Okay, at this time I'll call the order the July 27th, 2026 regular council meeting to order. Please rise if you're available to can. Pledge. >> Make motion to adopt tonight's agenda. >> Second. >> A motion and second. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Presentations. >> [sighs and gasps] >> Citywide photo contest. Mr. Mayor and council, wanted to um wanted to just make note of the winner of the 2026 East Bethel Citywide photo contest. This is the first annual photo contest we had in East Bethel, and we did this for not only a fun event for the community, but also uh with the new newsletter, we can use some of these photos for for some of the in lieu of stock photography, we can use some of these photos in that. Uh at any rate, seven people submitted a total of 22 eligible photos. Uh they were judged by a panel of city staff uh and uh judged on overall impact, originality, creativity, composition, photographic quality, technical skills, and suitability for city publications. And the winning photo was submitted by Luke Anderson, entitled Stormy Evening, and was taken in the Bear Hollow neighborhood of East Bethel. Mr. Anderson will receive a certificate of recognition, which was signed this evening uh by all the council members and the mayor, and a $50 gift uh certificate to Smokey's Pub and Grub Grill, located in the Lake Beach neighborhood of East Bethel. Um and uh we will do this again. So, for maybe those that hadn't submitted uh the their photos, um be sure to submit it next time. And we will show you the photo. This is the winning photo. Yeah. Cool. Not sure how they caught that, but that's uh I'm told there was no trick photography and no editing. So, kind of an interesting uh >> Just luck. >> What's that? >> Just luck. >> Just luck. Here, Mr. Anderson. Okay. Oh, congratulations. Very nice. All right. So, we have a um signed >> certificate book. >> You should actually come up and have a picture. We take a picture? >> Take a picture. >> Take a picture picture. >> Oh, sure. >> You want to go in the background? Are you going to open the certificate? Yeah, congratulations. >> Where was it taken? >> Uh It it was taken in the Bear Hollow neighborhood. >> Okay. >> Kind of above 181st and uh Jackson. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Great picture. Great picture. >> It's a great picture. >> It's really good. >> Thank you. Sheriff's report. >> Uh good evening, Mayor and Council. It's good to be back. Um June had a total of 472 calls for service last month. We responded to a one assault, a theft report, and two damage to property calls. We made a total of 19 arrests for miscellaneous offenses. Uh we made 130 traffic stops, which resulted in 30 traffic citations on our roadways. Uh a few of our notable calls, one being on the 2nd of June at 8:36 p.m. Deputy Madsen made a traffic stop on a vehicle on Sand Hill Parkway near Viking Boulevard for expired registration. The vehicle was flagged as an impound. While speaking with the driver, Deputy Madsen uh noticed a male sitting in the passenger seat who he believed had a a warrant for his arrest. He confirmed that after running the checks and arrested the the passenger for an active gross misdemeanor warrant out of our county. Male was taken into our jail without incident and uh booked there on the active warrant. On the 18th of June at 7:56 p.m. Deputy Kirchen responded to the area of Highway 65 and 237th Avenue on a property damage crash involving two vehicles. On arrival, he spoke to both of the parties involved who told him that they were not injured. One of the parties uh smelled of alcohol and was confused when asked basic questions. Deputy Kirchen had that driver perform standardized field sobriety tests, which she ultimately failed. Uh, a preliminary breath test was given which reported an initial value of .25. The driver was arrested and transported to our Sheriff's Office for further evidentiary testing. She was later booked into the jail for 3rd degree DWI. And then finally on the 23rd of June at 12:03 a.m. Deputy Madsen stopped a vehicle near the 22100 block of 7th Street after learning that the person known to drive that vehicle had a canceled driver's license. After approaching the car, Deputy Madsen spoke with the driver and confirmed that they did indeed have a canceled license. The driver was arrested at the stop location and transported to jail on uh gross misdemeanor charges of driving after cancellation inimical to public safety. So, uh very active month for us traffic-wise. And as I always say at this time of year, um I haven't had a chance to give my PSA on summer safety. We're already almost into August, but at any rate, please stay alert behind the wheel. Uh we had a few crashes out there. Our our kids in the neighborhood are biking, neighbors are walking dogs, and our our roads are obviously more active than than usual at this time of year. So, lock your vehicles, secure your valuables, and look out for your neighbors. If you see