Lindsey Dhaene

The key discussion topics for the meeting include administering Oaths of Office to new Commissioners Jack Roberts and Newell Krogmann. The agenda also features a review and potential update to the Building Development Policy concerning hangar identification numbers, and consideration of a draft lease document for City-owned hangars.

This document outlines the City Council's adopted goals and staff priorities for the 2024-2025 biennium. It encompasses evaluating the city's emergency action plan and personnel policies, reviewing police department policies, arranging joint meetings with the school district for community goal alignment, exploring electric service territory acquisition, developing a stormwater management plan, pursuing park improvements, and investigating a multi-year environmental sustainability plan. These efforts are guided by long-term goals of fiscal responsibility, customer service, and future planning, and align with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan's focus areas of land use, infrastructure, transportation, parks, economic development, and housing. The plan aims to provide a living priority list of projects and efforts for the city.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. A mandatory public hearing was held concerning Ordinance 618, which amends Chapters 52 and 112 of the City Code regarding water utilities; the hearing concluded without public comment. The consent agenda included the approval of disbursements through January 26, 2026, payment application 2 for the Airport Hangar Project, approval of a resolution for Lawful Gambling related to Bulldog Youth Hockey Association, and a personnel action for a temporary police officer. Under the City Administrator Report, vacancies on various commissions were noted, and updates were provided on the Le Sueur Volunteer Chamber and the Le Sueur Heritage Trail. The Police Chief addressed the council regarding contact with Homeland Security agents concerning federal investigation activities. The regular agenda covered several items concurrently: the approval of a minor subdivision application and the first reading of Ordinance 619 related to a Miller Homes Planned Unit Development request, which sought flexibility in lot width standards for three single-family homes. The council also adopted Resolution R2026-007, approving the annual update to the city's electric utility cogeneration and small power production tariff schedules. The 2025 Pay Equity Report was presented, noting potential compliance concerns requiring work with Minnesota Management and Budget. Approval was granted for Work Order #4 with SEH for the Airfield Lighting Replacement project at the municipal airport, eligible for significant federal funding. Finally, the council waived the second reading of Ordinance 618 and approved Resolution R2026-006 to publish a summary of that ordinance.

The City Council meeting included several key items. The Planning Commission Chairman presented the annual review, noting that the commission is looking to fill one vacancy. A public hearing was held regarding the vacation of a blanket electric easement in the area of Turril Street and Elmwood Avenue, which was closed without public comment. The Council approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 619 to allow for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Miller Homes to build three single-family homes, along with the associated resolution for summary publication. Resolution R2026-008 was adopted to approve the vacation of the public utility easement at Turril and Elmwood. Resolution R2026-010 approving the minor subdivision for Miller Homes was also adopted. Ordinance 616, which amends the City Charter concerning election related petitions, had its second reading waived after clarification from legal counsel, and a summary publication resolution was approved. Additionally, the Council authorized staff to sign a purchase agreement via Resolution R2026-012 for land acquisition for runway expansion, where the FAA and MnDOT will cover 97.5% of the cost. Resolution R2026-009 was approved to terminate a 2007 tax abatement agreement with Le Sueur County and adopt a modified joint powers agreement for remaining funds. Finally, the Planning Commission Policy and Procedure Manual for 2026 was adopted without recommended changes.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting covers the 2026 Assessments and Budget Overview, followed by the Fire Chief's Report. The Chief's report is expected to include a summary of 2025 calls, YTD status, updates on the grass rig and FEMA radio grant, utilization of funds from golf and calendar fundraising for equipment purchases (airbags and struts), and details regarding Fire Chief Steve Breaker's retirement after 20 years of service. The meeting date for the subsequent gathering is also scheduled.