Evan Acosta

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by local cub and boy scouts. The council approved the agenda after removing item 4H, which concerned a purchase order with Weber Recreational Design, deferring it to the next meeting. The audience participation segment yielded no speakers. The consent agenda was approved with a single motion. Key regular agenda items included the introduction and oath of office for two new police officers, Christa Ericson and Royce Funvong, who were welcomed to the department and community. The council then considered an ordinance amendment (PD290 zone 4) to exempt cannabis retailers from special use setback buffer requirements; following staff recommendation for denial and the applicant's presentation detailing his situation, the council voted to deny the amendment, maintaining existing zoning regulations. Finally, the council began the presentation and discussion regarding the 2026 City Budget and Property Tax Levy adoption.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda. Audience participation included a presentation from the Executive Director of the Open Door regarding a food drive and hunger relief efforts in Dakota County. Key business items included the proclamation of February 7th, 2026, as Apple Valley Midwinterfest, which will feature activities like a hockey jamboree, outdoor events, and a medallion hunt. The Council also held a public hearing and approved the annual renewal of on-sale liquor, wine, and 3.2% malt liquor licenses for 2026. Additionally, the Council addressed a sign setback variance request for Christ Church, approving both the 5-ft setback variance and an encroachment agreement to allow the new sign within a drainage and utility easement. The meeting concluded with staff and council communications, including recognition of public works and park staff for snow removal efforts, followed by a motion to enter executive session for labor negotiations.

This document details the City of Apple Valley's 2026 Pay and Benefit Plan. It outlines approved changes to pay scales and benefits for full-time, part-time, casual employees, elected officials, and paid-on-call firefighters. Key components include percentage-based pay adjustments, updates to minimum wage and classification, car and snow operations stipends, and modifications to group insurance contributions, including Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) funding. The plan also addresses salary assignment, adjustment policies, and a commitment to comparable worth.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda. The primary focus during the audience participation segment was public comment opposing the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, specifically concerning the proposed data center for Artificial Intelligence (AI) purposes. Residents voiced significant concerns regarding job creation, massive consumption of electricity and water resources, negative impact on utility costs and home values due to noise/perception, and the ethical implications of supporting rapid AI deployment that displaces workers. Public speakers urged the Council to temporarily ban data center construction to allow time for developing effective regulations, including mandates on industrial zone placement and utility consumption. Council members clarified that the process has been ongoing for over a year, including a unanimous recommendation from the Planning Commission to reject the proposal, and noted that a formal decision regarding the Comprehensive Plan amendment is constrained by state deadlines, potentially requiring action at the next meeting. The Council members also reassured the public that they are taking comments into consideration.

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items. The primary discussion centered on agenda item 4A: consideration of an Economic Development Authority resolution of support for the allocation of pool TIF funds to Real Estate Equities for the Gaslight site, a 3.1-acre property intended for a 144-unit apartment project. A significant financing gap of $4 million was identified, attributed to prevailing wage requirements, unique design necessitated by a sanitary sewer easement restriction (resulting in a non-connected building design), and changes to affordability levels to include deeper AMI units. The authority discussed the role of the cursory review provided by Northwind Finance and the role of the Dakota County CDA in the final allocation decision. The board ultimately voted in favor of adopting the resolution of support.