Forest Lake council adopts ‘Chip In’ program to fund low-cost aesthetic fixes

Forest Lake — The Forest Lake City Council adopted a resolution formalizing a new “Chip In” program to prioritize low-cost, high-impact aesthetic improvements around the city.

The resolution, listed in the meeting packet as Resolution 25-06-23-01, directs city staff to develop arrangements with other agencies so city crews or volunteers can perform small repairs and cleanups—such as fixing crooked signs and removing weeds—in public rights-of-way. The council voted in favor of the measure; the motion carried after a voice vote.

City staff said the initiative is intended to allow the program to be scaled and adapted over time. Public Works Director Dave Adams (listed in the meeting materials as a presenter) told the council the proposal is intentionally broad to allow adjustments as the program launches and staff gain experience. “We would aim to prioritize some low-cost and high-impact improvements around town,” Adams said during the presentation.

Staff and council members discussed that many of the areas the program would address sit in state or county rights-of-way and that the city’s priorities for aesthetics and business-facing corridors can differ from state and county maintenance objectives. City Administrator Mark Stotts noted the program may require additional seasonal staffing if workload grows.

The resolution directs staff to pursue necessary agreements with other jurisdictions, establish volunteer and crew procedures, and return with implementation details. The council did not set a firm staffing or budget commitment in the motion; members said they were open to funding seasonal help if needed to sustain the program.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote; the meeting transcript does not include a roll-call tally.