The council’s most issue was the upcoming Rock Ober Fest, organized by the St. Joseph Booster Club and scheduled for September 28th. A public hearing addressed several logistical concerns, including street closures necessary to manage the high volume of attendees and ensure safety. Chris Asgar, the new chair of the event, sought clarity on security measures after noticing a discrepancy in the number of recommended police officers. The police chief explained that the suggestion to increase officer presence from two to three was based on last year’s event, which faced challenges with crowd control and theft. Anticipating an even larger crowd this year, the chief emphasized the need for adequate security to handle potentially over 1,200 attendees.

Traffic safety was a concern, with council members discussing the chaotic conditions experienced last year due to insufficient drop-off and pickup management. One council member highlighted the severe traffic delays on College Avenue and Minnesota Street. This led to a proposal to close Minnesota Street at First Avenue, diverting traffic to ensure smoother access and reduce pedestrian risks, particularly in the evening when visibility decreases.

The council reached a consensus on the necessity of these closures, approving a motion to block key streets from noon until the event’s conclusion at 11 PM. Members emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent accidents, especially with the potential for increased attendance and alcohol consumption at the festival. The decision to close streets was part of a broader strategy to enhance safety and streamline the flow of both vehicles and pedestrians during the festival.

In addition to Rock Ober Fest, the council reviewed an application from the Mream Arts Festival, which similarly required street closures for its event. However, this annual festival has a consistent track record of managing pedestrian safety effectively, and the council expressed confidence in its current arrangements.

Further discussions addressed the ongoing partnership with the group Kinetic, focusing on a memorandum of understanding to clarify mutual commitments. The council agreed to temporarily suspend billing to allow Kinetic additional time to organize and fundraise effectively. A plan was also announced to adjust Kinetic’s service hours to avoid holiday congestion, with a focus on engaging potential donors earlier in the fundraising cycle. The council looked forward to receiving a progress report in December.

In the realm of local development, Hansen and Companies announced the groundbreaking of a new facility, signaling continued growth within the community. Additionally, a wedding venue on Jade Road sought an extension on its conditional use permit, which the council will review in an upcoming meeting.

Cannabis regulation emerged as another topic of interest, with a council member sharing insights from a recent League of Minnesota Cities conference. The council member suggested engaging legal teams early to navigate these changes effectively.