At the November 13 Harmony city council meeting, Harmony resident Ann Lyons asked how the citizens of Harmony are to keep themselves apprised of the information on the proposed data center. City Administrator Alissa Stelpflug encouraged Lyons and others who want information to attend city council meetings as well as the Planning and Zoning meetings.
The consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the October 14 meeting and the October seven town hall meeting, the claims and October checks, the investment report, the cash balances, the budget, an agreement with Environmental Water Services, LLC, and a report on the 2025 water tower inspection. Mayor Steve Donney noted that although the water tower is older, it was reported to be in good condition.
Pay request #1 from Stantec in the amount of $117,019.90 for the UV disinfection system at the wastewater treatment plant was reviewed and approved by the council. Construction has begun on UV building.
A survey agreement was approved for the Dairyland Maribell project to allow easements for a survey to be carried out for a proposed large power line. The agreement does not guarantee that the project will take place.
The council approved the city’s employer contribution rate of 50% for the Small Employer Premium under the MN Paid Leave Act which starts on January 1, 2026.
Jesse Grabau reported that the new fire truck should be completed by December or January and will be delivered after that. He asked how the rest of the council would like to proceed with selling the current truck which the new one will replace, listing several options available. The council agreed to have the fire department facilitate the sale and bring it to the council for approval.
Building and Maintenance’s leaf vac and chipper box have both been sold at auction for a total of just under $4,500.
The EDA reported that the Bike Trail Committee has met for the first time and is still looking for one or two more members to join. A spring ribbon cutting for the new bike trail section is being planned along with a memorial ride for Ralph Beastrom. The council approved the EDA’s recommendation for two Downtown Revitalization grants.
Charis Delorey has been hired as the new membership and events coordinator for the Harmony Chamber. Around 100 children attended the Chamber’s Trunk or Treat event and Haunted Harmony. Residents are encouraged to watch the Chamber’s Facebook page for more events.
Harmony Library Director Cara McCoy reported that the library’s annual book fair will be taking place soon. She will have a recommendation for the council next month for the open library board seat.
The Arts Board has planned the annual holiday lighting contest with multiple categories. Approximately 60 people attended the showing of “The Spirit of the Driftless” at the JEM Theatre. The board was able to fund easels for Fillmore Central preschool to use.
Ambulance Director Sam Grabau said that she is working to obtain quotes for an autopulse device for the ambulance for CPR to replace the outdated one that the service is using now. She should have a quote at the next council meeting. Currently, the call volume for 2025 is 25% higher than it was at this time last year. She reminded everyone that the ambulance service is always looking for more people to join.
Leave a Reply