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Thief River Falls, MN

Thief River Falls public meetings in 2024

28 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 17, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to adopt final 2025 budget and tax levy

The Thief River Falls City Council will hold a public hearing on street and utility improvement assessments, then consider adopting the final 2025 budget and tax levy. The agenda includes numerous routine approvals, such as year-end accounts payable, utility write-offs, and several public works appointments, as well as a resolution to sponsor a multi-use trail connection at Lincoln High School.

budgettax-levypublic-hearingassessmentspublic-workswater-treatmenttrail-connection
Tue Dec 3, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to vote on cannabis ordinance, water dept. reclassifications

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider several items, including a second reading and approval of Ordinance 114.02 on cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles, step reclassifications in the Water Department, and authorizing advertising for a Ward 3 council vacancy. The meeting also includes a public forum, consent agenda, and a Truth in Taxation hearing at 6 p.m.

cannabiswater-departmentcouncil-vacancybudgetpublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Council approves cannabis ordinance, water dept. step raises, and Ward 3 vacancy process

The Thief River Falls City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 114.02, which regulates cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles, setting a 300-foot buffer from schools and other sites and adopting state hours. The council also approved step reclassifications for seven water department employees, authorized advertising for a Ward 3 council vacancy, approved an electronic poll book agreement with KNOWiNK, accepted a hazardous property at 517 Crocker Ave South for demolition, and authorized a letter of support for a Safe Routes to School grant. All votes were unanimous.

Tue Nov 19, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

City Council to certify election results and approve major purchases and contracts

The Thief River Falls City Council will certify the November 5 election results and vote on several new business items including equipment purchases, utility billing software, and land conveyances. A presentation on the 2025 Visit TRF budget will also be given.

electionsbudgetpurchaseszoningutilitiescannabispublic-works
Tue Nov 5, 2024 · 16:30

City Council

Council to approve drinking water protection plan and labor agreement

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider several routine and new business items, including a drinking water protection policy and plan, appointments to library boards, employment approvals, and a 2024-2026 labor agreement with M.A.P.S. The meeting also includes a public forum and a presentation on the surface water intake protection plan.

waterlaborappointmentsemploymentenergylibrary
Tue Oct 15, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to vote on storm water utility rate increase for 2025

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider several routine and notable items, including a one-year storm water utility rate increase for 2025, a commercial energy renovation loan, and an interim use permit request. The agenda also includes approvals for personnel transfers, a building code amendment, and a land conveyance. Most items are routine approvals, but the rate increase and loan are concrete financial decisions.

storm-waterutility-ratesloanszoningbuilding-codesland-conveyancepersonnel
Mon Oct 7, 2024 · 16:30

Public Safety/Liquor Committee

✓ Decided: Committee backs police investigator hire, moves to council

The Public Safety/Liquor Committee approved moving forward with a request for council action (RCA) to hire an internal applicant for the Investigator position, with the officer splitting time 50% as Task Force Officer and 50% as Investigator. The committee also scheduled a labor meeting for the liquor store on October 15 and discussed several operational items, including a drone purchase, a garage door opener, and a cannabis ordinance public hearing. No formal votes were taken; decisions were made by consensus.

City Hall Council Chambers, Thief River Falls
Tue Oct 1, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to authorize GO bond sale, utility card fees, public works hires

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider authorizing the issuance and sale of General Obligation bonds (series 2024A), approving a credit/debit card transaction fee for utility bills, and acting on public safety aid purchases and a school wetland notice. It will also vote on opening a Public Works Foreman position and a Lead Public Works Maintenance Worker position. The agenda includes routine consent items and a presentation by Flaherty & Hood.

bondsutilitiesfeespublic-safetypublic-worksschoolsbudget
✓ Decided: Council approves GO bonds, utility card fees, wildland fire truck

The City Council unanimously approved several resolutions, including issuing general obligation bonds (series 2024A), authorizing a transaction fee for credit/debit card utility payments effective January 1, 2025, spending about $30,000 from Public Safety Aid for a new wildland firefighting vehicle, and approving the Challenger Elementary wetland delineation. The council also authorized opening a Public Works Foreman position and a new Lead Public Works Maintenance Worker position, with the latter passing 4-2 with one abstention.

