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Shell Lake council to revisit part‑time police chief hiring process; approves vouchers
Summary
At its Jan. 12 meeting the Shell Lake City Council agreed unanimously to revisit the Part‑time Police Chief application/search because of WRS policy requirements, approved vouchers 1552–1666, heard a public comment about handicap parking, and received updates on a new fire brush truck and Winterfest plans.
The Shell Lake City Council on Jan. 12 voted unanimously to revisit the application and search process for the part‑time chief of police after the city determined state retirement system (WRS) policies require the process to be redone in its entirety. The council also approved vouchers and heard a public comment about downtown handicap parking.
Mayor Rowie Hansberger called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led a series of departmental and committee reports. Hansberger said the Executive/HR Committee concluded the police hiring materials must be revised to comply with WRS policies; Councilmember Stephen Smith moved, and Councilmember Ken Schultz seconded, a motion to revisit the application/search for the part‑time chief at a later date. The motion carried unanimously.
The council approved the minutes from its Dec. 8, 2025 meeting on a unanimous vote after Councilmember Mike Andrews moved and Tom Rasmussen seconded the motion. Later, Councilmember Stephen Smith moved, and Schultz seconded, approval of vouchers numbered 1552–1666; that motion also passed unanimously.
During public comment, Doug Ellanson raised concerns about the number of handicap parking spaces on Main Street and urged the council to consider adding more spaces. The council did not take immediate action on the request during the meeting; it was recorded for follow up.
Public Works Director Mitch Brown reported on routine matters. Councilmember Steve Byrd asked whether a light recently installed at the Tiptown skating rink could be redirected; Brown said he would investigate options to direct the light. Councilmember Dan Harrington asked whether access to Round Lake could be plowed; Brown said he can provide that service.
Hansberger presented minutes from the zoning administrator, library board and lake protection meetings. Councilmember Terry Severson announced that the Shell Lake Fire Association has added a brush truck to its apparatus and noted that firefighter Dave Schrafnagel has retired after 41 years of service.
Hansberger also said the city will hold a Second Annual Winterfest on Feb. 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and clarified the Tiptown ice rink is maintained entirely by volunteers and not by city staff.
No new business was brought forward. The council adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
Votes at a glance: approval of Dec. 8, 2025 minutes — motion passed unanimously (Stephen Smith, Mike Andrews, Terry Severson, Steve Byrd, Dan Harrington, Ken Schultz, Rob Anderson, Tom Rasmussen voted yes); vouchers 1552–1666 — motion passed unanimously (same vote); motion to revisit Part‑time Chief of Police application/search — motion passed unanimously (same vote).
