Council approves $1/month lease for Eighth District congressional office at city hall

Forest Lake City Council approved a lease permitting the Eighth Congressional District to occupy the Shields Lake Conference Room at Forest Lake City Hall as a constituent services office. The council approved a rent amount of $1 per month and required the lease to end at the conclusion of the current congressional term (Jan. 2, 2027). The authorization is subject to minor edits approved by city legal staff.

Amanda (city staff) said the lease is intended strictly for constituent services and is not a campaign office. Key terms include password-protected Wi‑Fi access for congressional staff and limited access to public spaces and the designated conference room; congressional staff would not receive entry to secured areas of city hall. Amanda said she consulted the county assessor about tax-exempt implications and that a de minimis rent is needed to protect tax-exempt status.

Ben De Laforest, the Southern Field Representative for Congressman Pete Stauber, spoke briefly to introduce himself and to emphasize the office’s role in constituent services for the district. He said his duties include constituent services for the southern six counties in the district and that the office would hold meetings and serve residents locally.

Council members asked about election-day impacts because the conference room is sometimes used as a polling place; Amanda said staff would coordinate with the congressman’s office and with election judges and could adjust office hours on election days if needed.

A motion to approve the proposed lease, subject to minor administrative modifications by the city attorney, passed unanimously. Council members reiterated that future members of Congress would be eligible to rent the space if they choose, regardless of party affiliation.