City of Foley

The City Council meeting included procedural steps such as the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. A significant portion of the meeting involved public forum discussion regarding a proposed $500 annual budget allocation for logoed city wear for non-department head employees, with concerns raised about the expense versus employee benefits like discounts for purchased apparel. The council also conducted a public hearing regarding the preliminary plat for South Fairway Estates, which involved discussion on lot size variances, road curves resulting in a proposed 25 mph speed limit, and the placement of sidewalks and road division stops. Furthermore, the council addressed the issue of the Legion Parking Lot, which is currently unpaved and being used for parking, necessitating remediation to meet impervious surface requirements. The discussion led to the decision to contact the Legion's executive board commander to set up a meeting to develop a timeline for addressing the lot surface issue before spring.

The regular meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which involved adopting a resolution and approving policies related to MN Paid Leave, approving the 2026 Step Schedule, and approving the purchase of a wood chipper. During the Mayor's Comments and Open Forum, a citizen raised concerns about the budget for city logo clothing, prompting discussion and clarification from the Mayor and City Administrator regarding the existing $500 annual budget allocated across departments. A public hearing was held regarding the South Fairway Estates Preliminary Plat, which was subsequently approved with variances for curb, road, and lot size, and included details on road speed limits and soil boring results. Other business involved discussion about the American Legion vacant lot being used as an unofficial parking area, leading to a council decision to schedule a meeting with the Legion's executive board. Following the regular session, a Joint City -- Benton County Workshop Session occurred to discuss redevelopment options for the old government center, including potential space for a U of M Extension, medical/senior/dental clinics, and financing options; a smaller committee was established to continue information gathering.

The City Council meeting included discussions and actions on several administrative and project matters. Key discussion points involved the resignation of a part-time police officer, leading to a suggestion to consider a full-time position in the police department for the following month. The council held a public hearing on the proposed 2026 fee schedule, which was subsequently adopted via an ordinance update. Department reports covered police activity for November, noting an increase in speed violations and child calls, and a reminder to residents about snow and ice removal from sidewalks. The City Engineer provided an update on the North Side Improvements Project, confirming most work was completed for the season, with minor adjustments planned for the spring, and addressed public inquiries regarding the seeding process for erosion control. The council approved two payouts related to the North Side Improvements Project and the 2025 Lead Service Project. The Administration section addressed the submission of final assessment roles to the county, payment deadlines for the North Side assessments, and the renewal of the Tri County Humane Society contract, noting a significant price increase for the upcoming year and a change in policy regarding holding biting animals. Updates were also provided on the South Side project timeline, confirming preliminary plat public hearing requirements before moving to final platting stages, with construction potentially starting in the spring.

Key discussion and action items for the meeting include the approval of the agenda, the consent agenda items such as the City of Foley Audit Proposal, accepting donations, accepting a police officer resignation, approving a grant for Disaster Preparedness & Recovery, approving the application for the Minnesota City Participation Program, approving fire department officer appointments, and approving the payment of bills. The agenda also features an update on the Foley Wastewater Project, including consideration of a Pay Application and discussion on odor issue charges. The council is scheduled to discuss and approve the 2026 Annual Appointments, review department reports, and discuss old business regarding "Letters to 2100." New business includes discussions on police staffing and a virtual council conversation session. The session will conclude with a closed session for the City Administrator Performance Review.

The Foley City Council meeting addressed several key issues, including a Facebook post regarding sewer and water bill calculations, feedback from a Council Conversation meeting, and a public hearing and approval for L.E.I. Packaging LLC's conditional use permit, variance, and site plan. The council also discussed and approved an application for Minnesota Investment Funds (MIF) for L.E.I. Packaging LLC. Additionally, there was a public hearing regarding the 2025 Northside Improvement final assessment, concerns from residents about project timelines and contractor performance, and a discussion on a special assessment deferral policy option. The council also discussed unpaid I/I surcharges, department reports from the Police Department and City Engineer, and pay requests for various projects. Finally, the council reconvened to continue the Northside Improvements public hearing, discussed a Deferred Assessment policy, and adopted the 2025 Northside Improvements Final Assessment Roll.