Tue Sep 17, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to vote on elevator repairs, code change, and hiring

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider several routine items, including filling a Cemetery Technician position, opening an Investigator position, approving a Towards Zero Death proposal, and authorizing repair work on the Carnegie and Depot elevators, the Carnegie foundation and steps, and the Public Library garage wall. They will also hold a first reading of a building permit code amendment and approve a municipal advisory service agreement with Northland Securities. The meeting includes a consent agenda for minutes and bills, and a public forum for non-agenda items.

city-councilelevator-repairsbuilding-codehiringpublic-safetyfinancial-services
✓ Decided: Council approves $80K Depot elevator modernization and $70K Carnegie elevator repair

The City Council unanimously approved several resolutions, including funding for elevator repairs and modernization at the Depot and Carnegie buildings, a $921,494.83 disbursement of bills, and the opening of two positions. The council also approved a $18,500 traffic safety grant and a first reading of a building code amendment for fire alarm permits.

Tue Sep 10, 2024 · 16:30

Administrative Services Committee

✓ Decided: Committee denies Venuworks severance request, advances four repair projects

The Administrative Services Committee denied a request from Venuworks to pay severance to employees, while agreeing to pay owed PTO. The committee also approved sending four repair and modernization proposals to the City Council for approval. Security system upgrades for the arena east entrance were declined pending further research.

City Hall Room 201, Thief River Falls
Tue Sep 3, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to adopt preliminary 2025 budget and tax levy

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider adopting the preliminary 2025 budget and tax levy, along with several rezoning requests and ordinance amendments. The agenda includes routine consent items, new business, and informational items. No major policy decisions are expected beyond these routine approvals.

budgettax-levyzoningordinanceparkinginterim-usemndotliquor-license
✓ Decided: Council adopts preliminary 2025 budget and proposed $4.05M tax levy

The City Council unanimously adopted the preliminary 2025 budget and approved a proposed 2025 tax levy of $4,051,075, a 10.66% increase over last year. The council also approved several zoning changes, including rezoning a Valley Assisted Living property back to residential and adding new parking requirements for day care facilities. A new interim use ordinance was adopted, and the council approved hiring a power plant operator and a contract for wastewater repair services.

Tue Aug 20, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to consider $6.2M bond sale, union contract, and zoning changes

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider issuing $6,225,000 in general obligation bonds, approve a contract for bond services, and vote on several land-use items including an interim use ordinance, off-street parking amendment, a conditional use permit for a daycare, and a rezoning for assisted living. They will also approve a new union contract for law enforcement and benefit packages for non-union employees, plus equipment purchases and job description updates.

bondszoningordinancepublic-safetycontractsequipmenthousing
Tue Aug 6, 2024 · 16:30

City Council

Council to consider VFW liquor license and rural fire contract

The Thief River Falls City Council is meeting to consider two new business items: a temporary intoxicating liquor license for VFW Post 2793 and a new Rural Fire Contract for 2024-2029. The agenda also includes routine consent items (approval of prior meeting minutes and city bills/disbursements) and public forum time. No other substantive actions are listed.

liquor-licensefire-contractcity-councilconsent-agenda
✓ Decided: Council approves rural fire contract, VFW liquor license, and payments

The City Council approved a 2024-2029 rural fire contract with six townships, a temporary liquor license for VFW Post 2793, and authorized $1,469,083.36 in bills and disbursements. Councilmembers were appointed to committee meetings, and the meeting adjourned at 4:34 p.m.

