All right, everybody. I um welcome to the Chesa City Council meeting for Monday, February 2nd, 2026. I call this meeting to order at 701. Would everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance? I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic
for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Um Meliss, will you please call roll? >> Here. All right. Next, we have adoption of the
agenda. Um, does anybody have any addition or corrections to the agenda? Otherwise, I'd move for adoption. >> Motion to adopt the agenda. >> All right, we have a motion from uh council member Hatfield. >> Second. >> And a second from council member Benes.
Uh, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. All right. Agenda is adopted. Okay. Next we have visitor presentations and um we have a wonderful visitor coming up here.
So come on up. We have she'll Yeah, she said she's going to be running late. So you you're you're you're going to tee up to bat. So we have Senator Coleman here. Thank you so much for being here this evening. >> Well, thank you all so much for having me. Um and I just want to start most
importantly by thanking you for what you do. Uh after eating I made the best turkey dumpling soup from scratch today and I got immediately flashback to my times on the Chanhassen city council of your belly is nice and full. It is cold out, it is dark and then on every other
Monday you got to drag yourself out for to city hall. And so I just want to thank you for the time, the sacrifice you put in. Um I have the easier gig I think just having served on city council and in the legislature. Um, I have a
research team. I have the ability to talk to my other members of caucus. I realize I still have my four-year-old's fidget on my finger. And um, your your job is so hard. So, thank you for what you do and thanks for everything you're doing. It's a weird time to be in office right now. It's kind of a scary time to
be in office. It's pretty chaotic. So, your service um, is noted and appreciated. when I was chicken scratching down, and my word, my handwriting is terrible, um what I thought the top five most pressing
issues that would come to us before the legislature this year would be. I I had to chuckle because that list keeps changing every couple of weeks. I keep thinking, I know what we're going to be working on and focused on. So, while I am making the best guess I can here
tonight, uh there is a chance that nothing on this list will be discussed. Uh we'll see what news changes between now and and session which starts in two weeks actually. Uh first I'm the Republican lead on education and so part
of that means that a big chunk of my focus is on our students and our schools. Uh this year the big focus is going to be on safe schools. That includes internally and externally. Uh internally I think we're really blessed out here in Carver County. Uh but I have
teachers and uh principles from other districts, tears in their eyes in my office talking about how their students feel forced to bring weapons to school because they don't feel safe. Um they're joining gangs to feel safe. Middle schoolers um that there's fights, that
their hands have been tied to actually discipline any students and uh they don't understand how people can learn when all that chaos is going on around them. So, safe schools internally will be a big part of that focus. Uh, as well as externally, there's some schools that have some amazing security
infrastructure that you wouldn't even know it's there, like metal detectors built into the doors, you can't even see. And then there's schools where teachers tell me they can't even lock their classroom door in case of an emergency. So, really making sure that we're looking at all of our schools, public, private, nonprof.
Um, also within the education vein is looking at performance. Uh, still over half of our students in the state are not reading proficiently or at grade level by third grade. Those scores get even worse when we look at math and science. I mean, we are setting these students up for failure. And the longer
I serve on education, uh, the more I realize how holistic of an approach we have to take to that. There's so many aspects that contribute to those low test scores, some of which we can address at the legislature, some of which we can't. Um, but I would like to
do everything in my power to set our students up for success. We're also um going to be talking about an issue that I don't spend a lot of time talking about at the capital. It's usually a federal issue, but that's immigration. Um, you know, when I go to
the capital, I feel an immense amount of freedom because of the district I represent to think independently, to hear from all sides of the aisle, and to not put myself in a a bubble, a thought bubble. And so
I believe that no matter who is in office as the governor, Republican or Democrat, no matter who is in office, Republican or Democrat, for the president, it was my duty to ask them to start acting like adults and talking to each other. Um, my letter that I sent to the president, Mayor Fry, and Governor
Walls called for a 30 to 60day pause and ground operations so that the president and the governor can get into a room together, we and the legislature can get into session and start working together. um and that we can find a way to just bring peace back to Minnesota here. I
work in a deeply divided government. There are 201 lawmakers, 101 Democrats, 100 Republicans. I have seen that people with deeply different beliefs can act like adults and get things done and work together. And I expect the president and the governor to do the same.
It is a bonding year. That's why we are going in February instead of January. It is a shorter year. I'm not entirely sure there is an appetite for bonding at this moment due to the budget crisis that we are in in this state. Uh but the Chaza request
remains one of my top priorities. Um it has for several years. I was so excited when we got um couple million to get that uh renovation and project kickarted. Um usually if I can agree with the contents of a bonding bill, I am one of the legislators that will vote
for it. Um I'm looking for a clean bonding. This bill is go around. no nonprofit funding. Let's just look at infrastructure, wastewater, government buildings, things like that. If we can get that, I am interested in coming to the table uh to negotiate how to get that done. Uh that does tie into the
other issue at hand, which is the budget. It's going to be ugly. Um we had an $18 billion surplus going into the 2023 legislative session, and um I don't believe in mudslinging on other sides. Um, but from the minority, it was
incredibly tough watching that $18 billion get spent completely in three months. In three months out the door. And we are facing a deficit in addition to higher taxes and fees across the board. I am sitting in positions having
to cut money from nursing homes and from special ed funding while watching a $750 million state office building go up across the street from me. I don't think it was spent responsibly. And I do think that we are going to have to make some incredibly painful and incredibly tough
decisions. Lastly, um fraud, that's something else that has come up over this last year. Um we knew it was there, but the amount of it has been actually unbelievable to see happening. And from talking to chairs,
there's going to be more coming out. Um I have been working on this for quite some time. you will feel a sense of relief to know that it is a bipartisan effort in the legislature um to put oversight into this and stop this from happening. Uh every single legislator can understand that people aren't going
to trust us with their hard-earned tax dollars. They aren't going to trust in our ability to offer a social security net or a safety net um if we can't get this under control. So, this will be talked about extensively. Um, I had a bill, you know, after sitting on
education and watching feeding our future, I thought, well, if we had just made one site visit, this could have all have been prevented. And so, I did have a bill, I wasn't able to get a hearing last year. I hope I can this year that says you have to make one site visit before you start dispersing these funds. Just one. If they claim they're feeding
thousands of children, let's go see if they actually have a kitchen. Uh so my hope is that we can just work together to make common sense changes to safeguard your hardearned tax dollars. Uh my hopes for the upcoming legislation as always are or the legislative session
are high. My expectations are low and that's just due to the nature of the current political environment. I was speaking to a committee chair who said, "Whatever your expectations are for session, I'm going to want you to lower them. And when you get to that point, I'm going to ask you to lower them again." And so, while that's tough to
work in an environment like that, my promise to all of you, to the people I represent, is when I go into the capital, I do not pin an R or a D to my lapel. I pin Carver County. I pin Minnesota on there. Uh and that is my
sincere hope is to not try to get a win for a particular team is to get a win for motans. I'm proud to say I have one of the highest bipartisan voting records in the state and I continue to operate like that. So that's a lot of information and there's going to be a lot more coming out when we get started. It's going to
be like taking a drink out of a fire hose. Um how can people stay informed? I have a newsletter that starts up once a week every week during session. Here's what we did last week. Here's what's coming up. and here's what I've been working on. Uh I also do the same to the best of my ability on all social media
platforms except for Tik Tok. I refuse to get that one, but I'm on the rest of them. Um within the social media and the newsletters, you'll see I do a couple town halls every year, but my favorite is to do open office hours every single month. I basically hang out at a coffee
