Dawn Bacon

The meeting convened with a pledge of allegiance and a roll call establishing a quorum. Key discussions focused on three public hearings. The first involved authorizing several alleys for blacktopping in 2026, including a discussion on homeowner responsibilities and costs, which was subsequently approved. The second public hearing concerned the resolution to approve the 2026 to 2030 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan and Action Plan for submission to HUD, which was also approved. The third public hearing addressed the vacation and discontinuation of a specific alley, which passed. Additionally, the Chief Fire Chief presented design and cost estimates for the new fire hall replacement project, noting the estimate was slightly over budget, with a strategy involving bidding alternates and maximizing bidder participation in February to mitigate costs. The presentation also detailed project inclusions, exclusions (such as geothermal considerations and costs related to the existing fire station), and the projected operational date of June 2027. Following the presentation, there was a detailed inquiry regarding change order and scope addition procedures during construction and liability for errors in design documents.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Initial discussions focused on procedural changes for public comment sign-up. A significant announcement detailed the upcoming public release of the final report from OIR regarding the investigation into the police department, scheduled for a special public safety meeting on Thursday. The Council is currently reviewing the report with legal and HR departments to determine necessary redactions, aiming for maximum transparency. The Human Resources Committee reported on ongoing police union negotiations and the approval of several new job descriptions in revised formats, noting that the substantial positions of Chief Building Inspector and Public Works Director were held for the next meeting to allow full committee input. The Public Works Committee reported on two key items: a resolution to expand bus service into Billings Park and South Superior, increasing frequency on existing routes, contingent upon funding and driver availability; and an agreement with BNSF Railway to cover half the local match for a grant planning a viaduct over the 28th Street BNSF rail yard. The expansion of bus service involves extending Route 110 service and introducing a new Route 211, which will increase frequency to half-hour service on the East End corridor.

The Common Council meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and roll call confirming a quorum. Key discussions included the Mayor's report on Superior Days preparations, noting the hotel block deadline, and the official announcement of Deb Williams' appointment as Human Resource Director, effective April 6, 2026, succeeding the retiring director. The Licenses and Fees Committee reported no business. The Public Safety Committee reported on police progress toward staffing goals, community engagement, and a new backup communication system, noting declines in property crimes but an uptick in domestic violence calls. The Fire Department reported on its 2025 call volume, community programs like Toys for Tots, preparations for a new electric engine, and training for an Advanced EMT program. New business included the committee's approval of a two-way stop installation at Oaks Avenue and 19th Street. The Communications and Information Technology Committee reported on the Connect Superior network, focusing on transitioning from launch to growth phase. They approved the 2026 budget, which maintained stable residential pricing while introducing a 2 gig symmetrical option and reducing commercial pricing to attract business users. Amendments to wholesale broadband service agreements with internet providers were also recommended, and Phase Two of the fiber buildout was advanced, selecting Kramer Service Group for construction.

The committee meeting agenda covered several items, including old business concerning the Lead Service Line Replacement Ordinance referred from the City Council. New business involved discussions on the Stormwater Permit Annual Report, recommendations for purchasing playground structures for Hammond Park and garbage carts while waiving bidding requirements, and reporting on 2025 fleet vehicle auction removals with a request to sell surplus vehicles in 2026. Several intersection and avenue concerns were also scheduled for discussion, including streetlight and pedestrian crossing issues at North 51st Street and Hammond Avenue, and at North 40th Street and Tower Avenue, as well as a railroad crossing sidewalk connection at 22nd Avenue East. Recurring business included updates from the ESD Director and the Director, and confirmation of the next meeting date.

The agenda for the Public Art Commission meeting includes the approval of minutes from the August 20th, 2025 meeting. Old business focuses on grant applications for award consideration, specifically reviewing the "Our Stories: A Local Queer History Activity Book" request for $7,000. New business items cover the review of SPAG Grant Language and an update on ArtPOP. Recurring business addresses updates from previous grant recipients and a review of financials.