The council approved the final plat for an elementary school addition, submitted by the Stillwater Area Public Schools Independent School District 834. The new school is planned on a ten-acre site west of Barker’s Alps Park. The final plat approval followed prior endorsements of annexation and zoning amendments, with the current focus on subdividing the property. Key elements of this development include the dedication of Right-of-Way for Fifth Avenue North and provisions for utility construction. The City attorney prepared a development contract outlining financial responsibilities for public improvements, including easement agreements related to park usage and parking.

The council discussed concerns from the Planning Commission about potential future expansions and pedestrian access along Fifth Avenue North. City staff recommended approval, citing compliance with subdivision ordinances. A motion to adopt the resolution approving the final plat was unanimously passed, with council members expressing satisfaction with the development plans and associated agreements.

Concurrently, the council delved into a proposed amendment to Chapter 58 of the city code, which would establish a stormwater utility. This utility aims to provide equitable funding for stormwater management, ensuring contributions from all properties, including tax-exempt entities like schools and churches. Lily Hawk, a water resources engineer, presented the utility program’s objectives, which include maintaining and improving the stormwater system in compliance with state and federal regulations.

The proposed fee structure involves a flat fee for smaller residential properties and a fee based on land use and size for larger properties. The council discussed a base rate of $6 per quarter for single-family homes, with projected increases in subsequent years. A council member expressed concerns about the perception of these increases, emphasizing that the council would decide annually on their implementation.

The council also considered the inclusion of vacant properties in the fee structure, ultimately recommending their exemption due to minimal revenue contribution and administrative burdens. Non-residential properties would have a maximum fee cap of $210 per quarter. The council reviewed multiple scenarios for base rates and potential revenue impacts, preferring a base rate of $6 with the cost maximum set at the outlier threshold.

Further discussions revolved around how stormwater fees might relate to property taxes, with the council recognizing potential tax relief for residents. The meeting also included a presentation on the annual fee schedule amendments, which involved changes to cannabis-related charges and building permit fees. These updates aimed to streamline the permit process, consolidating fees for maintenance activities like window replacements into a general permit.

The council unanimously approved the fee schedule amendments. Members provided reports on recent activities, including participation in community events and meetings with local organizations. Notable updates included the Lake Elmo Airport Citizens Advisory Commission’s installation of a new fueling system and discussions on future trends at a Regional Council of Mayors meeting.

Additional reports covered sustainable initiatives, such as potential solar panel installations at the water treatment plant, and collaboration efforts with local businesses and organizations. The fire and police chiefs provided updates on community engagement and training activities, while the public works director reported on snow removal and park development projects.