Minnetrista City Council — Transcript
Monday, May 18, 2026
Mosquito and Tick Control Services
2025 Financial Audit Results
Utility Billing Issues and Transition to Monthly Billing
Monthly Utility Billing Mail Services Agreement
Drainage Improvements
Water Treatment Plant Project Update
Fire Department Operations and Partnership Status
Votes (4)
Receive and Accept the 2025 Financial Audit
Moved by Kathleen Ruffing [0:35:36] · Seconded by Peter Vickery [0:35:41]
The council received a presentation from CliftonLarsonAllen on the 2025 financial audit, which yielded an unmodified or 'clean' opinion. The audit found no significant deficiencies in internal controls or non-compliance with Minnesota legal requirements, highlighting the city's strong financial management and healthy fund balances.
Approve Task Order 17 and Authorize Preparation of Plans, Specifications for County Road 110-151 Drainage Improvements (City Project 0426)
Moved by Peter Vickery [0:43:53] · Seconded by Claudia Lacey [0:44:03]
The council discussed drainage issues at the intersection of County Roads 110 and 151, noting erosion and an adjacent sanitary sewer manhole. City Engineer Allison Fauskey reported a successful 50/50 cost-share agreement with Hennepin County for the project. The task order for design, bidding, and construction administration, totaling $24,400, was approved, with construction slated for fall/winter 2026.
Water Treatment Plant Change Order Number Two
Moved by Kathleen Ruffing [0:49:52] · Seconded by Peter Vickery [0:50:00]
Administrator Jasper Crugel presented a change order with three items: a pump adjustment to facilitate water reclamation, a stormwater basin modification to comply with watershed district comments, and a deduct for fitting materials. The change order resulted in a net increase of $23,000, but it was clarified that a previous change order had a negative impact, bringing the total net increase to $18,000 against a 5% contingency. Lead times for pumps were addressed, ensuring no impact on the project timeline.
Approve Master Services Agreement with Infosend for Services Related to Monthly Sewer and Water Billing Mailings
Dissent: Kathleen Ruffing voted Nay.
Moved by Claudia Lacy [1:00:36] · Seconded by Kathleen Ruffing [1:00:44]
The council deliberated on a contract with Infosend for monthly utility billing mailings, moving from an in-house quarterly process. Concerns were raised by Council Members Ruffing and Gover about clauses allowing Infosend to unilaterally increase fees and a two-month discontinuance fee. The City Attorney clarified that the city would be notified of price increases and could negotiate, with either party having the right to terminate if an agreement isn't reached. Ultimately, the council decided to approve the agreement contingent on Infosend agreeing to remove or reduce the discontinuance fee to one month.
Notable Quotes (8)
The ultimate result of the audit was you have an unmodified or clean opinion of the financial statements. That's the best opinion that we can provide as an audit for an audit.
I want to congratulate you as well as Brian and his team for a great clean audit.
staff reached out and to Hennepin County and requested a cost share, and I'm happy to report that um, this was approved for 50/50 cost split from the from the county.
It's it's the wasted water or the waste water that's coming off the process. Instead of being sent down the drain, it's sent right away. It goes to holding tank where it settles out and then the water then, um, on the top portion where is reclaimed and brought back in to be sent through the filters one more time.
he said it won't, um, cause an issue with the contract time or anything. Um, it won't affect the pumps won't be needed until substantial completion until the end of 2027.
I would say either build in that we have the right to terminate if the fees are too high, or get rid of the cancellation fee.
should the fees increase, then um you know, they can change them, but they're supposed to notify us immediately and negotiate with us in good faith to pass on any increased costs.
I think they're fair and valid questions the council's asking, but I think at some point we got to have a little bit of a slight leap of faith that everyone's negotiating in good faith.
Ordinances & Resolutions (14)
Addition to the agenda for approving the Infosend master plan agreement.
Agreement for services related to monthly billing mailings for sewer and water.
Annual financial audit of the city conducted by CliftonLarsonAllen.
Upcoming Governmental Accounting Standards Board statement applicable next year, revamping MD&A and subsidies section for enterprise funds.
Upcoming Governmental Accounting Standards Board statement applicable in 2026, clarifying disclosure of capital assets.
Upcoming Governmental Accounting Standards Board statement, changing language for subsequent events.
Resolution to approve claims.
Resolution to examine fire partnership with St. Boniface.
Resolution awarding the production of the sanitary lift station control panel for lift station number two.
Resolution to approve the lift station control panel at lift station number two.
Resolution authorizing installation of a four-way stop and crosswalk at Woodland Cove Boulevard, Lotus Trail, and Bellflower Drive.
Agreement to authorize preparation of plans and specifications for County Road 110-151 drainage improvements (City Project 0426).
County Road 110-151 drainage improvements project.
Adjustment for the water treatment plant project including pump and storm water basin modifications.