The council’s decision was bolstered by compelling data presented during the meeting. Speed cameras installed in school zones across the city recorded significant violations, highlighting the safety risks for students. Over a three-day period, cameras at multiple school locations, including St. Cloud High School and St. Cloud Middle School, recorded thousands of vehicles and hundreds of violations. For instance, cameras on Michigan Avenue near the schools detected 4,614 vehicles during beacon enforcement times, resulting in 134 violations. A particularly alarming example came from Canoe Creek K-8, where a camera recorded 786 violations during beacon times, with some vehicles traveling at speeds between 51 to 55 mph in a 20 mph zone.

Council members expressed deep concern over these findings, with one member stating, “one accident, one injury, one death is way too many.” The potential revenue from fines was discussed, with suggestions to use these funds to enhance safety measures, such as hiring additional crossing guards. The ordinance stipulates that violations will not incur points on a driver’s record. The council’s discussion underscored the importance of ensuring these systems effectively enhance safety in school zones, with one member calling the presented data “absolutely unbelievable.”

In another significant topic, the council addressed the proposed development by Eden Living Community. The project includes a request for a small-scale future land use map amendment to allow for a density of up to ten dwelling units per acre, potentially yielding 232 units. Eden Living aims to introduce a variety of housing types, specifically one, two, and three-bedroom units, with high-end finishes and amenities such as a resort-style pool and dog park. The project emphasizes a lower-rise design, consisting of one and two-story buildings, to blend with the surrounding community.

During public comments, residents expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its suitability and potential benefits. One resident, Betty D., cited her experience touring a similar Eden Living facility, emphasizing the positive aspects of rental communities and advocating for the project as a suitable addition to the area. Another resident, Christy Malwitz, praised Eden’s approach to community engagement and the potential for improved quality of life. However, there were concerns about discrepancies in the proposed ordinance regarding tree preservation, with discussions on amending the ordinance to align with the developers’ plans.

Council members discussed various aspects of the project, including density, parking provisions, and management. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of proposed parking spaces, and one member cited past experiences where developers’ initial presentations did not align with the final product. The council emphasized the need for the project to remain in substantial conformance with the presented plans, requesting inclusion of the developer’s presentation in the approval process.

The council also deliberated on the future land use element of the comprehensive plan for St. Cloud. The proposed changes include establishing three large employment centers and a commercial corridor, along with high-density residential development in key areas. The plan aims to address projected population growth and balance the jobs-to-housing ratio. Council members expressed differing views, with some emphasizing the importance of accommodating growth and others questioning the city’s responsibility to house the increasing population.

Finance Director Jeff Cooper presented budget amendment number four for fiscal year 2023-2024, detailing allocations for various projects. Notable allocations include $170,000 for shaded structures at Lakefront Park and $3 million for the Public Safety complex phase one. The council approved these budget amendments unanimously.

The council also tackled ordinances and resolutions concerning zoning changes and the purchase of a new pumper fire engine. Notably, the council approved the rezoning of approximately 10.31 acres of the Clark property from agricultural to R-1B single-family dwelling zoning. Additionally, resolution number 20241 35R authorized the purchase of a Pierce pumper truck, budgeted at $1.25 million but costing $1.22 million, with funding from impact fees.

Lastly, discussions on the downtown Vibes project addressed improvements funded by a leftover balance from a downtown project. Proposed improvements include paving a parking lot, adding underground electrical for events, and addressing street furniture inconsistency. The council also debated the prioritization of projects, with a focus on parking lot improvements and underground electric work.