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Rock Creek council expands gambling-ordinance trade area, approves multiple routine actions
Summary
After a brief public hearing, the Rock Creek City Council voted to add Rush City, Braham and Pine City fire departments to the Trade Area in Gambling Ordinance #71; the council also approved multiple contracts, financial moves and personnel recognitions in a single session.
Mayor Dick Johnson called the Rock Creek City Council to order on March 5, 2026, and opened a public hearing at 6:03 p.m. on an amendment to Gambling Ordinance #71 to change the ordinance's Trade Area.
At the hearing, Craig Saari urged the council to consider including Grantsburg or using broader public-safety language to encompass nearby departments. "It could be more vague and talk more about public safety issues or fire departments, anything that would benefit our area," Saari said.
Council discussion favored retaining the three departments listed in the public notice. Councilmember Dan Saumer moved, seconded by Don Ramberg, to add the Rush City Fire Department, the Braham Fire Department and the Pine City Fire Department to the gambling-ordinance Trade Area. The motion carried with all ayes.
Votes at a glance - Gambling Ordinance #71 (amend Trade Area): Motion by Dan Saumer; second Don Ramberg; outcome: approved, all ayes. - Approval of prior meeting minutes (Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2026): Motion by Don Ramberg; second Dan Saumer; outcome: approved, all ayes. - February disbursements: Motion by Don Ramberg; second Dan Saumer; outcome: approved, all ayes. - Appointment to Facility Operations Committee (Fire Substation representative): Motion by Don Ramberg; second Mayor Dick Johnson; outcome: Dan Saumer appointed, all ayes. - Gravel hauling contract (award to Bjorklund Companies, $5.60/cu yd): Motion by Don Ramberg; second Nancy Rys; outcome: approved, all ayes. - Certificate of deposit rollover (First Citizens Bank, 36 months at 3.60%): Motion by Don Ramberg; second Dan Saumer; outcome: approved, all ayes. - Retired administrator recognition payment (Sandra Pangerl, $2,500 tax-free): Motion by Don Ramberg; second Dan Saumer; outcome: approved, all ayes. - Terminate IUP-24-001 and approve Low Impact Business Permit LIB-26-002 for Northland Boiler Sales: Motion by Nancy Rys; second Dan Saumer; outcome: approved, all ayes. - Final payment to JJS Electric ($7,125): Motion by Don Ramberg; second Mayor Dick Johnson; outcome: approved, all ayes. - Adjournment at 7:03 PM: Motion by Don Ramberg; second Dan Saumer; outcome: approved, all ayes.
Why it matters Expanding the gambling-ordinance Trade Area changes which fire departments are explicitly identified as benefiting from gambling proceeds under local rules; the council's choice to name three specific departments (rather than adopt broader language) keeps eligibility aligned with existing service-area conventions used for schools and trade areas.
What else the council handled The council reviewed bids for gravel hauling and accepted Bjorklund Companies' $5.60 per cubic yard bid after noting documentation issues with the low bidder, Rydberg & Sons. Adam Rydberg, representing Rydberg & Sons, told the council the company can provide daily scale tickets and currently does so for other clients. The council approved routine financial and administrative measures including a CD rollover, a departing-employee recognition payment, termination and replacement of an Interim Use Permit for Northland Boiler Sales, and final payment to a contractor for Public Works building work.
Next steps Staff will draft and return a social media policy for council consideration at the April meeting; public-works staff will obtain a local sign quote for the new Fire Substation. Enforcement follow-ups on several property violations were scheduled, including a May 1 deadline for one junkyard.
