Mike Jeziorski

The regular meeting included the unanimous adoption of the agenda and the swearing-in of a new member to the Economic Development Authority. Discussions included the City Council's report on the preliminary 2026 budget, which projected a 3.6% increase largely driven by the Union Contract escalation. The meeting included a paused session to tour Elevage offsite. Updates were provided on the negotiations for the 1345 Sims Property, where the seller reduced the price due to an inoperable septic system, with an expected closing in 30 days. The legislative update noted $700 million was approved for bonding this year, and discussions are ongoing with the Met Council regarding the water treatment plant. The EDA also reviewed an inventory of City-owned land, discussing which parcels are buildable. Finally, a presentation of the Anoka County Housing Study highlighted a significant deficiency in affordable housing units.

The Planning Commission meeting involved adopting the agenda, which included accepting the resignation of a commissioner, and receiving updates from the City Council Liaison regarding advertising for a Senior Planner and recommended increases in park and trail fees. The commission also conducted interviews for a vacant Planning Commission seat, specifically interviewing Gerald Tiah, who discussed his interest in community gardening and views on the Highway 65 corridor. Public hearings were held concerning two Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requests: one for a Lower Potency Hemp Edibles Retailer at The Smoke Saloon, and another for a Cannabis Microbusiness (5D Dispensary). Both CUP requests were recommended for approval to the City Council. Additionally, the commission recommended approval to the City Council for a Site Plan Review for a new multi-tenant commercial building containing a daycare and retail units. The commission formally accepted the resignation of Commissioner Tanner Balfany and noted the resignation of the City Planner.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda, including the addition of Tanner Belfin's resignation from planning and zoning. A city council liaison provided updates, including authorization to advertise for a senior planner position and a recommendation to increase park and trail fees. The commission also addressed the approval of previous minutes, noting corrections. A significant portion of the meeting involved the election of Corey Jorgensson as Vice Chair. Furthermore, the commission conducted an interview and recommended the appointment of Gerald Tia to the vacant planning commission seat, with a term expiring January 31, 2026. Finally, a public hearing was held regarding front and sideyard setback variances for a proposed 1,250 sq ft attached garage at 19511 East Front Boulevard, where applicants sought variances due to proposed dimensions conflicting with shoreland overlay district requirements. A neighbor expressed support for the larger garage, and the applicant emphasized the necessity of the size for storage.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. The Sheriff's office provided a presentation detailing November statistics, including 404 calls for service, four assaults, four theft reports, 38 arrests, and 117 traffic stops. Notable incidents included an arrest for theft and damage to property following a domestic dispute at a Quick Trip, an arrest on an active felony warrant, and an incident involving a driver fleeing on foot from a traffic stop. The Fire Department provided an update on recent activity, including 78 calls for service over a weekend period, a structure fire that displaced three people, increased mutual aid requests, and progress on flooring replacement projects at various stations. They also reported on the successful Santa parade which collected 891 pounds of food for NACE, and a holiday party for department members. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing to amend the city code regarding sidewalks and trails, specifically discussing the potential establishment of a $1,500 trail dedication fee per unit for new developments. Council members debated the adequacy of this fee versus mandatory trail construction and the policy of allowing cash in lieu of construction.

The council meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation and discussion regarding the 2026 budget and levy, highlighting financial health with revenues exceeding budget and strong fund balances. Key expenditure discussions covered personnel costs (salaries and benefits, including union contract increases), contracted services (Anoka County law enforcement, city assessor, city attorney, audit, and Metro Inet IT services), and departmental allocations for general government, community development, public safety, engineering, and public works. The discussion also covered debt service funds and the resulting overall levy change. Separately, a public hearing was held to consider an ordinance correcting a typo in the Hidden Prairie Final Plat by renaming a street from 198th Street Northeast to 198th Avenue Northeast to align with county naming conventions. Resolutions were subsequently passed to adopt the final 2026 general fund budget and levy, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) levy and budget, and the Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy and budget. Public forum comments addressed concerns over property tax assessment increases and the number of garbage hauling licenses issued.