[0:04] Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It
is now 5:30.
[0:08] And I will call this regular meeting of
the Burnsville City Council to order.
[0:14] It is our tradition to stand for a
moment of silence followed by the Pledge
[0:18] of Allegiance, and we invite you to join
us.
[0:48] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America,
[0:54] and to the Republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible, with
[1:00] liberty and justice for all.
[1:05] » [clears throat]
[1:08] » Good evening, everyone, and welcome.
It's good to see all of you in person.
[1:14] Um the public can also attend
um
[1:18] virtually
or choose to watch us on um
[1:23] burnsvillemn.gov/meetings
[1:26] or Comcast Channel 16 or 859. The public
can also join and participate through
[1:33] Zoom by joining us at zoom.us/join.
[1:39] More information is available on our
meetings webpage.
[1:43] Uh K
[1:47] Somebody probably leaned up against the
uh
[1:51] Okay.
>> Yeah, there we go.
[1:52] » There you go.
So
[1:55] we just had a blackout for all of you
who are watching, but uh uh
[2:00] » Yeah, blueout, there you go.
>> Yeah. But uh
[2:03] we got we got the lights back on. So,
but um you can also find uh all the
[2:08] information in our meetings webpage, and
that is in the council agenda packet.
[2:14] So, thank you everybody for being here.
This is wonderful.
[2:18] The first item on the agenda is our
announcements, and this is an exciting
[2:23] evening for us.
Well,
[2:27] it's exciting,
but it's bittersweet. But, I'll get to
[2:31] that.
Uh but our announcements have to do with
[2:34] all of our upcoming meetings. Regular
council meetings are scheduled for
[2:38] Tuesday, June 2nd at 5:30 p.m. and
Tuesday, June 16th at 5:30 p.m.
[2:45] We have a work session that's scheduled
for Tuesday, June 9th at 5:30 p.m.
[2:51] Uh
>> [snorts]
[2:51] » a special work session
uh for the
[2:55] um interviews for our boards and
commission,
[2:59] and that's on Tuesday, May 26th at 5:30
p.m.
[3:03] And another special work session uh to
interview members for boards and
[3:09] commission, and that's Thursday, May
28th at 5:30 p.m. So, these interviews
[3:14] are going to be in conference room D.
But, all meetings of the City Council
[3:19] are here in the council chambers, unless
I say that it's going to be at a
[3:25] different location.
So, this evening
[3:32] it is our great pleasure to recognize
the service of our police chief, Tanya
[3:38] Schwartz.
[3:41] » Madam Mayor, members of the council. Uh
everyone, thank you for joining us
[3:45] tonight. Uh my name is Greg Lindberg,
city manager here in Burnsville.
[3:49] Tonight, we recognize Chief Tanya
Schwartz for her dedicated service to
[3:54] our community.
Tanya's impact, as you all very well
[3:58] know, will not only be measured by her
accomplishments or the years she served
[4:03] this community, but by the trust that
she's built, the people that she's cared
[4:07] for, and the example that she leaves
behind for others who choose a life of
[4:12] public service.
[4:16] For 31 years, Tanya has led with
compassion, professionalism, and an
[4:21] unwavering commitment to people.
She became the city's seventh police
[4:26] chief in 2019, following a career with
us, where she started as a community
[4:31] service officer, then a police officer,
a sergeant, and a captain.
[4:37] Throughout her career, especially during
her time as chief, Tanya has shaped the
[4:42] police department with a culture of care
that now defines community-oriented
[4:46] policing here in Burnsville.
>> [clears throat]
[4:50] » Tanya has been the right leader at the
right time.
[4:53] She's led with steadiness during
challenges,
[4:57] heart
during the most difficult of times,
[5:02] and most importantly, humanity
in all she's done.
[5:07] Tanya has led with care, with an
emphasis on well-being,
[5:11] and clear expectation of excellence.
Most importantly, she never forgets the
[5:17] people behind the badge and the human
experience across our community.
[5:23] On a personal note,
not many city managers have the
[5:27] privilege of also calling their police
chief a friend.
[5:34] I'm grateful for that relationship
and the trust that it represents.
[5:41] Tanya, tonight, on behalf of the city of
Burnsville,
[5:45] excuse [clears throat] me, thank you for
your leadership, your service, and your
[5:48] commitment to our community. There's no
greater honor than spending your life in
[5:53] service to others.
You leave this community a better place
[5:58] than you found it.
We will miss you, and we're excited for
[6:02] your next chapter.
[6:06] » [applause]
[6:11] [applause]
[6:15] » Thank you, Greg.
We are honored to celebrate the
[6:21] distinguished service of Police Chief
Tonia Schwartz, my friend.
[6:28] As Chief Schwartz
began her career as community service
[6:32] officer in 1995,
[6:37] I was sworn in as mayor.
And that's where our paths crossed.
[6:43] And it has been
an amazing journey to travel with you.
[6:48] Over the years,
I have witnessed her develop into an
[6:54] exceptional leader.
One defined by professionalism,
[7:01] integrity,
and a deep commitment to the well-being
[7:06] of both
our community and the officers who serve
[7:12] it.
Chief Schwartz
[7:15] has been instrumental
in shaping a department culture
[7:20] that balances
enforcement of law
[7:24] with care,
dignity,
[7:28] and respect for every individual.
Her leadership advanced a model of
[7:33] policing and values
humanity at every turn.
[7:39] Her leadership
was especially evident
[7:44] on February 18th
when our city endured an unimaginable
[7:50] tragedy
in the face
[7:53] of profound loss
Chief Schwartz guided the department
[7:59] with steadiness
and unwavering care
[8:04] for her officers
staff
[8:08] and the families affected.
