During the meeting, the Public Works director provided insights into the current state of the city’s recycling program, noting the lack of necessary infrastructure for separating commodities and the absence of contracts for selling recyclable materials. The director revealed that while the city once profited from recycling, it has started to incur losses on materials like glass. This acknowledgment of the program’s financial dynamics set the stage for discussions on developing a more robust and comprehensive recycling strategy.

In response to Berghorn’s suggestions, the council members expressed a unified interest in receiving a report that would lay out the challenges and potential solutions for a more extensive recycling program.

The meeting also delved into economic matters, with the Economic Development Division presenting their quarterly report. Additionally, the city’s biannual Business Report was discussed, highlighting business perceptions in St. Cloud, challenges such as access to capital, and the city’s efforts in small business support through grants and technical assistance. The report’s emphasis on business growth and attraction efforts through events, speaking engagements, and digital outreach efforts points to a concerted focus on nurturing the city’s economic landscape.

The city’s legislative landscape was another key topic, with lobbyist Chris Cary reviewing the state’s legislative session. The discussion covered a wide range of issues, from budget allocation across sectors like Health and Human Services, education, and transportation, to local projects, tax packages, and hurricane preparedness. Notably, the council discussed the implications of legislative bills on municipal utilities and housing, including the impact of the Live Local Act which aims to increase workforce housing availability. This act would allow housing projects in all commercial and industrial districts and provide for reductions in parking and landscape requirements if certain criteria are met.

The Council also addressed a proposed development project known as the Center Lake Ranch. This project includes 67 detached residential acres and 164 acres for the entire buildout, with lot sizes ranging from 50 to 75 feet wide. Concerns were raised by residents regarding traffic increase on Nolte Road, lot sizes, and overall community impact. The Planning Commission’s recommendation for denial of the Walker property development, which includes 69 single-family detached dwelling units on approximately 25.5 acres, was also discussed. However, the updated report from the school district, which no longer showed a capacity deficit, and the unanimous approval of the consent agenda, including the ordinance amending various sections of the Land Development Code, were positive developments in the city’s planning sphere.

The discussion on the recycling program and economic development was followed by a debate on watercraft rental companies at East Lake, with the city manager mentioning previous discussions about not renewing franchise agreements. The Parks and Recreation director was directed to provide more information on this issue.

Another topic of significant interest was the possibility of permanently docking two riverboats at the lakefront, with the council divided on the issue. Some members supported the idea for its potential economic and tourism benefits, while others called for a more thorough study on the economic impact and precedent-setting concerns. The council decided to include the issue on the next meeting’s agenda to work on the final agreement language, highlighting the need to balance support for local businesses with fiscal management.

The meeting also tackled infrastructure concerns, with discussions about the condition of roads and the need for a comprehensive maintenance plan. The allocation of funding for road improvements and the creation of a dedicated sidewalk crew were considered.