City of Saint James

The meeting commenced with a presentation regarding the Rural Initiative Award, recognizing the St. James EDA for its role in facilitating SBA loans to Crystal Clean Car Wash for land and equipment purchases. The financial report, which included the transfer for the Lake Lane project, was approved. Staff reported on updates concerning 403 Tiell Dr, where property owners plan to move multiple homes onto the site instead of an apartment building due to high construction costs. Discussion ensued regarding the city-owned property at 923 5th St N, awaiting a price from the City Council. The board addressed a billboard lease agreement, determining that the City Attorney should review the contract to ascertain if termination is an option, given the estimated $10,000-$12,000 cost to relocate the billboard. Following a summary of a covenants meeting, the board recommended approving edits to the Mayberry Hills Protective Covenants amendment. Finally, a motion was passed to approve a 6-month extension for deferred payments on a CDA loan held by Amelia Heald.

The meeting involved adding an item to discuss an appointment to the Watonwan County Revolving Loan Fund Committee. Key discussions included staff reporting on the city being awarded the TED grant for turn lane improvements related to the 12th Ave S highway expansion, concerns about construction feasibility for a housing development at 403 Tiell Dr, and a summary of the Mayberry Hills covenants being scheduled for the next meeting. The board reviewed and approved the 2025 annual report and the 2026 Work Plan. A Commercial Revitalization program loan of $20,000 with a 2.5% interest rate over 5 years was approved for the Hickory Bar and Grill for kitchen plumbing upgrades. Following Dean Olsen's retirement, Travis Elg was appointed as the new St. James EDA representative to the Watonwan County Revolving Loan Fund committee. The board also discussed the topic of tiny homes.

The meeting included a presentation on the 'My Story Our Story' project, which involved collecting immigration stories made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Humanities Center and legacy funds. Discussions covered the distribution of these stories, including a Spanish translation, and organizing community conversations about the material. Subsequent discussions involved technical support for a system, potential agreements related to a project with a stated percentage (27.39%), and community announcements regarding a free meal at a local church.

The City Council meeting covered several agenda items including the approval of payments and claims. A discussion took place regarding licenses and permits, specifically the approval of a gaming license for the Why Eagles Cycle Club to host a bingo event. Another significant topic involved current ordinances concerning predatory animals like coyotes, where it was noted that the city currently lacks specific pest control for animals entering city limits, relying solely on the dog catcher for loose dogs. New business included the consideration of Resolution 22307 to accept a $500 donation from the American Legion Post 33 for Meadowlark projects, specifically for smoothing an existing trail. The council also addressed Resolution 2.308 regarding excess properties, proposing a public sale of miscellaneous surplus items such as shelving, desks, and cabinets recovered from city hall moves. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the selection of a date for the annual fireworks display, considering options like moving it to enhance Railroad Days or contributing funds to the County Fair fireworks, due to staffing shortages making the traditional Fourth of July date difficult to secure with the current vendor who requires a minimum expenditure of $10,000. The fireworks selection was tabled to allow for further investigation into alternative arrangements. The topic of moving operations to the new City Hall was also mentioned, noting that staff is working on preparations for an open house.

The City Council meeting commenced with a moment of silence for the unexpected passing of a community member. Key discussions included the approval of consent items, which involved potential decisions regarding permits requiring insurance and license verification, and a resolution accepting a financial gift of five hundred dollars from BMW. A resolution was proposed to advocate for increased local governing funding, aiming for a level closer to 2002 funding benchmarks. Discussions also addressed the forgiveness of penalties on late utility bills for Mayo Clinic, identifying three separate entities billed at that location, and potential clerical errors causing these issues. Other significant topics involved the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board's review of water rental rates and changes to the waiver form, including discussions on deposits, operating hours, and liability waivers for rentals like kayaks. Furthermore, the council addressed the annual water quality report presentation, noting continued compliance with state and federal regulations, and potential future costs associated with elevated chloride levels in the water, necessitating engineering solutions or lobbying for revised permit requirements. Other items included discussions on an Eagle Scout project involving a new stand and fencing, concerns regarding traffic increases and safety due to detours affecting residential streets, and the status of commercial property tax valuations and the Board of Equalization meeting schedule. Finally, planning for future activities such as a City Council workshop on non-revenue projects and discussions regarding the "Hot Dog Days" event were mentioned.