Acting Mayor Emily Krage called the City Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. August 9, 2025, with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council present: Zeb Baumann, Emily Krage, Danny Todd, and Steve Westby. Staff present: Michelle Quinn, Curtis Chapel, Josh Hongerholt, and Randy Thesing. A list of public members present is on file.
July 28/29th Storm Recovery: The July 29th wind event resulted in damage to the city tree canopy. The resulting cleanup cost several thousand dollars. Overall, Houston County sustained considerable damage which has prompted the county to apply for state disaster funding. The City of Houston believes it will exceed the minimum expense for debris cleanup in order to join with Houston County in seeking State Disaster Public Assistance. Motion by Baumann, seconded by Westby, to authorize staff to collaborate with representatives from the state and county in seeking State Disaster Public Assistance. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Baumann, seconded by Westby to authorize deviation from City Ordinance #239, authorize staff to coordinate boulevard stump removal for trees removed as a result of the July 28-29th high wind event and to share any uncovered expense 50/50 with residents contingent upon being awarded state disaster public assistance funding for the July 28-29, 2025 weather event. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Todd, seconded by Westby to include funds for tree replacement of trees felled or removed as a result of the July 2025 weather event at an estimated cost of approximately $3,000 in the 2026 budget if it may be done without exceeding the targeted levy maximum increase of 3%. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Works Small Equipment: Motion by Todd, seconded by Westby to authorize purchase of the hydrant exercising equipment from DSG in an amount of $2,798.99. Motion carried unanimously.
Status Change for Probational Firefighters: Motion by Westby, seconded by Baumann to change the status of Cullen Olson to regular volunteer firefighter. Motion carried unanimously.
Designation of Certified Building Official: Motion by Westby, seconded by Baumann to designate Tanner J Young as the City of Houston Certified Building Official and approve the submission of the required notice to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes and Bills: Motion by Baumann, seconded by Westby to approve the minutes of July 14, 2025, regular meeting, and bills as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Items to be Placed on File: Motion by Baumann, seconded by Westby to place the following items on file. Motion carried unanimously.
Library Report and statistics
Correspondence from LMC Regarding Legislator of Distinction
Adjourn: Motion by Westby, seconded by Baumann to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. The next regular meeting of the Council is scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025.
By: Emily Krage, Acting Mayor Attest: Michelle Quinn, Clerk/Administrator
Above proceedings are only a summary. Full text available for public inspection at City Hall as well as the following website: www.houston.govoffice.com
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