The open mic portion of the meeting revealed significant tension within the community regarding ICE operations. Residents expressed deep concerns about the safety of children and families in areas where ICE activities were reportedly taking place. Shayon Berbig, a resident, highlighted incidents where ICE questioned van drivers and students near school bus stops, urging the council to clarify its stance and protective measures. Berbig emphasized the fear experienced by families and the need for community support, even mentioning efforts to establish a local food shelf.

Jim Shaggstead, another resident, called for council leadership in addressing these concerns, noting the adverse effects on local businesses and urging empathy towards constituents feeling threatened by ICE activities. Tom Kafker echoed these sentiments, describing suspicious vehicles with out-of-state plates near bus stops and advocating for the council to oppose ICE’s actions in the community. Similarly, Tanner Larson raised concerns about harassment and intimidation by ICE, calling for an eviction moratorium to protect families from displacement.

The council responded by clarifying that the local police department does not participate in immigration enforcement or share data with federal agencies for such purposes. They emphasized that federal enforcement actions are the sole responsibility of the federal government and that the police department’s primary focus is on local public safety.

In addition to immigration issues, the council discussed the proposed Balcony Farms residential development. The project involves a 29-unit single-family home development on a site primarily composed of wetland and floodplain. Concerns were raised about the development’s compliance with zoning regulations and its environmental impact, particularly regarding emergency access and the site’s floodplain conditions.

Council Member Carlson proposed tabling the development proposal until the February 17 meeting, allowing time for a work session to discuss the matter further. This motion was passed, though not without some opposition from other council members. The development’s density and deviations from standard zoning regulations, such as garage size and cul-de-sac length, were key points of contention.

The council also considered a services agreement for the trunk highway 610 and East River Road interchange project, with a proposal amounting to $329,01 for finalizing the design and preparing for bidding. The overall project is estimated at $38 million and has involved extensive public engagement and design iterations over several years.

Another topic was the request for a partial refund of liquor licensing fees for Lacita Mexican Restaurant, which had closed. The council approved a prorated refund of $9,988.34 without further discussion.