A considerable portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Highway 30 Improvement project, with project manager Tom Austin and public engagement coordinator Cindy Morgan presenting findings from community feedback sessions. They reported a 70% engagement rate among property owners along Highway 30, revealing a split in preferences between two proposed options for road adjustments. On the North side of the highway, seven of 11 respondents favored Option B, which maintains existing curves with necessary adjustments, while three supported Option A. Concerns were raised about the potential safety issues due to narrower lanes, with specific emphasis on parking needs for local establishments like St. John’s Church. Conversely, all four respondents from the South side supported Option A.

Morgan highlighted the challenge of reaching consensus, noting a perceived division in impacts between the North and South sides. She remarked, “it really spoke volumes of like we’re kind of picking winners and losers.” While future street lighting changes were discussed, moving from continuous to intersection-focused lighting, Austin emphasized that engineering judgments would guide the final decision. One council member questioned the necessity of the road diet, seeking clarity on the identified problems justifying the changes.

In terms of timelines for construction projects, it was shared that work on improvements is scheduled to start in December 2026, with the design team set to present plans in a public meeting in spring 2025. The council acknowledged the importance of incorporating community concerns, such as parking issues at St. John’s, into the final design.

The meeting also addressed a request from United Therapeutics, represented by engineer Craig Britt, to defer Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) and Water Availability Charge (WAC) fees for a solar array project on Schuman Drive. Britt explained that since the solar project would not impact local sewer and water systems, a deferment was sought instead of a waiver. The council discussed how this deferment would be managed if the property were sold, reflecting on the longevity of solar infrastructure and its potential for future development.

The council considered a variance request for expanding a garage at 404 5th Avenue Southeast. The Planning Commission had recommended approval, citing alignment with the area’s residential character and no negative impact on neighboring properties. The council expressed minimal concern, approving the request, which slightly reduced the separation distance from structures.

Discussions also covered the 2024 Capital Improvement Project (CIP), with reported road improvement costs totaling $2,572,135, of which $277,185 would be assessed against property owners. The council unanimously supported a resolution for a public hearing on these assessments, scheduled for November 12, 2024.

A resolution was also approved to request Minnesota State Aid Street Project funding for 2024, seeking $648,000 due to reduced financial needs for a previously delayed project. This highlighted ongoing challenges in securing funding for municipal infrastructure.

Additionally, the council discussed personnel matters, approving the hiring of a new library employee and a custodian for the Public Works department. An ordinance amendment proposing salary increases for the mayor and council members was introduced, with no immediate action required.