Her actions during that time exemplified
[8:15] the highest standard
of public service.
[8:20] Chief Schwartz
on behalf of myself
[8:24] the city council members
the residents of Burnsville
[8:29] we extend our deepest gratitude
for your 31 years of dedicated service.
[8:38] Your legacy of compassion
resilience
[8:42] and community-centered leadership
will continue to shape the city for
[8:47] years to come.
And at this time I would like the
[8:51] members of the council if you would join
me here, please.
[8:59] » [cough and clears throat]
[9:01] » Chief Schwartz
throughout tonight's
[9:05] program
we have heard so many reflections
[9:10] on the lasting impact you have had on
this community
[9:15] and on the many people who have had the
privilege to serve alongside you.
[9:21] Well, tonight is a celebration
of your retirement and extraordinary
[9:26] career
there is one additional recognition
[9:31] we have kept
a secret.
[9:38] There are individuals
whose contributions leave a permanent
[9:43] mark
on a community.
[9:46] Individuals whose leadership,
service,
[9:50] and character shape not only an
organization,
[9:54] but the people and community around
them.
[9:59] The key to the city
is the highest honor
[10:04] the city council can bestow.
It is reserved for those whose
[10:09] dedication
and impact have been truly
[10:12] extraordinary.
Tonight, we are so proud
[10:17] to present the key to you
for your dedication, service
[10:23] to the Burnsville Police Department
and the city of Burnsville.
[10:28] And at this time, I want to read the
proclamation that you will also receive.
[10:34] And that is
This proclamation commends Chief
[10:40] Tanya Schwartz for 31 years of dedicated
service to the city of Burnsville.
[10:45] » [clears throat]
>> Whereas, Chief Tanya Schwartz has
[10:47] faithfully served the city of Burnsville
and the Burnsville Police Department for
[10:52] 31 years, beginning her career in 1995
as a community service officer and
[10:59] advancing through the ranks to become
Burnsville's seventh police chief.
[11:05] And whereas, throughout her
distinguished career,
[11:08] Chief Schwartz has demonstrated
exceptional leadership,
[11:13] professionalism,
integrity,
[11:17] and compassion
while strengthening the department's
[11:20] commitment to community-oriented
policing, [clears throat]
[11:24] officer wellness,
training,
[11:28] » [snorts]
>> and public service.
[11:30] And whereas, Chief Schwartz has led the
department and community through both
[11:34] challenge and tragedy with remarkable
steadiness and humanity.
[11:40] Always [snorts]
remaining committed to the safety and
[11:44] well-being of both the community
and the people behind the badge.
[11:50] And whereas Chief Schwartz leadership,
character, and dedication have left a
[11:55] lasting impact on the city of
Burnsville, the Burnsville Police
[12:00] Department, and the countless
individuals she has served throughout
[12:04] her career.
And whereas in recognition of her
[12:08] extraordinary service and enduring
contribution
[12:12] to the Burnsville community,
the Burnsville City Council wishes to
[12:16] bestow upon Chief Tanya Schwartz the key
to the city,
[12:21] the highest honor the city can confer.
Now therefore, the Burnsville City
[12:27] Council, on behalf of our city staff,
residents,
[12:32] businesses, and the entire Burnsville
community hereby expresses its deepest
[12:38] gratitude
and appreciation
[12:43] to Chief Tanya Schwartz
for her dedicated service,
[12:47] leadership, and unwavering commitment to
the city of Burnsville.
[12:52] We congratulate her
on her retirement and extend our best
[12:59] wishes in the years ahead. Proclaim this
19th day of May, 2026.
[13:06] And Chief Schwartz, if you would come,
please.
[13:09] » [applause]
[13:19] [applause]
[13:24] [applause]
>> And then
[13:30] » [snorts]
[13:36] » Okay.
>> And to everyone,
[13:38] please be patient with us with us. We're
going to take some photos. And um so you
[13:45] bring your your awards. And uh yes.
Um
[13:50] » Chief Schwartz, I would like to say a
couple
[13:52] » Yes. And then uh if um
>> members [snorts] of the council would
[13:55] like to say a few words too.
Um
[14:00] Key to the city, I just I mean, I don't
even know what to say to that.
[14:04] » What is it? A lock?
>> I don't know. I'm going to find out.
[14:09] Um
Thank you so much, Mayor and City
[14:13] Council, City Manager Lindberg, our
community,
[14:18] all of our police officers and our fire
fighters who are here and just everyone.
[14:24] Just Those are really heartfelt
comments. That means a lot to me.
[14:28] And I wasn't supposed to cry, so but
once you get the key to the city, I
[14:32] don't know if something happens and you
just kind of lose it. But
[14:35] um reflecting on 31 years of law
enforcement service has been emotional
[14:40] for sure.
Uh it's been an incredible honor to
[14:43] serve Burnsville Police Department and
this community um at every rank from
[14:47] community service officer to chief. And
I'm just incredibly grateful to all of
[14:51] you, all of you here today.
And just all the people who believed in
[14:55] me and supported in me supported me and
and and allowed me the chance to lead
[15:00] and to do these things.
I want to thank my family.
[15:04] Being a wife and a mom and a sister, a
daughter-in-law,
[15:11] a Monty,
>> [laughter]
[15:13] » a great auntie now. Uh those are the
roles that mean just the most to me. And
[15:20] » [snorts]
>> I'm excited. I'm just very excited to
[15:24] enjoy the time that I'm going to have in
retirement with them.
[15:29] My husband Tom, my sons Jack and Ryan,
they've lived this career with me. All
[15:34] of our officers, our public safety teams
know
[15:38] how hard that can be and they grounded
me when things were
[15:42] feeling overwhelming.
