Lake City City Council

Council vacancy declared following Newsome resignation

Sep 30, 2026

The Lake City City Council held a special meeting Monday, Sept. 28, to declare a council vacancy and make a plan for finding someone to serve the remainder of Rob Newsome’s term. Newsome resigned from the the council effective Sept. 21. In a statement, Newsome said: “I have made the decision to...

Corrected: Council sets preliminary levy increase at 8.5%

Sep 16, 2026

A higher-than-expected health insurance quote led the Lake City City Council to approve a higher-than-expected preliminary property tax levy Monday, Sept. 14. In July the council had targeted a budget that would raise the levy 7.5% based, in part, on the assumption that healthcare premiums would...

Council splits over utility director qualifications

Aug 19, 2026

The Lake City City Council voted 5-1 to offer the utility director job to Joshua DeFrang at its regular meeting Monday, Aug. 17. As utility director, DeFrang would oversee the city’s electrical, water, and wastewater utilities. City Administrator Rob Keehn told the council that the job posting...

City bond rating holds steady at ‘AA’ ahead of sale

Jul 22, 2026

The Lake City City Council got good news about the city’s credit-worthiness at its regular meeting July 13. On the recommendation of financial advisor Mike Bubany of David Drown Associates, the city obtained a new credit rating ahead of the sale of about $6.25 million in bonds to pay for the North...

A note to our readers regarding the City Council election

Jul 22, 2026

The Lake City Graphic believes it is important to be transparent with our readers regarding the upcoming city council election. Justin Hawryluk, an owner of the Lake City Graphic, is a candidate for the Lake City City Council. We recognize that his candidacy creates a potential conflict of...

Council approves bond sale for road, utility work

Jun 10, 2026

The Lake City City Council unanimously approved the sale of $6.23 million in bonds to fund three projects in 2026 and 2027 at the council’s regular meeting on June 8. The borrowed money will be used for the North Garden Street reconstruction project currently under way, an overhaul of the sanitary...

Two streets employees honored for 10 years with City of Lake City

May 13, 2026

Lake City Streets Department employees Corey Meincke and Josh Meyer were both honored for 10 years of employment with the city during the May 11 city council meeting. Pictured are (front row, from left) Meyer, Mayor Brian Quinn, Meincke, and City Council members (middle row, from left) Cindy...

Council okays outdoor recreation grant, terminates paramedic at March meeting

Mar 11, 2026

The Lake City City Council touched on parks, stormwater retention, and personnel at its regular monthly meeting March 9. Outdoor recreation grant for ice rink In a 5-1 vote, the council gave its approval to staff to submit an outdoor recreation grant to the Minnesota Department of Natural...

Sidewalk conditions a concern

Mar 4, 2026

I am writing this because I am concerned about the safety of Lake City citizens as they move about our town. I was recently told by a friend that she almost tripped on my sidewalk and that got me thinking. I’m elderly, I use a walker and I try to walk outdoors whenever I can. But, I have found...

Mill and overlay project coming to Cross, West Marion Streets

Jan 14, 2026

The Lake City City Council Monday approved motions to advance two large street projects this year: a reconstruction of North Garden Street and mill and overlay on West Marion Street and Cross Street. Mill and overlay The council approved a task order for city engineering firm Bolton and Menk to...