The most pressing discussion of the evening revolved around the proposed partnership with Co North for a new housing development. The council was divided over the site selection, particularly concerning the Klein Street location, which has been under consideration for over a year. The debate focused on whether to prioritize a complex site with a longer timeline or a simpler one with more immediate benefits. Council members expressed differing views on using industrial park land for residential development, emphasizing the need to balance economic growth with housing needs. Concerns were raised about the potential loss of future business opportunities by dedicating valuable industrial land to housing. Some members argued that integrating housing into the industrial park could benefit local businesses by increasing workforce availability, while others stressed the importance of maintaining land for industrial use to support economic development. The resolution to move forward with the Co North project on Klein Street was ultimately rejected.

Infrastructure improvements were another focal point of the meeting, with the council unanimously approving a resolution to participate in the Trunk Highway 169 improvements project. This collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Transportation aims to enhance traffic flow and safety, although some council members expressed concerns about potential increases in traffic speeds. The council intends to communicate their preference against raising speed limits to MDOT. Additionally, the council approved a resolution for a feasibility study on improvements to North Fourth Street.

Utility billing and assessments were also discussed, with the council addressing discrepancies in billing for properties like the Nicollet Hotel. Staff acknowledged the need for corrections and emphasized the importance of resolving unpaid utility charges, particularly in cases of bankruptcy or death. The council explored strategies to improve communication between landlords and tenants regarding utility payments, highlighting the need for timely notifications to prevent delinquencies.

The meeting’s agenda included further discussions on the Traverse Green neighborhood development proposal. This project aims to create a diverse community with homes ranging from $250,000 to over $400,000. The council debated the potential impact of the proposed development on affordable housing opportunities, with some members emphasizing the importance of providing a range of housing options to meet community needs. Ultimately, the resolution directing staff to provide a development agreement for the project site failed.

In addition to these topics, the council considered a resolution supporting federal funding applications for improvements at the Washington Avenue and Broadway intersection, including plans for a potential roundabout. This project aims to enhance traffic safety and efficiency, with a proposed funding amount of up to $750,000 requiring a 10% city match.

Finally, the council addressed the engineering requirements for the wastewater treatment facility, approving a resolution to proceed with necessary improvements. This project involves transitioning to a drier method for bio solids processing, which aims to reduce volume and chemical costs while maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. The council acknowledged potential future challenges related to PFAS testing but expressed confidence in the current water supply’s low risk for contamination.