And every accomplishment was built with
[15:46] hard work, but also on their love and
their sacrifices that they made. So Tom,
[15:51] thank you for
standing by my side, quite literally,
[15:55] [laughter] all the time and especially
these last couple of years and just
[15:58] protecting me, protecting my peace, and
just helping me stay centered.
[16:04] That's not easy to do.
Um
[16:07] the chief of staff at home has a lot of
work to do. So, it's not easy.
[16:12] Um and thank you, Mayor and Council,
City Manager Lindberg, the city
[16:15] leadership team for your trust, your
partnership, your support for increasing
[16:20] staffing,
wellness, behavioral health, Duke, Doc,
[16:24] all the tools and equipment that keep
our team safe have truly made a
[16:28] difference in our community because the
investment that you have all made in our
[16:34] police officers means that they are best
suited to care even more and better for
[16:39] our community. So, I'm proud of our work
together. I also want to thank you for
[16:44] your unwavering support during the
devastating loss of Officers Matthew
[16:48] Ruge, Paul Amstrand, and Firefighter
Paramedic Adam Finseth.
[16:52] Losing them was heartbreaking for all of
us.
[16:55] You took care of our fallen families,
our department, me, the community
[17:00] throughout unimaginable grief, and we
have honored their their selfless
[17:05] sacrifice and their legacy will live on
forever at the Burnsville Police
[17:08] Department. So, I'm really proud of all
that we've accomplished together, all
[17:13] that we've done to amplify Burnsville
Police Department's culture of
[17:16] excellence. We've done that. I'm going
to miss doing that work together, but
[17:21] and it's going to be a big change uh not
coming in seeing my Burnsville Police
[17:25] Department family
uh on a regular basis, but I'm very
[17:28] excited. I'm very excited about
retirement. I'm happy to just live life
[17:33] and have more time with my family and uh
my most favorite people who uh many are
[17:38] here right in front of me here today.
So, I look forward to that.
[17:42] And I'm moving into retirement with
absolute confidence in our next police
[17:46] chief, Matt Smith. Matt and our entire
police command staff, they embody a deep
[17:51] commitment to our police teams, our
sworn teams, our non-sworn teams, our
[17:55] community, our culture. And I know
together working alongside all of our
[18:00] exceptional police officers and our
police teams that they are going to
[18:03] continue to elevate and move Burnsville
Police Department forward with strength
[18:07] and heart and purpose.
So, thank you so much for allowing me
[18:11] this privilege to serve Burnsville
Police Department and this community
[18:14] with all of you. I thank you so very
much.
[18:19] » [applause]
[18:23] [applause]
[18:30] » Okay.
All right.
[18:32] All right. We're going to So, we're
going to now take uh take photos. So, if
[18:36] you'll
and bring your keys.
[18:39] » my keys? Oh, yeah. Bring your keys.
>> Okay. And
[18:44] So, can we have um
Chief Schwartz's leadership um
[18:48] Chief [snorts] Matt
and um
[18:52] » Any command staff?
[19:00] » Yeah. And then uh let's see.
So,
[19:10] So,
you want this side. It's great.
[19:14] Okay, and then um
Please state
[19:20] Yeah.
[19:24] with the other team. I think that's
It
[19:26] um
Captain
[19:29] » Chris Wickland
[19:32] » [laughter]
>> I think we have everybody. Do we have
[19:35] everybody?
>> Where is the
[19:38] » Captain
>> I'm Lieutenant Olsen.
[19:40] » Okay.
Okay.
[19:42] » So you're ready?
>> Yeah.
[19:58] » Okay, this next one now
uh is uh
[20:02] if we could have uh the the leadership
team. And so if you'd be in the back
[20:08] No, no, you can
>> You bring your room there.
[20:12] » What's your name?
[20:16] » Yeah, these are all the people
>> I just heard the word shipping. She's
[20:19] here to
You want to get the better
[20:21] » Oh, it's a violation.
[20:25] » Come on in and stand and secure your
location.
[20:28] » Yeah.
>> Yeah.
[20:30] » I'm going to move this chair right here.
>> Stand and secure.
[20:32] » I got a name
>> Okay.
[20:35] » [clears throat]
>> You bounce it right there next to
[20:37] » Here, Wilson.
>> Kevin, create a little space for them.
[20:40] » Okay.
[20:42] » Yep.
>> Thank you.
[20:45] » It was good that you felt connected.
>> All right, great.
[20:52] » Get to the better side.
[20:59] » Okay.
We're going to step away and uh
[21:03] the chief and her whole team, so all of
the officers, so we're going to step
[21:07] away.
[21:16] » Want some back or in front?
>> So, leave it to the ones who are not in
[21:20] uniform.
Come on.
[21:28] And you [clears throat] can also be in
the back.
[21:31] So, we got
Some of them in the
[21:34] back.
[21:53] Should we um
>> So, what we can do is we can do it like
[21:55] » Yeah, I know. It's going to make us look
good.
[22:04] » They won't be able to see.
[22:12] » [laughter]
[22:15] » Yeah,
I know. We got got those two, yeah.
[22:31] Okay. Now, we want one of the chief and
her family.
[22:43] Give the proclamation to come.
[22:58] » Yeah.
[23:04] You look like you're
[24:17] » So, the next item on our agenda is
military appreciation week
[24:22] honoring students serving their country.
>> [snorts]
[24:26] » And
our greatest gratitude and appreciation
[24:31] to Mike and Nancy Huddleston
uh for the work that they do in support
[24:37] of our
Yellow Ribbon.
[24:40] And this proclamation
is going to be awarded to them.
[24:46] Whereas the United States military
supports the freedom upon which our
[24:51] country was founded
and entering in the military is a noble
[24:56] and important career choice.
