305 E. Luverne St.  
Luverne, MN 56156  
www.cityofluverne.org  
Announcement of Meeting  
City Council Work Session  
Regular Meeting Minutes  
Tuesday, March 17, 2026  
5:00 PM  
Council Chambers  
A.  
Call to Order  
Present  
Mayor Patrick Baustian, Council Member Caroline Thorson, Council  
Member Dan Nath, and Council Member Marlin Kracht  
Council Member Kevin Aaker  
Excused  
Tyler Reisch  
Additional  
B.  
C.  
Pledge of Allegiance  
Recognition of Guest(s)  
Katie Baustian, Marissa Marr, Lori Sorenson, Mandy Van Grootheest  
Public Forum & Correspondence  
D.  
E.  
Reports, Requests, and Updates  
Food Shelf Updates - Katie Baustian  
E.1. 2026-15  
Katie Baustian, Co-director of the Rock County Food Shelf  
presented an update to the City Council. The food shelf has been in  
the current city-owned building for almost 5 years. They are open  
every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. and occasionally from 5-6 p.m.  
Distribution is based on family size. Katie discussed the various  
food sources that the food shelf receives food from as well as  
monetary funding and donations that are received. The new building  
provides more of a shopping experience for visitors. She noted the  
improvements that were made including a handicap accessible  
door, a garage door, and a 24-hour food donation drop-off.  
Volunteers are welcome to contact Katie Baustian or Mary Gehrke  
to sign up to help.  
Outdoor Recreation Project - Marissa Marr  
E.2. 2026-16  
Marissa Marr presented on the Outdoor Ice Rink Renovation  
Project. Two key recreation needs within the community were  
identified as ice quality at the outdoor ice rink and a shortage of  
pickleball space. A vision was presented to renovate the current  
outdoor ice rink into a multi-use space for all seasons and ages.  
Project considerations are a new roof structure, new concrete,  
painted pickleball courts, and upgrades to lighting, safety, and  
accessibility. The City is applying for the MN DNR Outdoor  
Recreation Grant to help with funding the project. The maximum  
grant is $500,000 with a 50% local match. Application deadline is  
March 31 annually. The City is leveraging partnerships with several  
local groups to assist with funding. The City is seeking Community  
Engagement and Public Comment through a survey at  
www.cityofluverne.org/rinkreno. If the City is awarded the grant and  
additional funding is received, the project could start in Spring 2027.  
F.  
Other, if any  
Chuck Ackman with Senator Klobuchar's office and Jeanne Poppe with Senator Tina  
Smith's office were in town to discuss the Lewis & Clark expansion that Mayor Baustian  
attended.  
G.  
Adjournment  
A motion was made by Council Member Thorson, seconded by Council Member  
Kracht, to adjourn the meeting at 5:33 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.  
Submitted by,  
Mandy Van Grootheest  
Administrative Operations Assistant