Laserfiche WebLink
Meeting of the City Council <br />Held at the Elk River City Hall <br />Tuesday, September 2, 2025 <br />City of <br />Elk <br />River <br />Members Present: Mayor John Dietz, Councilmember Cory Grupa, Councilmember J. Brian Calva, <br />Councilmember Mike Beyer, Councilmember Jennifer Wagner <br />Members Absent: None <br />Staff Present: City Administrator Cal Portner, Business Services Director/Assistant City <br />Administrator Joe Stremcha, Finance Manager Lori Stich, Accountant Jill Knutson, <br />Community Development Director Zack Carlton, Building Official Mark Pistulka, <br />IT Manager Seth Calvin, Human Resources Manager Lauren Wipper, Police Chief <br />David Kuhnly, Police Captain Darren McKernan, Police Captain Joe Gacke, Fire <br />Chief Mark Dickinson, Assistant Fire Chief Joe Libor, Jr., Deputy Fire Chief Casey <br />Neumann, and City Clerk Tina Allard <br />CALL MEETING TO ORDER <br />Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 4:01 p.m. <br />2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE <br />There was no Pledge of Allegiance due to it being performed at the regular City Council meeting. <br />2026 BUDGET <br />3.1 2026 Budget <br />Various departments presented their 2026 proposed goals and budget. <br />Community Event Center <br />It was noted that a battery for the Zamboni would cost $20,000, and Councilmember Beyer asked if <br />these types of expenses could be included in the Capital Improvement Plan. The Council noted it was <br />great to see a profit in the center's 2025 budget. <br />Human Resources <br />Mr. Portner noted that staff are reviewing other software options over UKG that could be less <br />expensive and more efficient, noting the city is not utilizing everything in the program, and the customer <br />service is poor for smaller entities. <br />Police <br />Mayor Dietz stated St. Andrews Church may have an interest in police liaison services, and they are <br />willing to pay for the service. Chief Kuhnly noted they would reach out to them. <br />Page 3 of 556 <br />