City Council Packet December 15, 2025

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City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 3 of 6 Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to appoint Brian Balabon to the Community Event Center Commission with the term expiring February 28, 2026. Motion carried 5-0. 6.3 Sister City Meeting Update Mr. Portner played the recorded video of the declaration of the Sister City signing between Elk River and the Dnipropetrovsk region in Ukraine. Councilmember Calva shared that he was surprised by some of the public's reaction to the Sister City designation; he wants to assure the public that it costs the city nothing. He explained it's a gesture to another country to encourage them. He feels that their experience operating a city during this time can teach us something. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 2026 Budget and Tax Levy Resolution 25-76 The staff report was presented. Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing Vladmir Petrenko,13790 196th Ave NW, asked for clarification on what some budgeting terminology meant. The Council explained to Mr. Petrenko that the County Assessor determines property tax increases. Mr. Portner explained the tax levy - tax rate. Mayor Dietz explained the budgeting process and the information on the tax statement that residents received in the mail. Kathryn Kasper, 330 Norfolk Ave NW, expressed frustration with the tax increase on her rental property. Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing. Moved by Councilmember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Calva to approve the 2026 General, Special Revenue, and Enterprise Fund budgets. Motion carried 5-0. Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adopt Resolution 25-73 authorizing the property tax levy for collection in 2026. Motion carried 5- 0. 8. GENERAL BUSINESS 8.1 Discuss Work Session Items No items were added to the list. 9. COUNCIL LIAISON UPDATES Page 5 of 447