One notable issue addressed was the street utility project, a infrastructure overhaul targeting Ash and Broadway Streets, south of Highway 30. This project was driven by the poor condition of existing sanitary sewer infrastructure, which included visible fractures and holes. The project involves complete underground utility replacements, including sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer improvements, coupled with a total roadway rebuild featuring new surfaces, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. The council plans to coordinate these efforts with a Minnesota Department of Transportation ADA project on Highway 30, scheduled for 2026.

A point of consideration was the project’s financial implications, estimated at approximately $2.5 million. Funding is expected to come from multiple sources, including Minnesota Statute Chapter 429 special assessments, bonds, and potentially cash reserves from general funds. The council debated the fairness of the assessment policy, particularly the impact on property owners, including a proposed $40,000 assessment per household. Concerns were raised about the burden on older residents and fairness in how assessments would be distributed, especially given that the school district would incur assessments. The council considered adopting a sliding scale for assessments based on property value, suggesting lower percentages for properties valued under $100,000.

In parallel, the council tackled important legislative matters concerning cannabis regulations. With state-level changes on the horizon, the council conducted a first reading of multiple ordinances to prepare the city for new cannabis-related business activities. Ordinance 24-4 focused on modifying local zoning regulations to permit the sale of lower potency hemp edibles in specific commercial zones. The council emphasized the need to have local regulations in place by January 1, when state laws would take effect, to mitigate potential liability as businesses apply for licenses. The ordinances were sent to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review, with public hearings scheduled for November.

Further discussions centered around financial strategies and ensuring the city’s fiscal health. The council approved a proposal to partner with David Drown and Associates for a utility rate study, aimed at assessing water, sewer, and storm sewer rates over the next several years. This move was seen as a cost-effective measure to better understand the financial landscape and manage future municipal bonds.

Additionally, the council considered joining a regional safety group, which would include neighboring towns and provide access to essential online training systems for compliance with safety standards. The city’s share of the cost was reduced through a subsidy from the League of Minnesota Cities, and the council approved joining the group.

The meeting also addressed the 2025 Street Project’s preliminary engineering payment. With over $215,000 available in capital for street funding, the council decided to use these funds for upfront costs, intending to reimburse them through future bonding. Budgetary discussions highlighted increases in law enforcement wages and potential changes to ambulance service revenue strategies, emphasizing the need for alternative billing services.