The council’s conversation on housing initiatives was sparked by a housing study from Metro COG, which highlighted the need for missing middle housing and workforce housing. The study revealed a lack of developer interest in these projects, attributed to high interest rates and material costs. Council members considered the possibility of offering incentives, such as selling land at reduced rates, to attract developers. However, there was a clear challenge in aligning city goals with market realities, as market conditions currently do not support the desired level of development. The council discussed the need for additional incentives and the potential for the city to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to engage developers while maintaining a partnership approach.

The discussion extended to the impact of future demographic changes, notably the “silver tsunami,” which could result in a surplus of housing as the baby boomer generation ages. This demographic shift might increase the housing inventory as older residents transition to new living arrangements. The council debated whether incentives truly make housing more affordable for end-users or primarily increase developer profits. They considered implementing requirements for a percentage of units to be priced below a certain threshold relative to the median rent, similar to other housing programs.

The council also explored the potential of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and their effect on the housing market. There was interest in proactively considering regulations to allow ADUs, despite no current mandate in Minnesota. Concerns were raised about the suitability of existing lots for ADUs and the impact on public safety and emergency services. The council agreed to keep this topic on their radar for future discussions, especially with potential state mandates looming.

Infrastructure planning was another topic, with discussions on road maintenance and the future of key roadways like Fifteenth Avenue North and Eighth Avenue. The council acknowledged the importance of a structured Capital Improvement Plan to better utilize federal funds for road construction projects. The Fifteenth Avenue project, with an allocation of $1.1 million for construction in 2029, was highlighted, although concerns about ownership complexities and funding were raised. The council considered the possibility of reallocating these funds to more immediately beneficial projects like Eighth Avenue, which could alleviate traffic congestion.

The council also deliberated on the contentious issue of special assessments for road improvements. There was debate about the fairness of imposing these assessments on certain residents while others benefit from the same roads without additional costs. Some members expressed a preference for maintaining lower city taxes and using special assessments to fund neighborhood improvements. However, there was concern that eliminating special assessments could lead to higher taxes for all residents. The council discussed the potential for a dedicated road improvement fund to gradually replace special assessments, acknowledging that this transition could take up to fifteen years.

In addition to road infrastructure, the council addressed the need for sidewalk repairs, with members expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of sidewalks. A proposal was made to allocate a dedicated annual budget for sidewalk improvements to ensure ongoing maintenance and safety. The council recognized the need for a plan for road and sidewalk maintenance, advocating for a proactive rather than reactive approach.

The potential relocation and redesign of city hall were also discussed, with members considering the best site for the new facility. Public safety considerations were emphasized, and there was interest in integrating a library into the community center to enhance community engagement. The council acknowledged that while a new library could be a lower priority compared to other infrastructure needs, it could benefit the community.

Finally, the meeting highlighted the need for better management of community sports facilities, specifically the scheduling and utilization of Don Vogel Field. The council considered allowing the DGF Baseball Club to manage the field’s scheduling and maintenance, with a focus on ensuring equitable access for all community members. Suggestions for a structured reservation system and clear communication about field availability were proposed to balance organized sports programming with open access for community use.