Meeting Minutes

Lowry City Council

Regular Meeting

November 3, 2025

The Lowry City Council Meeting was called to order on November 3, 2025 at 7:00 pm by Dan Sutton with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Dan Sutton, Virgil Coziahr, Jackie Olson, Trish McCrory, DJ Ashler

MEMBERS ABSENT:

OTHERS PRESENT:

 Elin Ashler

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approve October’s minutes, Treasurer’s report, pay bills Ck 13764- 13791 and payroll checks 2977 to 2984. Motion made by Trish to approve consent agenda; second by Virgil. All voted aye, motion carried

VISITOR’S COMMENTS:

OLD BUSINESS:

Burn pile at City Park will be cleared when weather permits

NEW BUSINESS:

Lowry city Clerk and Treasurer were not set up with PERA, Elin started the process.

Through investigation it was determined there was a payment arranged for city shed with Lowry EDA. Also some confusion on payment for caretaking EDA Apartment property. A meeting will be arranged with EDA members to clear up confusion and ensure proper process moving forward.

Sent City Ordinance #113 City Council Salary to Pope County Tribune. Will run for two weeks and be ready to vote in December, effective January 1, 2026.

Clerk is preparing delinquent utility bills to be assessed on taxes. Will be sending out certified letters this week.

Liquor license paperwork has been dropped off at Mamma G’s and the Legion for 2026.

OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION:

 Update on the city audit- still working with auditor, no additional information has been requested at this point. Audit was extended. Some confusion as to whether or not audit is needed after conversation with State. Will discuss and investigate.

Question as to whether adult soccer league could play in gym while Central Square is being renovated. Details have not been determined yet.

Request to have Cribbage Tournament at community center. Will check into laws regarding gambling license need.

Next regular meeting December 2, 2025 at the Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn:

Motion by Virgil that we adjourn the meeting; second by DJ. All voted Aye to approve. Motion carried.

Open Forum: Anyone addressing the council with a concern should note that Council may place the issue on next month’s agenda to fully review prior to making a decision.

Minutes recorded by Jackie Olson, City Clerk

Lowry City Council

Regular Meeting

October 7, 2025

The Lowry City Council Meeting was called to order on October 7, 2025 at 7:00 pm by Dan Sutton with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Dan Sutton, Virgil Coziahr, Jackie Olson, Trish McCrory, DJ Ashler

MEMBERS ABSENT:

OTHERS PRESENT:

 Elin Ashler, David Dodds, Mark Jones, Monico Hernandez, Shayla Bosch, Ken Weisel

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approve September’s minutes, Treasurer’s report, pay bills Ck 13727- 13763 and payroll checks 2969 to 2976. Motion made by DJ to approve consent agenda; second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried

VISITOR’S COMMENTS:

Mark Jones- Planning on building a fence on his property. Reviewed plans and council determined a permit was not needed. Motion made by Trish; second by DJ. All voted aye, motion carried.

Shayla and Monico- 4H would like to coordinate an open gym program during winter months. Encouraged to finalize a plan and will share information on city Facebook page.

Ken also talked about his tiling project. Council determined a local city permit was not needed.

David Dodds- Following up from last meeting for request on building permit. Reviewed Lowry City Ordinance #830 Subdivisions. After consideration and conversation with attorney and engineer decision was made to reject permit request until clear direction made regarding storm water, sewer, and easement/ driveway plans.

OLD BUSINESS:

Radar signs were received and MNDOT will work on installing.

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution #214- Loan agreement for sanitary sewer project.   Motion made by Virgil, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

Ken Weisel- Updating Fire Dept bylaws and increasing interest rates. Motion made by Trish; second by DJ. All voted aye, motion carried.

November City Council Meeting falls on an Election Day. Per state statute, meeting cannot be held between the hours of 6:00- 8:00 PM. Proposition to move council meeting to Monday November 3^rd at 7:00 PM. Motion made by Virgil, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

Clerk and Treasurer ask for ink membership. Approximate cost would be about $20 per month. Motion made by Trish, second by DJ. All voted aye, motion carried.

OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION:

Next regular meeting October 3, 2025 at the Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn:

Motion by DJ that we adjourn the meeting; second by Trish. All voted Aye to approve. Motion carried.

Open Forum: Anyone addressing the council with a concern should note that Council may place the issue on next month’s agenda to fully review prior to making a decision.

