The meeting commenced at 4:30 p.m., swiftly moving through the consent agenda before diving into a series of public hearings. The most notable event was the celebration of the 110th birthday of the popcorn wagon, a local icon. The celebration included a proclamation, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a presentation by Dr. Dan Grebner, who detailed the wagon’s history. The event was part of ongoing programming aimed at honoring the wagon’s legacy and role in the community.

In addition to the popcorn wagon festivities, the council introduced Steve Brown, the new executive director from New Brick, and representatives from Rebound Partners discussed their investment projects in New Ulm. A reception was also held for Anuka Fiser, the Hanso exchange person, who shared her experiences during her three-month stay in New Ulm, expressing her attachment to the community and indicating a desire to return.

The council then addressed the airport crosswind runway 927 improvement project, supported by $2.5 million in federal funding. The city engineer confirmed that all property owners involved were aware of the project and that environmental work had begun. The council authorized the city engineer to coordinate with consultants to start negotiations for land acquisition.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on budget discussions. The preliminary budget for the city was reviewed, highlighting a slight increase in local government aid (LGA) revenue compared to the previous year. The debt levy had decreased over time, but future projects might reverse this trend. The proposed budget included using general fund and park and recreation fund balances to cover various projects. Notable increases in wages and benefits, particularly a 15% rise in health insurance costs, were discussed. The preliminary levy was proposed to increase by 7.68%, with considerations on its impact on tax rates and capacity, which had remained flat following years of increases.

The council also reviewed specific budget items, such as a reduction in Christmas decorations funding from $10,000 to $8,000 and the allocation of $10,000 for City Hall landscaping. The Public Works building was slated for repainting at a cost of $4,000, while the engineering department proposed a $20,000 update to GPS equipment. The library planned to spend $25,000 on new shelving for the children’s area. There was discussion about the Street Department’s storage building, initially budgeted at $225,000 for 2025, with a proposal to split the cost over two years due to rising construction costs.

The capital improvement fund received a $200,000 allocation. Other funds, such as the police equipment fund and recreation center equipment fund, were maintained to replace aging assets preemptively.

The council also addressed the park and recreation fund, with concerns about the sustainability of park funding and the need for costly repairs on existing facilities. The fund balance, excluding parkland dedication fees, stood at $1.7 million at the end of 2023, with a proposed expenditure of $35,000. Discussions emphasized the need for sponsorship opportunities and support to maintain the local park system, considered one of the highest per capita in the state. The potential to lower the levy by $100,000 was discussed, with a preliminary levy amount of 6.68% suggested.

In other matters, the council approved a grant application from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for a matching grant to support purchasing a fire rescue skid for the fire department’s Polaris Ranger. The grant totaled $3,444.45, allowing the purchase to proceed once the contract is finalized.

An annexation petition for a 5.46-acre property on North Highland Avenue was reviewed. The property, adjacent to city limits on three sides and zoned for agriculture open space, is planned to be divided into five single-family residence lots. The council approved the annexation, aligning with the city’s comprehensive plan and allowing for municipal utilities to serve the area.

The meeting concluded with reports from various boards and commissions. Notably, the Economic Development Authority discussed a potential sale of Garden Terrace and plans for a public hearing in October. The Park and Recreation Commission presented a draft policy for managing sponsorship opportunities and accepted a grant for smokefree signage in parks. The Heritage Preservation Commission discussed signage related to the Kaiserhof and a fire escape for a building on Minnesota Street. The mayor reported participation in a CEO panel hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, focusing on employee recruitment, retention, and workplace dynamics.