Kasson City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Annual Financial Audit Presentation
Economic Development Authority (EDA) Initiatives
Disc Golf Course Project
Policy on AI Use and Sidewalk Extensions
Police Department Staffing and Budget
Fire Department Deputy Chief Appointment
Legal Update: Nory Cases
City Infrastructure and Development Updates
Votes (6)
507 FAST Business Facade Improvement Program Application
Moved by Ryan [0:46:17] · Seconded by Paul [0:46:21]
The EDA committee recommended approval for 507 FAST's application for funds to cover a portion of the cost for newly installed signage. The project cost totaled $977.11, and the request was for 50% matching funds.
Becca Bergie's Technical Assistance Program Application (Forever Use Studios)
Moved by Ryan [0:47:43] · Seconded by Paul [0:48:07]
Becca Bergie, a local home businesswoman, requested funds through the new Technical Assistance Program for her photography business, Forever Use Studios. The funding would connect her with a Rochester-based technical assistance provider, Izzy White, to improve her brand and website. The project costs $4,000, and the request was for the maximum program amount of $1,000, to be disbursed upon project completion.
Disc Golf Course at Lions Park
Moved by Council Member [0:53:23] · Seconded by Sheldon [0:53:35]
Johan presented an updated proposal for a disc golf course at Lions Park, now including a walking trail along Masten Creek and a scenic resting area. The total updated cost was presented, with a request for $10,000 matching funds from the council, utilizing money previously unallocated from joint ventures. Discussions included the potential for tournaments, increased public use, beautification, and safety improvements, as well as plans to seek additional funding from joint ventures for baskets.
Resolution Calling Public Hearing for Sidewalk Extensions
Moved by Council Member [0:56:06] · Seconded by Paul [0:56:22]
The City Administrator presented a resolution as directed by the council, to call a public hearing regarding Kassen sidewalk extensions. The public works director provided cost estimates, which will be assessed to benefiting property owners. Information will be sent to property owners and published as required by state statutes, with the public hearing scheduled for the July meeting.
Police Officer Hiring (Connor Finley)
Moved by Council Member [1:02:18] · Seconded by Sheldon [1:02:44]
Police Chief Hansen requested approval to hire Connor Finley, a reserve officer who passed post-certification, as a full-time officer, starting July 6th. The chief explained this would help fill one of three vacant officer positions, reduce overtime costs, and address the new state mandate for two officers responding to domestic calls. Council members discussed the financial impact, considering the need to cover costs for half a year and potential future savings by reducing overtime and potentially sharing vehicles.
Deputy Fire Chief Promotion (Captain Cody Miller)
Moved by Ryan [1:05:46] · Seconded by Sheldon [1:05:51]
Fire Chief Fitch reported that the initial candidate for Deputy Fire Chief declined the offer. The position was then offered to Captain Cody Miller, who accepted. The chief requested approval for Miller's promotion and stated plans to immediately backfill the Captain position and update all fire department job descriptions. The council acknowledged the extensive interviewing process and the time commitment from members.
Notable Quotes (6)
So I would make a motion to approve Becca Bergie's application. Just before that though, I just want to note that no money will be sent to her until the project is 100% complete.
what I am asking the council to do tonight is uh uh just generally approving the idea of the uh project which the park boards has approved and then to allocate the uh $10,000 that was uh is currently unallocated because the joint ventures fund did not fund this year to a matching fund so we can spend the summer clearing some ground, raising some awareness, uh getting public support for the project.
My only question is we can allocate money that we've set aside for joint ventures. We have the ability to allocate that to this project. That's not an issue in any way.
I would say overall they'd be the majority officers would be happy to have less overtime. There's some that like the overtime, but because I know one of our concerns is always when we we try to be as competitive with pay as some of the other local departments, but if you take overtime out, does that decrease a little bit of the pay they think they're going to bring home?
I'm just I'm just trying to figure out because right now it's not in our budget. So, we're trying to figure out where we're going to foresee the payment.
he decided he was not uh ready or prepared. um to uh accept that position. So, we were able to uh uh have a meeting and have a conversation with uh um the number two candidate and offered it to him. Um and he has accepted that position.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Patty Nelson sewer forgiveness form.
Resolution calling public hearing for sidewalk extensions.
Accepting a donation to the Kassen Fire Department (mentioned by Nell Pearson as similar to Rochester's).
Draft policy for city employee use of AI services and utilities.
Governs the process for public notice and assessment of sidewalk extensions.
Ongoing legal disputes with the Norries, including an enforcement action and a challenge to a conditional use permit revocation.
Permit held by the Norries, the revocation of which is being challenged in district court.
Annual estimates from the state demographer showing city growth.
New bond added this year for water revenue bonds.
General Obligation bonds to be paid off in 2028.