A mother and daughter were killed.
Several daycare children may have witnessed
some of what happened.
And you know, as far by all accounts I mean,
mental health crisis could have been part of that.
I just want to mention that because this
could happen in any community.
North Branch has had its own share of mental health
crisis You know, people that have been harmed,
people that have died.
And so I just want to acknowledge that because this
touches every single community So if we could just take
a moment of silence in honor of the victims,
I would appreciate it All right.
Thank you, everybody.
And just One last plea for if anybody
is in a mental health crisis we do have nine, eight, eight.
You can call 911.
There are lots of resources out there.
Please do not hesitate to reach out.
This could happen to any of us in we've all kind of gone
through that stress, you know, whether it's anxiety, depression
a combination of things.
I think it's all hit us at one point or another.
And as a community we need to come together and make sure
that we can support each other.
So just wanted to make sure that we get those resources.
And I may work with you, Matthew and Chief,
to maybe try to post a list of things I found today.
Just kind of quick stuff, but nine, eight Eight
sees you put in your phone.
Easy to remember as well as 911.
So just want to touch on that real quick Thank
you for allowing me to do that So
our agenda approval is in front of us before we jump in.
Any consent agenda items that we'd
like to be pulled Oh, okay And just
as a reminder for the audience that they watch.
And so consent agenda We're proven
everything all at one time.
Usually they're not controversial things
There was one thing in there about the Leaf program
And again, just because our public works director had kind
of a serious personal matter to attend to,
he couldn't be here tonight.
So that's the only reason it got delayed until the next council
meeting All right.
So with that said, do you have a motion to approve the agenda
as laid out in front of us?
So moved OK.
I have a first and second.
Any questions?
No.
All right.
All in favor Signify by saying I,
I. That's unanimously All right.
Just point out public comment I know.
I saw one person.
Look like they signed up or at least a couple
All right Mr. Johnson Mr. Mayor, Council members, staff chief
I'm standing here.
Paul Johnson commander of the local American Legion here.
And I just wanted to take some time out to thank the city
of North Branch for all the support that you folks gave
collectively to make our mid-summer the 100th anniversary
that the Legion has been hosting at such
a great success And honestly, I know we've been out.
We've been doing it for 100 years,
but I just wanted to publicly, for the record state that
we as a community couldn't.
And as a legion, couldn't do what
we did without your approval with all your hard work,
with your people on the streets public works,
making sure that we have the barriers put up for safety.
There's so many details to make such an event happen,
and I just really felt the need to just
give one big, giant public thank you from the American legion.
And I know from the city of North Branch
because all I saw over a four day period,
with the exception of One little storm that rolled through, a lot
of people having a great time.
And that's what it was all about And then
hanging out with with the folks at the street dance
as you're getting to that, you know, 11,
12 close to one in the morning time frame with some
of our officers who are on duty there just seeing
them sacrificing time to make sure everyone
else can be out having a good time Again,
it just it warrants a public.
Thank you on the American Legion's part And again,
we will continue to work as we move into one on one for next
year With that, our American Legion is is changing a little
bit now of our focus from mid-summer to, again,
our Veterans Memorial today I believe it was today,
this morning, the American Legion donated another $30,000
to the beautification committee to help get that regional
veterans Memorial built. And in about the last year and a half
or so, our little post across the street has raised over
$150,000 out of the 300,000 that have been raised And as I look
at the calendar it's hard to believe it's been
25 years since our 911 tragedy.
And the ongoing global war on terror in this past mid-summer,
we had two Gold Star families as our grand marshals.
Those lives were lost as a result of actions after 911.
And some of us, we've been to some of these great parts
of the world, Afghanistan and Iraq and all
these other wonderful places to hunt these people down,
which we're hitting.
The 25 anniversary for 911.
To me, it's we've got to give our public this memorial.
And we've got a whole bunch of irons in the fire to try
and bring this thing home soon.
We're expecting big things in the in the coming months
to really get this thing to fruition getting the concrete
laid, getting the stolen sport purchased
and all of that and all our city is
on board I know you guys are now kind of with the beautification
committee in charge of that.
We are still obviously going to be the biggest supporters
as a veterans organization US.
And I can speak for the VFW since I'm a member of that
as well.
And i just again, ask the city to again,
help as much as you can especially in October,
when those first 10% taxes roll in on the gaming things keep us
in mind This is a reminder, again,
we donated $30,000 to a beautification committee today
We get this memorial wall built in a year That $30,000 can be
going to anything else in this community and that'll be
forever into the future.
Help us get this thing built. The Legion
will stand by this community as we've had for over 100 years.
So just keep us in mind with that.
But as we face 25 years since 911
and we've lost people as a result of that conflict again,
let's just get this thing built for them and do all that we can
I love this town.
I think most of you all know that And it's
what we all this town, and I know that we have support
with the council and our city just really appreciate all
that you all do with all the irons and all the fires
that you've got burning But as a reminder,
just try to keep us in there somewhere as well
With that, I will all colonels just
get in front of a microphone.
You don't want to leave I will leave.
So that others can bring up other business with the council
But again.
And in the end, I just want to say thanks again
So from the American Legion.
Thank you.
Thank you. you for All right, Sam you're
up to council members.
Sheeba, Canada, and midterm.
I'm here once again to encourage you to vote to cancel the flop
contract Your constituents have done their homework carved out
time to write emails that go unanswered and showed
two meetings that did not even have
all council members present.
We have worked hard to educate You
regarding how helpers truly work and the dangerous possibilities
of them.
Despite feeling brushed off, we are still moving forward.
So far we have gone over the following potential abuse
by staff, hardware and security vulnerabilities for hacking
the overwhelming failure rate of lpas to read plates correctly.
Fourth Amendment concerns and the recent ruling by the Supreme
Court on June 29th that pulling your phone's location data
constitutes a search and requires
a warrant cost to repair, vandalized or stolen equipment.
Concerns that flock itself is lying about the capabilities
vulnerabilities and upstream data
sharing of lpas personal data being sold to third parties
as made possible by the customer agreement signed by the Council.
While I believe that stopping an act of abduction
is a very, very good reason to have these cameras,
I understand that there are currently too many unknowns, too
many cases of abuse too much potential for them to be used
against the public on a mass scale too many cases
of misread plates leading to violent encounters with police,
with innocent individuals And too many times
the ALP failed to prove anything for us
to go forward with a flock control act.
Our city is made up of hardworking people who do not
want any one playing with their tax money
and this feels negligent Continuing to vote yes
on a flat contract and knowing there are great risks
and unknowns while you do so will absolutely be a stain
on your personal legacies.
Thank you.
Thank you, Sam Sam.
Not bad for someone who says that they
don't like to be around people.
So good job You made that comment once upon me.
Here.
I get it.
All right, West.
Mr. West i don't have a whole lot
more to add Sam's been doing a great job
of bringing everything up.
The only thing I would like to add
is not just canceling contract but putting either a ban
or moratorium on any helpers going
forward for a good foreseeable future would be great.
And would go a long way to show that you guys are
listening to us So thank you.
Thank you Mark Mr. Mark ?
Yeah, I just wanted to let you know that i like
that, you're going forward with the thought of cancer
and cancel it all.
Not moving for something other companies product work.
And I think this show our community
will stand up if you don't advertise what's on the agenda.
Enough.
Because we didn't know about it until after the fact because we
don't look at your web page every day.
We're on social media every day or but we
don't look at your web page every day
to see what's on the agenda.
So it and it it might have thought
might not have seemed important at the time,
but it's very important in this whole country's in a stage
right now where everything's important.
If you're on the right side OK.
Thank you, Mark All right.
As anybody else would like to provide public comment,
that's all I have to i have signed up All right.
We'll move forward then So move on to consent agenda.
So this is our time to actually approve the consent agenda.
So do we have a motion ?
I'll make that motion.
There to approve consent agendas.
Items is and attempt to end as in no.
Nora or November November?
Yes, sir.
Numeral numeral?
Yes.
All right.
I can second that.
I got a first and second.
Second by council member.
I bring her All right.
Any questions ?
No.
All right.
All in favor.
Signify by saying I. I ask unanimously.
Thank you All right.
So under nine is considered a recommendation
A positive for cancellation.
Right forward from the August 5th 2026 work session.
So our city administrator, Matthew Hill,
is going to provide the summary to get
this started Thank you, Mayor and council Yeah,
a little background on this.
We do have on May 13th, City council did approve a three year
contract with Flock safety for the installation
of Seven automated license plate reader cameras.
The decision was passed with a32 vote funded and a one time
allocation from 2023 state public safety aid following this
approval, the city did receive significant community feedback
and expressions of concern regarding privacy data
and the deployment of this technology In response to these
concerns the City Council set up a community work session
and public information meeting which was held on August 5th,
26, to facilitate dialogue between the residents,
city staff and the elected officials As of right now August
7 on this, this right up, but consistent to that, 2 2 2 today,
three of the seven cameras have been physically installed,
but they're not operational.
They're currently bagged up and not on the locations are listed
as Lincoln trail in through 60th Forest Boulevard and three 60th
and Saint Croix Trail and 387.
