Call to Order/Attendance: The City Council meeting was called to order at Upsala City Hall by Mayor Kevin Breth at 7:00 P.M. The pledge of allegiance was said.
On roll call members present: Mayor Kevin Breth, Council Members Wendy Rene, Joan Olson, Alan Gunderson, and Logan Vieth. Staff present: City Clerk-Treasurer Jane Popp & Public Works Director-Mike Tschida.
Minutes: Gunderson moved to approve minutes from December 1, 2025, City Council Meeting, 2nd by Vieth. Motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Rene moved to approve the agenda as presented, 2nd by Gunderson. Motion carried unanimously.
Department Reports: Fire Department Report Chief Nicholas Johnson reported zero calls. The Fire Department ordered gear for the new hires and are waiting to hear from the DNR regarding a grant for the gear. The water truck needs four new valves, so they are waiting to receive a quote for that.
First Response Team: First Response Team Vice President Haus reported six calls for December. They would like to hire up to five new members.
Olson moved to approve hiring up to five First Responders, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.
Maintenance Report: Tschida reported on water and sewer levels as well as the various tasks done throughout the city. The mixer for the water tower was installed and is up and running. The Well Inspection Report is in line with other years.
City Office Report: Popp reviewed the January Calendar.
Planning Commission: Planning & Zoning commission has been quiet. They have had discussions about a patio home development and the possibility of a business in town.
Heritage Days: Heritage Days Meeting is January 14, 2026, at 7:00 pm.
Unfinished Business: Insurance Appraisal Report was discussed, and Karin Nelson should be at the February 2, 2026 meetings so the council should be prepared with questions for Karin.
New Business: Mayor Pro-Tem Gunderson moved to approve Wendy Rene as Mayor Pro-Tem; and as such will be an official signer of City documents, 2nd by Vieth. Motion carried unanimously.
Morrison County Record as Legal Publisher: Rene moved to approve the Morrison County Record as the City’s legal publishers for 2026, 2nd by Gunderson. Motion carried unanimously.
Long Prairie Leader: Gunderson moved to approve the Long Prairie Leader’s official bid offering letter for 2026, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
2026 Designations and Appointments: Rene moved to approve the appointments for 2026, 2nd by Vieth. Motion carried unanimously.
Designating the Polling Place – Resolution 1-5-26-1: Rene moved to approve Resolution 1-5-26-1 designating the polling place at 320 Walnut Ave. as presented, 2nd by Gunderson. Motion carried unanimously.
2026 Fee Schedule – Resolution 1-5-26-2: Rene moved to approve Resolution 1-5-26-2 the 2026 Fee Schedule with updating Stearns Bank to Battle Bank, 2nd by Gunderson. Motion carried unanimously.
Allowing Transfer of Electronic Funds – Resolution 1-5-26-3: Gunderson moved to approve Resolution 1-5-26-3 allowing the Transfer of Electronic Funds, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.
Allowing Handwritten and Computer-Generated Checks – Resolution 1-5-26-4: Rene moved to approve Resolution 1-5-26-4 allowing Handwritten and Computer-Generated Checks, 2nd by Vieth. Motion carried unanimously.
Liability Coverage Waiver: Gunderson moved to not waive the monetary limits on municipal tort liability established by Minnesota Statute 466.04, 2nd by Vieth. Motion carried unanimously.
Local Board of Appeal & Equalization: Gunderson moved to approve Wednesday, April 16, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Upsala City Hall as the date, time, and location for the annual Local Board of Appeal and Equalization, 2nd by Vieth. Motion carried unanimously.
2026 Legal Services Contract: Rene moved to approve Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A. to provide certain legal services for the City of Upsala, 2nd by Gunderson. Motion carried unanimously.
Temporary Liquor License for St. Mary’s Catholic Church 2-14-2026: Rene moved to approve a Temporary Liquor License for St. Mary’s Church on 2-14-2026, 2nd by Gunderson. Motion carried unanimously.
Temporary Liquor License for St. Mary’s Catholic Church 3-27-2026: Vieth moved to approve a Temporary Liquor License for St. Mary’s Church on 3-27-2026, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Gambling Permit (Bingo on 3-27-2026): Gunderson moved to approve a Gambling Permit for St. Mary’s Church on 3-27-2026, 2nd by Vieth. Motion carried unanimously.
Upsala Community Center: Gunderson moved to approve the contract with the Community Center Board this day January 5, 2026, to be effective January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.
Acknowledgements: Breth congratulated Mark & Melanie Gilles, Scott & Jen Wensmann, Charlie & Beth Gunderson and Chris & Tiffeny Taylor for winning the Residential Holiday Decoration Contest this year and receiving $150, $100, $75, and $50 in Upsala Bucks, respectively. He also congratulated Centra Sota Co-op for winning the Business Holiday Decorations Contest and receiving $100 in Upsala Bucks, respectively. It was fun to see the decorations up this year!
Financials: Rene moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Vieth. Motion carried unanimously.
Updates/FYI: Next Regular City Council Meeting will be February 2 at 7:00 pm.
Adjourn: Rene moved to adjourn at 8:48 pm, 2nd by Gunderson. Motion carried unanimously.
Jane Popp, Clerk/Treasurer
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