Staples public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding street and utility improvements on 4th St NE (CSAH 43). The body will consider resolutions to order the project, approve plans, and authorize construction bidding.

• Public hearing for 4th St NE (CSAH 43) Street & Utility Improvement Project estimated at $7,433,843
• Resolution 2013 regarding redemption of General Obligation Improvement Refunding, Series 2014 Debt
• Resolution 2014 supporting new state-supported passenger rail between Saint Paul, MN and Fargo, ND
• Resolution 2015 approving lender documents for the Staples Multi-Family Project
• Scheduling a January 27, 2026 public hearing on Small Cities Grant Fund CDBG funding progress

The Staples City Council approved the meeting agenda, the consent calendar of prior minutes and bill payments, and a series of resolutions covering project planning, construction bidding, debt redemption, passenger rail support, and lender documents for a multi‑family project. They also scheduled a public hearing on the Small Cities Grand Fund Community Development Block Grant for January 27, 2026. All motions passed with every councilmember voting yes and no votes recorded.

• Approved agenda with item 8 moved before item 5 (7‑0)
• Approved consent calendar of Dec 9, 2025 minutes and bill payments (7‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2011 Ordering Project and Preparation of Plans (7‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2012 Approving Plans and Authorizing Construction Bidding (7‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2013 Calling for Redemption of General Obligation Improvement Refunding, Series 2014 Debt (7‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2014 Supporting New State‑Supported Passenger Rail Service between St Paul, MN and Fargo, ND (7‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2015 Approving Certain Lender Documents Related to the Staples Multi‑Family Project (7‑0)
• Scheduled public hearing on Small Cities Grand Fund Community Development Block Grant Funding for Jan 27, 2026 (7‑0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2026 final budget and property tax levy, then consider adopting Resolution 2008 to set the levy at $1,191,640. Council members will also vote on the 2026 budget, tobacco and solid waste licensing resolutions, staff wage adjustments, and a legal services contract with Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A. & Kyra Ladd. Additional agenda items include committee reports and an open forum.

• Adopt Resolution 2008 establishing the 2026 property tax levy of $1,191,640
• Approve the 2026 city budget (General Fund $2,400,762; Special Funds $3,467,877)
• Approve Resolution 2009 for 2026 tobacco licenses
• Approve Resolution 2010 for 2026 solid waste hauler licenses
• Approve 2026 legal services contract with Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A. & Kyra Ladd

The council adopted the 2026 final property tax levy and approved the 2026 operating budget. It also approved tobacco license renewals, solid‑waste hauler licenses, a legal services contract, and part‑time/seasonal wage levels. All agenda items and the consent calendar were approved.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar and bill payments (7-0)
• Approved 2026 final property tax levy (7-0)
• Approved 2026 operating budget (6-0)
• Approved 2026 tobacco licenses (6-1)
• Approved 2026 solid waste hauler licenses (7-0)
• Approved 2026 part‑time and seasonal wages (6 yes, 1 abstain)
• Approved 2026 legal services contract with Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A. (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding proposed assessments for non-payment of delinquent bills. The body is also considering a feasibility report for street and utility improvements on 4th St NE and the approval of the 2026-2027 Personnel Policy.

• Public hearing on proposed assessments for non-payment of delinquent bills
• Resolution 2004 to certify unpaid charges in Todd County
• Write-off of utility bills totaling $2,284.19
• Resolution 2006 regarding 4th St NE (CSAH 43) street and utility improvement project
• Gambling permit for Lakewood Health System raffle on April 24, 2026

The Staples City Council approved the purchase of a tax‑forfeited parcel for $2,537.15 and wrote off $2,284.19 in utility bills. It granted a gambling permit for a Lakewood Health System raffle and adopted the 2026‑2027 personnel policy, data practice policies, and a data inventory project plan. The council also accepted donations and approved a feasibility report and hearing for the 4" St NE street and utility improvement project. All motions carried with the recorded vote totals.

• Approved purchase of tax‑forfeited parcel #38-0042400 for $2,537.15 (7 yes, 0 no)
• Approved write‑off of utility bills totaling $2,284.19 (7 yes, 0 no)
• Approved gambling permit for Lakewood Health System raffle (5 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain)
• Approved Resolution 2006 for feasibility report and hearing on 4" St NE street project (7 yes, 0 no)
• Adopted City of Staples Personnel Policy for 2026‑2027 (7 yes, 0 no)
• Adopted Data Practice Policies for public and data subjects (7 yes, 0 no)
• Approved Resolution 2007 authorizing Data Inventory Project Plan (7 yes, 0 no)
• Approved Resolution 2005 accepting donations (6 yes, 1 abstain, 0 no)

City Council

The council adopted Resolution 2001 setting new electric, water and wastewater rates. It also approved Resolution 2003 authorizing an airport maintenance and operations grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The council approved the outdoor event request for “Vernfest” on August 21, 2026 and cancelled the November 11 council meeting in observance of Veteran’s Day. Additionally, Resolution 2002 was adopted to call a public hearing on proposed assessments for nonpayment of delinquent charges.