>> [snorts]
[24:58] » Over 2.8 million people serve in the
active and reserve branches of the
[25:04] military.
And whereas the Burnsville Beyond the
[25:08] Yellow Ribbon
organization is a non-profit volunteer
[25:12] organization dedicated to supporting our
nation's military.
[25:17] And whereas
the Glenn C. Turner VFW Post 5833
[25:24] is a non-profit veteran service
organization that supports veterans,
[25:30] service members,
and their families.
[25:34] And whereas the Burnsville American
Legion Post
[25:38] 1700
provides community and youth programs
[25:43] and strengthens services for those who
have served in the US Armed Forces.
[25:50] And whereas the Burnsville and Savage
service organization and educational
[25:56] communities have partnered with the
Burnsville Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
[26:00] organization since 2016
to honor students who have made a
[26:05] commitment
to enter military service.
[26:09] Now therefore, I Elizabeth Coughs, mayor
of the city of Burnsville, on behalf of
[26:14] the city council, hereby proclaim May
18th through the 22nd, 2026
[26:21] as Military Appreciation Week with a
special emphasis on students who have
[26:27] selected careers in the military.
And urge my fellow citizens
[26:33] to observe this period by thanking young
people
[26:36] in our community [clears throat]
who have chosen to enter
[26:39] » [snorts]
>> the military profession in support of
[26:42] our freedom,
safety,
[26:45] comfort, and quality of life.
Proclaim this 19th day of May, 2026.
[26:53] And it is my deep honor and
pleasure to present this proclamation to
[26:59] Mike and Nancy Huddleston
and to thank them for their service
[27:06] not only in the military
but also
[27:11] for being the coordinator of our Yellow
Ribbon.
[27:14] Thank you so much. You have made a great
difference in our community and in the
[27:19] lives of our active
and also inactive veterans in our
[27:24] community. Thank you so much for your
service.
[27:27] » Thanks. Thank you.
>> Yeah.
[27:30] » [applause]
[27:36] [applause]
[27:43] » Okay.
Yeah.
[27:46] Okay. Now
we're going to have a big ceremony with
[27:50] a lot of students, so and a lot of
pictures, also.
[27:53] » Okay.
>> [snorts and clears throat]
[27:57] » Well, I can't start until where's Vince?
Did he sneak [snorts] off already?
[28:02] » He has a baseball [clears throat]
game to coach.
[28:05] » Okay.
So, all in favor of Vince doing those
[28:08] three jobs, say I.
>> [laughter]
[28:13] [sighs]
>> Anyways,
[28:15] uh if you're family member for this
event, come on in
[28:19] and uh and welcome.
And
[28:24] uh we will get started here in just a
second.
[28:32] Okay.
So, welcome guests. Good evening. My
[28:35] name is Mike Huddleston and I am the
volunteer coordinator for the Burnsville
[28:40] Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
We have come up uh here
[28:45] uh before the City Council every year
since 2016
[28:50] to thank students for serving our
community, our state, and our country by
[28:55] choosing to serve in the military.
To date,
[28:59] uh we have recognized uh approximately
136 students over the last uh
[29:05] 10 years. And this year we have, I
think, 14 14 that we're recognizing uh
[29:14] uh tonight. All those students are here
with us tonight. I'd like to begin by
[29:20] thanking the students.
Uh military service instills
[29:24] responsibility,
dependability, and loyalty. You will
[29:29] cultivate your leadership skills, get to
know yourself better, acquire resiliency
[29:36] you never knew you had, and above all,
you will build a stronger character.
[29:41] Parents and family members,
thank you for trusting us to take care
[29:46] of your loved ones.
We know it's hard to let them go into a
[29:51] career that may put them in harm's way.
Thank you for your love and support
[29:57] because it means the world to them.
>> [clears throat]
[30:01] » We wouldn't be here tonight without the
City of Burnsville, which became a
[30:06] Yellow Ribbon uh City in 2013.
I think that's when you Valen told me,
[30:13] too.
>> [laughter]
[30:16] » We appreciate the help and support of
the city to make sure Burnsville Yellow
[30:21] Ribbons mission is carried out for
veterans, military members, and their
[30:27] family uh families before, during, and
after deployments.
[30:32] I'd like to thank the many organizations
in the audience, the Burnsville VFW,
[30:39] Two Eagles Marine Detachment,
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage
[30:43] School District 191,
Burnsville Savage Lions Club,
[30:50] Dakota County Veteran Services,
recruiters from each branch of the
[30:54] service,
plus leaders and elected representatives
[30:58] from the city of Burnsville and Savage
and businesses in our community.
[31:03] They are an integral part of our Yellow
Ribbon Network and help us do our job.
[31:09] Now, let's get to the formal
recognition.
[31:12] Tonight,
as a small gesture of our gratitude for
[31:17] your career choice to serve in our
nation, Burnsville Beyond the Yellow
[31:21] Ribbon is presenting each of you with a
Target gift card
[31:26] that we hope will help you purchase
needed items at your next duty station.
[31:33] You will also find a few other things in
the gift bag to include a chocolate bar
[31:39] to remind you of those who came before
you and got a John Wayne bar and the C
[31:45] rations.
Some of the older guys remember the C
[31:49] rations.
And a protein bar, which serves as an
[31:53] example of the new military
and what's available in the MREs.
[31:59] There is also a red, white, and blue
honor cord
[32:03] that is designed to be worn at
graduation with your cap and gown. And
[32:08] the principals here tonight and they're
able to wear it, right?
[32:13] There you go. As he gives me a thumbs
up. So, you can wear it at your
[32:17] graduation, which is what? 31?
May, right? Yeah.