Minutes recorded by Jackie Olson, City Clerk

Lowry City Council

Regular Meeting

September 2, 2025

The Lowry City Council Meeting was called to order on September 2, 2025 at 7:00 pm by Dan Sutton with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Dan Sutton, Virgil Coziahr, Jackie Olson, Trish McCrory, DJ Ashler

MEMBERS ABSENT:

OTHERS PRESENT:

 Bruce Larson, Bryan Bye

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approve August’s minutes, Treasurer’s report, pay bills Ck 13692- 13726 and payroll checks 2960 to 2968. Motion made by Virgil to approve consent agenda; second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried

VISITOR’S COMMENTS:

Bruce Larson- Looking for approval for Park Committee to purchase four picnic tables and a park bench. Will cost $1100 and come from the Park budget. Motion made by Virgil. Second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

David Dodds- Requesting building permits for new housing near subdivision on East side of town. Will delay approval until next council meeting to have time to review plans and ordinances with city attorney.  Motion made by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:

City has attempted to contact property owners at 425 Aurora without success regarding their lawn and disrepair. Lawn was cleaned up by the city. Will continue to try and make contact with owners regarding house and overdue utility bills.

City Shed has been purchased. Need to have property removed from inside by the end of the second week of September.

NEW BUSINESS:

BSSA is looking for city approval for RIGHT OF ENTERY to survey on foot in 2026 for transmission line project. PID 04-0144-003 (Ponds)  Motion made by Trish, second by DJ. All voted aye, motion carried.

Lowry Fire Relief Association- Pension Plans. City Council reviewed plans. Increase noted from $1,600 to $1,900 for each year of service. Motion made by Virgil, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

Approved Tax Levy and annual budget.  Motion made by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

Resolution #212- Will be raising sewer base cost to $48.03 per connection effective January 1, 2026 as set in the budget.  Motion made by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

Resolution #213- Extending the loan for the Private Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project as project has not started yet. Motion made by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION:

After receiving grant from Centerpoint Energy for radar signs, city chose EV12 FM Solar. Will contact dealer for formal quote and next steps. Will have MNDOT install upon receipt.

Working Ordinance #113- Salary of Elected Officials. Will increase pay for Mayor, Clerk, and Treasurer effective January 1, 2026. Will bring to City Council to vote in December 2025.

Next regular meeting October 7, 2025 at the Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn:

Motion by Virgil that we adjourn the meeting; second by Trish. All voted Aye to approve. Motion carried.

Open Forum: Anyone addressing the council with a concern should note that Council may place the issue on next month’s agenda to fully review prior to making a decision.

Minutes recorded by Jackie Olson, City Clerk

Lowry City Council

Regular Meeting

August 5, 2025

The Lowry City Council Meeting was called to order on August 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm by Dan Sutton with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Dan Sutton, Virgil Coziahr, Jackie Olson, Trish McCrory

MEMBERS ABSENT:

DJ Ashler

OTHERS PRESENT:

Jean Person, David Dodds, Tiana Lane, Bryan Bye

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approve July’s minutes, Treasurer’s report, pay bills Ck 13659- 13691 and payroll checks 2952 to 2959. Motion made by Virgil to approve consent agenda; second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried

VISITOR’S COMMENTS:

  Bryan Bye- Shared concerns for water main project. Buildings/ Structures possibly making project difficult. Hopes to start the bid process late 2025- early 2026. City attorney drafted Temporary Easment Agreement, city will send out notification when project moves forward.

Tiana Lane/ Andrew Brush- Looking for clarification on parking vehicles. Was told she was unable to park on the side of the street by unknown resident, City Ordinance #112 and state law prevent her from parking in her driveway as it impedes sidewalk. Will check prospected bus route for school year and determine if street parking will be a viable solution. Will also check for any laws/ ordinances preventing street parking near a bus stop. Also complaint about bright alleyway lights, will talk to electrician about dimming.

David Dodds- Looking for feedback from City Council regarding project idea of storage sheds on his property off of Highway 55. Encouraged to create some plans and present to City Council at earliest convenience.

OLD BUSINESS:

Overdue Utilities- Many residents set up payment plans after receiving notification of water shut off.

NEW BUSINESS:

City Shed- Interested parties were told to drop a sealed bid in Community Center drop box before end of day on 8/04/25. Shed bid won by Tyler Paulzine. Shed will need to be moved before September 30, 2025.  Motion made by Virgil, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

Lowry Fire Relief Association- Pension Plans. City Council reviewed plans. Increase noted from $1,600 to $1,900 for each year of service. Motion made by Virgil, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

Centerpoint Energy Grant for Radar Signs- City received a grant for $2500 to go towards cost of radar signs. Will review the list of DOT approved signs. Motion made by Trish, second by Virgil. All voted aye, motion carried.

Schedule annual Budget Meeting- After discussion, meeting will be held on August 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM. Motion made by Virgil, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION:

The city received a request to post all City Ordinances on city website. After research it is discovered that many smaller cities have implanted this. Will reach out to Starbuck City Hall to see if they have any recommendations or can offer assistance.

