To start the recent Big Lake City Council meeting, Mayor Paul Knier invited Mike Schneider of Bethany Bible Church to lead a prayer for the council. Schneider prayed that God would grant wisdom to the council as they made their decisions for the evening. 

Employee Recognition

Several employees were recognized for their years of service with the city and were given certificates. Julie Rathmanner of the finance department was recognized for her 10 years of service. Tara Hintz of the Liquor Store was recognized for her five years. 

In addition to these two, five firefighters were recognized. Eric Burleigh, Joshua Matich, Eric Rosa, and Lee Schroeder were each recognized for their five years of service. Douglas Novak was recognized for his 10 years of service. 

Fire Chief Seth Hansen thanked the firefighters for their dedication. He reminded the audience that each of the men had families and full time jobs, but they stepped up to serve their community on top of all of that. 

Open Forum

Marian Feather spoke to express concern over the garbage can ordinance. She complained that the city’s response to complaints would cost more than just removing the ordinance. She also spoke about bird feeding, saying that the attraction of birds would attract other animals hoping to prey on those birds.

Style Catering Liquor License

Kyle Geroux and Stacy Borchardt, owners of Style Catering, applied for a liquor license and a public hearing was held. The license would only be good for a four month term, from December through March, and Style would need to approach the council again to renew the license. 

Department Reports

Captain Tim Davis gave the monthly report for the fire department. The department recently welcomed four new firefighters to the team: Eric Boe, Trevor Roediger, Ryan Lien, and Steve Christenson. The four new recruits were still in training and doing well. Lupulin Brewing put out a new beer called “Hose Monster.” Some of the profits from sales of the drink were donated to the fire department in honor of fire prevention week earlier this month. 

City Administrator Hanna Klimmek gave the administrator’s report. She noted that Sherburne County recently held a meeting with cities and townships within the county to discuss the THC/cannabinoid regulation which has been a controversial topic since THC sales were legalized in Minnesota this summer. The county is waiting for the state to put regulations in place before imposing any of its own regulations. Premier Marine is participating in manufacturing month by scheduling tours of their new facility. Anyone interested in more information can contact Klimmek. The city has been undergoing a website redesign, and the changes will be made live November 18. The project has been in the works for about a year. The general election will be held November 8. The public accuracy testing, which is open to the public, will be held November 1 at 1 p.m. at the Sherburne County Government Center.