Funding risks, infrastructure planning, and winter preparations took center stage as the Wykoff City Council met at 7 p.m. on November 10. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge chaired the meeting with council members Jeffrey Hare, Barbara Fate, Jane Baker and Missy Musel present. City Administrator Becky Schmidt also attended.
During the public comment period, a city resident spoke at length about personal hardships, health challenges, and recent code enforcement issues. The individual described serious medical problems in the household and difficulties maintaining property while caring for a family member battling cancer. The resident said that recent city actions had felt unfair and that they were doing the best they could under the circumstances. Councilors listened quietly as the individual explained that both finances and health had made it difficult to keep up with expectations. Mayor Breckenridge thanked the resident for sharing those concerns and said he would reach out personally the following day to see what could be done to help.
Rick, wastewater treatment department, Whitney reported that recent nitrate and chlorine testing came back within state limits. He outlined plans to apply for a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency grant that would fund the environmental and engineering work needed for future sewer and stormwater upgrades. The grant focuses on small communities under 5,000 residents and covers only the planning portion, not construction. Whitney explained that securing a planning grant is a required step before Wykoff can qualify for larger construction funds.
The city will work with Stantec Engineering to prepare the grant application at a cost of $4,995. Whitney said Stantec’s involvement will strengthen the application and ensure that all environmental documentation meets state and federal review standards. Schmidt said the city’s sewer fund has grown from $148,000 to $208,000 this year, giving Wykoff room to handle upfront costs without depleting reserves. The council voted unanimously to move forward, noting that while the city may not receive the grant on the first attempt, the planning work could still be reused in future applications.
The fire department requested one new set of turnout gear for an estimated cost of $10,000. Chief Mike Lund, who was unable to attend, recommended ordering it this year so the purchase can be billed to the 2026 budget. The department also requested a new laptop to replace its aging computer used for state reporting. After reviewing several models, the council approved the purchase of an HP Elite laptop for $449.
First Responder Coordinator Cory Bremseth, who was also unable to attend in person, reported that several firefighters have completed medical certifications, bringing the total number of active first responders to nine. Schmidt said first responders handled five emergency calls during the past week and continue to provide timely responses throughout the community. New EMS jackets and shirts will be ordered.
The personnel committee, made up of Barb Fate and Missy Musel, will review hiring procedures and interview questions for future positions. Street maintenance reports were brief, with Mayor Breckenridge confirming that plows, sanders, and salt supplies are ready for the coming winter. Under parks and recreation, the fire department plans to install the skating rink again this year, shifting it slightly west in the park to take better advantage of the lighting. A zoning request for a utility shed at 231 Main Street South was approved.
Much of the meeting centered on two funding opportunities that came with significant financial risks for the city. The first involved a Minnesota Department of Education grant worth $360,000 to purchase and renovate the old bank building into a new library and community space. The project would have included new HVAC systems, accessibility improvements, and remodeling. The offer, however, was a reimbursement grant, meaning the city would have to pay all expenses upfront and submit for repayment later. The contract also included a clause allowing the state to terminate the agreement without cause, even after work had started.
Schmidt said she contacted the Department of Education to verify the security of the funds but was told no guarantee could be made. “I wanted a guarantee that the city would actually receive this money,” she told the council, “but they could not give me one.” Councilors agreed that the risk was too high. With city reserves sitting around $206,000, they said the city could not afford to begin such a large project only to have reimbursement pulled partway through. One member described it as “too much for a small town to gamble on.” The motion to decline the grant passed unanimously.
The council then turned to its second major topic of the evening, the city’s solar energy project. The estimated $300,000 installation would be funded in part through a state grant and a 30% federal rebate worth about $80,000, though the rebate cannot be claimed until at least 2026. The mayor said the funds have been earmarked but not yet guaranteed, meaning the legislature could still redirect them.
“If the legislature decides to pull the funding, we could be left with a half-finished project,” Breckenridge said.
Several members expressed concern about the uncertainty, while others emphasized the long-term benefits of reducing energy costs and modernizing city infrastructure. Supporters estimated annual savings of roughly $7,000 once the system is fully operational. Councilor Hare said the state has successfully funded similar solar projects for schools and municipalities over the past several years without issue. After lengthy discussion, a motion to terminate the project failed, and the council voted to proceed with the contract on a split decision.
The council accepted $2,000 in donations from Craig and Cynthia Schultz, with half designated for the fire department and half for the first responders. Members also voted not to renew the city’s paid advertising in Visit Bluff Country magazine, which costs $599 per edition.
The city purchased a van-style storage container for $950, which has been installed on the north side of the salt shed to store tools and seasonal equipment. The council also reviewed rising costs for second water meters, which increased from $295 to $384. Rather than setting a fixed price, members voted to tie the customer fee directly to the city’s purchase cost so the rate automatically adjusts when prices change.
Two assessment-related resolutions were approved near the end of the meeting. The first confirmed updates to the city’s special assessment records following recent payments received during the collection period. The second certified remaining unpaid utility accounts to the county for property tax collection if not paid by November 30. Notices were mailed to all affected property owners ahead of the certification deadline and that no objections were received.
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