2021 to 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1811 approving 2020 CARES Act grant for elections from Todd County (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1812 authorizing execution of U.S. Department of Transportation Grant Agreement for airport snow removal equipment and replace runway 14/32 runway end identifier lights excluding land (4-0)
• Approved gambling permit for Sacred Heart Catholic Church to conduct bingo and a raffle on October 25, 2020 (3-1, Miles voted no)
• Approved the application and process for the COVID-19 Non-Profit Grant Relief Program (4-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council held a special meeting to review the proposed 2021 budget, which includes a 2% tax levy increase. No formal votes were taken on the budget; the discussion covered revenue changes, the Dower Lake storm shelter grant match, Community Center plans, tree replacement, police costs, and sidewalk repair responsibilities. The meeting adjourned without any substantive decisions.

• Adjourned meeting at 6:18 p.m. (6-0)

City Council

The City Council is meeting to decide on the allocation of federal CARES Act funds for local government activities. The body will also consider a new policy for re-establishing special assessments on tax forfeit lots after they are sold.

• Resolution 1809: Allocation of $223,911 in CARES Act Funds
• Resolution 1808: Policy to re-establish special assessments after tax forfeit lot sales
• Payment of bills totaling $1,137,938.96 (including $984,969.50 to Magney Constructions)
• COVID-19 pandemic update

The City Council approved the allocation of state-distributed CARES Act funds for local government activities. The council also adopted a policy regarding the re-establishment of special assessments on tax forfeit properties sold to private owners.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $1,148,751.58 (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1808 to re-establish special assessments after tax forfeit lots are sold (4-1)
• Adopted Resolution 1809 allocating $223,911 in CARES Act Funds to Local Government Activities (5-0)

City Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss funding for the Community Concern for Youth Program and a request to remove assessments from a property on Dakota Avenue. The body will also consider scheduling a 2021 budget review and a public hearing for the 2021-2025 capital improvement plan.

• Resolution 1807: $3,970 contribution for Community Concern for Youth Program
• Request to remove $232.99 public nuisance and $452.61 street/utility assessments from parcel 38-0046000
• Proposed public hearing on August 25 for the 2021-2025 capital improvement plan
• Staples Amateur Baseball Association 2020 Park Use Agreement
• Decision on whether to waive monetary limits on statutory tort liability for insurance coverage

The Staples City Council approved Resolution 1807 supporting the Community Concern for Youth Program after an annual update from Haley Piotrowski and Dan Huebsch. The council tabled a request to remove assessments from parcel 38-0046000 to develop a broader policy for tax forfeit sales. It also set a special meeting for August 17 to review the 2021 budget and scheduled a public hearing for August 25 on the 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Plan. The council approved the Staples Amateur Baseball Association 2020 Park Use Agreement and changed the August 11 meeting start time to 8:01 p.m. due to the Primary Election.

• Adopted Resolution 1807 supporting Community Concern for Youth Program (unanimous)
• Tabled request to remove assessments from parcel 38-0046000 to next regular meeting (unanimous)
• Changed August 11 Council meeting start time to 8:01 p.m. due to Primary Election (unanimous)
• Set special Council meeting for August 17 at 5:00 p.m. to review 2021 Budget (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for August 25 to review 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Plan (unanimous)
• Approved not waiving monetary limits on statutory tort liability for insurance coverage (unanimous)
• Approved Staples Amateur Baseball Association 2020 Park Use Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved consent calendar including July 14 minutes and bill payments totaling $75,841.69 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss updating the 2020 fee schedule and appointing election judges for the August 11 primary. The body is also considering a public hearing for delinquent utility bill assessments and street closures for a food distribution event.

• Resolution 1804: Revised 2020 Fee Schedule for airport, building, and community center services
• Resolution 1805: Appointment of Election Judges for August 11, 2020 Primary Election
• Resolution 1806: Public hearing on August 25, 2020 for delinquent utility bill assessments
• Street closures on August 12 for Second Harvest, Staples Food Shelf distribution (2nd St NE, Pleasant Ave NE, 4th St NE, Park Ave NE, and Centennial Drive)
• Payment of bills totaling $967,150.49

The Staples City Council approved a revised 2020 fee schedule, including new airport hangar lease fees and reduced electric fees for Dower Lake campsites. The council also adopted resolutions to appoint election judges for the August 11 primary and to schedule a public hearing on delinquent utility bills. Additionally, the council authorized street closures for a food distribution event on August 12 and approved the payment of bills totaling $966,479.20.

