City of Winsted
July 21, 2026 Council Agenda Packet
A continuous, accessible view of the work-session agenda, regular meeting agenda, and related council meeting records included in the first ten pages of the packet.
City Council – Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – 4:00 p.m.
Council Chambers – Winsted City Hall
Mission Statement
“The City of Winsted will provide services and resources for its citizens and businesses that promote opportunities for a high quality of life, while sustaining a hometown atmosphere.”
- I. Call to Order
- II. 616 Shady Creek Drive Update & Information*
- III. Goal-Setting Discussion*
- IV. Other
- V. Adjourn
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
CITY COUNCIL – MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
City Council Chambers – Winsted City Hall
Approve the minutes of the following:
- City Council Work Session – June 16, 2026
- City Council Regular Meeting – June 16, 2026
Authorize City Staff to execute a Compliance Monitoring Agreement, providing the authorization of work on behalf of the City of Winsted for the 2026 Lead Service Line Replacement Project.
Approve the outdoor firework permit application from the Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Spark 1, Incorporated, to provide a firework display over Winsted Lake on Friday, August 7, 2026, with an alternate date of Saturday, August 8, 2026, contingent upon the successful submission of all required documents and fees to the City of Winsted and approval of the Winsted Fire Chief.
Authorize the Winsted Police Chief or designee to close portions of 1st Street South, a portion of Main Avenue, and the Winsted Lake Promenade to through traffic, Monday, August 3, 2026, through Monday, August 10, 2026, in conjunction with the 2026 Winsted Summer Festival.
Approve a Kiddie & Pet Parade, Grand Parade, Kid’s Run, 5K Run/Walk, and Classic Car Show sponsored by the Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the 2026 Winsted Summer Festival on Saturday, August 8, 2026, on designated streets and routes within the City limits, as approved by the Winsted Police Chief.
Approve the use or operation of the following items on City streets and property Friday, August 7, 2026, through Sunday, August 9, 2026, in conjunction with the Winsted Summer Festival, as approved by the Winsted Police Chief.
- All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
- Motorized Golf Carts
- Amplified Music Events until 11:30 p.m.
- Dunk Tank
- Outdoor Food Stands
- Outdoor Vendor Stands
- Outdoor Talent Contest
- Outdoor “WINGO” Game Event
- Outdoor Treasure Hunts
Approve a one (1) to four (4) day Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for the Winsted American Legion Post #407 at Mill Reserve Park in Winsted, Minnesota, on Friday, August 7, 2026, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, in conjunction with the Winsted Summer Festival, contingent upon the successful submission of all required documents and fees to the City of Winsted.
Approve the use and operation of outdoor food stands and trailers and amplified movies or music in City parks and on City property on August 14, 2026, in conjunction with events hosted by Winsted Holding Activities That Unite People (WHAT UP), and waive any applicable permit or fee, as approved by the Winsted Police Chief.
Adopt Resolution R-26-25, accepting a donation from Paul & Marilyn Gatz, to be dedicated to the Winsted Volunteer Fire Department Capital Improvement Plan.
Approve the Pledged Securities that Security Bank & Trust Company has purchased for the City of Winsted for the month of June 2026.
Approve the Building Permit Report for the month of June 2026.
l) Financial Report – May 2026
Approve the financial report for the month of May 2026.
m) Claims
Approve the claims list for July 21, 2026.
n) Winsted Volunteer Fire Department – Tanker Truck Repairs
Authorize the City Administrator to execute a quote from Highway 12 Truck and Trailer Repair, to provide the labor and parts necessary to repair the 1995 GMC Tanker Truck (T2) for the Winsted Volunteer Fire Department, for an amount not to exceed $9,728.66.
3) PUBLIC HEARINGS
4) OLD BUSINESS
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Resolution R-26-26 – Declare a City Council Vacancy
Consider a motion to adopt Resolution R-26-26, declaring a City Council vacancy.
b) Winsted Fire Station Pavement Improvement Project Award
Consider a motion to award a base bid project to Diversified Foundations, LLC, in the amount of $179,320.21, to provide labor and materials necessary to complete the Winsted Fire Station Pavement Improvement Project.
c) 2026 Lead Service Line Replacement Project Award
Consider a motion to award a base bid project to Levanen Underground, LLC, in the amount of $274,420.00, to provide labor and materials necessary to complete the 2026 Lead Service Line Replacement Project in the City of Winsted.
d) Hainlin Park – Playground Equipment Purchase
Consider a motion to authorize the City Administrator to execute an estimate from Flagship Recreation for the purchase of playground equipment and accessories from Landscape Structures/Flagship Recreation for the Hainlin Park Improvement Project, for an amount not to exceed $408,900.44 and authorize City staff to advertise for bids for the installation of the playground equipment, if necessary.
