The regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph Arnzen at 7:00 pm on the 12th day of November 2025 in Council Chambers. Council members present were Brad Johnson, Brian Hollenkamp, Roland Ahrendt and Chris Browen. No council members were absent. Also in attendance was Beth Ramacher and guests: Matt and Mackinze Viere, Jermey Freudenrich, Lance Chase, Tim Ainali, Mitch Zachman, Bruce Zachman and Matt Zinniel.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the amended agenda. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2025 meeting with the correction of the 2025 Prosecution Services to 2026 Prosecution Services. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The public hearing was opened at 7:02 pm to consider the vacation of a portion of N Lake Street W (specific details in the October 14, 2025 minutes). Matt Zinniel discussed the issues with water, sewer and other utilities being brought to parcels 34-0001100 and 34-0001200, should they be developed. Mitch Zachman said it would take away access to the north parcel (34-0001100) and require an easement through the south parcel. Bruce Zachman agreed that getting access back after a vacation is not an easy or quick process.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to close the public meeting at 7:08 pm. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor (Brian Hollenkamp abstained), motion carried.
The Council was asked how they would like to proceed with the vacation after hearing comments from the public. A motion was made by Brad Johnson to not vacate the portion of N Lake Street W. A second was made by Chris Browen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor (Brian Hollenkamp abstained), motion carried.
Matt Zinniel was present to discuss the water and wastewater contract for 2026, which was voted on at the September 9th meeting. He has concerns about the decision made by the council. He stated his frustration with no specifications being made for the expectations of the position. Matt also expressed concerns about previous employment at the City and how things were handled.
A building permit application from Duane Becker was reviewed for building a house at 112 Ward Street West. A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the application. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the 2025-2026 Snow Removal Contract from Herdering. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The Council would like a new sign (Not a Thru Street) placed at the south end of Woodman and Ward Street East.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to have Thein Well pull the well for service, which has not been done since 2019. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to have Quality Flow perform service inspections at each of the lift stations. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
Johnson Jet-Line 2025 televising videos and reports are available, if anyone is interested. There were no issues noted after the jetting.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to have the City pay 50% of the Minnesota Paid Leave Premium. A second was made by Chris Browen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The City has yet to be contacted by the State if they are a small employer and will qualify for the reduced rate.
The Council was given a list from the League of MN Cities Insurance Trust of all insured property to review before the November 12, 2025 meeting. There are no changes or additions to the property list.
The Council was given a copy of the 2017 agreement between the City and Great River Regional Library.
The Council was given a copy of the 2030 Local Partnership Program available with MN DOT for Highway 28. Discussion was held on redoing the sidewalks, curbs, gutters, storm sewer drains and streetlights. Applications for this partnership are due by January 30, 2026.
The current Shed Ordinance was reviewed. There will be no changes at this time.
An update was given on the application for Todd County Opioid Settlement Funding for AEDs. The County has denied the application request at this time. The Clerk will be attending the next County meeting to get more information on the denial and the possibility to revisit the project.
Discussion was held on the 2026 Preliminary Budget and Levy Payable. The Council was reminded that the 2026 Final Budget and Levy Payable will need to be approved at the December meeting. The Council does not suggest any changes to either. There was a brief discussion on the possibility of a Finance Committee for the 2027 budget; more to come at a future meeting.
Discussion was held on the placement of the Rainbow playground equipment that will be installed at the park. This equipment is being purchased with funding received from Sourcewell. The Council asked for a work session to be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 4:00 pm at the park located at 318 Maple Street North.
The City of Grey Eagle received $50,000 for Impact Funding and $40,000 for Match Funding from Sourcewell for 2025-2026. The Grey Eagle Fire Department also received $50,000 for Impact Funding and $40,000 for Match Funding from Sourcewell for 2025-2026. There is still funding available for Third Party Reimbursement; the Council was asked to think of things that are needed and would qualify for this. The Council does not need to pre-approve training events for the Clerk to attend.
A motion was made by Chris Browen to approve the revised Standard Operating Procedures for the Grey Eagle Fire Department. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
Lance Chase asked about the Fire Department’s 2006 Chevy truck. The truck will be moved back to the city shop until there is an update from the MN DNR.
Christmas lights can be put up on main street anytime in November but will not be turned on until after Thanksgiving.
Tim Ainali presented some more information about donations for items and work for the tractor pull area of the park. There will be no action on any of this until the City hears from the City Attorney.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve payment of Claims #3600-3625, totaling $53,189.69 and include additional payments of the following: Grey Eagle Volunteer Relief Association $29,194.21, MN Power $1965.50 and Grey Eagle Volunteer Relief Association $3000.00. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 pm. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The Truth in Taxation will be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The next regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 in Council Chambers.
Beth Ramacher, Clerk/Treasurer
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