At the November 10 meeting of the city council, City Administrator Michele Peterson pointed out concerns in the third quarter financial report. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent.
Peterson maintained, “We are doing well as anticipated with the budget.” No action is recommended with Library Operations, Fire Operations, and Ambulance Operations. Community Development Operations have recovered from the first quarter low and are being monitored to determine if a transfer from the Community Development Capital Fund will be necessary.
Center for the Arts Operations are significantly low. Building repair and maintenance is $30,000 over budget. The city wants the business to be sustainable at some point. Cash reserves are being used now. Councilor Josh Broadwater pointed to the boiler issues causing the budget issue. Break downs are part of doing business. He went on to say it is an old building and they need to be realistic about operating costs. Peterson said we should plan for more than $12,000 for maintenance. Councilor Mike Urban suggested the EDA and the city council need to look into providing more funding for the facility.
Other Business in Brief
- Two hunters had requested permission to bow hunt on the CR 10 property owned by the city. No action was taken after councilors discussed the timing of the request. Urban said it was late to make a change. Broadwater noted there always has been no hunting, adding he was not opposed to looking at allowing hunting in the future. He agreed it was too late to make a change now. Councilor Dave Frank agreed; it is too late to be fair to others who would like to hunt on city land. He said to be fair others should have an equal opportunity; he suggested interested people could put their name in for a drawing. Councilor Pam Bluhm said if two were allowed, others should be allowed also.
- Ordinance 483 the 2026 Fee Schedule was approved as presented as was its publication.
- The purchase of an eight-foot by 16-foot tilt bed utility trailer for hauling equipment was approved as recommended by the Public Works Department at a cost not to exceed $11,000.
- A lawful gambling exempt permit was approved for the Chatfield Youth Sports Association.
- A 2026 maintenance agreement with Olmsted County for a portion of CSAH 10 within the city limits was approved. Olmsted County will provide payment to the city for maintenance.
- The hire of Blake Bigalk as a volunteer EMT was approved.
- Annual Chatfield Fire Department Fund Drive donations in the amount of $2,360 were accepted.
- The volleyball team was congratulated on its second place finish.
- Mayor John McBroom said tickets will be issued to those who do not keep their cars off the street for snow plows.
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