During last week’s meeting, the Big Lake City  Council discussed the fire station roof replacement. 

City Engineer Layne Otteson presented the bids for the roof replacement work. The lowest bid came from a company in St. Michael. Otteson stated this was because the company was closest to Big Lake, compared to the other companies who bid, and therefore their transportation costs were lower. The costs for this project will be shared with Big Lake Township, who co-owns the fire department.

Chamber of Commerce

Gloria Vande Brake of the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce spoke during open forum to remind the council and the audience of some of the upcoming chamber events. The first event she mentioned was the Chamber Parks Challenge, which went through April 22. Secondly, she spoke about the Community Fair which is taking place today (Saturday, April 23) at the Big Lake High School. She noted that many chamber businesses will be represented there, as well as many other attractions, including student performers, drama club students dressed up in their costumes from Shrek the Musical, law enforcement representatives with drunk goggles and bean bag toss, and a farmer’s market in the parking lot, to name a few. 

Street Projects

Otteson put a request before the council to increase engineering services, as he has had difficulty managing all the street projects himself. This would be an extension of a contract the city currently has with a consultant. The council approved his request.

Interim Administrator

Hanna Klimmek reported that, in her first few days as the interim city administrator, she has been working closely with the various city departments, and will continue to do so.

In Other Business, the Council:

• Amended an ordinance for buffer yards;

• Heard department reports from the fire and police departments;

• Heard updates from the city council.