The sidewalk removal request on Warren Avenue was a key topic of discussion. Concerns were raised about the sidewalk’s condition, with significant cracking caused by vegetation and ice, making it unsafe and unsightly. The property owner, Amara, argued that the sidewalk was a safety hazard and did not connect to other pathways, thus not serving a functional purpose. The council deliberated on the potential implications of setting a precedent for sidewalk removals, balancing this against the need to maintain a functional network of pedestrian pathways across the city. A council member noted that the sidewalk’s lack of connectivity and safety concerns justified its removal. The city attorney also provided input, indicating that while the city could regulate sidewalks in the public right-of-way, this specific situation warranted approval. Ultimately, the motion to remove the sidewalk passed unanimously.

The council meeting also included a presentation on the “Toward Zero Death” (TZD) program, focusing on traffic safety. Anna Coleer from Goodhue County Health and Human Services and Sergeant Tony Fisquali of the local police department outlined the program’s multi-faceted approach involving education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency services. The aim is to reduce traffic fatalities significantly, with last year’s statistics showing 479 fatalities and nearly 30,000 injuries in Minnesota. The program sets an ambitious goal to reduce fatalities to 225 by 2024. Sergeant Fisquali shared local traffic incident data, noting a decrease in total crashes and DUI events, and highlighted a trend of improved compliance with speed limits among drivers. The presentation also touched on educational initiatives, such as a mock crash event at Zumbrota High School and the “Know Your Limit” event, which received positive community feedback. These efforts illustrate the collaborative work among local agencies to enhance traffic safety and reduce incidents.

Following traffic safety, the council discussed preparations for the Covered Bridge Festival, scheduled for September 20th and 21st. The festival will feature activities such as a 5K and 10K run, volleyball and pickleball games, a book sale, children’s activities, and fireworks. A car show is planned for Sunday, with road closures to accommodate the event. The council addressed logistical concerns, including road closures and traffic management, to ensure the festival runs smoothly. A proposal to consolidate approvals for necessary permits and closures was made to streamline the process. This approach aims to prevent the logistical issues experienced in previous years, such as inadequate signage and barricades, which led to traffic flow disruptions.

The council also approved a new ordinance allowing local plumbing reviews to be conducted by Safe Built, streamlining the process and reducing the wait time currently experienced with state reviews. This change aligns with practices in other cities and maintains the existing pricing structure for applicants. Additionally, the council considered options for ordinance codification, recommending Municode for its user-friendly features and modern capabilities. Despite concerns about recurring costs, the benefits of improved accessibility and legal support were deemed to outweigh the expenses.

A significant aspect of the meeting included discussions around the upcoming retirement of a senior street maintenance position. The council debated whether to fill the position as a senior role or as a standard street maintenance position, considering the cost difference and the need for clear operational leadership. The decision to hire was driven by the growing demands on public works as the city expands, emphasizing the importance of maintaining efficient operations and clear responsibility structures.