Mark DuChene

The City Council meeting commenced with a roll call and the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the presentation of the Values and Action Award winners for quarter one across categories such as honesty, respect, dedication, visionary, and accountability, involving various city divisions and employees. A significant discussion involved a request for a comprehensive plan and zoning map amendment for Jailhouse Junction LLC, proposing to change the property's land use from institutional to commercial (P1 to C3 zoning) due to its location along Highway 60 and proximity to the interstate interchange. The council approved the necessary resolutions and ordinances following staff recommendations. The administrator provided an update regarding an upcoming Council Chat event focusing on feedback related to housing, environment, and employment.

The Planning Commission meeting included the approval of previous minutes from December 1. The primary agenda item was a public hearing concerning the Jailhouse Junction LLC proposal, which involved two action items: a comprehensive plan amendment and a zoning map amendment, aiming to change the zoning to C3 to align with surrounding commercial node properties along Highway 60. The commission proceeded with discussions and motions to approve both the comprehensive plan amendment and the forwarding of the zoning ordinance to the city council for approval. Following the conclusion of public hearings, routine business items were addressed, and the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from the November 3rd meeting. The primary public hearing focused on the final plat approval for the Jazzy First Edition development, involving combining two lots located at 801 4th Street Northwest to facilitate redevelopment, noting the need for DNR sign-off and confirming the absence of hidden easements via a title report. Subsequent discussion involved a request to continue the Mighty Fine Coffee application to the December 1st meeting due to an incomplete application, which was subsequently approved. Additionally, staff reported that most Ivy Hill requests had passed city council, with only a rezoning ordinance remaining to be placed on the next agenda.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the pledge of allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda and previous minutes from November 12th and the joint session on November 18th. Key discussions focused on the Consent Agenda, which was approved. Public hearings were waived. The main item involved a presentation regarding the Jazzy First Edition development, encompassing the final plat, developer's agreement, and encroachment agreement for the property at 801 14th Street Northwest, which involves combining two parcels. Several resolutions related to this development were subsequently approved. Additionally, the council proceeded with the second reading and approval of Ordinance 2025-16, concerning the rezoning of the Ivy Hill property, and approved the publication of its summary. Announcements covered upcoming community events, including Winterfest and the Community Thanksgiving dinner.

The resolution focuses on adopting the 2026 fee schedule for the City of Faribault, which includes various fees, charges, and utility rates as required by the Code of Ordinances. The proposed fee changes are incorporated into the 2026 budget and will be effective January 1, 2026.