City of Melrose

Key discussions and actions included the approval of the agenda, consent items such as bills, purchase orders, and resolutions, and the approval of a step increase for a Streets/Park Worker. Action items covered entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the MPCA for PFAS monitoring, approving engineering bids for Sauk River Park shower/restrooms, authorizing the ordering of a new ambulance, and awarding a bid for Sauk River Park excavating services due to a previous contract cancellation. New business involved setting a date for a Special Meeting regarding the 2023 Budget and authorizing Resolution No. 2022-59 to call a public hearing for a proposed development business subsidy to Riverside Development Group, LLC, as well as approving the execution of the Purchase Agreement. The Council also approved a proposal from WSB to prepare an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Riverside Development. Informational items included updates on various city reports and the development progress for the Railroad West Tax Increment Financing District 13-1.

Key discussions during the meeting included a presentation from the Melrose Area Arts Council regarding a proposed city logo sign and budget allowance requests. The Council conducted a Public Hearing regarding the abatement of nuisances at several properties on Rose Park SW, 2nd Street SW, and 1st Street SE, subsequently passing resolutions to order abatement for most listed properties. Action items also involved approving a resolution to transfer Land Acquisition Funds to the Melrose Area Development Authority (MADA) to support housing development, concurring with the Public Utilities Commission to install a concrete pad at the warehouse, and approving the rehiring of a part-time police officer. Old business concerned clarification on LCCMR grant funding for Sauk River Park improvements, and new business involved staff planning for the 2023 budget timeline.

The meeting commenced with a service recognition for Nancy Roering for 25 years of service on the Melrose Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The City Administrator provided a comprehensive Year in Review presentation summarizing the roles of various city bodies, budget allocations, departmental activities including Human Resources, City Clerk functions, Economic Development, Streets/Parks, Electric, Water/Wastewater, and Police/Fire departments' performance in 2025. Key discussions included the implementation of State-Administered Mandatory Paid Family and Medical Leave, upcoming tax and utility rate adjustments, and future plans for 2026 street projects. A public hearing was held regarding the proposed donation of six parcels of land from Jennie-O Turkey Store, with plans for Leedstone to lease a portion for warehouse expansion and future demolition/road construction. Action items included the approval of the Jennie-O Real Estate Donation Agreement, adoption of a resolution supporting a DEED redevelopment grant application for the Jennie-O property demolition, and adoption of a resolution to accept a grant for the Melrose Area Ambulance. The Council also approved the purchase of a new emergency warning siren from DSC Communications. Under Old Business, the Council concurred with the language in the Memorandum of Understanding regarding employee benefits while on MN PFML. No Council action was required regarding the Planning & Zoning Commission's review of the Capital Improvement Projects and land acquisition plans.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered approvals for previous minutes, bills, investments, several donation resolutions, the final pay voucher for the 2020 Street Improvement Project, a police officer step increase, RDB Project invoices from Stearns County, the Stearns County Annual Assessment Billing, and a GIS receiver quote. Public hearings were held concerning the vacation of utility easements on Daylight Court and the transfer of liquor licenses from The Dam Bar to Whiskey Street LLC. Reports were given by the Police Department, City Attorney, Finance Director, City Engineer, and City Administrator. Action items included adopting a resolution to vacate the utility easement, approving the liquor license transfer contingent on insurance documentation, approving the revised Inspectron contract, passing an ordinance summarizing and reaffirming city fees, approving the purchase of a hot box instead of a pickup truck, approving an Early Voting Agreement with Stearns County, approving the LMCIT insurance quote while electing to waive statutory tort liability limits (Option 2), adopting a resolution supporting the ISD 740 Bond Referendum with a $1,000,000 commitment, and adopting a mutual aid agreement update with Sauk Centre Ambulance. Old business involved passing a resolution supporting the LGA formula update and appropriation increase, and addressing the non-compliance notice for the 2022 Pay Equity Report. New business involved discussions on establishing a tree debris disposal service, providing information on the Minnesota Frontline Worker Pay program, and concluding with an executive session to approve the purchase of two land parcels (PID # 22.12555.0000 and PID # 21.12556.0000) for $180,000.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and numerous consent items, such as the approval of bills totaling $533,830.21 and resolutions for donations from the American Legion Post 101 and Magnifi Financial towards community projects. Action items involved approving a Conditional Use Permit for a solar array requested by Wolf River Electric, passing an ordinance imposing a moratorium on the sale of hemp-derived THC food and beverages, approving prosecution service agreements with Stearns County Attorney for 2023 and 2024, and approving the city's share of the Mehr property right-of-way acquisition costs. The Council also addressed the temporary need for a Part-Time Streets/Parks Maintenance Worker. New Business included adopting a resolution requesting a Special Session from the Legislature. Informational items covered updates on the WWTF project, RDB project progress, housing strategy developments (including closing on the Theiler Property and working on the Kraft Lot), updates from department heads (Fire, Police, Finance, City Planner, City Engineer), and plans for a trip to Denmark concerning biogas plant operations.