Skifton to Continue as Houston Fire Chief

At their November 12 meeting, the Houston City Council decided to retain Steve Skifton for two more years as fire chief. Skifton had previously notified the council he wished to retire. The position was posted, and one person applied. At the interview, the applicant honestly shared that he had only applied to provide an option, but this had not been part of his plan for himself at this time. Skifton agreed to remain as chief with an emphasis that this would be a transition period and his last term. 

Cody Mathers pointed out that many other local fire departments choose their fire chiefs themselves and then recommend their selection to the council. He suggested the Houston Council consider doing the same. 

Steve Skifton was appointed to a full two-year term during which he will help transition to a new chief. His replacement was not yet named. The council thanked both Skifton and the applicant for their flexibility and willingness to do this. 

Applicant Matt VanGundy was appointed assistant fire chief. Three applicants had applied for the position. City Administrator Michelle Quinn commented that the other applicants were all excellent and she hoped they would continue to apply for other roles in the future. 

Variance Denied

A garage variance request from Brian and Lisa Jerviss at 202 Kilborn Street was denied by the council. Krin Abraham, president of the Planning Commission, spoke during the public comment period of the council meeting to say that the variance request to build a garage was almost 300% more than the ordinance maximum. The Planning Commission chose not to approve the variance and have the council make the decision. 

The ordinance is a stand-alone ordinance written by the city with the intent to limit the size of garages. It was developed around 2007 and was reviewed about five years ago. 

Councilman Mathers suggested that the mechanism to address the issue would be to make a change in the ordinance if the council felt it necessary. At this time, however, they denied the variance.

Brian and Lisa’s reaction was mild. Brain commented, “If you don’t try, you don’t know.”

Lisa added, “There’s always Plan B, if it doesn’t!”

Employee Appreciation

Mayor Scott Wallace recognized and thanked Michelle Quinn for her five years of service at Houston City Administrator. Bethany Peterson-Lee was also recognized for her 10 years of service at Houston Public Library. 

Canvass of Election

Prior to the regular meeting, the council canvassed the results of the recent election. Mayor Scott Wallace was re-elected as was Councilwoman Emily Krage. Danny Todd was elected to replace Councilman Cody Mathers, who chose not to run again. Certificates of election will be issued later.

Quinn reported that Police Chief Brett Hurley remained in the city limits during the election, but there were no issues. The vestibule was packed at the time of poll opening and everything went smoothly according to Quinn. 

Delay on CSAH 13 Project

Bolton and Menk sent a memorandum to suggest delaying the project until 2026 since a significant portion of the project includes grant funding. Since such funding has not been passed by the legislature at this point, it would not be good to proceed with the project. Any money spent before the receipt of a grant would not be eligible for the grant. 

Quinn informed the council that the intent is to have the project “shovel ready” so it can be begun once grants are received. Plans will be submitted to state aid, MPCA and MDH to plan for certification. In December, both Mike Bubany, financial advisor with David Drown Associates, and Derek Olinger of Bolton and Menk will attend the council meeting to answer any questions. 

Other Business

In other business, the council:

• Approved a 3% COLA raise for staff for 2025;
• Approved a change to the employee health benefits policy for any future hires; contributions will change from a 75% city/25% employee to 50% city/50% employee for dependent health insurance for future hires;
• Liquor Licenses were issued to JT’s Corner Bar and Grill and American Legion Post 423 for 2025;
• Approved advertising for bids for harvesting native prairie seeds;
• Approved the proposed 2025 meeting calendar; no changes were made from previous years;
• Learned that the sander was received and plows are on the city trucks, ready for the winter snow season.