• Approved Resolution 2001 establishing electric, water and wastewater rates (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2003 airport maintenance and operations grant agreement with MnDOT (5-0)
• Approved Outdoor Event Request for “Vernfest” Aug 21, 2026 (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Cancelled Nov 11 council meeting for Veteran’s Day (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2002 calling public hearing on delinquent charge assessments (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar and October 28 bill payments (5-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will approve the agenda and consent calendar, which includes minutes and payment of listed bills. Council members will review the performance of City Administrator Jerel Nelsen. They will consider requests for an outdoor Christmas Parade on November 29, 2025, a bingo event at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on November 23, 2025, and a raffle/bingo at Becks Burger Co. on October 29, 2025. The meeting also includes committee reports, an open forum, and the City Administrator’s report.

• Approve consent calendar with payment of listed bills
• Consider outdoor event request for Christmas Parade on Nov 29, 2025
• Consider bingo request at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Nov 23, 2025
• Consider raffle/bingo request from Ducks Unlimited at Becks Burger Co. on Oct 29, 2025
• Committee reports: Charter Commission, Economic Development Authority, Public Works Commission

The council approved the agenda and consent calendar unanimously. It also approved an outdoor Christmas Light Parade for November 29, 2025, and authorized bingo events at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Nov 23) and a Ducks Unlimited raffle at Becks Burger Co. (Oct 29). The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

• Agenda approval (5-0) – Motion by Theurer, second by Goff
• Consent calendar approval (5-0) – Motion by Jewison, second by Case
• Outdoor Christmas Light Parade approved (5-0) – Motion by Jewison, second by Theurer
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church bingo approved (4-1) – Motion by Jewison, second by Case
• Ducks Unlimited raffle bingo approved (4-1) – Motion by Case, second by Jewison
• Meeting adjourned (5-0) – Motion by Jewison, second by Theurer

City Council

The City Council will discuss the proposed 2026 preliminary budget and a property tax levy of $1,200,972. The body is also considering several raffle requests and a contract for 2025 audit services.

• Resolution 2000 adopting a preliminary property tax levy of $1,200,972
• Proposed 2026 Preliminary City Budget with a truth in taxation hearing set for December 9, 2025
• Awarding Hy-Tec Construction for the locker room rehab project
• Engagement of CarlsonSV for 2025 Audit Services
• Raffle requests from Knights of Columbus, Ottertail Ducks Unlimited, and Wahoo Valley Area MDHA

The council approved its agenda and consent calendar, adopted the preliminary property tax levy of $1,200,972, and approved the 2026 preliminary city budget. It also authorized three community raffles, engaged CarlsonSV for audit services, and awarded a $494,000 contract to Hy‑Tec Construction for the Community Center locker‑room rehab. All motions passed except the two raffle approvals, which each received one dissenting vote.

• Approve agenda (7-0)
• Approve consent calendar (7-0)
• Adopt preliminary property tax levy $1,200,972 (7-0)
• Approve 2026 preliminary city budget (7-0)
• Approve Knights of Columbus raffle (6-1)
• Approve Ottertail Ducks Unlimited raffle (6-1)
• Approve engagement with CarlsonSV for audit services (7-0)
• Award Hy‑Tec Construction $494,000 for Community Center locker‑room rehab (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on assessments for delinquent utility bills and discuss the 2026 preliminary budget. The body is also considering a street and utility improvement project for 4th St NE.

• Public hearing on proposed assessments for non-payment of delinquent utility bills
• Resolution 1998 to certify unpaid utility charges in Todd County
• Resolution 1999 for the 4th St NE Street and Utility Improvement Project
• Request from B & B’s Sports Bar & Grill to open at 8:00 a.m. on September 28 and October 5
• Consideration of parcel combination for MMFCU development

The council approved parcel combinations for the Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union development (7-0). It also approved the submittal of the real‑property declaration for the Staples Community Center grant and certified unpaid utility charges in Todd County (both 7-0). A request for B & B’s Sports Bar to open early on two Sundays was approved with a 6-1 vote. Resolutions were adopted for a 4" St NE Street improvement report and a closed‑meeting schedule.

