Big Lake Chief of Police John Kaczmarek expressed the thoughts of everyone who was in attendance at Wednesday’s meeting of the Big Lake City Council after three new officers were sworn in.
“It gives me chills every time I see this,” Kaczmarek said.
As is often the case when a swearing in occurs, the gallery was full of family, friends and fellow police officers who have supported the inductees in their lives and will support them going forward. Kaczmarek took a moment to acknowledge and thank all the field training officers for their hard work and effort in developing the new officers.
Vehicle Purchase
Two items were taken off the consent agenda to be discussed during the regular council meeting at the request of Council Member Ken Halvorson. Both resolutions concerned the purchase of vehicles.
Item 6G was a request for two trucks for the water department totaling $112,331.79. Item 6H was for three vehicles for the Streets Department totaling $170,670.27.
Halvorson questioned Streets, Parks, and Fleet Superintendent Norm Michels about the timing of the vehicle replacement. Michels responded by explaining that problems began in 2020 when staff had difficulty ordering replacements due to a lack of inventory. The problem has persisted.
“I’ve been as creative as I could be,” said Michels.
The fleet consists of 16-17 trucks, Michels didn’t have an exact number, but mentioned that he has pushed back some replacements noting that there is still an ’01 and ’05 model still in use. Council Member Kim Noding said the amount and number were “a little breathtaking.”
Michels seemed to reassure her concerns by stating that he feels that they’ve received the most out of the vehicles they’re replacing and expect to get 20 years out of each new vehicle. Both resolutions passed unanimously.
Public Hearing
A couple of concerned citizens addressed the council during a public hearing for the final plans and specifications for the 2025 Street and Utility Project #ST2025-1. They expressed concerns about notification and allocation.
The first speaker from Highline Drive said they first heard of the project when the received a letter in the mail. Public notices were posted in the Patriot on Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, 2025. They also asked why they were bearing the cost when the street is used by everyone. City Engineer Layne Otteson, responded by explaining that the city is paying 98% of the costs for Highline.
Concerns About City Hall
City Administrator Hanna Klimmek mentioned that staff had recently attended the annual Ehlers Conference on Public Finance for refreshers on municipal finance best practices. This seemed to lead to Halvorson expressing concerns about the upcoming City Hall project suggesting that the city might consider Capital Improvement Bonds which do not require a ballot measure. He asked if there was a way for citizens to “voice their opinion or stop the program.” Klimmek noted that there will be a series of public hearings that will involve the community.
Finance Director Deb Wegeleben, added that if the council would approve financing with Capital Investment Bonds, a 30-day hearing is required.
Misc. Consent Agenda Items
Doug Peterson was appointed to the Parks Advisory Committee Chair position and Scott Creighton to the Parks Advisory Committee Vice Chair position.
Council also approved a resolution to join the Central Mississippi River Partnership which aims to advance regional infrastructure and development priorities through collective action and advocacy.
