At this time, we'll call the uh December 22nd, 2025 council meeting to order. Please rise if you can for the pledge. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the standy for all. Make a motion to adopt tonight's agenda. >> Second. >> A motion in a second. All [clears throat] in favor? >> I >> I >> opposed. Unheard. Presentations. Sheriff's office. >> Good evening, Mayor and Council. Merry Christmas. November. Uh we responded to 404 calls for service in our city. Deputies handled four assaults and four theft reports. Made a total of 38 arrests for miscellaneous offenses and 117 traffic stops were conducted which resulted in 17 citations on our roadways. Uh a couple of our notable calls. On the 3rd of November at 5:47, Deputy G responded to Quick Trip on a report of a male inside the store yelling and throwing items. He arrived and learned of a domestic that had occurred inside of the store. Uh he watched the surveillance video and saw a male throw items off the shelves and take a Red Bull without paying. Deputy Go followup at a nearby residence after observing the suspect's vehicle parked in the driveway. He attempted to speak with the male, but the male was I rate yelling and swearing in the front yard. The male was arrested for theft and damage to property and was transported to jail. [snorts] On the 22nd of November at 9:16 p.m., our deputies were made aware of a male who had a felony warrant out of Anoka County for fleeing in a motor vehicle. This male was staying at an address in the 1600 block of 209th Avenue Northeast. Our deputies formulated a plan to uh arrest this male and drove to the residence. On arrival, our deputies observed this male standing in the driveway outside of the home. The deputies approached the male and advised him that he was under arrest and to get on the ground. The male was confused and surprised uh but eventually did comply. He was arrested without incident and transported to our jail on the active warrants. And then finally, on the 30th of November, at 8:50 p.m., Deputy Borguson stopped a vehicle in a driveway of a residence in the 19800 block of Wild Rice Drive Northeast. After running the plate and learning that the registered owner had a revoked driving status, as soon as the deputy made the stop, the driver quickly got out of the car and began walking away to attached to a detached garage on the property. A resident inside of the home confronted Deputy Borganson and inquired why he was stopping the vehicle. The homeowner was advised uh what the issue was, but remained non-compliant. Our assisting deputies set up a perimeter around the home and checked the area on foot without locating anything. While applying for a search warrant for the detached garage, permission to search the interior was granted by the homeowner. Uh our staff entered the garage and arrested the driver and charged this person with flee on foot, driving after revocation and displaying revoked plates. Uh we took a second person into custody during the course of this incident for obstructing the legal process. Both uh were transported to jail and released to staff without further incident. So this [snorts] November in a nutshell. So, as we head into the holiday season, I just want to take the time to remind everybody to stay safe on our roads. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so please drive with caution. And if your celebrations include alcohol, please plan ahead for a sober ride home. So, merry Christmas to everybody. >> Merry Christmas to you. >> Merry Christmas. >> Thank you, Fire Department. Mayor, members of the council, uh, thank you for allowing me to give you an update on what's going on at the fire department. Um, for the the month I set these updates up based on the last time we talked. So, this is the month, it's not the November or October, whatnot. Uh we had 61 calls um as of the time that I submitted this for the agenda um from Friday till Sunday. So Friday morning, this past Friday morning until Sunday night, we had approximately 17 calls. Uh so we're looking at 78 calls instead of the 61 that were submitted. Um couple of the notable um or one notable calls uh we had a structure fire on the 5th of uh December uh that displaced three people and uh one dog. Uh we were able to contain it to the structure of origin. Uh the investigation is still pending. Uh the parties were put in touch with Red Cross and they were able to uh find uh shelter after that. Um, we've also seen an uptick in uh mutual aid requests for other fire departments. Uh, notably Andover on the 9th of December and then now then on the 19th. Um, some of the projects that we have going on, uh, the floors are still an ongoing project. They are complete at stations two and three and they look fantastic. Uh, Polytech is doing an amazing job. They've done half the floor at station one. Um that has cured station one. Uh looks great. They're going to be finishing that up. Uh hopefully there's they'll finish the floor up next week and then they'll come back on a weekend to do the hallways and ancillary rooms. Um but they've been putting in a lot of work. They're getting it done. Uh [snorts] we're getting tools ordered that we need to replace. Uh the new forecast monitors that we we need to replace, they're all in. They came in today. Uh so those will be getting put into service in the coming days. Um and then a couple of fun things that we had happen. Uh the Santa parade happened. Uh firefighter Mike How put that together. He put together the routes. Um coordinated all the volunteers that uh went on that. They were able to uh gather 891 pounds of food for NACE and that was dropped off shortly after that parade. And then uh for the East Bethle Fire Department