Sarah Merten

The meeting agenda includes the adoption of the FY2024-2025 budget, resolutions regarding the city's election to receive state revenues and certification of municipal services provision, and various department updates. Discussion topics encompass park projects, parking and dumping issues, a new reservoir controller, a public works surplus items auction, a PGE reservoir electrical contract, a storm drain request, and the presentation of reports from city officials.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on new forms for internal processes, appointing board members to the Historical Resources Board, closing the Community Development Facilities fund, revising the employee handbook (sick leave policy), approving the MWVCOG agreement, reviewing the status of a park project, awarding a reservoir project bid, replacing booster pump inlet valves, deciding on a new reservoir controller, planning a public works surplus items auction, updating on a PGE reservoir electrical contract, addressing a storm drain request, posting a utility operator position, and amending the city sales and solicitations ordinance. Reports from the Mayor, Councilors, Public Works, Staff, City Attorney, and various commissions/boards/committees will also be presented.

The Zoning Committee meeting focused on two main items: a rezoning request (24-095-842) and a conditional use permit (CUP) application (24-095-844) from Macalester College. The rezoning involved changing the property designation from T2 to RM1 and VP to accommodate campus expansion and parking. Discussion centered on the appropriateness of rezoning versus a CUP, spot zoning concerns, and the need for off-street parking in the area. The committee also considered the impact of the expansion on the neighborhood and the reasons for choosing RM1 zoning over other options. The committee ultimately approved both the rezoning and the CUP.

The Housing & Redevelopment Authority meeting included amending the 2024 HRA Debt Service Fund Budget and the 2024 HRA Parking Enterprise Fund Budget to reflect accurate principal, interest, transfers, and spending. The final 2025 HRA budget and property tax levy were laid over for consideration with the City budget on December 11, 2024. Updates on the Downpayment Assistance & Home Rehab Program were presented, along with an introduction to Conduit Revenue Bonds for Children's Health Care, including presentations and Q&A with Children's Health Care professionals.