Litchfield City Council Meeting

The Litchfield City Council covered several items of business last night and it was the last item that generated the most discussion. The Council chambers were packed with visitors apparently waiting to see the outcome on a decision regarding the Minnesota flag.

Councilman Bob Powers brought up the issue of keeping the traditional Minnesota flag rather than adopting the new flag. Several Council members said that they would like more public input on the issue before making any decision and when it came up for a vote to keep the old Minnesota flag, it failed on a 4-to-2 vote with Powers and Darlene Kotelnicki voting in favor.

Powers also brought up the issue of amending the parking ordinance – having more specific information regarding winter parking dates and times. No action was taken on the matter as the Council members will gather input from the public over the next couple of weeks.

The Council authorized plans for improvements to the “Campground Road” from Highway 22 to the end of the campground on the southeast side of Lake Ripley and the solicitation of bids for the project. The project is estimated to cost $275,000 and construction will likely occur in August and September.

The Council approved of a quote of $28,934.96 from Matrix NDI of Plymouth for network switch replacements at several city facilities. A request was approved from Hoeg Holdings for two parcels – 201 and 205 North Sibley Avenue to be considered one property for the state façade grant improvement program.

The Litchfield City Council approved of a future land use map amendment and approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone property to R1 at 905 West 5th Street – the 4Bz Event Center – to make it a single family dwelling. The Council also approved of hiring Jack Jones as a public works equipment operator, contingent on a legal opinion from the City Attorney regarding the hiring procedure.