City of Vadnais Heights

The agenda for this regular meeting included several items presented for approval under the Consent Agenda. These items included approving claims, a US Bank payment, a gambling application from VHEDC, hiring a Public Service Worker III, authorizing interviews for a Public Service Worker I pool, accepting donations, approving the purchase of a large-area mower (CIP purchase), approving a Loan Administrator Agreement, and approving a permanent easement acquisition for Street Improvement Project 2026-01. New Business included considering revisions to the Home Improvement Loan Program, approving inclusion in the Cities For Safe And Stable Communities Coalition, and approving a Goal Setting Agreement and Work Plan from Dave Unmacht. The council also received reports from committees and commissions.

The meeting agenda included several key administrative and planning items for 2026, such as reviewing the Commission Charter and City Code, selecting the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary for 2026, updating commission membership, adopting the process for payment of commission stipends for 2026, establishing a Speaker/Presentation Schedule, and reviewing City Council Assignments. There was also discussion regarding Federal Enforcement in Vadnais Heights. Recurring reports covered updates from the City Administrator, Council Liaison, Allina Health, and Staff Report. The agenda for the February 25, 2026, meeting was set.

The meeting was designated as a Regular Workshop Meeting focused on information gathering and providing guidance to staff on particular topics. The main agenda item involved commission interviews to fill vacancies on the Planning, Park, Recreation, & Trails, and Health & Public Safety advisory commissions. Specific time slots were scheduled for interviews with applicants for positions on these commissions.

Key discussions included an update on the Food Forest initiative, where volunteers are developing a planting list and signage in partnership with the Natural Resource Specialist. The commission also reviewed water recreation opportunities on local lakes following a City Council request. Following an assessment of West Vadnais Lake conditions (shallow depth, limited fishing), the consensus was to recommend against pursuing water recreation activities there until aquatic health and vegetation issues are addressed. The potential for recreation on Sucker Lake, including storage and rentals, was noted for presentation at a future City Council Workshop. Commission updates covered the presentation of 5-year CIP recommendations to the City Council, interest in a splashpad at Berwood, and an inquiry regarding tree order placement deadlines for the spring.

The agenda for this regular meeting included approval of claims, a US Bank payment, and acceptance of minutes from previous workshop and regular council meetings held in January 2026. Key actions involved authorizing Terra Construction to issue a Request for Qualifications for Subcontractor Prequalifications, approving a Public Outdoor Event for the Fast Half event, approving a gambling application from North Metro Longbeards, approving payments for Ramsey County Construction Projects, and approving the auction of surplus AV equipment. Additionally, the Council considered accepting a donation for shredding services at the 2026 Clean-Up Day and approving a SafeAssure Agreement. In New Business, the Council planned to act on Ordinance 793 regarding Council Compensation for 2026. Old Business included approving final plans for Street Improvements Project 2026-01 and authorizing the advertisement of bids, adopting a No-Parking Resolution, and approving a Change Order from Castle Rock.