Chatfield honors Joel Young for serving his community well

At the July 10 meeting of the Chatfield city council, Luke Fischer, executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), began with a presentation in honor of retiring city administrator Joel Young.

The League represents 838 cities in Minnesota. LMC advocates for cities at the state capital, provides resources, training, policy development and other services.

Justin Miller, Lakeville city administrator, reported Young recently received the LMC 2023 James F. Miller Leadership Award at the League’s annual conference in Duluth. This is the League’s highest honor given annually for an appointed city official in recognition of outstanding service. Miller said Joel stood above the rest among numerous nominations for the award.

Many letters of support had been received; Miller said he has the respect of his peers. This was demonstrated in a video featuring many recognizable, prominent Chatfield citizens who offered their respect and complimented his service to the community. Young has served the city of Chatfield in an administrator role for 32 years.

Young submitted a letter addressed to councilors and fellow residents reviewing progress/changes over three decades and citing the city’s solid financial condition, sound organizational structure, and the many improvements to the city’s infrastructure ranging from the Chatfield Center for the Arts to parks, streets, and the wastewater treatment plant. He leaves the city in good standing.

Young said he will be on an extended vacation beginning next Monday but will come to the office when needed and contribute to budget planning in an effort to smooth the transition for his successor. “It has been a rich experience.” He thanked everyone for their support.

Mayor John McBroom read a proclamation proclaiming August 12, 2023, as Joel Young Day. Young will serve as the honorary Grand Marshall at this year’s Western Days parade.

Other business in brief

• City engineer Craig Britton explained the generators are set in place but are not yet operational. Approval was granted for pay application #4 in the amount of $121,125 to Killmer Electric Co. Inc. for work completed on the 2022 Water System Electrical Improvement Project.

• Approval was granted to renew the listing agreement with real estate agents Todd Hadoff and Tim Danielson to list unsold lots on Enterprise Drive for an additional 12 months.

• A special city council meeting is being held on July 12 to interview and evaluate candidates for the position of city administrator. A motion will be considered to offer the position and to negotiate the terms of employment.

• The next regular meeting of the city council will be held on July 24.