The Council expressed gratitude for the $525,000 granted through the Transportation Alternatives Grant, which is part of the 2029 financial allocation. Zumbrota had initially requested $1.4 million but finished second in the competitive grant process, while the first-place project received full funding. Despite not securing the full amount, the Council plans to reapply next year for an additional $875,000. The Council discussed the potential for other grants to cover engineering costs, as the TA grant does not fund these expenses.

In discussions about the ongoing pool construction, the Council reviewed progress on construction documents, expected to be ready for bids in May. Fundraising efforts are active, with the pool committee reaching out to businesses and planning to engage citizens to meet their target contributions. The Council is seeking additional grants, including submissions to T-Mobile and Taylor Family Farms, with more applications pending. A significant legislative development may increase bonding capacity, potentially adding approximately $1.4 million for projects.

The Council also entertained discussions about a phased approach to handling the proposed $48.8 million project request, assessing the current fundraising status. The operating funds could potentially increase to $700,000. The Council aims to secure between $200,000 to $300,000 in in-kind donations before bids are solicited in May.

Sergeant Tony Pasquali received a letter of recognition for his service in assisting a stranded motorist last November. The motorist, attempting to reach his wife before her surgery, expressed gratitude as she passed away shortly after. This recognition underscored the exemplary service of local law enforcement.

The Council addressed quotes for the sanitary sewer maintenance plan, with a minimal cost difference leading to a recommendation for a one-year contract with Empire Pipe Services at $77,258.50. Previous satisfactory experiences with Empire influenced this decision, and the proposal passed unanimously.

Attention turned to the purchase of a new 72-inch Ferris lawnmower. The City Council considered this larger model, with the purchase plan extending over five years. Discussions about cost-effectiveness revealed that the city’s operations, previously costing $148,000 annually, were saving money and enhancing service management. The motion to approve the mower purchase passed without opposition.

A repair quote from Ferguson for pump maintenance was reviewed, noting Ferguson as the sole bidder. This repair includes the replacement of 18 column pipes, more than usual, but otherwise standard.

The Council heard updates from the Economic Development Authority regarding discussions with Mosaic Motors and a Northfield investment group, Rebound. The selected company, HBS from Minneapolis, will begin a study aimed at attracting interest for a hotel development near Highway 52, given the lack of suitable downtown locations.

Community engagement remained a theme, with the Chief of Police announcing an upcoming health and wellness event for public safety officials, hosted by Our Savior’s Church on April 14. The groundbreaking for the Gary Schroeder memorial is also imminent, with only $4,000 needed to complete funding. A $10,000 donation from the Roa Community Trust was acknowledged, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned before the next council meeting.

The Council is seeking a planning and zoning commissioner as interest in the position has not progressed. They plan to revisit comments from their March 20 meeting about changes to the RV ordinance and consider adding a new member to the code committee.

Several citizen concerns were addressed, including the library administrator’s absence, the library’s Saturday hours, and uneven street conditions on Third Street. A concern was also raised about City Hall’s closure on Friday afternoons, questioning if additional staffing could resolve this issue.