During its meeting the Forest Lake City Council took several concise votes on personnel and administrative items.

Pension increase for paid-on-call firefighters: The council approved an increase in the annual relief association benefit level for paid-on-call firefighters from $6,350 to $7,000 per year of service, following a recommendation from the joint fire relief board and a reported funding ratio of 273 percent in 2024. The increase was presented at the joint fire board and recommended for council action.

Lakes Floral invoice: The council approved payment of the Lakes Floral invoice (item 8e). Mayor Roberts noted an ownership interest in Lakes Floral before the vote; the meeting record shows the vote carried with an abstention recorded (the transcript indicates an abstention was considered during the vote tally). The council treated the matter as a consent-item approval after public disclosure.

Consent agenda and hires: The council approved a multi-item consent agenda (items 7a–7s) that included multiple hiring recommendations for city departments (building official, planner, police officer and promotions) and accepted staff reports on retirements and new hires.

How they were justified: Staff told council the fire relief fund has sufficient reserves (273% funding ratio) to support the benefit increase. For Lakes Floral, the mayor disclosed an interest and the council proceeded with the consent agenda vote; the record shows the vote carried with an abstention noted.

Ending: These votes were recorded as part of the regular meeting consent and action items. Details of implementation (effective dates for pension benefit changes and payroll administration) will be handled by HR and the fire relief association.