None of these cameras have been activated They're currently
non-operational I mentioned the bagging
the precautionary measures put into place
for that the installation of the remaining four cameras
has been paused pending further council direction.
And that's why we're here this evening We do want to bring up
some considerations for the Council in regards
to this next step.
The total contract value for the Three year agreement is $63,000,
while the initial installation fees were waived any requests
to remove the already installed cameras
would likely fall outside of the scope of the project.
So there might be additional costs for that.
Chief Meyer has requested some information
from Flock regarding the implications
of canceling the contract.
We have yet to receive any information on that from Flock
directly.
There may be updates as the days go forward,
but we are looking at next steps.
The city council is now being asked
to determine the future of the a l e r program With flock.
You've got a couple of different courses of action
that you can take.
He can continue to move forward with the original installation
You can put this on indefinite pause
maintain the current status and remove
the three non operational cameras for precautions.
And then the third operator or Third option
is removal and termination of the contract At the community
meeting on August Fifth, Mayor Schreiber did state that he was
going to request that the city council place
the project on an indefinite pause
and there was consensus of the three council members that were
present present at that meeting That request is now being
brought forward to the city council for formal consideration
the requested action.
This evening is a motion in a second to pause the clock
installation as brought forward from the August fifth, 2026,
work session OK.
Thank you, sir.
All right.
So obviously council members and Meachum
you were not there last week.
So before we kind of jump into other things,
is there anything that you want to comment
or or say you want to note right now?
OK The only question I have is financially,
if we do approve the termination do we think we think we're
paying the original contract price plus removal
or will we save some from the basically
not installing the four?
Originally we don't have the answer to that.
We have reached out to Flock to get that consideration I think
there they may be waiting until the actual action by the Council
to provide that data.
But we do have that request at Flock,
They've acknowledged that they've received the request We
just have not received the information yet
And we can revise But the action you could put in your options
with it.
Yeah, absolutely All right.
Councilmember Binger or Canada you were there last week.
So any many comments, questions Comments?
No.
Yeah.
For for me, it's you know, to then definitely While you said
you know, pause indefinite pause because i think there's
some questions that we have to get
answered First to understand how we can move forward with this.
And I've got some things that, you
know some feedback and stuff.
I want to provide Yes.
Yeah.
Because I you know, just, you know, take out the word pause
and just, you know, take it off the table right away.
I don't think we're able to cancel it today
because your chief, you're trying
to get the dollars involved and then also listening to the you
know, the fine residents here, you know
you know, like of only company.
Right.
So to reward three words and to say,
hey indefinitely not install any block type cameras elsewhere x
on or okay Sam you probably know the 47 that are available
or whatever.
I can't name them all, but you know,
to reword that would be great.
Yeah.
Make a motion as I mentioned, you so well, I wonder.
Excuse me, Regina That gap would be I
mean, personally on the financial and i
appreciate Councilmember Glaze comment or question there is it
would it be that imprudent for us to cancel at this time
going forward with the pause?
But again, hearing the voice of the community say after a vote
or during the converse days, we go,
here's consensus to add the next agenda item.
So that it.
We're being publicly say and adding
cancel to the next meeting.
Sorry the next agenda item but to our next meeting
later this month.
So that it is on there and it's remained in public
and there is some accountability as opposed to just pausing it.
And then thinking, you know as a city resident,
you can think, well, they're just pausing it
and put it on the back burner to an up in attention.
But if we put it on the next agenda item,
it gives the chief time to hear back
from about the contract and those financial implications
that we may face.
So that would be kind of the route
that I would be looking OK.
So you would say, though, we'd still have these three options.
Yeah.
Not get rid of the options that we would want.
This item if we do the pause Okay, but then give the consent
is the staff to put this on the council conversation
on the next meeting.
So that we give staff and the chief time
to get those financial considerations in the contract
language So, so last week, you know, my purpose on kind
of choosing that type of language,
we were missing to call the members.
We didn't have answers from Flock, how
we would go about doing that.
I also made the statement that, you know,
this is about what we want, right?
I mean however, that works, the slack You know, I think if we
feel like those three need to be taken down right away,
that's what we should do I'm going to quick just provide
a summary kind of not like last week,
but it probably took me about five minutes or so.
But Yeah, so I may misunderstood you,
but you're saying about the three cameras
remaining or the three options?
No, these three, I don't know When
you said that I didn't want it misconstrued
Yeah, it was just three.
Yeah You know, first of all, I want
to say that I am probably the residents that came forward.
It's not easy.
It can be nerve wracking getting up.
You know, some of you said that you didn't.
You were nervous and stuff.
You didn't show it, but it does take a lot.
And I know that there was an attempt early on just
to do this through Facebook, but i will tell you, for me,
it made a big difference for our whole council for you
to come in and interact with us.
That made a big difference We can go back and forth,
ask questions You guys made statements and that says a lot.
That shows it shows that you do care.
I hope that you do choose to stay involved.
But the discussions coming up and, you know, for me,
I've mentioned this before, this was a tool that our police
chief had come to the council with trying to enhance,
you know their abilities to catch the worst of the worst
for the crimes missing missing persons
was another one with his license plate readers.
You know, as I've gotten feedback in my mind,
it kind of formed from three different categories.
We have the Facebook group and you guys strongly opposed.
I had people who are not crazy about the cameras,
but saw the benefits and seemed to be willing to see
the offset on that.
And then the third group was people who told me repeatedly,
I have nothing to hide.
Right.
And they saw the potential benefits.
There are three different categories.
I did hear from a lot of people A lot of people
chose and I'm just trying to be straight with what they told
me and chose not to engage in the Facebook stuff
because they just didn't feel like it was going to be a very
productive That was some of the feedback
I just want to share with some of you that were on that group.
But I do see a common theme and that common theme was,
you know did not understand completely
the function of the Alpers.
You guys had mentioned that too but also I
didn't understand which guardrails were
in place to protect the data.
So from all three groups that I kind of saw this feedback coming
from, that was a common theme You
know I have had a couple of conversations with our county
sheriff saying you know, I wanted to get local feedback
to they did not see locally, what some of you
have brought forward, but obviously
we've seen a nationally.
Right.
There have been some issues They see it as a valuable tool.
It's helped them solve some of the crimes.
I've been following Sandy County Sheriff and Chief,
what's i for that we say?
Yeah I thought he did a great job of couple of times of trying
to describe trying to provide data
But again, if you don't trust the data if you don't trust
the system and that information doesn't matter
listen to a conversation.
This morning.
I happened to catch a radio interview with Mendota
Heights Police Chief.
And again, she talked about the guardrails and the mistrust.
And but she also said that they don't have them there,
but they have had to utilize that to adjacent cities
and said that it has been a valuable tool to help them solve
some of the crimes, catch some of the people
But she acknowledged that she doesn't think
the right guardrails are in place yet to be able to utilize
that that type of a technology So I just
want to share a little bit of that with you You know,
reading from Wesley Paul, they chose to our city well,
Saint Paul chose to cancel their contract as well
And I think the city manager stated it
better than I probably could.
He talked about the police department using the tool.
The right way.
But unless the public understands and trust a tool,
it's not worth using The second statement
that I really liked from the city manager
there was carrying forward a system.
The community does not yet.
Trust cost the city more than it returns So at this point, that's
kind of where I'm at as well I saw the benefits,
but I also understand the loopholes, the concerns I also
understand the government overreach stuff I've
worked with three different federal agencies
There's lots of things.
I'm not happy with that.
We have to deal with.
So i do understand that the slippery slope mentality right?
So I do understand that.
And that was brought up several times My purpose,
again on for me personally bringing this to the council
to do a indefinite pause was because we
just didn't have the right answers
to know how we could cancel.
This is not to say that we're not going to.
I feel like that's the right path to go down.
I just I think we need some more answers.
And this is why I also said, if we do an indefinite pause you
know, my request is to have public works go
and take those three cameras down tomorrow
just to secure them.
So now we could charge for something.
So somebody doesn't try to take matters into their own hands.
If we're not activated And we want to make sure
that community knew that we are trying to stop everything.
So we could have these good conversations.
OK So that's where I'm at on this
and I just want to get some feedback.
And so if there's anything from the council
that you want to add to that, to just add one thing to that too,
is.
So for any helpers to be added back into the system,
as I think they've stated, right?
We just make sure it comes to a council vote whether we hear
or not right?
So we appreciate the approach that you've
took this whole process.
And I appreciate that.
And I think we should just do it the same way again I agree.
I concur Yeah.
The intent to put a pause in this is not to, you know,
somehow do a bait and switch and put another Brandon, that's not
what this is about at all I've seen the word pressure used
a couple of times.
You don't have to pressure us Just talk to us.
Right.
And that's what you guys are doing
And I can tell you, for me, I won't speak for that, for you.
But I appreciate that that meant a lot
more to just be able to have these back
and forth conversation.
So and as I'm looking at Thomas Jefferson in the back,
I got to tell you guys there was a survey
sent to me with a $2 bill and the president
is Thomas Jefferson.
So I think that was a sign right Exactly.
Exactly Ashley, I don't think it was a president
read I don't think he made it.
