Lake City City Council

Chamber proposes changes to city’s tourism agency agreement

Dec 29, 2021

The Lake City Chamber of Commerce is asking the City Council to consider changing how it allocates funds generated by its lodging tax. Like many Minnesota cities, the City of Lake City takes advantage of a state law that allows it to tax lodging at three percent and then designate an organization...

City may have buyer’s remorse if apartment building is built

Dec 29, 2021

Regarding the proposed 57 unit apartment building for Hickory Way and Hidden Meadow, I understand that the City wants to take advantage of the contractor/land-owner who wants to build there because the Hickory Way lot is shovel-ready, (infrastructure of sewer, water, etc. paid for by previous...

Hickory Way PUD amendment application moves to final stage

Dec 15, 2021

In a 5-2 vote, the Lake City City Council voted Monday to approve the concept stage plans for the Hickory Way project and issue some instructions to the developer, Keller-Baartman, as the company develops its final plans. The company is asking for an amendment to the Planned Unit Development (PUD...

City comprehensive plan should guide council’s decision on Hickory Way apartment complex

Dec 8, 2021

Lake City is a beautiful community. It has the small town heart and feel that we should all be proud of and protect. Cheering on our Tigers teams, shining red lights on our porches to honor the fallen firefighter, helping our neighbors when hard times hit---these are just some examples of “small...

Hickory Way decision tainted by omitted information

Dec 1, 2021

“Does this make me look fat?”, she asked. Her husband hesitated as he weighed an honest response. Been there? We’re talking about opinion -- one person’s assessment, which is subjective. One person’s “looks great” is another’s “don’t leave the house in that!” That’s why I’m setting aside any...

Longtime city attorney, council member Phil Gartner given key to the city

Oct 13, 2021

As a Lake City’s city attorney for 37 years and in eight years on the Lake City City Council, Phil Gartner played a part in decisions that have shaped Lake City over the years: from the acquisition of Hok-Si-La Park and the contract that brought Mayo Clinic Health System to Lake City to – more...

Mayor’s state of the city

Aug 18, 2021

I am writing a “State of the City” report on our community. We are past the halfway point of our fiscal year and we are working on budgeting for 2022. When I think about our city, I like to reflect upon our core values and our strategic operating model that is commonly referred to as our city’s “...

Port authority switch could be done by the end of 2021

Aug 4, 2021

Lake City could have a port authority as early as this year. The Lake City City Council at a special July 26 meeting discussed an enabling resolution that would create the new entity. It would replace the city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) and fill much the same role. Port authorities...

Council members cool on community center prospect

Aug 4, 2021

One of the subjects that came up during the Lake City City Council discussion of O’Neil Community Swimming Pool was the prospect of building a community center in Lake City. If a community center is on the horizon and would have an indoor pool, how should that impact the city’s plan for an outdoor...

Levy discussed at council workshop

Jul 21, 2021

For the last few years, the Lake City City Council has capped increases to the city property tax levy at 3.5 percent. But at a workshop on July 12, City Finance Director Jerome Illg warned the council that continuing to do so would not be sustainable if the city wants to keep offering services at...