--------- Good. Good morning, everyone. We'll call to order this meeting of the Lansdale Economic Development Authority for May 21st, 2026 at 7:01 a.m. If everyone could please stand for the pledge of allegiance.
I pledge allegiance 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. Thank you.
Next item up, uh, consider approval of the agenda. Everyone should have a copy of the agenda. Any additions, deletions, or corrections to the agenda? Um, I would like to add a update on the EDA's facade rehabilitation grant
program. >> Okay. I see it's on number or letter C. Is that the is that an update agenda >> or is this an additional >> um I I guess we can do it under there, but >> it's pertains to the application that I
received um on Monday that sent out. So, we'll just add like a D and then uh >> or we could talk about our C, I guess, too, if you >> Okay. >> Yeah. I wasn't sure if we needed a separate item. Okay.
>> C.1. Yeah. >> C.1. >> So, if there are no other changes, I'll look for a motion. >> I move we accept the minutes as read. >> Motion by Dubon agenda >> of the agenda. >> I'll second. Second by Simon. All in
favor? >> I >> opposed. All right, agenda is approved. That was agenda, right? >> Next is consider approval of the minutes from the April 16th, 2026 regular meeting. Everybody shall have a copy of those.
>> Okay. These are the minutes. No, I approve the minutes of the last meeting as read. >> Motion by Juban for the minutes. Is >> there a secondary? >> Thank you.
>> I'll second. >> Second by get it moving. >> Uh we can actually fail the couple of minutes. >> We have a second. All in favor? opposed. All right. Great. Now, moving on to old
business. First up, update on the EDA's Small Cities Development Program housing rehabilitation grant. >> What about the judges report? >> Oh, shoot. I crossed off the wrong thing. I'm sorry. Thank you. Back up. >> 7 o'clock. We're
>> crossed off the wrong thing. Consider approval. Yeah. Consider approval of the April 2026 Treasures Report monthly bills. Sorry, Joel. >> All right. Uh, good morning everyone. April had a beginning balance of 136 29338
between the three accounts. Uh, revenues of 55208 which represent the monthly Pet Stop Vet Clinic uh, revolving loan fund payment. Uh, expenses of 66,8979 uh, which represent payroll. Uh the majority of that was the revolving loan
to VNS uh holdings for the tipsy bullfrog uh the associated wire transfer and then the third housing rehab grant payment to the contractor uh legal services some additional expenses on the the
retail commercial feasibility study and then social media management and content uh for an ending balance uh between the three counts of 70,000 03567 and then bills to be paid this month
submitted the uh reimbursement for the um uh SCDP loan grant loan. Um the county HR fees are associated with that and then the uh social media management and content for May.
And then included are the invoices and then the uh balance sheet, revenue and expense reports for um the three funds associated with EDA. >> Joe, what is the Amber Oriker SDP grant? >> Um that's the third um housing rehab
project that we did. >> Oh, okay. All right. And we expect the Tipsy Bullfrog to start payments in June. Is that correct? >> Uh they started making them this month. >> This month they did. Okay. >> That was correct.
>> No cool down period for our loan. It >> was all set up. >> That's what you get for a low interest rate, >> right? >> Yeah. Right. the all the loan documents were set up for the first. I think they actually ended up closing on the 10th.
>> So May is when they paid. >> Correct. >> Make a motion to approve the treasury report. >> Motion by Palava, second by Simon. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. All right. Now moving on to old business. update on the EDA's small
cities development program housing rehabilitation grant. >> Uh okay. Yeah. So, um we've got three projects completed. Treasury report was making payment on the third one. That um reimbursement request has been submitted
to deed. Um still working with the the the property owner on some basement repairs. Kind of been a change in in her situation. So kind of affected what what gets done
prior to and um obviously paying for it came in higher than what the uh loan amount is. Uh project five, the homeowner provided the updated income information. This was from a grant that um was previously
submitted, but then the contractor um withdrew his bid because he didn't want to be the general. Mhm. >> Um had another um applicant come in and um complete the preliminary uh inquiry form, provided the required information.
Um and as far as I know, she's been in contact with Rice County, provided all the information. So, I'm anticipating to hear shortly about getting the building inspector scheduled to do the initial inspection
and then I think it was Monday afternoon um another property owner came in with her inquiry form and required information. So, that was sent down to um Rice County as well. >> Great. So, we could potentially have
>> seven. >> Potentially, >> right? >> Well, good. Glad people are starting to take advantage of it. Kind of. >> Yeah, cuz the funds need to be spent by >> September. >> September.
>> September. Sometime mid to late. >> I'll have to keep pushing. Any questions or discussion on this update? All right, I don't think we need any action. Thank you, Joel. Uh, next item,
update on social media marketing, Mr. Corey Hinszabar. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, and good morning, EDA committee. Uh, the city council approved the new social media services contract with Sophie and Steven Orluk of the uh, Bad Hippies um, LLC at the
December 22nd, 2025 meeting. Since then, the city has executed the social media services contract with the Orlux. The Orlocks have worked with staff to create the May calendar and have provided the april 2026 statistics. Uh, in the staff
report here, uh, we're midway through the month already, and I cannot believe it's going to be June before we know it. Uh, May 1st, monthly meetings. That's just our standard. Uh, May 2nd, spring into summer uh with the Lndale Liquor. Uh, May 4th, a roundabout construction
begins. May 7th, a new push uh to promote the farmers market that started May 9th. Uh, a lot of feedback with the city cleanup uh reminder. And then uh happy mother's day uh um post for the
lawn sale as schedule uh another push for the founders fest donation and then the city then the city cleanup day uh development update which we uh worked on yesterday just getting some pics of the quick trip and the roundabout project.