But anyway so those are kind of my comments for council
So any other otherwise.
Jim I do like the idea about, you know,
going a step further and saying that we don't you know,
we will not install any type of license plate
reader for the foreseeable future
until we can get more information.
That's the motion I'd like to make.
Yeah You know, for the council.
OK.
Do you want to state it the however
you want to state it them.
Yeah.
If I can't.
Yeah.
So the actual recommendation and so Yeah.
So indefinitely i just had refrained
from insulation of flock or any pertinent cameras.
That's tied to, you know the Alpers installation
and end up okay The word contracts not in here
because we still have to get more
information The word removal of the three are not in here.
But I would like to say you know, remove the three.
You know you should have that.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
So remove the three either by the public works at you.
Thank you.
And council Mr. Or the removal This is contract and.
Yeah.
Right.
So I want to be clear on this the cameras are not the cities.
Yeah This is a service contract through for automated license
plate reader through flock.
They own the camera I guess I would caution this council is
request to have us remove them as they use their own technology
people to install them.
We should request that directly from them
and have that expedited as soon as we could
We could table that until we get information from flock
through, through chief Meyer correct.
I wanted to give you the right.
That's fine.
You contractually you can't we would have
to have to then to move it.
Chief, did you communicate that to the flock in your email.
So that, you know, we wanted the 3, 2 be taken down for now Yeah.
Yep.
That was one of the questions.
OK.
They could have responded.
I'm at least out me and they chose not to.
I would like to have the three cameras removed and number one,
to secure them.
Right to make sure they don't get damaged
But number two, to show the other community that we're
serious enough in what we're saying in our intent
We're not damaging anything.
We're just removing them and securing them for flock
to take that understood Yeah.
Yeah.
You're on That's fine I just wanted
to share the contract language if I can continue
to add that that makes sense.
Please.
I would ask again.
Yep.
So yeah.
And then remove the three cameras You know,
immediately remove a secure public area.
Yeah.
Remove secure I agree.
That's my motion All right, have a second.
I'll second.
OK.
All right.
Any questions before we vote ?
All right.
All in favor.
Signify by saying I, I any opposed ask unanimously.
All right.
Thank you, everybody Appreciate that.
And we'll have more information coming
hopefully by the next council meeting All right.
So we can move on to the next item, which
is Nine B, and that's to consider approval
of a proposal from WSP for mitigation of trees affected
by emerald ash borer So, Matthew, i think
you're taking this one off.
Yes, sir.
Thank you very much, Mayor and council We are we
have received a proposal to do a forestry count of ash trees
in our community We are facing a significant public safety
risk for all of the the dead and dying emerald ash trees
due to the emerald ash borer We have had consultation with WSP
is forestry program manager Emily Ball.
It's been determined that the city should probably
move forward with some sort of mitigation
to help getting out in front of the removal of some
of these trees, specifically those in the high traffic
areas Minnesota DNR has a rapid assessment process that they do,
which is essentially a drive by where they do counts of trees
and front yards in public spaces, parks and such
not in forested areas just in mowed areas They estimate
that there are 2700 ash trees in our community
and front and side yards of homes
and in public right of ways.
And parks.
Many of these trees are are either
dying or are already dead.
We are working with them.
We receive a proposal from WSP to to provide the city
with the data and the tools necessary to manage
the emerald ash borer infestation effectively.
Some of the things that this proposal is going to provide
is give us based information.
So what they'll be mapped, they'll
be identified as the location.
Those trees will then be rated in regards
to how healthy they are.
So we can prioritize the ones that need to come out first.
All of this information would then be cumulative evilly placed
in a removal package based on the information
that we need to require going forward.
This information is also very valuable for any grant
writing that we might do Unfortunately,
there aren't any DNR grant opportunities out there
for this right now is we're outside of the metro area
The Mac Council has quite a few in their region,
but we're outside of that.
A one did just open up.
That's going to be opened in October
of this year from the environment
and natural resources trust fund that has the goal of reducing
emerald ash borer impacts and it does include under their list
of services removal.
So that's an important aspect to that.
One, Having this completed inventory in hand
would give us a better chance of being considered as a candidate
and receiving money for the removal of some of the more
dangerous trees that we have in our community We also have we're
having a budget discussion today.
We don't have any funding in the budget for Emerald ash,
for damaged trees in our budget right now.
And that's something that we also
need to consider going forward is as we look down even Elm
Street right here, we've got 27 of them
that are damaged or dying.
And in our in our city approval of this proposal we'll provide
the city with data driven roadmap for managing
our urban forest identifying the priority one trees that need
to come down and the funding of this proposed bill
We can use there's a couple of different options.
We can reallocate some funding from different areas
within the Public Works department,
or we can utilize as this is right away
and green space question we can utilize some of the newly
established gambling proceeds to cover the cost of this
as well, which starts next quarter.
So that's the background on it.
I'm open to any questions The proposal is in your packet.
The recommend is that the city approve
the proposal from us to conduct an emerald ash borer
tree inventory.
Sorry, this initiative is essential for identifying high
risk ash trees and public property and developing
a structured mitigation and removal plan The total for this
study, which would incur about two months work over four
people, would be about $34,000.
$34,245 to be exact I'm open to any questions if you have them.
So just clarify.
The recommendation is for the tree
inventory plus the tree inventory
analysis, mapping and bids.
Yes sir.
So that'll put everything together
so we can do grant writing right away Mr. Hill,
does this also include private property, which
just does not This is simply public property,
meaning right of ways.
Boulevards trees within boulevards, along streets parks.
Okay.
And the last just I just want to make that clear Not
private property.
OK.
And great question.
Thank you.
Do we know who will do the removal it
once once this project's done with the inventory,
we would then be able to do some fundraising
and grant writing to get the funding
required to do the removal.
And once that removal funding is secured,
we would then be able to go out to bid for that project OK.
So I want to.
Okay, Thank you.
Thank you But the 34,000 is just right.
Identify you.
The county Where do the counts put it in us
and have that priority level of the trees.
So we know which ones are the worst
and we can just pull it up on the on the chart
and we'd be able to identify and put those level one trees.
The priorities out of it as soon as possible Okay.
So Matthew, that's just up to 1,500 trees, right Potential?
That's correct Okay.
But we don't know the actual number.
But that the max is 1,500 for this agreement.
OK.
So i talked to you about this was the last week,
you mentioned DNR to give some type of estimate
that we think there's more than 2000.
There are the DNR did a rapid assessment, which is their drive
by of the streets in our community
And they've identified 2700 and that's
in people's front yards, private property side yards as well.
So that's public and private We are estimating 1500,
but we won't know until the surveys completed roughly 60%.
Yes.
And then we don't have any idea of how much is going to cost
per tree to take them down There's
different levels of removal, of course,
depending upon how badly damaged or if they're
really brittle and dry.
You can't even sell them.
You have to take them down them by limb,
otherwise they'll just fall over and explode and cause damage
to the surrounding property All the other aspect of it
is, do we take the stumps up So that's an obviously
an extra cost for that as well.
If it's public safety that we're mostly in and want
to enforce right away, if the tree is out,
we'll address the stumps later.
We can rent a stump grinder and have a wood public works do it
over time when time allows OK So obviously,
the recommendation is approve this.
But then so I'm just trying to go back and determine,
do we know where this money's coming from?
The other.
We're still trying to make that determination.
It is You want to address that a little more closely?
I did provide a couple of different options.
We do have the established gambling ordinance
proceeds as it starts.
We'll have that over for the first batch.
And we don't know what the amounts are yet.
We've got the policies that we're working on right now
and working with those those agencies, and that process.
But and then there is in discussion with the finance
director opportunities to reallocate some funding
within the Public Works Department
over the course of this I think I'd
like better direction of where the money's coming from.
Before we approve it and agree.
If you need more time to think about it
or whatever the next meeting or next couple of meetings.
But you know, instead of just proving it, not knowing where
the funds are coming from, I'd rather have some type of a plan
Well, we were looking at if we can't come up with enough to do
the work, I reorganize things.
Some of the expenses prioritizing what needs to be
done versus what can wait.
Another year If that can't generate enough.
We were looking at the possible gambling proceeds
to help with that.
And those should be coming in.
I think our First payment October is October
and then we'll have another in December.
And so that revenue would be available and is at this point
unencumbered So the any comments on where the money's coming
from, I'm concerned about losing the opportunity
for grant funding for travel.
Well, okay.
Is there an estimation on what that car.
I mean, again, we're dealing with hypotheticals
based on how many trees in the state is of those trees.
I mean, is there an estimation on what removal of the they
estimated $1,000 per tree and that did include the removal
of the stumps Oh, such.
And that's if it's 1.5 million.
Yeah.
If it's all that volume got to go So you're saying 33,000
and finding that is a lot different than 1.5 so that
we can get some grant money.
That's a big part of solving that problem.
But the DNR did say that there's no current grant,
but that doesn't mean that or is that what is on the DNR does
not have any current grants.
The only grant opportunity is opens on October 20 to 2026
from the environmental and natural
Resources Trust Fund, which they're specifically
put in place for the year.
OK So there is opportunities for US Council Movability or point
if we're on this.
