A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation of a park survey conducted by Peter Leatherman from Moris Leatherman and Company. The survey, which interviewed 250 randomly selected residents, aimed to assess how people felt about local government services and community quality of life. Interestingly, the survey showed that 88% of residents rated their quality of life positively, a slight decrease from 90% in 2021. High taxes and crime/safety were one notable issues for 13% and 11% of respondents, respectively, though these figures remain relatively low compared to other metropolitan areas.

The survey also delved into residents’ views on local services, with 76% rating city services positively, an increase from previous years. Park and recreation facilities were rated favorably by 76% of respondents, a rise from 69%, though there was a noted drop in park maintenance ratings. Residents expressed substantial interest in recreational activities such as pickleball, tennis, and basketball, with many showing support for improvements to sports courts. The survey further highlighted strong community backing for river access parks and picnic areas, both garnering over 80% support, while Loveland Park emerged as a top priority for modernization.

In conjunction with discussions on recreational improvements, the County Road 74 Improvement Project was presented by Kevin Peterson, the Washington County design engineer. This project, addressing a road that sees over 2,500 vehicles daily, aims to improve safety by replacing pavement, managing drainage with concrete curb and gutter, and installing a multi-use trail. Community feedback prioritized safety for both motorists and non-motorized users, prompting design alternatives to address these concerns. The proposed plan includes bikable paved shoulders and adjustments for better visibility at blind intersections.

Financial considerations were a key topic, with the council requiring a resolution of support to move forward with final engineering and property acquisition phases. Concerns about the cost of right-of-way acquisition were discussed, especially regarding lands owned by the St. Paul refinery. The project also emphasizes connectivity, with efforts to link Newport to the Mississippi River Trail system for enhanced access and economic development.

Another focal point of the meeting was the operations of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Leet provided updates on law enforcement activities, highlighting the introduction of a Community Impact Unit and the success of mental health intervention teams. The report included crime analysis tools and detailed data on call volumes.

The council also addressed the Cedar Lane Park Levy breach project, approving a bid from Fitzgerald Excavating for excavation work. Funded by a FEMA grant, the project aims to improve water flow and reduce structural risks in the park area. The council discussed the possibility of using leftover grant funds for additional maintenance work.

Additionally, the meeting covered updates on the 2025 street and utility improvements, with neighborhood feedback shaping project plans. The water system interconnect project also saw progress, with design work nearing completion and coordinated efforts with the city of Woodbury.

The meeting concluded with discussions on local government aid and infrastructure funding requests, emphasizing the competitive nature of securing resources at the state and federal levels. Council members also engaged in community initiatives like library programs and zoning code updates.