• Approved agenda and consent calendar (6-0)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $966,479.20 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 1804 revising 2020 fees (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1805 appointing election judges for Aug 11 primary (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1806 calling public hearing on delinquent utility bills for Aug 25 (6-0)
• Approved street closures for food distribution event on Aug 12 (6-0)

City Council

The City Council approved a 50% credit for on-sale liquor businesses in good standing to assist those impacted by COVID-19. The council also passed Ordinance 529 regarding a street vacation for Front Street.

• Approved 50% credit for on-sale liquor businesses in good standing
• Passed Ordinance 529 for the street vacation of Front Street adjacent to parcel 38-0052200
• Reviewed 2019 audit and financial statement presented by Chuck Mayer CPA
• Approved payment of bills totaling $813,944.11 and $8,744.12

The City Council approved the 2019 Financial Statement and audit. The council also granted a liquor license to Becks Burger Co. and adopted COVID-19 preparedness plans for city facilities.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $68,499.13 (6-0)
• Accepted 2019 Financial Statement and audit (6-0)
• Approved on sale and Sunday on sale liquor license for Becks Burger Co. (5-1)
• Adopted COVID-19 preparedness plans for City of Staples, Community Center, athletic fields and Dower Lake Recreational Area (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider the second reading of an ordinance to vacate a portion of Front Street. The body will also discuss license fee credits for Local Legends and Timbers due to pandemic closures.

• Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 529 for street vacation of Front Street adjacent to parcel 38-0052200
• Request for liquor license fee credits from Local Legends and Timbers
• COVID-19 pandemic update
• Payment of bills

The City Council approved the vacation of a portion of Front Street and granted partial credits to on-sale liquor license holders affected by COVID-19. The council also approved the payment of bills totaling $822,688.23.

• Approved Ordinance 529 for street vacation of Front Street adjacent to parcel 38-0052200 (6-0)
• Approved 50% credit for on-sale liquor businesses in good standing for 2020-21 licenses (5-1)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $813,944.11 and $8,744.12 (6-0)

City Council

The City Council is reviewing several infrastructure contracts and airport grants. The body is also discussing liquor license amendments to allow outdoor seating during COVID-19 restrictions and a street vacation on Front Street.

• Proposal for Braun Intertec Corporation to provide wastewater treatment plant testing for $152,349
• Contract for Parsons Electric LLC for Airport REIL replacement project for $46,775
• CARES Act Grant No. 3-27-0145-015-2020 for Staples Municipal Airport in the amount of $30,000
• First reading of Ordinance 529 to vacate Front Street adjacent to parcel 38-0052200
• Resolution 1802 to allow on-sale liquor licenses to include contiguous outdoor space

The Council approved a $46,775 airport runway light project and authorized a $30,000 CARES Act grant. They also updated liquor license rules to allow outdoor service and approved a labor agreement with AFSCME.

• Approved Ordinance 529 for street vacation of Front Street (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1802 to allow contiguous outdoor space for liquor licenses (5-1)
• Adopted Resolution 1803 to approve 2020-21 liquor licenses (5-1)
• Approved 2020-21 AFSCME labor agreement (6-0)
• Awarded $46,775 bid to Parsons Electric LLC for airport REIL project (6-0)
• Authorized execution of $30,000 CARES Act grant for airport maintenance (6-0)
• Approved street closures for drive-in high school graduation (6-0)
• Approved Braun Intertec proposal for wastewater treatment plant testing (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss providing liquor license credits for establishments closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The body is also considering a street vacation on Front Street and a grant for fire department equipment.

• Public hearing for street vacation of Front Street adjacent to parcel 38-00 52200
• Proposed liquor license credits for businesses closed due to COVID-19
• Resolution 1801 for a $7,800 Sourcewell grant for fire department hose testing
• Gambling permit request from Knights of Columbus for an August 23, 2020 raffle
• Payment of bills totaling $348,602.29

The Staples City Council voted to table a request from Local Legends and other liquor license holders for a credit or refund for the period liquor sales were halted due to the stay-at-home order. The council also agreed to move forward with vacating Front Street adjacent to parcel 38-0052200, with an ordinance to be considered at the next meeting. A gambling permit for Knights of Columbus was approved, and a resolution supporting a fire department grant submission was passed.

