Jasper council approves 2026 law-enforcement budget, addresses parking, rummage items and routine business

At its Oct. 14 meeting the Jasper City Council approved several routine and local-policy items. The council unanimously approved the 2026 law-enforcement budget (motion by Council member Zach Kounkel; second by Council member Stacie Smith). Members also approved a measure to allow designated off-street truck and camper parking with a waiver form to be developed; staff were directed to draft a waiver and a fee structure (discussion led by Kounkel and Brian Thode).

Council reviewed an invoice and options from the Jasper Community Foundation related to long-stored rummage-sale items at the QCC and agreed to split shipping costs (option 2); council also directed that the foundation not place orders through the city if it fails to promptly reimburse the city for costs. Council member Deb Plahn voiced frustration about at least some items being left in city storage and discussed disposal or community pick-up options.

Other decisions included cancelling the Blue Peak cable portion of a community TV subscription, approving a replacement solution for the meter-reader terminal (a low-cost tablet instead of a $3,000 replacement device), extending summer-help positions through October, scheduling the 2026 budget meeting for Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. (closed to the public), and authorizing staff to begin the legal process to send property-access letters (county fees and disposal fees to be pursued). The council also reviewed ongoing items including Minnesota Paid Leave Law follow-up and insurance inventory work.

No controversial public-policy votes were taken; several items require staff follow-up and return to council for implementation details.