April Larson

Key discussions during the work session included a presentation from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regarding contamination at 610 Webster Avenue, estimating remediation costs up to $8.6 million for the 215,000 tons of waste material. The Council discussed potential redevelopment limitations and cleanup estimates, which were stated to be between $7 and $12 million. A review of preliminary architectural and interior design elements for the proposed Public Works Building took place, although questions arose regarding prior approval and requested cost comparisons for maintenance. A progress report was given on the swim facility design, noting that FEMA review of the disaster fund request is pending. Finally, the Council discussed proposed changes to commercial seasonal patio hours, ultimately determining not to proceed with extending the current six-month period.

The regular meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and subsequent amendments to the minutes from the January 5, 2026, meeting. A public hearing was held regarding modifying the Tax Increment Financing Plan for District No. 2-1 to authorize additional business subsidy and execution of a development agreement for a 60,000-square-foot warehouse expansion, increasing the total subsidy up to $1.66 million. Public comments focused on the proposed Public Works Building and tax concerns. The consent agenda included approval of bills, donations, amendments to a resolution concerning water and soil resources, and permits for a temporary liquor license and a parade. Business items included the adoption of the resolution modifying the TIF plan, authorizing the preparation of a preliminary engineering report for a new street in the Northport Industrial Park (estimated cost $1,265,000), approving the advancement of Municipal State Aid Funds for major roadway projects ($1,977,223 total), and receiving the preliminary engineering report for the Marie Lane Lift Station and Forcemain Improvement ($1,610,000 estimated cost). Two resolutions related to the 2026 Legislative Session, one concerning policy direction and another supporting authority to increase a local sales tax to fund capital improvements, failed to pass. Staff provided an update on the Police Department's interaction protocols with ICE activity.

This document outlines the 2025 North Mankato Parks Plan Update, serving as a comprehensive roadmap for the city's park system from 2025 to 2035. The plan provides a thorough analysis of existing parks, communicates capital needs through a 10-year improvement plan, and details strategies for system expansion based on population growth and current development trends. Key focus areas include enhancing environmental sustainability, improving facility coordination and capacity, promoting public input, ensuring park comfort and safety, and strengthening the trail system to foster community well-being and align with the city's Climate Action Plan goals.

The regular City Council meeting included multiple public hearings. The first hearing concerned the establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 2-3 to support Benesch Properties LLC's construction of a commercial building for Advanced Psychological Services, involving a pay-as-you-go TIF plan. The second hearing addressed the Belgrade Avenue Improvement Project, detailing plans to convert the street to three lanes, widen sidewalks, upgrade lighting, and improve streetscaping, with total estimated costs exceeding $3 million. The third hearing was for Truth in Taxation, where the proposed 2026 preliminary levy increase of 6.72% and the resulting impact on property taxes were presented for public input. Business items included the formal adoption of the TIF District resolution, ordering improvements for the Belgrade Avenue Project, and ordering plans and specifications for the Spring Lake Swim Facility Improvement Project. The Council also approved the Consent Agenda, which covered bills, appropriations, donations, license renewals, and a Joint Powers Agreement for the Drug Task Force.

The regular meeting included the approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous Council Meeting and Work Session held on December 15, 2025. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a Public Hearing regarding the proposed adoption of an Ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds by the North Mankato Port Authority Commission, up to $27,000,000, to finance the construction of a Public Works Facility. Concerns were raised by residents regarding the use of the Port Authority as a financing vehicle and the debt impact. The Council subsequently adopted Ordinance No. 195 authorizing the bond issuance. The Council also adopted a resolution to submit, adopt, and implement the Minnesota River-Mankato Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. Additionally, resolutions were passed ordering the preparation of a Preliminary Engineering Report for the Marie Lane Lift Station and Forcemain Improvement Project, and authorizing an application to the Federal EDA for a 2025-Disaster Grant for infrastructure improvements following 2024 flooding. The Consent Agenda covered various items including bills, appropriations, resolutions for reimbursements and official designations, and the authorization to execute multiple labor agreements for various employee locals for the 2026-2027 period.