• Approved parcel combinations for Federal Credit Union development (7-0)
• Approved real‑property declaration for Staples Community Center grant (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 1998 certifying unpaid utility charges in Todd County (7-0)
• Approved B & B’s Sports Bar early Sunday opening (6-1)
• Approved Resolution 1999 ordering report on 4" St NE Street improvement (7-0)
• Approved scheduling of closed meeting on Sep 23 per MN Statute 13D.05 (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

City Council

The council adopted the meeting agenda after a motion and unanimous vote. It also approved the consent calendar, which includes minutes from August 12, 2025, and payment of listed bills, with all members voting yes.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar of minutes and bill payments (7-0)

City Council

The Staples City Council will consider a second reading of an ordinance that would allow the discharge of deadly weapons under specific conditions, including in agricultural districts and on certain non-agricultural parcels in Wadena and Todd counties. The council also plans to set a date for a 2026 budget workshop.

• Second reading of Ordinance 558 amending City Code on deadly weapons discharge
• Consideration of Resolution 1996 for public hearing on utility bill assessments
• Discussion of Ordinance 559 amending Chapter 16 regarding licenses
• Approval of Outdoor Event Request for Staples Area October Fest
• Approval of temporary liquor license for Staples Area Chamber of Commerce

The council approved Ordinance 558, amending Chapter 20‑22, Section 3 of the City Code. It also adopted Resolution 1996 to hold a public hearing on proposed assessments for delinquent utility bills and gave Ordinance 559 its first reading for August 26. The council approved an outdoor event request and a temporary liquor license for the October Fest, and set the 2026 Budget Workshop for August 28.

• Approved Ordinance 558 amending city code (7‑0)
• Approved Resolution 1996 for public hearing on utility bill assessments (7‑0)
• Scheduled first reading of Ordinance 559 for August 26 (7‑0)
• Approved Outdoor Event Request for October Fest on Oct 4, 2025 (7‑0)
• Approved temporary liquor license for October Fest (6‑1)
• Set 2026 Budget Workshop for August 28, 2026 (7‑0)
• Approved separation agreement as presented (7‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:33 p.m. (7‑0)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Plan. It also approved the replat of Lots 1‑11, Block 2, Valley View Neighborhood, the 2025 Railroad Day requests, the first reading of Ordinance 558, the Blue Spruce Properties LLC development agreement, and the parcel split for the Mid‑Minnesota Federal Credit Union development. All motions carried with every member voting yes.

• Approved replat of Lots 1-11, Block 2, Valley View Neighborhood (unanimous)
• Approved 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan as presented (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Railroad Day requests as presented (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 558 amending City Code (unanimous)
• Approved Blue Spruce Properties LLC development agreement (unanimous)
• Approved parcel split for Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union development (unanimous)

City Council

The council adopted the agenda and consent calendar unanimously. It approved two School Resource Officer agreements—one with Staples‑Motley ISD and another with Central Lakes College—each passing with all members voting yes. A budget amendment adding $5,000 for a new fire‑grass rig was also approved unanimously. The council accepted proposed hangar rent rates of $120 and $140 per month with no objections.

• Approved agenda (7‑0)
• Approved consent calendar and July 8 bills (7‑0)
• Approved 2025‑2026 School Resource Officer agreement with Staples‑Motley ISD (7‑0)
• Approved 2025‑2026 School Resource Officer agreement with Central Lakes College (7‑0)
• Approved budget amendment to add $5,000 for a new Fire Grass Rig (7‑0)
• Accepted hangar rent $120/month (40’ door) and $140/month (48’ door) with no objections

City Council

The council voted unanimously to establish Tax Increment Financing District No. 1‑12 and adopt its financing plan. It also scheduled public hearings for a neighborhood replat and the 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Plan. Additional actions included accepting the 2024 audit, declining to waive insurance liability limits, and approving several grant and board appointments.

• Approved Resolution 1994 establishing Tax Increment Financing District No. 1‑12 (6‑0)
• Approved scheduling public hearing for replat of Lots 1‑11 Block 2, Valley View Neighborhood on July 22 (6‑0)
• Approved acceptance of the 2024 audit and financial statements (6‑0)
• Approved not waiving monetary limits on statutory tort liability for insurance coverage (6‑0)
• Approved Resolution 1995 authorizing execution of MDOT Grant Agreement #1060452 for Airport Improvement (6‑0)
• Approved amendment to sub‑grant agreement with Division of Homeland Security for Dower Lake Saferoom funding (6‑0)
• Approved scheduling public hearing for the 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Plan on July 22 (6‑0)
• Approved the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Staples Board of Commissioners as presented (6‑0)

City Council

The council approved Ordinance 557 concerning the sale of property with a 5‑0 vote. It also approved Resolution 1992 for 2025‑2026 liquor licenses (2‑0, three abstentions) and Resolution 1993 appointing Zions Bank as successor paying agent (5‑0). Council members supported adding crosswalks at the four corners of Northern Pacific Park and expressed no objections to Lefty's street‑dance event.

