The council’s primary focus was the 2026 pavement management project, presented by City Engineer Morgan Dolly. The project aims to improve asphalt pavement conditions across several neighborhoods, including First Street from Indian Way to Navajo Road, Mohawk Road, and 7th Street North. Despite the project’s emphasis on surface improvements such as pavement milling and repaving, Dolly noted that approximately 20% of curbs would need replacement, and pedestrian ramps would be updated to meet ADA standards. A specific intersection at First and Indian Way is slated for narrowing to enhance safety and ease maintenance.

Financially, the project is estimated at $2.8 million, covering construction, engineering, and contingencies. The Cowan, Memory, and Polaris area is expected to incur the highest costs at $1.3 million. Although the project’s total costs are under the authorized CIP amount, Dolly highlighted discrepancies in funding categories, particularly in water utility funding due to unexpected water main replacements on 7th Street. These costs have prompted discussions about potential additional funding sources to bridge the gap without altering the project’s scope. Dolly assured the council that further evaluation of financing options is underway, with updates to be provided as the project advances towards bidding in the spring.

The meeting also addressed the capital improvement plan’s final design process for pavement preservation, with a timeline suggesting the start of construction in May and completion by September. A proposal from WSB required council authorization to proceed with the final design, though a speaker, due to affiliation, refrained from recommending it. The proposal, structured on an hourly basis with a not-to-exceed limit, seemed feasible within the budget.

Concerns arose over significant cost increases related to the wastewater aspect of the project, prompting discussions about reevaluating the CIP. The budget had escalated from approximately $900,000 to $2 million, influenced by allocations for sewer lining. The conversation highlighted the challenges of managing pavement projects alongside water main replacements. Past experiences with repeated water main breaks necessitated careful planning, with prioritization based on road conditions and historical data on complaints.

The council also deliberated on the implications for residents during street work, particularly concerning sewer lines. While the city can inspect sewers, diagnosing issues within residents’ lines remains challenging. The council discussed the appropriateness of notifying residents of potential problems without sufficient evidence, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation and contingency planning.

In other discussions, the council heard public comments from Eliza, who supported a student housing project but expressed concerns over a proposed twin home’s design in a neighborhood dominated by mid-century single-family homes. Eliza raised issues about traffic and space.

The council also received updates on ongoing projects and community initiatives. Electrical infrastructure maintenance was a key topic, with staff acknowledging cooperation from a local shop in replacing crossarms and damaged poles. They plan to transition to inspection mode during winter to identify issues for spring attention. A substation issue involving fluctuating amperage readings prompted plans to replace faulty equipment soon.

In community development, preparations for an RFP related to waste management services with Ramsey County were underway. Updates on fee schedules and reviews of parking regulations were mentioned. Communication efforts focused on training for new software tools and planning for community events, including the upcoming “Holly Jolly Night” at Casey Lake Park.

The Police Department noted an increase in call volumes, particularly for medical emergencies and domestic disputes, while the Fire Department reflected on a successful Booya event. Public Works reported progress on road projects and preparations for winter operations. Concerns were raised about road conditions at the Margaret and Sepula intersection due to a settling duct line, with city officials working to rectify the issue.

The council also discussed the lead service line inventory initiative, emphasizing voluntary participation in outreach efforts led by WSB representatives. Communication strategies included website updates and newsletters to boost public awareness, with efforts ongoing to encourage community engagement.