something that doesn't look right, just say something. A a call goes a long way. So. Any questions for your deputy? >> I actually have two questions. One, when um people are arrested and for DUIs or whatever warrants, do you guys tow the cars or do you allow people to come and get them for them? What is the policy? >> Yeah, good good question. Um that's got a a very multifaceted response. So, usually during an arrest, we'll tow the vehicle. Um that's not in all cases, either. If we have a passenger that's in the passenger seat that's happens to be sober, that has a valid driver's license, we can make arrangements there, um depending on what it is, of course. Um but we usually use that we leave that up to the deputy's discretion. Now, if a vehicle is parked on private property, we are not going to tow on that. So, sometimes we have abandoned vehicles that are in um uh private businesses, things of that nature, that's the responsibility of the homeowner or the owner of the property to take care of those vehicles in that situation. So, the situation is really it's really dependent on the situation um and how we choose to or what we do with that vehicle. If it's a traffic hazard, we've got to tow it. Um if it's not, we can certainly let it sit, uh depending really depending on what it is. >> And my other question is about kids on these e-bikes. Um I know there's a few complaints in East Bethel, but I see them all around the county, and um I'm just wondering if there's a crackdown, if you guys can uh confiscate them, if you know, especially if their parents are at home or what what are we doing? >> Yeah, a a lot of it's more of the educational component, I think, um over enforcement. So, there are a lot of ins and outs of that law and I and I'll I'll be completely transparent. I'm not completely up to speed on exactly how those laws are written and how the city ordinance is. Um I know that some of our cities are cracking down and writing ordinances of their of their own. Uh safety and education is of our utmost concern. So, usually most of the times the deputies will stop the the child usually that's on these e-bikes, explain to them what they're seeing, what the issues um with their conduct is cuz usually it's something that brings their attention into our frame of view. Uh and then usually we'll follow with the parents, you know. Um again, like I said before, please, if you see something, call us and we'll come out and we'll take a look at it. Um like I said before, enforcement, I think a lot of this um needs to be hammered out. I think there's a lot of ins and outs to some of these vehicles. There's a CC requirement on some of the motors, things of that nature and uh we just don't have the the equipment to determine exactly how big that motor is. Is that what type of classification is that? Um there's a lot of makes and models out there that make the enforcement of some of these laws extremely difficult. So, we're looking for a little bit of clarification from higher on up. >> Okay, thanks. >> I do have a question. I've been reading [clears throat] your reports. That one guy you picked up for a uh a warrant in another county and you arrested him, took him to jail, but it says right away and released. >> Yep. >> So, they just let him go right after that or >> Yep. We'll bring him to our jail. We usually get him to our jail and then depending on what county has a hold on him or who put that warrant out, usually they'll just get another court date. >> Okay. I got a question, too, Jerica. Anything going on with Nexus since they reopened? >> No, uh Nexus has been very quiet. Um we appreciate the cooperation there on the on that side of things. Uh, I know their numbers are are down uh as per the orders of the state. So, I haven't heard anything from there. >> Okay. How about I maybe setting up a meeting? Are you are you thinking about that? Sometime let us know and then we can be there as well just to see what's happening. Great. Thank you. >> All right. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Derek. >> Good to have you back. >> Uh, fire chief. Or deputy chief. >> Good evening, Mayor and council members. Uh, Chief Sloka has decided that he wants, and I agree with him, that uh we should have some professional development opportunities for all of our officers. So, you guys are stuck with me tonight. Um, since our last meeting back in June, um we've had a total of 76 calls for service. Um, we've had four personal injury accidents, one structure fire, that was a mutual aid that we went out on um to a neighboring community, uh two vehicle fires, and then we actually had 11 breathing difficulties. Um, and we're kind of attributing that more than likely to the increased um smoke and air quality cuz of the wildfires the past few weeks. Um just uh couple notable things going on at the fire department. We have two new candidates. Um, one started July 1st and we have one starting August 1st. Um, and that brings our staffing to a total of 35 