Photo by Zech Sindt
The city’s money is earning more interest, the water system is getting smarter, and a new growers market may be on the way. Those were the big themes as the Wykoff City Council met at 7 p.m. on September 8. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge chaired the meeting with council members Jeffrey Hare, Barbara Fate, Jane Baker and Missy Musel present. City Administrator Becky Schmidt and Administrative Assistant Luann Hare also attended.
Schmidt reported that the city’s new banking setup pushed August interest earnings to nearly $1,800. In past months the city typically saw $280 to $300. She also clarified that some Fall Fest-related costs show up in city payments because the city fronts expenses that are later reimbursed to the general fund.
Public Works updates came from Rick Whitney. He outlined a $5,319.34 monitoring system for the city’s well house that would let staff check water levels online and receive accurate high and low alerts. After the initial three-year package, monitoring will run about $500 per year. Whitney said the upgrade will reduce nuisance calls and give earlier warnings before a tank runs low or a tower gets too full. The council approved the purchase, with the option to delay payment until January.
Whitney also asked for a vendor inspection of key pumps at the wastewater plant. Minnesota Pump will check the units that move treated effluent to the creek and into the drying beds for $1,162. Whitney handles routine service in house, but he wants the original vendor to verify seals and overall condition on a regular basis. The council approved the work.
Breckenridge reported that the city’s 1940 fire truck is running again and will roll in the Fall Fest parade. He added that the fire department has offered to take over cleaning and routine maintenance of the fire station so members can take more ownership of the building.
First responder updates were given by Cory Bremseth. He said participation is strong and that the crew has covered nearly every call this year. An EMT class is set for January in Spring Valley, and a few local responders are interested. He may look at an EMR class later, with additional radios considered in the next budget year.
The mayor also addressed a drainage problem at a property near Highway 80. Runoff has caused erosion around a culvert. The state has been contacted and an engineer is expected to review the site. Local work is estimated at about $2,500. The plan includes adding an apron on the inlet, excavating the washed-out area at the outlet, and regrading the ditch to collect water. While the state may help, the council voted to move ahead with local repairs so the site can be stabilized.
Zoning actions included approval of a garage project pending a property survey and approval of a variance request at 210 Main Street.
Resident Jackie Strain-Horsman proposed a growers and artisans market in 2026. She suggested placing it north of the fire station where the ground is level, accessible and visible. The site would need a special event permit. Interest extends beyond produce to bakers and artisans. The council expressed support, agreed to form a committee, and plans to reach out to local partners who have already shown interest.
Under old business, the council discussed an offer from Meadow Commons to sell the city a one-acre parcel. Councilors noted the tract includes low, wet ground and that the city needs a clear map of boundaries and site conditions before considering a purchase. Possible uses, such as a dog park or a community garden, were mentioned as early ideas only. The council will follow up to gather details for a future meeting.
In new business, the council approved a fireworks permit for St. Johns to hold a Fall Fest display on September 26.
All city employees will receive a 5% pay raise in 2026. Council members said staff have done excellent work and noted the increase is already built into the budget. Schmidt also reported a state-mandated water testing fee increase to $15.22 per year. To keep bills predictable, the city will spread that fee across four quarterly utility bills starting January 1.
The council adopted the 2026 tax levy at $258,404, an increase of about 7%. Funds will support EMS, bond payments, and street projects, including South Main and County 5 work. A public hearing on special assessments for street projects is set for October 20.
Other actions included awarding a $960 contract to Curry’s Custom Gutter of Chatfield for new gutters at the fire station. The council also authorized cleanup of the fertilizer plant property after multiple notices went unanswered. The city will bill the owner for the work.
Several residents requested use of the community center on Wednesdays from about 3 to 4:30 p.m. for coffee during the colder months. After discussion about rental fees and cleanup, the council approved the weekly use at no charge, with the understanding that scheduled rentals take priority and the group will leave the facility clean.
The meeting closed with brief updates and thanks to staff, volunteers, and first responders for their service to the community.
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