shop and you can schedule time to come sit with me one-on-one and chat. Um, all people have to do if they're wanting to learn how to sign up, um, for security reasons, just send your name and your address so we can make sure you're not in any security, uh, databases. And I really don't care what side of the aisle
you're on or what you want to talk about, I'm there to listen. And anyone can show up in the district. Um, if you want to send topics ahead of time or people like to send articles or literature they want me to read, I'm always happy to do some prep work for that. Um, and if that doesn't work, come visit me at the capital. I have an open
door policy for anyone in the district. I schedule phone calls for people who can't make it to the capital or out to open office hours. Uh it's truly amazing the stories you hear and I love hearing everyone's perspectives. I always tell people we don't know if there's a problem and we don't know how you feel about things if you don't put it in
front of us. Um so please come put it in front of us. Uh lastly, it is a campaign year. Uh I don't know who's up on the council this year. Oh, that's right. You guys do two years out here, don't you? >> Yep. to our customers. >> All right, so you know the stress that
comes with an election year very all too well and this year it's going to look different than all the other years given the tragedies that happened on June 14th. Um I am running again. I haven't publicly shared this anywhere um because I'm waiting for things to calm down a
bit so it feels like a more respectful time to make that announcement uh widespread. But what I can again promise is I have never once run a negative campaign. Not one negative mailer, not one negative ad, and I never will. And so what you can expect to see from me
upcoming in 2026 as I transition from the legislative session to campaign season is I will not hit whoever my opponent is. I will simply focus on what I've accomplished, what I hope to do, and how I want to be of service to you. And I think that I would ask anybody up
for re-election to join me in that. um to do our part to be personally responsible for toning down the rhetoric and the noise and making election year stressful for every motan. This is how we can u bring some positivity into that. Uh with that, I'm happy to answer questions if there's time. I know I've
taken up quite a bit of it. Um but it is an honor truly to serve you all. Um, I got elected to the Senate in my 20s and I I still go there every single day and I look up at that building and I can't believe that I have the privilege to serve amazing people there and aside
from being a mom, it is the greatest honor of my life. So, thank you for the opportunity and um happy to take questions if there are any. >> Wonderful. Uh, does anybody have any questions for Senator Coleman at all? We just we got silence over here. We're
just all in awe, right? Um you you we have you know the million listeners on our YouTube so you know the you said the low-key announcement there. Right. >> Right. Right. Right. Right. >> I'm just playing. As you can tell we have a packed house today. Uh we do have
a a handout at the um at the podium there um for you to take and you're very well aware of some of our legislative priorities and that's one of the reasons why I um invited you and also Representative Re here just to kind of make sure that uh you know
>> we're all working together like you had mentioned that I think that >> as elected leaders we are most effective when we work together rather than sending wring sharply worded letters or trying to kind of sign petitions or things of that nature. You know, being
able to kind of have that open dialogue and that, >> you know, we may not all agree on the same things, but trying to figure out how we get there and how what's the end goal look like and what's, you know, what what is the benefit to the community of Chaza specifically because obviously that's the city that we're in,
but you represent more than that. So, some of the priorities, you know, you had mentioned City Square West. Thank you for again for having the Senate bonding tour here. That was a really great opportunity this fall to be able to >> Sorry, I was in Israel, of course, when that happened, but thank you for reading my letter.
>> Yeah. Nope, that was okay. And um yeah, we were we were able to communicate with some of the other senators of your desire that you've spoken with them, you know, um in communication that this was a top priority. And so it means a lot that we are able to, you know, have that be able to re be relayed back to us
through other committee members as well on that on that tour. Um, and then so yeah, we know that's not a technical bonding year. Um, >> it is >> Oh, is it a bonding year? >> This is the bonding year. this bonding year, but we know that there might be some limitations um in regards to, you
know, the projects, but we're hoping >> that, you know, we can get that because like you said, we have partial funding at 7.8, but more importantly, that second kind of item on the list being that TIFF extension request. Sure. that would be really really a great tool for
us to be able to kind of really be able to make that public private partnership happen more effectively that we would be able to kind of be able to cross that finish line. >> Is that the legislation we've been working on getting drafted or do you need me to start that? >> I think we started
>> I believe we have that drafted already. >> Yeah, I thought I thought I heard from your lobbying team. So, okay, that's what I thought. Um, yes. And then the social district legislation. So, love this idea. Um, and then all my other cities wanted one, too. So, then I ended
up working across the aisle with Senator Putnham on can we just let every city decide for themselves if they want to do this or not. So, that's something we're working on this year as well. I mean, obviously my district gets a special place in my heart, but everyone should be Party Town USA if they want to be. So
well and we know that we're not the only community that really saw the opportunity especially when you look at communities like um Anoka I think Still Water and Shakapei have those that it's important for us to be able to be especially competitive with communities
like Shakapei where they just reside right across the river. What's the differentiating factor? That's one right now and we want to be able to have that opportunity as well. So yeah, I mean making that happen on a larger scale for all communities to be able to give them that tool and then we can decide, you
know, the specificities with the ordinance itself. Great. But we we would love that. Um, and then of course we're we are still a growing community and so the utility extension bonding request being for that infrastructure piece to be able to kind of complete one of the
um industrial parks is a really great opportunity that not only benefits us in terms of development but also um us taxpayers to have that industry in there uh and then also job creation. I mean, it's just a huge win and I think it's
probably a really great bipartisan effort that a lot of people can get behind and like you said, a almost even split legislature. Those sort of things are really great uh rewards that come of that that seem like >> pretty, you know, solid deals to be able to put forward. So, >> absolutely agree. And you know, when I
got to um the Senate, there was a lot of members that thought most of this was still rural area and and bringing the bonding tour out, showing them how much we've grown, but we still have our old infrastructure and how much money Carver County puts into the state coffers that we don't get back. Um I'm starting to
see a shift in that narrative. Uh so my hope is to continue to bring home the proverbial bacon. So yeah, so those are kind of our legislative priorities and uh you know
we are obviously you know available with needs of any sort. So if you know you have questions or comments you feel free to reach out and um otherwise if anybody else >> can I just mention one thing if I go off script a little bit. >> I have a feeling I know where this is
going to go but I think go for it. >> Is it about our beautiful buses southwest transit? Yes, it was about self. >> I just want to Yeah, I mean, >> you have an opportunity. >> Yeah, you're here, so I'm going to say it. As I'm serving as chairs of Southwest Transit this year, and so something very important I think you're
aware of and um our STA partners are working on also is just ensuring that our optouts can continue to opt out um and have the bus service. I think you living in this community um in one of the three cities that is a part of the
joint powers understand how important Southwest transit is and how we've worked very hard to run an efficient transit service and it is essential to many community members and I don't understate that. So while I have you here I just wanted to reiterate how
important that is and um I think we could be up against some things this year potentially. So, um I appreciate any having any of our legislators in our corner is going to be very important. >> Absolutely. And I've expressed my my concern about this to the transportation
um and state and local gov chairs. So, um you definitely have my support particularly when I was out in Chanhass and I got to see firsthand how well they know and serve that community as well. So, um absolutely have my have my support on that. >> Wonderful. >> I was just going to comment Senator
Coleman, thank you for coming. not an greatest environment to have to put yourself in front of a group of people that you don't necessarily know uh directly. I I appreciate the partnerships. You know, I you've been reflective. I work with the city. I I'll also just say I thank you for your transparency and that message, right? I
do say that every resident in the city of Chaza is get grows tired of the the rhetoric and and the and I I appreciate your honesty and approach. >> Uh it is it is hard. We're human beings and I think sometimes we forget that and