members on the department. Um, we had a number of people out at Booster Days. Um, we had a a booth set up there, I believe. And uh it sounded like we had about 80 to 100 people that we directly interacted with there. And I think we had one one application either filled out or grabbed and hopefully they're going to fill it out. So. Um, just a reminder yet Night to Unite is August 4th. That should be next week. Um, we're getting geared up with our crews to just head out to all the parties for that. Um, as of this afternoon, I checked the current fire danger in our area, it's moderate. With that being said, um, everybody just needs to remember to be safe and make smart decisions when it comes to bonfires and permit burns and everything. It has been very dry and very hot out. Um, and then just a couple other various projects that we have going on. Um, we're still working on some truck organization for some of our uh, engines and we're working on some other um, equipment purchases and things of that nature. Any questions for the fire department? >> What was the date on the night to unite again? >> Uh, it should be the 4th, August 4th. So, a week from tomorrow, I believe. >> Speaking of the night to unite, the seniors are having a night to unite from 11:00 to 1:00, so it's more of a lunch to unite. And the fire department is invited, so make sure that anybody that's on duty comes on up and says hi and um, has some good food. >> We'll make sure we forward that on to our staff. >> Thanks. >> Mhm. All right. >> All right, thank you. >> Uh, Mark, I don't believe anybody signed up, right? Okay. Moving on, uh, consent agenda. Make a motion to approve >> Approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. >> I want to pull A. >> A? Anything else? >> Yeah, I want to pull D, also. >> D, okay. Okay, we have motion and second for the uh, consent agenda as amended, all those in favor? >> Aye. Aye. Opposed? Item A. Yeah, Matt, I was wondering this week I didn't see no explanations on any bills. Am I the only one that didn't have that or didn't it come out? >> It didn't come out. >> It didn't come out? You didn't get it either? >> No. >> So, I got a question on page 19, second item, small tools and minor equipment, Morgan Miller for $1,300 and $1.99. Do you know what's happening with that? >> Let me try and find it. >> Or what it's about. >> We have a different layout than I do here. Let me just find it quickly. What's it under? >> Morgan Miller. >> Small tools and minor equipment, street maintenance. >> Oh, I see it. >> So, this is a tree pusher. It was purchased for $1,301.99. >> What's a tree pusher? >> Called a tree pusher is what was detailed as um as a line item. >> Morgan Miller she the one that's supplying that? That's what we're paying for? >> Or is that a company? >> Or is that a company? >> Yeah, I can look it up here. This will be for parks. In particular, obviously, but um some equipment. Yeah, just a street pusher on it. Um Viking Mountain Tool Works. Pushing large hardwood trees safely. >> So, the person's name that we're writing the check to, that's their company? >> That's the person who's getting reimbursed for it. So. >> Okay, so is that brand new piece of equipment? >> This would be a new one, yep. Yep. >> All right. I'll make a motion to approve item A on the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Motion second, any further discussion? None being heard, all those in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? None heard. Item D. >> Item D, I'm curious about this uh Long Beach trip here. What can you share with us with that? Sounds like a large expense to me. >> Yeah, so >> None of >> So, Mr. Mayor and Council, this is um ICMA, the um manager association that uh holds an annual conference. Um I went I attended the one two years ago in Pittsburgh. Uh the one last year was in uh Tampa, but my schedule didn't uh didn't allow me to uh to attend that one. And then this one is in Long Beach. Um Essentially, it's an annual conference that uh that's put on. They provide uh you know, latest greatest information on on anything legal or anything um federal that's required for city management. Um there is uh one of the beneficial parts of it is the networking part, but also there's a lot of vendors there in case we're looking for anything, you know, we can chase them down. They're going to be present and willing to share their knowledge on different things and um and it's I as I put in the write-up, it's kind of like um continuing education for attorneys. Um we don't have anything like that for city administrators, but it's uh but it'd be something similar to that that um that you would attend annually. There's this the You've attended the one up in um >> Right. >> uh for the for the state as well. That's usually up in Duluth. I think it was in Rochester this year. I couldn't attend that one this year. But uh they have the state one and then they have the national one. So. >> That's what I'm trying to figure [clears