And I think the timeline at a prior October right?
That's correct October it does line up really well
with that grant deadline or timeline
Are you saying like to reappropriate
money from 2026 to do this through this work study.
Now?
Yeah And then see what that how many there are what
the potential costs would be correct and get those things
you know get something out for bid this year
and then parallel see what.
So we say it's been spent 32,000 in hopes of getting a grant.
Well, if they need to we need the data either way.
Correct we do.
This helps us be prepared for the grant
and have a better opportunity of writing a better grant,
coming back so that we're serious.
I would be, yes.
And I think i'd be embarrassed to see if direct city
staff to write a grant application based
on drive by estimations from the DIA I agree.
Yeah.
This is so that is private property.
I think, if sharon's recommendation is or are
recommending to Sharon, based on what she said,
is to say ask public works to, you know,
identify projects that potentially could get pushed
to 27 and then utilize the unencumbered
funds from the gambling proceeds that start in October to put
towards this 32.
I'm okay with that There is a few things listed in here
for grant writing projects.
4 or 5 and 6 is just saying the WSP
has helped get these awarded.
Is that the way I'm understanding this?
There's a $500,000 grant and Brooklyn Park amount of media
and then right county Yeah.
What that means okay if you look on page six.
Yes it's relevant project experience is how that's titled.
So there are different projects that they
have worked on and grant writing and inventories All right.
And we don't know about this pot of money,
but a few cities or counties have gotten half $1 million.
I got 125.
Do we have any idea of what the maximum amount is for the grant
through this agency that the grant
opportunity opens in October?
We don't know the specific Okay.
And we wouldn't really know how much we need either
based on the health trees.
You wouldn't take them all out for no reason, right?
They'd have to be right Yeah.
This is safety hazard I think of.
They need to identify what trees and how many
that that needs to start around quickly.
Yeah right.
So Heidi from me.
Yeah Mr. Mayor and council members,
I just wanted to note that I spoke with our forestry program
manager, and she did mention there
are some particular criteria that North Branch
that raises North branch's eligibility
for some of these grants.
I don't recall this specific but there is some pieces of data
that have to do with North Branch that would put you
in a better position for getting some of this grant money
through this particular program or provides leverage.
You're saying is it providing leverage because
of this additional information that we have that that North
Branch is specifically involved in what it sounds
like a priority Yeah, it just there's
in this particular money, there's criteria for which north
Branch would rank highly compared to others that would be
in okay, having this additional information will improve
your likelihood of being more competitive
and getting that grant funding.
Okay.
Thank you.
Thanks.
For the clarification All right.
I mean, I'm good at moving forward I would like a better
direction on how we're funded this next meeting
should so make a motion to approve
second, third or the second.
Any questions Do we want do you want any more formal direction
on the funding or are you comfortable with what
we've talked about and going forward that way we can share?
Yeah I apologize.
I think we can I can work with the department
and find some opportunities that we can postpone or work through
to get the priorities reestablished That's not
an uncommon thing And we can report back to the Council
with that information.
I and I'm okay with that.
I feel confident.
You always seem to find the cash in the couch cushion somehow
But it would be nice to know where it's coming from.
Sure.
OK.
Rob's here.
All right.
So have a first and second.
Any of other questions?
No.
All right.
All in favor Signify by saying I. I any opposed.
That's unanimously All right.
Northwest Old Town project Revised scope cost estimates.
So Heidi from WB I think you're kicking this off.
Yes good evening mayor and council members
yes we're here to talk again about northwest old town.
At the last meeting you had asked for a revised cost
estimate looking at what we call that we termed out
bare bones project We recognize that there seems to be
common agreement that there is a need to improve the water mains.
And so we did put together that cost
estimate as you can see in the report, it's about 2.2 million.
I'd like to walk through some of the specifics of what was what
we based that on and why we made that recommendation Currently
in cedar Street, there is three blocks of 4 inch water main
and so this water main replacement would upgrade
that four inch water main from a four inch main
to a ten inch main.
Then in 11th Avenue.
And 10th Avenue, we currently have a dead end, six inch water
main in each of those roads.
And so this project would replace those that
ends with 8 inch water means that connect between Cedar
and Elm Street and then lastly, currently in Elm Street,
we have half of the half of the length between eighth Avenue.
And 12th Avenue is a four inch main,
and half of it is a six inch main and that would all be
replaced with an 8 inch main.
And just to give you a sense, there
was some questions last time about low flow
in the in the water mains.
So typical fire or maximum flow out of a four inch pipe
is about 500 gallons per minute.
If you bump up to a six inch pipe, it's 800 to 1,000 GPM.
Eight inch pipe is about 2000 and a ten inches, about 3,000.
So you can see that this would make a substantial difference
in the amount of water flow that would be of vailable
in this network of blocks So we focused
on that nine blocks of water mean, we would replace that.
And then since the water main replacement disrupts so much
of the pavement, we went ahead and priced
out a full pavement replacement that we would mill off.
We would, you know dig out the water main mill off all
of the pavement do a full replacement because it's
a utility driven project It doesn't trigger the stormwater
requirements that the bigger project required
And so we would just replace pavement exact lee in,
you know in the width that it is today.
There would be no storm water improvements.
We would not put any storm sewer in And then additionally
actually, I know that's that the 130,900 that's the full sanitary
sewer rehab spot lining.
And things.
If we just focus on repairing the pieces that need to be dug
up, there's only a few spots that
had some broken pipes someplace that drops down to about 45,000.
So that total project cost, if we really just focus on the nine
blocks where the water main is substandard
and it gets down to around 2.1 million for that.
And could easily be funded or get out of the water fund
and various other funds that we could put a funding
plan together and return should the council want
to go that route So I'm happy to answer
any questions about that proposal
or the original proposal.
I think as.
Matthew.
Go ahead, Matthew Mayor Mayor, if I may,
I do want to talk about some financial implications
of reducing that scope.
We have a couple of parts of money
that were dedicated towards this project that could be real
out reallocated to different projects One of them
is the MSI funding the Minnesota State Aid by removing
and reducing the scope of the project
to that 2.2 approximate number 2.2 million.
We would not need to utilize the MSA funding.
So that $1.4 million of dedicated MSA funding
for this project would be able to be reallocate it
into different parts of our community that has on our needs
basis where we could address that sooner than expected.
The other one was the, the restore related funds that we
had from the sale of the generation that 1.8,
approximately million dollars that was set aside specifically
for this project we would use approximately $1 million towards
this project from that releasing $800,000 that
the city and the city council could reallocate
that additional money.
Currently designed for this project,
specifically if we do reduce the scope,
that funding could be reallocated
to different projects as well.
A couple of those things just off the top of my head and we've
been up my head, we've been discussing this for weeks,
but let's be realistic here.
Matthew Flank Avenue trail, we did get some bids back for that.
Bids are a little bit higher.
We we wouldn't we need a little bit more
funding to cover the costs and complete that trail connection.
That's a priority for us.
The other thing is the 400th and flank
roundabout turn up on northbound on flank at 400th Street.
We've got the new developments up there.
And we have a roundabout all planned
in a couple of years for that.
So the funding could be used for that as well.
So there are some financial implications that the council
needs to know about as they're making the discussion
with the reduced scope of this project There are
any concerns about surface water runoff All one resident has
stated several times that there's a pond that fills up
or pools up around their house or on the street.
I the owner of posthaste reached out to me when we're
at the threshing show and mentioned that that's
street in front of his house.
He's worried about it being too narrow.
That could be a different project,
but I don't know if you mentioned you know, surface
water runoff and some kind of pond in, but are there any areas
where we have to worry about that about not, you know,
recreating to make sure that we've addressed some
of that mean amir and council certainly
that was one of the drivers originally of this project.
And I think back in 1996 when I first
came before the council, one of the goals of the project
was certainly to address substandard infrastructure
of the water main, but also some of the drainage complaints
in the community and hence that is why the original project went
forward with Curb and gutter and stormwater ponds,
channeling the runoff from the streets
into storms who are so that it wouldn't draining to folks yard.
So so I think yes, there is some concern that a project
would move forward.
And it would not address some of the drainage issues
that have been communicated if we went with this.
This project that's focused on water main problem you brought
up again for another 31 years.
Yeah So we had a resident a former council
member sent an email to Councilmember
Golay He shared it with us.
The administrator got shared with the rest of the council.
I've also had at least one, if not a couple
of conversations with her over the past month.
She is talking about Shield's plaza and the potential
for additional water runoff from that
drive Have we looked at that?
Do we think that there's going to be any type of added pressure
for the water going to the street
or do we not know the elevations of that property
and where the water would be going regardless of what they
did It is my understanding that the driveway is a resurface
and they are adding curb and gutter to the driveway
to collect and channel that stormwater.
They are adding.
I believe that the number is five parking stalls
and they are adding their own stormwater retention and pond,
which would be on the west side of their parking lot
So they have made it improvements
to their own drainage system.
But, but yes, that if water does come flowing within the curb
and gutter of the driveway and there is no collection
basins for stormwater there is potential of that coming out
into the street Okay The other thing I had talked
to near Sandra about this, maybe a week or two ago
but so one of the concerns is we haven't heard from all is it 60?