members, we had the kids holiday party uh which included breakfast uh making cookies. Santa stopped in, handed out presents. Um it was a lot of fun, a lot of food, uh a lot of happy kids. What day was that? >> That would have been the 6th. >> Any questions? Any uh word on ice thickness, [snorts] ice safety? I haven't heard what any of the lakes are um out there. Sheriff, anything? I would say it's still still earlier ice even though we've experienced some significant cold. Um, you should always be checking the ice before you go out and as you go out. So, but I haven't heard any numbers. >> Okay. Any uh word on our upcoming fire department breakfast in January? >> I don't have any dates for that yet. I know that's still being coordinated. >> Okay. I know it's being pulled together and it's something we always look forward to >> and we'll make sure that we get that information out on on our Facebook page and uh however else we can share it. >> Okay, great. >> How's the duty crew working out? >> Um the duty crew, it's not getting staffed the way we want it to. um when it comes down to is we don't have the daytime personnel to to do it. Um those that are able to are signing up um as they can. Um we just don't have enough people during the day uh to staff those. We're keeping them open. We're keeping the program going. Um we're taking advantage of people when they're able to. you know, we're we're getting tasks accomplished um that would otherwise take myself and uh Deputy Chief Udin out of the office and away from the administrative task that we're doing. Um but there's just not enough daytime staff to to fill those shifts. Uh but those that are doing it are contributing at a high level and it's greatly appreciated by us. >> That's good. Thank you. >> Other comments. >> All right. Thank you, chief. >> Thank you. >> Item 4 C, the uh public hearing on the ordinance change. >> We haven't done public form yet. Yeah, we haven't had the public form. And >> you want to sign up? >> We haven't had that yet. >> Just sign up. >> All right. >> Public hearing. >> Mr. Mr. Mayor and Council, we have a uh request for a public hearing on an ordinance amending chapter 66 article uh 6 section 66-165 of the East Bethl code of ordinances relating to sidewalks and trails in the city of East Bethl. And the section 66165 the city code guides installation of sidewalks and trails and new developments. And um and we uh had some discussion here in 2025 with the parks committee and council also, I believe, uh, discussed this in a work session essentially looking at uh, a recommendation for a trail dedic dedication fee of $1,500 per unit. Um, there was talk of park dedication as well, but this just relates specifically to trail dedication at this point. We did not have that defined in our code um, up until now and and it's uh, your choice if you want to do that. Uh but the justification for the need of trail dedication fee is based on lack of funding to cover the cost of trails already in the park capital improvement plan. Um and the city does have a plan for construction of these trails by utilizing general fund transfers as need be as that tr as that fund builds over time. Uh but in order to get this uh even to a point of deciding on it, we'd need to conduct a public hearing and that's what we're here for this evening. All right. Before council has any discussion, I will open up the public hearing for any response from the public. >> Anybody want to talk about it? >> Say something really short. >> Hi, I'm Joe Ryder, 19207 Staple Street. Um this dedication fee uh has been a long time in the works. I think that um other councils and other council members have been working on this for almost 10 years trying to get this um put into paper. And so I just I can't I can't express how happy I am to finally see this parks and or this trails dedication fee. We've talked about parks and trails and this this is really an awesome opportunity. So, I'm hoping that you guys approve this because we'd like to see our city connected. So, thank you for everyone that's worked on this. I don't know what the outcome is going to be, but um I know a lot of other residents are really excited about this. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other comments? Hearing none. This part of the public hearing is closed. Council discussion. >> I have a question. The cash in lie of trail construction shall be set and presented in the city feed schedule. Is that in the fee schedule that is in a later part of this packet? Is that the fees? Because it didn't look like it was enough to me. I mean, if a developer has to put in a trail, it's going to be way more than the $1,500 per unit. So, I'm I'm a little confused on that. I I just want to make sure that it's going to be a fair amount, like exactly or close to what that trail is going to cost. Um, there's no crazy. >> I believe uh parks went over this and they presented it to us and they believed it was enough and uh we talked about it at our work session and kind of came to agreement, I believe. >> Yeah. Uh Mr. Mayor and Council, I I'll be honest with you, $1,500 is not going to get you very much in a trail. Um the the reality is is that trails are very costly and communities that have extensive trail networks have extensive replacement costs for those trails. Um so the question then becomes from a policy standpoint is this something that you want to provide the residents as an amenity for living in East Bethl. um that you'll read in there about uh pedestrian safety and that sort of thing gets people off the roads, distracted drivers. Um generally speaking, where there are trails, um people want more more trails um so that they can be connected to every