[32:23] I will also be giving a Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon challenge coin when I
[32:27] shake your hand. A challenge coin is a
small medallion coin adorned with the
[32:33] emblem or insignia of the presenting
organization. The coins are a symbol of
[32:39] membership,
belonging, and camaraderie. More
[32:43] [snorts] importantly, the coins
acknowledge your achievements,
[32:47] dedication, and exemplary service, and
serve as a reminder and appreciation and
[32:52] respect of your peers and superiors. It
is a great honor that I am happy to
[32:57] bestow on you tonight when you come
forward.
[33:02] Before we call your names, I'd like to
call forward the mayor's already here.
[33:07] Uh
the mayor elect
[33:13] Yep, is here.
I forgot her name last year, so last
[33:18] year I says, "What's her name? Can she
come forward?" But that's not her name.
[33:23] » [laughter]
>> Um
[33:25] and uh
uh to help the mayor and uh VFW
[33:31] Commander Bob Gunderson to help hand out
the US flags donated by the Burnsville
[33:36] beyond the uh
Burnsville VFW.
[33:40] » [clears throat]
>> Oh, at the end uh after we are finished
[33:44] here, everyone is invited to join us at
uh for refreshments
[33:49] and and food in a meeting room on the
lower level in City Hall. What's the
[33:53] room number?
>> It's downstairs. It's a meeting room
[33:56] downstairs.
>> Yeah, and there's signs that uh get you
[34:00] there.
So,
[34:02] students, [clears throat and snorts]
please come forward when I call your
[34:05] name and stay up front until everyone is
called so that we can get a group photo.
[34:13] Okay.
[34:16] Okay.
[34:19] All right, so
the first one
[34:23] is uh
and from the Minnesota Army National
[34:27] Guard, Allison.
[34:31] Did I pronounce that right? Yeah, come
on forward.
[34:35] » all the way down there and COME THIS
WAY.
[34:38] » [applause]
[34:46] » NEXT ONE IS ROBERT.
[34:52] » [applause]
[35:00] » DON'T LOSE THAT.
Stand right there.
[35:04] » Right in front of us so we can keep an
eye on you.
[35:06] » It's a good spot right here.
>> Yeah, right in front of this.
[35:09] » Right in front of her.
>> Perfect.
[35:14] » That's a good spot for him.
>> Uh Nesta?
[35:24] » [applause]
[35:28] » Glad you didn't have to work tonight.
>> I did.
[35:30] » Oh.
>> My kids are still sitting at the stop.
[35:34] » [laughter]
[35:40] » Jose?
[35:43] » [applause]
[35:52] » Oh, okay.
[36:02] Uh is Adelaide here?
[36:09] Okay.
Well, then you have to go in the Marine
[36:13] Corps. No.
>> [laughter]
[36:16] » Or is Cara Air Force?
>> That's right.
[36:19] » She needs one.
>> Yeah.
[36:22] Okay. So, I did uh
Minnesota Army National Guard. So, now
[36:28] we're going to do the Marine Corps.
Uh
[36:33] Yola?
[36:36] » [applause]
[36:41] [applause]
[36:58] » Okay, the next one uh this is an easy
name, John.
[37:03] » [applause]
[37:08] [applause]
[37:29] » You'll be doing push-ups earlier.
>> [clears throat]
[37:31] [laughter]
[37:34] » Okay.
Uh
[37:38] Then uh Daniel, you know?
>> RIGHT.
[37:41] » YEP.
>> [applause]
[38:05] [snorts]
[38:11] » OKAY, DAWSON?
[38:15] » [applause]
[38:43] » ALL RIGHT.
YOU'RE like this one.
[38:47] I'm telling you what, your drones
sergeant is going to love this.
[38:53] Okay? O
lowa to me what?
[38:59] » [applause]
[39:05] [applause]
[39:23] » Okay.
Uh, the next one is
[39:29] uh
uh, US Army,
[39:31] Muhammad.
>> [applause]
[39:48] » I ain't through with it.
All right. Is there any others I
[39:53] Did I miss anybody?
Oh, no. You got to wait a few years.
[39:59] » [laughter]
[40:02] » Anybody? Anybody?
[40:07] All right.
>> Okay. And so we're taking photos and
[40:10] everything.
Because of the photos and
[40:14] uh, and then uh, members of the
uh, VFW and
[40:19] and
[40:23] Okay.
>> [snorts]
[40:47] [clears throat]
[40:53] [laughter]
[41:21] [applause]
[41:28] » So, we have a few that are, uh, missing.
So, Frank, don't leave.
[41:33] Or else you'll be recruited.
Uh, and, uh, so, uh, see Nancy because
[41:40] what we usually do is give the bags for
the ones that could not make it. And
[41:45] then you take and then,
uh, you have the onus to, uh, see if you
[41:50] can find them. Where's Waldo? Kind of
thing.
[41:55] Yep. So,
uh, now
[41:58] Is it on?
Okay. Now you can go downstairs. We've
[42:02] got some great food downstairs. So,
downstairs and we got flags and we got
[42:07] more places to put pictures. So, please
go downstairs.
[42:14] » [cough]
>> Nice [clears throat] job.
[42:17] As always.
Hey, thanks. Who's taking your place?
[42:22] » Uh, Sandra Slafer.
>> Sandra Slafer, yeah, you didn't You
[42:24] should have introduced her.
[42:27] » Okay.
>> Oh, she's there, right? Yeah, Sandra
[42:29] Slafer, she's taking it over.
>> Yeah, good for her. That's awesome.
[42:32] » Yeah, we She said that it was going to
be
[42:35] Yeah, okay. I'm I I need to go on with
the work of the city. Thank you.
[42:44] So, the next item on the agenda this
evening is citizens comments.
[42:49] This is the opportunity for anyone in
your in the audience to address the
[42:54] council on an item
that is not in the printed agenda and
[42:59] not an application form that will be
coming before us at a future date.