Uh the video Lawndale Hardware and Rental with Jace coming up. Uh Memorial Day, City Hall closed. And more and probably the most point important point I want to make here is that part of the social media contract with the Oral Bad
Hippies is that they're tasked with doing a a blog. The blog is called the headline. We are now going on to volume three. The blog is located at the web at the City of Lawndale website. Just below our front page image, you see a film
strip. The film strip says push on one of the circles and that's where the headline is located. Uh the headline purpose is to do quick updates or department updates. So quick quick reads. I know that at the last city council meeting uh it was a discussion
about hey where do I find more information about what's going on this blog the headline was to serve that purpose. So, I just want the EDA to start spreading the news that we do have a blog. Uh, we're volume three. It's in progress, and it is virtually just a
quick read of what's going on in public works, the city administrator, uh, planning and zoning, uh, the library, um, the police department, possibly the fire department. So, I encourage everybody to start, uh, like I said,
passing the word on the headline. Uh May 29th, another push for the Founders Fest donation. I just want to give everybody the heads up that uh we have reached the donations of a total of $19,000 that is uh covering the $18,000 uh
fireworks expense, which is great news. And just the wonderful support from local businesses, um personal donations. Actually, I'm going to recognize Scott and and Sandy. um they uh they they donated uh
personally to the fire fireworks. So, thank you, Palavas. Uh as far as the attachments go, um I'm just going to key takeaways. Uh this is straight from the Orlocks. Uh the numbers are really speaking for themselves in terms of Facebook. Lots of
green in the upwards percentage for content engagement, views, and followers. Uh this is this is big news for the month. Uh I think every has everybody seen the compost video. >> Mhm.
>> All right. That that was a major spike. Uh lots of likes and shares which was wonderful. Uh the liquor store and country market had great views and shares on and commentary. We received great feedback from both storefronts and their personal experience doing
interviews. That's that's great feedback. The compost video, as I just spoke of, was a hit. We aim to do more content with the public works. I believe we have a lot of talent in the public works department for content.
Uh we notice the posts that apply to residents directly such as the citywide cleanup, roundabout construction, really the more informative posts we have at a great uh turnaround in views and relativity. Um, and then just for consistency sake,
we think keeping some of the formatting for some of the more generic post is fine. It's nice information to have that's on the brand with the city. So, overall, we're seeing increases. You're going to see that in the stats. Uh, more views to our business page, uh,
Facebook, and you know, I guess educational slapstick humor goes a long ways these days or trending or trends. >> So, Uh Joel and I uh worked uh earlier this week, we worked on the J or the June social media
calendar uh highlighting uh uh library summer events coming up. Um continuing to provide updates and we've spoke of doing a small city uh development grant video for a while. So council member Wormer Gersian, we may be reaching out
to you. >> Sure. um because that's that has been discussed several times uh at the EDA at our EDA meetings and it could be a good push but you know as we just as Joel mentioned there's only four months left of this grant.
>> So um Mr. Chair that concludes my report. >> Sure. Great. Um probably would want to do something sooner rather than later since we have a September deadline and these projects tend to take I mean you know we have to be involved. county has
to be involved, contractors, building inspector. There's a lot of moving parts here. The projects, you know, it's September one is probably not the best time to start a new project for one of these. So, >> sooner rather than later, I would say,
yeah, I'm absolutely happy to do it. Um, if others on the EDA feel feel like they're wanting to stretch their drama wings as well, we can figure something out and make it a team effort. Yeah, be happy to do that. I mean,
>> yeah. Yeah, let's do it. Let them know. Reach out anytime. >> All right. Just not next week and I'll be in duth. >> Got it. >> Great. Thank you. Good information. All right. Next up, update on the EDA's
facade rehabilitation grant and one update on a new application. Correct. >> Correct. Yep. >> Let's do it. Thank you. So, um, since the last meeting, um, I did provide, um, a different property
owner some information on the, um, facade rehab program. Um, I haven't seen anything or had any followup since then, um, with this applicant. Um, on Monday, Mike Jurich brought in his application
for some facade repairs that, um, he's looking to do on his property located at 23 Florida Street Southeast. Um, going through the application, he submitted all of the the required information. Um, filled it out
completely. additional documentations that or documents, excuse me, that that are required. Um went on Beacon Land Shark um provided or pulled the deed that um transferred ownership
uh to him and and his wife. >> Um also noted that there was not a a mortgage on there. So that information um wasn't wasn't provided at the time, but there was there was nothing to provide. Provided two quotes and W9,
signed the data practices statement. Um I did go down and take a picture of the property. Um but for some reason it only prints in black and white. I was like really?
