Sauk Centre council orders T.H. 71 Phase I improvement after resident concerns; votes at a glance

Sauk Centre — At its May 6, 2026 meeting the Sauk Centre City Council voted unanimously to "Order the Improvement" for the T.H. 71 Phase I project, a procedural step that authorizes the city engineer to complete plans and specifications so the project can be put out to bid for anticipated construction in 2027. The council also specified that sidewalks will be on the north side only between 2nd Street and Birch Street.

The decision followed earlier public comment from nearby residents who urged the council to study local impacts before final assessments are set. Resident Janice Haskamp of 112 Morning View Road said she was "concerned about the woods it will go through," asked what the drainage plans are, and whether abutting properties would be assessed. Resident Tim Larson of 107 Morning View Road requested a separate meeting focused on the bypass road and said he believes the bypass would depress his property value.

The action to order the improvement is not final. According to staff, the next steps are completing plans and specs, returning to council for approval of those plans, soliciting bids (expected in December/January), holding a public hearing on assessments, and adopting final assessments prior to project commencement.

The meeting also dealt with a slate of routine and capital items. The council accepted the city's 2025 audited financial statements by CliftonLarsonAllen; auditor Becca Nielsen reported an unmodified (clean) opinion for 2025, noted no material misstatements or unusual transactions, and identified material weaknesses typical for similar-sized cities in segregation of duties and controls over financial reporting. Nielsen reported total cash of $17,399,107 and an unassigned General Fund balance representing roughly six months of expenditures.

Ambulance replacement planning and personnel were on the agenda. The council authorized staff to begin a formal solicitation for a 2028 ambulance (the capital policy rotates ambulances every nine years and staff said a two-year lead time is necessary because of production and delivery delays). Ambulance Director Zales recommended advancing Quint Swedenburg from EMT-B Level 3 to EMT-B Level 4, saying, "Effective May 15, 2026, I would like to recommend Quint Swedenburg be advanced from EMT B Level 3 to EMT B Level 4 for the Sauk Centre Ambulance Service." The council approved the step advancement.

On equipment and facilities, the council approved a joint fueling system with Sauk Centre Public Utilities (SCPUC) at the public works garage to be cost-shared 50/50. The accepted vendor was Friedrichs Tire and Oil for a 1,000-gallon tank at $23,589.50; staff said the city will purchase fuel in bulk and bill SCPUC monthly for usage. The council also authorized staff to advertise for quotes for the full reclaim and paving of the Senior Center parking lot after inspections showed the lot requires more than the $20,000 originally budgeted (a general repaving estimate of about $60,000 was discussed). Staff noted $106,000 remains in the building project fund that could be used to supplement the parking lot budget.

Other business included the EDA's recommendation to accept a counteroffer on Lots 3, 5 and 6 in Author's Addition under specific escrow and timing conditions; the council authorized execution of related documents. The council approved the consent agenda, which included accepting donations and exempt gambling permits for local organizations.

Votes at a glance

• Accept Audit Report — Motion to accept audit report as presented; mover: Council Member Joe Fuechtmann; second: Council Member Brad Kirckof; outcome: passed unanimously (For: Fuechtmann, Kirckof, Leach, Kowski, Mayor Stone). (See SEG 025–026)

• Resolution No. 2026-34, Order Improvement for 2027 Street Improvement Project (T.H. 71 Phase I) — Motion to approve; mover: Council Member Scott Kowski; second: Council Member Brad Kirckof; outcome: passed unanimously; sidewalk on north side only 2nd to Birch. (See SEG 028–032)

• Resolution No. 2026-35, Accept Quote for Fueling System (Friedrichs Tire & Oil, 1,000-gallon, $23,589.50) — mover: Council Member Heidi Leach; second: Council Member Joe Fuechtmann; outcome: passed unanimously. (See SEG 033–041; bidders and options listed in minutes.)

• Resolution No. 2026-36, Approve Advertisement for Quotes for 2026 Senior Center parking lot reclamation — mover: Council Member Joe Fuechtmann; second: Council Member Scott Kowski; outcome: passed unanimously. (See SEG 042–044)

• Resolution No. 2026-37, Authorize Formal Solicitation of Bids for a 2028 Ambulance — mover: Council Member Brad Kirckof; second: Council Member Heidi Leach; outcome: passed unanimously. (See SEG 045–047)

• Step advancement for Quint Swedenburg (Ambulance service) — recommended by Ambulance Director Zales, motion by Council Member Brad Kirckof, seconded by Council Member Joe Fuechtmann; outcome: passed unanimously. (See SEG 048–051)

• Resolution No. 2026-38, Authorize Execution of Documents for Authors Addition lot sale (lots 3,5,6) — mover: Council Member Scott Kowski; second: Council Member Heidi Leach; outcome: passed unanimously. (See SEG 053–055)

• Resolution No. 2026-39, Accepting Contributions and Consent Agenda items (including raffle permits) — mover: Council Member Joe Fuechtmann; second: Council Member Heidi Leach; outcome: passed unanimously. (See SEG 071–078)

What happens next

Staff will advance T.H. 71 plans and specifications for council review and expected bidding later this year; staff will also schedule the required public hearing on assessments before any final assessments are adopted. The EDA's Authors Addition bids will be opened May 14, with council consideration on May 20. The council will return for plan approvals, bids and assessment hearings required by each project's timeline.

Source: Sauk Centre City Council regular meeting minutes, May 6, 2026.