During last week’s Big Lake City Council meeting, a public hearing was held before assessing street improvement costs to landowners’ property taxes. City Engineer Layne Otteson took the opportunity to go over the details of the project once again, showing before and after photos and explaining why work was done, as well as detailing the various public hearings and other meetings to gather resident input throughout the project. 

Those affected by the project had the opportunity to speak before the council, and had the opportunity to formally contest the assessment if they wished. 

One resident spoke to say that the assessment ended up being much more than he anticipated, and wished that he’d had an opportunity earlier in the process to review the final price. 

Another spoke to say the work was not done correctly on his streets, as there is already cracking. He also felt that the full scope of the project was not well communicated. 

Another woman spoke to say that the work in her cul-de-sac looks great, but she likewise had a case of sticker shock, as the price she anticipated paying was around $3,000, when she ultimately received a bill for $8,400.

Otteson addressed a few of the issues before the council made their decision. Council went on to discuss the possibility of investigating the policy regarding assessment of cul-de-sac properties in the future.

New Fire Engine

City staff recommended a change order, which, among other things, included a change in the paint that would be applied to the new truck. Council member Ken Halverson raised concerns over the change order due to the cost of the paint and the “rebranding” of the department to use new colors. Mark Hedstrom of the Fire Department explained that the change was due to seeing other departments switch to different color schemes. This would help to identify Big Lake when multiple fire departments are responding to a scene. He also noted that the change order included removing some gold lettering, which helped to offset the cost some. 

Halverson countered by noting the truck was already over budget. 

Council Member Sam Hanson, who also serves with the fire department, noted that the unique paint scheme could also serve as a point of pride for the department, and the department could use a morale boost. 

After some further discussion, the proposed changes were approved, with Halverson being the sole dissenting vote. 

Student Liaison Report

Student Liaison Allie Cross shared a video on the recent career fair at the school. She also spoke about a “Mental Toughness” seminar offered to students and families in October. 

In Other Business, the Council:

• Certified delinquent utility charges to property taxes;

• Heard administrator, mayor, and council reports.