Mayor Scott Wallace called the City Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. December 8, 2025, with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council present: Mayor Scott Wallace, Zeb Baumann, Emily Krage, Danny Todd, and Steve Westby. Staff present: Michelle Quinn, Curtis Chapel, Josh Hongerholt, Brett Hurley, and Randy Thesing. A list of public members present is on file.
2026 COLA Increase: Motion by Todd, seconded by Westby to approve a 3.5% COLA for qualifying staff in 2026. Motion carried unanimously.
Employee Health Benefits: Motion by Baumann, seconded by Krage to approve renewal of the
current health benefits plans. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Works Superintendent (Department Head): Motion by Westby, seconded by Todd to approve the hire of Josh Hongerholt as Public Works Superintendent (Department Head) effective January 2, 2026, at a rate of 5% over the next wage band within the department with a scheduled increase of the same 5% upon successful completion of a 6-month probationary period. Motion carried unanimously.
Certification of Delinquent City Bills: Motion by Krage, seconded by Baumann to approve the delinquent city bills as presented and adopt the following resolution. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2025-15
PLACEMENT OF DELINQUENT UTILITY BILLS UPON THE TAXES OF RESPECTIVE PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY OF HOUSTON, HOUSTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Administrator be hereby instructed to inform the County Auditor that s/he shall place the following list of delinquent bills upon the taxes levied against the respective properties:
Owners Name: Parcel #: Amount:
Carly Rodriquez 24.0235.000 $4,126.63
Sean Lucey 24.0258.000 $2,322.77
Caiden Olson 24.0260.000 $1,956.85
Blake & Tricia Parrish 24.0294.000 $332.70
Rogeena Hurst 24.0374.000 $655.95
Arlin & Susan Peterson 24.0407.000 $258.62
Shane Loken 24.0409.000 $2,084.06
Ordinance Adoption: Motion by Todd, seconded by Westby to adopt Ordinances 249 as stated following, and authorize the publishing of as required. Motion carried unanimously.
CITY OF HOUSTON, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 249
AN ORDINANCE FOR REGUALTING THE USE AND OPERATION OF SPECIAL VEHICLES ON THE CITY OF HOUSTON ROADS, REQUIRING A LICENSE, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.
Section 1. Purpose
This ordinance is adopted pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 169.045 to authorize and regulate the operation of motorized golf carts, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and utility task vehicles (UTVs) on certain roadways within the City of Houston, Minnesota, under permit.
Section 2. Definitions
As used in this ordinance:
- All-terrain vehicle (ATV): Has the meaning given in Minnesota Statute § 84.92.
- City: Means the City of Houston, Minnesota.
- Utility task vehicle (UTV): has the meaning given in Minnesota Statute § 169.045
subd. 1(3)
- Motorized golf cart: A self-propelled vehicle with four wheels designed for use on a
golf course.
- Special Vehicle: Means any all-terrain vehicle, golf cart, or utility-task vehicle
described under this ordinance.
Section 3. Designation of Roadways
Motorized golf carts, ATVs, and UTVs may be operated on all city streets under the jurisdiction of the City of Houston.
Section 4. Permit Application and Requirements
- No person shall operate a motorized golf cart, ATV, or UTV on designated roadways
without first obtaining a permit issued by the City of Houston.
- Applicants must complete the City of Houston Special Vehicle Permit Application
form.
- The City Clerk or designated official shall review, and issue permits upon compli-
ance.
- Permits are valid for up to three (3) calendar years (January 1st- December 31st) and
may be renewed unless revoked according to section 4 of this ordinance.
- The city may revoke any permit if there is evidence the permit holder cannot safely
operate the vehicle on designated roadways.
- Special vehicle permits from other jurisdictions will be recognized in the City of
Houston. Recipients of permits from other jurisdictions may file a copy of the permit
with the city or provide proof of permit from another jurisdiction within fourteen (14)
days of being stopped for not having a City of Houston Special Vehicle Permit. Any
permit provided must have been valid when the special vehicle was in use in the
City of Houston.
Section 6. Operating Conditions
- Motorized golf carts must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem as provided in
Minnesota Statute § 169.522.
- All operators shall comply with applicable traffic laws under Minnesota Statute
Chapter 169, unless such laws cannot reasonably be applied to these vehicles.
- Every special vehicle operator has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver
of any other vehicle under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169, unless
those provisions cannot reasonably be applied to special vehicles. The operation
of special vehicles shall comply with Minnesota Statutes § 84.92 through § 84.928
and § 169.045, as well as any other Federal State, or local law, rule, or regulation.
Section 7. Restrictions- No person shall operate a special vehicle under this
ordinance:
- Without valid proof of insurance compliant with Minnesota Statute § 65B.48
Subdivision 5.
- Without a valid driver’s license.
- Except between sunrise and sunset, unless the special vehicle is equipped with
original headlights, taillights, and rear facing brake light equipment.
- In inclement weather, when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog, or other
conditions, or at any time when there is insufficient visibility to clearly see persons
and vehicles on the roadway at a distance of 500 feet.
- Without a rear-view mirror as described in Minnesota Statute § 169.70
Section 8. Minors
No minor under the age of 18 may operate a special vehicle under this ordinance without possessing a valid driver’s license and completing a Department of Natural Resources ATV safety course. Any minor special-vehicle operator or passenger traveling on a city street shall wear a properly fitted helmet approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
Section 8. Insurance
Operators must maintain liability insurance. If it is not available through private insurers, operators may apply through the Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan.
Section 9. Penalty
Violation of this ordinance shall be a petty misdemeanor and may result in revocation of the permit, a fine of $75, or both.
Section 12. Effective Date
This ordinance shall become effective upon passage and publication as required by law.
Truth In Taxation Hearing: The time being 6:15 p.m., motion by Krage, seconded by Baumann to recess the regular, and open the 2025 Truth in Taxation Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no public comment, motion by Baumann, seconded by Westby to close the public hearing and reconvene in regular session. Motion carried unanimously. The time was 6:22 p.m.
Final Budget & Levy: Motion by Krage, seconded by Westby to adopt the final budget, levy, and adopt the following resolution. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2025-16
ADOPTING FINAL 2026 BUDGET AND FINAL TAX LEVY,
COLLECTABLE IN 2026
Be It Resolved by the city council of the City of Houston, County of Houston, Minnesota, adopts the Final 2026 Budget and that the following sums of money be levied for the current year, collectable in 2026, upon the taxable property in the City of Houston, for the following purposes:
General Fund 208,000
Library Fund 40,500
Ambulance Fund 10,000
Fire Fund 30,000 Park/Rec Fund 2,500
Nature Center Fund 51,000
Vehicle Fund 39,000
Infrastructure Fund 63,250 2016A Ellsworth Street Bond 34,000
2017A Street & Utility Improvement Bond 27,350
2020 MiEnergy Loan 31,500
2020B Lincoln Street Reconstruction Bond 37,100
2020C Community Center Renovation Bond 18,200
2025 Street & Utility (CSAH 13/Spruce Street) 25,000
Total Levy $617,400
Minutes and Bills: Motion by Krage, seconded by Baumann to approve the minutes of November 10, 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
Adjourn: Motion by Westby, seconded by Krage to adjourn the meeting at 6:31 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. The next regular meeting of the Council is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 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
Publish 19
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