it's easy to be keyboard warriors and and sling mud and everything like that. So I again I appreciate that if you I'll say that when represent comes up too because I think we all need to be good examples of human beings because we are not I truly believe we are not as
divided as we think we are. when there's only two choices and you have to pick that, it seems that way. But when you really have conversations with people, you are closer than compromise than we think we are. But unfortunately, those are not the voices we hear these days. And that's hard. So again, I appreciate
your transparency, your posting, your honesty walking in here and continue to try to be that role model because I think citizens are just we're tired. It's really hard the messaging that we're hearing, the scene, and it's and it's not I'm not picking sides in this
conversation. It's just >> it's we're at the end of the day, we're all human beings who need to be respected with dignity and we're doing our best >> to to serve, right? So, >> just want to state that and thank you again for putting yourself here and having that feedback in that conversation and all the work and
partnerships that you've worked with us in the city. >> I appreciate you saying that. I recently spoke to the Chanhassen Rotary and you know at the end of the day I have to go answer to my kids about how I conducted myself in office and in election years and just a ray of hope. My whole message
to the Chanhassen Rotary was the media doesn't cover when we get along. When Representative Ree and I get a big win for the city of Chaza or for any part of the county we both represent, they're not showing how we work together or anything like that. uh they don't show the fact that we are able to come to agreements and get things done or that
most of our bills tend to be bipartisan and so um just know that it is out there even if you're not hearing it and um I hope that I'm able to help drown out some of that noise. So, thank you. >> Yeah, we have the luxury I think of being in the nonpartisan role and I know
that both of you sat in that role as well. So you have that lived experience and it must I know it's obviously really challenging when you do you know you do end up uh running for election in more of a partisan role and everything but we like to think that you know everyone has
different perspectives and it is all about communication and being able to kind of come to um better understanding of where people are at. And I I I do also want to echo just the thoughtfulness of being able getting having the invitation by me to say,
"Hey, come on down." Um, talk about, you know, the upcoming legislative sessions. Let's talk about CHASA. And and taking part of that conversation. Um, so thank you so much for being here and, um, and I I wish you the best of luck
>> with the upcoming session. So, >> thank you. So, I'm glad we were able to squeeze this in before the capital takes over my entire life for the next few months. Appreciate the time. Appreciate you all being here and for your service. Um, with that, I'm going to go negotiate with a bunch of toddlers uh what time bedtime is today. So, thank you all very
much. Appreciate it. >> Thank you, Senator. >> All right. >> All right. That that um that moves us along to our next visitor presentation, an update from Representative Green. Would you like to come on down?
>> Good evening. Hobbling forward. I um I broke my foot in November, so I'm bringing my boot with me. It'll be with me for a while, but recovering nicely thanks to my >> You're not I mean, the last time I saw you, I think you were in a wheelchair, so yes, you've um definitely moved into
a different type of mobility here. >> Yeah, I have. Um yeah, I've definitely um gotten a lot more mobile since the last time we saw each other. Um but yeah, I'm here to give just a quick uh update, a legislative update for the upcoming 2026 session, um which starts
on Tuesday, February 17th. uh traditionally evennumbered years focus on capital investment which is also known as bonding for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges and public facilities. Governor Walls has
recommended a $97 million bonding bonding package for the 2026 session. However, there have been $2.7 billion in bonding requests so far. So, not everyone's going to get what they
want, right? Um, and it's going to be it's going to be a tough year, I think, in terms of um, you know, possibly having to make some cuts. Uh, I wanted to highlight a couple bills that I've been working on that I'll be presenting this session. Uh, one of the bills is
actually chief authored by a Republican House Representative out in Hastings, Representative Dipple. Um he had a constituent of his hit by an emoto as she was walking along her sidewalk and
she sustained a serious brain injury. Um I believe right now she cannot taste or smell. um was in the hospital for a long time and there's been a lot of discussion about ebikes and emotos and the way it was written up in the Star Tribune was that it was an ebike when
the reality was that it was an e-oto something that um was much higher powered than an ebike. So I along with Representative Dipple hope to clarify the difference between an e-oto and an ebike. Um I don't know if you actually
the Chesca Police Department has done a really good job um over the holidays they talked about how parents should not buy an emoto for their kid um because they're really dangerous for >> Mike wrote that it himself.
>> Yeah. So yeah, you've done a whoever wrote it did a really good job um letting people know that emotos are a lot more dangerous than ebikes. And ebikes, we want to classify them with regular bikes, what they call acoustic bikes. Now, um they're helpful for
people who are Yeah. who maybe have mobility issues. I have a colleague who has a husband who can bike, has great endurance, bike long distances, and she wants to keep up with him, so she rides an ebike so she can make it there and back. Um so we want to make sure that
people can ride ebikes. Um, and if they ride an emo, do we want them to be um considered, you know, those should be considered like a motorcycle and should be held to a different standard and under different laws. So, that's something I'm working on. U, another
bill that I'm working on is part of a manufactured housing bill of rights package. I know you and I participated a a panel discussion with some of the homeowners at Brandenale. Um and they talked about all the issues they are having with their the you know the cost
increasing after um a private equity firm bought out Brandenale and that's a really important issue I think for this community. So we are working on a bill of rights with um other groups. Um Isaiah Minnesota is also working with us on this. Um, a lot
of the bills are being chief authored by Representative Matt Norris up in Valain, Minnesota, where they also have u manufactured housing parks and have been having some issues. So, I think that'll be a really good um set of bills to pass and hopefully that will be bipartisan as well. Um,
and then probably the the big top of discussion right now is legislation that will address the impact of Operation Metro Surge, which, you know, I'm hearing a lot about. I don't know if you're
getting emails about this. Um, I know the schools are being impacted. I've heard of parents who are really concerned about leaving their house. They're concerned about their kids leaving their house. They're concerned about their kids getting off the bus. Um we have people who have been trained to
be constitutional observers in the area. And we've had um some interactions with ICE agents that have not gone well. Um so we are hoping to uh pass
at least four bills and I can list some out here for you. You may have heard about them, but one of the bills that we're looking at passing is a bill that would prohibit masked unidentifiable enforcement agents from operating. We want to be able to know if they someone comes knocking on your door and they've
got a mask on, we want to be able to know that that is a federal agent and we want to know, you know, their name or have a badge number. Right now, they're not required to identify themselves. Um, we want to know that the vehicles that are hanging out in some of these parking lots, you know, we want to know who they
are. Um, we also want to restrict evictions. So, right now there are so many people who are afraid to leave their home. They're afraid to go to work. Um, and that's going to be a huge issue if people are not able to make their mortgage payment or their rental
um, pay their rent. So, that's a that's going to be a big topic of discussion. Another bill we're looking at is a bill that would allow motans to sue federal agents for civil rights violations. You know, I'm learning right now what my fourth amendment right is and what my
fifth amendment right is. I think a lot of us know what our first amendment rights are and our second amendment rights. But there are a lot of violations that we're seeing and so we want to make sure that not only do people know what their rights are, but that if they have been violated, we want to make sure that motans can sue. And uh
another bill is a bill that would limit collaboration with federal immigration enforcement that violates civil rights. Um and I know ICE is a federal agency and I as a state legislator in my role I'm limited in what I can do. I know at
the city council level you're limited in what you can do. Um, I have been looking at other cities to see what how they have addressed this and I saw recently that the city of Bloomington is offering their residents a listening session which I thought was a really great idea
um where people could come and talk about how Operation Metro Surge has impact them because I think many of us maybe do not see it and if we can talk about what is happening to many of our members especially people of color in
our community I think that would be a good way to start a discussion on how we can help and protect people in our community. Uh I I've talked to local business owners. They're they're talking about how their employees are afraid to come to work.
