Regular Council Meeting - 7/20/2025

​City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 7/20/2025
The regular July meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Council Member Gauslow at 7:07pm. Present were Council Members Scott Gauslow, Kali Wang, and Ben Watkins. Absent were Mayor Kyle Krump and Council Member Tom Steinolfson. Audience members in attendance were Zach Hatting with Interstate Engineering, Nancy Kelly, Inis Frankl, Bonnie Gylland, Lyle Boehm, and Tom Wulfkuhle.
Gauslow called the meeting to order at 7:07pm. Wang and Watkins introduced themselves to the attendees. Gauslow recognized the audience and asked for public comment. Bonnie Gylland brought forth rust concerns in her home. Kyle has been in discussion with her and is working with Justin Reiland on getting it resolved. Gauslow will contact Justin to see what the timeline is.
Old Business
Zach Hatting with Interstate Engineering gave an update on the EPAC project. They were finally able to get the final bills from R&R; however, the City still needs the final bills from Interstate before submitting the final loan draw.
Hatting reported that the Reserve is mostly complete, however they are still waiting for a light pole and one backordered electrical component. Once the pole is installed, the project can be closed out.
Hatting is working on updating the facility plan report for the reservoir expansion, and is working with Tom Steinolfson on some funding options.
Lyle Boehm reported that the bonding paperwork is complete and the paperwork has been provided to the City. Hatting stated that Interstate Engineering will be moving forward with the contractor on construction.
The meeting minutes of the 6/24/2026 City Council meeting were reviewed. Watkins motioned to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Wang. Carried.
June financials were presented. Wang motioned to approve the financials as presented, seconded by Watkins. Role Call vote: Watkins – yes, Wang – yes, Gauslow – yes. Carried.
July bills were presented. Watkins motioned to approve the bills as presented, adding a bill to Serkland Law for $425, seconded by Wang. Roll Call vote: Wang – yes, Watkins – yes, Gauslow – yes. Carried.
A Change Order and a Project Initiation and Acceptance forms were presented for the EPAC project. Watkins motioned to approve Krump signing the forms, seconded by Wang. Role Call vote: Watkins – yes, Wang – yes, Gauslow – yes. Carried.
Gauslow touched on the water issues the City experienced over the past week. An electric company hit a water line while digging, thus causing local reservoirs to be drained and limiting the water available in the area. SEWU struggled to supply enough water to multiple local communities, not just the Colfax area.
No updated regarding the Lagoon Expansion.
Regarding the street repairs/maintenance, Minn-kota did provide some dust control along their street, and all other roads have been bladed and treated with dust control.
The City attorney provided some feedback regarding the Boehm developer’s agreement. Further discussion will be had at the next meeting.
Nancy Kelly provided the closing company with the purchase agreement for the Colfax Meadows 3 lot. City will move forward with the closing.
Watkins offered the 2nd reading of the proposed public comment policy. Discussion was held. Watkins motioned to approve the 2nd reading, seconded by Wang. Carried.
The Sales Tax designation was tabled until August meeting.
Discussion was held regarding the new fireworks application. Under Section 6, a $1,000,000 value was assigned to the minimum amount of general liability required. The Ordinance and the application will be available on the City website shortly.
Wang motioned to have Tom Waulfkuhle move forward with refinishing the community center floor, seconded by Watkins. Carried. Skoog will continue to work on cleaning and composing paperwork for outlining a contract, list of cleaning requirements, and a rental deposit. Ben Schutt will spray weeds around the community center. Council needs to consider a more solid community board out front.
The proposed 2027 city budget was tabled until next meeting.
New Business
A building permit application was presented for 210 Neuman Blvd. Watkins motioned to approve the application, seconded by Wang. Carried.
A building permit application was presented for 212 Laverne Lane. Wang motioned to approve the application, seconded by Watkins. Carried.
Discussion of the Certificate of Non-conformance was tabled until the next meeting.
Discussion of the JPA loan forgiveness was tabled until the next meeting.
Discussion of the Resident Mowing was tabled until the next meeting.
The City Council reorganization was tabled until the next meeting when all members are present.
There being no further business, Watkins made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Wang.  Carried. Adjourned at 8:45 pm.