Leading the meeting, a comprehensive presentation by Todd Hagen, a bond financing consultant from Ehlers, detailed the proposed bond sale strategies. The city plans to allocate approximately $1,332,000 of the bond towards the pavement management program, which has a total cost exceeding one million dollars. This bond, structured over ten years, will be supported in part by Municipal State Aid cash contributions, thereby minimizing the need for substantial tax levies. The park renovation project is set to receive bond funding exceeding a million dollars, part of a larger $2.5 million effort, with the city contributing $1.5 million in cash. This portion of the bond is structured over fifteen years, with the city leveraging its AAA bond rating—a favorable position for such financial undertakings.

Two key resolutions were adopted during the meeting: one to set the bond sale for July 9 and another to establish a public hearing for the tax abatement aspect of the bond issue. Larpenter Manor was identified as the property for tax abatement, supporting the park financing through its tax revenue. The tax abatement allows the city to levy a tax for park improvements, effectively distributing the tax burden across all taxable properties in Falcon Heights. The council engaged in discussions to ensure the chosen property would not conflict with tax increment districts or overlapping uses within the bond period. The city retains flexibility in its financial management, with options to pay off the bond early if funds become available.

The council also delved into technical aspects of bond rates and market expectations, noting that coupon rates typically increase over the bond’s lifespan. This structure offers potential benefits if the city opts for early repayment, as it would incur lower interest rates compared to market rates later in the bond’s term. The emphasis was on stabilizing financial outcomes through adjustments in principal amounts and coupon rates to attract premium bids.

In other discussions, the sale of the Les Bolstad Golf Course by the university was addressed. The potential redevelopment of this property sparked conversations about balancing housing needs with preserving open spaces and parkland, which are integral to the community. The city administrator noted the importance of a mixed-use approach, combining housing with commercial aspects while maintaining open spaces. The redevelopment process would involve extensive planning, including infrastructure assessments and environmental testing, extending beyond 2025.

The meeting also tackled community concerns about a blighted property on Larpenteur Avenue. A resident expressed support for the city’s decision to explore purchasing the property for redevelopment, advocating for full community involvement. The property, deemed unsafe nearly two years ago, has been a target for vandalism, prompting calls for the city to exhaust all available options to address the issue effectively. An appraisal of the property is underway to determine its value for potential developers.

Additional topics covered included the successful acceptance of a bid from Bituminous Roadways for restoring the 2021 pavement management project after the previous contractor went bankrupt. The council expressed gratitude for having allocated funds for this restoration, viewed as a positive step in addressing past project deficiencies.

The meeting concluded with updates on community events, such as an upcoming Ice Cream Social at City Hall and the ongoing construction at Community Park. The significance of public participation in city developments was underscored, with announcements about upcoming meetings of various commissions and task forces, including the Community Engagement Commission and the State Fair Task Force. The council encouraged residents to engage in these forums, emphasizing their role in shaping the city’s future.