[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6216220,"mediaKeyId","3654028-ee8d9f12be3ed34233da93df7330915c","parentId",3654028,"title","Council hears complaint about overflowing golf-course dumpsters; staff pledges more pickups, larger containers and added cans","audioSeconds",54,"startMs",2041000,"endMs",2095000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3654028-ee8d9f12be3ed34233da93df7330915c&start=2041&end=2095","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3654028-ee8d9f12be3ed34233da93df7330915c/thumbnail_2041000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6216220/Little-Falls-City/Morrison-County/Minnesota/Council-hears-complaint-about-overflowing-golf-course-dumpsters-staff-pledges-more-pickups-larger-containers-and-added-cans","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216220-09818d506343ca6b5fb3afe741aa9edb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195760&Signature=EB~1qtmBGZ4SkbNm~cZvtPkXsZwVF9iRaFhwhaZcBduNeWggibdm8~PommwJmneMZzqjtt-mv4tvBcHbINZYzOT4OpC8FFr5KOarFEbl8VszcbecHhb1LyFLWQsmclncJI9SrlqvHnK9wryKkHilk0EAK0TQJEuIJ83F8eUlQYQgngL3XTSv5arIBnQwasT7TF3qHcJuUMr2PI8eCxlLOD1Fo5~h3DKhEc~BJ18kfB4V1DRoTN90u4YHjejcXnsSmYoPilwq-lwWUkcG8LmKhl5xDNwcZJc5tfE4dtUKLWOBovIuUwZKxl8m2K4OlGUSaGM5fXxyDyqV6M~0mwTzuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Little Falls, MN","date","2025-06-03T12:25:06Z","article","A constituent reported overflowing trash bins at the Little Falls golf course and asked whether collection frequency or container size could be changed.

City staff responded that during summer months haulers currently come twice weekly and staff will request adding a second weekly pickup so containers are emptied on Mondays and Thursdays. Staff also said the city will pursue swapping the current 2.5-yard dumpster for a 5-yard dumpster and relocate surplus equipment behind buildings to reduce visibility. City staff added they will increase staff pickups and consider adding more trash cans on the course to reduce overflow.

Staff noted increased volume was partly due to a reopening (Cary) that generated extra boxes and packaging material. The council did not take formal action; staff outlined operational steps to reduce visible overflow and improve maintenance at the golf course.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Little Falls City Council Special Work Session Meeting - June 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A constituent reported overflowing trash bins at the Little Falls golf course. City staff said haulers will increase collection frequency, the city will request a larger dumpster and staff will remove surplus items to make the area less visible.","taxTitle","Little Falls City, Morrison County, Minnesota","taxId",71105,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216225,"Council open to exploring middle school as government center; no commitment as district evaluates facilities",805,1174000,1979000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3654028-ee8d9f12be3ed34233da93df7330915c&start=1174&end=1979","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3654028-ee8d9f12be3ed34233da93df7330915c/thumbnail_1174000.jpg","/articles/6216225/Little-Falls-City/Morrison-County/Minnesota/Council-open-to-exploring-middle-school-as-government-center-no-commitment-as-district-evaluates-facilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216225-c92141b104b14df0a5be2c4ac340b640/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195760&Signature=KsyA2zM08Bp4pL3pi6xM2Ph1M2kIybi46rHVb9Aot1UVX5-kNwx6~ewmzmab8Dky6klTJyjVgyLe3h5c~YJqoQzz5uLYSSe~1NuMMt-o3gg8pGeZcHXkcI3rGX5BmyDIOUP8zg0dWpB~Cw-whgLJEswlnh3fFoep3Fb9oAu~ASGpLuxaRvopmx3KSno4z3YDidnxgxNSI70~Zu39-x1s~rJrzxXjh3fzVSBmKxQ24IGoLXHNSMT1Oz8-myco2zwpAIwPJMGdLZpg5AR2F5taM6keD2wuv8TxkGRl99OUkKaH3iYxlY0WYHbDNNK0e1bZI38~2DqrVZ0FtWjHByVLzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Little Falls City Council that the school district is reevaluating facilities and may vacate the middle school, and asked whether the city would be interested in using the building for a government center and police facilities.

Alex said staff toured the middle school and found it potentially adaptable: “The library area would make an excellent council chamber. We could probably have some community meeting rooms or training rooms … converting classrooms into office spaces, garages, items to accommodate the police department, city hall,” he said. Staff emphasized the district has not made a final decision and asked for the council’s level of interest to help the district’s planning.

Council members generally said the option merits further study because renovating an existing school could be less expensive than building new facilities. Members discussed three preliminary approaches if the building becomes available: purchase, lease, or a joint powers agreement (JPA). One staff member noted the building’s mechanical systems are integrated and that a sale could be complicated, making a lease or JPA likely easier to implement. Members also flagged fiscal considerations, including existing school referendums and the cost to renovate or reconfigure spaces such as gyms and pools.

