Work Session

CITY OF MARSHALL WORK SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, September 09, 2025 The work session of the Common Council of the City of Marshall was held September 9, 2025, at City Hall, 344 West Main Street. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. by Mayor Robert Byrnes. In addition to Byrnes, the following members were in attendance: See Moua-Leske, Craig Schafer, Amanda Schroeder (remote), John Alcorn, Amanda Schwartz (remote) and James Lozinski. Absent: None. Staff present included: Sharon Hanson; Jason Anderson, Director of Public Works/ City Engineer; E.J. Moberg, Director of Administrative Services; Sheila Dubs, Human Resource Manager; James Marshall, Director of Public Safety; Karla Drown, Finance Director; Dave Callens, Lead Maintenance Worker; Preston Stensrud, Park and Rec Supervisor; Jasmine Desmet, Community Education Coordinator; and Steven Anderson, City Clerk. Preliminary 2026 Budget Moberg began the presentation by reviewing a few items from the previous budget work session. Moberg said that after the last work session staff worked hard to find saving and make cuts and were able to get the proposed levy increase down to 7.5% from the original 13.96% that was proposed on August 26th. Moberg attributed the decrease to a reduction in health insurance cost, changes to employer and employee cost share for health/dental insurance, cuts and reductions from the police, engineering, street, park, fire, airport, and assessing departments and eliminating the request for a full- time park position. Moua-Leske voiced concern about cuts to departments and maintaining service levels that citizens had become accustomed to. Moberg planned to bring the 7.5% levy increase to the regular meeting on September 23 rd for approval. The levy and truth-in-taxation meeting dates must be certified to the Lyon County Auditor/Treasurer by September 30, 2025. At 4:35 PM Mayor Byrnes recessed the meeting. Art Project At 5:00 PM Mayor Byrnes reconvened the meeting. Cassi Weiss and Sammy Jo Miller gave information on a new art project. Funding for the art project was through a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council. The art project was meant to be permanent and interactive pieces to reflect the identity of Marshall. The project would celebrate the history, spirit, and shared experiences of Marshall through playful, sketch style artwork. Fourteen illustrated steel objects were planned to create “photo opportunities” for visitors and community members. All pieces were illustrated in a hand drawn style reminiscent of a quick notebook sketch. The project was planned to be in conjunction with the Arts & Living History Festival taking place on September 27th, 2025, at Memorial Park. For the past three years Visit Marshall has worked with Miller on an art piece that would in conjunction with the event to make a lasting impression on the community. Weiss said that three locations were chosen as potential locations: Terrace 1872, Independence Park and the Marshall-Lyon County Library. Each location had its pros and cons, and Visit Marshall wanted the opinion of city council for final site selection. Council members discussed each location and the potential for vandalism that could occur. Council members agreed that Independence Park would be the ideal location for accessibility and future maintenance. Hanson added that the grant and artist agreements would be coming to the council for approval at the September 23rd meeting. Adjourn At 5:18 PM Mayor Byrnes adjourned the meeting. Attest: _________________________ _________________________ City Clerk Mayor