Exactly.
60 properties or somewhere in that area Correct.
We've heard from approximately ten
I suggested that we did do some type of signature
return or certified letter, just so they
can't say they didn't know.
We're not hearing from everybody I know there's concern by a few
that they think we should do more.
Obviously we've heard from a few.
They think we should do less So I'm trying to figure
out how do we determine that?
We're hearing from enough of those 60 property owners
American solar typically, you know they've
received several mailers.
We've had a couple of discussions
We've had multiple community meetings on their behalf
here at City Hall.
They've held their own neighborhood meetings
as well if they had a problem or had a question about it,
they've been given ample time to respond We can't make people
open their mail if something gets mailed in
and they see it's from the city.
And they throw it away, you know they've received several mailers
from the city in regards to this project We can't make them do
that If they receive another one where it's certified,
they might assign their name.
And again, throw away There's we can't make them read their mail
So if there are people out there who are concerned
or they've been given ample opportunity to receive
the information, learn about the information they've been invited
to multiple meetings to participate
and gather information on their own behalf.
The city has done everything that well, well beyond what
our actual obligations are as a city for a project like this
Considering the assessments we went through
and an extra step of the process just
to make sure that we had ample community information out there
we've actually added a whole page to our website on it.
We've had it on our Facebook page We've done absolutely
everything that I feel is necessary and more
from the city's perspective on a project like this.
And you have not received any phone calls this year
The only correspondence that I have had
in regards to this project are from former council
member Cathy Blomquist.
OK.
Thank you Barebones approach.
I assume that we're replacing the street like we would
any other neighborhood that then there's
no there's no cost passed along to the property owners.
If we go with the bare bones approach
there is no assessments to the property owners That is correct.
Yeah Did we talk about x widening the road while we do
that overlay In one of our last meetings
I thought that was brought up for part of that.
If i think it was brought up as part of the original project.
But not as part of just the overlay itself.
Overlay.
OK Yeah.
Yeah.
So we were I think it came up in one of the prior meetings
about different residents measuring different areas
of the road and asking for it to be wider and more consistent
Yeah, Yeah.
Yep, yep.
Yeah, but i think the current ask was just
for basically the overlay overlay the exact with the we
are today.
Yeah Leave the footprint.
Yep.
So change.
OK.
One question I have too is One of Miss Moon Quest requests
would be sidewalk on Elm if we were to do that,
though that would require a curb and gutter.
Correct.
And then that affects the stormwater.
You wouldn't just put the sidewalk in with no drainage
there and councilmember Golay, We'd have to look at that.
I mean, we may be able to put in something
or without a curb and gutter.
We would have to look at that in more detail
to see how that might work And before we
pursue that though, I'd really like to reassess our stance on.
I think the proposal was to have the city plow that sidewalk
I disagree with that stance.
It's for consistency through the road to the city.
I think it would be better to either establish
that the property owner has to take care of the snow
or don't put the sidewalk in We have other sidewalks.
We take care of And why did we do that and not leave it up
to the homeowners We we know the majority of the community
the property owners themselves are
responsible for the sidewalks and the
in their front yards or side yards.
The city has over time created an ordinance
for the public works department to provide snow removal
assistance for particular corridors
within our community This would not
be included in that in our current policy
So I see elm as a thoroughfare.
You know, for drive in, for walk.
It's not just the people that live there That's why
I would hesitate to make them.
So you think they'd come off 95 and go up to Elm
or whether they're driving?
There's lot of people drive through that don't live there.
I mean, I want to I don't have a reason for 95, but yeah,
and I understand the driving on elm,
but the sidewalk itself it seems like most of the city
would stay on 95 unless they're in that community or office,
either any of the side streets.
I don't think it's just going to be the people using
or that live on elm that are going to be using that sidewalk,
I think is going to be I agree.
But more in the neighborhood, I would say,
is that where those people coming from whether they're
walking around cedar down to Elm and make a loop or not,
but i wonder if we could make that just a different project
at some point.
The sidewalk Yeah, but I'd be open I mean, I could do that.
We were pushing for the sidewalks
and parking there basically to support the downtown park.
Right, Exactly.
We could make that as a priority for potential,
say for school grants and future that's been brought up.
But we've never gotten an answer out of anybody on that.
So I think it's i think it's that meets the criteria.
But I'm saying that correctly as Ben included, that.
No, no, no, no I'm saying in the future, the
potential future project goal.
This is a goal.
The council's directing staff to make
that a priority are included in the next round of safe school.
Yeah.
So that area is not currently included on our safe right
to school plan.
And so that's why.
And so we talked about earlier about
for when we apply for funding if it's not in the plan.
That's why it's so important to have items
identified in the plans to help support
those grant applications.
Our our city code does talking about having sidewalks
along collectors on at least a minimum of one
side of the roadway which so our subdivision code does already
talk about that or say for the school plan
does not have that particular route in there.
So and you're currently revising that, right?
You've been meeting a goal if you haven't seen a need to put
it on Elm in that part of Elm.
And then what are we asking for?
Because there already going through that,
that review process.
And then it hasn't qualified or hasn't
been brought up as a need.
It wasn't in the original plan.
So the original.
So the plan.
So the safe, what the school plan really
looks at a mile from existing schools and i mean,
there's always going to be variables where there's areas
that could be two miles where we have a lot of walkers
or bikers and so those areas.
And that's where I'm i'm like the Lux crossing development.
We've had a lot of inquiries about that.
That's portions of that are a little bit further out
But we've had a lot of input And so things
like that, as we get that feedback, that's why it's
important get the feedback from the community
and that would get implemented into that plan
and help us as we prioritize for safe roads, corridors.
So that's what I'm asking you, though.
It hasn't been identified through this process,
this summer as it has.
It has not.
But it's also going to included as part of this project.
So we it's not been discussed because it was originally
part of this project.
Why don't you take care.
I struggled with that a little bit
because I feel like if it's important for,
say, for the school, there should
have been a dual approach Yeah.
So the plan is still in process I mean, the updated
plan, like the current plan.
I'm talking about, does not currently have that in there
there in the city received a grant to update its plan
or current plan is from 2011.
And so we're in the process of updating
that We got grant funding.
So no cost to us And so that's we're
hoping to have the results of that
here in the next 1 to two months.
So okay, so other than us bringing it up,
it hasn't been brought up in these conversations.
That part all so no I mean, I guess I have not we have not.
So I mean, I so between the central park
and then going towards the cemetery Correct.
Oh so Yeah.
On the west side Right.
Yes.
OK I mean, I think Right.
Yeah, some people aren't some people are Yeah So again,
I like the idea of the sidewalk being an elm.
But how we get there is a whole nother discussion
and I like the idea of including a safe after school.
I just haven't heard it come up naturally in these
in these are review meetings.
So that's has surprised so if you think it should be.
I'm all for it i'm just thrown out
there is that's a funding option and if it's
not included in the plan.
Now as we're going potentially bare bones if we see it
as the council sitting here now and asking me to consider
putting that in a new revised plan for, say, for our school
to make, it is essentially feeder towards downtown
and the Two trails.
We have now and etc. that can be our direction
And then i don't I'm just looking again at funding sources
and how we get there.
Yeah, I'm aligned with your strategy of,
you know, keeping it as front and center.
But out of scope for the original project
we're talking about Right, right.
I agree.
I think it should be a separate project.
Yep I don't know if we going to get any other responses.
We've had several meetings, several inquiries
in our notifications to these 60 properties.
So i mean, I guess we can maybe come to consensus
and we can maybe go one more meeting in case
we get the feedback or do or if somebody wants to just
go with it right now, we can whatever
the recommendation of from this is right as info though.
So no action taken Council can make an action
and then take action on this.
We've got three different options in the packet.
Proceed with the full reconsider action is proposed.
Proceed with reduce scope barebones project
or delay the project.
And definitely One more question or another question.
I should put it so talked about that it'd be 1 million
of the roughly 1.8 from the utility scale right?
So whereas I guess walk us through
right now where the other 1.1 1.2 million
of sewer and from those dedicated okay so
that part to get to that level.
Now you're talking about the funding
sources that's the next level.
What would be approved?
Yeah Yeah.
Just before I would be able to go forward right?
Yeah.
So the next if, if, if approved now to move
forward with the $2.2 million.
Well, we would then request that the city engineers
would move forward with a specifically
what would be the next step.
So you're going project scope engineering and funding sources.
Yes, we would put to get we would work with Sharon
and the city administrator to put together a funding
plan, presumably the restricted fund or the street funding
and water fund would be the two primary funding sources
that we would bring back.
And then we would also put together an engineering proposal
to bring forth and a schedule and the full
here's the proposal for moving forward
with this, this new scope of the project
And I do see it is in here, just was kind of heightened
sense of the council wish to move forward the smaller project
staff are very projects on the plan and design
proposal for consideration of a feature
at a future council meeting.
So so right now you're looking for consensus or a motion
a motion would motion deal deal.
And the idea okay, I'll make the most Second to you
scope barebones project.
Second that.
Mr. Mayor.
All right.
We got a first and second.
Any questions before we go?