Mon Jul 22, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to hold closed session on Lift Station 9 litigation

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet on July 22, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The main item is a closed session to discuss pending or threatened litigation related to the Lift Station 9 Improvements and Force Main Replacement Project. The rest of the agenda is procedural, including agenda approval, upcoming meeting announcements, and adjournment.

litigationinfrastructuremeetingprocedural
405 3rd St E, Thief River Falls
Tue Jul 16, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to vote on cannabis moratorium, election judges, and loans

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider a second reading and adoption of an interim moratorium on commercial cannabis cultivation and retail sales, approve election judges for the 2024 primary and general elections, and act on several financial items including a delinquent CDAB loan and a commercial energy renovation loan. The agenda also includes routine approvals, a closed session on pending litigation, and a 2023 audit presentation.

cannabiselectionsloanslitigationauditcity-council
✓ Decided: Council adopts interim moratorium on cannabis sales and cultivation

The City Council adopted an interim moratorium prohibiting commercial cannabis sales and cultivation until January 1, 2025, to allow time for study and ordinance development. The council also approved several routine items, including election judges, a $73,000 energy renovation loan, and a $800,000 commitment to the Chief's Coulee flood project. A closed session was held to discuss pending litigation on Lift Station 9 improvements.

Tue Jul 2, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

City Council to hold public hearing on cannabis moratorium

The Thief River Falls City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed interim moratorium on commercial cannabis cultivation and retail sales within city limits. The council will also conduct a first reading of the ordinance to adopt this moratorium.

cannabiszoningpublic-hearingordinancecity-council
Mon Jun 24, 2024 · 17:00

City Council

City Council to vote on management contract for major city venues

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet to discuss and potentially approve a new contract with Oak View Group for management services of the Ralph Engelstad Arena, Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center, MEC, and Tourist Park. The meeting will also include procedural items and scheduling for upcoming committee meetings.

city-councilcontractsvenuesmanagementpublic-facilities
✓ Decided: Council approves Oak View Group arena management contract

The City Council voted 5-4 to approve a management agreement with Oak View Group for the Ralph Engelstad Arena, Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center, MEC, and Tourist Park, effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2030. A prior resolution to deny the contract failed. The city administrator and mayor are authorized to execute the agreement after final review by the city attorney.

405 3rd St E, Thief River Falls
Tue Jun 18, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to vote on loitering ban, cannabis moratorium, land transfer

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider several ordinances and agreements, including a second reading and approval of a loitering prohibition, a moratorium on commercial cannabis cultivation and retail sales, and a contribution agreement and real property transfer to North Star Neighbors, a nonprofit land trust. The council will also decide on a fire station roof replacement, reclassification of the Deputy Police Chief, and temporary liquor licenses for American Legion Post 117. Consent agenda items include approval of June 4 proceedings and bills/disbursements.

ordinanceloiteringcannabisland-transferfire-stationliquor-licensepolice
Tue May 21, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

City Council to vote on water plant pump house, street paving, and sanitation truck purchase

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet on May 21, 2024, to decide on several infrastructure and operational items, including approval of a new water treatment plant pump house, street improvements on Kendall Ave and Crocker Ave, and the purchase of a 2025 sanitation truck. The meeting also includes routine approvals, personnel decisions, and temporary liquor license applications.

infrastructurewater-treatmentroadssanitationcontractspermitspersonnel
✓ Decided: Council approves $1.27M street project, new sanitation truck, and lineworker hires

The City Council approved a $1,267,480.50 street improvement contract for Kendall and Crocker Avenues, a $294,487 sanitation truck purchase, and a $15,398 ventilation upgrade for the Water Treatment Plant. The council also approved creating and filling an Apprentice Lineworker position, adjusted existing lineworker pay steps, and extended the Venuworks management contract termination to June 30, 2024. Several liquor licenses and beer-in-the-park permits were approved, along with a resolution for a MnDOT striping partnership.

Tue May 7, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

City Council to approve new HR hire and police trailer upgrades

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet on May 7, 2024, to conduct routine business including approving past meeting minutes, bills, and disbursements. New items include hiring a Human Resource Coordinator, approving a gambling license for the Hive Bar and Grill, and authorizing police department upgrades to a mobile command trailer.

employmentgambling-licensepolicehuman-resourcespermits
✓ Decided: Council approves negotiations with Oakview Group 360 for arena management

The City Council approved several resolutions, including authorizing staff to begin negotiations with Oakview Group 360 for full management of the Ralph Engelstad Arena, Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center, Multi-Events Center, and Tourist Park. The council also approved hiring Les Backer as Human Resource Coordinator, a gambling license for TRFAHA at the Hive Bar and Grill, and $16,821.73 for a police mobile command trailer. All votes were unanimous except the Oakview negotiation, which passed without a recorded tally.

