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Waite Park council approves appointments, names Saint Cloud Live official newspaper, OKs Vactor truck and chamber repairs
Summary
The council approved multiple staffing appointments, designated Saint Cloud Live as the official city newspaper, authorized purchase of a Vactor sewer/vacuum truck for $650,000 (five-year financing), approved two council-chamber projects totaling $274,000 and appointed two fire captains.
On Dec. 15 the Waite Park City Council approved a package of routine and capital items, including several appointments, selection of an official newspaper, equipment procurement and facility work.
Appointments: staff presented multiple reappointments and appointments including Jamie Opper and Alan Vogt to the civil service board, Claire Garcia to the Park Board and planning commission reappointments; council approved the appointments as presented. The council also appointed Riley Altshire as a captain and Paul Kowalski as a training officer/captain for the fire department.
Official newspaper: staff noted Saint Cloud Live had proposed serving as the city's official newspaper at lower cost than the current St. Cloud Times and said the outlet claimed it could be about one-third of the current cost. A council member moved to designate Saint Cloud Live as the official newspaper and the motion carried.
Equipment purchase: public works staff explained the 2026 budget included a Vactor truck with a roughly 6–8 month lead time and recommended five-year financing; the purchase price presented was $650,000. The council voted to approve the purchase.
Facilities and repairs: staff presented options to modify the old council chamber gable ends. Council approved two separate motions: one to remove/replace the windows and reroof the chamber at a cost of $172,000, and a second to apply staining and architectural finishes at a cost of $102,000. One council member opposed the stain/finish vote, saying they had not had time to vet references.
Other actions: council approved the hiring process for a warming-house attendant and moved to pay the city's bills.
What happens next: staff will proceed with appointments, finalize procurement paperwork for the Vactor truck and schedule the chamber work; the newspaper designation will be used for legal notifications and publications.