• Tabled liquor license credit request until circumstances change (unanimous)
• Agreed to move forward with vacation of Front Street adjacent to parcel 38-0052200
• Approved gambling permit for Knights of Columbus raffle on August 23, 2020 (6-1)
• Approved Resolution 1801 supporting fire department grant submission for $7,800 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved consent calendar including April 28 minutes and bill payments (unanimous, mayor abstained on bills)

City Council

The City Council approved several ordinances and agreements, including a FEMA grant for a new storm shelter at Dower Lake. The council also updated utility billing policies and addressed COVID-19 related closures.

• Approved $355,749 FEMA agreement for a storm shelter at Dower Lake
• Approved Ordinance 528 changing the utility bill due date from the 10th to the 15th of each month
• Approved Ordinance 527 regarding physical separation between Level III predatory offender residences
• Approved $14,600 proposal for Stantec Engineering wellhead protection plan services
• Approved a temporary COVID-19 utility disconnection policy

The Staples City Council tabled a request from Local Legends for a liquor license credit or refund due to COVID-19 closures, deferring the decision to the next meeting. The council also approved a one-time 30-day payment extension for tourism tax for all entities, and approved Resolution 1800 updating utility billing, collection, and disconnect procedures. The meeting was held via Zoom due to the pandemic.

• Tabled liquor license credit request until next meeting (6-0)
• Approved 30-day tourism tax payment extension for all entities (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 1800 for utility billing, collection, and disconnect (6-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (6-0)
• Approved consent calendar including April 14 minutes and bill payments (6-0)

City Council

The City Council is reviewing ordinances regarding utility bill due dates and the residential separation of Level III predatory offenders. The body is also considering several agreements for airport engineering and a FEMA-funded storm shelter.

• Agreement with FEMA Hazard Mitigation DR-4290 for a $355,749 storm shelter at Dower Lake
• Ordinance 527 to require physical separation between residences of Level III predatory offenders
• Ordinance 528 to change the utility bill due date
• Resolution 1798 to establish a garbage disposal surcharge
• Proposal by Stantec for $14,600 for Wellhead Protection Plan consulting services

The City Council approved a FEMA agreement for a storm shelter and several ordinances regarding predatory offender residency and utility billing. The council also authorized engineering services for the municipal airport and a wellhead protection plan.

• Approved $355,749 FEMA agreement for Dower Lake storm shelter (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 527 requiring separation between Level III predatory offender residences (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 528 changing utility bill due date from the 10th to the 15th (7-0)
• Approved engineering agreement with Short Elliot Hendrickson for airport REIL replacement and SRE acquisition (7-0)
• Approved FAA agreement for commissioning flight inspection of airport runways 14/32 (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1798 establishing a garbage disposal surcharge (7-0)
• Approved temporary COVID-19 utility disconnection policy (7-0)
• Approved $14,600 Stantec Engineering proposal for wellhead protection plan Part II (7-0)

City Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and consider several ordinances. Proposed measures include budget amendments and changes to utility bill due dates.

• Ordinance 527: Requires 1,000 feet of separation between residences of Level III predatory offenders
• Ordinance 528: Changes the due date for utility bills
• Approval of 2019 and 2020 budget amendments
• Resolution 1797: Application for 2020 MN DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant
• Appointment of Jennie Dolezal and Megan Haber to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

City Council

The City Council is meeting to finalize an ordinance raising the tobacco purchase and sales age to 21 to comply with federal law. The body is also considering land use for agricultural research and airport ground leases.

• Ordinance 526: changes tobacco purchase and sales age to 21
• Proposed agreement for Central Lakes College to use 57 acres for agricultural crops and research
• Approval of four ten-year Airport ground leases
• Proposed ordinance to require physical separation between Level III predatory offender residences
• Proposed change to utility bill due dates from the 10th to the 15th of the month

The Staples City Council adopted Ordinance 526, raising the minimum age for tobacco purchase and sales to comply with Federal Tobacco-21 law. The council also approved a 57-acre Minnesota State Facilities Use Agreement for Central Lakes College agricultural use, four airport ground leases at $240 annually for 10 years, a pay equity report for submission to the state, and an amendment with Strong Capital VI, LLC for a reduced annual license fee on a 1,428-linear-foot electric powerline. The council reached consensus to move forward on an ordinance limiting the concentration of Level III predatory offenders through minimum separation in living arrangements, and approved moving the utility payment date from the 10th to the 15th of each month.