throat] out if it's really necessary that we do that. I can understand if we're in our state, but start running around to different states, I don't know. I feel that's quite an expense for 3 days. That's my personal opinion. I don't know what the rest of you guys think. >> Yeah, going through it, it does seem pretty extravagant, Matt. I mean, for the hotel and food and so forth. I realize it's it's an international city county management meeting. Where is Bethel? We're country. >> Yeah, no I I understand the the amount is not to exceed amount. Obviously, we you know, we don't know what the total is going to be. We don't haven't booked airfare or anything like that. Um this is I would say this is beneficial to the work I do. Any challenges that we have here, we can network with people there. How do you handle this? What challenges have you had? You know, there's always federal requirements coming through. Um that that are addressed at the at the conference level. And I would say it's well worth the money. >> So, they don't have nothing like that in our state? Anything similar? >> Not for federal, no. They would have state you know, as the state makes changes, then they'll cover those at the state level. >> Right. Cuz I'm just thinking California, I mean I suppose there's different people from different states. >> Oh, yeah. >> How they >> There's >> figure it all that out. I don't get it, but >> There's 3,000 to 4,000 um administrators, managers, council members. I mean, there's a lot of people that go to this thing. So. >> Yeah, when I looked it up, they had like 3,300 Really? >> registered for it alone. >> Wow. >> Yeah, it's not a it's not a fly-by-night deal. They offer a lot of value for it. Um I was like I mentioned 2 years ago, I was a member of their organization. I chose not to renew the membership because I wasn't going last year and and um but it's >> [snorts] >> you're always you always want to keep your ear to the ground on what's changing. Because if you get you know, if you if you don't know of grants that you can apply for, if you don't know of you know, requirements for grants that you have applied for and and you miss deadlines, you get in you get in some big trouble. >> I would just suggest keeping the prices down as much as possible. >> Yeah, it I could have pulled what 2 years ago, but I obviously that's 2 years ago. It's not a not current pricing today, but I think that airfare is last time I looked was around 350 bucks or something like that, 380 bucks. >> It's the hotel bill that kills me on here. Estimating $1,200 for a 5-day thing. >> Yeah, I think the hotel I'm looking at is around 200 bucks a night. So, again, these numbers are high estimates. >> Look on the food part, too. It's like no lobster for breakfast. >> No, actually they they provide a lot of meals. Um you know, lunches and that because the vendors will put on the lunches to get you there at a to to pitch their wares. Um so I mean, it's I I got to say it's inconvenient to try and leave the conference to go to lunch or something. So, they usually try and make it part of the conference, which then saves money there, too. I would say it'd probably be around I think the last one was 3,500 bucks or something like that. But >> Okay. >> We We budget for this every year, so >> I'll make a motion to approve item D on the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Any further discussion? I'll just add that, you know fire service does it also. So does the police service. They all the internationals you're you're meeting more of a broad scope of people and how they do stuff in different parts of the country and then it it does benefit. You know. So. With that said, all in favor? >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed? None heard. Motion passes. >> Just pack a lunch. >> Thanks, Matt. >> They take their bag lunches. >> Okay, uh staff report. >> I will just uh Mr. Mayor and council, just note that under G there was the approval of the contract for the new uh engine 11. Um that uh obviously we've talked about purchasing that and how we're going to finance it and all that sort of thing, but this is the the finale then for the purchase of that piece of equipment, which gets us on that staggered We'd purchased two pieces of equipment in the past and they're kind of coming due and now it's like, "Uh-oh." You know, purchasing two more is is a costly hit to the budget, so um this is kind of starting that staggered approach and um I know you guys saw that on there, but I just want to um bring awareness to that as well. I got uh four items to mention tonight. Um went to the Highway 65 uh meeting with Council member Mondale and um they announced that uh Bunker Lake Boulevard interchange is fully funded. Uh so, federal dollars came in, I believe, to the tune of 14 or 18 million to close that funding gap. Uh and um and that was part of what was called a PEL study. It's a planning and environmental linkages study that extended up to Bunker. And so, part