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Lakefield council approves department appointments, invoices and new police policies
Summary
At its Jan. 20 meeting the Lakefield City Council approved 2026 fire and ambulance officers, paid multiple vendor invoices including $5,097.39 for fire engine repairs, accepted two donations for a youth helmet program, adopted four POST model police policies, and authorized technology and contract payments.
The Lakefield City Council on Jan. 20 approved a range of routine items, including departmental officer lists, vendor invoices, donations and new police policies.
Fire Chief Tim Baumann told the council the department’s officers for 2026 were chosen at the department’s first meeting of the year; the council approved the slate of fire officers without opposition. The council similarly approved ambulance service officers for 2026.
The council approved payment of a $5,097.39 invoice from Heiman for repairs to a fire engine that included gasket and valve work, replacement of a failed paddle wheel, tank flushing and replacement of a foam tank float sensor. It also approved a $2,990 annual subscription for Silversmith GIS (split across departments) and a $1,980 invoice from Flaherty & Hood for labor, employment and human resources consultation, including personnel-policy review and a termination recommendation.
The Lakefield Fire Relief Association’s request to conduct off-site lawful gambling at Lakefield VFW Post 4743 on April 18, 2026, via an LG230 application was approved. The council accepted donations to the police department of $500 from the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging and $300 from the Jackson County Conservation League to fund a youth helmet-safety incentive that will issue coupons for free bakery items when officers observe helmet use.
The council approved four POST Board model police policies updated in October 2025: Missing and Endangered Persons (#316); Public Assembly — First Amendment (#433); Confidential Informants (#603); and Lighting Exemptions for Law Enforcement (#703). Lakefield’s police department said it will discontinue the Lexipol policy-management subscription in favor of implementing POST model policies.
The clerk recommended purchasing three Dell Pro 16 laptops from Computer Lodge for $3,567 (setup included) to replace aging office machines and to support a software launch in April; the council approved the purchase and agreed to split the cost with utility funds. A motion to approve payment for the listed invoices, licenses, policies and equipment passed by voiced majorities recorded as unanimous where noted.
The council adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
