Called to Order
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.
Roll Call
Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon.
Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, Police Chief Horner
Agenda Items
Overview of the 2024 Audit Report by Brady Martz
Matt Laughlin presented the audit, reporting a clean (unmodified) opinion.
Review Monthly Expenditure Reports
Expenditures were reviewed with no major concerns. Notable items included sanitary sewer relining and service center bills. Everything is tracking as expected.
Quarterly Engineer Report
Engineering costs are in line with the budget. Public Works site engineering is a major component.
Update on Viking Trailer Court
David Wick reported on completed drainage improvements and plans for 2025. A proposed plan from the engineer is expected by December and will report back full project completion is estimated to take at least five years.
Discuss Renewing School Resource Officer Contract
The SRO contract will be renewed for five years with updated school contributions due to inflation. Payment terms will shift to biannual (January and August).
Discuss Master Police Officer Position
A new Master Officer role will replace two sergeant positions, offering advancement opportunities and integrating FTO duties. The change is budget-neutral and supports retention.
Discuss Series F, Red River Valley Water Supply Project
No immediate action required; further discussion will occur later.
Discuss Extension of City Administrator’s Contract
The Commission expressed strong support for Gwen Crawford. Commissioner Erickson inquired if contract could be extended to 2030.
Discuss Bids for Northwest Area Water System Improvements
Three contracts totaling $3.47M were awarded, with a total project cost of $4.3M. The city’s share is $1.7M, with a $500K buy-down. A 2% water rate increase will cover the bond repayment. The Commission agreed to include the alternate bid for removing the National Guard water tower, contingent on cost-share approval.
Discuss Water Tower Surcharge Amount
A $1.90 monthly surcharge was recommended (instead of $2.00) to cover the bond repayment. This will be included in the January billing cycle.
Discuss Status of Phase IV PFP
Final plan review is scheduled for mid-November. Bidding is expected before or after Christmas. Funding is in place.
Discuss Permitting of Concrete Work and Regulation of Stormwater Management
The Commission discussed requiring permits for new concrete work and drainage plans for elevated construction in floodplains. Ordinance updates will be drafted for review.
Department Reports
Sanitation Department Forman Swart reported landfill software goes live Nov. 3. Credit card payments are increasing. Electronic recycling event planned for January.
Water Department Projects are on hold pending final approvals. Lead line inventory submitted.
Electric Department Electrical Superintendent Senf reported no major updates; awaiting foundation work.
Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson reported they have received $179,850 FEMA grant for bunker gear. Fire Prevention Week was a success.
Police Department Police Chief Horner reported 787 calls for service. Community engagement and active shooter training were highlights.
Street Department Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported hydrant flushing and snow equipment prep underway.
Administration
City Administrator Crawford discussed buyout policy exceptions and long-term planning for floodplain properties.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 PM.