You know, they might be okay being in their house, but they're afraid to make that travel to the workplace. Um so I think that will be a a big topic of discussion when we head back. Um, lastly, I just
wanted to state that since Operation Metro Surge began, we have had two murderers in our state. One of them, Alex Prey, was a motan. He was a neighbor. He was
an outdoorsman. He believed in his second amendment rights. He was an ICU nurse. He was a son. And he was a good man. And many officials at all levels of government have attacked his character
and made ridiculous statements based on no truth to somehow justify what we can all see on video on the multiple videos that were recorded. Alex should be alive today and he and his family do not
deserve this. So, I'm going to suggest that the city council does have some kind of listening session for members. I don't want to tell you what to do. I know some cities have signed resolutions. Um, but I think a good start would be to have a listening session because I can tell you
some of the stories I've heard, but I haven't experienced it firsthand and I think it might be a really great idea to open it up to the community and have that discussion because here in Chiasco there is a lot of ice activity. >> Yes, we're we're very well aware Yeah. And I've talked to um I've talked to the
lieutenant in Chanhassen. I've talked briefly with um our police chief here and I know they're also having a hard time because they're limited in their role. >> Um I feel like
the introduction of all these what 3,000 ICE agents has made it less safe for us because people are afraid to report now things that are happening in their communities. So, I I think the discussions will have to continue and, you know, I'm I'm sure you'll be good partners. So, I do look forward to it,
but I do think it's really important that we address that. Um, my constituents would be very angry with me if I didn't bring that up. So, >> yeah, absolutely. I appreciate you bringing that forward. Um, it's been a really hard
um time like you said. I mean, we've spoke openly about it last meeting about just the like you're right, limitations that we have in our role um and and the impact on our community right here on
the ground level with community members. And so, I mean, it's something to certainly discuss internally and see. I think our stance as a council has always been through looking through the viewpoint of what's going to be best
served for our most vulnerable. And I understand the discomfort and displeasure of not being able to speak out about it and to talk about things that is really it's really hard. But I also don't want to do
anything that's going to create harm to those that right now they can't because they don't they're just very scared. >> And so I don't disagree that they're not maybe opportunities. It's just a matter
of when and what that looks like and if that's something that is going to be good for the community that is at most vulnerable and to walk alongside of them and to make sure that they're well
supported in the ways that we can be of support. >> I hope that makes sense. >> Yeah. Well, and I I recognize that some people are very afraid to come forward. So, you know, maybe it would be hard to do this in a public, you know, town hall. Maybe, um, a more private, you
know, discussion would be a better way to approach it. >> Um, but I do I do feel like, you know, our people really want us to speak up and stand up for, you know, what's right. Um, and viol, you know, rights
are being violated. So, I feel like it's important that we stand up for our Constitution, stand up for our civil rights, um, and not just let it slide under the table. Not that you are, but I think it's really important that we address it and we're open about it. And,
you know, we do everything we can to mitigate the damage and protect our people. One of the things that we've done is we gathered a lot of different resources and are pointing people towards those resources to make sure
that they have the tools available to be able to um best help their needs. I know you look like you want to say something, so I'll let you. >> Yeah. I mean, I think to sitting at the local level, I I think listening is
important. I think we do that sometimes maybe differently than larger cities or other I mean we can walk into Target or I can look up and down my street and see that I can see the impact which neighbors aren't coming outside which
neighbors are normally bustling and they're not now I see that I don't need a listening session to know that but I think it's important to listen I think too one of the things I've been really impressed with our mayor and our city is our community partnerships or may the mayor and I were at one of our community
partners today. um that is a a much needed resource for the for impacted people right now and um just hearing directly from them the what they're seeing what they're hearing and um that's just one community partner that I know the mayor has been very in touch
with um others but I I think it is important to listen um I think one of the things that like I said at the beginning of what I was saying was really at the local level we look up and down our streets we feel in our community center. Feel it in our grocery stores.
There's an energy that's shifted and uh it's not as bustling. People are in and out. It's quick. Um you can just feel it. So I think >> and people have that maybe have more of a opportunity to
speak out have definitely had those conversations with with those and I welcome that. I Um they're challenging conversations. I last meeting talked about in my role,
what does effective leadership look like and what I would normally point to as effective leadership doesn't apply in this situation right now because of the circumstances. And so how to best navigate that to be
the most effective in where things are at is really a challenge. But we continue to keep working towards again walking alongside those that really need our support right now to make sure
that we are asking them what do they need, what what is going to be best for them and relaying that on in some of the actions that we take. And that's what we've been looking through as a lens and what's been
driving decisions. >> Yeah. And I know we have some excellent nonprofits in the area that have been doing amazing work and a lot of it's behind the scenes because we need to be really careful. Um but yeah, I mean I think whatever we can do to help. I know um I'm not saying Chaza has the funding
for this, but I know some cities have been able to um put more funding into um some of these nonprofits, you know, uh assisting people with different funding sources. So, um, yeah, whatever we can do, I think, you know, working together,
we'll find a way, but I do think it's important for us to name the problem so that we can, you know, address it and and expose what's happening because I think that there are some people who don't realize how much this is impacting
our schools or our businesses, >> right? I know it it it definitely varies dependent on who you speak with and their relation to the matter at hand. So I totally agree. Yeah. And then um I
know um City Square West, we had a a great tour here. It was a lot of fun to show off fun things like City Square West. Yes, it was very fun to have uh the bus come and meet with um the different legislators on the committee and I think they really like Chesa. Um
some of the cheer cosnic I think he had really nice things to say about Chesca so that was fun to have them here. Um I don't know what the funding looks like but you know >> yeah it's I actually think the lobbyist too has already submitted. We've we've
got the paperwork going. We have really good lobbyists working in the capital for um both Chanhass and Anesca and they're great about getting the paperwork in there and so it's there. It's just a matter of like if we're going to have funds to write to it.