[43:04] Is there anyone who wishes to address
the council?
[43:10] Anyone who wishes to address the
council?
[43:14] City Clerk Collins, is there anyone
online?
[43:18] No.
Thank you.
[43:21] We will move on to additions to the
final agenda.
[43:25] » [snorts]
>> Uh, and this is for emergency items
[43:28] only.
City Manager Lindberg,
[43:33] are there any additions to the final
agenda?
[43:35] » Nothing from staff, Mayor.
>> Members of the council,
[43:39] council,
uh, I have an item that I would like to
[43:42] add
>> [snorts]
[43:44] » and I need a motion
to add the item
[43:49] to the consent agenda to approve the
bestowing of the key to the city to
[43:52] Chief Schwartz.
>> So moved.
[43:54] » Second.
>> Thank you. There's a motion and a
[43:56] second. All in favor, please say I.
All opposed, say nay, and the motion
[44:02] carries.
Thank you. That item is now on the
[44:05] consent agenda.
We now move to the consent agenda.
[44:11] The consent agenda is a group of items
that's considered to be routine
[44:15] and will be enacted by one motion.
However, an item on the consent agenda
[44:20] can be removed for a separate discussion
and vote.
[44:23] Is there anyone in the audience who
wishes an item on the consent agenda to
[44:28] be removed for a separate discussion and
vote?
[44:33] Anyone who wishes an item?
City Clerk Collins, anyone online?
[44:39] » No one online has requested it.
>> Thank you.
[44:42] Um
City Manager Lindberg, does the staff
[44:46] want to remove an item from the consent
agenda?
[44:49] » Nothing from staff, Mayor.
>> Members of the council.
[44:52] » Um
>> May I have a motion to adopt the consent
[44:55] agenda, please?
>> Move.
[44:56] » Second.
>> There's a motion and a second. All in
[44:59] favor, please say I.
>> I.
[45:00] » I. Opposed, say nay. And the motion
carries.
[45:04] We are now at the regular agenda.
And the first item on the regular agenda
[45:09] is [snorts] an application of the City
of Burnsville for an amendment to title
[45:13] 10,
zoning,
[45:16] to reorganize and update the zoning code
for consistency [snorts]
[45:21] and clarity
and to adopt the ordinance.
[45:24] Presenting this evening is our planning
manager,
[45:28] Mr. Mike Maroschek. Mr. Maroschek, the
floor is yours.
[45:33] » Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, Mayor
and Council.
[45:36] At the uh November 10th, 2025 work
session, the City Council directed staff
[45:41] to advance
the reorganized zoning code through the
[45:44] Planning Commission and City Council for
review and adoption, with a full rewrite
[45:47] to follow adoption
of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Since
[45:51] then, staff has done that
and has held seven
[45:55] meetings,
um work sessions with the Planning
[45:58] Commission to review the amendments
chapter by chapter.
[46:02] Then the planning commission voted
unanimously
[46:05] uh to recommend approval of the revised
zoning code at their April 27th,
[46:10] 2026 meeting.
So, that brings us to today.
[46:14] So, original goals for this update were
to improve organization
[46:18] and consolidate and relate provisions,
enhance usability through plain language
[46:23] and formatting,
ensure consistency consistency with
[46:26] current state statutes
and legal requirements, and update
[46:31] update information structure,
cross-referencing for clearer and more
[46:35] accessible document.
So, the first step that we did is we
[46:40] reorganized the code. Um currently, the
code consists of 2 41 chapters.
[46:46] Um we broke that down into 12 chapters.
>> That was amazing work.
[46:52] » Mhm. Thank you.
>> Truly.
[46:54] » Thank you. And the uh
>> And it's only now 400 pages.
[46:57] » Yes. Yes, we're down from 700. So,
um what with the And then with those 12
[47:03] chapters, they all align with consistent
subsections.
[47:07] Uh we streamlined cross-references to
reduce redundancy and improve numbering
[47:11] formatting layout to support easier
navigation and reading.
[47:15] So, before you on the screen is the new
12 chapters.
[47:18] Um all the chapters have underlying
subsections that um
[47:23] go with the title of the chapter.
So, if you go to the next slide, it's
[47:27] for an example. Currently, the
residential um zoning districts are
[47:32] spread throughout the code, generally
through section
[47:35] » Yeah.
>> 12 through 18.
[47:37] So, what we did is place them all
underneath one chapter.
[47:41] » It was so easy, Mr. Marosla. It was
easy to navigate.
[47:46] » Yep.
>> So much better than before.
[47:48] » Thank you, Mayor.
>> Cuz you had to jump all over the place.
[47:50] This one was one place.
>> That was the intent behind it. It was
[47:54] the one-stop shop.
Um instead of as I like to call it uh
[47:57] choose your own adventure.
Um
[48:00] » [clears throat]
>> So, what we did then is we put all the
[48:03] residential
items into one chapter with subsections.
[48:08] And then we removed items that we didn't
think were necessary, they were more
[48:11] specialized and should be in specific
zoning subsections or chapters.
[48:16] Uh we did the same thing for all the
districts on the previous screen, all 12
[48:19] of them.
Um similar practice of just reorganizing
[48:23] and placing items in certain areas where
they would make for ease of use and
[48:27] accessibility.
One thing that we worked really hard on
[48:32] to do is to uh reorgan- as this
reorganization was to redo
[48:37] uh reduce the redundancy on going back
to previous chapters.
[48:41] Um so, the B3 referenced, for example,
the B1 B2 uses. And there was a total of
[48:47] over 70 uses
in that if you counted all of them
[48:51] between the three zoning districts.