Um but um the building in question or looking to see receive the improvements is um in the black and white photo the building on the right um the building on the left was similar to both buildings were were similar. Um
the building on the left I think just had a a sliding door versus a an overhead garage door. Um, so you can see, um, basically the jerks are looking to do exactly the same thing that the, uh, property owner to the left did. Um,
resside the front, put, um, some Wayne's coating on it. And in, in talking with the applicant, um, this is phase one to, um, it's the original roof and siding to, um, phase one of the project to
completely redo the roof and, um, all of the siding. >> So, So, >> okay. >> He said that he's recently replaced the the garage door and the service door, I believe, but the garage door for sure. The the one on Beacons Brown. So, um
it meets all of the uh policy criteria to be um to qualify for the program. Um the um based off the bid submitted, the uh low bid was $6,000. So the
application request is for $3,000 and there's been um $20,000 allocated for for this project. So um guess staff would recommend approval of it and
open up to the board for discussion. >> All right. Any discussion on this application? So the the grant period ends June 1st, correct? >> The um the application process. Yep. All applications are due by June 1st >> and all projects need to be completed by
the end of this year. >> Okay. And this is the only one we've gotten. >> Correct. >> So, um >> yeah, I mean it makes sense to me. We'd have conformity of of buildings there. price is very very reasonable. Nice to
see somebody taking advantage of it even though it's probably the only one we're going to get out of it. Um yeah, I don't see any reason why we wouldn't approve it. Proper use of the It checks all the boxes.
>> Yep. >> Any other discussion or is there a motion? I'll move motion motion by Palaba to approve the uh grant for this project. Is there a second? >> A second. >> Second by Morgan. Since there was no discussion the first
time, we'll just go to a vote. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> All right. So, kind of flipping back before we move on talking about the facade rehabilitation grant program as a whole. So, this would leave us with 17,000
in the fund for this this um program. >> Correct. Y >> um we potentially have one outstanding. Somebody has an application that hasn't turned in or disappeared as of yet. >> Correct.
>> So, potentially within the next week, we could see one more come in. Do we know about how much that one is? Did they say >> I have They haven't said what the the proposed improvements are. >> Okay. So, do we need to determine and
maybe probably not now, but in the next um meeting, determine what happens with those funds once the application period cuts off. Let's let's say no more come in. So, at our next meeting, would we then decide what to do with these funds? >> Yeah. or I mean I mean the discussion
has been you know as far as the the revolving loan fund to transfer it to >> cuz that's where it came out of right >> I should know the fund number 209 I believe >> that's originally where we took it from right was the revolving loan fund or did we take it from >> uh we budgeted for this >> we budgeted for this okay >> correct
>> yeah I mean I guess my because there's been a spike I don't know if anybody else has talked to anyone but it seems like there's been a spike in interest in our revolving loan fund >> which is the way it goes right you give it and that's when everybody wants it. Um >> cuz I think we had one
that submitted the the application and then withdrew the application. >> Correct. >> And then we have another one. Correct. Somebody else picked up an application. I thought I had heard that. Or am I wrong? >> Um not for the revolving loan fund that I'm aware of.
>> Okay. But um you know, it's been out there. I've talked to a few people. um you know so there is interest um I think it would just make sense because we've more or less depleted I mean we have a month to think on it but
think on it because we should do something with these funds and I think putting it back in the revolving loan fund is a good move um and it's budget season too so keep that in mind we uh we have to start working
on that at some point and this might be something that we you know will help with our budget ask. So that's all I wanted unless anybody else has anything on the revolving loan fund that they want to discuss. Um
because I think we'll come back to the No, it's on the next one. Never mind. Um all right, next item. Review and discuss the market feasibility study for a limited service hotel. Um, so did receive the hotel study back
sent to uh EBA board members and uh the council. I didn't receive any any comments. So basically figured uh after this meeting I'll get a hold of Maxfield and tell him to issue
the the final report unless there's any any changes. Um but basically based off of the market feasibility study um for a hotel, they're recommending a facility that's 48 to 56 rooms um
limited service to compete with existing midscale and upper midscale hotels in the area. Uh pricing obviously depends on the day of the week, the season. Um but they're saying that um $140 to $256 per night um
seems justifiable based off of the market and the proposed amenities. Um, as far as those amenities, kind of the the typical um fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and they are recommending a pool, a fitness center, a
multi-purpose meeting room, and then um obviously these days it seems like you have to be pet friendly to to accommodate them. Probably 80% of people these days that have dogs
95 in Lawndale. >> Yeah, maybe 97. >> They're all running free. >> A lot of them are. A lot of them are. >> Uh after I reviewed the the study, um I did notice that they didn't have the New
Craig Hotel in there. So, I did reach out to Maxfield and they didn't seem to have too much of a worry that it would impact anything. Um reason it wasn't included is they this hotel must not um provide their data
>> to the marketing company that they subscribe to to get that information. >> Interesting. >> Calibri Marketing or or something like that. >> Do we know if these rates were in line with like new Craig?
