Litchfield City Council Approves Wastewater Plant Upgrade, New Golf Manager

Council also denies gun show request and implements one-year moratorium on non-recreational events at local recreation center

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:24pm

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The Litchfield City Council has approved a $61,820 quote from Minnesota Mechanical Solutions to replace the dissolved air flotation unit at the city's wastewater plant. The council also hired Bryce Manning as the new golf course manager, discussed a proposal for a new community sign, and addressed cemetery stone maintenance and tree replacement along Swift Avenue. Additionally, the council denied a request to host a gun show at the Litchfield Area Recreation Center and implemented a one-year moratorium on non-recreational events at the facility.

Why it matters

The city's wastewater treatment infrastructure is critical for maintaining public health and environmental standards. The decision to upgrade the flotation unit demonstrates the council's commitment to responsible municipal management. The gun show denial and recreation center moratorium reflect ongoing debates around the appropriate use of public facilities and the balance between commercial interests and community values.

The details

The $61,820 quote from Minnesota Mechanical Solutions was approved by the city council to replace the dissolved air flotation unit at the Litchfield Wastewater plant. The council also hired Bryce Manning as the new golf course manager, discussed getting a quote for a new community sign, and will have staff put together a proposal for the next meeting regarding cemetery stone maintenance and a plan for replacing trees along Swift Avenue that have been removed, including addressing the emerald ash borer issue. Additionally, the council denied a request to host a gun show at the Litchfield Area Recreation Center at the end of November, citing the facility should be used only for recreational or wellness events, and implemented a one-year moratorium on non-recreational events at the LARC starting April 15th. Mayor Ron Dingmann voted against the resolution, feeling it tied the council's hands.

  • The city council approved the wastewater plant upgrade quote and other items on Monday, April 8, 2026.
  • The one-year moratorium on non-recreational events at the Litchfield Area Recreation Center will go into effect on April 15, 2026.

The players

Ron Dingmann

The mayor of Litchfield, Minnesota who voted against the resolution to implement a one-year moratorium on non-recreational events at the Litchfield Area Recreation Center.

Bryce Manning

The new golf course manager hired by the Litchfield City Council.

Minnesota Mechanical Solutions

A company based in Waite Park, Minnesota that was awarded a $61,820 quote to replace the dissolved air flotation unit at the Litchfield Wastewater plant.

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What they’re saying

“I voted against the resolution as I felt that a moratorium tied their hands.”

— Ron Dingmann, Mayor

What’s next

The Litchfield City Council will have staff put together a proposal at their next meeting regarding cemetery stone maintenance and a plan for replacing trees along Swift Avenue.

The takeaway

The Litchfield City Council's decisions demonstrate their commitment to maintaining critical municipal infrastructure, supporting local recreation and community assets, and balancing commercial interests with community values, even if there are some disagreements on the best approach.