Local Mayors Bid Farewell as Sauk Rapids and Waite Park Hold Final Council Sessions

(KNSI) – Monday is the last chance to see two local mayors in action.

In Sauk Rapids, the city council has a special session at 4:30 p.m. They will look to sign off on an extension of an agreement with surrounding Minden Township. The agreement was first inked in 2002 and allows Sauk Rapids to expand through annexation. The last agreement divided Minden Township into five areas. A-1 is now entirely within the Sauk Rapids city limits. It would last for another 25 years.

The group will also consider an agreement with ISD 47 that would allow the district to build an early childhood center in Mayhew Creek Park, near the high school. If voters do not approve a millage for the work, the land will revert back to the city in 2027. The meeting will be the last session for Mayor Kurt Hunstiger. He has been in city government in various roles for 30 years, including the last eight as mayor.

Jake Judd KNSI News

Waite Park will also be bidding its top politician a fond farewell. Mayor Rick Miller will welcome the public to council chambers at 4:00 p.m. for cake and refreshments. A work session begins in earnest at 5:00. The council will review a staff draft of personnel policies. At 6:00, they’ll provide an update on the public safety expansion at city hall.

Significant items on tap for the regular meeting at 6:30 include updating the fee schedule, finalizing the 2025 budget, and passing ordinances pertaining to cannabis businesses and temporary public events.

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