I don't know about Northfield, but >> um there was I believe there was discussion in the study um because I think that that one of the hotels in Northfield like at peak season suite on the river was like 450 bucks or something. >> That's why I was like New Prague rather than
>> Yeah, the study did definitely look at the new Northfield hotels. You know, the other thing too is >> right where at Fairone Northfield Lakeville. >> Well, and that also have the Hilton name to it as well. >> Yeah, it's a garden in I think. some. >> But, you know, I I kind of wonder what
is peak season for them, too, because I could imagine there's a few with Northfield. You know, you've got >> summertime Jesse James >> just because of what goes on with the colleges, >> graduation. >> Well, the colleges, right? Graduation in spring, move in in the fall,
>> but then you got >> all that stuff. >> Jesse James days. I bet you they get pretty packed for that because >> that does draw a lot of people out of town. >> Yes, it does. Um, you know, I don't know. I don't know if we would see any overflow from that here
in Lndale. I can't imagine we would, >> but >> why not? >> I mean, >> when when I got married, we had to put people up in Lakeville cuz everything around here was filled up and that was in September. So, >> yeah. I mean, I could be wrong. I uh
wouldn't be the first time, but uh >> just the second time. Yeah, just a second then >> two days ago. >> Yeah, I don't know if I I would >> since the meeting started. >> See Northfield trending this direction. I was thinking they would go more
towards Lake though actually. >> I think so too. >> Or far before they'd come this direction. >> I mean the fact of the matter is the study's done. the the study said we'd also get a lot of draw from >> southwestern Minnesota from
>> that's the area Yeah. That's the area that doesn't have the coverage, you know, going going east. Sure. >> And I I don't think Northfield has enough when >> when activities are popping and they may go to Lakefield, but also they might come here because >> Yeah, >> we're just a hop, skip, and a jump from
there. >> Yeah. I mean, maybe for like Kajki days, you know, overflow for that. Um although I do worry about people driving to Montgomery and back during Klashki days uh or Dozinki. Um I guess my biggest
thought in this whole thing is what what are the things that are going to draw people to need a hotel here? I mean other than visiting family potentially. >> Well the the study talked about uh conventions and and business meetings. Now we don't have those. They won't have
facilities for conventions, but they say business people will be traveling and doing business and they need a room to stay in. They say uh extended families coming to visit u people who reside here in Lansdale might take up that uh
>> uh hotel as an option, weddings and all sorts of other things. uh it seemed to to think that this is a very viable market because there's really no filler >> between Northfield and west of here short of New Prague. So they thought it
was a good idea. >> Mhm. >> They certainly thought it was going to be profitable at the size that they recommended. So I guess what it comes down to is we we get the study out there really you know we because we were approached by a developer that that make you know makes
hotels builds hotels. Um you know and this is what they they need to see. So we'll see what they come back with. Um you know I think the swimming pool piece I know there's been talk for years about a swimming pool >> and they weren't too thrilled on the
>> no >> on the pool. No. Um, the real question comes down to is, and I think we're getting a little ahead of ourselves on the discussion because we're not building a hotel. We're we're not doing this. If somebody
wants to come in and pitch it, that's where we go. Um, but you know, if anybody watched the last council meeting, we accepted an offer on the last 12.1 acres in the business park. So, that location is gone. It's not
available for building. I don't know if this site over here by Dollar General is big enough for this hotel. Um, if it is, it definitely isn't giving them any expansion opportunities, like if they wanted to partner with a a restaurant or something in the area. I
don't know where that would happen because it's all full. Um, but this isn't our problem to figure out either, >> right? you know, there is plenty of private land available around town for
for people to buy and pitch and do with as they please depending on zoning, but um yeah, I guess we'll see what the uh what the developer comes back with and says because I know for years um both the council and
different boards have talked about or people in town have talked about a pool, right? Community pool. There was a pitch for a community center with a pool for a while there. Um, if we had a hotel that would have that that facility available
for residents either free or at a charge, I would assume at a charge like uh New Prague did or does. I don't know if they still do. Um, that would scratch that itch, but I know the initial pitch didn't sound like it was a a pool style
hotel. Um, but we'll see. I guess, you know, the study says what it says and that's what the developer needs to make their decision. So, if they come back to us, I think we'll have a good discussion. >> Yeah, it has been provided to them um
for review and and comment and and next steps and um yeah, based off the email, they're going to review it and and get back to me. So, great. >> Could be interesting. >> Yeah, I think from the EDA perspective, it's You know what incentives,
>> right? You have to assume the ask is coming. >> Well, their pitch included it. >> And if they can and if they can, you know, >> you know, where does this where does the city or the EDA want to see it? >> Mhm. >> You know, I mean, that's a, you know, maybe something that we should be
focusing on as far as incentives and and the location. Um, if if the owners of the hotel could come to terms with um the buyer, the 12.1 Great. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that's true. That is true.
>> So, >> I just think too like with Deon Freight coming in with that increased traffic, are they is there going to be a need if their drivers doing a long haul, are they going to need a place to stay? And instead of sending them to New Prager or to Northfield, >> they'd have some place to stay in town.
