Tom Hanson

The request for action concerned approving a temporary sign permit for the Watertown Floral & Gift Company related to Valentine's Day operations. The company sought permission to use designated customer parking stalls for their delivery van on February 13th and for customer use plus a delivery van spot on February 14th. The City Council considered the 2025 parameters set for temporary signs, including limits on duration and advance application submission. The requested action involved approving the permit with conditions: the applicant can display one 10-minute parking sign for up to three stalls for the requested dates, the signage will be City-owned and fabricated, and the property owner must remove the signage during non-business hours.

The agenda for the meeting included the adoption of the agenda, appointment of Katelyn Roiland as Vice-Chair, an update from Carver County CDA by Allison Streich, and planning for a 'Coffee With A Healthcare Professional' event scheduled for February 7, 2026. Old business involved thank-you acknowledgments for the Senior Dinner. Updates covered the date of the next meeting, deliveries such as pharmacy and marketplace items, and transportation matters. The commission also reviewed the upcoming Calendar of Events, including a May 2nd event, the Spring Dance, and the Senior Dinner.

The meeting agenda included the appointment of 2026 officers. Key discussion topics involved the Downtown Boardwalk, with supporting documentation provided, and a discussion regarding mural options, also accompanied by relevant documents.

The meeting agenda included the Election of 2026 Officers and discussions regarding the Adopt-A-Park Program for 2026, including finalizing promotional materials, guidelines, commitment length (suggested two years), and specific responsibilities for adopters, such as litter pickup, weeding, and reporting issues. The commission also reviewed a draft timeline for implementing the Adopt-A-Park program, which scheduled promotion start on February 1st and application deadline on March 13th. Other new business items included a discussion on 2026 Initiatives and Goal Setting, and a volunteer opportunity for the City Center Park / Veteran Memorial Ad Hoc Committee. Staff updates were also provided.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and approval of the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings and various requests for action, such as an interim appointment and promotions. During the Open Forum, a request for a community center rental refund was discussed, with a decision deferred to the next meeting. Key business items involved an informational presentation by the Carver County CDA Executive Director regarding land in Watertown and CDA updates. The Council approved the purchase of pump and body modules for Engine 11 replacement, authorized the preparation of plans and specifications for State Street storm sewer improvements, and approved proceeding with the 2026 Facility Study for the fire station, public works building, and water plant. Further approvals included authorizing preliminary design for Wastewater Treatment Facility Clarifier Improvements and preparing a DNR local trail connection grant application for the Old Mill Park Project. Additionally, Resolutions were approved for the 2026 City of Watertown Organizational Statement and a statement regarding state government fraud, transparency, and accountability. Ordinance 451 approving the 2026 Fee Schedule was also adopted. Reports included updates on county road work and ice rink conditions, and discussions regarding future EDA and SRO meetings.