The 2026 street improvement project took center stage, with an in-depth presentation by Alison Fal from WSB and project manager Emily Brown. The project aims to enhance the condition of numerous city streets, following a systematic evaluation of existing pavement conditions. Streets identified for improvements include Game Farm Road, Lakeside Drive, and Pinnacle Way, among others. The evaluation revealed varying levels of wear and stress, with Game Farm Road notably exhibiting significant distress, including longitudinal and alligator cracking. The project scope primarily involves a mill and overlay process, with some areas requiring full-depth replacement. The total budget for this endeavor is estimated at $4.4 million, funded by the road fund and special assessments for benefiting property owners. A historical practice of assessing about 50% of project costs was discussed, with hardship deferrals available for certain residents. The timeline includes a feasibility report by August 4 and a public hearing on September 3, with construction planned for June to September 2026.

In a presentation, Sheriff Dana Wit discussed her strategic priorities for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, focusing on violent crime reduction, opioid overdose prevention, and community outreach. Sheriff Wit highlighted the rise in violent crime, especially homicides, and emphasized the need for updated staffing models to combat these contemporary challenges. She underscored the importance of community engagement, recounting personal stories from mothers who lost children to fentanyl overdoses as a driving force behind the “Focus on Fentanyl” initiative. Sheriff Wit also addressed recruitment challenges, noting an increase in interest among students in her classes. The discussion included concerns over juvenile crime and the need for improved youth interventions and placement options.

Resident concerns over water drainage issues surfaced during the meeting, with numerous homeowners expressing frustration over persistent flooding problems affecting their properties. One homeowner detailed a history of flooding since purchasing their house in 2000, requesting financial assistance from the city to address the issue. Another resident underscored the urgency, fearing winter flooding in their basement. The council acknowledged the seriousness of these issues and discussed the need for input from city engineers to explore potential solutions. The complexities of negotiating easements with neighboring properties were recognized, and the possibility of using eminent domain was mentioned as a last resort.

The council also addressed the proposed construction of a new water treatment plant. While public hearings were not required, the council emphasized its efforts to communicate with the community through numerous public meetings. Resident Dave Carl expressed concern over the facility’s placement. The council explained the considerations behind the current location, including minimizing delivery truck impact, and expressed a willingness to engage with residents to address concerns.

Other business items included the approval of the Milo training system for the police department, designed to enhance officer interactions and reduce ammunition costs. The funding for this purchase will come from public safety grant money and forfeiture funds. Additionally, the council approved a motion to seek quotes for a new security system, acknowledging challenges in securing multiple vendor bids. An ordinance amendment was also passed to provide flexibility in scheduling city meetings.