aspect of the community as possible for exercising or just general mobility or whatever the case may be. um 1,400 I think was established based on what other communities are charging. I part of the concern is you don't um you know there's there's lawsuits out there right now in terms of what people are charging and there's push back if you charge too much. Um I I think right now it's it's probably advantageous to if you're going to consider this kind of replicate what other communities have done in terms of the amounts. Um but there should be an a realization that um you know trails generally are are placed on top of of um clear dirt. The soils aren't corrected. There's tree roots. [snorts] Um they tend to degrade at a rate faster than your road system would. Um which means that they'd be replaced at a rate faster than your road system would. What some communities do is they buy uh trail machines uh pavers literally that they can do it themselves based on the cost. Very expensive. Um and but again it's one of those community benefits that I would say people have come to expect and um and from a policy standpoint you need to decide that's what you're want to build towards. Obviously, $1,500 per unit is not going to get you there anytime fast. Um, $10,000 per unit probably wouldn't get you there anytime fast, but it does provide some sort of, uh, an investment over time and then as that account grows, um, it can pay back the general fund if we've made advanced payments. uh or it could grow to a point where you've got a you know uh for example with with Capstone coming in we require them to put in their own trails but there are communities out there that weren't required to put in trails in the past that we would probably be focusing on with this type of revenue to try and um connect these areas as best we can. East Beth is is has um a unique characteristic in terms of uh you a lot of wetlands, a lot of water, a lot of heaving. There'll be some replacement costs. No question about it. >> So, my my concern really isn't the price. My concern is uh that a developer, if they have the choice, is going to do that cash in lie of putting in a trail. So I just want to know which like capstone mandatory good good deal I like that >> right >> some developers need to be mandatory trails regardless and I don't know where the distinction is in this. I think we need something that says if you have more than five houses, uh, you must put in a trail if it's, you know, certain size lots. Um, because I I think certain areas we don't want a trail down off of that little place off of East Bethl Boulevard. I don't think a trail would be a good idea right there. But Capstone, yes. Alivage area. Yes. Um >> more dense. Yes. But >> so we I think something needs to be said that so that a developer can't say this says I can give a cash in lie of so where is that stipulation? Where is the distinction of when they have to and when they don't? >> Uh Mr. Mayor and council I think that's part of the discussion that you'd have with the city at that point when you're coming forward with a plan to build something. we would talk through those specific uh situations. You know, um when you're approving a plat, you do have control over some of this in terms of saying, you know, you need to include these these components in that plat. Um if it's a developer building one or two homes or whatever the case may be, at that point, you're right. It just doesn't make sense to, you know, put in a small segment of trail that has no beginning and no end. I mean, so I I think uh from staff standpoint, we would we would know, you know, kind of where the plans are for trails and connectivity, you know, what would make sense and um and and even the city might want to contribute, you know, to maybe a a portion of a trail that's missing so that now it is connected. You know, that might make sense at that point. But um but certainly on the smaller scale uh you might have, you know, you would probably expect the smaller operators to pay the $1,500. The larger operators want those trails. I mean, you talked to Capstone today. We just had a meeting with them today. Um they absolutely want those trails in there because people are demanding it and it's an amenity that uh that they look forward to when they're purchasing their properties. So, um I don't know that we can we can pair it down to five or four or three. You know, I think, you know, when you're when you're arguably a smaller developer, at that point, we'll have an honest conversation with them. If you're a large developer, it's it's mandatory at that point. Traditionally with uh park fees, the parks commissions have uh had extensive discussions about whether they would like to see a park in a particular new development or if they would rather receive the um um c cash in l of a park. So, I would I would think that the this would be another area that the parks would discuss and decide whether if a trail would be appropriate in this area based off of uh staff information or if they'd rather just take cash. >> I I agree. I just don't want to see a a situation where we want somebody to do a trail and a developer says I will sue because your documents say I can do cash in lie of that that's my total point. So >> at that point and attorney can certainly correct me if I'm wrong but I think you do have some control over the approval of the final plat. >> Okay. >> And and just like you know I I think the prior council when they were looking improving the plat for um for capsule and they wanted to put a few more park benches in or different amenities and and generally they're open to that, you know, to try and try and get that uh just get it closed and so they can continue