Heidi Carey

The meeting commenced with an Open Forum where residents discussed a recent fire incident and the progress of the new fire station. A Wright County Commissioner provided updates on compost equipment sharing, legislative priorities, and challenges with outdated DHS software systems. The agenda was amended to move the approval of the December 8, 2025, minutes for further discussion and to add 2026 Goal Setting items. The consent agenda was approved, covering claims, various pay applications for capital projects (Wellhouse 4 Treatment Improvements, Cold Storage Facility, Odean Avenue Watermain), adoption of resolutions designating an official newspaper and depositories, acceptance of the Wellhead Protection Plan Annual Report, authorization for LMC Grant Navigator Support, extension of final plat approval for Meadows of Otsego 2nd Addition, and imposing civil penalties for failed alcohol compliance checks. During the annual business segment, Corey Tanner was appointed Acting Mayor, and various liaisons and committee assignments for 2026 were approved. The amended December 8, 2025, minutes were approved. Direction was given for scheduling the 2026 Goal Setting meeting. The council scheduled a Special City Council meeting for February 12, 2026, for Advisory Commission Interviews and an Economic Development Authority meeting for February 9, 2026. Updates were received regarding Advisory Commission applications, alcohol compliance checks, upcoming Planning Commission reviews, and current police activities including drone usage and service call increases. The meeting adjourned shortly after 7:48 PM.

The meeting included an Open Forum where residents raised significant concerns regarding fire safety, response times, the lack of a dedicated municipal fire department, noise/lighting from R&L Trucking, and ongoing construction issues at Coborns. The Council approved the amended agenda, which moved items related to the Fire and Emergency Services Facility Project pay application and the 2026 Pay Plans for separate discussion. Key actions included the adoption of the 2026 Fee Schedule via Ordinance 2025-12 after a public hearing. The Interim Fire Chief provided an update on inter-agency relationships, the need for a staffed station to improve response times and ISO rating, and ongoing negotiations with contracted fire departments, including the existing agreement with Elk River. Following discussion, two Council members were appointed to liaise on fire matters. Furthermore, the Council adopted the 2026 Annual Operating Budgets, set the Final Property Tax Levy for Payable 2026, and adopted the 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan. The Pay Application #12 for the Fire & Emergency Services Facility Project was approved despite opposition citing current contract cost-effectiveness. Finally, the City Council voted to cancel the subsequent meeting scheduled for December 22, 2025.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Key new business included a review of the Capital Improvement Plan, during which the commissioners discussed trail maintenance and renewal, receiving clarity on the location and terrain of Ebner Landing. The Director provided details on various funding sources and the commissioners emphasized the significance of the larger amenities in Prairie Park Phase 1 and the need for safe, convenient trail connections. Updates were also provided by the Parks and Recreation Director, the Recreation Programmer, and a City Council Member.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the Otsego Meadows 3rd Addition project. The commission recommended approval of the preliminary plat subject to sixteen specified conditions. A second public hearing addressed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan concerning the Urban Service Staging Plan, Interim Land Use Plan, and Transportation Plan, as well as amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, with a recommendation for City Council approval. The session concluded with updates on recent City Council actions and upcoming planning items.

The meeting agenda covered several items related to park improvements and updates. Unfinished business included discussions on Lily Pond Park Improvements, focusing on confirming the project budget, alternates (zipline, walking trail, removals, plantings), and selecting a playground vendor from Midwest Playscapes or Northland Recreation. The cost estimates for the base bid and alternates for Lily Pond Park were reviewed against the target budget. New business centered on obtaining Parks and Recreation Commission support to proceed with the 2026 Minnesota DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant application for Prairie Park Phase 1, which aims to secure up to $500,000 in funding, including engaging HKGi for grant writing assistance. The agenda also noted the approval of the November 18, 2025, meeting minutes as a preceding action item.