A major topic of discussion was the approval of a new Public Works facility, described as the largest capital project in the city’s history. The facility has been in planning for several years and aims to address critical deficiencies in the existing infrastructure. Council members reflected on the extensive process leading to the approval, highlighting issues such as water accumulation in air ducts at the current facility. Voter approval for a sales tax to fund the project underscored community involvement. The council unanimously adopted resolution 2024-25, authorizing a guaranteed maximum price amendment for the project, which is set at $24,383,899. Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for late September, with construction completion expected by November 2025.

The project includes multiple construction contracts categorized based on bid type and scope. Ken Francis from K Anderson, the construction manager, detailed the breakdown of bids, including $45,988 for final cleaning by Midwest Specialty Maintenance Inc and $941,618 for roofing by Berwald Roofing Company. Discrepancies in bids for specialty doors and fabric-supported air structures led to recommendations for rebidding. The project budget includes contingencies of $487,000 and soft costs exceeding $3.6 million.

Another development was the hiring of Jake Foster as the new assistant city administrator, filling a position vacant since 2017. Foster’s experience in other cities such as Watertown, Chan Hassen, and Lake Elmo was noted, and the council expressed enthusiasm for his upcoming start, emphasizing the importance of additional administrative support due to the city’s growth.

The council also addressed financial matters, approving claims totaling over $2.1 million. A motion to grant the city administrator authority to approve change orders up to $100,000 for the Public Works facility project was passed.

In another financial matter, the council discussed extending the local option sales tax from 25 years to 30 years to accommodate inflation impacts on cost projections. Without this extension, an estimated additional $9 million would have to be covered by property taxpayers. The council adopted a resolution to place this item on the ballot for the upcoming 2024 general election.

The meeting also included recognitions for retiring members of city commissions. Mayor Kevin Zabel acknowledged Dave Helper, who retired from the Economic Development Commission, and Bonnie Wilson, who retired from the Environmental Management Commission. Wilson’s contributions to the Green Step Cities program and the pedestrian and bicycle plan were particularly noted. Both were thanked for their service, with Wilson receiving a certificate of appreciation.

Community engagement and upcoming events were also discussed. A council member highlighted the success of the National Night Out event, emphasizing the importance of community connections. The council promoted the weekly Farmers Market and encouraged residents to provide feedback on the city’s park system plan through an online survey or at the market. Openings on various city advisory bodies were also highlighted as opportunities for residents to get involved in local governance.

The meeting concluded with routine matters, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and a motion to adjourn.