on with their their work. But um but I think you have some flexibility there as a council to to uh encourage certain directions. >> Thanks. All right, Amar, we have a motion for this resolution. So, right here is the the new fee that you were asking about in the fee schedule for this evening. Yeah. >> 2500 on the park dedication. [clears throat] Is that 3500 or 2500? >> Let's zoom in here. >> Uhoh. Now I did it. 3500 for single family lot park dedication, 1500 for single family lot trail dedication. No. There you go. Well, I'd like to make a motion that we approve amending chapter 66 section 66-165 in East Bethl Code of Ordinances relating to sidewalks and trails. >> I'll second it. I have a motion and second. Any further discussion? >> Um, this is D on the consent agenda though, right? Or is that something different? >> That's something different. This is for the public hearing. >> D is all >> the fee adoption is all of them included in that. Got it. >> So this is just the public hearing was for changing the the ordinance, >> right? >> City code. So again, we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? None being heard. All those in favor? I opposed. Unheard. Motion passes. Public forum. Mr. Ritter. [clears throat] So, I normally don't show up unless I have something contentious to say, but I'm only here to grant you guys all good tidings. And I want to say good evening, mayor, council members, Matthew, city staff, and f fellow residents. I'd like to take a moment to formally thank the East Bethl City Council and our public servants for their work accomplished in 2025. This year, the council took meaningful action that strengthened local control while responding to how residents act actually live and work. The ordinance is adopted in 2025. Modernized zoning to allow practical rural housing options such as barnaminiums. It supported responsible rural agricultural use through resoning decisions. It corrected long-standing infrastructure issues like street renaming and established park and trail dedication that we just heard about. uh that money was a significant increase in park and dedication. Uh previously um land owners and developers um were paying very minimal amount compared to our other cities and this increase is going to really help our parks commission to build and fund our parks. So for all the families out there watching this um is a big improvement for our city. These actions reflect thoughtful governance grounded in the character of our community. The financial incentive to serving on the council for the majority you is very low. The pay is low. The cost of being constant constantly accessible to an ever growing community is very high. That's why I want to give a specific thank you to those of you who have prioritized constraint in spending and service growth. and for your commitment to keeping our communities budget in check. It hasn't been easy when we look at our other communities that are surrounding us. It's been very hard for them. Financial stewardship was a clear success in 2025. Thank you, Matt, for making this possible. Thank you, mayor and council, for maintaining a strong and growing fund balance, a clean audit, and adopting a balanced budget and levy on schedule. This is rarely seen among other communities, but you guys got the work done and collaborated together. I also want to recognize the work done beyond ordinances and budgets. Public safety staffing was strengthened in the fire department. I want to thank you, Fire Chief Equipment investments were made deliberately and within budget and there is a clear funding source moving forward for the improvements of city facilities and parks without higher cost current residents. This again is really hard for most communities to bear, but I think the collaboration within our community um should be recognized because despite disagreement, all of this work is done and it's done quickly in our community. Community engagement increased through town halls and open public processes. The city newsletter had gone silent for a while and I was very happy to see these communications in my mailbox this year. I know other residents are very happy to hear your voices as council members and saying what you think matters and putting your personality in those newsletters. They're very important to us as a community and keeping ourselves together. None of this could have happened without highly engaged city employees. I can't thank them all and hopefully Matt, you do, but specifically I want to thank you for supporting them and being a manager they can trust. There's been very little office turnover since you have arrived and I think you are running this city very well. So I really want to thank you. There is a larger group I'd ask for applause but hopefully people are applausing online. Our local government success is measured less by headlines and more by steady progress, sound decisions, and responsible use of public trust. In 2025, I think we have all accomplished all of these in East Bethl. On behalf of our residents who appreciate this work and understand its relentless effort, I'm here to tonight to say thank you for your service, your professionalism, and your commitment to this community. