The council approved a $148,700 bid for new servers to replace outdated equipment essential to the city’s financial and utility billing systems. The current servers, over a decade old, were deemed unserviceable and posed a risk to city operations. The decision to purchase rather than transition to cloud-based options was based on cost-effectiveness, with a transition estimated to be $10,000 more expensive over the servers’ lifespan. Discussions highlighted the necessity of this purchase to ensure the reliability and security of municipal data systems. Concerns about the backup system were addressed, with the council noting the continued use of tape backups, described as “old school” yet effective.

As the meeting progressed, the council addressed the recent flooding that affected St. Peter and surrounding areas. The city administrator reported on the successful operation of the wastewater treatment plant, which processed over five million gallons per day during the flood—a considerable increase from average operations. Despite no system failures, residents experienced basement water intrusion due to river overflow and groundwater seepage. The administrator emphasized the importance of proactive planning and investment in maintaining robust municipal infrastructure.

Specific locations, such as the intersection of Walnut and Front Street, experienced closures due to high water levels from groundwater and stormwater runoff. The administrator updated the council on infrastructure damage, notably the Highway 22 Bridge, which sustained severe damage requiring ongoing assessments. Additionally, Mil Pond Park faced closure, with the boat launch and campground facilities temporarily unavailable due to sediment deposits and high water levels. Event cancellations were communicated to affected parties, with hopes of reopening in time for the Trail Ride Across Minnesota, although no guarantees were made.

The council discussed the implications of the county’s decision not to declare a disaster, limiting waste disposal services for flood-damaged materials. Residents were advised to seek assistance from local waste haulers. The administrator encouraged residents with significant damage to report losses on the Nicollet County website to facilitate potential FEMA eligibility, with an acknowledgment of the uncertainty regarding meeting the $10 million damage threshold for federal aid.

In addition to the immediate response, the council considered long-term flood mitigation strategies, including collaboration with neighboring communities to apply for funds aimed at purchasing flood-prone properties. The administrator expressed a commitment to these efforts but recognized the challenges posed by the absence of a disaster declaration.

The meeting also addressed renewable energy initiatives, with council members discussing ways to enhance access to renewable energy for both public and private sectors in St. Peter. A council member reported on insights gained from a recent Great Plains Institute meeting, emphasizing the benefits of the city’s solar array at the wastewater treatment plant, which provides direct financial benefits thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.

A less publicized but critical item was the council’s decision to enter a closed session to discuss the potential purchase or sale of real property on West Nassau. This resolution was approved unanimously, with the expectation that no further public actions would occur following the closed session.