At the heart of the meeting was a public hearing where city engineer Eric Hendrickson provided an overview of the pavement management project. The project involves infrastructure work, including full-depth reclamation and repaving of streets, alongside some curb and gutter replacements. Notably, trail work in Falcon Woods was not subject to assessments. Hendrickson shared that the council was nearing the end of the project cycle, with only minor punch list items pending. A warranty inspection is scheduled for 2027 to ensure the quality of the improvements.

Hendrickson explained the funding breakdown: 40% of the costs are borne by property owners, with the city covering the remaining 60%. The average assessment cost for residents in Falcon Woods is approximately $2,100 per parcel, a substantial reduction from the initial estimate of $3,900. In North Home, the assessment is based on street frontage, with an average cost of about $1,200. A public hearing was opened to allow residents to express their views. One resident, identified as Highway Of Ed, objected to paying before the project’s completion. Despite this, no further residents spoke, and the hearing closed without further objections.

Following the public hearing, the council moved to approve resolutions related to the project. The first motion was for resolution twenty-five eighty-nine, adopting and confirming the assessment, which passed unanimously. The council also approved resolution twenty-five ninety, pertaining to the Falcon Woods project, with another unanimous vote. Council members noted the project’s completion at approximately 45% to 50% less than the initial budgeted cost, contrasting it with a previous park building project that exceeded financial expectations.

City staff were tasked with communicating the assessment process to residents, providing details on payment options. An amortization schedule will be sent shortly, outlining the costs associated with upfront payments versus those accruing interest if deferred. Residents have until November 9 to pay the city directly, after which the assessments will be transferred to Ramsey County for inclusion in property taxes, with interest charges applying if payment is not made within the thirty-day window.

The council also addressed other agenda items, including the consent agenda, which covered various resolutions and appointments, such as a new member for the Community Engagement Commission. This segment passed without opposition. In the information and announcements segment, upcoming community events were highlighted, including the Fall Festival at Falcon Heights Elementary. Council members encouraged public attendance, noting the expected pleasant weather and planned activities.

The parks commission recently discussed fall and winter programming and community garden management, with Commissioner Bob Haight receiving acknowledgment for his contributions. Additionally, a council member shared personal news about ending their campaign for reelection, expressing gratitude for their time in office and confidence in the quality of candidates vying for their seat.

Health reminders about COVID-19 and flu vaccinations were also given, alongside updates on the city’s Human Rights Day focused on food insecurity. City Administrator Linehan provided insights into the Fall Festival preparations and ongoing community park construction projects, noting the arrival of prefabricated shelter materials and the installation of stormwater drainage systems. The construction is expected to continue into the coming year.