Akeley council approves donation resolutions, awards seven-year hay contract and OKs park purchases

Acting Mayor Dan Riggs called the Akeley City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. on April 8, 2026. Council members Dale Nelson and Bobbie Wosika were present; Brian Hitchcock was absent.

The council approved the consent agenda, which included the March minutes, March finance reports and a list of disbursements totaling $170,539.03 and receipts of $123,789.64. Council member Bobbie Wosika moved to approve the consent agenda; Dale Nelson seconded and the motion passed.

City Hall staff presented two resolutions acknowledging donations. Resolution 10-2026 recognized donations for Akeley community projects and Resolution 11-2026 recognized donations for the Akeley Easter Egg Hunt. Both resolutions were moved by Wosika, seconded by Nelson, and approved unanimously by the members present.

The council opened bids for the town hay contract. Two bids were read: Tim Drury bid $3,743.00 per year and Dan Splittstoesser bid $2,100.00 per year. Acting Mayor Dan Riggs moved to award a seven-year contract to Tim Drury at $3,743.00 annually; Dale Nelson seconded and the motion passed.

Park business included approval to buy six swim buoys from Timber Creek Dock and Lift Service at cost (listed at $265 each, hardware not included). Dan Riggs moved to authorize the purchase not to exceed $1,600 from park funds; Nelson seconded and the motion passed.

In utilities business, water/sewer staff introduced themselves and reported on system status. Council approved payment of a WWGoetsch invoice for $8,352.00 (motion by Wosika; second by Nelson). Maintenance staff noted a leaking fire hydrant on Highway 64 that will be rebuilt with assistance from MRW when weather permits; staff also requested permission to advertise a help-wanted announcement, which Dan Riggs asked be coordinated with City Hall for newspaper placement.

In new business, Randy Vredenburg asked the council to approve increasing a previously discussed Hansens Electric bid from 90-amp to 100-amp service, raising the total from $1,250.00 to $1,775.00. The council rescinded the prior March 11 motion and voted to split the $1,775.00 charge with the Akeley Lions; the city’s park fund share was set at $887.50.

Sharon Natzel of the Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations requested permission to install a blue-and-white cleaning-station sign and a four-tool cleaning kit at the Eleventh Crow Wing public water access to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Acting Mayor Dan Riggs moved to allow HCCOLA to install the sign and devices at the fishing pier and lift station; Dale Nelson seconded and the motion passed.

During public forum, Frank Lamb said the Historical Society plans to remove both museum bathrooms after Paul Bunyan Days. The council adjourned at 6:39 p.m. on a motion by Bobbie Wosika, seconded by Dale Nelson.

Votes at a glance: consent agenda — moved by Bobbie Wosika, seconded by Dale Nelson, outcome: approved (yes: 3, no: 0); Resolution 10-2026 — approved (yes: 3, no: 0); Resolution 11-2026 — approved (yes: 3, no: 0); Hay contract to Tim Drury ($3,743.00/yr for seven years) — approved (yes: 3, no: 0); Purchase of six swim buoys (not to exceed $1,600) — approved (yes: 3, no: 0); Payment to WWGoetsch ($8,352.00) — approved (yes: 3, no: 0); Rescind March 11 motion and approve 100-amp service cost split ($1,775 total; city share $887.50) — approved (yes: 3, no: 0); HCCOLA sign and tool installation at Eleventh Crow Wing public access — approved (yes: 3, no: 0); Adjournment — approved (yes: 3, no: 0).

The meeting record lists Michaella Becker as deputy clerk and notes the next LBAE meeting on April 14, 2026. No ordinances or formal hearings were scheduled; most actions were routine approvals and administrative items.