Grant MacFarlane

During the open forum segment, representatives from the Forest Lake Hockey Association requested consideration for using the outdoor rink for organized practices due to a severe shortage of ice time, and also requested an amendment to city ordinance to allow up to two charitable organizations per establishment for charitable gambling purposes. The council acknowledged these requests for future consideration. The council proceeded with approving the minutes of the December 2nd, 2025, regular meeting and approved the consent agenda items. A presentation was provided on the Wyoming Library Extended Access Project, noting that beta testing is anticipated to commence on January 5th, 2026. New business included the consideration of a resolution to establish surface water rates for 2026 through 2030 based on a rate study, recommending a 2.6% annual increase to meet financial policies, and comparisons showed current and proposed rates are significantly below neighboring communities.

This document outlines a year-round learning and messaging plan for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) education and outreach for the City of Wyoming, Minnesota. The plan serves as a resource for Minimum Control Measure 1 (Public Education and Outreach) of the city's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program, presenting monthly topics tailored to each season. Key focus areas include household hazardous waste, adopt-a-drain initiatives, illicit discharge detection, rain gardens and native planting, responsible lawn care, pet waste management, residential car washing, waste and microplastics reduction, street sweeping, leaf management and composting, smart salt practices, and general winter pollution prevention. The objective is to educate residents on stormwater management and promote best practices for water quality protection.

The regular city council meeting involved an open forum period, although no members of the public addressed the council. Key discussions focused on the 2026 street improvement project, which includes milling and overlay of the pavement surface, spot curb and gutter replacement, adjusting manholes, and fixing minor drainage issues. The presentation detailed the project locations and a tentative schedule aiming for bid opening in April and construction beginning after school season concludes, culminating in an assessment hearing in the fall of 2026. Council members also discussed the inclusion of off-road trail and sidewalk improvements, noting concerns regarding property fences located on city property that might need relocation for construction access. The financial structure, requiring 20% of surface and drainage improvement costs to be assessed to property owners based on a unit basis, was explained, along with the statutory appeal process for assessments.

The city council meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and the confirmation of a quorum. Key agenda items included the approval of the minutes from the January 20th, 2026 regular meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing and subsequent council discussion regarding Resolution 260217, which pertained to vacating a drainage utility easement between two properties owned by the same applicant to facilitate the construction of a dwelling. The council also discussed and approved Resolution 260220, an interim conditional use permit for a cannabis micro business at 7745 Wyoming Trail. Discussions around the cannabis business addressed site characteristics, adherence to ordinance standards (including odor, lighting, and water use), employee count (up to six potentially during peak times), and fencing requirements, settling on a six-foot privacy fence. The consent agenda items (3 through 7) were approved in bulk.

The meeting covered several annual agenda items, including designating the official newspaper for 2026 (Chicago County Press was favored over the Forest Lake Times), setting the annual fee schedule for 2026 city services, and adopting the electronic fund transfer resolution for claims. The Council reviewed and approved appointments to various boards and commissions for 2026, with a nomination made to appoint Member Luger as Acting Mayor in the Mayor's absence. Additionally, the Council established the 2026 regular meeting schedule and the 2027 budget calendar. New business included considering the final plot approval for Summerfield's Fourth Edition subdivision.