Prinsburg council approves claims, water tower change order and building permits

Prinsburg — The Prinsburg City Council met July 8, 2025, and approved a slate of routine and infrastructure actions, including $22,821.02 in claims, a health-department-required change to the city’s water tower project, and upgrades at the Cardinal Care Center.

Mayor Mitch Swart called the 7 a.m. meeting to order. Council members Dan Negen, Mike Bredeck and Nate Marcus were present; Greg Bonnema and Public Works Manager Nolan Slagter were not present, though Slagter’s report about field-watering texts was noted in the record.

The council formally approved minutes from the June 10 regular meeting and the June 18 emergency meeting. It then approved claims totaling $22,821.02 as presented; Dan Negen moved the claims motion and Nate Marcus supported the motion, which passed.

The council approved Change Order #1 for the water tower project to extend the overflow pipe toward the ground, a modification the Minnesota Department of Health required. The change order carries a cost of $4,900 and the project is scheduled to begin the week of July 21, 2025. Dan Negen moved to approve the change order; Mike Bredeck seconded, and the motion passed.

Mayor Swart moved to authorize window upgrades at Cardinal Care Center at $1,300 per window for an estimated 7–9 windows; Dan Negen supported the motion and it passed.

On building permits, the council approved three applications: a front porch for Kurt Vander Beek (motion by Mayor Swart), a rear deck for Norman Hammonds (motion by Dan Negen), and a 16x24 shed for council member Dan Negen (motion by Mayor Swart, supported by Nate Marcus and Mike Bredeck). Dan Negen abstained from the vote on his own shed permit; the remaining votes carried.

Council members received information about a proposed water/sewer rate increase and agreed to review the material. Council member Greg Bonnema, who was absent, will meet with the clerk and mayor before the next meeting to discuss rates; the mayor also asked staff to research new meters and meter-reading systems ahead of any rate action.

The council heard a Joint Powers/first responders update: first responders are preparing quick-response bags for two churches, Niel Brouwer is fully trained, the Relief Association is now on PERA, fire department physicals are complete, Cal Ahrenholz has retired and Chief Ryan Marcus plans to retire at year-end. Planned upgrades to the Fire Hall include electronic door locks and roof-foam repairs supported by fundraisers and grants.

The council noted an overdue water account for Mendoza and directed that the account be notified service may be stopped without payment; the council also agreed to review its overdue-bill policy.

The meeting minutes were recorded by City Administrator/Clerk Sarah Van Dyken.

Votes at a glance: - Approve minutes (June 10): motion by Mike Bredeck; outcome: approved (MSP). - Approve minutes (June 18 emergency): motion by Mike Bredeck; outcome: approved (MSP). - Approve claims $22,821.02: motion by Dan Negen; outcome: approved (MSP). - Cardinal Care Center window upgrades ($1,300 per window; est. 7–9 windows): motion by Mayor Mitch Swart; outcome: approved (MSP). - Water Tower Change Order #1 (overflow extension required by Minnesota Department of Health, $4,900): motion by Dan Negen, second Mike Bredeck; outcome: approved (MSP). Project start: week of July 21, 2025. - Building permits: Kurt Vander Beek (front porch) approved; Norman Hammonds (deck) approved; Dan Negen (16x24 shed) approved with Dan Negen abstaining on the shed vote.

Next steps and follow-ups: council members will review the water/sewer rate materials; absent council member Greg Bonnema will meet with the clerk and mayor before the next meeting; staff will research meter and meter-reading options; the Mendoza account will receive an overdue notice consistent with city policy review.