• Adopted Ordinance 557 (sale of property) – approved 5‑0
• Approved Resolution 1992 (2025‑2026 liquor licenses) – approved 2‑0, 3 abstentions
• Approved Resolution 1993 (appoint Zions Bank as successor paying agent) – approved 5‑0
• Supported adding crosswalks at four corners of Northern Pacific Park – no formal vote recorded
• Expressed no objections to Lefty's organizing a street‑dance event – no formal vote recorded

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda after removing item 6 and adopted the consent calendar with payment of listed bills. It passed the second reading of Ordinance 556 to vacate a portion of a north‑south alley and the first reading of Ordinance 557 concerning the sale of property. The council also approved a purchase agreement with Mid‑Minnesota Federal Credit Union for city‑owned land in Block 11, Searles First Addition.

• Approved agenda with removal of item 6 (unanimous)
• Approved consent calendar and payment of listed bills (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 556 to vacate portion of north‑south alley (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 557 regarding property sale (unanimous)
• Approved purchase agreement with Mid‑Minnesota Federal Credit Union for Block 11 property (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:16 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved a purchase agreement with Blue Spruce Properties for Lots 1‑11 in the Valley View Neighborhood and adopted a resolution to hold a public hearing on Tax Increment Financing District No. 1‑12. It also approved liquor licenses for 2025‑2026, vacated a portion of a north‑south alley, and adopted two ordinance amendments to the city code. All motions carried, with one member dissenting on the liquor‑license resolution.

• Approved agenda amendment moving item 15 after item 6 (unanimous)
• Approved consent calendar of April 22 minutes and May 13 payments (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 556 to vacate a portion of the north‑south alley (unanimous)
• Approved second reading and adoption of Ordinance 553 amending city code §109‑5 (unanimous)
• Approved second reading and adoption of Ordinance 554 amending city code §109‑123 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase agreement with Blue Spruce Properties LLC for Lots 1‑11, Block 2, Valley View Neighborhood (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 1989 to hold a public hearing on Tax Increment Financing District No. 1‑12 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 1990 approving liquor licenses for 2025‑2026 (motion carried despite one dissent)

City Council

The Staples City Council adopted Ordinance 555 to sell property, approved a purchase agreement for Lot 52 in the Auditor’s subdivision, and approved a facilities‑use agreement with Minnesota State (Central Lakes College). The council also gave first readings to Ordinances 553 and 554, approved a gambling permit for a Knights of Columbus raffle, and accepted a donation resolution. All motions passed with either unanimous or majority yes votes and no opposition.

• Approved Ordinance 555 (sale of property) – 6 yes, 0 no
• Approved Purchase Agreement for Lot 52, Auditor’s subdivision – 6 yes, 0 no
• Approved Facilities Use Agreement with Minnesota State (Central Lakes College) – 6 yes, 0 no
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 553 amending city code – 6 yes, 0 no
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 554 amending city code – 6 yes, 0 no
• Approved gambling permit for Knights of Columbus raffle – 5 yes, 1 abstain, 0 no
• Approved Resolution 1988 accepting donation – 5 yes, 1 abstain, 0 no

City Council

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and a consent calendar that included payment of listed bills. It also approved a public hearing on vacating an alley, applications to the Clean Water and Drinking Water Revolving Funds, the first reading of Ordinance 555 concerning the sale of property, and the Water Service Policy. All motions carried with no dissenting votes.

• Approved agenda – unanimous
• Approved consent calendar and payment of listed bills – unanimous
• Approved Resolution 1985 for public hearing on alley vacation – unanimous
• Approved Resolution 1986 application to Clean Water Revolving Fund – unanimous
• Approved Resolution 1987 application to Drinking Water Revolving Fund – unanimous
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 555 regarding sale of property – unanimous
• Approved Water Service Policy as presented – unanimous
• Adjourned closed meeting – unanimous

City Council

The council approved the agenda and consent calendar without opposition. It granted gambling permits for Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Lakewood Health System, and a temporary liquor license for Sacred Heart Area School, each passing 6‑1. The 2025‑2027 fire service contract with seven townships was approved unanimously, and a road closure for a bike rodeo was also approved. The council appointed Lisa Fontaine to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.

• Approved agenda (7‑0)
• Approved consent calendar of March 11 minutes and bill payments (7‑0)
• Approved gambling permit for Sacred Heart Catholic Church raffle (6‑1)
• Approved temporary liquor license for Sacred Heart Area School (6‑1)
• Approved gambling permit for Lakewood Health System raffle (6‑1)
• Approved 2025‑2027 Fire Service Contract with seven townships (7‑0)
• Approved road closure of Community Center parking lot for Bike Rodeo (7‑0)
• Appointed Lisa Fontaine to Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (7‑0)