Minnetrista boasts a reputation for the long-standing dedication of its employees and remains committed to retaining top talent while staying competitive in the marketplace. During the May 20 council meeting, the council approved several personnel promotions and salary adjustments effective July 1, 2024.
Angie Boll was promoted from associate accountant/deputy clerk to senior accountant/deputy clerk, while Darci Atkinson transitioned from customer service assistant to administrative assistant.
Additionally, both Gary Peters, director of Public Works, and Paul Falls, director of Public Safety/Police Chief, received 10 percent market adjustments to bring their salaries in line with those of similar positions in neighboring communities.
According to Allie Polsfuss, director of administration, the budgetary impact of these changes amounts to just under $20,000, which will be covered by surplus funds from two open positions.
The council also addressed a succession planning initiative for Chief Fall’s eventual retirement. Lieutenant Craig Squires was identified as the successor for the chief position and promoted to deputy police chief.
Polsfuss explained that the Personnel Committee believes this transition period will allow Squires to hone his leadership skills and assume additional responsibilities before his formal promotion. The budgetary impact is approximately $3,000 and will be funded by the surplus from a vacant police officer position.
Mayor Lisa Whalen expressed gratitude towards the council and staff, stating, “We’ve had many great employees over the years, but I do believe that we have the best team in place right now, and it’s because of your dedication and hard work that we are able to accomplish so much in our city and accomplish it in a very favorable manner too.”
She also reminded the council that she emphasized during the State of the City Address at the beginning of May that a large portion of tax increases are attributed to fairly compensating staff.
Another agenda item for the council was to review quotes and award contracts for the 2024 city pavement maintenance project. Pearson Brothers, Inc. secured the crack fill and seal portion of the project with the low quote of just over $60,800. Corrective Asphalt Materials, LLC was awarded the reclamite portion of the project for approximately $18,000.
City Engineer Alyson Fauske highlighted that both quotes were below the engineer’s estimate and emphasized that both contractors have a proven track record of successfully completing projects in the city.
The council also accepted bids and awarded a contract to Mark J. Traut Wells, Inc. for Municipal Production Wells 8 and 9, which are necessary to supply the future south water treatment plant. According to Gary Peters, the city only received one bid, but fortunately it came in below the engineer’s estimate at $1.65 million. Drilling will be completed by May 31, 2025.
In other news, the council received and accepted the 2023 financial audit report from CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen). Minnetrista received an unmodified opinion, which is the best opinion a city can receive on its financial statements.
In the staff reports portion of the meeting, CIty Administrator Jasper Kruggel reported that the Minnesota Legislature was unsuccessful in passing a 2024 bonding bill. This means that Minnetrista will have to wait until next year to try to secure funding for its water treatment plant.
Minnetrista Public Safety Chief Paul Falls also provided an update on the Highway 7 corridor safety initiatives, highlighting Minnetonka’s leadership in spearheading a grant application to secure funds for enhanced enforcement, educational programs, and advertising campaigns. The participating cities were awarded $450,000 for these efforts, with the campaign named “Safe 7 Summer,” scheduled to run from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Falls also mentioned that Flock Safety plans to install automatic license plate recognition cameras at selected sites along Highway 7 and County Road 92 in the coming weeks. Falls stated that similar cameras are in use throughout the metropolitan area.
In the council reports portion of the meeting, Mayor Whalen shared that the Parks Commission plans to host its first Party in the Park at Lisle Park in the Hunter’s Crest neighborhood on June 25 from 5-7 p.m. There will be sweet treats available as well as activities for kids, including a bounce house.
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