>> Yep. Yeah, that's a thought, too. And, you know, it really what it comes down to is what type of hotel are we going to see? you know, because they talked about >> this developer talked about they had a lot in their portfolio, you know, a lot of brand names in their portfolio, a lot
of different types of hotels. The extended stays was one option. Is that what we want, you know? Um, so I guess we wait and see what they come back with. Um, but I think Joel raises a very good point. What Let's Let's get ahead
of this. Think about it. Um, you know, not to say we have homework, but think about it. We got a hotel that's potentially going to be pitched to us at some point based on this. Where, what are we willing to give as an EDA? Because remember, we make a
recommendation on the incentives. The council would still make the final decision on that. Um, you know, I think the whole incentive piece from a council perspective, Scott, I don't know, I'm not going to speak for the council, but the impression I get is
there's some openness to it, but it depends on the project, you know, >> I'll agree. >> Yeah. I mean, it's not a one-sizefits-all. I mean, as you've seen, watch >> What kind of incentive are you are you talking about? Well, the the pitch
included everything from tiff to >> abatement >> abatement to I mean they they just listed out pretty much anything that potentially it could be you know I mean if we own the land we can make deals on land you know reduced sack and whack fees eliminated sack and whack fees
um you know they just threw them all out there that they've done in other projects but did not uh specify any one it's going to be if they want to move forward, they'll say, "This is what we need for the project." That's what all the developers do.
>> You know, we've have a small town here and you're putting all these things in here and taking these giving these people these incentives, which is adding on to the tax tax um real estate taxes to the people. Um we shouldn't be adding on that much,
>> right? Well, that's what we got to think about to see what they come to pitch with. And so far we haven't given any incentives on any of these projects that are coming in the ones that are complete as of this point. >> We had did for the for the apartment building. >> No, we we uh
>> miscalculated second and fees. >> Yeah. Well, yeah. >> But still >> they weren't miscalculated. >> Oh, the offer was changed. >> Oh, dynamo. >> So there there Yeah, I mean they asked for the abatement. We said no to the abatement. >> Right. You said no to the abatement. Yes. >> Sure.
And I don't go for abatements. I really don't go for that because you're taking you're taking that bill onto the taxpayer. >> It depends. I mean, I guess in my mind, the way I see it is in that particular situation, absolutely. Yes. Because well, because you have a piece of land
that was privately held, so there were taxes paid on it already. If it's a cityowned piece of land, we got no taxes coming in anyway. So if you abate for a few years at the front end to get the project started,
>> you're not really changing anything from the tax base. >> Then it makes a person wonder too, you know, why are they coming? Oh, I'm going to get this money from the city. Um, you know, that's that's their thing of coming here because they know they're going to get something.
>> They pitch that to every single city, every developer for everything. >> It depends what city falls to them for how much, >> right? That's it. That's just it, you know, because we we can have that discussion, you know, because they're going to, let's be honest, every developer is going to come to us and ask
for as much as they can possibly get, >> which is, you know, that makes business sense, right? >> There we go. >> We can have that discussion and meet in the middle. I mean, it's a negotiation, right? I mean, >> I mean, they're taking risks investing in our community, too. I mean, we can't just
>> say that we're not getting anything out of it. There's benefits for us, too, >> with, you know, whatever development comes in. So you can't just look at one thing. >> Well, what would the revenue to the town be if the hotel was built? >> Yeah, >> it depends.
>> That's all dependent. I don't have a value or >> any anything. >> It's not based on their volume of sale. I mean, there's sales tax, but what do we as a city get? Just the property tax. >> Correct. Yes. >> So, it's all based on the plot size.
>> Yeah. >> In the value of Yep. the value of the land and the the building. Correct. >> Y I mean there's there's indirect benefit that we don't get monetarily, right? It's the increased revenue for other businesses.
>> Yeah, we we get that. >> And there's jobs, right? There's job creation. You know, we >> I just Yeah, I Let's wait and see what happens before we get all excited about give and take of negotiations. See if they even want to do it. >> Right. there there's no pitch in front
of us. There's no ask, >> right? >> You know, that's the biggest thing. We're not going to come out of the the shoot saying, "Hey, what can we give you, >> you know? It's like, you want to come to build here? Tell us tell us what you're thinking and we'll go from there, >> right?" Um, but yeah, I mean the value it's all
going to depend on the size and scope of the project and is there a pool, is there not a pool, the >> I think the amenities are going to be a big deal because if it's just, you know, place you can spend the night, >> right? >> I just don't know what kind of draw that would have. >> No, that that won't draw anything
>> because as far as truckers, you know, the truck stop is what, eight miles down the road. So, >> a lot of truckers have their own >> Yeah. >> little keep little cabin in their in their truck. >> This particular carrier though is
LTL carrier and typically they have dayc cabs. So, there's no place for the driver to sleep. He would require a hotel or a home. >> Like my brother works there though. He he's never spent a night. He's he's home every night, right? >> Work there for years. That's what most
of them do. >> Yeah. very very minimal overnight, >> right? >> I think it would be very similar >> crossing through our city all the time that might take advantage of that. So, >> yeah, >> very similar to uh what MLAN does, right? >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> I mean, I know Dayton's nationwide. They're huge and that's great. Um but it all depends on what they're what they're um doing in this area, right? their their logistics figures it out to make sure that their their people
are where they need to be. And >> yeah, they they've been doing this a long time. They know what they're doing. >> All right. Any more discussion? I mean, it's good discussion about the the hotel. I think again, we're getting a little bit ahead of ourselves. But think on these things. So that way if it comes, you know, we have good questions.
