Forest Lake City Council December 8th, 2025
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Approval of city council meeting agenda
Consent agenda items 7A-7Q (including cybersecurity contracts)
Truth and Taxation hearing for the 2026 city budget
Review of proposed property tax levy and budgetary adjustments
Public comment regarding city services, taxes, and airport operations
Areas of Interest (4)
- Citizens express frustration over high taxation relative to service levels in edge-of-border properties.
- Airport hangar owners allege contract violations and discriminatory fee practices by the city.
- City Council moves to reduce proposed 2026 property tax levy from 12.59% to 7.9% following public feedback.
- City administrative staff clarifies cybersecurity consultant contracts with McDonald Hopkins and Erate.
Votes (2)
Approval of tonight's agenda
Moved by Unspecified · Seconded by Unspecified
Approval of consent agenda items 7A through 7Q
Moved by Unspecified · Seconded by Unspecified
Notable Quotes (3)
The city of Forest Lake has violated hanger owner contracts.
I'm just saying I'm being taxed here in Forest Lake. I should get the same service that Forest Lake residents are getting.
The preliminary levy that came out on your tax statement was addressed at 12.59%.
People (7)
Mayor RobertsMayorPresides over city council meetings and public hearings.
Presides over city council meetings and public hearings.
Don ShipHangar OwnerProfessional pilot arguing against city's fee structure for airport hangars.
1 quote
Professional pilot arguing against city's fee structure for airport hangars.
“The city of Forest Lake has violated hanger owner contracts.”
Alleging city mismanagement of airport hangar fees since 2016.
Gary LeeRepresentativeAdvocating for dementia-friendly training for Forest Lake businesses.
Advocating for dementia-friendly training for Forest Lake businesses.
Jenny WestCommunity EducatorExpanding dementia caregiving and aging services into Forest Lake.
Expanding dementia caregiving and aging services into Forest Lake.
Dean LopezResidentCriticizing city services and tax increases for residents in the township border areas.
1 quote
Criticizing city services and tax increases for residents in the township border areas.
“I'm just saying I'm being taxed here in Forest Lake. I should get the same service that Forest Lake residents are getting.”
Complaint regarding inequitable service distribution.
Mark StatsAdministratorProvides clarifications on budget processes and consent agenda amendments.
Provides clarifications on budget processes and consent agenda amendments.
Ellie LarkinFinance DirectorPresents the 2026 budget proposal and proposed levy adjustments.
Presents the 2026 budget proposal and proposed levy adjustments.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (2)
- City Council meeting started at 6:00 PM
- Truth and Taxation public hearing opened at 6:32 PM