During the recent Big Lake City Council meeting, John Kaczmarek was officially sworn in as the new Big Lake Police Chief. Kaczmarek gave a statement, saying how honored he was to be named the new chief. There to support him were Kaczmarek’s friends, family, and colleagues. He gave thanks to his parents, both of which served as inspirations to him by dedicating their careers to helping others, and to his wife and children, for supporting him.
Mayor Paul Knier noted that the council had full faith in the new chief and were honored to have him.
Open Forum
Gloria Vande Brake, Chamber of Commerce Director, spoke to thank those who attended the political forum September 26. A recording of the forum is available at tinyurl.com/BigLakeVideoStream. Another forum featuring county and state representatives will take place October 10. The recording of this event will also be available online.
Manufacturer’s Month
The city council declared that October would be Manufacturer’s Month. City officials planned to tour local manufacturers and promote Big Lake manufacturing businesses on social media throughout the month.
Department Reports
Public Works noted that they were able to transplant a maple tree that needed to be moved due to street projects. Buoys at Lakeside Park have been removed as the park is not being utilized as much in the fall weather. Fall fertilizing and aerating at city parks is completed, and irrigation blowouts have begun. With winter approaching, Public Works director Norm Michels reminded the public that no parking was allowed on city streets between midnight and 8 a.m., beginning November 1 and ending April 1. Street parking during daytime hours is also prohibited during/after snowfall of more than two inches, until the streets are cleared. If a vehicle cannot be moved for any reason, owners are instructed to contact the police department. State law also states homeowners may not push snow into the street. All of these laws and ordinances are posted on the city website.
Administrator Hanna Klimmek noted that the annual Xcel Community Breakfast featured questions and concerns over the solar farm project, and she promised to keep council informed on the issue going forward. The Big Lake Job Fair took place at the high school recently and was a success.
In Other Business, the Council:
• Approved a bid for work on the Well Number One Improvement Project B for the amount of $477,000, a price well above what city staff hoped to pay, but the lowest price available due to the current economy;
• Heard a report from the water/wastewater department, including a report on the process of cleaning out “flushable” wipes that clog the sewer system.
