Council approves consent agenda, appoints election judges and reschedules April meeting

The Baxter City Council approved a multi-item consent agenda that included approval of minutes, payment of bills, event permits, retail fireworks permits, a special-event permit for Lakes Area Youth Soccer Association, and two resolutions authorizing the sale of specified lots. The council also approved appointments of election judges for the April 15 primary and the April 29 special election.

The clerk read the consent items and noted two items were added prior to the meeting: a resolution approving sale of Lots 3 and 5, Block 2 (identified in the meeting materials as Cedar Unix Second Edition) and the election-judge appointments. Councilmember Cross moved to approve the consent agenda and a second was recorded; the council carried the motion on a voice vote.

Separately, the council approved an individual pulled consent item after it was requested for separate consideration.

Staff also advised the council that a vacancy at the state capitol required a primary on April 15. State scheduling and the need to avoid meetings during open polling prompted the council to reschedule the regular meeting to Wednesday, April 16. The council approved the schedule change by voice vote.

Council comments included a recognition by Councilmember Connie of volunteer firefighters and the City Police Department for a rapid, coordinated response to a recent incident; the administrator also asked council members to save the date for an economic development annual meeting on May 8 and said staff would circulate details.

Next steps: election-judge appointments take effect for the April elections and staff will publish the revised meeting schedule and circulation materials for the May 8 event.