No formal motion or commitment was made. Several council members urged caution so the city does not appear to pressure the school board while the district evaluates options. Staff said it would continue exploratory discussions with the district and return more detailed cost and feasibility information if the district indicates the building will be available.","Council members discussed using the school district’s middle school building for a new government center and police facilities if the district vacates it; options discussed included purchase, lease or a joint powers agreement, but council made no commitment and asked staff to pursue details.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216230,"Council reviews draft Volunteer and Donations Policy (Policy 88), agrees to streamline approval and ratify volunteers on consent agenda",963,185000,1148000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3654028-ee8d9f12be3ed34233da93df7330915c&start=185&end=1148","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3654028-ee8d9f12be3ed34233da93df7330915c/thumbnail_185000.jpg","/articles/6216230/Little-Falls-City/Morrison-County/Minnesota/Council-reviews-draft-Volunteer-and-Donations-Policy-Policy-88-agrees-to-streamline-approval-and-ratify-volunteers-on-consent-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216230-7b5038a60ba88e0cb6b90019d1da882f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195760&Signature=RsiXHjkADl~~FcT4MepIfIg2kBzHfD4wGk9tqp83W-eL8KIvEhPv-SIQoDcWuiT3uceTk3Nztv8WPmVtGFHLsu3VJnireKbP4GJIWHskQvHant-BfmDE2W8KnmdKD19RjAfH2FxiYcWpWsaDws8zbQzPo4z~IdNv5G0Ui8o2rhSy4Dz88d-X78jtCxF1~qitvEsiwAjaKOPWYGcOn21VFCWesDOa4ML0mYFmzaJWUW5151MVPsVWb2dQ3XDWq9IAwDXtywh7awDzx~J~NRatwKFqlAdND52FnIX28aZRnYXwFUh1rN51FQbCezTVA60CRN8aEkQmqEohXFCsf9-sXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a draft formal Volunteer and Donations Policy (Policy 88) designed to standardize how citizens volunteer across Little Falls and how the city accepts physical and monetary donations.

The policy would require volunteers to sign a waiver and complete a volunteer form; staff said council would approve the volunteer’s hours while department supervisors would approve specific projects. Staff described the separate donation form required for any physical or cash donations. Alex, the presenting staff member, said: “They would sign the waiver. They would complete a volunteer form, which would then come to council, and council would approve essentially the they would accept the volunteering for the hours.”

Council members raised concerns that requiring council approval before volunteers start could deter spontaneous volunteerism. One member summarized the preferred approach: allow department heads and the city administrator to approve routine volunteer projects and then place those approvals on the consent agenda for ratification. Staff confirmed seasonal approvals would be possible so volunteers do not need to refile forms every time they work during the approved period. The policy also disallows volunteers operating dangerous equipment; staff said trained city employees may operate city equipment to support volunteer projects with supervisor approval and insurance coverage.

Council did not adopt Policy 88 at the work session. Members reached a working consensus to streamline the process so volunteers approved by a department head and the administrator can begin work and have the action ratified on the consent agenda later. Staff will return a finalized draft to a future council meeting for formal action and to add the policy to the city’s consent procedures.","Council discussed a proposed citywide volunteer and donation policy (Policy 88) to standardize waivers, forms and approvals for volunteers and gifts; members agreed staff and department heads should be able to authorize routine volunteer hours with ratification on the consent agenda rather than two-week delays.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216234,"Council signals plan to seek ownership of Mill Island, proposes public hearing on eminent domain",99,72000,171000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3654028-ee8d9f12be3ed34233da93df7330915c&start=72&end=171","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3654028-ee8d9f12be3ed34233da93df7330915c/thumbnail_72000.jpg","/articles/6216234/Little-Falls-City/Morrison-County/Minnesota/Council-signals-plan-to-seek-ownership-of-Mill-Island-proposes-public-hearing-on-eminent-domain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216234-c2600a44a6dd036fcd14664227880274/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195760&Signature=cusA7Hl82GXo~AML6l-RhnyKtxTY6wIkaXrIAfBwl2Aj03yDvsJDLls~suEx8GPsPj2O9FpxT9coPAZjGq6ypczECmuLnXLuOY3nwK~SMyiLwtaKhEOc5uS1NlryeimO1xKncc3ErLggQvQFNygZ~nVEXwYz00WLleKEZtJ4EJmu0Hp9c59M5xsyLMkG-qtcUb871xPXx12KxtwOI46k08L3p5qhoyDQipQ6GVinmE5MWtfuIj4wtX7FiCpfD3FBvF3z-OMFC7bfWCkAKe8iY1VicYUygWIqV9Qy3-SU7BEneUBsyyetDcwMrd7Sms08xzG81zJw7GHPTeZy8Jegyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Little Falls City Council discussed securing legal ownership of an unclaimed island adjacent to Mill Park and said it will call for a public hearing to consider eminent domain.

The item matters because the city wants clear jurisdiction over the land next to Mill Park for park management and regulation. Council members said no private or utility owner has claimed the parcel and the city has discussed the matter with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Greg said the city has been trying to establish whether the parcel is owned by Minnesota Power or the city and that “nobody's really claiming ownership of it.” He told the council, “we'd have a call for a public hearing to, proceed with eminent domain so that we could have ownership of it and make it part of Mill Park on the West Side.” Council members asked about liability; one asked whether liability would increase if the city acquired the island, and Greg replied it would be “nothing more than what we currently have at any of the parks.”

City staff reported the DNR has been consulted and indicated it is “fine with it,” according to the discussion. The council did not vote on any ordinance or motion at the meeting; members discussed scheduling a public hearing at a future council meeting so the city can explore a formal eminent-domain process.

Council members did not set a timeline or take formal action at the work session. The council’s announcement of a forthcoming public hearing is an administrative step to allow public comment and to develop the record needed if the city proceeds with condemnation proceedings.

If the council places the matter on a future agenda, the public hearing and any subsequent action would be the formal decision point. For now, council members said the city will continue investigating ownership and jurisdiction before taking a formal vote.","Councilmembers discussed uncertainty over legal ownership of an island adjacent to Mill Park and said they will call for a public hearing to consider using eminent domain to secure it as part of Mill Park; no formal vote was taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears complaint about overflowing golf-course dumpsters; staff pledges more pickups, larger containers and added cans

Council open to exploring middle school as government center; no commitment as district evaluates facilities

Council reviews draft Volunteer and Donations Policy (Policy 88), agrees to streamline approval and ratify volunteers on consent agenda

Council signals plan to seek ownership of Mill Island, proposes public hearing on eminent domain