At the August 12 Harmony City Council meeting, the consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the July 14 meeting, the claims and July checks, the investment report, the cash balances, and the budget, as well as a step increase for City Administrator Alissa Stelpflug. The Personnel Committee noted that Stelpflug’s hard work and dedication has been proven through the excellent job she’s done for the city. Greg Davids was recognized as the League of Minnesota Cities Legislator of Distinction for 2026 for his instrumental work on the bike trail extension.
A change order for the lead service line project was approved, allowing Stantec to move forward with the second phase of the project. The city was awarded $250,000 for the project, but the bids for the 10 planned line replacements came in substantially under the estimate so seven more lines will be added to the project.
Harmony Fire Relief Association Treasurer James Skaalen asked the council to approve a pension increase of $200, bringing the total pension to just over $1,000. He said that compared to other area towns, Harmony would still be on the low side, even with the increase, which would come at no cost to the taxpayers. The request was approved with Kyle Scheevel and Tara Morem abstaining.
The water softener at the city shop needs to be replaced. A bid from Kingsley’s Mercantile in the amount of $1,435 was approved.
The Harmony Lions Club asked the council to approve their request to repaint the letters and fixtures on both Welcome to Harmony signs as well as tuckpointing the bases. The Lions Club plans to donate the cost of the project. The council approved the request as long as the colors on the signs are kept similar to the current ones. The council thanked the Lions for their donation.
The final punch list items for the UV project are being worked on at the wastewater treatment plant.
Two EDA board members recently resigned. Wanda Burkholder will be finishing Mason Weedman’s term. One more board member is needed to fill the other term. The Green Loop Refillery will be moving from Spring Valley to Harmony and will be located in the back of Bee Balm.
Interim Chamber Director Kelley Collins has agreed to stay on until the end of August. The Chamber will be posting the position soon with hopes to have it filled by the beginning of September. As Collins has done a great job, she is being encouraged to apply for the position. The Chamber reported that the 4th of July festivities went well even with the rain during the parade. Around 600 buttons were sold and all kids’ activities were free this year for America’s 150th anniversary. The plan is to keep them free going forward as well.
The summer reading program has wrapped up at the Harmony library with the finale being held on August 1. The craft nights at the library this summer have been well attended.
National Night Out was a big success in Harmony with a good turnout. Thanks were extended to the fire department and ambulance service for putting on the event.
The next joint planning session for the data center ordinance will be held on August 26. Comments can be made via the city website until August 19. The link can also be found on Facebook. The comments will be passed on to the boards for their next session.
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