The central focus of the meeting was the public hearing concerning Rocktoberfest, organized by the St. Joseph Booster Club. The event, scheduled for September 27th, has historically taken place in the church parking lot, and this year included requests for street closures on Minnesota Street and parts of College Avenue to accommodate the festival setup and enhance accessibility, particularly for elderly attendees. A representative from the event underscored the importance of street closures directly in front of the event site to improve accessibility for those with mobility challenges. He argued that the controlled access and enclosed nature of the event would mitigate any safety risks.

The representative further highlighted the event’s role in supporting the local Catholic school, stating, “I’m not asking for special treatment. I’m asking for fair application of what you guys have done previously.” He drew comparisons to other city events, such as the Law Jam and Rock for Alzheimer’s.

Despite the strong safety record of past Rocktoberfest events, city officials, including a chief, maintained their recommendation to keep certain streets open, proposing alternative measures such as detour signs to manage traffic flow. The city’s stance was based on ensuring pedestrian safety, particularly given the anticipated increase in foot traffic during the event. Officials emphasized the need for effective traffic management, proposing the deployment of two police officers instead of the requested three, as a cost-saving measure while still addressing safety concerns.

The debate revealed a clear divide between the event organizers’ desire for operational flexibility and the city’s concern over maintaining a secure environment. After a thorough discussion, the council resolved to approve the event with the condition of deploying two police officers, a decision that underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing community events’ needs with public safety requirements.

In other matters, the council addressed a rezoning request submitted by property owner Mark Martini. The request sought to rezone a property at 172nd Avenue Northwest from R3 multifamily to B1 central business district, in order to comply with city ordinances regarding surface material coverage. The planning commission had previously held a public hearing and recommended approval of the rezoning, aligning with the area’s comprehensive plan for central business use. The council unanimously supported the resolution, confirming the property’s location adjacent to other commercial establishments.

Further, the council considered an ordinance amendment to allow minor vehicle sales as a conditional use in the light industrial district. This proposal, initiated by a business owner planning to continue online vehicle sales while storing a limited number of vehicles on-site, received unanimous support from the planning commission. The amendment includes conditions limiting the maximum lot size and the number of vehicles stored or sold. A motion to approve the ordinance amendment was passed.

Additionally, the council approved a new contract for Mary Bruno, the city’s tourism coordinator, increasing her annual stipend from $9,000 to $14,400. The increase, partially funded through lodging taxes, aims to formalize her role and acknowledge her contributions to the city. Council members expressed appreciation for her work, with one noting, “Thank you for everything that you’ve done for the city over the years.”

The meeting also touched on ongoing staffing challenges within the police department, with discussions around offering hiring bonuses to attract new officers. The council explored potential incentives to remain competitive with neighboring cities.