A notable presentation highlighted the operations and success of the Spirits of Nisswa liquor store. The speaker, who has been with the city for a decade, praised the current staff, calling them the best team they’ve ever had. The positive work environment was credited with boosting productivity and sales. Despite fluctuations in sales figures over recent years – a $140,000 increase in 2021, a $50,000 decrease in 2022 due to the pandemic, and a “banner year” in 2023 – the store’s performance remains strong. The current year showed a $25,000 dip, but this was downplayed as interim figures, with the speaker emphasizing the importance of year-end totals.

Customer transactions had decreased by around 2,000 since 2021, but the average sales per customer rose by 15%, from $34 to $38. The non-alcohol segment saw growth as more customers sought healthier options, which were well-received. The speaker proposed future collaboration with parks and recreation. Promotional efforts, including humorous video campaigns and events like “Taste of the Holidays,” were acknowledged as effective in engaging customers.

The council transitioned to discussing the relocation of a telecommunications tower. There was a proposal to place the tower at the fire hall’s backside, previously dismissed due to the site’s use as a helicopter landing zone. Concerns about the fire hall’s aging backup generator, nearing 20 years of service, were also raised. A council member suggested the new tower site could provide an opportunity to revisit the idea of sharing the generator with Verizon. Despite these logistical challenges, the council expressed support for the new location, citing no conflicts or problems with it.

Verizon’s representative was tasked with providing projected coverage maps for various tower heights, emphasizing the importance of height in signal transmission. The council proposed heights up to the 150-foot ordinance limit to address specific dead zones in the area, particularly along Highway 18 towards Pelican and near the sewer pond. The representative acknowledged the higher tower’s potential to improve coverage, and ongoing plans for a new site towards Pelican were mentioned.

The discussion then moved to budgetary matters, specifically the 2025 budget and the preliminary levy for the upcoming year. The mayor emphasized the critical nature of this meeting for financial planning, noting that the preliminary levy could be adjusted down before its final adoption in December. The council debated various budget items, including a $3,000 intern program with the Pequot Lakes School District, which was initially removed but later reinstated due to its perceived community value. A $15,000 software package aimed at enhancing departmental efficiency was also discussed, with some members advocating for its inclusion to streamline planning and zoning processes, which have been criticized for inefficiencies.

The council reviewed a proposal from Verizon regarding the placement of a cell tower and examined the current ordinances to consider amendments, particularly concerning tower setbacks. Feedback from residents about coverage needs was taken into account, with the current goal focusing on enhancing coverage in the downtown corridor. A point of discussion was the consideration of an alternate site for the cell tower, which was supported by the council.

Attention shifted to the preliminary 2024 tax levy, reflecting a 16.15% increase amounting to $3,950,369. The council agreed to revisit this matter in late October or early November. The truth in taxation meeting was set for December 17, 2024, and the final ADA transition plan report was discussed and approved, outlining the city’s goals and procedures for addressing grievances, with discussions on pedestrian facilities and detectable warnings at specific intersections.

The Nisswa Crossings First Amendment to the development agreement was introduced, mainly concerning an extension for a letter of credit set to expire. This amendment updates the financial details to reflect project completion progress and was approved. Recommendations from the building committee regarding City Hall improvements were also reviewed, with a proposal from WITTH for $16,500 to assist with construction documents and bidding presented and approved.

Finally, the council addressed resolutions calling for public hearings concerning two upcoming bond issuances: a property tax abatement bond not to exceed $2.3 million and a general obligation capital improvement bond for the City Hall project, not exceeding $550,000. Both public hearings were scheduled for October 15. Concerns were raised about potential unforeseen issues during renovations, with assurances that additional costs would be addressed as necessary.