Gayle Bauman

The council meeting agenda and proceedings covered a wide range of topics, including the recruitment process for a police intern, the appointment of a new member to the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission, and the approval of separation compensation for a staff member. Public hearings were scheduled to discuss ordinances regarding affordable housing, tenant protection, vacant building regulations, rental dwelling licensing, and fee schedules. Additionally, the council reviewed resolutions concerning economic development agency participation, public works office improvements, and project closeouts. Previous discussions involved the regulation of municipal public property, rezoning of residential property, and city reports on community events, infrastructure projects, and departmental operations.

The City Council Meeting Agenda for March 9, 2026, included several items carried over or addressed in the preceding February 23, 2026, Regular Meeting Proceedings. Key discussions involved the rezoning of property at 7687 Long Lake Road from R-1 to PUD for a proposed memory care and assisted living facility, which required preliminary plat and comprehensive plan amendments. The Council also approved an ordinance amending the City Charter regarding elected office vacancies. Significant time was spent discussing financial support for the Manna Market food shelf, including authorizing funding through the end of 2026 with an approved end date. Additionally, the Council addressed stewardship of municipal resources concerning federal immigration enforcement activities, approved the purchase pre-order for a replacement dump truck, and passed a resolution to join the For Safe and Stable Communities Coalition. Other business included approving roof repairs for the Groveland Park building and discussing staff reports on future projects, community events, and department activities.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, excluding the minutes from January 26, 2026, which were approved separately after a requested amendment regarding the speaker attribution. A special order of business involved adopting a resolution expressing appreciation and presenting an award to Cindy Palm for her service on the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. During public comment, residents raised concerns regarding potential immigration enforcement ordinances, golf cart regulations, and the use of City tax dollars for nonprofit food assistance programs. Council business included approving a Class A Restaurant License and On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for El Novillo Alegre LLC after a brief public hearing. The Council also delegated the administration of Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) Funds to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and held the first reading and introduced an Ordinance amending the City Charter regarding vacancies in elected office. Finally, the Council approved transfers between funds for 2025. Council members reported on various community events, including the Daddy Daughter Dance, League of Minnesota Cities training, and ongoing food distribution events. Staff presented options regarding immigration enforcement, leading to a consensus to direct staff to prepare an anti-staging ordinance affecting all City properties, although police leadership expressed reservations regarding enforcement and potential conflict.

The City Council agenda for the meeting scheduled for February 23, 2026, included several key items. The consent agenda covered the approval of minutes from February 9, 2026, claims, and a resolution approving a subscription renewal for Flock Services, including License Plate Readers. Special order of business involved the 2025 Tubman Annual Report and the 2025 MVPD Annual Report. Council business featured the second reading and approval of Ordinance 1050 regarding vacancies in elected office. Additionally, matters concerning an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Map Amendment, and Subdivision Request for 7687 Long Lake Road were addressed, along with resolutions for roof repairs at Groveland Park Building, purchasing a replacement dump truck, stewardship of municipal resources, Manna Market Food Shelf Support, and Safe and Stable Communities funding.

The work session involved a consensus-based discussion on selecting the 2025 Citizen of the Year, evaluating funding recommendations from the GOAL committee for the Park Master Plan, reviewing public works asset management software, discussing city branding and logo usage, and planning for a residential survey conducted by the Morris Leatherman Company.