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Loretto council approves audit, ditch report, bulk water-meter purchase and wage increases; one abstention
Summary
At its March 17 meeting the Loretto City Council approved the 2025 audit, accepted a feasibility report on the Loretto Creek ditch, authorized hiring steps for a temporary public works employee, approved purchase of 225 iPERL water meters for $38,250, and approved budgeted wage increases (vote carried 4–0 with one abstention). The council also approved the consent agenda and adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
The Loretto City Council completed routine business at its March 17 meeting, approving the 2025 audit, accepting a feasibility report on the Loretto Creek ditch, authorizing staff to proceed with hiring a temporary public works maintenance employee, and approving a bulk purchase of 225 iPERL residential water meters for $38,250.
Auditor Bonnie Schwieger presented the 2025 audit report and the council approved the report on a motion by Ben Scanlon, seconded by Brenda Daniels. The council accepted the Loretto Creek Ditch Feasibility Report on a motion by Brenda Daniels, seconded by Melissa Markham; council directed Public Works Director Jake Leuer to coordinate with the city of Medina and Council Member Jeff Leuer asked to be involved in those discussions.
Public Works Director Jake Leuer recommended replacing the original, 20-year-old main water meter at Well #3 because manufacturer parts are no longer available; council agreed to proceed with purchase and installation. Leuer also proposed buying 225 iPERL meters in bulk for $38,250 (he said buying over three years would increase costs by about $4,500). On a motion by Brenda Daniels, seconded by Jeff Leuer, the council approved the purchase of 225 iPERL meters for a total cost of $38,250; motion carried unanimously. Leuer said the purchase was budgeted and funds exist in the Water Capital Fund.
The council confirmed it had met in closed session earlier in the evening under Minn. Stat. 13D.05, subd. 3(a) for annual performance evaluations of City Clerk Treasurer Mary Schneider and Public Works Director Jake Leuer. On a motion by Melissa Markham, seconded by Brenda Daniels, the council approved budgeted wage increases for five employees. The motion carried with Mayor Kent Koch and Council Members Daniels, Markham and Scanlon voting in favor; Council Member Jeff Leuer abstained.
Other actions: the consent agenda (including Resolution 2026-08 appointing election judges and March bills totaling $80,777.30) passed unanimously, the council authorized staff to move forward with hiring for a temporary public works maintenance position and directed Public Works Director Leuer to exclude the Ponds neighborhood from street patching until a larger project is scoped. The council adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
