Jason Ellering

The council meeting included swearing in new councilpersons, discussing a conditional use permit amendment for Bridge Recovery LLC/Journey Home, and considering the potential undergrounding of power lines. They also discussed staff and council member attendance at the 2023 EDAM Winter Conference and Ehlers Annual Conference, increasing compensation for Rock the Riverside artists and production consultants, and approving plumbing and mechanical contractor licenses for 2023. Additionally, there were discussions on overlay improvements, the city's proposed budget and property tax levy for 2023, and changes to the fee schedule.

The Sauk Rapids City Council held a special budget meeting to discuss the 2018 budget. Key items on the agenda included a budget workshop, review of debt service fund budgets, and a first draft of the 2018 General Fund Budget. The council considered options for additional staffing requests from the Police Chief, Public Works Director, and Utilities Director, including the potential for adding staff starting in April 2018. The meeting also covered levy details and analysis, building development revenue history, and contribution requests from various organizations. The council was asked to direct staff on the 2018 budget, preliminary levy, and estimate of future hires.

The agenda included a public hearing to consider approval of assessment rolls, annual resolution designating polling places, approving attendance to the 2023 MN State Fire Officer's School and the 2023 Annual Institute for Building Officials, and a Safe Routes to School Support Resolution. Also discussed was the Cummings Care Center, DBA P Hugh LLC. Planned Unit Development One-Year Review, and list of bills and claims.

The 2040 Comprehensive Plan for Sauk Rapids, MN, outlines the community's vision for the next twenty years, focusing on managing development, conserving natural resources, and fostering economic opportunity. Key goals include ensuring sustainable and resilient growth, supporting diversity and equitable outcomes, and enhancing the quality of neighborhoods and recreational opportunities. The plan emphasizes a multi-faceted approach, integrating land use, transportation, economic development, housing, infrastructure, parks, and natural resources to create a vibrant and sustainable community.

The meeting included a presentation on the regional beltline roadway project, discussion on the creation of a Local Housing Trust Fund, an update on the Independent Audit Report for the Sauk Rapids Police Department's Portable Recording System, and a discussion on the Mayhew Creek Partnership with Sauk Rapids-Rice School District. The council agreed to move forward in its partnership with the School District and exploring some type of indoor community space.