>> Well, you were so instrumental in getting us started, so I have no doubt in your ability, Representative Re. But really, I know you were able to kind
of sit down and maybe hear part of um with Senator Coleman, but like the tiff extension request too is really nice. I think easy bar bipartisan piece that could be to help kind of see that goal
realized as well. So that's kind of one of the the extension of the t tip district for city square west kind of be another tool in that toolkit. But I I have total faith in your powers of
negotiation and ability. So, you were you were fabulous the last time and I really appreciate being having the bonding tour come back again and this is I think year number three that we've been able to do that and that is
attributed to you that you've really this you've had this in your vision and you've driven it forward and so appreciate you kind of being able to kind of put Chaza in front of the bonding committee and say this is important this redevelopment is going to
change the landscape of our downtown and really be that regional destination that will tie our economic hub down here together. So, thank you for putting that opportunity in front of those folks and um continue to kind of fight the good
fight. We'll just see like you said, it's going to be a different year and um but try to work towards those goals. And then kind of the social district legislation, same thing. I mean that just kind of helps again led to the vibrancy of our downtown area being able
to have that tool and be able to be competitive to like especially our neighboring city of Shakipi that has that already kind of workable in their um area that would be a great asset for our businesses and community. We have so much great synergy between our different
businesses like we have size our local um restaurant bar over here working with Hoff Studios like a gift shop that they were able to do like uh beverages in their facility uh or in their space around the holidays because we were able
to do a limited thing on the Saturdays. And it was it was such a success and and customers were so excited when they would walk into a shop or be able to to know like, oh, I can I can do this. I can have this. So that was really exciting to be a part of that. And then
to round it out, just that Southwest utility extension of the bonding that again goes back to that, you know, we are still a growing community and that industrial park have that infrastructure kind of put into place will help with job creation and also expanding the tax
base for all of our citizens to be able to be benefit of uh in the community. So, and having it be, you know, infrastructure, you know, we'll we'll see how it goes. But, um, I think those are all really fun bipartisan efforts
that can be easily like I can see this. I can see this vision. So, I'm an optimist at heart. What can I say? >> Well, I think the tip district extension, too, is something that we did different this year. you know, knowing that it's going to be difficult for you guys to find all the dollars to be able
to do stuff in bonding to give an alternative uh that doesn't necessarily use state dollars, but just gives us the ability to use local dollars for a specific purpose. >> Yeah, I'll definitely look into that. I know um we've used tiff districts in
Chanhass too in downtown areas and yeah it does help because it doesn't take any state money >> yep >> away so that's um a little bit more palatable than >> yeah spurs other projects >> redevelopment >> and then I would hand that over for the next pitch of this do you want to pitch
southwest I >> mean you heard me say it earlier so I don't know if you want me to say it again >> no you don't need to >> but ditto what I said before >> yeah and I feel like I would do not do my due diligence to give you the same, you know, effort exercise, right? >> Yeah. And I'm a big fan of public
transportation. I have a family member who has ridden the bus from uh let's see, it would be Chanhassen Transit Station to Normandale, you know, took that bus and now that's changed a little bit, but I mean, we definitely need good transportation out here. Um so, and
Southwest transit is amazing. I mean, I've talked to other um legislators who who live in other suburbs and they don't have quite the level that we have out here. So, they have a hard time understanding what Southwest Prime is or um you know, the different additional
perks we have out here. Um but yeah, I I definitely would be pushing for, you know, keeping Southwest Transit intact. Yeah, and we appreciate that because you're right, like Metro Transit, no um disregard on them, but the like robust
level of transportation would not be the same. You know, there would be less service, longer wait times for microtransit. um the opportunities like when the high school goes to state to be able to call up buses or even or even partner with
places like the arboritum to do the like Christmas light shows you know all those sort of opportunities go away when um you know becomes more of underneath the umbrella of um metrorransit and their uh their
dynamics their calculations of looking at thing really just really the kind of they look at it in the frame frame of mind of like volume wrership, right? And so, you know, we at Southwest Transit, not to speak for because I'm not on the board, you know, kind of play other factors into it, too, which makes it um
something of an asset to to our area. So, >> and we've done it as efficiently as Metro Transit. So, nothing wrong with Metro Transit, but being able to serve our community at the level we've done it and some of the numbers we've run lately, we've done it as efficiently as Metro Transit, which is huge. >> Yeah. Yeah, you're right. They
definitely So, >> and you're taking cars off the road. I mean, when we have all those buses going to the state fair, that means there are more >> places for other people to park. But I think, you know, we're the model like other people. >> We really are the pinnacle, >> you know, to go to Beyonce concerts and
all the the Twins games, all the, you know, different ways that we're able to take buses into the city and bring them back. it. I think it it's a win-win because it helps us, but it also helps the other people who are on the highways, you know, not have to deal with the additional 20 or 30 cars that a
bus would um take over. So, yeah, Southwest Transit is definitely a gem out here. So, >> um does anybody have any questions for Representative Re at all? I never did. >> I don't have questions, but you heard what I said. So fair in fairness and delivery, I will repeat some of what I
said to Senator Coleman because I do think it's important that we all understand that message and I just like I said, I speak from the heart to say that we are not as divided as we as in fairness to the media makes it sound like sometimes and really just ask you and your colleagues to continue to try
to be a beacon of of compromise. And I know it's there, you know, bipartisan's great, but we really just need to show that in tough times at the end of the we are humans and we have be respected with dignity and treat each other regardless of our different beliefs because again I
do truly believe that when you sit down and have a conversation with someone you're not as far as you apart that you think you are when you started and good conversation so I won't repeat the whole message I know you heard that but I I that just I I really truly believe that uh I really struggle in the last several
years because the messaging at times is is just very divided um and it's hard it's right now just super hard to know what's real and what's not real. And that's I don't know how we got here, right? There's a little bit of that. But I appreciate what you do. It's not easy
to be what in the role you are. Um but and asked you to continue to try to just be that role model for anyone who wants to pay attention and listen. >> Thank you. Well, you know, um after the assassinations on June 14th, Representative Nash was the first person to call me that morning and he was the
one that confirmed that my colleague had passed away. So, it was really hard. Um, but yeah, at at the heart of it, we all, you know, want what's best for our families and for our communities and, you know, pushing that aside. Um,
you know, Representative Jim Nash and I don't agree on a lot of things, but we get along great. I think, you know, we've grown to know each other. You know, we did a um a let's see, it was like a video that we did for the food shelf up in Waconia and and that was
really nice. and Senator Coleman was there, too. But, you know, we all want what's best for everyone. And I think the divisive politics, you know, that's up there and that you see on social media is is not what you're going to see when you're personto person um talking
with people because I think, yeah, we all want what's best for each other. Um, and I think, yeah, even if we differ on policy, we we are more alike than different in many ways. And so I look forward to, you
know, working with people again, people on the other side of the aisle. Um, like I said, I have that bill on the EOT um bill and I think, you know, that's going to go great hopefully and, you know, a lot of other things hopefully we can make compromise on because we are very divided. We have 67 Democrats and 67
Republicans in the House and we're not going to get anything done unless at least one of us, you know, partners with the other side. So, >> um it's going to be a real lesson in >> how do we get things done >> um >> without compromising our values, right?
