Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Eitzen City Clerk Steve Schuldt administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Jeff Adamson, and councilmembers Mitch Luttchens and Mitch Lange at the first Eitzen City Council meeting of 2025, held on January 14. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from the December 10, 2024, city council meeting as presented. The financial documents were unanimously approved as presented after City Clerk Steve Schuldt’s responded to Councilmember Emily Burrichter statement regarding the general fund.
In unfinished business, Mayor Adamson updated the board on the Habitat for Humanity house. Adamson confirmed that he had spoken with construction director Jeremy Reed earlier in the day. Reed reported that the crew is finishing up the sheetrock, the basement has been fully insulated, the egress window has been installed, there’s heat in the house, they are waiting for a little plumbing work, and the kitchen cabinets are sitting in the garage. Adamson concluded by stating that the family is expected to take possession in March. Councilmember Doug Meyer said that he walked through the house one day and remarked, “It looks real nice.” No action was required.
Schuldt updated the council on the EPA citation. The EPA has requested three years of financial reports, and the city will wait until they hear back making a decision.
In new business, the council unanimously approved the list of appointments, including Steve Schuldt as city clerk; Joan Breeser as city treasurer; Darryl Meyer as city maintenance and water & sewer operator; Mitch Luttchens as deputy mayor, buildings & grounds; Mitch Lange, electric, streets, and weed inspector; Doug Meyer, water and sewer back-up; Emily Burrichter, board of health, hazard mitigation, and civil defense; official newspaper, Caledonia Argus; official depository of funds, ESB Banking; City of Eitzen Attorney, Mike Murphy, Murphy and Roverud, PLLP; and Local Board of Appeal and Equalization, Mitch Luttchens, expiring July 1, 2026.
No action was taken on the 2025 utility rate schedule, allowing the council until next month’s council meeting to review the rates before making a decision.
Mayor Adamson read a letter from GSS, Inc. regarding a proposal to lease city-owned property to build a telecommunications tower, approximately 200’ to 300’ in height. The leased property would be approximately 75’ by 75’. GSS will be invited to next month’s city council meeting to discuss the proposal and answer the council’s questions.
The council unanimously approved a DEED loan totaling $35,000 for Eitzen businessowner Justin Meyer to purchase tools and a lift. “It would be $340 bucks a month,10-year loan, and 3% fixed,” according to Luttchens. “He is rocking it down there.” He concluded by stating, “It could not go to a better guy.”
Adamson added a discussion on the concession stand to the agenda. The remodel costs would be shared by the city and Lions Club. Adamson shared drawings of the concession stand with his colleagues. The council did not take any action on how much the city would contribute until the project costs are finalized. Adamson called the ball diamond the city’s “Crown Jewel.”
Maintenance Supervisor Darryl Meyer reported that the updates are complete at the well house and the lift stations are done. Lang jokingly asked if he was out of salt.
The mayor asked for a motion and second to approve December’s claims. The motion carried.
Before adjourning the meeting at 6:40 p.m., the council unanimously approved paying the bills.
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