Township of Colona

This goal setting workshop, facilitated by Bi-State Regional Commission members, focused on defining the city's mission statement and outlining priorities for the next three years based on the Comprehensive Plan. Key discussion points for the mission included safety, affordability, service, and growth while maintaining a small-town feel. Council members identified numerous priorities, which were then narrowed down. The top five priorities selected by the council were: developing and implementing an economic development plan, housing rehabilitation, parks and recreational improvements, developing and implementing a financial plan, and code enforcement. Actions and responsible parties were assigned for these top priorities, including financial planning assigned to city administration and public safety assigned to the police chief. The meeting results will be recorded by Bi-State for future use.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on Burrage and roofing claims, the upcoming call for projects under the Surface Transportation Block Grant in April 2026, and the acceptance of a new Admin Clerk. The council addressed a miscommunication regarding the Mineral Creek Drive resolution, confirming no ordinance is required. Committee reports were summarized by the Finance and Parks Committees. New business focused on approving an ordinance to vacate part of a public alleyway, approving a resolution to apply for ICJIA grant funding for live scan fingerprinting equipment, accepting a grant from Hometown Consulting to participate in the "Strong Communities Initiative," approving a revised fee schedule for Colona Scott Family Park, and approving an update to the City's slogan and logo via a city-wide competition. Finally, the council approved an amendment to the Code of Ordinances to establish a Committee of the Whole (COW) Meeting on a six-month trial basis prior to regular council meetings.

Key discussions during the meeting included the status of the water tower, roofs, and the comprehensive capital improvement plan, as well as campground rates for 2026, with a suggestion to shut down the campground for a year to address electrical and water issues. The committee also discussed approving the Colona school salting agreement and necessary upgrades for the East 1 and 2 water plants, noting significant electrical problems. Other topics included painting city-owned public restrooms, replacing fire hydrants near the Colona School, reviewing a termite spraying estimate for city hall, issues with the refuse contract with LRS, CCTV camera inspections, and a proposal from Paints BBQ to fund and install a permanent gazebo at Scott Family Park. Separately, the Mayor noted that Verizon will pay the City $10,000 for adding equipment.

Key discussions included the completion of the City re-key project with one remaining tumbler adjustment, installation of new HVAC units at the Food Pantry and Activity Center, and scheduling the farmhouse demolition for a rain day to manage dust. Regarding Timbrook Field insurance, denial is being questioned following a site review, and city-owned poles require inspection. The Hennepin Canal Step Project is undergoing certification processes that will take time. A new LRS contract was reviewed, proposing an increase in monthly fees to $14.45 for five years, which would include automated service and one bulk item pickup per week; a recommendation to move this to finance passed despite abstentions due to a conflict of interest. The committee also discussed surplus equipment, including two dump trucks and a street sweeper, and the potential trade-in values for backhoes. A motion was made to recommend one year of payment relief for Paint's BBQ, which passed despite one dissenting vote. Significant discussion occurred regarding the Waste Water Treatment Plant, with estimates for either rehabilitation or conversion to a lift station ranging from $10 to $25 million, pending a final plan from Strand by October. Roof proposals for the sludge building were received but did not recommend waiving the bid process. Other topics included gift cards for the campground, a new building permit for an apartment building owner, issuing an RFP for a carwash, and establishing a committee to review park improvement plans utilizing Halpin money, aiming for readiness by 2026.

Key discussions included public comments regarding fundraising efforts for a bounce pillow at the campground, safety concerns related to excessive speed and unauthorized dirt bike use in the campground, and questions regarding billing for Kershaw Mobile Home Park. The committee reviewed the Water Rate Study, noting suggestions for base rate and consumption rate increases, as well as an additional set charge for water tower capital improvements; however, no recommendation was made pending public meetings. Other new business items covered the in-house progress of GIS mapping, the Safe Routes to School Grant opportunity, the start of work on East 1 & 2 Towers, discussions on City Hall remodel funding, ongoing ditch cleaning and culvert replacement, the Pollinator Project schedule, and infrastructure issues at Kershaw Mobile Home Park, including impending compliance requirements for the park regarding water usage billing.