Tonka Bay City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Financial Reporting Improvements
Expanded Bow Fishing for Invasive Carp
Vanity Park Playground Project Update
Utility Line Height Accountability
DNR Forestry Grant Application
Computer and Water Facility Security Review
Parking Lot and Street Utility Improvement Project Coordination
Manito Parking Lot Storage Incident
Greenwood's Potential Withdrawal from SLMPD Joint Powers Agreement (JPA)
Votes (7)
Consent Agenda - August Claims
Moved by Council Member Anderson [null] · Seconded by Council Member Ross [null]
A Council Member requested that future financial packets include monthly actual versus budget comparisons for improved oversight. The consent agenda, consisting solely of the August claims, was otherwise routine.
Special Business - LMCD Bow Fishing Expansion Proposal
The council discussed a proposal from the LMCD to expand bow fishing for invasive carp across the entire lake, setting specific dates (April 25th - June 30th), times (half-hour after sunset until 1:00 PM), and strict provisions for distance from structures/campsites, downward-facing LED lights, noise levels, and fish disposal. The council expressed no reservations and planned to communicate their support to their representative.
City Administrator's Report - Vanity Park Playground Project, Utility Line Heights, and DNR Forestry Grant
Max reported receipt of the permit for the Vanity Park Playground project, with a meeting scheduled to finalize dates for a mid-October completion. He also noted ongoing work on holding utility companies accountable for line heights via franchise agreements and the application for a DNR Forestry Grant for 2027 tree management.
Council Member Request - Computer and Water Facility Security Report
A council member requested a detailed report at the next meeting concerning the city's computer and water facility security, including management, external vendors, and annual costs.
Staff Report - Parking Lot & Street Utility Improvement Projects
Patrick and John reported on receiving one quote for the parking lot project and awaiting a second, with a recommendation expected next meeting. They also announced the second open house for the street utility improvement project and the upcoming feasibility report. Discussion involved the Manatee Park parking lot project, its funding from general funds, and the suggestion to combine its bid with the street utility project for better pricing and timing.
Council Member Report - Manito Parking Lot Storage
Debbie raised concerns about a pile of old playground equipment, intended for New Germany, being stored by a contractor in the Manito parking lot, citing safety issues and potential theft. Staff clarified the equipment's purpose and that the contractor is responsible for items missing.
Mayor's Report - Greenwood's Potential Withdrawal from SLMPD JPA
The Mayor provided an update on Greenwood's potential withdrawal from the SLMPD JPA. A legal opinion deemed it inappropriate for Greenwood's elected mayor to sit on a staff-level committee of the JPA. Greenwood disagreed and is exploring options to leave the JPA and contract policing services with the City of Woodlin, which could impact 8% of SLMPD's revenue. The matter was tabled by Greenwood, with a decision expected by October 1st.
Notable Quotes (12)
my request would be that going forward, if we could get monthly financials so that we can see the actual versus budget on a monthly basis as we pull up the books and make that part of the packet going forward.
This would allow bow fishing one half-hour after sunset until 1:00 PM across the entire lake. The season will extend from April 25th to June 30th.
It sounds like you can take out as many as you want, but it's on you to then- Get rid of them ... get rid of them. Disposal.
the council does not have any reservations with the proposed special event permit.
At our next meeting, if we can, I'd like to get a report on our computer and water facility security from how it's managed, who manages it from a company standpoint, and what it costs us each year.
So I might suggest that you would get better pricing on it if it was in the same bid as the street utility project.
Yeah. Let's dovetail, because there were, I think there were four different things that were included.
there's a pile of junk in the Manito parking lot, and it looks like a contractor dumped it there.
I don't believe we've accepted delivery of the product. They asked to store it there, so if there's anything that's missing, that's on them.
legal counsel rendered that it does not make sense for an elected official to also be part of the JPA on that particular body.
Greenwood does not agree with that solution or that opinion...they began discussions about taking formal measures to remove themselves from the JPA and then contract with the city of Woodlin.
They currently represent about 8% of the overall revenue for the SLMPD.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
Financial claims approved as part of the consent agenda.
Required permit for the playground construction project.
Agreement reviewed for holding utility companies accountable for line heights.
Application for funds to support tree management programs.
Report to be presented to council regarding the street utility improvement project.
Joint Powers Agreement for the SLMPD.