• Adopted Ordinance 526 raising tobacco purchase and sales age to 21 (7-0)
• Approved 57-acre Minnesota State Facilities Use Agreement for Central Lakes College agricultural crops and research (7-0)
• Consensus to move forward with ordinance on minimum separation for Level III predatory offenders (no formal vote recorded)
• Approved pay equity report and submission to the State of Minnesota (7-0)
• Approved four airport ground leases, 10 years at $240 annually (7-0)
• Approved amendment with Strong Capital VI, LLC for reduced annual license fee for 1,428 linear feet of electric powerline on railroad right of way (7-0)
• Approved changing utility payment date from the 10th to the 15th of each month (7-0)
• Appointed Steve Gertken, First International Bank, to Staples Economic Development Authority Board as retail/commercial representative for a six-year term (7-0)

City Council

The City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to raise the tobacco purchase age to 21. The council also appointed a consulting engineer for the municipal airport and authorized participation in a regional energy and environment planning program.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 526 to increase tobacco purchase age to 21 (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 525 removing 'APS' from pawn shop section 16-161 (b) (6-0)
• Approved gambling permit for Sacred Heart Catholic Church bingo on April 5, 2020 (5-1)
• Approved participation in RSDC Community Energy & Environment Planning Program (7-0)
• Approved Short Elliot Hendrickson (SEH) as Consulting Engineer for Municipal Airport (7-0)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $110,639.05 and election judge reimbursements of $6,043.33 (6-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council approved a procurement policy incorporating federal grant requirements, directed staff to draft an ordinance raising the tobacco purchase age to 21 to match federal law, and adopted a resolution requesting legislative approval for a local sales tax referendum. The council also approved a pawn shop tracking agreement, the first reading of Ordinance 525, a gambling permit and temporary liquor license for Sacred Heart Area School, and the 2020 LSS site use agreement.

• Approved agenda with addition of annual fire report (unanimous)
• Approved consent calendar including Jan 28 minutes and bill payments (unanimous; mayor abstained on bills)
• Directed staff to draft ordinance updating tobacco sales code to age 21 (discussion)
• Approved procurement policy as presented (unanimous)
• Accepted MOU with Business Watch International for pawn shop tracking (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 525 removing 'APS' from code (unanimous)
• Approved gambling permit and temporary liquor license for Sacred Heart Area School (4-2; Miles and Murray no)
• Adopted Resolution 1795 appointing Charter Commission volunteers (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council approved a union labor agreement with LELS for 2020-2021 and adopted Ordinance 524 for recodification. The council also recommended that Todd County proceed with the auction of four tax-forfeit parcels.

• Approved Ordinance 524 adopting recodification (5-0)
• Approved Union labor Agreement with LELS for 2020-2021 (5-0)
• Recommended Todd County consider four parcels tax forfeit and proceed to auction (5-0)
• Approved solid waste hauler licenses for G & T Sanitation, Long Prairie Sanitation and Waste Management (5-0)
• Approved Memorandum of Agreement with University of Minnesota for Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1794 appointing Election Judges for 2020 Presidential Primary (5-0)
• Decided to discontinue use of Municode for Council packets (5-0)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $658,197.61 and election judge reimbursements totaling $5,664.91 (5-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 524 adopting the recodification of the city code, which updates ordinances passed between March 2011 and October 2019. The council also approved several resolutions, including designating official depositories and authorizing Todd County to administer the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. Appointments to boards and commissions were made, and the council decided not to pursue massage business licensing.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 524 adopting city code recodification (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 1790 designating official depositories (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 1793 authorizing Todd County to administer the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 1791 designating Scott Grabe as MRES representative (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 1792 designating Scott Grabe as WMMPA representative (unanimous)
• Approved appointments to boards and commissions (unanimous)
• Approved contract with MRES and WAPA (unanimous)
• Consensus to not pursue massage business licensing