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Rothsay council approves routine items, cuts REC custodian role and OKs up to $12,000 for DNR surplus equipment
Summary
At its May 13 meeting, the Rothsay City Council approved consent items, authorized up to $12,000 from the equipment fund to purchase DNR surplus equipment, approved a $734.10 medical time-off payment, and voted to eliminate the REC custodian position as a budget cut; a special meeting was set for May 18.
ROTHSAY, Minn. — The Rothsay City Council convened at Rothsay City Hall on May 13, 2026, and approved a slate of routine agenda and consent items while taking several personnel and procurement actions tied to the city’s budget position.
Mayor Shane Balken called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Council members Heather Weber, Daryl Schleeter and Matthew Balken attended; Nathan Ziegler was absent. The council approved the meeting agenda after three additions (motion by Daryl Schleeter, seconded by Matthew Balken) and carried the consent agenda, which included minutes and financial reports (motion by Matthew Balken, seconded by Heather Weber).
The council authorized up to $12,000 from the equipment fund to purchase surplus equipment from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (motion by Daryl Schleeter, seconded by Matthew Balken). The minutes record the motion as carried; a vote tally was not specified in the transcript.
As part of budget-related changes, the council approved elimination of the REC custodian/maintenance position. The motion to eliminate the position was made by Daryl Schleeter and seconded by Heather Weber and carried. The action was described as a budget cut; the minutes do not record additional details about severance, timelines or replacement services.
The council approved a medical time-off payment of $734.10 for Jacob Barry (motion by Heather Weber, seconded by Daryl Schleeter) and approved a Fire Department mutual aid agreement (motion by Daryl Schleeter, seconded by Matthew Balken). Both motions were recorded as carried; specific vote counts were not listed in the minutes provided.
Other items: the council agreed it is not currently interested in participation with Otter Tail Lakes Country and deferred the Ringdahl subsidy request pending additional information. Heather Weber was asked to draft a proclamation honoring Jim and Gene Boyce for the June meeting ahead of a June 18 USA Games send-off. Staff were directed to pursue financing options through Ehlers and other groups for a Tri-State Paving street repair project, and letters and Wilkin County Sheriff follow-up were reported for yard clean-up enforcement. The city will not hire summer help this year.
At the direction of the council, Clerk Amanda Kuschel will email the city attorney to draft a letter for land annexation; Jordan Barry was tasked with obtaining quotes for tree removal and gravel for the REC parking lot. Council members instructed Matthew Balken and Clerk Kuschel to order street banners at a total cost of $1,908.44.
A new resolution concerning an Otter Tail County tax abatement — to include two current housing projects — was approved for submission to Otter Tail County (motion by Daryl Schleeter, seconded by Heather Weber). The council also scheduled a special meeting for Monday, May 18 at 7:00 a.m. to address Rodeo Ground development.
The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
Votes at a glance - Approval of agenda: motion by D. Schleeter; second M. Balken; outcome: carried (tally not specified). - Consent agenda (minutes, financials, reports): motion by M. Balken; second H. Weber; outcome: carried (tally not specified). - DNR surplus equipment purchase (up to $12,000 from equipment fund): motion D. Schleeter; second M. Balken; outcome: approved (tally not specified). - Jacob Barry medical time-off payment ($734.10): motion H. Weber; second D. Schleeter; outcome: approved (tally not specified). - REC custodian/maintenance position elimination (budget cut): motion D. Schleeter; second H. Weber; outcome: approved (tally not specified). - Fire Department mutual aid agreement: motion D. Schleeter; second M. Balken; outcome: approved (tally not specified). - Otter Tail County tax abatement resolution (send to county; include two housing projects): motion D. Schleeter; second H. Weber; outcome: approved (tally not specified). - Street banners order ($1,908.44): authorized; responsible: M. Balken and Clerk Kuschel.
What to watch next: the council asked staff to return with financing options for street repairs and asked Weber to bring a draft proclamation for Jim and Gene Boyce to the June meeting. A special meeting to discuss Rodeo Ground development is scheduled for May 18 at 7:00 a.m.
(Clerk/Amanda Kuschel transcribed the minutes.)