I would just say thank you again to Heidi and Austin.
How much they mean, how much they've
gone through what they've taken, her feedback and they've
come back with results.
And at they showed they've been listening to us.
And the fact that we provided and the residents and I know
there's a times residents don't always feel
heard But you came back time and time again and showed up.
And I thought, you operate in very good faith.
And I appreciate that.
And with answers.
Thank you.
You.
I'm just looking forward to denise Martin with us.
South County Press.
And it's on again right at the top, again on again.
That's those are her headlines.
So what's she going to write about the next 30 years on this?
I have to tease or a little bit.
So All right.
We've got a first and second question before we go.
All right.
All in favor.
Signify by saying I, I i.
Any opposed fast unanimously Thank you All right.
Have you want to nine delta and ask to consider approval
of an ordinance amending city code section 66-943 which is
design standards for permitted building
materials and amending the design overlay
district maps ordinance.
Sandra, you want to kick this off?
Yeah.
Good evening, Mayor and council all before you tonight is
a request to approve an ordinance to amend city code
section 66 9:43 for design standards regarding
the class one materials and modification
of the design standards map.
This has been discussed for the past several months.
It kind of really goes back to last year
when we started looking at the industrial park looking
at design standards, trying to find ways to be more flexible
and to support businesses and attract additional development
in the community.
Was recently like the council and the planning
Commission held a joint work session
back in June, and from there.
There was discussion at the Planning Commission meeting,
kind of following that after discussions of proposed changes
to the to the design standards map
and adding additional materials to be included as permitted
And so one of the materials to be added
was engineered wood siding as a Class one building
material, durable water resistant that again, provides
flexibility for builders or people
looking to invest into the community
And so essentially, we will be adding that as a permitted
use based off of that, the second option would be to amend
the design standards map like I spoke of up on the screen
right now, there's showing where the existing
design standards are at.
Everything that's red is zone one, orange is zone 2 and yellow
is on three.
I'm the proposed changes would be, again,
the orange or one excuse me that red for one orange
for two and the yellow for 3, in 2.
Going to give you little bit more of a breakdown.
We're going to show you the differences.
Essentially And I know this is hard to see
and but here's the existing and here's
the changes that were being made essentially for zone 1.
There's an area over by where the outlet mall essentially.
And making that entire parcel they're already in zone 1.
And so there's no like discrepancy for us ones or two.
And so it's entirely part of zone 1, The zone 2,
we looked at modifying the area of the link avenue corridor from
three 92nd Street up to roughly three 999 three 99th Street,
and then also modifying the area along Interstate 35,
South of where the furniture store is switching that
to a zone 2 and then making changes
in the industrial park for that to go
to all of the zoning three.
And then removing the existing portions that were zoned
residential taking those out of the design standard
classifications And so it really those are the changes
that we kind of discussed.
And so kind of going back to what was proposed,
this is the resulting map So everything
yellow again zone 3 2 the orange,
and then the red is zone 1.
And so with that, the Planning Commission held that
public hearing on August 4th.
There were no public comments received,
but at the previous meeting that the Planning
Commission had there was support for the modification
and amendments.
And so with that, we we're looking for the Planning
Commission recommended approval And so this
is before you this evening for your consideration All right.
Questions for Nate I I mean, this is something we've
been pushing for a long time.
Common sense changes is.
Yes it is.
There's some things up a little bit more flexibility All right.
So we've got an ordinance in front of us there.
We're being asked to approve.
So we have a motion.
I'll make some All right.
That's for ordinance number four.
One 4, dash two six.
Yep.
Correct.
OK.
Second.
And the first and second, the question before
we go, all right.
All in favor.
Signify by saying I the opposed passed
unanimously Thank you, Nate.
We'll move on to the next one then.
And that is to consider approval of an ordinance allowing
twin homes in quad and townhouses
as permitted uses in the central business district
So Nate taken away for mayor and council
before you, here again, is another ordinance amendment.
This one is, as you mentioned to make those modifications
to the central business district to allow twin homes
and townhomes essentially in the central business
district This discussed originally back in July.
You know, there is discussion that we've had as you kind
of look at where the central business district is currently
at, it currently allows duplexes and multi family buildings
that are 3 to 7 units.
But there's not allow twin homes or townhome homes.
And so just kind of looking at the permitted uses,
it kind of seemed like that didn't really
you know why did I would one be permitted
not the other one because they're very similar items.
And so i've got a map up here showing the central business
district kind of give me your reference essentially
at the central business district is
a long main street from rancho Avenue to Grand Avenue.
And then a block on both sides in the line County 30
from Cedar down to just south of the Oak Street So everything.
This is in this dark red area here.
And so I just kind of in our discussions,
we really felt like that.
Like I mentioned, that these are very similar uses
and it's trying to just, you know,
seem to like that the correct thing to do
is to have all of those really be permitted in that district.
So if you look at the permitted uses table,
this is the existing art in the top.
So you can see that these are not included.
These would be the townhomes and that the twin homes,
there's nothing there.
And we're proposing to include those as permitted uses.
That's going to provide more flexibility more consistency
through the downtown Planning Commission held
a public hearing in August.
There was one comment provided at the meeting.
They were in support of the proposed changes They felt
that it provided for more flexibility
And, within the central business district,
I mean, currently apartments are allowed there.
And this is all for a less intensive use.
And so they thought that would be a good modification
to the code.
So with that is your consideration of the ordinance
this evening Any questions for Nate?
No comment You know.
Yeah.
I just want to highlight the last piece you said
about the less intense of usage, less intense
than apartments and thinking, you
know, very specifically about large vacant old school lot.
And what potentially makes more sense.
There in the planning mindset.
And to the residents that live in that facility Something
like this conversation we're having
I think is a lot more palatable and makes
sense for that neighborhood.
And the surrounding area.
So i think that just gives another option also
for the developers, potential developers
to look at that look at that area.
So it's and Nate, with that developer,
those interested in that old school lot is some
of the conversations about this being brought on by what they're
trying to accomplish to figure out you know, so there's just
we've had discussions with multiple properties
and so there's other vacant lots that
are within the central business district.
And so we typically try to whenever we make changes
to zoning ordinance, we look at the whole district is not
a specific use, but I mean, that lot
would definitely be you know, one that would be impacted
by changes or violations.
So yeah, I wasn't alluding to a specific conversation,
just thinking over the last you and I have had this conversation
in three years.
I'm council about that lot.
And what the community feels would be more appropriate,
falls more in line with this and with other vacant lots
of that area.
And just with that said, the other one,
the the public comment was from the owner of the vacant lots,
the old Main Street site.
And so he was providing he was in support of these changes
would make sense.
Right?
It makes sense.
Oh, yes.
Or flexibility.
OK All right.
Just wanted to make a confirm.
Adam.
All right.
So the ask then is to consider approving that ordinance.
So our making a motion Me I'll make that motion to approve
ordinance number 1526 OK.
And we have a second Second.
I've got a first and second.
Any questions before we vote?
All in favor.
Signify by saying I i any opposed unanimously.
Thank you.
You.
Appreciate that.
And thank you.
The planning commission for all the hard work they're doing.
We've got more coming.
That's good.
You can come in this month.
Thank you All right.
Now we're up to our June finance update.
So our finance director, Sharon who I kicked us off.
Thank you, Mayor and council The city's financial position
remains very strong.
Through June.
As of June, we had a 9.1 million in cash and equivalents
and 16.8 million and investment funds
within trust rates remaining stable.
The city also received its first property tax settlement from
Chisago County in early July.
This is typically the larger portion of the settlement,
as many taxpayers pay their full amount of annual property taxes
At that time the liquor stores are entering their busiest
season of the year, although sales are projected to be
slightly below expectations Staff have done an excellent job
managing expenses The stores remain on track to make the full
$350,000 transfer and finish the year with a net profit
margin of approximately 9%.
The EDA Fund is projected to finish
the year with approximately 500,000 in net income.
The general fund is also tracking positively with
approximately 400,000 Am projected netting,
indicating that the city's tax levy is appropriate
Lee Supporting ongoing.
So the upper Asians all utility funds remain
in good financial condition.
The sewer fund continues to perform particularly well
while the water storm and generation funds
are all projected to finish the year with positive results
Overall, the city continues to maintain
a strong financial position with healthy cash
and investment balances.
Positive operating results and sound performance across the two
major funds All right.
Questions for Sharon No, no.
Got a lot of money sitting in the investment fund And yes.
So when we get to utilize some of that,
we will utilize interest We're trying to utilize some of it
for our Northwest old town.
But okay so so if there's any comments
otherwise we can go on to the next No.
All right.
The budget 2027, Mayor, I mean, honestly,
to your question it shows up in the budget projections
for the revenue for next year The interest income
is significantly higher.
And it's a projection based on what I mean,
that is directly impacting general fund
So yeah, the interest is allocated across all the funds
depending on how much cash they carry.
So every month, we reevaluate the cash balances and allocate
the interest appropriately across cash
balances of the question.
Before I move on to the budget All right, Let's tack well,
one last comment just called to the liquor
store because we challenged them last year with the $350,000.
And to be able to pull that off a pretty big deal.