6) ORGANIZATION REPORT
a) Winsted Ambassadors*
7) OPEN FORUM
Open Forum provides residents with the opportunity to address an issue that is not on the agenda with the City Council. The City Council will not take official action on items discussed during Open Forum, except to refer items to staff for future report or follow-through. If you wish to address the City Council, please state your name, address and topic that you wish to discuss. Speakers will be limited to five (5) minutes to discuss an issue, and the Mayor will limit discussion on any one topic to ten (10) minutes.
8) CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS*
9) ADJOURN
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
City Council Work Session Minutes
City of Winsted
City Council Work Session
City Council Chambers
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
5:00 p.m.
Mayor Jeff Albers
Council Member Jesse Cafferty
Council Member Julie Weinbeck-Baruch
Council Member Matt Wroge
Council Member Tom Ollig
Mr. Neil Schlagel, City Administrator
Ms. Raquel Kirchoff, City Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Travis Wakefield, Police Officer
Mr. Josh Eckstein, Bolton and Menk, Incorporated
I. Call to Order
Mayor Albers called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.
II. 2026 Street Maintenance Project – Fairlawn Circle
Mr. Neil Schlagel, City Administrator, stated that the City received bids from Wm. Mueller & Sons and Fahrner Asphalt Sealers for repair of Fairlawn Circle. The goal by completing an alternative repair presently is to delay full reconstruction of Fairlawn Circle longer than three (3) years. As discussed previously, Fairlawn Circle is planned for full reconstruction in 2030 as part of the 2027 Improvements Project planning. Mr. Schlagel stated that Wm. Mueller & Sons stated that they have completed similar projects on roads in worse condition than Fairlawn Circle that have held up well, for example in the City of Gaylord, approximately five (5) years ago.
Mr. Schlagel stated that the City will continue to plow the area with the pick-up truck after an alternative repair. He also stated that the City could request for the residents to transport their garbage and recycling bins to the end of the circle, near Fairlawn Avenue, to limit the traffic from heavy vehicles in the circle as another attempt to extend the life of the repaired condition.
Mr. Schlagel stated that Fahrner Asphalt Sealers does not recommend completing its microsurfacing process in the circle. He continued by stating that the regular meeting agenda includes consideration of approval of the Wm. Mueller & Sons bid.
Mr. Schlagel reviewed information regarding the equipment that RCM Manufacturing will use to spray patch pot hole areas on Zion Avenue and at the Winsted Municipal Airport. He asked the City Council Members to consider purchasing the equipment that RCM Manufacturing uses so the City could complete the process in the future. The estimated cost for equipment alone is $600,000.00 which does not include street repair material cost. The City Council Members stated they would consider for future discussions.
III. Hainlin Park Improvement Project – Financing
Mr. Schlagel stated that Mr. Shannon Sweeney, David Drown Associates, will review the financing package for the Hainlin Park Improvement Project at the June 16, 2026 regular meeting. The financing consists of two (2) pieces; the equipment bonds, and the abatement portion that relates to the pavilion.
Mr. Josh Eckstein, Bolton and Menk, Incorporated, provided an update on the project and its timeline.
IV. Winsted Lester Prairie Police Department Board Review
Mr. Schlagel stated that the Winsted Lester Prairie Police Department (WLPPD) Board is reviewing a large proposal from Axon who provides the department’s tasers, body cameras and squad cameras. Axon wants to bundle all
products into one (1) agreement and also add some Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. When considering the budget, it initially appears that the City would need to enter a ten (10) year contract for the proposal. Council Member Cafferty expressed his concerns regarding that length of a contract related to technology and the rapid changes that could occur over the years with AI.
Mr. Schlagel stated that the Board would meet again in two (2) weeks to continue to work on the 2027 budget that includes the consideration of adding another WLPPD employee.
V. Other
- Mr. Schlagel requested that the City Council Members notify him if they have goals they would like discussed at the upcoming Goal Setting Meeting. He continued by asking them to consider the cost of the 2027 Street Improvement Project and the Hainlin Park Improvements Project.
- Mr. Schlagel stated that multiple cities are using AI as a tool to complete meeting minutes and reviewed what he knew about the process.
- Council Member Cafferty asked if repair was completed on the drain in front of the library which appears to be completely plugged. Mr. Schlagel stated that he check with the Public Works Department.
