Rose Creek council joins Mower County cannabis joint powers agreement, OKs summer market, BINGO permit and routine purchases

The Rose Creek City Council on April 7 voted to join a Mower County joint powers agreement for local zoning and enforcement of an incoming cannabis law and approved a string of routine event permits and purchases.

Angie Lipelt of Mower County Environmental Services briefed the council on the new cannabis law and the two options for local implementation: adopt local zoning and enforcement or join the countys joint powers agreement (JPA). Council Member Wendel Sprung moved to join the Mower County JPA; Council Member Mark Conradt seconded and the motion was approved by Mayor Andrew Leisen. Lipelt told the council she will forward the citys copy of the agreement after the Mower County Commissioners complete their approval process.

The council also approved the Creek Clubs request to hold a Farmers Market on Main Street from June 3 through Sept. 30, 2025, including permission for a porta-potty between Heidis Corner and Ulven Outdoor Power. Council Member Andrew Felten moved to approve the market and have the city pay for the porta-potty for the summer, to be reimbursed by the Creek Club; the motion passed.

In a formal roll call vote the council approved a resolution allowing the Rose Creek Fire Department to hold BINGO during Rose Creek Fund Days on July 12, 2025. The roll call was: Mark Conradt, Yes; Wendel Sprung, Yes; Andrew Felten, Yes; Mayor Andrew Leisen, Yes (4-0). The council noted one seat on the council remains vacant.

Finance and operations items included a presentation of the 2024 audit by Andrew Forliti of Smith Schafer. Forliti reported that the citys tax levy rose because of increasing costs and noted the city has set aside reserves equal to 145% of the targeted amount. The council approved a $250 donation to the Mower County Ag Society for the county fair and authorized payment of all invoices, claims and payroll.

Public Works updates and equipment approvals were also on the agenda. Aaron Wagner reported work to obtain quotes for a City Hall/fire department roof, planned road sealcoating, and a hydrant repair that will require a temporary shutdown and moving the hydrant about 3 to 4 feet. The council approved purchase of dust control for Thills Addition and Wayside Park Drive and authorized soliciting bids to remove dead trees and hazardous limbs. Council Member Wendel Sprung moved to buy two laptops (for Public Works and the city clerk) from the gambling tax fund through Simplified Technology for $1,531.98; the motion passed.

Other business: Mayor Andrew Leisen provided comparative research on water rates from more than 40 cities for future discussion. The council set a canvass-the-votes meeting for April 14, 2025 at 5 p.m. and adjourned the April 7 meeting after approving the agenda items.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve agenda (added tree trimming and street sign to Public Works report): approved (no roll call recorded). - Approval of March 3, 2025 meeting minutes: approved (no roll call recorded). - Correction to Oct. 16, 2024 minutes per attorney correspondence: approved (no roll call recorded). - Join Mower County Joint Powers Agreement for cannabis zoning/enforcement: approved (no roll call recorded). - Approve Farmers Market (June 3Sept. 30) and city-paid porta-potty to be reimbursed by Creek Club: approved (no roll call recorded). - Research and potential removal of dead ash tree near private property (assign to Public Works to verify property lines): approved (no roll call recorded). - Approve 12 traffic cones and eight A-frame barricades for Creek Club (City to purchase; Creek Club to reimburse): approved (no roll call recorded). - Purchase dust control for Thills Addition and Wayside Park Drive: approved (no roll call recorded). - Purchase two laptops from gambling tax fund for $1,531.98: approved (no roll call recorded). - Resolution authorizing Rose Creek Fire Department to hold BINGO on July 12, 2025: approved by roll call, 4-0. - $250 donation to Mower County Ag Society: approved (no roll call recorded). - Approval of invoices/claims/payroll: approved (no roll call recorded).

The council recorded no citizen concerns during the public comment period. Mayor Leisen said he will continue follow-up with MN DOT contact David Seng on Highway 56 signage and that Mower County will decide on any Main Street road closures requested for events. The council set no final dates for some capital projects and directed staff to return with quotes and more detail at a future meeting.