We're prepared for what they're bringing to us. >> Remember, they're they're the ones they're the ones that knocked on our door. >> We we weren't >> out there looking for it. >> Absolutely. But you also mentioned that there isn't any property really available right now. But
>> not that we own, not that the city owns. >> But isn't that kind of our responsibility to >> to I mean at least have some potential areas that they >> Yeah. I mean, we should definitely be aware of of where they can go. I'm trying to think really right now because
>> doesn't uh the planning board have all that? Well, they do, but I based on what I'm thinking, you know, a lot of available land right now, and this is a thing where we'd get into discussions of reszoning as well because a lot of it is zoned residential. We're running out of
commercially commercially zoned land. So, that's something that we as a board need to be thinking about, too, is all right, where's our next commercial district, commercial center. Um, you know, it goes to the whole where's the next business park discussion, right?
And if the short-term answer is we need to look at asking to have some things reszoned, we have to do that. So, um maybe that's a discussion for next meeting is to look at, you know, our zoning districts and see if we need to
make some asks to planning and zoning. >> Where do you have land that could be reszoned? south of the um compost site that whole that's all annexed in but it's privately owned but it's all zoned residential right now I believe right >> uh correct
>> egg or residential yeah >> probably our one that allows for egg and then >> yeah yeah I mean there's that um >> you'd have to go to the land owner see if they >> there's been discussions with some of the land owners over here um and there
there is I believe some willingness to phase in some sales property. >> You're talking about sheriks. >> Was it Kas? >> Uh sher sherik. >> Yeah. So those conversations have been
started. Um you know, >> the question is who buys the land, right? You know, I mean, do we have to buy the land? Do we have to develop a city- owned business park or do we just point people >> in the direction? Um, yeah. But I think,
you know, it's it's worth having a discussion maybe at the next meeting where we start talking about because we did we did talk about this a bit about what, a month ago, two months ago. >> Mhm. >> Um, you know, we're through through the hotel study. Maybe it's a
good time to to really start hammering that, too. >> Yeah. Yeah, I mean I thought based off that work session that incentives were were on the table and >> um you know it was case by case, but then there was also discussion brought up that you know we should have a plan.
>> Um the hotel is going to come with incentives. The purchase agreement that we just approved >> laid out tax abatement. >> Yeah. >> So I mean as far as I'm concerned it's not even a question of if we're going to >> it's what. >> Yeah. >> Exactly. Yeah.
>> Um, you know, just just for reference, the country in in Northfield, so on the um east side of three north of like Subway >> Mhm. >> and Taco Bell there, and that's $28,000 a year the city Northfield gets. You
jump over to the Fairfield on the between 33 and and the river, and that's 35,000 a year. >> So, I mean, that that's just another tax statement. I'm not sure what oh if it was if there was any abaded or or what
what whatever the case may be. I mean it seems like >> and keep in mind >> on a value of um 6.3 million it it certainly seems that that the city should be receiving more than $35,000.
>> Mhm. Yeah, there's probably some abatement in there. Um but the other thing too is keep in mind abatement doesn't mean no taxes necessarily. There's a lot of things you can do with abatement. You can obey part and it's not just us. This is a a partnership with the county and the school board.
So, you know, it's not just us abating everything there. There's usually asks of the county and the school boards as well. Um, >> our taxes are going to go up anyway. That's >> adding to them all the time. >> Um, so is there any way to assess? So,
you're saying that the last parcel has probably been sold potentially. Is there any way to assess, and I hate to use the word profitability, but that's the only one I can think of at 7:44 in the morning, all the properties that, you
know, the what the city paid for all this land. And you know, I know some were, you know, purchased at different prices of course, but is there any way to assess the benefit for the city having purchased this all
this property? >> Uh, well, the simple would be the the property taxes. >> Okay. >> You know, >> I mean, could we could we look at that? Well, that with with this um >> not necessarily, but like at the next meeting if we're going to talk about are we going to look at purchasing as a city
more property, you know, I think we should see >> So, do you want to see the full like the full business park or just this new parcel? >> No, I think the whole park. >> So, what we purchased it for, >> but I think we could I mean, we could talk about this at the next meeting. Yeah, I'm I'm kind of thinking to to
help staff so they can prepare what we would like to see or what you're ask what we purchased it for, >> what we sold for and the value of the the new property right now. >> Exactly. or estimated value of the golf crop because that's what we've got with the 12.1,
>> you know, we've got estim and I think >> thinking back just off the top of my head, you know, with their abatement schedule, what they were asking for, which again has to be discussed because it's not officially. It's just in the, >> you know, this is a proposal. I think they were asking 5 years 100% abatement.
