Infrastructure planning, emergency services funding, personnel policy changes and community improvement ideas filled the agenda at the January 12, 2026, Wykoff City Council meeting.
Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided over the meeting, joined by council members Jeff Hare, Barb Fate, Jane Baker and Missy Musel; along with City Administrator Becky Schmidt.
During review of the consent items, council members raised questions about a fire department invoice for new helmets. Fire Chief Mike Lund told the council that firefighter helmets follow the same replacement cycle as turnout gear, typically every ten years. Most of the helmets now being replaced date back to a 2017 purchase, with only a few newer units currently in service. Council members noted the purchase had been discussed during the budget process and was not an unexpected expense.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Rick Whitney updated the council on system operations and longer term planning efforts. Whitney said he conducted lateral video inspections and sent letters to property owners regarding needed upgrades to outside water service lines. He also reported increased inflow at the plant during recent snowmelt and rain events, which required close monitoring by staff. Despite the higher volumes, the system remained operational.
Whitney said staff completed routine maintenance on plant mixers, including oil changes, along with additional system checks. He also outlined the status of a grant application submitted with assistance from the city’s engineering firm. The application remains in pending award status. Whitney emphasized that the funding would cover design and engineering costs only and would not fund construction. If awarded, the grant would allow the city to complete design plans and cost estimates for an equalization tank and related components needed to pursue future construction funding.
Lund also addressed additional equipment and funding matters for the fire department. In addition to the helmet replacement, he requested approval to purchase an additional portable radio for his personal use. Lund said having a radio available while at home or work would allow him to communicate directly with firefighters during emergencies when he is not immediately on scene. The radio is expected to cost between $3,000 and $4,000. Council members agreed the radio was a necessary operational purchase and approved it.
Lund added that the department is running low on pagers and plans to order additional units while staying within the approved budget.
The council approved a temporary liquor license for a Habitat for Humanity banquet scheduled for February 28 in Wykoff. Lund explained that the fire department was asked to take over hosting duties for the event, which will include raffles, live auctions and liquor sales. Proceeds will benefit the fire department. The event will be handled through the department’s relief association to meet gambling and nonprofit requirements, with remaining funds transferred to the city’s truck and equipment fund by the end of the year.
First Responder Director Cory Bremseth reported an increase in call volume compared to previous years and said the team has responded to a wide range of incidents. He said the increased activity has helped responders gain experience and work more cohesively as a unit. Bremseth noted that responders recently handled several difficult calls and took part in a post-incident debriefing with personnel from Rochester Fire Department. He said the team performed well, including during a recent mutual aid situation that involved delays in second rig coverage. Bremseth added that the response vehicle may need new tires in the near future but reported no other major needs.
The personnel committee reported receiving an application for a part time snowplow driver and maintenance worker. City officials discussed staffing adjustments related to reduced availability from existing personnel and seasonal demands. Because the position is extremely part time, the council agreed formal advertising was not required and approved moving forward with the application process.
Council members also discussed the possibility of offering internships, either in public works or the city office. Schmidt said limited budget flexibility and age restrictions for operating equipment present challenges, though some grant opportunities may exist. The council agreed to continue researching options and revisit the topic at a later meeting.
The council unanimously adopted a new personnel policy to comply with Minnesota’s statewide paid leave program, which took effect January 1. Schmidt said the policy closely follows a template from the League of Minnesota Cities and is largely dictated by state law, leaving little room for local changes.
The streets committee reported on ongoing equipment maintenance, including repairs to a city truck and mechanical issues involving a side by side vehicle currently under evaluation. Council members also discussed storm sewer improvements, including lifting manholes and addressing drainage concerns near the wastewater treatment facility.
Council members discussed the possibility of a community garden and agreed that public interest would need to be measured before moving forward. Parks and recreation discussions also included potential locations for horseshoe pits and the idea of hosting casual leagues or small tournaments. The council agreed to separate the Joint Trails Board from the parks and recreation committee to allow more focused planning on regional trail connections.
A zoning application for construction of a residential deck was reviewed and approved pending payment of fees.
A representative from the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office attended the meeting and commended Wykoff’s first responders, calling them a valuable asset to the community.
The council also reviewed committee appointments for the coming year and received an update on reimbursement from a contractor related to damage caused during installation of a door lock at the community center. The city was reimbursed for both the damaged lock and locksmith services.
The next meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on February 9.
services and other city business.
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