I mean, we all >> we all have strong positions on things, but there are many things we can agree on. >> Yeah. And you guys did it last session, too, which is, you know, really commend, >> you know, everyone being able to work together and and be able to, you know, pass a bill and close, you know, close the session out and everything. I mean,
yeah, it took a few days longer, but that's okay. You know, that that happens. saw it that came came through. >> I have a quick question for you if you don't mind. Um I know one of the things that's coming up this year for I don't even think that a bill actually got drafted last year. It just got kind of
pushed this year, but is the funding for non-public education bus service and um nurses, counselors, and something else. I can't remember what was in that bill, but I know it's coming back for um rewriting this year. Do you have any insight on that or anything? I know we
just voted on referendums for Carpet County Schools and the council unanimously said we should stand behind that because education is the most important thing for our future and for those that go to the non-public schools which my children do attend St. Huberts and Chanhassen. Um it's very important
to us to make sure that those things that make sure those schools are operating at the level the state would want are in place. So I was just curious if you had any update or thought on where that bill was going. So that bill was kind of up in the air until the end and then Governor Walls said that he wasn't going to cut any funding to
non-public schools. So I don't think that's going to change. I don't know if there's new legislation that's coming forward that it's coming up again this year. So 26 27 will be debated at the end of this year. So I don't know you've heard anything. >> I haven't. But you know if it is on the
list I probably will be hearing about it. So >> you will be. >> Yeah. So that's a good flag for me. I will take >> and I appreciate I want to say thank you for helping us the last time. I know I don't know if all of the private schools in the area did but St. Huberts had a direct line to you and we were all sending you probably got flooded with
all of our Oh yeah, but it was really nice that you even if it was a auto email I'm not sure but that you wrote back to every one of us and you know showed support for the way we are choosing to educate our children and the you know cost that it came you know you broke it out very nicely and I thought
it was very helpful to get that email. Well, I am a product of non-public schooling and I've done both public and non-public. So, >> um but yeah, I did get a lot of emails. I do remember that and and they were some of the nicest emails I get. I mean, even if yeah, they weren't happy with me
or happy with my side of the aisle, they were very nice and then after I responded, they responded back. So, some of the nicest emails came from that group of >> It really is. And it's true. There's over 700 children in that school alone. And they are extremely polite, wonderful people. they have a huge investment in,
you know, that that education. So, if there's things we can do to help you or things that you'd ever want to just, you know, let me know because I can get you in front of that school staff and in front of the PTA and things like that. But we definitely want to work with you and not be on opposite sides trying to,
you know, again, bipartisan would be the best thing to do because that is what that community is too. So, >> yeah. And thank you for all the emails. Those I do remember the correspondence was very nice. I thought some of the nicest emails I've gotten. So yeah, thank you for that. >> Yeah, just echo the sentiment that we,
you know, your job is not easy. We appreciate all the hard work that you put in. You're always very very responsive. Um, you know, in lines of communication, whether it be phone calls, text messages, emails, and you know, you're at community events, and you know, you were at the ribbon cutting
for the trail and, you know, different sort of, you know, aspects of that. and you always have such great questions and and you're willing to kind of get in there and help. Um really appreciate the relationship that you have with the city. Uh and just, you know, feel free to reach out if you need anything as
well retrospectively, but um I really thank you so much for being here tonight and and talking over some of our priorities and vision. And it just I um I wish you guys all you know the best of luck. It sounds like a backwards way, but I mean I really am, you know,
looking forward to the upcoming session and hopeful that yeah, everyone can kind of be able to work together and you guys can put something great forward. So, >> yeah. And thank you for all you do. I think you know, Chaza is doing a great job. I think you I've toured that
beautiful house. Um >> Oh, yeah. The the the house. >> Thank you. Yeah, that was a wonderful tour. what you're doing with the downtown, making it more, which is one of my passions, and you know, safer for people, but also preserving the history here is is really great. It's really
nice. >> We'll get you back in because I think you you toured the public safety building with me when it was really under construction. >> We'll have to get you back in soon because it's almost Yeah, we're we're we're wrapping her up. So, >> awesome tour. So,
>> I'd like to see that. >> Yeah, absolutely. We'll we'll get you back. >> Well, thank you. >> Thank you. Yeah. Have a wonderful evening. Thanks for coming out. >> Yeah. Thank you for all you do. >> And thank you for for being the transportation. >> The Uber.
>> Wait, did he have a choice? >> Yeah. >> We know how this works. >> Oh, wonderful. Okay. Well, that was two great visitor presentations here. Um, and so that brings us next on our agenda
to the consent items. Consent are often items that receive little to no discussion. Although if anybody has any questions on a consent item, they certainly can ask about them. Otherwise, um uh I would entertain a a motion to
approve consent items. >> Motion to approve consent. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion from Council Member Gra and a second from Council Member Chevlin. Any discussion? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. I >> opposed.
Motion carries. And then that moves us into our action items. And so, uh, our action items are, uh, 10A, the commission appointments. No, anybody wants to speak to that, but
we do have, uh, I can take this on, or do you want? Go for it. I'm like, no one's jumping at the gun here, but I can do it. Mayor and council members, um as you know over the last two meetings, you had work sessions to interview. Um
commissions for or members for different commissions. Before you tonight are um what your requests coming out of those work sessions were. So for planning commission, parks and recreation, human rights, and heritage preservation. So we
would ask that you uh make a motion this evening to appoint those commissioners. Once that is um if you choose to move forward with what's listed here, uh we will then work on getting them um called and let them know and and getting them
onboarded and whatnot and ready to go for their first meeting. >> And we'll also continue with the open positions too like the HPC to >> Yeah. >> I was going to ask about that if just you know we could just mention that there are still some vacancies for the
human rights commission and the Heritage Preser preservation commission. That one's always so hard to say. Um, so I guess if people are still interested and you happen to be watching or listening that, uh, hit us up. >> Opportunity to be more involved. >> Everybody knows a history buff, >> right?
>> They can be, uh, they can be on the HPC. >> Yeah. So, just be aware, just real quick, we don't currently have the application open right now. So, we'll look for some guidance as to when you want to open that up and we will keep it open for a certain amount of time and
then close it and bring it back for interviews. >> Well, if you're interested, maybe talk to one of us about it. So, we >> Yeah, I think too I think right now >> back up for the the last time we were going to open the what was it? Alternate spots. There was two alternate and then >> I think we were going to see if like
maybe there were interested members that have expressed interest previously and just see if we can reach within our own network. >> Yeah. And I think that was sort of the thought is uh you know if there's people that you guys want to talk to. Yeah. >> Uh to try to encourage and then once you guys have a chance to do that if you
have interest great we can get them applications. If not you guys come back say no talk to everybody you haven't found anybody then we'd open up a process. >> Yeah I think let's make that homework for each one of us is to reach out to maybe somebody that
>> spots on heritage. Is that >> we have two vacancies on heritage preservation and >> two vacancies for alternative >> um spots uh on human rights commission which those are good to fill because
even though they're alternates they you know they do they do so many hands-on events I think having those physical bodies there uh >> and not everybody shows up for every meeting. >> Exactly. I think that's really important. And so I think you know really thinking about four people.
