Weston Rolf

The City Council meeting included a worksession focused on 2026 Council Goals. Key agenda items included an introduction to deputies from the Anoka County Sheriffs Office and a review of the January 2026 Sheriffs Report. The Consent Agenda involved approving claims and accounts, and adopting Resolutions 2026-032 (SafeAssure Safety Consultants Contract) and 2026-033 (Firefighter Step Increase for Backowski). Old Business covered the Utility Rate Study for Lake George Sewer and Water Funds and approving service agreements with Allina Health. Public Works discussed purchasing a Wide Area Mower via Resolution 2026-034, and the City Administrator sought ratification of the 2027 URRWMO Budget via Resolution 2026-035. Council discussions also touched upon Ordinance of the Month regarding On-Street Parking.

The meeting involved the approval of the regular agenda and the consent agenda, which included claims and accounts and resolutions for financial transfers and returning financial security. Key discussions focused on Fire Department updates, including the statistics for December calls and tabling a resolution regarding services and medical direction agreements with Allina Health pending clarification on the total amount. The Council approved the 2026 Street Improvement Plan and bid authorization. Other discussions covered updates from the City Attorney on Comcast negotiations and the DNR matter, the adoption of a resolution for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update by MSA Professional Services, and the awarding of contracts for access control and security for City Hall/Fire Station following a review of quotes. Significant time was dedicated to discussing the Ordinance of the Month concerning Interim Use Permits (IUPs) for Home Occupations, focusing on inspection frequency for hazardous material businesses, garage storage rules, and vehicle attachment requirements, directing the Planning Commission for review. Council members also discussed goals for 2026, including the City Hall/Fire Station building, the Comprehensive Plan, Fire Department future, land sales, park future, and the tax levy.

The meeting included the approval of the regular agenda and acknowledgment of minutes from the Economic Development Authority. The Sheriff's Report for December 2025 detailed calls for service, arrests, and traffic stops, leading to a discussion regarding traffic numbers and contract hours. Organizational matters involved adopting several resolutions, including the 2026 Regular Council Meeting Schedule (with the cancellation of the November 30th meeting), appointing the Acting Mayor, designating city depositories, official newsletter, official posting location, authorized signers, setting the Gopher Bounty, and appointing the City Attorney, Prosecuting Attorney, and City Engineer. Assignments for Council liaisons to various commissions and committees were finalized, along with appointments to the Park Commission and Planning Commission. The Consent Agenda, which included approving claims, license renewals, and closing project escrows, was approved in one motion. Engineering updates covered plans for a future roundabout. Administrator updates included follow-up on code enforcement abatement, establishing policies for a warming house agreement with a youth hockey association, confirming the new animal control contract default for dogs, and outlining steps for drafting the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Council members discussed future goals for 2026, such as the City Hall/Fire Station project, future staffing, reviewing service contracts, and determining priorities through a work session.

The meeting included approvals for the regular agenda and previous minutes from the Work Session and City Council meeting of November 24, 2025. Key discussions involved the accessory building Ordinance, with debates on lot sizes and the process of gathering community input, ultimately leading to its adoption. Presentations included recognition for a departing Parks Commission member and the Anoka County Sheriff's Office monthly report for November. Public hearings were held for the 2026 Final Budget and Levy, followed by the adoption of resolutions for the General Fund Budget, Economic Development Authority (EDA) Budget, Utility Funds Budgets and Rates, and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The Council accepted a utility rate study and addressed the 2026 Fee Schedule, tabling the detailed discussion but adopting staff-proposed changes for newsletter advertising fees, commercial foster home inspections, and initial utility rate increases, while deferring comprehensive fee schedule review. Other actions involved approving security reductions for two subdivisions and adopting resolutions regarding charitable gambling fund disbursement. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss threatened litigation from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regarding a development.

The City Council meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. Dianne Pederson was recognized for her service on the Parks Commission. The Anoka County Sheriff's Office Monthly Report for November was reviewed. A public hearing was held regarding the Budget & Levy Presentation, Truth in Taxation, and resolutions adopting the final 2026 Budget & Levy for both the City and the Economic Development Authority (EDA). The council also approved 2026 Utility Funds Budgets and Rates, accepted a Utility Rate Study, approved the CIP, and discussed the Rum River Consultants' 2026 Fee Schedule Update. Additionally, the council addressed items on the consent agenda, city engineer updates, city administrator updates, and mayor/council requests/updates, including discussions on accessory buildings.