UNOFFICIAL 2-3-2026 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Unofficial Pembina City Special Council Meeting Minutes for February 3, 2026

Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6pm

Location: Professional Building

Council Members Present: Mayor Fitzgerald, Snitker, Norby, Flores, Carattini, Needham, A Huttunen

Guests: Koropatnicki, City Super; Stoiber, City Auditor; R Fleming, City Attorney; Kevin & Deanna Hager

Meeting called to order 6:02pm by Mayor Fitzgerald..

Discussion on City purchasing Hager property 33-0720000

·        City had inquired about availability to purchase property for snow stacking from downtown streets.

·        Hagers had indicated they would be interested in selling to the City provided the City would lock a 5-7 year stipulation they could continue to park out back, move their snow from the store to the lot, and the city wouldn’t sell the parcel to any retailer that also sells groceries.

·        Fleming—where do they currently put their snow? On the parcel—it’s not a lot of snow, but the only place there’s room for it.

·        Norby thought the stipulations were reasonable; streets affected included 3rd Street to the flood wall; Chippewa to Stutsman, and others. It could be subdivided at some future point—currently zoned residential, but nothing to prevent a petition by a purchaser to potentially convert it to                         commercial.

·        Needham wanted to know if the rules of improvement within 2 years apply—no, this is for city use. Are there funds available for the purchase—yes, in capital improvements.

·        A Huttunen—why not use South Pembina? Too difficult to move all that snow across the bridge and it’s dangerous. What about leasing it? Not really in the city’s best interest as no guarantees the property will be available in the future as the Hagers have it listed for sale. A new purchaser may           not allow the City to use it. Not in favor of purchasing as it seems like a knee-jerk response to this year’s snow event. Fitzgerald—there’s no way to know if there will be more snow this year, or what the future holds. This is planning for the future to avoid issues.

·        Snitker—this is a no lose situation as property doesn’t lose value, and if someone wanted to purchase it, they could at the city’s selling point agreed to at the last meeting, and have to improve within 2 years which will generate funds for the City.

Motion by Snitker to purchase the parcel for $10,000 with the two stipulations for 7 years; 2nd by Monty. A. Huttunen asked about the special assessment balance. Fleming looked it up = $3038.59 which will be paid next year by the City. Role call vote: Nays: Needham, A. Huttunen; Ayes: Carattini, Snitker, Flores, Norby. Motion carries. Fleming will draw up purchase agreement.

Motion by Snitker to adjourn at 6:18pm.

By: Mayor/Fitzgerald

Attested to Stoiber, City Auditor

The next regular council meeting will be held on February 17, 2026, 6pm at the Professional Building.