>> Oh jeez. >> Which it's no different than what we got now because we're getting zero on it now. >> Yeah. Um but the upside so overall with their full t abatement ask they were they
calculated it out where over the period we would bring in over a million dollars even at the abated level. Um >> and I think that's what I'm trying to get at. I mean, we just see one thing and and I think people of lawndale just
see one thing and I think they need to get the whole picture because, >> you know, we don't I mean it's kind of obvious what Quick will bring. >> I mean, Dollar General is >> and we can't get lucky with with projects every time either. Like Quick came and asked for nothing. We got
lucky there. Mhm. >> But they came to us and you know >> but you know with all the manu you know the manufacturing that you know companies that have come in I think we you know I think it's only fair that we should you know let people know what
they've brought to our community. >> Mhm. So >> yeah, and we I think we really need to look at too where where something would go because if we had to put >> a new if we had to create a new industrial park area, there's going to be a lot of cost up front on that. So
that changes the whole scope of it. If we're >> if we're doing out millions to just >> give them >> sewer and water and roads. >> Yeah. Yeah. And and that's that's the only thing right now. That's the only potential >> purchaser. But if down the road that
comes back to us, well then it's worth the investment. >> No, I understand that. But but but I I'm not I'm not denying the long term. My concern is the short term and making sure that everything Yeah. You know, cuz that's not cheap. And I mean, we've got a lot of upfront, you know, I mean, we've been very fortunate over the last
couple years. We've got a lot coming in. >> Um, you know, we're going to see revenue right away. You know, we're getting our upfront, right? you know, the purchase price, we're getting our sack and whack upfront, we're getting park dedication upfront
money. So, there's there's upfront and then there's what's year after year after year, you know? So, sometimes it's a matter of, okay, >> we get a bunch up front. >> It's easy to say, well, we're not getting any tax revenue on that land
right now. So I'm thinking here and and because it's easy to say let's talk about it with the business park as it is. It's 12.1 for example. The infrastructure is already there. We have zero cost for them to buy it and start
developing. Zero and there's upfront purchase. I mean the it was in the last council meeting it was $700,000 upfront. That can take a big chunk of debt service away. Hey, I mean, that's that's a that's a good chunk of money, $700,000
right up front, cash. That doesn't include the the sewer and water connection fees that are going to have to be paid, the the building permit fees, all that stuff. None of that was in the proposal to negotiate out. So, if they want a few years up front of
tax abatement, I think it's an easier discussion. Now granted, we're just one piece of the puzzle because we've got the county and the school district that have to be involved too. And they have to agree to it as well. So, you know, we can say sure, we we'll we'll we'll agree
to that, but that's not the end of the story until they talk to the county and the the school district and stuff like that. But, you know, that's a that's a unique project. Now, that's different than the apartment. We didn't own the land. we were already getting taxes on
that. So to say we're going to not get taxes on it anymore is a net loss. Um you know again infrastructure is already there so we don't have any cost of infrastructure there but like now these two projects are underway you know
business park now we don't have any land we own anymore. Now we don't have any shovel ready land. Now there are a lot of upfront costs. the discussion about are we going to even consider abatement or a tiff district or anything like that dramatically changes because we have a
lot of costs and that's why I say it's a it's a project by project thing we can't broadly say we will you know do this num level of abatement or you know whatnot we just can't because every project is unique I
think the main thing is we have to be open to having the discussions and we have to be open to accepting some incentives because if we're not we're not going to get the development. That's just that's just a fact of life. If we want development, if we want to increase
our tax base, >> we have to be open to it's it's it's just the way of the world right now. >> Um and if we're not going to do it, then, you know, we'll keep the small town charm, but we're all going to pay for it. So everybody needs to be ready to
say, "Okay, if that's what you want, if you want no more development, then I don't we can't complain when our taxes go up." >> And they'll go up dramatically. not not the, you know, single-digit percentages that we try to, you know,
that that ba that are based on value changes because that's really what we've held hard to over the last few years is those increases that we're seeing, they're either from the county or their value increases. The council's worked very hard to keep tax rates flat. You
know, any increase to your taxes is because everything's worth more now. It's called inflation. That's where we get this stuff from. But if we're not willing to work with developers to increase our t tax base, forget about it. Those taxes have to go up. I mean,
just go watch the last council meeting. Look at how much money we have to put into our water treatment plant. >> And that's not because we're we're increasing anything on it. It's just the fact that >> it that's maintenance.
>> And we're talking millions of dollars. We got lucky. We're getting almost $5 million for our water tower. We got really lucky this year. We asked one time for bonding money and we got it right away. Thank you, Bill. Thank you,
Christie, for doing what you did to get us that because that doesn't happen. You don't ask and get it on the first try usually, especially in such a divided legislature. We got really lucky, >> but we're not going to get lucky again.
Um, I mean, we do have some federal stuff we're looking at for the water treatment, but it doesn't even cover half of what we need. So, we need the development. And if we're not willing to work with developers, they'll go to New Prague, they'll go to
Montgomery. >> Joel, do you know is the two property over here? Do you think that would be sufficient for >> uh I think they wanted they needed something a little bit bigger. >> Okay. And the push back on that location would be ungodly.
