A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring retiring Fire Chief Steve Wy. The council unanimously passed a resolution of appreciation, acknowledging Wy’s nearly four decades of service, leadership, and his impact on both the fire department and the broader community. Mayor Laurie Elliott presented Chief Wy with an inscribed axe. Wy, reflecting on his tenure since joining in 1986, expressed thanks to the citizens of Newport, his colleagues, and especially his family, including his wife Elizabeth, for their support. Several council members lauded Wy’s professionalism and the respect he fostered within the department, with sentiments emphasizing the lasting standard he set for future leadership.

The meeting transitioned to the council’s discussions on significant infrastructure projects, particularly focusing on the 12th Street Area Improvement Project. A public hearing was held to discuss the intricate details of the project, which includes widening streets, adding curb and gutter, and implementing stormwater management systems. These improvements aim to address issues like localized flooding and outdated utility systems. The project area spans streets between 7th Avenue and the Mississippi River, affecting approximately 80 adjacent properties. The city engineer, John Herdigan, outlined plans to replace brittle, aging water mains with durable ductile iron pipes and to upgrade sanitary sewer lines from clay to PVC. The project also involves the installation of a new storm sewer system to manage stormwater effectively, with rain gardens or biofiltration areas included in the plans.

The council addressed financial aspects, noting the project’s estimated construction costs at around $4.88 million, with total costs nearing $6.6 million when accounting for contingencies and inflation. A benefit appraisal helped reduce the assessment cost per property from over $16,000 to $9,000. The council emphasized the importance of community input, scheduling neighborhood meetings to engage residents in the project’s design phase. Concerns about the assessment rates were discussed. The council plans to solicit contractor bids in early 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in April or May and potentially continuing into 2027.

Public comments during the hearing highlighted residents’ concerns about the impact of the improvements on their properties, particularly regarding tree preservation and assessment costs. The city clarified policies regarding corner lot assessments and emphasized benefits such as increased property values and reduced maintenance costs from updated utilities. Feedback from residents regarding potential tree removal was considered valuable, with the city committing to replanting efforts where feasible.

Additionally, the meeting included updates on ongoing infrastructure initiatives, including a water system interconnect with Cottage Grove and continued street improvements involving storm sewer installations. Council members noted the importance of securing grant funding to support these projects, with efforts underway to present to a Minnesota House committee to seek state bonding funds.