Um and it also also, um excuse me,
[48:57] referenced you back to previous
chapters. It didn't list them on the B3,
[49:00] you had to go to the B2, look at those,
and then go back to the B3. So, we
[49:03] eliminated that in all zoning districts.
So, if you go to the B3, all the uses
[49:07] are listed there, there's no more going
back between the chapters to discover
[49:10] uses.
And we did that for industrial and
[49:13] residential districts as well.
Um another thing we did too is
[49:19] um
we categorized uses to reduce the number
[49:23] of uses.
Um
[49:26] So, on the left side of the screen are a
number of different stores, appliance
[49:31] store, retail. They're all retail. And
so, instead of having all listed out,
[49:35] all of this just retail uses.
So, that also
[49:39] » Easy for business.
>> makes it super easy for you to find
[49:42] those and they're less um judgment
calls.
[49:45] Again, we did the same thing for um
industrial districts.
[49:49] Um
you know, there's a lot of different
[49:51] manufacturing, so now it is classified
them all as light manufacturing.
[49:55] And then we did the same thing for
um
[49:58] um heavy manufacturing as well. Again,
ease of use, this reduced uh
[50:04] the use of a PUD for use PUDs in
particularly. Um now it keeps them
[50:11] makes them more broad, easier to
interpret.
[50:14] » [snorts]
>> So, we're talking about some of the
[50:16] major amendments. We did streamline the
commercial uses. Um there was 110 listed
[50:19] in code. Now they're down to 53 by doing
the grouping we just talked about. Um
[50:25] similar numbers with the industrial
district. Not Not 110, but there was a
[50:29] significant number and they're
significantly reduced.
[50:32] Um so then because of that we had to add
new definitions for the unified
[50:36] categories.
Um again, light industrial's the one or
[50:40] light manufacturing, heavy manufacturing
are the two that come to mind.
[50:43] And then we also removed interim use
uses from zoning districts where they
[50:47] were no longer applicable. Um for
example, some of the residential
[50:51] districts allowed mining. They're fully
developed. You're not going to have any
[50:54] mining going on.
>> [snorts]
[50:55] » So, we just removed the interim use
process for those applications that are
[50:59] no longer relevant.
And there's similar uses in the
[51:03] commercial industrial districts.
Um we did work with the city attorney to
[51:07] um make sure there's consistency with
state state statute. For example, um
[51:11] within the zoning or excuse me, within
the variance approvals, uh we did not
[51:16] list the practical difficulties. We have
that in there now, so it's consistent
[51:19] with state statute. Again, consistency
of state statute, we added the
[51:23] conditional use permit requirement for
licensed residential care facilities
[51:27] serving 7 to 16 persons.
Um that is in for the R1, R1A, R2, R3
[51:36] zoning districts. Um
Previously, the only the R2 allowed them
[51:41] as a CUP, but state statute you have to
allow those in all those districts. So,
[51:45] that was a consistency
item.
[51:49] Uh we did add a new section detailing
the concept review process that we have
[51:53] implemented over the last few years.
Um we removed the planning commission's
[51:57] ability to request a rezoning
or text amendment and add staff's
[52:03] authority. So the planning commission
will request the staff to look into that
[52:07] and then the city council already had
the authority and then property owners.
[52:11] Um so that was more of a clean-up item.
One of the bigger items that we did do
[52:16] that required uh the next item was we
changed abbreviations
[52:22] for the medium density residential, high
density, and manufactured housing
[52:25] districts.
Um currently they are the R3A, which is
[52:29] the medium density residential, R3B,
high density residential, and R3D,
[52:34] manufactured housing. Um for some for
ease of use, we reclassified them as R3,
[52:40] medium density residential, R4, high
density residential, and R5,
[52:45] manufactured housing district. Because
of that, we do have to amend the map,
[52:49] the official zoning map, to make sure
the abbreviations are consistent.
[52:53] Um so that's part of the approvals
tonight that will be
[52:56] um as part of the that we requested as
well.
[52:59] With that, um on the screen now is our
process. So we are looking at uh
[53:04] wrapping up this reorganization and
update,
[53:07] um kicking off the subdivision code
rewrite, um
[53:12] we've been able to restart working on
that one so with the goal to have it all
[53:15] complete about this time next year.
Then the comprehensive plan, um we've
[53:20] received three um
submittals to our responses to our RFP.
[53:24] We're going through those now. Hopefully
get that before council here in July.
[53:28] Start that process. As you can see, it's
a long one.
[53:31] Um
and then the community visioning will
[53:34] start later this year and then once the
comprehensive plan is adopted, we will
[53:38] do a total rewrite. At least now though,
we have the organization the way we
[53:42] would like it. So, then that that part
of the rewrite will not need to be
[53:45] redone. So, that should actually speed
up the process a little bit.
[53:49] And then with that, I'll leave the
recommendation on the screen. Staff
[53:52] recommends that the City Council approve
the reorganized and updated title,
[53:56] should be titled 10. That is a typo. I
apologize. Zoning and
[54:01] City of Burnsville zoning map to reflect
the new residential
[54:06] district abbreviations. Typo caught me
there in the end.
[54:10] So, I apologize for that.
With that, I stand for any questions.
[54:14] » Any questions?
>> No questions. Good job on it, though.
[54:17] It's going to make it very easy for
businesses to understand what our codes
[54:21] are and know where they can go
immediately instead of having to go back
[54:24] and forth the whole time. So,
well done.
[54:27] » Thank you, Council Member Keely.
>> Yeah. Council Member Keely.
[54:30] » Uh I like all that great work. Uh the
simplification, as the mayor pointed
[54:34] out, it it seems so easy. Like, how many
decades did we run with a overly complex
[54:41] uh structure and all the while.
>> Yeah.
