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Coleraine council approves $30,000 police squad lease, transfers equipment to Trout Lake Fire Department
Summary
At its March 9 meeting, the Coleraine City Council approved a $30,000 capital lease for a police squad, accepted a memorial bench donation and transferred a boat, outboard motor and trailer to the Trout Lake Fire Department for registration and auction, with proceeds to TLFD’s equipment fund.
Coleraine — The Coleraine City Council on March 9 approved a $30,000 capital lease to purchase a new police squad, accepted a memorial bench donation and authorized the transfer of a boat, a 30‑horsepower outboard motor and a trailer to the Trout Lake Fire Department for registration and sale at the state surplus auction, with proceeds to support the fire department’s equipment replacement fund.
The meeting began with a brief work session delayed until about 3:47 p.m., during which Clerk‑Treasurer Briana Anderson said several items not previously registered to the Trout Lake Fire Department needed to be transferred so they could be registered and then auctioned at the state surplus sale.
On the regular agenda, the council approved the consent agenda — which included minutes from Feb. 23, two claims lists ($13,188.94 and $2,940.47) and Resolution No. 2026‑2.23 accepting a library donation from Carnegie Corp. of New York — by roll call. Council then approved the meeting agenda as presented.
During public comment, Catherine McLynn of the Mt. Itasca Ski League thanked the council for its ongoing support and for authorizing logging on city‑owned property that benefits the league’s activities. Resident Jake Langeslag pressed for greater transparency, complained about difficulty obtaining the Wi‑Fi password at city facilities and the absence of the city attorney, raised questions about the status of a ticket he received and said he was concerned that "the county and the city was retaliating against certain people;" he also told the council he planned to post an unofficial recording of the meeting online.
Police Chief Beach told the council the department is updating its policy manual and is considering a new computer‑aided dispatch system and a possible taser upgrade; he also asked whether council had questions about an associated vehicle purchase. Public Works Supervisor Tabaka reviewed a written report, said crews are working on larger potholes and reminded the council that the water‑meter project bid opening is set for Friday at 2 p.m.; Tabaka and Anderson noted the city will be required to accept the lowest qualified bidder as determined by the City Engineer.
On new business, Clerk‑Treasurer Anderson said funds freed up because a public‑works vehicle is paid off could be moved to the police budget without affecting the overall budget. The council approved a capital lease for a police squad for $30,000 payable over four years plus any transfer costs; the roll‑call vote was Councilpersons Sobtzak, Swanson, Wilson and Mayor Antonovich in favor, none opposed.
The council also passed Resolution No. 2026‑3.09 to accept a memorial bench donation and approved, by motion and roll call, the transfer by bill of sale to the Trout Lake Fire Department of a Brunswick 16' modified V boat (model 2450‑16 MV), a 30 hp Johnson outboard (model J30TELCDM, SN #6196347) and a Spring EZ loader bunk trailer (no serial number provided) so the items can be registered and later auctioned at state surplus, with proceeds going to the TLFD equipment replacement fund.
Clerk‑Treasurer Anderson asked whether "city plowing of private drive" should be added to the council’s next agenda; members agreed. Councilperson Swanson moved to adjourn, supported by Sobtzak; the motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (minutes, claims, Carnegie donation): approved. Roll call — Ayes: Sobtzak, Swanson, Wilson, Mayor Antonovich; Nays: none. - Meeting agenda approval: approved; "Ayes: All." - Capital lease for police squad ($30,000 over 4 years): approved. Roll call — Ayes: Sobtzak, Swanson, Wilson, Mayor Antonovich; Nays: none. - Resolution No. 2026‑3.09 (memorial bench donation): approved. Roll call — Ayes: Sobtzak, Swanson, Wilson, Mayor Antonovich; Nays: none. - Transfer of boat, outboard and trailer to Trout Lake Fire Department for registration and state surplus auction (proceeds to TLFD equipment replacement fund): approved. Roll call — Ayes: Sobtzak, Wilson, Swanson, Mayor Antonovich; Nays: none.
The council’s next regular meeting date was not specified on the record. The meeting packet indicated the water meter project bid opening will occur Friday at 2 p.m.; the City Engineer will determine bidder qualification.