Next regular meeting September 2, 2025 at the Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn:

Motion by Virgil that we adjourn the meeting; second by Trish. All voted Aye to approve. Motion carried.

Open Forum: Anyone addressing the council with a concern should note that Council may place the issue on next month’s agenda to fully review prior to making a decision.

Minutes recorded by Jackie Olson, City Clerk

Lowry City Council

Regular Meeting

July1, 2025

The Lowry City Council Meeting was called to order on July 1, 2025 at 7:00 pm by Virgil Coziahr with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Virgil Coziahr, Jackie Olson, DJ Ashler, Trish McCrory

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Dan Sutton

OTHERS PRESENT:

Elin Ashler, Troy Drewes, Bryan Bye, Jason Weber, Rick Shara

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approve June’s minutes, Treasurer’s report, pay bills Ck 13632- 13659 and payroll checks 2943 to 2951. Motion made by DJ to approve consent agenda; second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried

VISITOR’S COMMENTS:

  Bryan Bye- Bonding bill still on hold for water project. Talked about Poplar Project/ Lift Station.

West Central initiative- Rick Shara, shared information on WCI projects. Requested donation. Lowry City Council approved $300.

Jason Weber- shared concerns about abandoned houses around town/ upkeep of lawn maintenance. Questions about upcoming Poplar project.

OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

FOP requesting city council approval for raffle to be held at Mamma G’s in September.  Motion made by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

Passing of Ordinance #112- Parking on City Sidewalks. Localizes state statute 71.09 prohibiting parking on city sidewalks. Motion made by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION:

Talked about over due utility bills. Plan will be to shut off water if payment plans not set up by July 15^th.

Request for donation to support Pope County daycare at Starbuck High School. City will donate $300.

Next regular meeting August 5, 2025 at the Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn:

Motion by DJ that we adjourn the meeting; second by Trish. All voted Aye to approve. Motion carried.

Open Forum: Anyone addressing the council with a concern should note that Council may place the issue on next month’s agenda to fully review prior to making a decision.

Minutes recorded by Jackie Olson, City Clerk

Lowry City Council

Regular Meeting

June 3, 2025

The Lowry City Council Meeting was called to order on June 3, 2025 at 7:00 pm by Mayor Dan Sutton with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Dan Sutton, Virgil Coziahr, Jackie Olson, DJ Ashler, Trish McCrory

MEMBERS ABSENT:

OTHERS PRESENT:

Elin Ashler, Troy Drewes, Dennis Jones

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approve May’s minutes, Treasurer’s report, pay bills Ck 13601- 13631 and payroll checks 2935 to 2942. Motion made by Virgil to approve consent agenda; second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried

VISITOR’S COMMENTS:

OLD BUSINESS:

Musselman’s Water Meter- checked by Troy and it is working properly. Owners opted to buy a new water meter from the city to replace at owner cost.

NEW BUSINESS:

EDA Waste Management billing- EDA will reimburse the City of Lowry at 50% for the last two years. The City will in turn bill quarterly, splitting the cost 50/50. Motion made by Virgil, second by DJ. All voted aye, motion carried.

SAL wants to have fireworks on Lowry Days. Permits, etc will be SAL responsibility. Motion made by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

Working with Widseth to get reimbursement for services not rendered. Elin will work on applying for a short term loan. Motion made by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

Request to update ACH Wire/ Electronic Fund Transfer Policy to include more payments online to reduce paper usage/ ensure timely payment. Motion made by DJ, second by Virgil. All voted aye, motion carried.

Clean up from storm damage- considered getting a dumpster trailer for remaining debris, decided it was unnecessary as majority of clean up was completed already.

OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION:

  BSSA Trans Line is looking to go right of entry surverying towards the end of the year. They are looking at a parcel owned by the City of Lowry.

Working city ordinance #112- Sidewalk Parking- Running in Pope County Tribune June 2^nd and June 9^th. Will vote at next council meeting.

Next regular meeting July1, 2025 at the Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn:

Motion by DJ that we adjourn the meeting; second by Trish. All voted Aye to approve. Motion carried.

Open Forum: Anyone addressing the council with a concern should note that Council may place the issue on next month’s agenda to fully review prior to making a decision.

Minutes recorded by Jackie Olson, City Clerk

Lowry City Council

Regular Meeting

May 6, 2025

The Lowry City Council Meeting was called to order on May 6, 2025 at 7:00 pm by Mayor Dan Sutton with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Dan Sutton, Virgil Coziahr, Jackie Olson, DJ Ashler, Trish McCrory

MEMBERS ABSENT:

OTHERS PRESENT:

Elin Ashler, Brian Bye

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approve April’s minutes, Treasurer’s report, pay bills Ck 13569- 13601 and payroll checks 2926 to 2934. Motion made by Virgil to approve consent agenda; second by DJ. All voted aye, motion carried

VISITOR’S COMMENTS:

  Brian Bye (Widseth) talked about the lead service/ sewer line project being on hold until the bonding bill passes.

