Funding decisions, first responder coverage and a new statewide paid leave program shaped the December 8 meeting of the Wykoff City Council. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge was absent because of a family emergency, so Councilmember Jeff Hare presided as mayor pro tem. Councilors Barb Fate, Jane Baker and Missy Musel attended, along with City Administrator Becky Schmidt. After briefly acknowledging the mayor’s situation, the council moved quickly through its agenda and the consent items.
Water plant operator Rick Whitney reported a steady month with routine winter maintenance and daily checks to keep equipment from freezing. He said the city’s grant application through the state Swift portal had been submitted with Schmidt’s help. He is now preparing paperwork for another state program that would replace galvanized service lines at no cost to residents. Wykoff has no known lead lines, but several galvanized lines qualify for the state-funded replacement. Whitney expects to complete the application within the next two weeks.
The council then heard from the fire department regarding its pension fund. Fire Chief Mike Lund said the department’s relief fund holds about $427,669, while the city’s liability stands at $253,433, leaving more than $170,000 in excess assets. The department had intended to raise its per-year-of-service benefit last year but never brought it forward. This year’s request increases the benefit from $1,600 to $1,700. Lund and Schmidt emphasized that the increase will not add cost to the city because the money comes from investment earnings. The council approved the change unanimously.
In a written report, first responder coordinator Cory Bremseth said the crew has been exploring a potential expansion of its coverage area. He has been in contact with neighboring ambulance services, most of which appear supportive, though one has not committed. Bremseth said he does not want to move forward until all affected services agree. Schmidt noted that responders receive $25 per call and that call volume has risen enough that next year’s responder fund may need a transfer to cover wages. If coverage expands, surrounding jurisdictions would also contribute to the cost.
The personnel committee did not meet, but Fate and Musel said they plan to review and update interview questions before the next meeting. Schmidt reminded the council that the community center needs to be fully cleaned after each rental and said usage has remained steady. Streets had no report due to recent snowfall. Fate and Baker said they missed the most recent community education meeting but plan to attend in January and gather input from residents. Early suggestions include canning lessons, plant-starting workshops and exploring a community garden, though previous soil and drainage concerns may limit locations.
Parks and Recreation members reported that the skating rink is set up again for winter. The fire department purchased the liner last year, and the city will cover the cost this year. The rink still needs anchoring and bracing before flooding can begin. During the mayor’s report, Hare thanked everyone who helped with the weekend’s holiday events, including the craft show, lunch with Santa, the hayride and Sunday’s concert. He said community turnout was strong and visitors shared many compliments.
Under new business, the council approved Resolution 2025-23, which re-establishes the Wykoff Community Center as the city’s official polling place for the coming year. The council also passed Resolution 2025-24, recommitting $8,454 in the revolving loan fund and $227,068 in the fire department fund for future equipment purchases.
Schmidt then explained how Minnesota’s new Paid Leave program will affect payroll. She initially believed Wykoff qualified as a small employer and tried to structure deductions so the city would pay the full premium. After clarification from auditors and the state, she learned that doing so would create a taxable benefit and complicate payroll software. Beginning January 1, the city and employees will instead split the premium evenly, at 0.44 percent each. Eligible workers, including firefighters and council members who receive W-2s, will be able to take up to 20 weeks off at 60 percent pay once the program is fully implemented. Schmidt mailed the required notices to employees but noted that the amounts listed in those letters are outdated. Employees should still keep the letters; they will be needed when applying for leave.
With no old business and no visitors signed up to speak, the council adjourned.
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