The council’s most significant decision was approving the final plat for River Haven Addition, a 7.61-acre property located on North Highland Avenue. This development encompasses 17 lots intended for twin homes, along with provisions for apartment buildings and townhome units, totaling 118 housing units. The city currently owns the land and plans to sell it to New Ulm River Haven LLC. Before finalizing the plat, the council agreed on five conditions, including the payment of a platting fee, approval of a revised general development plan, and securing ownership through a purchase agreement with the city. During discussions, a member highlighted the absence of a purchase agreement, which was identified as a crucial first step. The land might be sold for a nominal fee, with the city aiming to recover costs through future tax payments. The council closed the public hearing and approved the resolution, contingent on meeting the specified conditions.

Another discussion revolved around the integration of AI in city operations. A council member who attended the National League of Cities (NLC) conference emphasized AI’s potential applications in municipal management. The NLC provided an “AI handbook,” which the council plans to review. Discussions regarding AI integration are anticipated upon the IT director’s return from an AI-focused conference. The council member stressed the importance of staying ahead of trends, stating, “You have to go as a city where the puck is going,” and expressed confidence in the city’s current cybersecurity measures against ransomware threats.

The meeting also addressed the proposed 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure. The City Engineer presented the plan, which includes projects for roadway reconstruction, with costs escalating from $743,000 per mile in 2008 to approximately $3.7 million per mile in 2024. Since 2008, the city has reconstructed 43.5 miles of failed roadways, reducing the number of failed sections. Despite these improvements, several alleys remain classified as failed or marginal. The CIP includes a comprehensive reconstruction of Bridge Street and initial improvements in the Lakeside Village Edition. The total budget for the proposed projects is approximately $14.5 million, with $8.2 million allocated from dedicated funding sources, resulting in a projected $6.5 million bonding need for 2025.

The council also reviewed the extended five-year CIP, which totals approximately $51 million. The plan includes various projects aimed at enhancing city infrastructure, with a projected assessment rate of about 35%, exceeding the minimum requirement for bonding. Key projects for upcoming years include roadway reconstructions, ravine stabilization, and improvements at the airport. The council adopted the proposed CIP without opposition.

In other business, the council authorized liquor license extensions for the upcoming Parade of Lights event scheduled for November 29, 2024. Licenses were extended along Minnesota Street to allow alcohol consumption during the event at several local establishments. A separate resolution was passed for the BNL bar, allowing it to temporarily close an adjacent alley, set up fire pits, and extend its liquor license into the closed area. Additional licenses were approved for the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce and the Church of St. Mary for future events.

The council also considered Ordinance Number 20249-3, involving a second consideration of the city’s schedule of fees, and Ordinance Number 20249-4, amending liquor license responsibilities. Both ordinances were approved. Additionally, they renewed the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust’s liability coverage, maintaining established monetary limits for municipal liability.

Appointments for the upcoming January annual meeting were reviewed, with attention to roles needing reassignment. Interest in the vice president role was noted, and discussions on committee appointments, including the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Heritage Preservation, were held.

The council approved the assignment of fire department officers for the upcoming year and accepted over $5,000 in donations to the fire department from local businesses. A new contract for long-distance telecommunication services was also approved, following the current provider’s cessation of operations. Lastly, a loan request for a renovation project at the Lamplighter building was approved, contingent on compliance with the city’s revolving loan fund criteria.