What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
Opening of the work session and agenda approval
Mayor Pilon opened the work session, those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance was recorded, and the council approved the work session agenda by a 3-aye motion.
Agenda: 1. Motions: M1. Speakers: Mayor Pilon, Council Member Breyen, Rainville.
2024 Capital Improvement Plan and outside revenues
The council used the work session to review the 2024 Capital Improvement Plan and longer-range planning. The discussion included expected public-safety grant money, expected Small Cities road money, recent tax receipts, and the purpose of the CIP as a planning tool for future councils and the public.
Agenda: 2. Speakers: Mayor Pilon, Administrator Lehner, Finance Consultant Lori Yager.
2023 road repairs, Jasper Street, Xenon Street, striping, and parking lots
Road needs were reviewed, including Jasper Street, where the engineer's full resurfacing estimate and possible resident assessments were considered too high, leading staff to plan repairs to the worst areas instead. Xenon Street, striping on Old Viking, 185th, 187th, and Clifton Road, and city parking lot resurfacing and striping were also listed for 2023 work.
Agenda: 2. Speakers: Mayor Pilon.
Road study and culvert inventory
The council discussed the need for a road study to guide future road repairs and maintenance and to preserve Public Works Supervisor Joe Glaze's knowledge of roads and culverts. Council Member Breyen said he recalled that the city was supposed to keep a culvert inventory and would check on it.
Agenda: 2. Speakers: Council Member Breyen.
Fire Department equipment planning
The council reviewed Fire Department equipment needs in the CIP, including the delayed tanker delivery, a proposed rescue truck motor replacement, future encrypted radios, annual turnout gear funding, and the Sterling 9500 funded by the equipment bond. Staff was directed to bring a request for council action and resolution on the rescue truck motor to an August council meeting.
Agenda: 2. Speakers: Mayor Pilon, Chief Schmidt, Council Member Breyen, Council Member Rainville.
Parks and trails planning
The council discussed whether a parks and trail plan was warranted, whether current parks are being used by Nowthen residents, and whether money would be better spent improving existing parks than adding trails. The discussion also covered a possible parks tour, Memorial Park shelter improvements, rental form updates, and the distinction between capital items and maintenance.
Agenda: 2. Speakers: Council Member Rainville, Finance Consultant Lori Yager.
Future Fire Department building and water supply
Before Chief Schmidt left, the council returned to long-term Fire Department needs. The chief and mayor raised the need to think ahead about a future fire station location and funding, while also discussing a faster water source for filling tanker trucks, including possible use of a Mortz family well or smaller wells around the city.
Agenda: 2. Speakers: Mayor Pilon, Chief Schmidt, Administrator Lehner.
Capital improvements to city buildings
The council reviewed future building needs, including limited improvements to Historic Town Hall because of possible County Road 5 expansion, a future addition to the city offices for chambers, meetings, seniors, and elections, and a cold storage building for Public Works equipment.
Agenda: 2. Speakers: Council Member Rainville.
Waco Street, Erkium, MS4, and future bonding
The council revisited roads for 2024 and beyond, including whether to remove Erkium from the CIP because it was not in Ramsey's 2024 plan, how to handle Waco Street costs and possible assessments, whether the engineer should prepare a feasibility study, possible MS4 funding if pond contamination is found, and the likelihood of bonding in 2025 and 2027.
Agenda: 2.
Adjournment
The council voted 3 ayes to adjourn, and the meeting ended at 8:00 pm.
Agenda: 3. Motions: M2. Speakers: Council Member Rainville, Breyen.