Long Lake City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Recognition of Constitution Week
Excel Energy Transmission Line Improvement Project
Adoption of 2027 City Utility and Recycling Rates
City Operations, Maintenance, and Upcoming Initiatives
Votes (3)
Approval of Consent Agenda
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [00:17:30] · Seconded by Council Member [00:17:40]
The consent agenda included the issuance of a special event permit for the Gear West Half Marathon and the adoption of Resolution 2026-37 recognizing Constitution Week. The Mayor highlighted the historical context of Constitution Week, noting its national designation since 1956. The LMPC 2027 budget was also approved within the consent agenda. A public commenter, Paul River, spoke passionately about the importance of Constitution Week, drawing parallels to historical events and current national issues, urging the city to actively promote it.
Authorize Negotiation of Temporary Access Agreement with Excel Energy
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [00:45:00] · Seconded by Council Member [00:45:40]
The City Administrator introduced Brian Milky from WSB, representing Excel Energy, to discuss the rebuild of a 69-kilovolt transmission line built in 1960. Due to challenging topography and bridges along the Loose Line Trail between Mound and Gleon Lake, Excel Energy requested temporary access through Harden Park for three specific pole segments. Council members raised concerns about equipment size, impact on local streets (Green Hill, Glenmore Lane), potential noise, tree removal, and the protection of city infrastructure, including a water main. The project is planned for winter 2028-2029, and staff sought authorization to negotiate terms, including compensation and an escrow for potential damages.
Adoption of 2027 City Utilities and Recycling Rates
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [00:52:00] · Seconded by Council Member [00:52:10]
The City Administrator presented Resolution 2026-40, detailing the proposed utility and recycling rates for 2027. A significant change was an increase in the stormwater fee from $4.95 to $8.58 to support future storm water improvements in collaboration with the Metropolitan Council. Conversely, the Metropolitan Council sewer treatment fee, a pass-through charge, decreased by $1.75 per resident, attributed to a drier year. Overall, residents are expected to see an average increase of about 3% ($3 or less per month), with larger users facing slightly higher increases. The Administrator highlighted that Long Lake's rates remain competitive compared to neighboring communities. Council members expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive and equitable approach to rate setting.
Notable Quotes (7)
I just want to I want to thank the the city for seeking to pass a resolution in the upcoming consent agenda this evening to recognize September 17th to the 23rd, 2026. That's Constitution Week in the city of Long Lake. This is a big deal, at least to me.
This occurs every every year. Um I guess it's officially started in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. So not sure if we recognized this before in previous years. I guess I don't recall it during my my term here per se, but just recognizes the Constitution which was of course in 1787 and has stood the test of time amazingly and the all all of these years and hopefully will continue to in the many years to come in history of the nation.
The poles themselves will I anticipate being 10 to 15 feet on average taller. The reason for that is they'll be upgraded to current standards. So we'll have what's called OPGW, which is basically a fiber communications line that is just for the transmission line that'll be added.
When there are when there is not something wrong with the line on a 69 KV line, you should not be hearing them. Does it happen? Yes. If clamps get loose or something of that nature, there are times when I've heard a 69 line, but it means there's something not right.
If this is something council is comfortable with, what what the um recommendation is tonight is to authorize myself but myself and staff to continue working with Brian on negotiating and making sure that we are being compensated but also um taking the best route to do so.
I am recommending um a rather large change for the storm water um fee based fee to go from $4.95 up to $858. This would allow us to start preparing to work with the Metropolitan Council on future storm water improvements in our city.
I appreciate all the work we've done the last couple years kind of helping to get our our utility rates in in check and kind of in a good place where it seems to be fair and equitable based on on usage and and you know household size and and all those kinds of things. I think we're in a good good place with these rates here compared to when first on the council.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Recognizing September 17th-23rd, 2026, as Constitution Week in the City of Long Lake.
Issued for the Gear West Country Half Marathon & 5K event on October 10th.
Approved budget for the Long Lake Planning Commission (LMPC).
The foundational document recognized during Constitution Week.
Historical document referenced during discussion of Constitution Week.
Establishing water, sewer, storm sewer, residential recycling, and residential organic recycling rates for 2027.
Discussed during a prior City Council work session.
The set of charges for water, sewer, storm water, recycling, and organic services for the upcoming year.
Future changes to city ordinances regarding tobacco sales to align with regional standards.
A required water quality testing process conducted every three years.