07-29-2024 Special Budget
Meeting of the City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, July 29, 2024
Members Present: Mayor John Dietz, Councilmember Jennifer Wagner, Councilmember Mike Beyer,
Councilmember Matt Westgaard, Councilmember Cory Grupa
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Cal Portner, Assistant City Administrator Joe Stremcha,
Human Resources Representative Lauren Wipper, IT Manager Seth Calvin,
Interim Police Chief Darren McKernan, Police Captain Joe Gacke, Public Works
Director Justin Femrite, Facilities Maintenance Superintendent Gary Lore, Street
and Park Superintendent Tim Sevcik, Engineer 1 Ryan Sandhoefner, Wastewater
Treatment Chief Operator Matt Stevens, Finance Manager Lori Stich, Liquor
Operations Manager Joe Audette, Liquor Store Managers Brenda Gustafson and
Megan Knopik, City Clerk Tina Allard
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 4:30 PM.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. 2025 BUDGET
3.1 2025 Budget
Mr. Stremcha presented the staff report. Various staff presented their budgets to the City Council.
Police
Mayor Dietz asked about incentives for retaining police reserves and requested staff to review the
matter.
Stormwater
Mayor Dietz noted there is $2 million in the fund, but the staff is proposing to spend about $250,000 in
2025. He questioned the program requirements and if the city should be completing more projects. He
has no issues with completing more projects if it's what is needed or required. Mr. Femrite stated a rate
study hasn't been completed for this item, noting it's a newer program with the goal of focusing on state
law compliance. He stated a review of the fees should be completed if we see a trend. Mayor Dietz
suggested a review of this program.
Liquor
Councilmember Westgaard expressed concerns about diminished signage capacity for the Northbound
City Council Minutes
July 29, 2024
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Liquor Store if it is relocated onto Coborn's property. Mayor Dietz asked staff to discuss with the
economic development division, moving the progress of activity for the sale of the northbound store site
because decisions need to be made on whether to repair the building.
Councilmember Wagner questioned the reduction in transfers out of the liquor fund from $1 million to
$750,000. Mr. Portner noted the money may be needed in the future to offset the cost of the bonds for the
relocating or rebuilding of the northbound store site.
Finance
The Council had a discussion on credit card fees and consolidation of credit card companies.
4. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adjourn the meeting
of City Council. Motion Carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tina Allard.
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John J. Dietz, Mayor
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Tina Allard, City Clerk