Yeah, they did very well Good.
Very well.
In Carlin's here.
Can you talk about the online.
The online ordering?
Oh, it's really launched the online store.
There's been a few kinks that we've had to work out,
so I haven't like it push of like, getting it out there
with finance department and how to record
it into our financial software.
Well, we've gotten a few orders for in the month of July
about six of them.
So now we I think we got it kind of figured out and can start
taking more online orders.
Only store one is doing it.
The big store at so we'll see advanced order
and just pick it up and go online do online shopping.
We put it all together.
They just come in verify their ID.
That is the person that purchased it and all the door,
they can go, okay, all right Sounds good.
I like it.
As long as they're of made.
Yes Thank you.
Thank you.
All right.
Can we get to the budget conversation
Let's let's get this audience Got one more question?
Yeah, yeah.
Just try to tackle now So, mayor and council,
we've implemented the new levy tracking mechanism
to provide the council with a clearer understanding of how
the proposed levy is being developed
and how individual adjust affect the overall levy
on you can you show the chair and I'm sorry to interrupt you.
Could you pull your microphone closer?
Yes Everything in here, I can So on this form,
it starts out with the levy from 2026
and then the with so it starts out
with levy from 2026, which in general fund was 6.6 million.
And then that is adapted using percentages from the county
So the county had provided us with a new construct action
values and estimated market values
and using their percentage goes to calculate how much the 2026
would increase by those percentages
to get to keep us on track going forward
So the new construction one is one that I would highly
encourage never diminishing, because that's new houses that
are built the new property taxes coming in,
the home values is the estimate.
The market value that has changed on the homes
starting between 26 and 27.
And that amount you can see is 315,000.
And then if you scroll down to the bottom there are percentages
down at the bottom, you can see the 1.93 is
the percentage of new growth.
And then the 4.7 is the percent Each of market adjustment
with the total being the 6.69.
That is slightly off from what the county
has the county and 6.68.
I could not get my percentages to roll
the right way so it's off by 100th of a percent.
But if you go back up the next columns have
the different new projects.
So i have four columns, but we only use three.
There's support for equipment, there's staffing increases,
and then there's support to parks.
And those would all be new monies
And so then you if you go further to the right,
it shows you how much that takes the levy up.
And so the general fund levy would come in that 7.6 million
and off to the right is 15.11%.
By the time you add in the debt that is occurring for the year,
it brings it to 15.67 and then the EDA
is included on there and the percentages for the EDA
and the total deal with that is 14.81 increase over prior year
Now this is a format that is to show where the amounts are
and can be adjusted in order to hit a levy that is more in line
with what city Council is hoping to achieve So if in discussion
with the advisory council, they had said that their preference
would be equipment them personnel and then the parks
And so as we go along,
that would be the priority given to those different items
and so i've kind of jumped ahead on my thing.
So let me get back on track So including these new funding
priorities, the proposed increase in tax levy
would be approximately 15.67%.
But we're continuing to evaluate this
and make adjustments to reduce the overall increase
for additions.
No context to this.
The proposed general fund budget expenses totaled 10.6 million,
including the requested equipment staffing and park
improvements This represents an 8.31
increase over the 26 General Fund budget expenses of 9.8.
Some of that, obviously is offset by other revenue sources
but I believe right now i have about 3 million
in other revenue sources each year.
So this stuff reviews the city's financial position.
Service demands infrastructure needs
and projected growth to determine
an appropriate tax levy.
The objective is to provide sufficient resources
to meet the city's growing needs while being
mindful of the financial impact on taxpayers.
As North Branch continues to grow,
the city's responsibilities and community expectations also
grew the city must maintain the services residents rely on
while making responsible investments in roads, facilities
parks, equipment and other infrastructure The budget
discussion is often really about finding the appropriate balance
between maintain iNG the level of service expected
by the community, addressing critical equipment,
infrastructure needs, investing in parks and other community
assets, providing adequate staffing
to port city operations and future growth.
Preparing financially for long term needs
and being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars
The goal is to ensure that North branch
remains a community, which can be proud of not only today.
But for future generations.
At this stage of the budget process,
staff are seeking feedback and direction
from City Council regarding the proposed budget funding
priorities and preferred approach
to the levy and potential pay.
Particular council direction and the relative price already
of staffing, equipment and park improvements
will help refine the proposed budget levy as listed city moves
forward with the budget development
process Finance Advisory yeah, a couple of questions
So thank you.
I do like the floor.
It's much easier to understand as
far as the additions, but just a quick type of questions.
The Labor increases year over year What are we estimating
for next year in current staff?
Wage increases not so much additional headcount
wage increase, medical?
Well, the medical is a separate question
because the insurance side, there's two aspects of that.
Medical insurance plus the paid family medical leave Act.
Yeah, I've heard that is severely underfunded Yes
So the state has decided not to increase.
It doesn't change the problem But yes, no,
I agree We are under contract with MetLife for that.
And so they work with the state to make sure that all
that's handled appropriately.
So at this time, we are still expecting the same fee in 27.
It just means it'll go up double in 28.
Yeah when they negotiate restart.
So so the salaries and benefits for 27 are just thunder.
$6.3 million in 26.
The budget was approved at 5.5 million.
If you took the positions that were started mid-year
and extrapolate them to the full year it comes up to 5.8 million.
So that would be our difference between what we had
and what we're proposing If the new positions are not approved,
it would take our Four 27 proposed budget just
under $6 million.
Yeah, the question here, yes, the right one.
So Sharon, when I look at that.
That model that you've got up there your forecasting what
are increasing construction, you know,
value as along with revenue taxes as well as the increase
in property values, which is going to increase, you know,
taxes.
And just naturally they just because of the valuation
So if I'm looking at that right, we're at 6.7%.
If we were to hold the budget at that, that would be
the natural increase right We don't
know if everybody's property tax would go up that much,
but that's over for their taxes closer to the 4.75.
But that's just for the city portion.
So their total taxes mean may go up or down from that.
So here's my question You know, it's been discussed a lot about,
you know, keeping the lights on.
Right?
I don't like that term because we have made improvements
over the last few years.
So to maintain what we have right now through 2027,
what does that expenditure look like ?
I feel like we calculated how much we're going to naturally
get because of new construction and increase in property values.
And I'm kind of just stopping there for now.
But if we just maintain what we have,
we don't add new positions, we just
maintain the standard that we have this year for next year.
What is that total number?
So without any new additions, the total expenses for the year
would be $9.8 million.
OK That's not on that spreadsheet
All that's on the expenditure spreadsheet
that's in the packet.
Yep Or more detail on whether or not
I see it all on all of Monday months when there is some OK.
So second to the last column.
Yeah.
So okay, scroll down again So we're looking deeper into that.
Yeah.
That's kind of the reason why I asked
about the natural march market increase for boys
and then the insurance side of it.
It basically takes that property value increase
portion off the table right?
So that's just to keep up right Yeah.
Okay Okay.
And this is before we even understand what these positions,
what these positions are, we understand you guys are
trying to put money aside for future for equipment purchases,
right?
Replacement So it would be replacement fund of 300,000.
That would only be enough to continue to purchase equipment.
As for the year of 2027, that would not
be enough to roll it forward.
Yeah the 300 grand you you're referring to is.
So we wouldn't have to do a bond.
The future like we did this right for equipment.
But this is a replacement fund you brought up last year.
Correct.
OK.
We wanted.
Yeah like 150.
Yeah, correct.
Or 50,000 last year, did we put anything towards it?
I don't remember.
No.
We did.
We removed this stuff as a 0 to 300.
I wish we could incrementally get.
Yes Yeah, I shot for 100,000 last year.
Yeah I this is tough.
You know, I you get all new numbers new inflation numbers
came out and in July was three point
some percent increase in over last year and everybody's
falling behind.
You know I just i am struggling with this because we've had Five
at least five years of this.
I think.
Yeah, I just don't know how we and again, I
guess I'm sort pots right for another topic
I just feel like we need to pause on any major idea
additions to our budget.
I just I think people are hurting
and it's been going on for a while.
And I just I don't know that it's fair to ask them to.
And I'm all about understand what our community values are.
What do we want for services, right?
I mean, I think that's how we should determine our budget.
You mentioned it's a balancing act,
but this is kind of a another tough year Well, I look
at it as a maintain versus cut.
Right?
Right.
So I think a lot of the different funds
that we have would still have money to redo roads and continue
to replace the police cars and things like that
that we've recently got back on track.
So we wouldn't go backward right.
But yeah, I think it's a little hard for us to go forward.
I think this is going to tie into your last item on ten B
where we kind of highlight goals for next year and i
think that's where we should address some of the rest.
But for staff direction and guidance,
I'm i would wouldn't mind protecting the 100,000 towards
the equipment fund But I don't want to go beyond that,
especially not knowing what the county or the school are doing.
Well, and, you know, again, we're every city is
going through this right now.
I think Minneapolis just talking about laying off on people
and, you know $30 million debt, you know, that they've
got to try to make up.
And I think I saw today that these will be 60 million.
I think there's another city of St Paul struggling to zero
I'm not saying we're them.
I mean, I think we're taking a different approach.
