Janice Brandt

The commission reviewed a site plan and dimensional flexibility request for a proposed assisted living and memory care facility, Sweet Senior Living, located at 72596th Avenue. Discussions focused on the reduction of required parking spaces from 38 to 24 due to the nature of the facility, the inclusion of a carriage house for maintenance storage, landscape and wetland preservation requirements, and a condition regarding a sidewalk extension along 96th Avenue. The commission voted to recommend approval for both the site plan and the associated parking flexibility request.

The discussions covered actions from two City Council meetings held in January 2026: January 6th and January 20th. The January 6th meeting focused on organizational matters for the year, including assigning roles for minutes, ordinance publication, and representatives for various commissions and boards such as the North Metro Mayors organization and the Joint Law Enforcement Council. Key actions included adopting a resolution to authorize solicitation for state legislative approval to hold a referendum on a local option sales tax, intended to fund a $30 million necessary remodel of the police department (including locker space and evidence room upgrades) and potentially the construction of a community center. It was noted that approximately 50% of the sales tax funding would come from outside the community. Council also adopted a resolution regarding limited cleanup and property damage protection for sewer backups, emphasizing the need for residents to secure private sewer backup insurance. The January 20th meeting included a presentation regarding the upcoming annual Snowflake Days celebration, which introduced the 2026 marquee recipient and recognized the royal ambassadors for their community service hours. Council also approved plans and specifications for 2026 full depth reclamation and mill and overlay road projects, distinct from the annual street reconstruction. Finally, the council approved the 2026-2027 labor agreement with the police officer bargaining units, noting the need to maintain competitive wages due to current scarcity in police staffing.

The Council conducted Oaths of Office for police officers and addressed various consent agenda items, including setting hearing dates for assessments, final payments for street reconstruction, agreements for criminal prosecution services and utility easements, and the approval of gambling permits. Additionally, the Council approved agreements for street maintenance activities and resolutions regarding the reallocation of the general fund, transfer of funds, trail reconstruction plans, and a grant application. A purchase agreement for 9XX 93rd Ave NW was also approved. Public comments addressed federal regulations on Ethylene Oxide, ICE activity, and support for local law enforcement, while reports included feedback on federal law enforcement questions and recognitions of local students and snow removal efforts.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Troop 5415. Key actions included the adoption of the agenda and the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on February 17, 2026. The Consent Agenda items approved covered receiving the 2025 Year End Gambling Expenditure Report, receiving the Schedule of Electronic Payments, approving Historical Commission Appointments via Resolution 26-33, and approving the final payment to Cedar Creek Energy for a solar project at the West Water Treatment Plant. Under bid openings, Resolution 26-2(9) was adopted to accept the bid and award the contract for the 2026 Full Depth Reclamation and Mill & Overlay Project. New Business involved receiving the 2025 Community Development Annual Report, approving a PUD Amendment for Crecent Ponds (The Fountains Homeowners Association), receiving a Lawful Gambling Report and authorizing a payment to the Community Strength Foundation, and adopting Resolution 26-34 calling the Bonds of 2017A. Public comment included concerns regarding ICE activity, which was followed by a formal response read by the Mayor.

The Council received the 2025 Year-End Gambling Expenditures Report and the 2025 Community Development Annual Report. Actions taken included approving Historical Commission appointments, authorizing the final payment for a solar energy project, and awarding a contract for a full-depth reclamation and mill and overlay project. The Council further approved a Planned Unit Development amendment for Crescent Ponds, authorized lawful gambling payments to the Community Strength Foundation, and adopted a resolution for the redemption of 2017A improvement bonds. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comments regarding federal immigration enforcement activity and community safety concerns, while upcoming community events such as the North Suburban Home Show and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Open House were announced.