The December 1 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with the annual Truth-in-Taxation public hearing. City Administrator Mitchell Walbridge explained what the purpose of the hearing was as well as how property taxes are calculated. He noted that residents are able to appeal their property taxes at the Board of Appeals with the county assessor in the spring. The statements that have been sent out are preliminary, and that finalized statements will be mailed to homeowners after the levy is set at the evening’s meeting.
Sun Gardens owner Luis Hummel asked the council to consider what the next steps could be for his request to close two parking spots in front of his business to allow a food truck to park there. He received a letter from the council after the November meeting that stated it could cause a potential distraction for neighboring businesses. He asked for clarification on what that meant. He also noted that he has started a petition to show support from the community.
Sandy Webb updated the council with three good things that happened in Lanesboro over the last week, which included the Legion Lights being put up, the public works department handling the road conditions, and a project that was spearheaded by Mayor Alicia Pearson which raised money and food to provide a Thanksgiving dinner to nine area families. Webb appreciated the opportunity to participate in that project and give to others.
The minutes of the November 3 and November 25 meetings were approved. The consent agenda was also approved and included the accounts payable and an off-sale liquor license transfer as of December 31.
Minnesota Trout Unlimited, or MNTU, Executive Director John Lenczewski, MNTU Habitat Director Dr. Jennie Biederman, and EOR representative Mike Majeski were present to update the council on the Root River project. The project would improve the fishing habitat, reduce flood risk, and increase access to the river in Lanesboro. The late Steve Sobieniak of the Root River Rod Co had started the initiative for the project with former Lanesboro Mayor Jason Resseman and MNTU. The city partnership was confirmed in May 2022. The survey and design process began this past summer and a preliminary design was presented to the council. The project would start just below the dam and go through Lanesboro, grading back banks to help ease flooding events and create better access to the river. Funding from the state’s Legacy Amendment has been secured for the project and no city funding will be needed. The next step in the process is to hold a public hearing. The council decided to have Planning and Zoning hold the hearing and bring the findings to the January 5 council meeting.
Administrator Walbridge gave an update on the Hwy. 250 road and utility project. The final design elements are still being put together. MnDOT sent letters to property owners notifying them of any temporary easements and land acquisitions that are part of the project. Mayor Pearson expressed concern over the language in the letter, stating that if property owners don’t agree to the easements and acquisitions, eminent domain will be used. Walbridge said that the council would have to agree to that and felt that the language meant that while eminent domain could be used, it didn’t mean that it would.
The 2026 final budget was adopted. Resolution 2025-52 was adopted, approving the final 2026 tax levy with a 5.8% increase.
Amendments to city ordinances 54.06 and 30.11 regarding the utility fee schedule and the city fee schedule were reviewed by the council. Public hearings will be scheduled to hear feedback from the public.
The plow connection on the public works truck broke over the weekend while plowing snow. Public Works Director David Haugen recommended replacement rather than repairing it as that would be more cost effective, especially since it was scheduled to be replaced in 2026 anyway. A quote to purchase a new snowplow attachment was approved.
Mayor Pearson’s efforts with Omcare in collaboration with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, PharMerica, and the University of Minnesota Center for Healthy Aging to create a healthcare initiative in Lanesboro was discussed. The other council members questioned Mayor Pearson’s use of her mayoral title in publicity, expressing concerns that she was violating the council’s Code of Conduct by using her title to benefit a private company and potentially confusing people about the city’s role in the project. “It’s questionable ethically,” councilor Mindy Albrecht-Benson said. Councilor Chase Bakke agreed, stating that, “I’m not for or against the project, but I am against you using your title improperly.” Mayor Pearson responded that she was using it as a descriptor and that she has been clear that any work she is doing with the initiative is strictly done in a personal capacity. “I think I’m able to use legally and ethically my job and what I do for work to help bring good things to Lanesboro,” she said. City Attorney Joseph O’Koren said that the concerns fall in a gray area. Albrecht-Benson made a motion to have Walbridge draft a letter of position about the initiative for the city, which was approved unanimously.
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