- Mr. Eckstein provided an update regarding the Well No. 5 project. He also reviewed that there are issues with the variable frequency drive (VFD) equipment in the wellhouse near the water tower. This will likely lead to a recommendation of adding an air conditioning unit in the building since it seems like the electrical equipment is not lasting as long as it should. In years past, the chemicals were removed from the building with the thought that they were causing issues with the VFD equipment; however, the issue has recurred. The City Council Members asked if a dehumidifier or mini-split would also work.
- The City Council Members discussed options to help with much pedestrian and electric scooter traffic on McLeod County Road One (CR1).
- Mr. Schlagel provided an update on the timeline for the CR1 Streetlights project, stating that the poles and fixtures should be available for installation after June 30, 2026.
VI. Adjourn
Council Member Wroge motioned to adjourn the Work Session. Council Member Weinbeck-Baruch seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
The Work Session adjourned at 5:52 p.m.
Mayor
City of Winsted
City Clerk-Treasurer
City of Winsted
City of Winsted
City Council Meeting
Council Chambers
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Mayor Jeff Albers
Council Member Julie Weinbeck-Baruch
Council Member Jesse Cafferty
Council Member Matt Wroge
Council Member Tom Ollig
Mr. Neil Schlagel, City Administrator
Ms. Raquel Kirchoff, City Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Travis Wakefield, Police Officer
Mr. Shannon Sweeney, David Drown Associates
Mr. Josh Eckstein, Bolton and Menk, Incorporated
1) Mayor Albers called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
a) The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
2) Consent Agenda
a) Approval of Minutes
Approved the minutes of the following:
- City Council Work Session – May 19, 2026
- City Council Regular Meeting – May 19, 2026
b) Address Assignments – City of Winsted Properties and Facilities
Assigned the following addresses for City of Winsted properties and facilities:
- PID No. 21.116.0970, Winsted on the Lake Lift Station and Civil Defense Siren, with the address of 350 Lake Drive
- PID No. 21.015.0150, Civil Defense Siren, with the address of 1290-6th Street South
- PID No. 21.131.0075, Grass Lake Farm Park, with the address of 400-9th Street South
c) Resolution R-26-18 – Election Judge Appointments
Adopted Resolution R-26-18 appointing Election Judges for the City of Winsted for the 2026 Primary and General Elections.
d) Resolution R-26-19 – Firework Display Donation
Adopted Resolution R-26-19 accepting a donation in the amount of $10,500.00 to be dedicated toward the cost of the fireworks display on Friday, August 7, 2026, in conjunction with the Winsted Summer Festival.
e) Firework Display Contract – Spark1, Incorporated
Authorized the City Administrator to execute a Firework Display Contract to engage the services of Spark 1, Incorporated to produce and perform a firework display with terms and conditions on Friday, August 7, 2026, with an alternate date of Saturday, August 8, 2026.
f) Resolution R-26-20 – Declaring Unclaimed Property
Adopted Resolution R-26-20, a resolution declaring certain property accumulated by the Winsted Lester Prairie Police Department as unclaimed property.
g) Resolution R-26-21 – Surplus Equipment Declaration – Winsted Lester Prairie Police Department
Adopted Resolution R-26-21 declaring Winsted Lester Prairie Police Department equipment or property as surplus and authorizing the sale of the same.
h) Appointment – Winsted Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Secretary
Appointed Ms. Cailyn Doms to the position of Fire Secretary for the Winsted Volunteer Fire Department, effective July 1, 2026.
i) Security Bank & Trust Company – Pledged Securities
Approved the Pledged Securities that Security Bank & Trust Company has purchased for the City of Winsted for the month of May 2026.
j) Building Permit Report – May 2026
Approved the Building Permit Report for the month of May 2026.
k) Financial Report – April 2026
Approved the financial report for the month of April 2026.
l) Claims
Approved the claims list for June 16, 2026.
Council Member Cafferty motioned to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Council Member Weinbeck-Baruch seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
3) Public Hearings
a) Resolution R-26-22 – Property Tax Abatement
Mayor Albers opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Shannon Sweeney, David Drown Associates, stated the City Council previously initiated the issuance and sale of bonds for the purpose of financing project costs associated with the construction of a new park pavilion, and the acquisition of park equipment. A recommendation was made to use tax abatement authority for the borrowing for the pavilion portion of the project. This involves a procedure to authorize a tax levy that is spread over property owners within the city in the same manner that other tax levies are; however, properties must be identified as part of the process, public hearing notice, and resolution according to Minnesota state statute requirements. Those identified properties are not treated differently with regard to how taxes are levied.
The term of the debt is twenty (20) years, so the tax abatement levy total of $1,045,000.00 has a term of twenty (20) years also.
