Sleepy Eye council accepts city manager’s retirement notice, approves routine business

The Sleepy Eye City Council on Feb. 10 accepted City Manager Bob Elston’s notice of retirement, set to be effective Dec. 18, 2026, and conducted routine city business including approvals of minutes, a donations resolution, a liquor license pending application and payment of past-due bills, and first readings of two ordinances.

City Manager Bob Elston submitted the formal notice of retirement, and the Council recorded acceptance following a motion by Councilor Christina Andres (recorded in the minutes as "M/Andres") and a second by Councilor Gary Windschitl; the motion carried 5-0. The minutes identify the effective retirement date as Dec. 18, 2026.

Other actions recorded in the minutes included: approval of the Jan. 13, 2026 regular meeting minutes (motion by Scott Krzmarzick, seconded by Christina Andres; 5-0); adoption of Resolution 4-2026 accepting donations (moved by Nathan Stevermer, seconded by Christina Andres; 5-0); approval of a liquor license for Dawg Haus d/b/a Farmhaus pending completion of application materials and payment of any past-due bills (moved by Douglas Pelzel, seconded by Nathan Stevermer; 5-0); and motions calling for first reading of Ordinance #233 (amending Hospital Board establishment/composition) and Ordinance #234 (salaries authorized for board members). The minutes do not include the substantive text of the ordinances.

Council also approved payment of bills by motion of Douglas Pelzel, seconded by Christina Andres (5-0). The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.