The Wykoff City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, July 14 at 7 p.m., with Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presiding. Council members Jeffrey Hare, Barbara Fate, Jane Baker, and Missy Musel were present, along with City Administrator Becky Schmidt and Administrative Assistant Luann Hare.
The council heard from one visitor, who raised concerns about a neighbor’s property containing several aging trees. He said the trees, estimated to be around 50 years old, have grown into the power lines and include dead limbs that could fall and injure someone. He also said they could pose a fire hazard due to their contact with the power lines.
Rick Whitney from the wastewater treatment plant gave his monthly report, listing a long list of tasks completed. He said all testing requirements were met without any issues. He made his regular checks around the plant, cleaned equipment, and looked at samples under the microscope. He helped get water service restored at Wykoff Commons, responded to four alarm calls during recent storms, and helped locate underground utilities. He met with the streets committee, sent in a broken motor for repair, helped test new water lines, and met with Griffin Construction about drainage issues at the Finseth elevator. He also washed down the UV room, reviewed three sewer inspections, completed special testing required by the state, and received a new shipment of treatment supplies.
The council also reviewed Whitney’s upcoming contract renewal. Schmidt explained that the current agreement is self-renewing and that comparable services from other companies would cost nearly four times as much. Hiring an individual for the position was also deemed cost-prohibitive. Council members said Whitney has been doing excellent work and voted to continue with his existing contract.
Mike Lund from the fire department reported one call for a vehicle rollover on the Fourth of July and said one truck was sent to Cherry Grove for mutual aid. He added that a truck currently undergoing service would be ready in time for the fall parade. First Responders director Cory Bremseth was absent, but Schmidt reported that the team has had a busy month.
The personnel committee had nothing to report.
Under old business, the council formalized a change to the city’s banking structure. Minnwest Bank had previously proposed moving city funds from the current Public Funds Checking account to an Analysis Public Funds Checking account. This would help reduce fees and allow the city to earn higher interest by depositing excess funds into an Insured Cash Sweep account. The council approved the change at this meeting.
The 2025 Street and Utility Improvement Project continues to move forward under Griffin Construction. Sanitary sewer and water main infrastructure work on Bartlett Street has been completed, and street reconstruction is now underway. Curb and gutter installation is taking place along Bartlett Street and Line Street. The council approved a second payment to Griffin Construction in the amount of $291,400.80.
The council also discussed replacing the parking lot in Area 4 of the project. Members agreed the work should be added for safety reasons and to address the lot’s deteriorating condition. The city also received an estimate from O’Connell Excavating to add a storm drain on Carimona Street near the wastewater treatment plant to address hillside erosion. However, Whitney expressed concern that the proposed location may interfere with a future EQ tank installation and recommended proper engineering before proceeding. The council agreed and voted to authorize engineering work not to exceed $7,500 to develop cost estimates and prepare for a potential project next year. Whitney and the mayor both said the EQ tank is needed due to past flooding issues.
The council approved the removal of eight dead or dangerous trees around town at a cost of $800 per tree.
A budget meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m.
The council voted to move forward with the condemnation of a vacant house located at 214 Line Street North, owned by Lucas Alexander. Schmidt reported the property is in a serious state of disrepair, with a tree fallen onto one of the buildings. She acknowledged that the condemnation process would be costly, but council agreed the condition of the property posed a significant safety concern.
Last month, Schmidt informed the council that a previously denied grant application for a new library and municipal space had been approved for $133,000. The project proposed combining city offices, council chambers, a library, and public computer access into one building. The original council vote ended in a 2 to 2 tie, with Mayor Breckenridge casting the deciding vote in favor of accepting the grant. However, following a walkthrough and further review, the council has now decided to return the grant and abandon the project. Schmidt told the council the building would need $350,000 to meet project needs.
The council also voted to begin sending large loan payments through ACH transfer instead of by mail. Schmidt had raised concerns about sending checks, including payments as large as $50,000, through the postal system.
Building permits this month included a utility shed on skids at 307 North Gold Street, and deck stairs and fencing at 215 Silver Street South. Council also discussed developing a policy for “shouses,” a type of building that looks like a shed but is primarily used as a residence.
The council accepted a $50 donation from the Cole family and a $100 donation from Jackie Horsman for the fire department and new ballfield. A donation of $652 was also received from Goodies and Gas to support the Wykoff softball team’s new jerseys.
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