[54:44] » Um
>> [clears throat]
[54:45] » I'm curious
thinking about somebody coming in who's
[54:49] living under the existing ordinances,
does this process at all affect existing
[54:55] enforcement of of of projects that fell
under the court prior ordinance?
[55:02] Uh and or does it affect any future
enforcement?
[55:06] » Um Council Member, that's a great
question. It shouldn't. Um as we didn't
[55:08] do do any didn't implement any sub-
substantive changes. So, the only thing
[55:13] that changes is the reference number.
So, if any previous approvals
[55:17] specifically state a refer-
uh
[55:20] ordinance number, that's all that I
think changed. Otherwise, the code is
[55:23] the same,
word for word. So, this is a minor
[55:26] amendment where we changed to clarify,
but I don't don't expect any
[55:30] major changes.
>> Deletions, just following up, you pulled
[55:34] mining out Uh, because we don't
anticipate [snorts] anyone's going to
[55:38] pull a fresh permit for mining.
Um, would that apply if
[55:43] uh, if some residual mining was done
close to where Kramer Mining is doing
[55:49] work right now, obviously for the next
several decades or or so, but um,
[55:54] if some property abutting that,
the owner found that there was limestone
[56:00] under there and they wanted to do their
own mining, could we handle that
[56:05] as a
sort of a one-off or does it, because it
[56:09] doesn't exist in our code anymore, does
that shut down the ability for that
[56:12] person to apply?
>> Nope. Um, counselor, that's a great
[56:14] question. So, in those situations, we
kind of deal on a what case-by-case
[56:18] basis. Um,
you know, when we did the mining, we
[56:21] removed the residential districts
because they're mostly fully developed.
[56:25] Now, the areas where mining and mining
is currently occurring, we did leave it
[56:29] there. We didn't touch anything that's
currently actively mining or actively
[56:33] has that use. We didn't want to do those
kind of substantial changes at this time
[56:36] as it's not the appropriate time to do
that. The comprehensive plan coming.
[56:40] Now, if there was a use that we removed
um, by accident, we will probably, I
[56:45] should state this, we'll probably be
back back in front of you later this
[56:48] year. When you do these kind of big
lifts like this, you always kind of miss
[56:51] things. So, we'll probably have to go
back there and fix some things that we
[56:54] might have deleted by accident or we
have to reverse course.
[56:57] But, generally what we would do is if we
delete something by accident and the use
[57:02] is existing, we just come back before
you and add it back in or we go through
[57:06] our process of doing a zoning code
amendment to
[57:09] do that and we'll find it's kind of
right to do so.
[57:11] » We have the mechanism to change it just
like we are changing it for the better.
[57:15] » Yes.
>> Thank you.
[57:17] » Okay.
Mr. Marosla,
[57:19] uh, in the
10-6, the business district, where you
[57:23] have all of that, and
are all of the service
[57:29] in included in that?
Like medical service and all of that.
[57:35] » Yes, Mayor. Yep. All those uses will are
listed within the 10 6. Medical clinics
[57:40] and all that.
>> So they're all in that one business. So
[57:43] it's not like before where you had to
go.
[57:46] » Correct. So each district where a clinic
was where before instead of listing
[57:50] clinic in every district, they would
reference you back to another district.
[57:54] So now even if district of clinics are
allowed they're allowed in that district
[57:58] we listed off. So it's kind of repeat so
multiple districts allow for clinics,
[58:01] but that way it's that one stop shop.
You don't need to go looking for an
[58:05] answer.
>> Yes. So like we have some of the um
[58:10] condo businesses over on um
Crosstown and 5 and those kind of So a
[58:18] lot of them are service businesses. So
they're all in all of that. They're just
[58:24] service business, but they're not retail
with a product. It's a service. It's all
[58:29] in there.
>> Yep.
[58:30] » That is so much easier than
trying to find it before. Oh, you're
[58:35] medical so you must be
>> Mhm.
[58:38] » in a different. Okay.
Thank you so much. I think that's makes
[58:42] it real easy for everyone because you
have
[58:45] the office business district
neighbor neighborhood business district
[58:50] and all of that. Now it's just all in
one area.
[58:54] Okay. Great. Thank you.
Any other questions?
[58:59] So members of the council
tonight um because we don't have a full
[59:05] complement uh of the council
I would like a motion to adopt the
[59:12] ordinance because I can take three
and to consider the summary ordinance
[59:17] publication at the next council meeting
because they're to do a summary
[59:22] uh ordinance I need four.
So
[59:26] may I have a motion to adopt the
ordinance?
[59:30] » Moved as stated.
>> Second.
[59:32] » There was a motion and a second. All in
favor, please say I. I. Opposed, say
[59:36] nay. And a motion carries.
Uh and that is to also consider the
[59:41] summary ordinance for publication next
or next uh
[59:45] the next council meeting.
Right? So, that's all included. You get
[59:49] it all. Okay, very good.
>> Madam Mayor, members of the council,
[59:53] we'll just we'll include the summary
ordinance if it's agreeable to the
[59:56] majority of the council on the next
consent agenda.
[1:00:00] » Okay. Yeah.
Because we have all of the background
[1:00:04] and we have gone through all of it. So,
the consent agenda is fine for the
[1:00:08] summary ordinance. I
>> Thank you.
[1:00:10] » Okay, thank you.
>> [clears throat]
[1:00:12] » Um
Members of the council, there are no
[1:00:15] other items to come
before us this evening, and a motion to
[1:00:19] adjourn is in order.
>> So moved.
[1:00:22] » Second.
>> There was a motion and a second. All in
[1:00:24] favor, please say I. I. Opposed, say
nay. And a motion carries. Good night
[1:00:29] and thank you for being with us.