09:37The council’s decision to approve the preliminary plat for the Highland Apartments edition was a notable development. The proposal involved subdividing a 9.9-acre property on North Highland Avenue into four lots and extending 10th North Street to provide frontage. The planning commission had already approved the plat, which conforms to city code standards for the R4 high-density residential district. The council required the developer to pay a parkland dedication fee and determine whether a connection fee is needed for access to a storm water quality pond. The developer was given options for storm water management, either on-site or using the city’s pond system. The council approved the preliminary plat with these conditions, highlighting the positive implications for the community’s housing needs.

15:11Another major housing project discussed was the Sarah Hills Fourth Edition. The council approved the preliminary plat for this development, located on Ryan Road and Allison Avenue, to be subdivided into two lots. The planning commission had recommended approval contingent upon payment of a platting fee, a parkland dedication fee, providing an electronic file of the plat, and establishing easement areas. The approval of this plat aligns with the city’s zoning standards for the R1 district, facilitating further residential development in the area.

18:11In administrative matters, the council revisited the orderly annexation agreement with Milford Township, initially approved in December 2024. Due to procedural errors identified by the Office of Administrative Hearings, a joint notice of intent was published, allowing the council to adopt the agreement during this meeting. The township planned to act on it shortly after. The agreement’s contents remained unchanged, supporting orderly growth and development coordination between the city and township.

21:46Financial decisions also featured prominently in the meeting, particularly the descertification of TIFF District H5 in Milford Heights. Since 2007, this district had been active, but with all debts and obligations fulfilled, the council moved to cease collecting TIFF funds. Residual funds would be returned to the county as excess TIFF payments, and other funds would be transferred to the Economic Development Authority (EDA). The transfer of $33,414.31 from the descertified district to the EDA was necessary to facilitate the financial closeout process, receiving unanimous support.

23:44The meeting also addressed community amenities and events. The River Valley BMX Association’s request for temporary camping at South German Park during their state qualifying event was approved, continuing a tradition without issues in previous years. Additionally, the council accepted $11,425 in donations for park and recreation programs, including contributions from New Public Schools, the Isaac Walton League, and funds for new archery range targets.

The council also reviewed and accepted $1,411 in donations to the public library, earmarked for children’s books and programs, among other purposes, and a $750 donation to the New Ulm Fire Department. These contributions reflect community support for local services and amenities.