One notable issue involved the local sales tax amendment related to the Trunk Highway 71 project. Initially approved in 2018 with an estimated cost of $5 million, the project’s expenses have since surged above the $10 million cap, exacerbated by delays and increased costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This prompted the council to discuss potential funding strategies, including reducing the project’s scope, utilizing tax levy funds, or increasing the sales tax cap to $15 million without extending the collection period.

The council leaned towards raising the sales tax cap to ensure comprehensive funding for all necessary project elements, avoiding future assessments for residents. However, they acknowledged that amending the cap required approval from both the legislature and voters, with no guarantees of success. The council recognized that reducing the project’s scope could burden residents with future costs, making the tax amendment a preferable option despite uncertainties.

In other discussions, the council approved the first pay application for Everstrong Construction concerning the box hanger project at the Sauk Centre airport. The project, currently in the construction phase, involves a contract price of $852,944.80, with approximately half of the work completed. The council approved a payment of $392,433.24 after retainage, moving the project closer to completion.

The council also addressed deferred assessments for County Road 112. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) recommended writing off the remaining balance due to the age of the infrastructure, reducing the city’s share from $33,000 to around $20,000. The council debated whether to write off the balance or reassess property owners, considering the practicality of collecting assessments after 23 years. Ultimately, the council voted to write off the balance, with a member expressing the desire to “clean the slate and move forward.”

A resident’s request for reimbursement for sidewalk paver reinstallation was another focal point. Tom KDson sought a reduction in his assessment after hiring Treetop Nursery to restore the sidewalk affected by construction. The council deliberated on the appropriateness of reducing the assessment, given that the sidewalk was entirely on private property. After a split vote on a proposed $1,000 reduction, the council agreed to a $700 assessment reduction, aligning with the city engineer’s cost estimate.

The meeting also covered updates on the Old Mill Apartments project, where a developer expressed interest in redeveloping the property and surrounding block despite challenges such as asbestos concerns and proximity to the river. The council showed interest in the potential redevelopment, pending further communication with the developer.

Additionally, the council discussed the Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) grant application, which received 43 housing assistance requests, exceeding the initial goal of 21 houses. This higher interest is expected to enhance the application’s score, with state-level review continuing until early January.

The council also reviewed the status of airport grants, with all federal and state grants ready for submission, pending the council’s approval of the signed invoice. The airport’s new hangar is projected to be ready by summer, coinciding with a planned fly-in event.

Finally, the council addressed the advertisement for the ambulance director position, noting that it had been posted both internally and externally. Interviews are scheduled for early December, with one application already received.