of the discussion then was, "Do we do a PEL study going north?" And um and there is some uh belief by the county engineer that that is necessary to do. And that would then include uh 22 and 65. And what solution is there, and let's say you add, you know, a lot of homes, which we're doing, how does that impact what's there, and and what solution might be needed in the future? Obviously, I think um as as a lot more traffic comes through that corridor unrestricted, uh you're going to probably be looking at a grade separated interchange at some point. Um and then that impacts some of the other roads around the around the area as well that we um are looking at either upgrading or waiting until something like that is built. So, that's all kind of on the bubble, but that's good news um that um that there's a shift of focus a little bit going north, so we'll we'll be able to get 65 kind of addressing some of the streets that impact uh East Bethel. Um then uh on the sewer extension project, uh we've been working with Hakanson Anderson real closely. Um the prevailing idea at this point is in order to hook the schools up, we would bring it up Polk Street from the existing tower and treatment plant, I'm sorry, the existing treatment plant. The school would have a tower built then on potentially on their property. But, as we bring that water line up Polk Street, Polk Street's going to be uh redone here in '27. We're thinking at that point we need to lay the pipe for um another force main sewer. Reason being for that is when we ask, um how much capacity do we have in the current uh force main? Well, we have some capacity. That's usually the response. It's not we have this amount, and once we go over, we got to put a new pipe in the ground. And that's the concern that we have. As we start to hook more and more people up to that force main, you start to um reach that capacity, and you will ultimately need a new force main pipe in the ground. If we're tearing up the road, putting in water, um it is uh it would be advisable then to um to lay the the pipe for for for the force main as well because you have just the cost of pipe at that point. And um and that uh according to Hakanson Anderson would add 1,600 units of capacity uh to our system. And um and as you know on south of Sims, the commercial industrial park there that's kind of proposed into the north you have you have commercial uh businesses up there. Adding then those businesses into this new line would be would would wouldn't be an issue as far as capacity goes. So, uh we're continuing to work on that um and uh just contacted the Senate um research people and we're putting together a bill for the balance of the dollars um that were agreed to the 3 million this year, 4 and 1/2 or 6 and 1/2 next year. So, we're working on that right now. Um then as was mentioned Night to Unite August 4th. I will try and pull up here the meeting. These are the current kind of hard to read. Um but uh this is Andover actually. Sorry. It's a complete list. These about those right in here. So, Taylor Street, let me see here. Um 100 uh 50 193rd Lane, Taylor Street, Edmar Lane, Kissel Street Northeast, Forest Road, Staples Street Northeast, 189th Avenue Northeast, 183rd Avenue Northeast, Jackson Street Northeast and Tri Oak Circle Northeast as well as on Highway 65 at the Cedarwood Estates. So, read those off kind of quick, but if um if one of those streets is near you or on your street, then you have a party on the 4th. So, be sure to go out and meet your neighbors and have a lot of fun, and hopefully it's a little cooler. >> Is this on the website? >> Uh we'll we'll be putting this on the website. >> Perfect. >> Um so, wanted to just alert everyone to that. And then finally, um we put up the In God We Trust, if you notice that when we came through. Um and uh and if it's and if it's what you like, then we'll keep that, and if not, we can remove it and go to plan B, whatever plan B is. At any rate, hopefully it hopefully it shows up well on the camera. Um aside from that, that concludes my report unless there are any questions. >> I think Okay, council reports. >> I got uh one item. Uh we had Booster Days. Well, this past Not this past Saturday, it was Saturday before, and by all accounts, it uh was very successful. Had a lot of people out there, saw a lot of faces, and had a lot of conversations, and and I'd like to thank a lot of the people that put it on. Uh first of all, Stephanie Dorn, that she just puts in so much time. Uh 365 days. It's not just a one-step plan. It's work after work after work. She puts in a lot of time, and I'd really like to thank her. Uh Bruce and Nancy Haig, uh Carrie Frost, and her son Glenn, and her uh friend Vincent that volunteered and helped a lot. Uh Keith Trappener for putting together and taking over the car That was a very good car show. Desiree and Lee Stanford. Uh Lee actually called the the bingo this year for the city. Uh Nate and the public works crew. Uh public works uh