A point of discussion centered on traffic safety near Holy Family School. Council member Derek Gunderson raised concerns about persistent unsafe driving behaviors despite previous traffic mitigation efforts. He recounted a near accident involving a driver associated with the school and emphasized the need for accountability. Gunderson suggested that if the school community could not improve driving behaviors, perhaps they should not be permitted to fundraise. Council member Greg Evans echoed these concerns but argued against withholding the gambling permit as a means of enforcing behavior changes, noting the potential community benefits from the permit. Other council members shared their perspectives, ultimately agreeing on the necessity for increased enforcement by the sheriff’s department. The city staff confirmed ongoing communications with the sheriff’s office to enhance traffic safety efforts. A motion to approve the charitable gambling permit for Holy Family was passed unanimously.

The Downtown West Phase 1 development project, a significant mixed-use endeavor encompassing a 13-acre parcel for commercial, office, and residential spaces, received an update. City Manager Dana Hardy described the project’s decade-long planning stages and recent challenges, including the need to replace debt and equity partners due to market volatility. Katie Anthony, Vice President of Development with Schaefer Richardson, detailed the progress, noting that new partners had been secured, allowing the project to move forward. Despite rising interest rates and construction costs, the development team is on track to close the deal by November 30 and begin groundbreaking later in the year. Discussions included concerns about the construction timeline overlapping with a highway reconstruction project and the impact of rising construction costs. The council expressed optimism about the project’s momentum and the collaborative efforts between the city and the development team.

The council also addressed amendments to city ordinances related to animal waste management and stormwater management. The city engineer explained that these updates were necessary to comply with the city’s MS4 permit linked to the Clean Water Act. Proposed changes included clarifications regarding pet waste maintenance and technical requirements for stormwater management. The council discussed the inclusion of specific language in the stormwater management regulations to address erosion control issues in new development areas. A public hearing on the proposed changes received no comments, and the council agreed on the importance of these updates to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Another notable discussion involved a special permit application to discharge a bow and arrow at a residential property on Rolling Acres Road. The Assistant City Manager presented the application, which aimed to allow recreational hunting within city limits. A resident expressed strong opposition, citing concerns over property values and residential safety. The council deliberated on the legal implications of allowing bow hunting in a residential area, ultimately deciding to deny the application unanimously.

The Victoria South residential development was another key topic. The council considered a final plat and Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the project, which proposes 70 residential units along with a clubhouse and designated outlots for wetlands and future phases. Discussions included deviations from city codes, such as reduced road sizes and increased impervious surface coverage. Concerns were raised about the high percentage of impervious surfaces and the readiness of the units regarding energy sources and technology. The developer assured that homes would be energy-rated and pre-wired for electric car chargers. The council tabled the resolution approving the final plat and other related items until September 23 to address outstanding issues.

The meeting also included a resolution calling for a final assessment hearing for the Stiger Lake Lane phase one improvements. The city engineer outlined the project’s delays due to complications with private utilities. The council discussed the assessment of parcels owned by the Three Rivers Park District, noting the legalities and potential costs involved. Ultimately, the council moved to declare the costs to be assessed and call for a public hearing scheduled for October 14.