Following the public hearing, the City Council will be asked to approve a resolution to authorize the tax abatement levy for repayment of the bonds that are issued.
Mayor Albers invited comments from those in attendance. No comments were received.
Council Member Weinbeck-Baruch motioned to close the Public Hearing. Council Member Wroge seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
4) No Old Business
5) New Business
a) Resolution R-26-22 – Property Tax Abatement
Mr. Sweeney stated that Resolution R-26-22 authorizes the abatement levy that he just explained during the public hearing.
Council Member Cafferty motioned to adopt Resolution R-26-22, approving Property Tax Abatement for certain property located in the City of Winsted. Council Member Wroge seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
b) Resolution R-26-23 – General Obligation Tax Abatement Note and Equipment Certificate, Series 2026A
Mr. Sweeney stated that Resolution R-26-23 awards the project financing to Security Bank & Trust Co. at an interest rate of 4.15% over a twenty (20) year term. It includes both the equipment portion and the tax abatement portion. Separate authorities must be used; however, it is one (1) loan. The closing of the loan will occur on July
1, 2026.
Mayor Albers motioned to adopt Resolution R-26-23, providing for the issuance and sale of a $1,685,000 General Obligation Tax Abatement Note and Equipment Certificate, Series 2026A, pledging for the security thereof tax abatements and levying a tax for the payment thereof. Council Member Weinbeck-Baruch seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
c) 2026 Street Maintenance Project
Mr. Neil Schlagel, City Administrator, stated that the City routinely budgets for chip and seal coating. In 2026, City staff is recommending to try a micro-surface process on portions of Fairlawn Avenue West, 5th Street North, George Avenue, Lake Avenue, Main Avenue, Mallard Avenue and 7th Street, Merganser, and Main Avenue West.
Council Member Wroge motioned to authorize the City Administrator to approve a quote from Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, for the purpose of conducting microsurfacing and flex patching on various streets in the City of Winsted in 2026, for an amount not to exceed $142,377.36. Council Member Cafferty seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Mr. Josh Eckstein, Bolton and Menk, Incorporated stated the City solicited a quote from WM Mueller & Sons for a thin mill and overlay of Fairlawn Circle. WM Mueller reviewed the condition of Fairlawn Circle and considered the solicitation an appropriate solution.
The mill will occur around the edge of Fairlawn Circle to remove approximately one inch (1”) of asphalt around the curb and gutter, and then an overlay will occur. The hope is that this process will provide an additional eight (8) to ten (10) years of life for the circle. Limiting heavy traffic on the circle would also help.
Council Member Weinbeck-Baruch motioned to authorize the City Administrator to approve a quote from WM Mueller & Sons for an edge mill and overlay of Fairlawn Circle for an amount not to exceed $28,315. Council Member Cafferty seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
d) 6th Street Trail Project – Project Award
Mr. Eckstein stated that four (4) bids were received for the 6th Street Trail Project on June 10, 2026; it is recommended to move forward with the bid from Landwehr Construction, Incorporated. The project is for the area of McLeod Avenue to Baker Avenue (City’s portion), and then from Baker Avenue to the south where the crossing exists by the Winsted Farmer’s Co-op (Department of Natural Resources (DNR) portion).
An alternate was included with the bid; the base bid is the City’s portion of the project, and the alternate is the DNR portion. The alternate will require a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the DNR, since the DNR will be funding the construction and construction administration costs for their portion of the project if it moves forward. The DNR has agreed to pay for their portion of the design costs already. The JPA is being drafted; however, has not yet been signed. The recommendation is to award the base bid to Landwehr Construction, Incorporated in the amount of $371,557.25, and the alternate bid contingent upon the signing of the JPA. Ultimately, the alternate bid will be awarded but is contingent upon the signing of the JPA which will fully fund the DNR’s portion of the trail by the DNR.
Council Member Wroge motioned to award the base bid project to Landwehr Construction, Incorporated, in the amount of $371,557.25 and contingently award the alternate bid portion of the project in the amount of $171,638.70, to complete the 6th Street Trail Project in the City of Winsted. Council Member Weinbeck-Baruch seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
e) Resolution R-26-24 – Active Transportation Program Grant Agreement
Mr. Eckstein stated that there are three (3) components to the funding of the trail project; the City’s, the DNR’s and the Active Transportation Grant Program. The grant award after all documents were reviewed is $346,267.25. Resolution R-26-24 authorizes the execution of the grant with the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Mayor Albers motioned to adopt Resolution R-26-24, accepting a grant award and authorizing the execution of the Active Transportation Program Grant Agreement from the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the 6th Street Trail Project. Council Member Cafferty seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.