Shoreland Fire Department 2027 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan

Dissent: None

Moved by Mayor [36:20] · Seconded by Council Member [36:23]

The City Administrator presented the Shoreland Fire Department's 2027 operating budget and capital improvement plan, which was previously approved by the Fire Department board. Key points included Long Lake's 14.285% contribution, a 9.0% operating increase, and details on a $215,505 total cash contribution. Discussion clarified changes in personnel budgeting (decrease in full-time, increase in part-time due to duty crew and fire marshal roles) and a significant rise in call volume. The capital plan addressed future vehicle purchases and the facility's roof as a major upcoming expense. The new allocation formula (one-third call volume, market value, population) was highlighted, and potential contract discussions with Medina were noted. Concerns about maintaining cash funds for capital purchases were also raised.

Second Quarter 2026 Revenue and Expenditure Report

Dissent: None

Moved by Mayor [52:19] · Seconded by Council Member [52:25]

The City Administrator presented the Q2 2026 financial report, noting overall expenses were higher than 50% due to annual payments, increased public works costs, and specific over-budget items. These included $35,000 over budget for the removal of 91 dead ash trees and significant repairs to the public works fleet (driven by overdue DOT inspections). An unbudgeted $6,000 for Fire Station One property insurance was also identified. Revenue from water usage decreased by 5%, impacting sewer revenue. The Sanitary Sewer Fund balance increased due to transfers for sewer lining and a substantial rise in the Metropolitan Council sewer treatment fee to $400,000. Fund management strategies, including earning interest on investments and a transfer to a higher-yield savings account, were discussed, with $68,000 in interest earned in the first five months.

Authorize staff to advertise for a full-time Public Works Lead Maintenance Worker position

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member [57:32] · Seconded by Unknown [58:14]

The City Administrator requested authorization to re-establish a Public Works Lead Maintenance Worker position, which had been previously filled by Luke Lockman. The new position would be hourly (non-exempt) to allow for on-call and overtime pay, addressing a limitation of the previous salaried role. This role is crucial for training new staff, providing support to the Public Works Director Shawn, and creating redundancy for water and sewer licensure, which is currently reliant on a single individual. The council discussed the flexibility in salary offers to attract suitable external candidates and the critical need for backup expertise in case of emergencies.

Approve city council meeting schedule changes and established Long Lake Canvasing board meeting

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member [1:03:09] · Seconded by Unknown [1:03:55]

The City Administrator presented proposed changes to the November 2026 City Council meeting schedule. Due to state law prohibiting public meetings on election day and the requirement to hold a canvasing board meeting within 3-10 days post-election, the regular meetings of November 3rd and 17th were rescheduled to November 10th and 24th. A separate canvasing board meeting was also scheduled for November 10th at 6:15 p.m. Discussion included the possibility of canceling the November 24th meeting if the agenda is light, or utilizing it for a budget work session, providing flexibility for future business needs.