Jack D. Linehan

The Commission discussed the rebranding effort, focusing on core values such as community engagement and collaborative efforts. Discussions also included the development of a pilot listening session proposal to gather qualitative community data and enhance engagement strategies. Other topics included the scheduling of an Every Meal volunteer event, planning activities and resources for the upcoming Spring Together event, and the formation of a Community Advisory Committee for the Les Bolstad Golf Course redevelopment project. Additionally, a report from the Council Liaison was provided regarding local government and legislative priorities.

The agenda for the City Council meeting included several key items for action. Consent agenda items covered the surplus declaration of specific Public Works machinery (Wacker Neutson RD12 Asphalt Roller and 350DX Energy Absorption Trailer) for sale via auction, reappointment of Jake Anderson to the Planning Commission, reclassification of the Assistant Finance Director to Finance Director position (Grade 7), appointment of Alyssa Landberg as Finance Director, and awarding contracts for Sanitary Sewer Televising and online code hosting services. Policy items included consideration of an Ordinance amending Chapter 2 concerning Stewardship of Community Resources and the approval of a resolution to join the Nonpartisan Coalition of Cities for Safe and Stable Communities. The agenda also contained items for future discussion from the February 11th and February 25th meetings, such as legislative priorities and the towing reimbursement policy.

The Environment Commission agenda for the March 9, 2026 meeting included discussions on the Lawn & Garden Tours, an update on the Sustainability Fair with volunteer sign-ups, the formation of a Climate Action Plan/Energy Action Plan Implementation Subcommittee, and community input regarding the Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment. The document also contains minutes from previous meetings, including a Regular Meeting on January 12, 2026, and a Joint Meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission on February 2, 2026. Key topics from the prior meetings involved officer elections and adoption of Standing Rules, reviewing the Climate Action Plan progress, discussing a potential partnership with the Minnesota State Fair on a sustainability project, and discussing expanding community garden plots and associated costs for infrastructure like a water line at Curtiss Field.

The key discussions during the meeting included the nomination and approval of the 2026 slate of officers, resulting in Jacob Brooks as Chair, Jake Anderson as Vice Chair, and Rick Seifert as Secretary. The Commission also adopted the Standing Rules, which included revisions to the application process for commission vacancies, attendance/stipend procedures, and public hearing protocol guidance. New business covered informational updates on the 2026 meeting schedule. Discussions regarding 2026 projects included anticipated updates on the Larpenteur Senior Housing project (transfer to Velair Development) and the Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment, where the Commission will have involvement in future zoning and PUD approvals. Commissioners also shared feedback from a recent Transition Towns meeting.

The agenda for the meeting included a discussion on the 2026 City Events, programming discussions, matters concerning second plot requests for the Community Garden, and appointments to the Community Advisory Committee. The document also contains the minutes from a prior joint meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Environment Commission held on February 2, 2026. Key topics from the joint meeting included fostering partnership and discussing common goals, specifically the expansion of community garden plots, noting that a lottery system would be used for open plots. Discussions also covered the vision for Phase 2 renovations at Community Park, focusing on the basketball court and potential amenities. Related documents detail the 2026 City Events planning, the status of the summer programming scholarship initiative, the process for second community garden plot requests, and the formation and representation for the Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Community Advisory Committee (CAC).