The Elk River City Council wrapped up 2021 with a very short agenda for their last meeting of the year on Monday, December 20.
The bulk of their work was completed in one fell swoop with approval of the consent agenda. Consent included the hiring of Accountant Ryan Vadnais, Permit Technician Dawn Robertson, Park Maintenance Worker Daniel Zych, and fulltime Liquor Store Clerk Britney Cook to fill vacancies. Four agreements were approved including a collective bargaining agreement with IOUE Local No. 49 (Public Works employees), Parrish Avenue Bridge Maintenance Agreement with Wright County, a Fire Services Agreement with the City of Otsego, and an amendment to the professional services agreement with SRF Engineering for Trott Brook Park Tennis Court replacement.
Mayor Dietz presented David Rogers with his Volunteer of the Month Award, recognizing Rogers for his role in making Elk River a better place to live, work and play.
The Council also received a presentation from Cassie Johnston and Tim Steinbeck of Great River Energy, who provided an update on the demolition and restoration of the Elk River Station waste to energy facility which has been occurring over the last two years.
Five public hearings were held, none of which drew public comment. Of interest, Doggy Stylez Pet Grooming and Boarding were approved for a conditional use permit and commercial kennel license to operate at 920 Highway 10. Cargill received a conditional use permit to construct a 39,000 square foot expansion to support the modernization of their facilities. Roger Derrick, the developer of Tall Pines 2 received approvals to build 14 residential townhomes along Line Avenue.
Council meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Elk River City Hall (13065 Orono Parkway). The agenda for a Monday meeting is typically available the Friday before at ElkRiverMN.gov/agendas, and as always meetings are broadcasted live on ErTV and on the city’s website, as well as after the fact within 24-48 hours.