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New York Mills council approves county road sealing participation, camera upgrades, donations and tax-rebate parcels
Summary
At its May 12 meeting the New York Mills City Council approved participation in Otter Tail County's sealcoating project, authorized security camera purchases, accepted several donations and approved parcels for a housing tax-rebate program; council also heard a proposal to relocate the municipal off-sale.
The New York Mills City Council on May 12 approved a series of operational and budgetary items, including participation in Otter Tail County's 2026 sealcoating and crack-sealing project, purchase of security camera systems, and multiple donation resolutions.
Public Works Director Kyle Mattson told the council that "Otter Tail County sent a bid cost for the 2026 street seal coating and crack sealing project which came in at approximately $73,000," and said pricing was higher than estimated. Mattson said the city has $155,000 in reserves that had been saved for a plow truck and suggested using some of those funds and other available monies (including the 412 fund) to cover the county project participation; Councilor Nesland moved to approve participation with Mattson to determine locations based on budget availability, the motion was seconded by Maki and carried unanimously.
City Clerk-Treasurer Julie Roberts presented Arvig camera quotes of $26,168 for City Hall and $27,162 for the City Center and recommended moving forward; the council approved purchase of the Arvig camera systems (motion by Grotheer, seconded by Maki, unanimous). Roberts also presented a $1,050 Theisen Design Studios proposal to review acoustics; no purchase decision on acoustics was made that night.
The council approved three resolutions acknowledging donations: $1,250 from the New York Mills Lions Club for the DARE Twins trip, $2,000 from the Lions Club for the housing study and strategic framework, and $200 from D&D Arms for the DARE program. The council also approved Resolution No. 05-12-2026c listing qualifying parcels for the 2025-2030 property tax rebate program for new or substantially remodeled single- and two-family homes and approved a housing tax rebate application for Malinda Dexter at 417 1/2 E. Gilman St.
During public requests, Tim Muehler of Mills Country Market proposed relocating the municipal off-sale to 99 Miller Street (the former Seip Drug location), offering rent-free occupancy for the remainder of 2026 to help establish the location. Mayor Latham Hetland said the proposal would be discussed with the Economic Development Authority and the Liquor Store Committee and brought back to the council for further consideration.
The meeting included routine department reports (Liquor Store and Police); Chief Berndt reported 260 calls for service in April and that a new squad vehicle (a Chevrolet Silverado) has been ordered. The council briefly closed the meeting to a closed session on police coverage while a new officer is hired, then reopened and adjourned at 6:23 p.m. The council set its next regular meeting for June 9, 2026.
Most motions were carried by unanimous vote as recorded in the minutes.
