One item at the meeting was the recognition of the Minnesota High School Knowledge Bowl State Champions. The council honored the team for their remarkable achievement, expressing pride in their performance. The team’s coach recounted their journey from organizing in November to competing against numerous teams throughout the season. The team’s lowest finish in any invitational meet was fourth place, and they dominated their conference. At the state tournament, they faced an initial setback with a written test score they believed was low. However, a scoring adjustment revealed a score of 47, placing them first going into the competition rounds. They maintained their lead throughout the tournament, winning each round with scores of 15, 15, and 14. This resulted in a total of 127.5 points, the largest margin of victory in Minnesota State Knowledge Bowl Class 2A history. The coach highlighted the participation of younger students and the enthusiasm surrounding the team as indicators of the program’s bright future. The council presented certificates and gifts to the team members, followed by a photo opportunity.

The meeting also addressed mural regulations within the city. An ordinance amending the zoning ordinance regarding mural regulations was discussed and approved. The ordinance requires property owners to apply for an interim use permit to display a mural, stipulating that murals cannot face Main Street and should be located in commercial downtown areas, not residential neighborhoods. It also limits text to 30% of a mural and encourages designs that reflect community history and themes. Property owners are responsible for overseeing the quality and maintenance of murals. The council expressed support for these regulations, emphasizing the need for property owners to be active in the approval process.

On the staffing front, the city administration reported that staffing levels were on the verge of reaching full capacity for the first time in three years. Several new hires were announced, including Justin Henriks as the electric supervisor, Matthew Host as a police officer, Nathan Wellie as a seasonal worker for the Streets and Parks Department, Eli Clawson as a wastewater intern, and Amy Austining as the assistant ambulance coordinator. Wyatt Cells has also been hired as a line apprentice. The administration expressed satisfaction with the staffing developments after a prolonged period of vacancies.

The council approved two notable donations: a $500 donation from the Roving Hillbilly Snowmobile Club to the Tomorrow’s Fire Department and a $10,000 contribution from Magnify Financial towards the Mars Fire Department ladder truck. These donations were included in the consent agenda and approved with little discussion.

Community Development Director Sheila reported on various developments, including the scheduling of a public hearing for the planning and zoning committee about converting a static billboard to digital on the Blue Door Storage property. She noted that the property on East Main Street had been deemed structurally sound after condemnation notices were removed. Work was underway on the pickleball court at Sock River Park, and epoxy flooring was being installed in the pavilion for community events. Sheila also mentioned ongoing efforts on the comprehensive plan and invited the council to an unveiling ceremony for the Edwin Clark historical marker.

The council also discussed a significant topic: the potential risk of avian flu associated with backyard chickens. The council had previously directed staff to gather additional information on this issue. Concerns were raised about the attraction of wild birds and the associated biosecurity risks. Council members expressed apprehension about jeopardizing the local poultry industry and agreed to maintain the current policy prohibiting backyard chickens. The issue could be revisited if there is sufficient community demand.

The Chief of Police provided a report for March 2025. There were 277 calls compared to 245 the previous year, with 26 citations and 72 verbal warnings issued. Although there was a slight decrease in incidents requiring reporting, the Chief noted that warmer weather was leading to increased activities.

Lastly, the council discussed storm debris management, with the fire department having recently burned debris at Mayor’s Pit. The chief proposed using Mayor’s Pit as a storm debris drop-off location for future events, emphasizing the need for a lease agreement with the owners to address liability concerns.