Two closed sessions, with different outcomes.

Meeting Monday, March 2, in city hall, the council met in two closed sessions, one under 19.85 (1)(c) and another under 19.85 (1)(f) of the state statutes.

Coming out of the first, it voted to raise wages for employee Dave Mendoza to $29 per hour effective March 9 after hearing from Streets and Grounds head Joe Schmitt.

Exiting the second session held under 19.85(1)(f), it voted to initiate a resignation agreement and termination for a second unnamed employee.

“I can’t say that,” Mayor Mike Henke said when asked who the council had discussed in the second session.

“I would say stay tuned to future agendas,” city attorney Nathan Miller said when asked the second employee’s name. The second closed session saw the exit of all present save the council, city attorney, and deputy clerk, followed by a lengthy discussion amongst council members.

Upon exit from closed session on Monday past 9 p.m. a motion was made by Ward 3 Alderperson Keith Samuelson, seconded by Ward 2 Alderperson Jason Meyer for presentation of a resignation agreement and termination of the employee.

“I make a motion to move forward with the presentation of a resignation agreement and termination of employee as discussed in closed session,” Ward 3 Alderperson Keith Samuelson said, seconded by Meyer. All present voted in favor.

Also in items from Monday meanwhile was approval of a tractor purchase, all council members voting ‘aye’ with the exception of Wards 4 to 7 and 9  Alderperson Laurie Foster to purchase a Kobota from Johnson Tractor for $59,000.  Motion to approve the purchase was made by Wards 1 to 8 Alderperson Mark Fitzsimmons, seconded by Wards 4 to 7 and 9 Alderperson Aaron Dickson. Foster questioned why the tractor purchase couldn’t be delayed as the city faces a budget crunch from unplanned expenses with the water plant. The tractor will replace a seasonal one dating to 1977.

The council later chose to table a separate plow item for the present, a lengthy discussion on city finances taking place.

“The city will have to borrow money,” Mayor Mike Henke said looking forward. “There’s no doubt about that.”

Among city expenses the last few months have been two contracts related to training for water department operators and overhaul of the Northwest Water Plant. Looking forward the city opted to move its application for principal forgiveness on the central water plant into 2027, allowing for a greater application of DNR programs. The program will still move forward in the meantime but the city will have to carry the cost until principal forgiveness can be applied for on the project.

 Decision regarding principal forgiveness on the central water treatment plant accompanies one to push Well 11 work into 2028 for similar reasons, allowing the city to get maximum principal forgiveness on all present and upcoming projects.

Closing the present update from Monday council, members voted to move money from a fund set up in the mid ‘80s to make business loans for economic development, with the plan to use the money for current expenses and put it back later in the year. A separate motion is required if the city finds itself unable to put the money back immediately.

Stanley Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month in city hall, located at 353 South Broadway in Stanley.

Community members are invited to attend.