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Good Thunder council confirms new fire chief, updates personnel policy and approves routine maintenance contracts
Summary
Council confirmed a new fire chief, approved maintenance work and an internet upgrade for the fire station, and adopted personnel-policy changes including a $200 monthly employer HSA contribution for full-time employees.
The Good Thunder City Council approved several routine personnel and operations items, including the appointment of a new fire chief, adoption of personnel-policy updates and authorization of maintenance and telecommunications contracts.
The council confirmed the appointment of Mitch Vrelich as the new fire chief, effective Jan. 20, 2026, and accepted resignations from Bradley Hewitt and Spencer Thorson dated Jan. 6, 2026. John moved to approve the appointment; the motion was seconded and carried after a voice vote that included at least one opposing voice recorded in the transcript.
Eli and staff reviewed fire-department operations and equipment maintenance; the council approved a recommendation to contract with CMR Plumbing for prioritized pipe repairs after staff described an updated quote of roughly $20,000. The council also approved a contract to upgrade the fire station’s internet and phone service to Vidium after staff noted the current connection was unreliable for trainings and station needs.
On personnel policy, council members reported changes to update comp time, clarify holiday and overtime language, add vision-insurance references (and remove life and disability where not available), incorporate Minnesota paid leave and FMLA provisions, and add employee reviews. The council moved and approved a package of personnel-policy amendments that includes a city-paid health savings account deposit of $200 per month for full-time employees (capped at $2,400 per year).
All motions recorded in the transcript were carried by voice vote; the transcript does not include a roll-call vote tally for each item. The council directed staff to follow through on contracts, to schedule consultant and staff meetings as needed, and to return with more detailed funding recommendations for capital projects.
