The Nicollet City Council approved the installation of two streetlights for 9th Street, south of Dollar General during the Tuesday meeting.

The decision to order in new streetlights came following a request from Dollar General, located on the 400 block of 9th St. in Nicollet. 

Dollar General requested lights because it currently is too dark when employees leave work. Their light’s timer is set for the light to go out at 10:30 p.m. 

Councilman Phil Radel questioned, “Why doesn’t Dollar General leave their light on longer because the store closes at 10 p.m.?” 

Councilman Kevin Ostermann said, “Even with the Dollar General’s light, it is pretty dark in their parking lot.”

Mayor Fred Froehlich added, “We have streetlights every other place and it is a city street. It could also help with future development in that area.” 

The council unanimously approved having Excel install the new streetlights for 9th Street for $3,117 plus a monthly fee of about $12 a month. 

The streetlights on 9th Street would be located north of the Highway 14 and 461st Ave. interchange.

Flashing Crosswalk

Trinity Lutheran School’s request for a flashing crosswalk on 6th Street and Highway 111 was discussed by the council. 

Froehlich and Ostermann agreed to be on a committee to meet with MnDOT to develop a plan and investigate grant money that might be available as a flashing crosswalk can cost thousands of dollars

New Hires

The council also approved the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, council members Kevin Ostermann and Mary Wels, to offer the maintenance worker position to Matt Mueller after interviewing five candidates. Mueller will be offered $27.50 per hour. Maintenance Supervisor Darin Drill also participated in the interviews. 

The council also approved Darin Drill to hire a seasonal employee for mowing grass at $16 per hour. 

Joint Powers

Mayor Froehlich distributed the Chief’s Report from the Joint Powers meeting held on Feb. 26, 2024. Ostermann asked if the Fire Department has submitted a list to the city requesting funds from the one-time aid for cities that is to be used for public safety purposes. Froehlich said that he has let the fire department know that if there is something they need, they should come to a city council meeting to provide a list of needs.

Other Business

The mayor/council approved the minutes from their Feb.12 regular meeting, the bills for $36,002.66, a $149.00 solar light for the flag pole outside the city office, and the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Agreement with Stickney Hill Ingredients, LLC.

Upcoming meetings will be 6 p.m. Monday, April 8, and 6 p.m. Monday, May 13.