Chad Satrosky. Chad Soderman. Jay Here. Tim Meidenbauer. Uh we have the East Bethel Cub Scout Pack 387 and the East Bethel Troop 733 that the day after that Sunday that they did park clean up and cleaned up after everybody. Uh Joe Dorn for all his support and support on the day of. Uh the East Bethel Seniors for hosting the pancake breakfast. That was a fantastic breakfast. Filled me up for half the day. Uh the East Bethel Fire Department for being hand-on throughout the day. Uh the East Bethel Scholarship Program Board for bringing the program back. We we now have three new East Bethel royalty members that were crowned on Booster Day. Uh we haven't had uh East Bethel royalty for 5 to 6 years since since uh COVID shut it down. So, it's quite an effort to bring it back and it was just great having them there. Uh being part of the community. And finally to all those who participated in the parade and attended the event. You it can't be a successful successful event without everybody coming out and having a good time. So, with that said, we're the Booster Committee is uh taking a little break until September. But, you can see that that takes a lot of people to make this happen and we are always looking for more people to get involved. So, with that, thanks to everybody that helped. >> [clears throat] [sighs] >> I have some things. Uh first I have a two questions. Is early voting going on right now or when did that start? >> Yes, it's going on right now. >> So, they come in and just get a ballot and submit the ballot. They don't have to fill out all this absentee ballot stuff? >> just for the primary, right? >> For the primary. >> For the primary. >> Yep. >> Yes. Okay. [clears throat] My other question is if I have topics I'm interested in for the work meeting, uh would I bring that up here or would you rather I email or call or something like that? >> Um Mr. Mayor and Council, a couple ways. Yes, you can email them. I I guess my preference is to bring it up in a meeting like this and then see if there's three others that want to bring it to the work session and >> Okay, I'm going to bring it up right now then. I there is two topics I'd like to ordinance uh changes I'd like to talk about at the next work meeting. One is the five-car rule because I did have a resident come up and complain about um some cars over and near the school um where there's some bunch of people living in one house and they're parked on the streets and in the driveway and stuff. And then um the other one is our fence rules. I'd like to um discuss some modifications to that. >> Okay. >> Okay. And then >> terms of in terms of the work session, we have one coming up um on the 10th with the budget and it's pretty full, so it probably be after that. >> Perfect. Yeah, that the budget one is a big one. >> Yeah. So, would you be able to meet with Mr. Luke just to detail what changes you'd like to see to the ordinances? So, there's yes, some preparation. >> If he'd like, I could do that. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um So, what's next? Uh the next thing issue that people are complaining about is those flat cameras and I'm understanding, I should have asked the sheriff when he was here, that um Sheriff Wise has indicated that cities can opt out if they want to, but I don't know if they want to opt if that means just on city streets or if that means on any street. So, I'd like the city to clarify that. And um >> Can I just make a quick comment on that? I think um Sheriff Wise is going to be presenting at the um on Sunday or on Wednesday this week. It's the uh local officials meeting. I think he's going to do a presentation for >> I don't know if I'll be at that, so I'm going to just start. >> and all of the questions you might have. >> Oh, thank you. Okay. So, that's all the official stuff I have. Um The seniors, the dance is the first Friday in August. We are still looking always looking for new members. So, if you're over 55 and you're free on the third Thursday, stop in, have lunch, uh see what we're all about. Again, I did mention our night to unite and we um did extend an invitation to all commission members, the planning, the um EDA, anybody. Um I do have a airport meeting a couple in August coming up and again we are looking for volunteers to help with different committees. Uh so, if you like to network and um meet professionals, come on out. Uh this meeting is always on um online. it's the third third third Thursday at like 4:00. Um and again, I'll be at the officials meeting and I have a planning commission meeting tomorrow. That's all I have. >> Well, the parks commission meeting was canceled for this month. We will be going out into the community in the August meeting. Um, talking about a new park we might be working on and so forth and getting the input from the residents, which is going to be a fun one. We had a good time there. Koon Koon Lake Beach last year and their all their equipment has been inputted by them. They made the suggestions. Parks