Sara Judson Brown

Key discussions during the meeting involved a public hearing to amend the CUP for St. John's Church regarding a new sign installation, which included resident concerns about visibility and parking safety due to existing conditions on Dewey Street. The council also heard a presentation and considered approval for the Birch Pond decommissioning plan, including a proposal for the engineering phase not to exceed $195,000, with a target completion of fall 2026. Additionally, the American Legion presented several questions regarding compliance requirements, timelines, potential phasing, and cost-sharing for bringing their existing parking lot into compliance with city ordinances, requesting an interim agreement for continued parking use.

The city council meeting included discussions and actions on several items. The agenda was approved, followed by the approval of the consent agenda. Key discussions involved the Foley wastewater project update, where Pay Estimate Number 27 for $144,693.92 for Ginger and Suns was recommended for approval, noting the project is near 99% completion with finalization expected in July. The council also addressed the decommissioning of the existing birch ponds, which is estimated to cost between two and two and a half million dollars, with ongoing discussions regarding PFA eligibility and proposed fee discounts to offset charges from the City of St. Cloud. The council discussed and approved the 2026 annual appointments to various boards, noting several unfilled positions, particularly on the Planning Commission. Department reports included statistics from the Police Chief showing an increase in calls for service in 2025, a focus on DUI enforcement, and updates on community events. The City Engineer sought approval for Pay Application Number Seven for the 2025 street improvements project ($26,272.25, 94% completion). Public Works/Fire Chief requested approval for the replacement of the pool filters with a new sand filter system, quoting $122,642.33 from Horizon, for which funds are currently available.

The City Council meeting included procedural steps such as the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. A significant portion of the meeting involved public forum discussion regarding a proposed $500 annual budget allocation for logoed city wear for non-department head employees, with concerns raised about the expense versus employee benefits like discounts for purchased apparel. The council also conducted a public hearing regarding the preliminary plat for South Fairway Estates, which involved discussion on lot size variances, road curves resulting in a proposed 25 mph speed limit, and the placement of sidewalks and road division stops. Furthermore, the council addressed the issue of the Legion Parking Lot, which is currently unpaved and being used for parking, necessitating remediation to meet impervious surface requirements. The discussion led to the decision to contact the Legion's executive board commander to set up a meeting to develop a timeline for addressing the lot surface issue before spring.

The regular meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which involved adopting a resolution and approving policies related to MN Paid Leave, approving the 2026 Step Schedule, and approving the purchase of a wood chipper. During the Mayor's Comments and Open Forum, a citizen raised concerns about the budget for city logo clothing, prompting discussion and clarification from the Mayor and City Administrator regarding the existing $500 annual budget allocated across departments. A public hearing was held regarding the South Fairway Estates Preliminary Plat, which was subsequently approved with variances for curb, road, and lot size, and included details on road speed limits and soil boring results. Other business involved discussion about the American Legion vacant lot being used as an unofficial parking area, leading to a council decision to schedule a meeting with the Legion's executive board. Following the regular session, a Joint City -- Benton County Workshop Session occurred to discuss redevelopment options for the old government center, including potential space for a U of M Extension, medical/senior/dental clinics, and financing options; a smaller committee was established to continue information gathering.

The City Council meeting included discussions and actions on several administrative and project matters. Key discussion points involved the resignation of a part-time police officer, leading to a suggestion to consider a full-time position in the police department for the following month. The council held a public hearing on the proposed 2026 fee schedule, which was subsequently adopted via an ordinance update. Department reports covered police activity for November, noting an increase in speed violations and child calls, and a reminder to residents about snow and ice removal from sidewalks. The City Engineer provided an update on the North Side Improvements Project, confirming most work was completed for the season, with minor adjustments planned for the spring, and addressed public inquiries regarding the seeding process for erosion control. The council approved two payouts related to the North Side Improvements Project and the 2025 Lead Service Project. The Administration section addressed the submission of final assessment roles to the county, payment deadlines for the North Side assessments, and the renewal of the Tri County Humane Society contract, noting a significant price increase for the upcoming year and a change in policy regarding holding biting animals. Updates were also provided on the South Side project timeline, confirming preliminary plat public hearing requirements before moving to final platting stages, with construction potentially starting in the spring.