November 17, 2025
Proposed- Not Adopted
Minutes of Wolverton City Council Meeting
Pursuant to due call and proper notice, a meeting of the City of Wolverton Council was held on November 17, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Jessica Nelson at 6:16 P.M. Council members present were Josh Jensen, Frank Israelson, and Shawn O’Dell.
Absent: Chad Erickson
Also Present: Jon Braton, Joe Charon, Courtney Ingli, Marice Le, Leroy Betz, Charles Sapp & guest, Steve and MaryAnn Olthoff, Nancy Olthoff, Luther Blilie & wife, Randy and Jan Emerson.
Mayor position: We received a written resignation from Chad Erickson from mayor. Josh Jensen moved to approve resolution #832 accepted his resignation and declared a vacancy. It was seconded by Frank and carried, all in favor.
Jessica states that we will open up the meeting to public comment. Individuals who wish to speak may have the floor for 5 minutes each. Shawn O’Dell moved to approve opening up public comment. It was seconded by Josh and carried, all in favor.
Luther Blilie would like to purchase the gas station as well as a parcel of land between the gas station property and the Nelson driveway. He is intending to use the shop as a “man cave” and area to work on his tractors during retirement. Potentially in the future he would like to add a cold storage building to the additional piece of land being purchased. The County requires city approval to combine the two pieces of property. Shawn O’Dell moved to approve, allowing them to combine the two lots. It was seconded by Frank and carried, all in favor.
Streetlights-Steve shared his concerns about the streetlights Nancy stated that the city owns all of the streetlights on Hwy 75. They used to have Scott’s Electric come out and fix those. Questions on how the city is billed for lights was discussed. The council was not aware of the light ownership so knowing that now they will have the electrician out to fix them.
Jon Braton:
1. Stated he is on the RWJPA board and has notified us that $125,000 has been allocated to the City of Wolverton however it’s restricted on what can be used. It’s things such as enhancing the city hall and community center. He will provide the city a list of what these funds could be used for.
2. Indicated that there are funds that can be borrowed from the JPA for flipping houses, moving in new houses etc. The houses have to be sold though. Discussed there may be grants available to remove burnt down houses etc. Wilkin County will receive $810,000 a year once the diversion is done or to start in 2027 if the diversion is done.
3. Discussion on burnt houses and there may be state funding to help us take it down if the city needs to. Perhaps our lawyer can reach out to them to see if they can push him to get it done.
4. We are going to have an opening discussion on maybe having a joint water system with Kent, Wolverton and McCaulyville with Senator Rasmussen. This is a very preliminary discussion at this time.
Mayor position-Council can appoint, or it can go to special election. Which we plan to address later in the meeting.
Charles Sapp expressed his concern that his house is being targeted. He also expressed his concern that our water bill is too much. He has family currently working on remodeling the property. Discussion was had that residents can’t live in a camper’s. Other city residents explained in small towns when repairs to our water and sewer systems have to be done that gets spread across the residents.
Josh Jensen moved to close the public form. It was seconded by Frank and carried, all in favor.
Presentation:
Randy Emerson- Expressed concerns on vehicles around town. He indicated he spoke to a Sheriff’s office, and they said the council just had to call and they would get moved. He just wants to make sure that the council continues to work on getting everything cleaned up.
Mayor Position: Shawn O’Dell moved to appoint Jessica Nelson as Mayor. It was seconded by Frank and all carried.
Minutes:
a. Josh Jensen moved to accept October 2025 minutes. It was seconded by Shawn and carried, all in favor.
Bills & Claims:
a. Josh Jensen moved to accept the bills & claims. It was seconded by Shawn and carried, all in favor.
Utilities: One past due has been paid
Correspondence: Reviewed – Josh and Jessica will be attending the meeting at the county.
Engineer/Water/Sewer:
a. Water and Sewer have been good.
b. Hydrants have been flushed.
c. Campground and ball diamond have been winterized.
Parks: None
Streets:
a. Streetlights-Still in the works. Now that the city knows that we own and are responsible for the ones on Hwy 75 we will need to get someone out there to have them fixed.
Mayor/City Clerk:
a. Discussed a part-time position and keeping Courtney on but the council wants time to set a list and organize what the details of this would look like. This will be done at the special meeting to work on budgets.
b. Diversion still working on finding an attorney to represent the city. Jessica will be working on getting in contact with everyone so correspondence is sent to her now. Jon suggested contacting Clay County personnel.
c. Discussed property violation letters and due dates. The initial letters sent were friendly letters asking the residents to please address the concerns. If not done violation letters will now be sent.
d. 2026 budgets need to be finalized. A special workshop meeting will be held to work on these. This meeting will be held on December 1st at 6:00 p.m.
e. Frank will talk to the elevator if they are willing to help put up the Christmas lights again.
Municipal Business Development: None
Motion to Adjourn: Josh Jensen moved to adjourn November 17, 2025, it was seconded by Jessica and carried, all in favor. Frank Israelson declared the meeting adjourned. The next Wolverton City Council Meeting will be held on December 9, 2025.
Signed:
Jessica Nelson, Mayor
Attest: Jessi Kappes, Clerk