The September 11, 2024 meeting of the Big Lake City Council opened with a moment of silence to remember the 23rd anniversary of the attacks on 9/11. Afterward, Mayor Paul Knier offered these words, “Let’s also remember those first responders who serve our community, our state, and our nation as well. So, thank you to everyone who is a first responder and who takes good care of us.”
The mayor and all members of the council except for Kim Noding were present.
Firefighter Retirement Plan
Lieutenant Noel Krebs was on hand to answer council questions about the proposal to allow the Big Lake Fire Department to join the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Retirement Plan instead of the current plan offered through the Public Employee Retirement Association. The SVFR has a benefit level of $7,000 and a vesting schedule of 40% at five years of service increasing 4% a year until 100% at 20 years of service.
Council member Ken Halvorson expressed concerns about giving so much control of the pension plan to the state. He noted that if the state does not invest the money for the fund wisely, “the city and the township are on the hook to cover it. They can’t take a cut.”
Lt. Krebs offered his reassurances.
“One third of the state volunteer fire departments are on this plan,” he said. “They haven’t had anyone leave yet as of January first and they’ve been around since 2006, so that’s a pretty good track record.”
The resolution was passed.
2025 Preliminary Levy
Finance Director Deb Wegeleben presented the 2025 Preliminary levy for both the city of Big Lake and the Big Lake Economic Development Agency to the council.
Discussions on the budget levy began in June of this year. In seeking the approval of the council, Wegeleben reminded them that the preliminary levy amount can be reduced, but cannot be increased at the final levy certification which occurs in December 2024. The next scheduled budget workshop will occur on November 13, 2024 and the public truth in taxation meeting will be held on November 25.
The preliminary levy will increase the city budget by $279,697 or 4.99%. Wegeleben attributes that increase to an increase in the cost of offering city services. To put that in perspective, a home worth approximately $300K in 2024, will increase the annual property tax for the owner by $57.00. Both resolutions for the Preliminary levy for the city and for BLEDA were passed.
Student Update
Big Lake Student President Allie Cross updated the council on the happenings at Big Lake Schools. She informed the council that students began the day with a moment of silence to honor those lost during 9/11 and that curriculum in their History classes was dedicated to the event. Cross presented enrollment numbers. Current enrollment is down slightly over last year. At the end of the 2023/24 school year, 3,118 students were enrolled compared to the current 3,094 students. Cross then shared that students will be busy for the next two weeks planning for homecoming on Friday, Sept. 27.
Administrator’s Report
Hannah Klimmek, City Administrator, announced that pickleball courts are now open at Hudson Woods Park. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. She also reminded everyone that absentee voting begins on Sept. 20. Further information can be found at https://www.co.sherburne.mn.us/997/2024-Election-Information.
The regular council meeting concluded as they moved to a closed session to discuss labor negotiation strategy for the law enforcement labor services contract.