Commission bought the stuff and they asked for it and then it's a beautiful park. Now, they're just working on the pickleball and some, uh, basketball court repair, which needs it. Uh, other than that, I would like to ask the chief at least in one or two, but he I saw he took off on a call or something. Talk about this new what's new and improved on this new engine we're getting. I've heard a lot of things that are very good and it's been designed for this community specifically for for us here. But, uh, I'll I'll gladly update anybody who wants to know once I find out, but it looks like it's going to be one heck of a truck and then we're going to have it for some years. Other than that, that's all I have. I got a myself and Mr. Miller met with Lindsey and Sue Plasson on, uh, July 23rd on the, uh, horse issue that they had over there. >> [clears throat] >> And, uh, we went over the paperwork and stuff that they supplied. And, they worked on it for like nine months, I believe it was. And they at that time they paid $300 for an application fee for variance and for an IUP they paid $300 for an application fee. Plus they paid $55 for each permit. So that was a total of 710. And then they got a bill from the city from the attorney that was Eckberg Lammers at that time for $1,000. And they paid that. Well, just recently they were at the last council meeting I believe when they brought it up that they got a bill for $1,875 more for an attorney fee. So after me and Well, I can't really talk for Tim. He can tell say something if he wants, but after we went through everything to me it was really over excessive why Eckberg Lammers would be billing so much for attorney fees when the way I understand it Lindsey and Sue, they did majority of the work. They supplied everything. And at that time we had Landform. So they gave it to them. And we hired Landform and they were professionals. So I don't understand why we'd have attorney fees on top of all this. So what I'm proposing is that we give them their $1,000 back that they paid to the attorney plus the $1,875 attorney fees go away. Since I've been on this council all I've seen from Eckberg Lammers is they're very good at billing but not taking care of business when they should be. That's my opinion. So I want to make a motion that we refund them the $1,000 that they paid plus the $1,875 bill that they just got goes away. >> I'll second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> Yeah, I want to say something. Um I I everything that a resident pays the city is a tax in my in my book. And I I think what are on our fee schedule is all a resident should have to pay. That's my belief. >> I agree with you and I agree with Jim. After meeting with them, the circumstances surrounding it, they did all the work. They did everything right that we ask as a city for them to do. And it's almost like they got penalized for it. Um and they shouldn't have. Uh fee schedule says one thing, they're billing them something else with no explanation whatsoever on it. That's not going to happen. Uh so I agree with Jim. I agree with Susan and I'm supporting this 100%. >> Have you guys uh reached out to Eric, the planner, since you talked to them? >> They they told us that they had talked with Eric and that's when stuff started to move forward. >> Right. Eric has made concessions with them. So I I think before we move too far forward here, we need to find out what Eric's concessions were to them. >> I don't believe that. Not at all. He was a good assistant to them is what they told us. So these fees are coming from the last attorney. That there's no explanation. There's just fees. That's my opinion. >> I'm just bringing it up because I know Eric's been at it. >> So you haven't talked to Eric about it? >> I already made the motion. I'm not going to talk to Eric about it. I'll talk to him after. >> But you haven't talked to him yet about it. >> No. Talked to the residents. That was good enough for me. >> All right. We have a motion and a second. All those in favor. >> I. >> Opposed. >> I. >> Motion to adjourn. >> Make motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> All those in favor. >> I. >> I. >> I. >> Go right into the HRA. >> We got HRA. >> We got HRA meeting. >> [clears throat] >> I'll call the order the meeting to order for July 27th, 2026 for Housing Redevelopment Authority. Can I have a motion to adopt tonight's agenda? >> Make motion. >> Oh. Second. >> [laughter] >> I thought you were making the motion. >> Got a motion and first and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, say I. >> I. >> Opposed, none heard. Number three. Approval of the minutes, April 27th, 2026. Can I have a motion to approve? >> Make motion to approve. >> Second. >> Any discussion? I have a first and a second. Hearing none, proceed to vote. All in favor, say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed, none heard. Motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor. >> I. >> I. >> Done.