Correct.
But staying ahead of it is how we can not it?
Yeah Yeah.
I mean, we're planning.
I'm sorry.
Go ahead.
I was just going to ask you to that group
or maybe the Nate 175 to the sport, to the parks.
What you know, Parks has their own fund, right?
And there's money that's put in there when there's development
park dedication fees and etc..
So.
So is it more context in.
Give briefly about that.
Sure.
So the current funding structure for our park improvements
for a new 4, any new development is through park subdivision Park
dedication through subdivision development
and so when a new development comes into the community,
our review it to see if there's if we have the ability as a city
by state statute to accept cash, land or a combination thereof.
And so with that, based off of the number of units we get,
you know, whatever the fee schedule is,
it's currently $1,800 per lots.
And that goes into a fee or into a funding fund account.
And that money by state statute can only
be utilized for park improvements
for a new acquisition and development.
If we do acquire land for development
So like in Wilder Arts for example,
that we acquired land for that.
And so we don't we cannot accept additional cash above and beyond
that land requirement And so if we don't have new developments,
we don't have any, any funds essentially to improve new
acquisition of our development $175,000 specifically,
we've talked about.
Sure.
Hill mentioned the Elephant Avenue Trail We
have over $825,000 of grants.
We received for that project to date,
and we want to make sure that we can make
sure that project is completed.
So Nate, I think that 175 has been in the budget
for three years.
Yeah, we've i don't think it's made it yet.
Yeah, we've been, we've been trying to,
you know, honestly, for I mean, for several years,
trying to find another funding mechanism because we know
that subdivision development I mean,
you can't just rely on that to improve our parks You know,
we hear from the associations all the time.
How can we support them?
And without it?
Because we aren't using general tax
levy dollars for new improvements.
That's just for the maintenance of them.
And so we're trying to find some sort of way
to be able to assist with that extent
So we don't know what the revenue is for the campus
for charitable gaming, right.
But why can't we factor that into that 175 somehow?
Yeah, I think we have the ability to do that.
Once the funding is there, once it comes in.
And I know we're not going to know for a full year
kind of how it's going to go.
But we'll have some idea anyway.
But Mayor, I think that's a great idea as far as it's
a flexible fund, that way we can kind of dedicate
the amount we receive or a percentage thereof
and manage it that way.
Well, then it's not the end just strictly on the backs
of you know, property taxes.
Yeah, correct.
And it's also the right intent for that fund we created.
Right.
Okay Matthew, Sharon, what else do you need from us right now?
This is you know, this is the preliminary preliminary.
So we're in a process right now.
We wanted to bring everything to the council's
attention, the full budget.
Where we're standing right now This will then be going back
to the finance advisory with the feedback
that we're getting from the council
this evening preparing for our September
of preliminary budget Yeah.
And can i just add to that too, for that September for summary
budget, we'll probably approve a number a little higher than
we're talking about right now because we cannot go above
that number for any reason.
So if we have insurance spikes or whatever,
it comes back late we would have to take that out of staff
or somewhere else to cover that cost correct?
That's correct We might Final intent.
Intent would be closer to that $100,000 towards
the equipment fund to try and to your point,
get some of that going.
But I think we should in September,
vote a little higher on that just to prepare ourselves
in case we get surprised by something else Well,
it'd be nice if you're hearing something
about what the medical.
Yeah, another 20% increase or whatever that looks
like just from the employee benefits standpoint
It's a big chunk of our budget right?
What is the best guesstimate that we're hearing?
I know we don't usually find out till October.
Correct.
Actually, with the 40 Niners now we won't
hear until after the new year.
So we need to be very aware of the plan
that we move towards last year.
So the renewal actually isn't until until March which
with the person the change would occur in March
we did hear before open enrollment last year.
What they thought it would be.
But they wouldn't guarantee it.
And we're not getting any more updates this year
going into looking at March, we will probably hear something
towards as I think we usually do, open
enrollment around Thanksgiving.
And so we'll probably have a tentative number
around Thanksgiving, but it's I know, way solid, right?
It gives us something to go off of.
Yeah.
OK What's good guy.
Yeah.
Councilmember i just want to make sure we're i appreciate
the work you guys do, so I just want to again,
when you said the 100,000, but before,
you're also talking about ensuring
that we're matching or budgeting for those staffing increases.
So that we're not falling behind on that increase,
or is that. basically covering the cost of the staff We added
last year with the 26 and 27, would that be
an additional add of headcount?
OK But that we're covering that, correct.
OK.
But not going under OK.
Thank you.
That makes sense.
Yeah, that makes sense All right.
Now the questions for staff And if we do,
we can obviously send them to share.
And I'll probably request to sit down with you,
kind of go through things bit more thoroughly, I guess on.
We've been and lot of Lee thinking of doing
a work session next Wednesday.
I don't know if that's still enough for you Can we schedule
our advisory committee before then I can probably make it work
whenever you guys have the time so All right, well,
let's we keep asking questions.
Yeah.
All right.
Let's keep moving on.
The last two won't be too long, so under mayor City Council
Thank you, Sharon.
Appreciate that.
So I brought this up last year about the idea of a city gala
and in my mind, the idea is to provide recognition
for community members that maybe are achieving something
special volunteer type stuff achievements for the city.
You know, part of it, too, the thought
was to share history right?
Because people have postings on Facebook
all the time and all that.
The history buffs, and people that
haven't lived here too long.
I mean, I've been there 15 years,
but to just share that kind of history, I think
helps us as a community just be a little bit closer
to understand kind of where we've been,
where we're at You know, we always talk about the challenges
the problems.
It feels like we're always talking
about the negative stuff.
And we have so many more positive things going on
And I think this is an opportunity
once a year to showcase share kind of the good things
are going on with our community.
So that's kind of what's driving this for me to say,
hey, we should take time out to provide recognition
and share these things to i don't
know how much that would cost.
I mean, I kind of brought it up.
Last year, kind of have an idea but I'm just
trying to figure out from the council
if that's something you guys be interested in.
You'd have to have an answer tonight.
We can come back in the second meeting.
You can make it into a fundraising fundraiser.
I mean, it could be like a little something like that.
But try to raise some money to maybe offset the cost.
But but also provide donation, but potentially Matthew.
Thank you.
Mayor, I would like to put together
a some like an informational packet for the city
council in regards to gala's, what you can do as a city, what
you can't do, fundraisers you can't do,
but you can partner with somebody else
within the nonprofit, within the community
to provide an a fundraising opportunity
as part of that project.
So if it's all right, I'd like to put
together some information.
That'd be great Looking forward to that.
Yeah Yeah.
I would think I would ask Matthew also
to put in some type of who's going who
is potentially setting this up.
Right.
What are we going to be asking staff
to cut the project for two months or six months
to put this together?
Or who are those potential community partners that we've
worked with You know, immediately think
about the Legion and we're asking Paul to take
on another project between that and the school
board and the chamber and all those other entities I know when
we started on the memorial back in or whatever it was you know,
that's how it started.
I mean I shouldn't say that's what it started.
That's when we got the momentum to move it to Central Park
because we got a lot of these, you know, partners in a room
act it out and came up with that plan You know,
the beautification group they were leading it then,
but then how do we get those next step?
So I would think maybe whether it's
roadmap potential partners Yeah, because we can't I
can't see you.
It's like, hey to put this on correctly
and appropriately, I think where we would want it to to showcase
the city, that's a planning.
Yeah.
So that's where my mind is at.
I, I agree My word.
Then we, we all say maybe having a council member assigned to it,
you know.
Well, absolutely yeah.
Because come back to the council and council
that were on that group.
Yeah.
There you go Yeah.
And my thought too was to invite i think, residents.
Right.
Because I think that we get people
who want to be part of that.
Yeah, right.
So i certainly wasn't jumping not to say staff had to do.
No, no, no.
I just i would want that in order.
So with that assumed by here by the public,
you know, and fighting like you said.
Yep, absolutely So therefore, that's gone.
It didn't have to be a long conversation tonight,
but I just want to bring it up because I think
it's important for us to share the good things that happen
in this community Too often we dwell
on the problems and the negativity
and there's a lot more positivity than I think
that we acknowledge right?
So if we could move that direction, that'd be wonderful.
Council goals for 2027.
This is just a placeholder.
Say hey next council meeting.
I think we should each bring our ideas top.
You know, a couple of things we want to do.
And then collectively maybe paired
on the list to whatever we can accomplish
It doesn't have to necessarily mean money right?
It could just be a focal point.
So I just want to throw that out there
because as we're talking about the budget,
I think this is a good time to solidify that on the council
right Makes sense.
So that's all that's all I was looking for.
I got my 1 or 2 things, you know, that i'll bring.
But spend more time with kids sporting events
and activities All right.
Oh, okay All right.
Anything?
Anybody want to share?
No, sir.
No But i'm back on the gal.
Would you have to worry or not?
When he's serving you those you know,
essentially I do what I have to for the committee.
Right All right.
Well, I'm going to make a motion to adjourn to have a second.
Second, Mr. Mayor.
All right.
All in favor Signify by saying I, I, we are now adjourned.
Thank you, everybody, for coming