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Council approves Fresha agreement, seeks LRIP funding for Darnan Road and OKs modest utility rate increases
Summary
At its Nov. 10 meeting the Morris City Council approved a 5-year industrial user/discharge agreement with Fresha (with an automatic 5-year renewal clause), authorized pursuit of MnDOT LRIP funding for Darnan Road reconstruction, adopted special assessments for unpaid city services and approved modest water/sewer rate increases for 2026, among other actions.
Morris City Council on Nov. 10 approved multiple resolutions covering utility connections, grant support, assessments, consulting services and an interim city-manager agreement.
Industrial user agreement with Fresha: Becca, the city manager, summarized an industrial user and discharge agreement allowing Fresha to hook into Morris City’s water and sewer systems. The council discussed monitoring surcharges and limits on wastewater constituents; the proposed agreement carries a five-year term with an automatic five-year renewal if both parties agree and no issues are identified. The council approved the resolution by roll call.
Road funding support (LRIP): The council voted to support pursuit of 2025 Local Road Improvement Program funding from MnDOT for a Darnan Road project to pave County Road 10 to State Highway 9, aimed primarily at reducing dust and improving surface conditions. Applications are due in December and awards typically announced in February; if the grant is not awarded the project will not proceed as presented.
Assessments and utility rates: The council adopted a resolution placing overdue charges (utilities, mowing, fire calls and similar unpaid services) as special assessments on property tax rolls. The council also approved a resolution increasing utility rates for 2026 — staff cited an approximate 1% increase for water and about a 4.3% increase for sewer, effective Jan. 1, 2026 — relying on the most recent utility rate study.
Contracts and personnel: The council approved a consulting agreement with DDA Human Resources Inc. for recruiting services (cost reduced from prior engagements to roughly $18,000) and authorized the mayor to sign an employment agreement with Mr. Hill to serve as interim city manager (pro tem) while the city conducts a permanent search.
Vote summary: Each item was moved and seconded and passed by roll call as recorded at the meeting. Where the council discussed contingencies (for example, monitoring wastewater surcharges under the Fresha agreement or timing of LRIP awards), staff noted follow-up monitoring and potential future rate adjustments.
