Mayor Scott Wallace called the City Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. February 9, 2026, with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council present: Mayor Scott Wallace, Zeb Baumann, Emily Krage, and Steve Westby. Staff present: Byron Frauenkron, Josh Hongerholt, Brett Hurley, Steve Skifton, and Michelle Quinn. A list of public members present is on file.
Gambling Permit: Motion by Krage, seconded by Baumann to approve a gambling permit with no waiting period for Houston Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc. for an event to be hosted at the Houston Fest Grounds on July 25, 2026. Motion carried unanimously.
Potential Development of Stoddard Street: Derek Olinger reported on a letter of interest which has been received regarding further development of Stoddard Street. It is being recommended that steps be taken to move towards a formal development agreement to outline who is responsible for what, what are parties financially responsible for and what criteria is required. In these situations, a private developer may be creating public infrastructure which will be taken on by the city for future maintenance and upkeep. Motion by Baumann, seconded by Krage, to authorize meetings of appropriate staff to discuss the project so that a development agreement may be drafted. Motion carried unanimously.
CSAH 13/Spruce Street Coop Project Update: Motion by Westby, seconded by Bauman to approve the Cooperative Agreement with the County of Houston for the CSAH 13/Spruce Street project contingent upon City Attorney approval. Motion carried unanimously.
Root River Trail Extension/BUILD Grant Letters of Support: Motion by Baumann, seconded by Westby to authorize submission of letters of support on behalf of the City of Houston Council signed by Mayor Wallace. Motion carried unanimously.
OEMS Grant: During the regular meeting of the council held January 12, 2026, the council acted to adopt Resolution 2026-02 Accepting an OEMS Grant in the amount of $783.42. The contract to finalize acceptance has been received. Motion by Krage, seconded by Westby to affirm previous action, approve the State of Minnesota Grant Contract Agreement and authorize the necessary signatures on the same. Motion carried unanimously.
Personnel Items: Motion by Westby, seconded by Baumann to approve of the personnel policy revisions as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes and Bills: Motion by Krage, seconded by Westby to approve the minutes of January 8, 2026, 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 Updates reports, Information, and circulation statistics
SELCO Agreement for Library Funding
SMIF Correspondence and Year in Review
Note of Appreciation from Thesing
Note of Appreciation from FFA
Adjourn: Motion by Westby, seconded by Krage to adjourn the meeting at 6:38 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. The next regular meeting of the Council is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.
By: Scott Wallace, 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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