The most notable topic was the proposed TIF district, which drew engaged discussion from both council members and the public. The TIF plan, designed to support the construction of a 38-unit market-rate apartment complex, aims to capture new tax revenues generated by the project to assist the developer. The city has already secured $2.8 million from Minnesota Housing, contingent on a local match. One council member clarified that the developer would assume responsibility for utility upgrades. Public concern centered on the 26-year increment period, perceived as overly beneficial to the developer. The council defended the plan, citing the need for housing due to expected population growth linked to Mayo Clinic expansions. Clarifications were made that current property taxes would not increase due to the TIF, and that new values from the development would generate additional revenue.

Another contentious issue was the proposed ordinance on RV and camper parking within city limits. Several residents voiced their dissatisfaction, arguing that the regulations were overly restrictive, particularly the rules concerning property line setbacks and the 72-hour movement requirement. Concerns were also raised about safety, with residents advocating for clearer guidelines to prevent arbitrary enforcement. The council acknowledged these concerns, agreeing to send the ordinance back to the code committee for review, with plans to revisit it in a future meeting.

Bridge repairs were another focus, with the council reviewing a bid of $19,400 from Krauss Anderson Construction. The repairs aim to extend the bridge’s service life by five to ten years. The project is complicated by pending grant applications, which could delay construction until 2027 if successful. The council deliberated on funding options, considering various accounts and the implications of using funds from the municipal reserve or other restricted funds. A motion was made to accept the repair bid, while the decision on funding mechanisms was postponed to a later meeting.

The meeting also covered operational matters, including switching credit card processing providers to Zift Financial, approving the purchase of a new plow truck, and concrete work for a water fill station. The council unanimously supported these initiatives, acknowledging their importance for city operations. Additionally, scheduling adjustments were made for the June 19th meeting due to the Juneteenth holiday.