OLD BUSINESS:

Musselman’s Water Meter- checked by Troy and it is working properly. Owners opted to buy a new water meter from the city to replace at owner cost.

NEW BUSINESS:

 SAL asked if the city would cover cost for two additional dumpsters from TKI for Lowry Days. Motion made by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

SAL also wants city to cover cost of Posse for Lowry Days, will look into cost before a decision is made.

T&C Consulting can fix fence at Ponds, paint fire hydrants, and curb stop repair. Motion made by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

Support Tech for water meter reading software advised that the program will eventually be unsupported. Suggested purchasing tablet online. Motion made by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.

OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION:

  Lowry Wastewater and Treatment Facility received a certificate of Commendation.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Permit Compliance Summary is available for review.

Working city ordinance #112- Sidewalk Parking

Next regular meeting June 3, 2025 at the Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn:

Motion by DJ that we adjourn the meeting; second by Virgil. All voted Aye to approve. Motion carried.

Open Forum: Anyone addressing the council with a concern should note that Council may place the issue on next month’s agenda to fully review prior to making a decision.

Minutes recorded by Jackie Olson, City Clerk

Lowry City Council

Regular Meeting

April 1, 2025

The Lowry City Council Meeting was called to order on April 1, 2025 at 7:00 pm by Mayor Dan Sutton with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Dan Sutton, Virgil Coziahr, Jackie Olson, DJ Ashler, Trish McCrory

MEMBERS ABSENT:

OTHERS PRESENT:

Elin Ashler, David Dodds, Doug and Laurie Musselman, Robert Uhden

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approve March’s minutes, Treasurer’s report, pay bills Ck 13539- 13568 and payroll checks 2918 to 2924. Motion made by Virgil to approve consent agenda; second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried

VISITOR’S COMMENTS:

  Musselman’s concerned about their water reading for the month of March. Has been much higher than previous months. Will have staff look at the meter for damage/ malfunction. They will monitor their meter readings and watch for anything substantial.  Will hold late charges until confirmed there isn’t an issue.

OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

 SAL wants to hold Raffle at Lowry Days 2025. Motion approved by DJ, second by Trish. All voted aye, motion carried.  

Robert Uhden is applying for a building permit to place two 8 x 40 buildings on his property. Motion approved by Virgil, second by DJ. All voted aye, motion carried.

David Dodds is looking for land to build. Also looking for preference/ requirement for road near new builds. Not required at this point.

OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION:

Last month there was mention of looking into the cost to set up remote access/ laptop for City office work. After deliberation, decided it is not necessary at this point, but will keep information for future need.  

Next regular meeting May 6, 2025 at the Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn:

Motion by Virgil that we adjourn the meeting; second by Trish. All voted Aye to approve. Motion carried.

Open Forum: Anyone addressing the council with a concern should note that Council may place the issue on next month’s agenda to fully review prior to making a decision.

Minutes recorded by Jackie Olson, City Clerk

Lowry City Council

Regular Meeting

March 4th, 2025

The Lowry City Council Meeting was called to order on March 4, 2025 at 7:00 pm by Mayor Dan Sutton with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Dan Sutton, Virgil Coziahr, Jackie Olson, DJ Ashler

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Trish McCrory

OTHERS PRESENT:

Elin Ashler

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approve February’s minutes, Treasurer’s report, pay bills Ck 13518- 13536 and payroll checks 2910 to 2917. Motion made by DJ to approve consent agenda; second by Virgil. All voted aye, motion carried

VISITOR’S COMMENTS:

  None

OLD BUSINESS:

DJ talked about kitchen remodel plans, still in the planning stages, nothing concrete.

The little library will be fixed from wind damage.

NEW BUSINESS:

 Planning project to resurface the community center parking lot, will try to coordinate with other community projects.

OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION:

Request from Pope County Land/ Resource Management for comments regarding new business opening on Highway 55. Will clarify with sender expectations.

Mention of looking into getting a second computer/ laptop for office use. Will get more details of what this would entail/ cost.

Next regular meeting April 1, 2025 at the Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn:

Motion by DJ that we adjourn the meeting; second by Virgil. All voted Aye to approve. Motion carried.

Open Forum: Anyone addressing the council with a concern should note that Council may place the issue on next month’s agenda to fully review prior to making a decision.

Minutes recorded by Jackie Olson, City Clerk