A major focus of the meeting was the approval of a preliminary plat for the Garden Terrace, second edition, presented by a representative on behalf of Garden Terrace Newm 2, LLC. This development plan involves the construction of a 39-unit, three-story apartment building designed for seniors aged 55 and over. The proposed site consists of three parcels totaling 8.8 acres located west of North Garden Street and south of Oak Street. The plan requires reconfiguring existing lots while maintaining the exterior property lines. Council members reviewed the proposal, which included a mix of unit types with an emphasis on two-bedroom units, and addressed concerns about parking and stormwater management. The developer committed to sharing parking areas with existing facilities through formalized declarations of rights and responsibilities. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary plat with conditions, including the payment of a parkland dedication fee and the resolution of utility easement issues.

In a related matter, the council addressed the need to amend the city’s comprehensive plan to accommodate the Garden Terrace 3 project. This amendment was necessary because the proposed senior housing development exceeds the current medium-density residential designation, requiring a shift to high-density residential to allow for 14.5 units per acre. The developer plans to include covered parking for each unit, along with additional surface parking. Historical challenges with the site’s soil conditions were discussed, but advancements in construction technology now make high-density development feasible. The council unanimously approved the comprehensive plan amendment, aligning the property’s designation with its zoning classification and paving the way for this much-needed senior housing project.

Another outcome of the meeting was the approval of grant agreements related to airport improvements. The council discussed a supplemental grant from the Mindot Office of Aeronautics, which will cover an additional 2.5% of the costs for the airfield apron expansion and new fuel system construction. This supplemental funding complements a previously accepted grant covering 95% of the costs, forming a comprehensive funding strategy for the airport project. The grant agreements were presented in resolutions that the council unanimously approved.

The council also discussed routine but necessary administrative matters. They approved a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for an upcoming event at the Brown County Fairgrounds and issued a tobacco license for a local business. In addition, the council renewed a tree service license, set public hearing dates for noise variance requests related to upcoming events, and addressed delinquent assessments for water, wastewater, and stormwater services.

An important operational decision involved an airport snow removal contract. Following the previous contractor’s termination of services, the city sought proposals for new service providers. The council approved a contract with Square Construction, which offered favorable terms without a minimum retainer. This decision ensures continued airport operations during the winter months.

Finally, the council extended a lease agreement with the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame for five years and reviewed claims paid by the city amounting to more than five million dollars. After approving these claims, the council entered a closed session to discuss offers related to the sale of naming rights for the recreation center, citing real estate transaction exceptions to the open meeting law.