Council approves 2025 audit, appointments and park fencing; accepts clerk’s resignation and allocates 125th funds

At its Feb. 18, 2026 meeting, the Lafayette City Council approved the 2025 audit, adopted multiple civic appointment resolutions, approved park fencing plans, set aside remaining 125th Celebration funds for Park & Rec and the Fire Department, and accepted the written resignation of Clerk/Treasurer Sandy Burger.

Auditor Sara Oberloh reviewed the Annual Financial Report and Councilor Tom Polich moved to approve the audit; Polich’s motion was seconded by Logan VanDeest and recorded in the transcript as 'all ayes; motion carried.' The council also approved updated civic duties descriptions, annual appointment resolutions (including Resolution 2026-01-02 and Resolution 2026-02), and Resolution 2026-04 adopting the 2025 Nicollet County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The transcript records each of those approvals as motions carried by roll call with 'all ayes,' but it does not list individual roll-call tallies.

The council approved Park & Recreation’s recommendation to scrap the old fencing at Lund Park and use the proceeds toward replacement fencing. In addition, the council reported $15,231.21 remained in the city’s 125th Celebration fund and reached consensus to earmark $10,000 for the Park & Rec fencing project and $3,000 as seed money for the Fire Department’s 125th celebration, pending legal research by City Attorney Aaron Walton.

The council accepted the written resignation of Clerk/Treasurer Sandy Burger; her last day is Feb. 26, 2026. The council thanked Burger for her service.

Other administrative items: the council discussed drafting revisions to Ordinance 129 to pay councilors only for meetings they attend (Clerk and Attorney to draft), discussed beginning work on a subdivision ordinance (Attorney Aaron Walton recommended the change to guide orderly development), deferred a lawnmower purchase decision for further vendor confirmation, and reached consensus not to stream meetings (Teams links may be posted for observation only).

Votes at a glance (as recorded in the transcript): - 2025 Audit (motion to approve): mover Tom Polich; second Logan VanDeest; outcome: approved (recorded as 'all ayes; motion carried'); transcript does not provide a numerical roll-call tally. - Civic Duties Descriptions (motion to approve): mover Dave Reed; second Tom Polich; outcome: approved (all ayes). - Resolution 2026-01-02 (annual appointments update): mover Logan VanDeest; second Tom Polich; outcome: approved (all ayes). - Resolution 2026-02 (civic appointments): mover Logan VanDeest; second Dave Reed; outcome: approved (all ayes). - Resolution 2026-04 (adopt Nicollet County Hazard Mitigation Plan): mover Dave Reed; second Logan VanDeest; outcome: approved (all ayes). - Fencing at Lund Park (scrap old fencing/use proceeds): mover Tom Polich; second Dave Reed; outcome: approved (all ayes). - 125th Celebration fund allocation: mover Tom Polich; second Logan VanDeest; outcome: approved (consensus to earmark funds; motion recorded as carried); transcript: $15,231.21 remaining, $10,000 earmarked for fencing, $3,000 seed for fire pending attorney research. - Acceptance of Clerk/Treasurer Sandy Burger’s resignation: mover Dave Reed; second Tom Polich; outcome: approved (all ayes).

Why it matters: The actions enact routine financial and governance housekeeping, designate funding for a local park improvement and a community celebration, and set in motion a search or transition for the clerk/treasurer position.

Next steps and follow-up: Attorney Walton will research the 125th fund allocation condition for the $3,000 seed money; revisions to Ordinance 129 and a subdivision ordinance will be drafted for the March agenda; the next regular meeting is March 9, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.