Fri Apr 19, 2024 · 17:00

General

City Council to consider liquor license and housing funding support

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet to discuss routine items and new business, including a request to support a funding application for Edge Housing LLC and a vote on a temporary liquor license for American Legion Post 117. The meeting will also include public forum, presentations, and committee reports.

housingliquor-licensefundingcity-councilpublic-meeting
Tue Apr 16, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

City Council to vote on $800,000 Chief’s Coulee Project commitment and Edge Housing rezoning

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet to discuss and vote on several key items, including a $800,000 commitment for the Chief’s Coulee Project, rezoning requests for Edge Housing LLC, and approvals for temporary liquor permits and fireworks displays. The meeting will also include routine approvals and informational updates.

budgethousinginfrastructureliquor-licensingrezoningwetlands
Tue Apr 2, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

✓ Decided: Council adopts new city code, approves police and fire equipment purchases

The council unanimously approved a comprehensive new Code of Ordinances, adopted amendments to sign regulations, and authorized multiple public safety equipment purchases. It also accepted a state grant for the ice plant project and hired a new forester.

Tue Mar 19, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to vote on sign, setback code changes and library bathroom project

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider several routine approvals and new business items, including amendments to city code on governmental signs and C-2 yard setbacks, a library bathroom project, a hazardous building declaration, and a rental inspection workgroup. The consent agenda covers prior meeting minutes and city bills/disbursements.

zoningcode-amendmentlibraryhazardous-buildinganimal-controlrental-inspectioncity-council
Tue Mar 5, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to consider sanding unit purchase and equipment certificates

The Thief River Falls City Council will meet to consider routine consent items, including approval of previous meeting minutes and bills/disbursements. Under new business, they will vote on purchasing a public works sanding unit, issuing General Obligation Equipment Certificates Series 2024a, and approving an independent service contract with Holly Eckstein. The meeting also includes a public forum and reports from boards and commissions.

public-worksequipmentfinancecontractscity-council
✓ Decided: Council approves $3.75M equipment certificates for arena refrigeration

The City Council approved a resolution to issue $3.75 million in general obligation equipment certificates to finance arena refrigeration and associated equipment. The council also approved several other items, including a sanding unit purchase, an independent contractor agreement for HR services, and the hiring of multiple full-time off-sale clerks. All votes were unanimous.

Tue Feb 20, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to approve 2024 street and utility improvement plans

The Thief River Falls City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2024 Street and Utilities Improvements project and consider approving its plans and specifications. The agenda also includes several routine approvals, such as bills, police department purchases, union contracts, and a request for proposals for venue management services.

streetsutilitiespublic-hearingpolicecontractstransportationvenue-management
Tue Feb 6, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to approve copier deal and Multi-Events Center agreement

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider routine consent items, including approval of prior meeting minutes and city bills, and will vote on two new business items: a copier agreement for the Electric Department and a Joint Powers Agreement for the Multi-Events Center. The meeting also includes a public forum and a proclamation acknowledging the 50th anniversary of a tragic accident.

city-councilcontractsmulti-events-centerelectric-departmentpublic-forum
Tue Jan 16, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to approve 2024 street and utility improvements feasibility report

The Thief River Falls City Council will consider several routine and new business items, including approving the final plat for the South Greenwood Cemetery addition, setting 2024 mileage and meal reimbursement rates, adopting an elected officials mobile device policy, and making board and commission appointments. The council will also authorize a $13,000 payment to Marshall County for a used police pickup, approve an animal capture services agreement, and review the 2024 Street and Utilities Improvements Feasibility Report. The meeting includes a public forum and consent agenda for routine approvals.

cemeteryreimbursementpolicepurchasestreetsutilitiesappointments
Tue Jan 2, 2024 · 17:30

City Council

Council to approve routine 2024 items, designate official newspaper

The Thief River Falls City Council is meeting to handle routine administrative business for the new year, including approving the consent agenda, designating the official newspaper, and making appointments and committee assignments. No major policy decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

city-counciladministrativeappointmentsnewspapertort-liability