Everyone has a goal of four people. >> And did we ever hear back? >> I'm gonna give homework like a >> or everybody can get one person. >> Did we ever hear >> No, we all have to think about four people. >> Did you ever hear back from Greg on the >> I have not? No. But I will. Nope. I already called him and that's one of
mine. >> Well, I sent him a >> He actually left me a message today. So maybe I should ask him. >> There we go. You're next. >> I sent him a email about it after you said it last time. So, um, okay, so we all have homework and the and so I just
have a couple things. One, thank you to everybody who applied and is going to be um, listed out here and voted in because it takes a lot of effort and uh, work to put yourself out
there, come in and interview before us and to do the work. So, and want to be more involved in the community. So, I show deep appreciation for that. Also show a deep appreciation for the folks that are now going to be coming off of a commission um that have served their time, whether it be one term, two years,
or maybe they've maxed out on on the three terms, which is nine years. I mean, that's a lot of time given to the community. Um and so that is uh deep appreciation that they've been such a great they've been great contributing
members to our city. Uh, one request is it possible I know we've kind of been spotty here and there. Is there a way that we can recognize those folks? You know, I don't know, next month. I don't know how, you know, March
or something because February is kind of already beginning or whatever, but >> yeah, >> I think I think that would be really commendable. And then >> do we go by commission and just list out the names? I can't remember how we do this. or do we just do it all in one
fail sweep that's unlisted on here? >> I think if you do it by commission, I think that would be be helpful. Okay. Then it's it's written into the record then. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. Okay. Does anybody have anything else to say?
>> I would just echo the thanks. Uh it's, you know, I was I started my connection to the city through the park board. Uh, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made, uh, when I first moved. And, you know, it's great to see people come
forward and and step up and some may not even know what they were necessarily stepping up first when they got to know and did the research. Um, you know, and then as a special shout out to our student representatives uh to to serve that uh purpose. you know, we we talked here is when we
interviewed them. That gives you hope in the future when you see bright young leaders come to the table that I certainly wasn't thinking about doing that my senior year, junior year. Uh so it's just it's thank you to them, right? That that's super cool and that and just a shout out a special shout out to them
because there's a lot of ways they could spend their time and they choose to help support the city that they live in. >> I was going to say the same. We added the youth position to uh the human rights commission a couple of years ago now and I think that's was very exciting
and you're always a little worried that um you won't have any youth that want to sign up but um I think we've been incredibly lucky that we've had some like really amazing youths um put their name in the hat to be appointed to these commissions and um actively engage and I I'm grateful for them and grateful for
all the applicants um that came down and just so people are aware because You probably maybe don't know, you don't see this part, but they all come down. They have to um in person stand at the um >> podium, >> Diaz, >> whatever it's called. >> Podium, there's the word. And get
interviewed while we all sit here and interview them. And um I mean, I think we're nice, but it is definitely they have to take time out of their day to come do that. And um it's always a catch 22 because we um were able to appoint everyone to a seat this year. Um and
that's not always the case. So, it's it's a catch22 in that, you know, it's nice to have a lot of applicants so you can have, you know, kind of a cho diverse choice, but also nice when we don't have to make the hard decision of like cutting everyone because there it's always a solid group of applicants. So, thank you to everyone.
>> Yeah, I was just going to say and that it was a very solid group of applicants. Yeah. So, >> all right. So with that uh I would uh entertain a motion to approve the planning commission members member um or
as follows. Garrett Campbell, uh, John Pertie, Shri Ragavender, Rag Vendura, I know I did not pronounce that right, and I'm very sorry, Shri.
Uh, Tess Michaelitz and then Matthew Ryberg. >> So, I entertain a motion. >> Motion to appoint those individuals to the commission. >> Okay. Uh motion from council member Hatfield.
>> Okay. Second from council member Benes. All right. Any discussion? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. >> All right. They are approved. And then that moves us over to our park and recreation commission members. We have
two um Zach Saris. Saris. What is it? >> Sars. >> Saris. Thank you. and Georgian Keeport. I entertain a motion to approve those commission members. Do >> you want to approve those commission me?
>> Okay. >> I was just ask a clarifying question. Do you want to just add the one-year student one? >> Oh, and then also uh >> the student member for one year. So, the two that we mentioned would be the three-year term and then the student
would be at a one-year term. Neil Gotti. >> Uh, all right. You still standing on it? Okay. I kind of figured uh motion from council member Benes second. >> A second from council member GR. Any discussion? >> All right. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I.
>> Um. Sorry. Like off. Opposed. All right. I'm I'm getting I'm flustered because I don't like mispronouncing people's names. I apologize. Um, anyways. Okay. Moving on. Human
Rights Commission. All right. We got uh three-year terms for Katie McCloskey and then we have a couple vacancies, but then we have a one-year term for Sean Hagga uh the student. So, entertain a motion to approve those commission members. >> So, moved.
>> All right. Motion from Council Member Gra and a second from Council Member Chevlin. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. All right. That passes. And then the Heritage Preservation Commission, we had uh we have three openings, but we have one being appointed for three-year term, and
that's James um please apologize. Uh and uh entertain a motion to approve that commission member. >> So moved. >> All right. Motion from council member Hatfield. >> Second. >> And a second from council member Chevlin. Any discussion? All those in
favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. All right. Everyone's approved. All right. Congratulations. All right. That moves us along to our next agenda item, which is bills. Does anybody have a question on a bill?
Because we just met last week. >> Motion to approve bills. >> All right. We have a motion from council member Shlinin to approve bills. >> Second. >> A second from council member Benes. All right. Um, roll call, please. Council member Hatfield. >> Yes. Council member Bennish,
>> yes. >> Council member Shlin, >> yes. >> Council member Gra, >> I. >> Mayor Hubard, >> hi. All right, bills are approved. And that brings us along to other business. Uh, let's see. Council member Hatfield, take it away. >> Um, I mean, it's only been a week since
we were last here, but um, the fishing contest is on February 14th. That's always a great event. Um, so highly recommend even if you don't fish, there's other things to do. Um, come down, support the fire
department. Um, so that's the 14th. And then the community center carnival is on March 6th from 5:30 to 7:30. Um, and that's always a great event. It is free. They do have games, prizes, bounce
house, and more. Um it is a free event but they do take uh donations for the Nick Ma the scholarship fund honoring Nick Mason and so that's always a really nice event so highly recommend that as well. Um I think that
is >> you're not going to talk about the puzzle contest again? >> No. I've been really sad about how bad we lost. So >> are you entering again? >> No, I'm busy that day. >> What day is that? We have come. >> It is. There's the puzzling contest on
Friday. Although I think the sign up is over now >> or it's on Saturday. Sorry. Um but I think the sign up might be over. Maybe not. I could be wrong. >> But if you really like puzzling and you're listening, >> it was a lot of fun. >> We were just really bad at it.