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Item six, consent agenda. Make a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Second. >> I'd like to pull items C, D, E, and H. >> I want to pull [snorts] H as well. >> C, D, E, and H. >> Yes. >> Pull A. A. I'm going to pull L. We have a motion, a second. All those in favor of the consent agenda as amended. >> I [clears throat] opposed. Unheard. Item A. One second. Get that page. Item A. Uh, starting on page 22, we are paying somebody $422 to check the Water leaks. What's that all about? It's leaking. It's leaking. We're checking for leaks. What's going on with this? >> Try and find where you're at here. Page 22 right on top this thing. What was for water leak checks? I do not know what that has been for, but I can get that to you and perfect. Get a response for that. >> Page 23, we had 24 to 25 vehicles all needing what is this? Registration tabs. What's going on there? They all do at the same time because I don't remember seeing this in any other budget the last couple years. >> Yep. I can clarify that too through Nate. This is through Nate's department. >> Page 25. We are paying $5,000 for water meters. Is that in the new development? Is that replacing? >> No. Generally speaking, we buy bulk water meters and then we charge them back to the developers. >> Okay. So, we keep them on hand so we don't have to wait for the >> turn around. >> Same thing on page 25. I'm curious how we spend five or $947 on trash bags and paper towels. Is this a purchase for the whole year? I would have to double check and see why so much was purchased, but got a great deal on it or it just seems like a road sale truckload. Let me see. And I am curious, page 26, our our carbide blade inserts and our our plow cutting edges. We've only been out plowing a couple times. Were they just old or I mean did we cut down too low or I mean it just seems weird that we have a snow plow or a snowfall and also we're buying all these. >> We buy them every year. >> Do we? >> Yeah. >> And used on page 27 a bplow. Uh we purchased a Vplow was a used Vplow for the Bobcat because sometimes um plowing with the with the uh snowblower just doesn't quite cut it. No pun intended. >> Got it. All right. That would be it. So with that being answered, I move to approve item A. >> Second. >> Second. I have a motion to second. Any further discussion on it? >> I just got one question. Uh, when this changed, before we used to have everything itemized and then we had information on the back explaining what they are, when did we decide to me this looks like a mixed up mess just trying to find things and then you got to try to interpret what you're talking about. I think the time before it was a lot easier to figure out because on a lot of these spots stuff are you know in and out where we had before we had the fire department a certain thing and then we'd have public works then we could look to the back if we had questions. So when when did we was decide to do this >> Mr. Mr. Mayor and Council, we had um the prior way of doing it was equally complicated and so we tried to summarize it in this format here which was um easier to read but um but and we supplied both at that time and uh and then we thought we should just provide this summary version but if you want us to go back to the other one I know it'll create more confusion. >> Um I think you're I think you're close. Okay. If we could get this version just attached to the department, then we got it. >> Okay. I'm not sure the computer programmer will allow that, but we can certainly chat with uh with Mike to see [snorts] if that's a feasibility. >> Yeah, because otherwise you're ping ponging back and forth and it's like what the heck is that? You know, wouldn't keep together. It' be a lot easier. >> Yeah. This is alphabetized by vendor >> right >> so >> department is a lot easier to concentrate on I think it's my thought see if you can figure that easier that'd be great that's all I got all right any other discussion none being heard all those in favor I opposed none heard motion passes Item B, I think, was the next thing. >> C. Item C was the >> Okay. >> Oh, yeah, we did. We're on C, right? >> Meeting minutes. >> Mhm. >> Uh, I was absent, so I need to abstain from these. So, somebody else >> make a motion to approve the meeting minutes from December 8th. Item C is in C on the agenda. Second um discussion. I'll bring in there's two deals highlighted in here. One's on page 41. We're uh we didn't get the last name of the manager for Capstone Homes. [clears throat] Um and I think Matt's got it now. So if he just supplies it, I'm fine with that along with there's a another deal down further. So that's Back Ridges. >> Yep. Back ridges. B A K R I T G S. >> And then down further is the address for Bruce Lawrence. >> Yeah, >> maybe it's up further. should be page 37 right there. You have that address? >> Yeah, that address is 25 2223rd Lane Northwest Oak Grove. Okay. >> So, the motion would need to include both of those changes. Yes, that motion will need to include the uh the uh make a motion to approve the meeting minutes uh from or some Okay, we already have a motion. I'll amend my motion to uh include the changes as presented by the mayor. >> Second. Okay, we got a motion and a second. All those in favor? >> I >> none heard. Item D. >> Item D is the fee schedule. And I just have um two questions. The first one is the fees for all the cannabis going on, all those different issues. Um, I don't even know what some of those things mean on those different cannabis things, but I am of the opinion that every single one of them should have be the same price of $500. I don't understand why there are different fees for similar issues, similar startups and stuff. So, um, my suggestion is either make them all the same price or explain why they're such a variety of fee schedules for similar staff. Uh, Mr. Mayor and Council, I would need to validate this response. However, my assumption is these fees are established by the state because I don't I do not believe we came up with them. >> Oh, didn't even dawn on me. >> So, can we know we wouldn't know how to establish the fees on this? >> So, but I can I can double check