Breezy Point City Council Approves Road Improvement Amidst Assessment Policy Debate
- Meeting Overview:
The Breezy Point City Council meeting on July 7, 2025, focused on infrastructure projects, including the approval of the Edgewater Circle road improvement and discussions on assessment policies. The council also addressed concerns about Shoreview Lane’s shoreline erosion and traffic congestion near Eagleville Elementary School.
A significant portion of the meeting revolved around the Edgewater Circle road improvement project. The council approved the project, which involves the rehabilitation of a 390-foot portion of Edgewater Circle, in coordination with Pelican Township’s concurrent improvements. This decision came after a discussion on assessment policies and the financial implications for property owners. During a public hearing, Kathy Parsons, a condo owner, voiced her concerns over the assessment costs, which could reach up to $21,630. She argued that her association only uses a small portion of the road, which is already in good condition. Council members debated the fairness of the assessment policy, which currently bases costs on property frontage rather than actual road usage. Despite differing opinions, the council agreed on the necessity of the improvement, citing the road’s condition and the economic benefits of aligning with Pelican Township’s timeline.
The debate on assessment policies continued throughout the meeting, with council members acknowledging the need to revisit and potentially revise the current framework. The existing policy, effective since 2019, charges 50% to property owners for roads less than 15 years old and 100% for older ones. Concerns were raised about the fairness of this approach, especially for roads heavily used by non-residents. Suggestions included exploring alternative funding mechanisms, such as appraisals, to determine assessment costs more equitably. The council recognized the importance of reevaluating the policy to ensure it reflects the broader usage of roads and the financial responsibilities of the city.
In addition to road improvements, the council addressed shoreline erosion issues on Shoreview Lane. The area has suffered significant damage due to ATV traffic, prompting discussions with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and soil and water professionals. The council considered various restoration strategies, emphasizing the importance of vegetation for stabilizing the shoreline. They discussed blocking off areas to allow plants like willows and dogwoods to establish themselves, with the DNR recommending temporary barriers to protect the new growth. The council aimed to direct staff towards implementing a plan that balances access with environmental restoration, acknowledging the political and practical challenges involved.
Another topic was the approval of a transportation planning study cost share agreement with Eagleville Elementary School in Crow Wing County. The study, expected to be completed by January 2026, will address traffic and congestion issues in the area. Breezy Point’s share of the costs is capped at $5,000. Council members expressed support for participating in the study.
The council also considered a request to add a 2026 Chevy Tahoe to the police vehicle list. The police chief explained the rationale for ordering the vehicle early due to high demand and low availability. While some council members raised concerns about the timing of the order, others pointed out that the purchase aligns with the city’s capital improvement plan. The council ultimately agreed to proceed with the order, understanding that the decision could be revisited before construction begins later in the year.
Parking concerns on Dove Street were briefly discussed, with reports of a semi-tractor obstructing views and traffic lanes. Despite receiving several complaints, the police department found that the vehicle did not pose a traffic hazard. The council emphasized the importance of residents bringing any further issues to their attention, trusting the police department’s ongoing monitoring of the situation.
Lastly, the council addressed the city hall renovation, with updates on the high-tech payment application and the anticipated move-in date. Delays in receiving certain equipment have postponed the move, but most furniture is installed, and an official ribbon-cutting event is planned to celebrate the completed renovations. The meeting concluded with a discussion about an upcoming butterfly release event, scheduled for July 19, which aims to foster community engagement and provide an opportunity for residents to honor loved ones.
Todd Roggenkamp
City Council Officials:
Steve Jensen (Council Member), Michael Moroni (Council Member), Rebecca Ball (Council Member), Brad Scott (Council Member)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
07/07/2025
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Recording Published:
07/08/2025
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Duration:
114 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Crow Wing County
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Towns:
Breezy Point
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