>> All right. Um Council Benish, do you have any >> fun facts? >> I don't really have any fun facts. No >> nothing that came up in the last week. I know it's kind of hard when you don't have so >> so just hang tight and
>> all all sorts of stuff. >> All right. All right. Council member Sh. What about you? >> I do not have anything today either. >> Nothing nothing for you either. Huh? Okay. >> That's okay. What about you, Mr. >> Uh I have two quick things. Just I know we um always brag about how awesome
Mercy is. I'll take that opportunity. Uh, I spent most my day well away from Chaza yesterday and actually Saturday, but mostly yesterday at White Beer Lake and it snowed, right? We all know it snowed. Uh, and we were picking my other son up at a neighboring community uh
8:30ish at night. Uh, actually, no, it was 9:30. It was closer to 9:30. And I made the comment out loud that, man, they should probably plow the streets. >> Uh, and she goes, my wife says, well, how do you know our roads aren't like this? I'm like, I know that our roads are not like this. And sure enough, our roads were not like this in our
community because we're in a residential area, right? Like, you know, you prioritize and everything like that. So, I just again, I know we brag and we we're proud, but I also don't want to ever forget that because it is one of the easiest things sometimes to take for granted. Um, I also was well aware because I had just cleaned my driveway
perfectly timing when the cloud came by. So, I waved uh and cleaned it out. It was all good. You know, it's the the time. Um, so that was just an event. And then uh just want to Actually, I was reminded. Thank you. Uh, wish my youngest son, Noah, a happy birthday
this week. Uh, he last week actually watched my presentation. I know he's not watching right now because he's at the Cheska Chan basketball game right now. Um, but he sometimes thinks his dad's cool when I get to do this stuff. So, as long as I can be cool, >> I will wish my son a happy birthday this
>> I'm Noah. >> Happy birthday, Noah. >> Happy birthday, Noah. I am cringe according to my son. Uh, yeah, that's probably true, too. But sometimes I'm cool. I get credit for my cool shoes with my kids and sometimes, you know, they'll be on YouTube because
that's that's what they connect. You know, I work for the, you know, help with the city council be like, "Dad, you're on YouTube." I am on YouTube. That is true. So, that is all I have here. >> Okay. Well, that's a great report. Um, Elise
Dooy, you got anything? >> Okay. All right. Chris, >> nothing. Matt, >> just a reminder, don't come here in two weeks. Come here in three weeks because President's Day is in two weeks. >> It's the week after.
>> So, it's February 23rd is our next >> A side note is I can maybe remember when our meetings are, but I never remember if there's any type of work session or what time. So, I'm always texting Matt, which I should have given him credit earlier for, but >> this is literally on the agenda. >> Thanks,
She just threw you under the bus. She did it back and forth. >> Dang. Okay. >> All right. Um >> Well, just don't say I didn't warn you that we're not going to be here two weeks from now. >> I'll be sitting out in front of the doors. >> So, do we have another one where it's
two in a row? Then it'll be the >> No. Uh yes. February February 23rd and March. >> Okay. Check that off on my announcement list. >> We're good for the rest of the year. >> Yeah. Will we on the 4th of July? >> On November 23rd. Wow. What month am I
in? Um, will we have a work session, do you think, on the 23rd at all? >> I don't think so. >> It says it says in the It says in the bi-weekly here that it's not scheduled at this time. >> That's what it said. >> See, now that Michaela pointed out, we're all
>> I read it. I just You guys, I don't I'm not going to memorize it word for word. >> Oh, that that's why it's put in there. We're going to tour the public safety center. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, we're gonna >> I was trying to tee it up so that you could hit a home run map. >> It sounded sort of sounded like you
didn't read it, BUT >> that was not even a road map. That was like 18-wheeler back. >> I take back all the things I said. >> All right. >> Do we still get to wear construction hats? >> No, you don't even have to work. You can >> Oh, man. >> You can wear one if you want. >> No. No.
>> All right. >> Yeah. But no, we we will do the tour then. >> Golden shovel from it. >> I won't. Yeah. Well, it's a little late for >> and then the the meeting on the 2nd, we're going to do a work session on the restaurant in the in the curling event.
>> Oh, sure. Okay, that's good. >> So, what time do you want us at the public safety building on the 23rd? >> 5:30. >> 5:30. >> Yep. >> Okay. Um, okay. So, well, that's fun. Uh, all right. Uh, a couple things.
There is a open well we the city staff communicated um the highway 44 Big Woods Boulevard. There is actually an open house. It wasn't listed on there, but I did double check with with Nate. It's on February 12th. It's from 5 to 7:00 p.m.
and it's at Westbrook Community Church. So, I'm sure that will be announced more publicly to the public, but just so you guys know. Um, some things coming up in the calendar there. We have the fishing contest which has been well covered and it is a great event. And if you have not bought a
raffle ticket, go find a firefighter. They'll sell you a raffle ticket. You can maybe win some money. Or if you want, just come eat the food, have fun, go ice fish, go enter the bucket raffle. Just it supports all the endeavors for
the um relief association. So, it's a wonderful event. Uh, happening that day a little ear, well, kind of at the same time, but is the polar plunge. And I'm only plugging it for two reasons. Shamelessly, my husband is jumping in for the third year in a row with the
Carver County Sheriff's Department. So, >> just kidding. >> Yeah. Well, >> there's quite a few Chaza police officers, too. >> And that's the other reason. >> Don't they have their own team, though? >> For the jail, which is all underneath the >> You have your own team. >> Yeah. So, are you jumping?
>> Let's buy a boot. >> Why not? Why not? >> I noticed Martine gets out of it, too. I see his son's jumping, but not him. So, >> who from the police department is? Do you know? >> I don't know, but >> chief deputy is this year.
>> Yep. Chief is >> Oh, I'm going just watch that. >> There's a list. So, if you go on to the Polar Plunge website, you can donate. Um, and you just have to look up the date. It's February 14th. It's the Lake Waconia one. And then you can look up,
there's a couple. There's the Carver County Sheriff's Team, but then there's also the Popo plungers, which is our Chesapei. >> Popar plungers. >> Oopar plungers. >> Oh my gosh, there's a lot of people jumping. >> Yes. So, um, it's a fun event to be able
to witness. Uh my hats off to them for doing that. Braving the water. >> When is this? >> Um it's on the 14th and it's over um at Lake uh Wakonia over by Lola's like that's what I should say. Maybe the council >> I'm busy. >> I have to um help with the relief um
>> applying. So, I am unavailable to >> You raised much more money for me by me paying not to do it than >> See, we just need to get We just need to get Matt in the dunk tank for Fahrenheit. >> The water was cold, too. >> Um, yeah, but probably not as cold as
>> Especially this year. It's been so cold this year over and over again, though. I don't know what's worse. Anyways, okay. So, that's happening. Um, there's sweethearts dance that the um, Chesca Park and Rex put on. Is this I'm sorry.
It's on uh Oh, man. I wrote the date down or I didn't write the date down. It's on the It's on the Saturday. It's I will look it up, but Oh, it's on Friday the 20th. It's the 20th. It's the Friday at the event center from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
>> This is the most adorable event that they put on. Um, I used to go with my son. I been begging him to take me this year. He refuses, sadly, >> and so I can't go. So, I'm just going to plug it for everybody else to have that opportunity. 6:00 9:00 p.m. at the event
center. Chaza Bash is also on the calendar for it's a great fundraiser to support the extracurriculars like sports and arts and activities for Chesa. Um and that is on Saturday, February 21st
uh at 6:30 PM at the event center as well. So that's a great opportunity to kind of spend time with um some of the other parents and um and support those endeavors. So and then uh yeah, we talked about the the meeting is on the
23rd and so that's everything on my list. Um anybody have anything else? Otherwise, I'd entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> All right. >> Motion to adjurnn. All right. Motion to motion from council member Hatfield. >> Second. >> A second from council member Benes. All
right. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. You're journ. Thank you everyone.