on that for you if you'd like to confirm that. >> Okay. I'll make a motion to table the well fee schedule. But before I do that, I want to talk about the water fees. I was looking at all the different price per,000 gallons between um I think Blaine's like a dollar something for a,000 gallons and we're three something for a,000 gallons and whispering aspens is like 13 plus some change for a thousand gallons. Why the big variety? I mean, can't we reduce this to help some of our residents? That that's just such a wide price range. It kind of boggles my mind that we would charge so much. Is even in our city, $13 to $3 and something. That's a huge difference. Where on here are you referring to that? >> The whispering aspens. The uh >> page 45. Oh man, this computer. So, um, Mr. Mayor and council members, the fees are established based on usage and they're established based on what it cost to operate our system. If Blaine has a larger system, a lot more users in their system, their fees will be lower because they can spread it amongst other people. Um, we establish it based on a depreciated cost. So, essentially what it's going to take to replace this system in 50 years. We need to be putting that money away into our water fund to ensure that it doesn't fall on a um, you know, a bond type of scenario to do that. But, we in fact have the dollars there to to replace it. Um, the fees are what the fees are. You can certainly reduce fees if you want to. I wouldn't advise that. Uh, only because you're going to have a deficiency in the future. So, chemicals cost, what chemicals cost, labor costs, what labor costs, you divide it over all the users annually, and this is the fee that that it takes to operate. Um once you have more people coming online such as Capstone, you can defay those costs. Um and uh and costs will go down for folks. >> But can you explain why within our city the it's so different? I mean >> yeah, there's a negotiated uh deal for Whispering Aspen that their costs would be higher based on uh the system that they have up there. Um that's been the the way it's been. A staff would love to normalize those fees. Uh but um but that's the way it's been established up there that those fees are different than all the rest. It's my understanding, excuse me, that for each house added to that area, it will reduce pricing. So, as that development actually fills in, fills up another 50 houses or something, that's going to come down a considerable amount. >> Mr. Mayor and Council, that's generally the way we operate is we don't make money on this. We cover our costs. So, >> okay. >> And the cannabis, by the way, is state statute. So, those fees up there are state statute. >> All right. Well, I guess with that, I'll make a motion to approve item D on the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Have a motion, a second. Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. All in favor? >> I opposed. None heard. Motion passes. Item E. Item E is the um renewing the contract with our um secretary and they're increasing the for the minutes and stuff and they're coming in to increase. I just want to know if we've checked any other companies that do this to see if their pricing is equivalent, less, more. We have not uh Mr. Mayor Council sent out an RFP for this. Um this is a 3.5% increase. Um I'm not sure from a history standpoint if we've done these checks before and these are the cheapest ones out there. Uh but I'm assuming that we would have gone with the lowest most responsible provider at that point. um you know, we can we can go through that um that process and sometimes if there's no one to bid on it, uh your current provider could bid higher than they're currently charging if they know what the market is. So, it's not always a a lower price when you go out for bid, but from what I would I would doubt that there's a lot of services out there that do this. Okay, just curious >> with that. I'll make a motion to approve item E on the consent agenda. >> Second. >> We have motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. All in favor? >> I I opposed. None heard. Motion passes. Item H. Item H is um a vacancy of our planning commission and um I just want to say thank thank Tanner Balany for his service. And with that, I'll make a motion to approve item H on the consent agenda. >> I'll second it. >> I got I got a question on H. We [snorts] filled that position last meeting, right? >> No. No. Tanner recently resigned at >> I know that but we voted someone in last time. >> Yeah, that was Gerald Tia. So Jer Tanner's designation is another new opening. >> Really? >> Yep. >> Okay. >> So, and uh I'd just like to thank Tanner as well. He's been serving on the planning commission since 2011. Uh I served with him back in those days and uh he's always done a very good job. very level-headed individual and be sad sad to see him go, but I wish him all the best with all his future endeavors. Any further discussion, none being heard. All in favor? >> I opposed. Unheard. Motion passes. I pulled item L due to the there was no monetary number put in there for this and now during the work session we come to a consensious agreement with uh the 8400. >> So a $400 increase, Mr. Mayor. >> Yep. So I just want to make that I'll make the motion to approve this at8,400. Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? None being heard. All in favor? >> I >> I >> opposed. None heard. All right. [sighs] Staff report. Mr. Mayor and Council, just a couple of uh items to note here. uh wanted to report that we have done all the employee evaluations. They are completed and filed away for the year. We'll do that again next year around the same sort of time. Uh wanted to also um let you know that uh we have received back the appraisal on 1347 SIMS. We've also received the phase one environmental analysis on that and uh there are no surprises there. Uh so the appraisal of course came in under the value and the phase one didn't identify any contamination on the site. Um there is a closing for this property that is scheduled in February or earlier and um and so um wanted to make you you all aware that we're on track for that and um and then um once we take possession of that property then we can determine um what we want to do with that. We want to [clears throat] keep the house on there, level it, make it pad ready for, I don't know, um, Culver or someone else like that. So, anyways, want to give you an update on that. Also want to give you an update on the, uh, court. We had a court, uh, hearing this morning and, uh, the courts have decided to stay their decision, uh, today and in lie of another pending court case that will be heard. and um they're assuming that topic will be covered then in the second court. So no no impact or changes or anything decisions yet on this. They're just uh choosing not to decide until the following um uh proceeding that's going to come. And then I just want to thank the council and mayor uh for the hard work this year. This is our last meeting of the year provided we don't have any special meetings. Uh but um I I really want to thank you guys for the hard work. I mean, we have, as Joe kind of indicated, um it's been a lot of work this year. Lots of things have come before you. A lot of decisions and uh and you've put the time in, you've read the packets, you've come prepared, had good discussion, and uh and I really want to thank you for that. That makes our job as staff easier. Um and thank you for the trust as well. We really appreciate that and we come to you with as much information as we have and um and try and present the pros and cons and and give you the best uh best of both worlds on the pros and cons and and uh and you guys, as I say, make the big bucks, so you get to make those decisions, >> right? >> But [clears throat] anyways, I do want to thank you uh for your hard work this year. Look forward to another a good year in 2026 and uh wish you all a merry Christmas. That concludes my report. Merry Christmas. >> Thank you. Council reports. >> I have something a couple things actually. So, the city had an amazing tree lighting and I wasn't here at the last meeting. So, if it was discussed, that's great. But, um I do have a question regarding that because um when we I I was trying to get this going last time I was on city council. So, I am so happy to see we're having an annual Christmas tree lighting here now. But I offered to purchase a live tree and plant it and it was refused by the city and now I'm told that the city is allowing it. So, I'm just wondering why the change and I'm thankful to whoever else is going to buy it. Uh, but I just am wondering why the change and that we didn't have room before, but now we do have room. >> Well, Mr. Mayor and Council, we didn't want you getting mad at us, so we thought we'd [laughter] No, I'm kidding. Um, as you'll recall, there was a tree out in front here that was kind of getting in the way with the with the flag and and kind of grew too large and so that was removed. So, there is space out there now. And um and I think uh Dallas just came to me and said, "Hey, is there a possibility of doing this?" And of course, we want to please Dallas. He's a great guy. He >> is. >> Um but we did check with Nate and Nate thought that that was a um feasible thing to do as well. I think um you know, I think our only concern is some of these trees can grow pretty big. But in the event 101 15 years from now, if it's too large, we can um >> we can maybe uh sell that one to the city of Anoka. They put a huge tree up every year and bring it in with a crane. But um and then plant another one and do it all over again. So I think um >> perfect. >> I think rather than having one that tips over in the wind or you know you have to try and tie down um it would probably be perfect to have a nice nice tree out there. So >> all right. Well, I'm loving that idea. Um my next question is has to do with that community center over there. Uh the cleaning contract. Do you know when that's up and are we going to do a RFP for it? Uh >> RFP. >> Yeah. So, >> because it's not they're not doing very good. It's And I don't know how often they clean, but you'll find see a dead bug in the one place and that dead bug is still there a month later. So, um it's the floors don't look good. I mean, we sweep after every meeting. We're there. We wiped our tables down, but the floors are and it's hard to do with much with those floors anyways, but and do they clean the kitchen? And you know, it's just certain things maybe um we could get somebody better. And I've noticed these bathrooms over here aren't immaculate either. So, it's not just over there. >> Uh Mr. Mayor and Council, we've we've chatted about the cleaning contract in the past. It is a function of how much we are paying for it over there. We're not asking them to do a lot over there. Um I agree the flooring is suspect. Um perhaps we can take a tour of the uh fire station floors and maybe that'll give us some ideas of what we can put in over here. But uh we did look at that with the prior council. I think it was $35,000 to do that entire area. Uh which would seal everything, make it easy, you know, highly durable. uh slip resistant, all that sort of thing, which would be good. Uh but if if you would like us to increase, you know, um the bill the bills cleaning is the one that doesn't always he you know, I think he does a fair job for what we pay