A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to public comments concerning the assessment hearings for various improvement projects slated for 2025. City Engineer Jared presented a comprehensive breakdown of the upcoming projects, which include enhancements along 20th Street, West Street, and Technology Drive. The total cost of these improvements was presented as approximately $6.34 million, with additional expenses for utility services such as sanitary sewer and water mains. Residents were informed of the assessment rates, with street reconstruction estimated at $66.75 per adjusted foot and sanitary sewer services at $875. However, the presentation elicited strong reactions from property owners and community representatives.

Tom Amber, a resident with property in the Valleybrook area, expressed deep concerns regarding the city’s failure to complete promised infrastructure improvements. Amber, who purchased a tax-forfeited property in 2005, detailed how the lack of an egress street had led to significant water runoff issues, causing flooding and sinkholes on his property. He requested the council to reconsider the assessment on his property until the issues were adequately addressed, emphasizing the frustration of property owners facing similar challenges.

The public hearing also included comments from Chris Van Evelyn, representing the Wilmer Elks Lodge. Van Evelyn highlighted the detrimental impact of construction activities on the lodge’s operations, including damage to the back parking lot and accessibility issues due to temporary water lines. He expressed concerns about being assessed for a street that might require repairs due to underlying poor conditions and sought clarity on who would bear the responsibility for the damages incurred.

Ridgewater College’s representative, Judy Tubbin, addressed the council about the substantial assessment of over $250,000 on six parcels owned by the college. Tubbin pointed out the financial strain this posed on the institution, which had shifted towards a tuition-dependent model, and requested a review of the assessments.

Additional written objections were recorded, including a letter from resident Renee Franklin Ruff, who described the $6,775 assessment as a significant burden given her status as a 68-year-old retiree. She requested consideration for financial relief options, referencing Minnesota statute 435.193, which allows for hardship deferrals for seniors, disabled individuals, or military personnel. Other letters highlighted similar financial strains, emphasizing the need for the council to address the residents’ concerns thoroughly.

Following the public comments, the council decided to continue the assessment hearing for properties with objections to the next meeting, allowing for further deliberation and potential resolutions. This decision aimed to give both the council and the engineering firm, Bolton and Mink, more time to address and respond to the varied concerns raised by the community.

The council also discussed unrelated agenda items, including setting public hearings for unpaid weed and grass mowing removal charges and unpaid fire alarm system charges. Additionally, they considered a land transfer project along Trunk Highway 40 in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Before the meeting concluded, the scheduling of a budget work session was addressed, with the chosen date set for a Wednesday at 6:30 PM. A council member recommended attending a tour of the new water treatment plant, valued at $17 million, scheduled for the following Wednesday at noon.