Item 3.8 Emergency Warning Sirens Accepting Donation
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Administration City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty September 22, 2025
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent 3.8 – Accept Donation
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
X Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
X Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommend the City Council adopt a resolution accepting a donation.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Xcel Energy has transitioned to the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system as the primary means of public
notification for radiological emergencies near the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant. As part of this transition, Xcel
Energy is phasing out ownership and maintenance of traditional outdoor warning sirens.
Three of these emergency sirens are located within City limits. While these sirens will no longer be maintained by Xcel
Energy, they remain valuable assets for local emergency management. The sirens can continue to be used for severe
weather warnings and as a backup public alerting system.
To preserve this capability, Xcel Energy has offered to donate the existing sirens and related equipment to the City of
Otsego. By accepting ownership, the City will assume responsibility for maintenance, testing, and long-term operation
of the sirens. This ensures continuity of local warning capabilities and enhances community safety during weather and
other emergencies.
City staff have provided these documents to the Wright County Emergency Manager for review and have received
support for City Council consideration. The Administrative Subcommittee was presented this information at their
September 10, 2025, meeting and provided a recommendation for consideration of approval by the City Council.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Resolution 2025-43
• Locations of Sirens to Accept
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to adopt Resolution 2025-43 Accepting a Donation of Emergency Warning Sirens from Xcel Energy.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
General Fund – Emergency Management (42500)
Yes
1
CITY OF OTSEGO
COUNTY OF WRIGHT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO: 2025-43
ACCEPTING A DONATION
OF EMERGENCY WARNING SIRENS
WHEREAS, Xcel Energy has transitioned to Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) as the primary method of public notification for
radiological emergencies in the vicinity of the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant; and
WHEREAS, as part of this transition, Xcel Energy is phasing out ownership and maintenance of outdoor emergency warning
sirens located within the City of Otsego; and
WHEREAS, Xcel Energy has offered to donate the existing sirens and associated equipment located within the City limits to
ensure they may continue to serve as a valuable resource for severe weather warnings and other emergencies; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Otsego recognizes the importance of maintaining reliable public alerting systems to
safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to acknowledge and express gratitude to Xcel Energy for its donation and continued
partnership in supporting public safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO, MINNESOTA:
1. That the donation from Xcel Energy has been hereby accepted and that the City of Otsego will assume ownership
responsibility for the maintenance, inspection, testing, and operation of the emergency warning sirens.
2. That the City of Otsego extends its sincere appreciation to Xcel Energy for the donation of this equipment and for its
ongoing commitment to public safety.
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ADOPTED by the Otsego City Council this 22nd day of September, 2025.
MOTION BY:
SECONDED BY:
IN FAVOR:
OPPOSED:
CITY OF OTSEGO
__________________________________
Jessica L. Stockamp, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Audra Etzel, City Clerk
W-46
400' S. of 80th St. NE on
Kadler Ave. NE, Otsego
45.26530600 -93.68397200
W-30
.1 miles N. of 101st St. NE
on Kadler Ave. NE, Otsego
45.29808300 -93.68402800
W-31
1 mile S. of County Rd 39
NE on Labeaux Ave. NE,
Otsego
45.27586100 -93.66380600