The meeting began with discussions on ordinance transparency, sparked by public concerns over the city’s failure to provide adequate notice for revised ordinances. Ryan Moski, a local resident, underscored the importance of transparency, advocating for digitizing city ordinances to make them more accessible to the public. He highlighted that the absence of timely postings left residents uninformed and frustrated. The council acknowledged the oversight and discussed the potential for hosting ordinances online, which could cost the city approximately $600 for conversion and an annual hosting fee of $595. This initiative aims to ensure that residents remain informed and engaged with city governance.

The council then addressed public hearings on significant annexations. The first hearing focused on the North Zumbrota Sanitary District annexation, involving 89 acres designated for a future wastewater treatment facility. This project is important for the surrounding areas, including Wanamingo and Pine Island, with construction earmarked to begin in 2026, contingent on state funding. The council reviewed various plans and diagrams but received no public comments, allowing the hearing to close without further discussion.

The second annexation hearing concerned the Chapa annexation, which covers approximately 18 acres intended for property development and the reconstruction of 9th Street and Jefferson Drive. This annexation will facilitate infrastructure improvements, including rerouting Jefferson Drive. As with the previous hearing, there were no public responses, and the hearing was concluded.

The council’s review of the weeds and grasses ordinance was another focal point of the meeting. The ordinance aims to streamline the process for addressing overgrown lawns, with recent revisions setting a maximum height limit of 8 inches for grass and extending the notice period for property owners from 72 hours to four days. The Police Department clarified that enforcement is primarily complaint-driven and that the changes aim to address issues with repeat offenders more efficiently. Laura Mesy, a concerned resident, argued that the revised ordinance was stricter than necessary, suggesting that a five-business-day period would be more reasonable, especially considering holidays. The council approved the ordinance revisions, emphasizing the need for consistency and effective enforcement.

Discussions on the limited-time parking ordinance revealed ongoing community challenges with vehicles parked for extended periods. The council considered amendments that would reduce the reporting period for violations to 72 hours, facilitating quicker enforcement. Concerns were raised about trailers and campers parked in residential areas and the potential impact on the community’s aesthetic. A suggestion was made to allow temporary permits for residents to store recreational vehicles during the summer. The council approved the ordinance amendments, highlighting the balance between enforcement and accommodating residents’ needs.

The meeting also covered the annexation of the North Zumbrota Sanitary District and Chapa properties, resolutions for which were passed unanimously. These annexations are part of broader infrastructure development efforts that aim to enhance city services and accommodate future growth.

In new business, the council approved temporary liquor licenses for local breweries and wineries, with all necessary paperwork in order. Discussions on the managed IT contract led to the selection of Onsite Computers as the city’s technology partner, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and support for city employees.

The council also reviewed budget discussions and approved pay requests for ongoing projects, including the Jefferson Drive and Mill and Sixth Street works, both of which were progressing on schedule and under budget. An amendment to the accessory structures ordinance was passed to allow for more buildings on larger residential lots, maintaining community standards and aesthetic appeal.

Concerns about event logistics and safety during the upcoming Covered Bridge Festival were addressed, with discussions on street closures, traffic management, and pedestrian safety. The council expressed optimism about the festival’s success and community participation, emphasizing the need for effective communication and coordination.