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River Heights council approves MWPP survey, conducts budget workshop and agrees to personnel pay changes
Summary
At its April 21 meeting the council unanimously approved the Municipal Wastewater Planning Program survey, discussed budget priorities and reserves, approved a 3% COLA and a wage increase for crossing guards to $15/hour, and reviewed capital needs including a generator and park/playground work.
The River Heights City Council on April 21 approved two formal motions, reviewed a consultant water-rate study, and held a detailed budget workshop that produced several staffing and capital recommendations.
Votes at a glance - Motion #1: Councilmember Kandi Evans moved to approve the minutes (referenced in the packet) and the evening's agenda; motion seconded by Councilmember Mark Malmstrom and passed with Evans, Malmstrom, Mathews, Milbank and Pitcher in favor. No opposition recorded (SEG 031—032). - Motion #2: Councilmember Lance Pitcher moved to approve the 2025 Municipal Wastewater Planning Program (MWPP) survey; Councilmember Kandi Evans seconded; the motion passed unanimously (SEG 075—077).
Budget workshop highlights Treasurer Michelle Jensen and Mayor Blake Wright walked the council through the draft FY2026-27 budget and said they had trimmed expenses and used conservative revenue assumptions. Notable outcomes of the workshop discussion include a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees and a proposal to apply the same 3% to mayor and council pay; the council also agreed to raise crossing-guard pay to $15/hour and forego year-end bonuses beyond the city's $50 gift policy. The council agreed to add a port-a-potty at Stewart Hill Park and to allocate funds for tree maintenance and playground replacements, and Public Works Director Clayten Nelson will price a generator for the lower well.
Other business Councilmember Chris Milbank reported applying for two park grants ($70,000 each). The council discussed consolidating old school expense accounts through Catalyst and requiring Catalyst to clear purchases over $1,000 with the city. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Next steps: staff will follow up on flagged budget items (missing Apple Days donations), obtain generator and equipment pricing, and return refined budget proposals and the water-rate recommendation to the council for future action.
