LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

The Lancaster City Council met for its Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. The following persons were present: Mayor, Kathy Bernstrom; Council members: Krista Matthew, Mike Olson, John Stenquist and Kevin Grabowska. Also present, Jack Waters with Kittson County Enterprise.

Olson moved to approve the August 12, 2026 Council Meeting Minutes, second by Matthew and carried. A copy of the Minutes will be posted at the Lancaster City Hall and U.S. Post Office and available upon request to the clerk.

The council discussed the September 2026 bills and other August 2026 bills that have been paid prior to this meeting to avoid late payments, receive discounts & meet payroll and all payroll expenses as approved in the 2026 Rates Fees & Appointments Schedule. Stenquist moved to approved bills discussed, second by Matthew and carried. An abstract of bills will be posted with the minutes and are available upon request.

Air Systems, during their maintenance visit, discovered the ice machine in the Liquor Store to have excessively loud/unusual noise coming from the motor. They recommended having it replaced before it stopped working. A quote of $980.40 was provided and discussed. Olson made a motion to accept the quote and have the motor replaced, second by Stenquist and carried. Air Systems will also order filters for the Community Center ice machine totaling $311 and deliver them during they motor replacement at the Liquor Store.

Olson moved to accept the delinquent garbage accounts submitted by Anderson Sanitation as presented and place the delinquent bills on the 2026 property tax rolls, second by Matthew and carried.

Council reviewed a letter from Kittson Healthcare as they received a Rural Heath Stabilization Grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration and Department of Heath and Human Services, funding that with help access their finances, service utilization, and planning for the future of healthcare in Kittson County. A representative will attend one of the four meetings planned for the area; this one being held in Lancaster on September 23^rd.

Liquor Store Inventory set for Thursday, October 1, 2026 8:00 AM.

Matthew made a motion to approve the Fire Department purchases of four new tires for the newest grass rig pickup estimated at $1500 as well as two walk in doors for the new storage building for about $2,500, not to exceed $4,000 for both, second by Grabowska and carried.

Stenquist moved to submit a $4,000.00 request to the American Legion Post #214 gambling fund for help purchasing the tires and doors for the Fire Department, second by Matthew and carried.

The city was provided a completed gambling request and a check for $1000 made out to the Run for Tomorrow-City of Lancaster with a note to have it signed and sent back to the Hallock Eagles. Clerk verified that the city could sign the LG555 form on behalf of the Run for Tomorrow with our auditor, cash/accept the check, and in turn provide them a check for the $1000. The auditor said since it is already done, that we could go with it this time. Matthew made a motion to approve the signing of the form, accept the donation under Resolution 2026-15, and cut a check in the amount of $1000 to the Run for Tomorrow, seconded by Olson and carried.

Council was presented and discussed 2027 salary options. Options of a 0%, 1%, and 2% Cost of Living increase along with the Step increase were presented. Stenquist moved to approve a 1% COLA increase and give all eligible employees a Step, which would be roughly 3% overall cost increase, effective for hours worked January 1, 2027 and after, second by Olson and carried.

Council reviewed the proposed 2027 budget and General Fund Property Tax Levy. Stenquist moved to accept the 2027 Budget as final and set the 2027 General Fund Property Tax Levy at $130,000.00 with the total overall General Fund Budget set at $364,900.00, second by Grabowska and carried.

Council discussed paying off the Community Center Debt Service Fund by the end of this year. Options on how this could take place were presented as there are funds in a 4M Fund, Donations accumulated in the Debt Service Fund, CD’s, Preferred Savings, Liquor Store funds, as well as our General Fund. Council approved to pay it off in two (possibly three) payments with a motion by Olson, second by Stenquist and carried. The clerk will work on these payments for next meeting.

Council reviewed August Liquor Store and City financials.

Other items discussed: Disputed an RDO Work Order Preview and will wait to hear from RDO; Discussed maintenance for crack/sealing on 290^th Ave between the city and Granville Township;
          Bollig Engineering presented clerk with quotes for Jetting and Televising the Clay Sanitary Lines and micro loan information. Jet-Way Inc provided a $26,126 estimate for cleaning sanitary sewer pipe; televising sanitary sewer pipe; and cleaning the sanitary lift stations. Lakes Area Jetting provided an estimate that was $7600 less for similar services but would charge extra for root removal (if approved), tap removal, and locating/digging up manholes. We could save money if these are already located and readily accessible. Olson made a motion to go with Lakes Area Jetting, using our general funds, not applying for any micro loans at this time, and not to exceed $26,000.00, with a second by Grabowska and carried.
          Stenquist moved to make a $600 appropriation to the Kittson County Ambulance Service, second by Matthew and carried.
          Olson made a motion to submit a $5000 gambling request on behalf of the Fire Department to help with the purchasing of Tin/Steel Siding for their new storage building, second by Matthew and carried.

Mayor closed the meeting as there was no further business for council. Adjourned at 7:19 pm.

Janet Johnson, Clerk/Treasurer
Approved: Kathy Bernstrom, Mayor
Approval Date: 10/14/2026

Other links: Lancaster Riverside Golf Course | Lancaster Public School | NW MN Multi-County HRA

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