him. We do not pay a lot. Um and as you know, I think council is pretty conservative on what we want to spend on some of these contracts. Uh if you want us to double it, you know, or increase it, we certainly can. Um but um but it's it wouldn't come without a cost. I know each facility is different. What he does at the fire department is different to what he does here versus what he does over there. So, >> so and what you ask for is what you're going to get the cost for. >> I I think he does a fair job for what we pay him. >> Okay. Well, I know a lot of the seniors every time I have I'm in that meeting, they complain about the cleaning. Um, the other thing I want to do is announce that the January meeting, which is the third January, the third Thursday in January, there's going to be a chili cook off. So, if people want to come and taste a whole variety of chili and afterwards, we're supposed to be playing some games and um just more of a social type meeting. So, you're welcome to come and u meet some people. That's all I've got. >> I've got something here. Um I I I wrote something up here and I mean this and I would like to take this moment this evening to express my sincere gratitude to the people who make East Bethl the community we are so proud to call home. I want to thank our city staff, our public works crews, uh the administrative team uh who work every day behind the scenes to keep this city running smoothly. Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment do not go unnoticed. Also want to thank our first responsors, our fire department, our firefighters, the police officers, emergency personnel who stand by ready at all hours to protect and serve our very own residents and help out other neighboring residents when they need help. Your willingness to step step forward in difficult moments is deeply appreciated and we are grateful for the sacrifices [snorts] not only you make but your families also make throughout that year. To our residents, thank you for believing in East Bethl, for investing in this community and for choosing this city to make your home. Your involvement, your trust, and your care for one another are truly what define this city and make it great. It's a great place to live, a great place to work. It's also a great place to raise families. I'd also like to recognize our local volunteers, our boards, our commissions, and our community partners who give their time and energy to support East Bethl. Your service strengthens our city in ways that matter every single day. So, on behalf of myself and I believe the rest of this council, we want you to have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. And may this time be filled with peace, reflection, and time spent with those you care about. Thank you all for everything you do for East Bethl. Go ahead. >> Merry Christmas. >> Very well said. Merry Christmas to everybody and a happy new year. >> We got a plan commission meeting tomorrow night here [clears throat] in the chambers. And otherwise, merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Happy holidays to everybody. It's been a heck of a year. [clears throat] All right. At this time, uh, we'll be going into close session. The city council previously met during the December 8, 2025 council meeting in close session to conduct the annual performance evaluation of city administrator Matt Luke. The council decided to continue this evaluation for one cycle to this December 22nd, 2025 meeting. The city council will conduct will now enter into close session under Minnesota statute chapter 13D.05 905 subdivision 3A to continue the performance evaluation of the city administrator of Matt Low. >> If I may, Mr. Mayor, I forgot to write in there uh ask for a motion and call a vote to go close session. >> Yep. [clears throat] >> I'll go make a motion go in close session for the uh reasons that the mayor's indicated. >> Second. Have a motion and a second. All in favor? All right, >> we are now in close session. Freezing in there. Okay. City Council will now reopen the public meeting following the close session held under our Minnesota statutes chapter 13D-05 subdivision 3A for the purpose of evaluating the performance of the city administrator Matt look. Uh I need a motion to reopen the meeting. I'll make a motion to open meeting. >> Second. >> Have a motion and a second. All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Motion approved. >> Uh during the close session, the city council reviewed the performance of the city administrator. Excuse me. The council stated that it has been uh satisfied with the evaluation with the city administrator's performance and are looking forward to uh 2020 2026. Um we're going to need a motion to amend the agenda for the contract. Make a motion amend the contract. Amend the agenda for the contract. >> Second. Second. Any further discussion on? Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> All right. >> Congratulations. >> So, we haven't voted on yet. >> Yeah. One fan over there. [laughter] >> So, all we need now is a motion for the contract, right? Maybe I misheard. I thought that's what I just heard you move to. >> That was just to amend the agenda. >> Oh, yes. Yes. Then a motion to approve the contract that's in the um staff report. >> So, I'll entertain a motion to award the contract to a city administrator. >> I'll make a motion to approve the uh Matt Look at city administrator contract for the year of 2026. >> Second. >> We have a motion. Second. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Um looking for a motion to adjurnn. >> A motion. Make a motion to journ. >> Second. >> Have a motion second. All in favor? I I >> meeting is closed. Merry Christmas everyone.