Lake Bronson council approves 2025 polling place, buys $11,500 mower and signs liability waiver

At a Nov. 12, 2024 meeting, the Lake Bronson City Council approved the city’s 2025 polling place resolution, authorized purchase of a new lawn mower for $11,500, approved city and fire department claims and tabled a cannabis discussion pending additional guidance from the state.

Mayor B. Schmiedeberg called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. and City Clerk Sandra Lund recorded attendance. Councilmembers C. Strom, M. Kjelland, P. Shablow and T. Carlson were present.

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the Oct. 21, 2024 meeting after a motion by Councilmember P. Shablow and a second from C. Strom.

Under new business, Robert Bridges reported his outreach to county and neighboring cities and said his inquiries indicated that other cities do not donate to food pantries; the comment was recorded but no action followed.

The council approved the 2025 polling place resolution on a motion by P. Shablow and second by C. Strom; City Clerk Sandra Lund signed the document. The council also approved an LMC municipal tort liability waiver for 2025 (motion recorded as moved by P. Shablow, with J. Frei listed as the second in the record); both motions passed with all members voting in favor.

Mayor Schmiedeberg said he had sought replacement mower options and recommended a 2025 Altos mower from Roseau Co‑Op at $11,500. Councilmember P. Shablow moved to purchase the mower, C. Strom seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Clerk Sandra Lund described increases in employee health insurance premiums and recommended electing the HSA plan for 2025 because it carries lower premiums; the recommendation was discussed but no formal vote to change plans is recorded in the minutes.

The clerk announced a regional safety meeting with training on Nov. 27 at the Lake Bronson community center. Councilmember P. Shablow said water bills should be run the last Thursday of each month and the council adopted that timing as the routine billing schedule.

In maintenance updates, Mayor Schmiedeberg said some signs need repair and that he located supplies to fix them; he also said he will mark curb stops along Highway 59 for MnDOT. When asked about snow removal plans for the coming winter, Mayor Schmiedeberg said the city will follow the same approach used last winter.

The council approved payment of city claims (motion by T. Carlson, second by M. Kjelland) and approved payment of fire department claims (motion by P. Shablow, second by C. Strom); both motions passed unanimously.

C. Strom moved and M. Kjelland seconded to adjourn at 6:28 p.m.; the motion passed. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.