In other news

• Heard from Kaitlyn Shaefer concerning the open position for a third full-time police officer for the NY Mills Police Department. Shaefer said there has been more crime reported in the community this year and having a third full-time officer would help provide additional police coverage, as well as relief for the other two officers in town to conduct other responsibilities like the DARE program and community outreach. She estimated there have been 81 open shifts since the third police officer left in March, which is approximately 970 hours with no police coverage. Muehler also spoke in favor of the third police officer during the open portion of the meeting. The council thanked Shaefer for her presentation and said some of the increase in reported calls has to do with a better system to track calls for service.

• Heard the monthly liquor store report that showed a profit in net revenues year to date before transfers of $11,118.87. The off-sale shows a negative balance for the year at a $7,089.92 loss, while the on-sale shows a profit of $18,208.79. 

• Heard the monthly police department report that showed 182 calls for service and eight citations were issued in July. The local police department has also been dealing with a significant increase in juvenile activity past curfew, as well as the need for an additional police officer. NY Mills Police Chief Bobby Berndt said the city has received three applications for a police officer since the last meeting. 

• Heard the monthly public works department report that highlighted Esser’s Plumbing and Heating is nearing completion of the boiler installation with the next phase being electrical, temperature control and commissioning. The council also heard that after the Fourth of July rain and flooding event the primary wastewater pond dikes showed significant erosion and the department has made a temporary repair with sand to cover the pond liner. However, a permanent solution will have to be developed and the city has contacted Apex Engineering to assist with the matter. 

• Accepted the resignation of Public Works Director Kyle Mattson, who has accepted a position as a technical wastewater adviser with the Minnesota Rural Water Association. His last day with the city is scheduled for August 26. In accepting the resignation the council appointed Jason Hotakainen as the interim public works director until a full-time replacement can be hired, and will advertise for a part-time cleaner. 

• Acknowledged the following donations: $1,000 from the NY Mills VFW Post 3289 for the DARE program, $2,000 from the Mills Athletic Association for the ball field project at Hidden Trails park, $6,000 from the NY Mills Lions Club for the ball field project at Hidden Trails park and $250 from the Wadena Elks Club for the DARE program.

• Held a public hearing to update Ordinance No. 129 concerning weed and grass control. According to city clerk Julie Roberts the ordinance was updated to coincide with state ordinances and more clearly identifies what is natural landscape compared to a weed. Following the public hearing the council approved the updates to the ordinance. 

• Approved a resolution to acknowledge participation in the Greater Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. As part of the resolution, NY Mills agrees to cooperate with the consultant authorized by the state to provide programmatic resources and technical assistance as deemed necessary to successfully complete Phase 1—preconstruction requirements by summer 2027. The program seeks to install EV stations across rural Minnesota as deemed necessary by consultants. Roberts said the first phase is fully covered by a grant and the city can opt out of the second phase of the program if the city council chooses to do so in the future.