05-18-2026 CCM
Meeting of the City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, May 18, 2026
Members Present: Mayor John Dietz, Councilmember Cory Grupa, Councilmember J. Brian Calva,
Councilmember Mike Beyer, Councilmember Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Business Services Director/Assistant City Administrator Joe Stremcha, Public
Works Director/Chief Engineer Justin Femrite, and City Clerk Justin Dunford.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 6:14 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
Mayor Dietz asked to add to General Business a discussion of the Local Sales Tax Option
for 2026. Moved by Councilmember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Calva to
amend and approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to approve
the following consent items as outlined in their respective staff reports. Motion carried 5-
0.
4.1 May 4, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes
4.2 Check Register
4.3 Resolution 26-39: Accept Tree Donation
4.4 Reschedule Council Retreat
4.5 AIA G802 - Northbound Architect Amendment Agreement 26-19
4.6 2026-2027 Liquor License Renewals
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May 18, 2026
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4.7 Meadowwoods Village Sewer Extension Change Order
4.8 Local Match for RCE/CRISI Grants - Main Street and TH10/Railroad Grade Separation
4.9 Toro Groundsmaster 4010-D (T4) Wide Area Mower
4.10 Encroachment Agreement 26-20: Meadowsweet Bend
4.11 Bendel Separation Agreement
5. OPEN FORUM
No one appeared for open forum.
6. PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITION
6.1 City of Elk River Volunteer of the Month
Mayor Dietz presented the May Volunteer of the Month award to Julie Fish. He highlighted the
following:
• Julie has been a member of the Elk River Chamber of Commerce for 44 years, served on its
Board of Directors for 18 years, and has served on several committees.
• Julie has been an active member of the Elk River Rotary Club for 38 years, including serving as
president, secretary, and bulletin editor. Julie has served on several committees and is currently
serving as the chair of the Social Committee.
• Julie is in her 12th year serving as a member of the Three Rivers Community Fund Advisor
Board, while serving on several committees during her tenure.
• Julie is a member of the Monticello American Legion Auxiliary, has worked on several
Monticello High School reunions, and volunteers regularly at the Monticello East Bridge
Gardening Group.
6.2 Resolution 26-38: Accepting a Donation from The Bank of Elk River - 2026 Summer Concert
Series
Moved by Councilmember Calva and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adopt, by
motion, Resolution 26-38 graciously accepting the 2026 Riverfront Concert Series
contribution of $27,000.00 from the Bank of Elk River. Motion carried 5-0.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Ordinance 26-13: Electric Service Franchise Fee Ordinance Amendment
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May 18, 2026
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Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak on this matter, Mayor Dietz
closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Calva and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve, by
amendment, an ordinance modification to the current Electric Franchise Fee Ordinance.
Motion carried 5-0.
8. GENERAL BUSINESS
8.1 Ordinance 26-12: Amend Massage License Education Requirements
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve, by
motion, an amendment to city ordinance regarding massage license education
requirements. Motion carried 5-0.
8.2 2026 Local Sales Tax Option Referendum
The Council discussed the legislature not approving any local sales tax option referendums for 2026.
Council instructed staff to investigate and bring findings to the Council Retreat in June.
9. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adjourn the
regular meeting of the City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
10. WORK SESSION
Mayor Dietz called the work session to order at 6:31 p.m.
10.1 Orono Lake Improvement District Updates
Members of the OLID and Environmental Services and Projects Specialist Joseph Hale presented
updates to the Council.
The Council instructed Mr. Hale to proceed with the addendum to the Orono Dam Operations and
Maintenance Manual and the city's Dam Safety Permit with the Minnesota DNR. The Council also
instructed Mr. Hale to proceed with permanent signage regarding regular E. coli testing and ensure the
city's website is adequately updated for residents and lake users. Members of OLID.
Mr. Hale and the Council discussed future lake dredging that will likely be needed in 2029 or 2030. The
discussion centered around areas that needed sediment cleanouts, whether sediment buildup could be
permanently solved, and different funding mechanisms for any upcoming and future projects. The
Council also instructed Mr. Hale to investigate whether a new environmental review is needed for the
project or if the environmental review from the 2021 LORE project could still be utilized.
10.2 2026 Women’s Sled World Championship Hosting Opportunity
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May 18, 2026
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Assistant City Administrator/Business Services Director Joe Stremcha presented to the Council
information about bidding to be the host city for the 2026 Women's Sled Hockey World
Championship.
The consensus of the Council instructed Mr. Stremcha to continue to investigate details of the bid
package and to ensure local user groups are consulted about the matter.
11. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adjourn the
meeting of the City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Justin Dunford.
12. INFORMATION
12.1 April Financial Reports
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John J. Dietz, Mayor
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Justin Dunford, City Clerk