>> Yeah. >> Ungodly. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I just was looking at you trying to think of parcels. >> Sugar coat it. >> Yeah. You know, I mean, we have the, you know, Cory and I were just talking. We
got the, you know, about 3 acres uh east of um where Quick Trips going in south of the PD. >> Yeah. But, you know, hey, if we can facilitate and bring people together on that 12.1, right, >> that that's what our focus should be. We shouldn't be racking our brains on
where's it going to go. I know where it's going to go. It's going on the 12.1. >> Mhm. >> I mean, that's just >> the reality of it. It's 19. It's got good access. Um so you know it just we just you know no
different than um you know we connected the the buyers with a daycare se months ago. >> Mhm. >> And now that we've got a um purchase agreement over over to them signed by the city and over to them. Emails are
flying now between the buyers and the daycare. So, you know, it's, you know, we can be that that conduit between businesses and developers or or the property owner.
Um, yeah, I guess the kind of the discussion is it's, you know, you can look at taxes and and come up with that, but, you know, what's the anticipated payroll? um you know, I don't know if you can necessarily say construction workers cuz they're coming
from from all over, but um you know, >> but there's I see every I see everyone across the street >> when it's noon there's no cars across the street and then 10 minutes later they're back eating in their truck. >> Yeah. >> You know, it's that um you know what
what other um nonmonetary benefits is is the city getting? Well, for example, the the hotel is we're getting rid of that demonstration lane that people that drive on Birch don't like. >> Yeah. >> You know, we're getting, you know, um
well, 58 units, that's $1,700 of park dedication. You know, that's I think it's like 101 $102,000. >> I mean, the apartment building >> from the apartment building >> for for our parks. Um they with that demonstration lane, we're removing that
and they're building a trail on 8 to replace that demonstration lane from uh 8th Avenue to the villages in and Birch Street or I'm sorry uh the library. >> Yeah. >> And I think that's kind of where I'm going with this. I mean, there are
benefits that people aren't always aware of. You know, they just see the city spending money and, you know, it's always what am I getting for it? My taxes are never getting any lower. Well, >> yeah. >> They won't.
>> And and costs are just on a >> Yeah. >> different level than than a homeowner. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. You know, my steel was electric bill is is what? I don't even know 120 to 150 bucks a month. Well, our
electrical bill at our wastewater treatment plant is $9,000 a month. >> Yeah. Okay, >> we're just the expenses are just on a just on a out of the out of this world compared to what people see at their home on a day-to-day basis or or monthly basis.
>> This is where you come in. But if we had a data center then >> no let let me hit you. >> Did you just say that? >> Great. All right. >> Direct all of your happenings comments to Bonnie from the EDA. Also, you're like your microphone.
>> Well, there you go. But but yes, we definitely can um you know provide what information you know we >> but yeah to to Brian's point on the the purchase agreement that that was approved at the last council meeting
you know they're saying that uh appraised value of 6.5 mill excuse me $6.5 million for a retail strip mall that's five units at 2500 square ft. Yes, they do. They do want abatement. Um but but over the 15 years, this city
would still get over a million dollars based off of their estimates. Now, I'm not sure what that's based off of, but >> and that's on today's numbers, too. You know, when you're talking longterm, those numbers will change. And the way the abatements are set, just kind of as a general thing,
>> if the if the value goes up, >> they're abated at whatever the agreed amount is. So, if the tax value goes up, >> take one. So one year, let's say their taxes were supposed to be, you know, 50,000 and they obey 25 or 50% of that. So
they're paying 25,000. Well, the value goes up enough over the time and now it's 75,000. They're still only getting the 25,000 off. They're not getting a recalculated 50%. That's the way it works. It's set for each year at a
value, not a percentage. So abatement's tricky, but it's also probably the least impactful of all the incentives that are possible. I mean, TIFF has it's a whole another monster there. You know, everything else is give it to me free.
So abatement is probably the least um painful incentive to give. So at the end of the day, if we're going to do anything, abatement is the way to go because >> with with TIFF, don't you have federal regulations? >> There's all sorts of stuff and depending on, you know, depending on what the
project is, >> you know, but then there's there's a lot of hoops that they have to go through from a development standpoint, too, because >> if we give TIF, they have to give something to us. The last TIFF we did, I believe, was the library. Correct. >> Uh, correct. Teleiff. Yeah.
>> Yeah. So that was a TIFF project. And the reason it was TIFF is because we got something tangible out of it. We got the library out of that. >> Yeah. So that's the type of things you see with a TIFF project. So >> if you're going to come to us with TIF, it's like, okay, that's fine. What are
we going to get out of it? And it's got to be something good. It's not just a, oh, well, here's 100 grand for the parks, you know. Anyway, >> yeah, still, but keep in mind the more the city asks for, >> the higher that >> incentive ask is going to be. Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> Yep. So, anyway, I mean, at the end of the day, we're we're >> it's a good discussion, right? This is a really good discussion to have. Um, but it's all theoretical at this point because nobody's asked us for anything. >> But when the time comes, we need to be
ready to take action. We can't just >> say, "Well, let's let's >> give us give us some time to think about it." Yeah, we should we should know, you know, what we want to do, what we're what we're able to stomach. >> Should have ducks in a row. >> Absolutely.
All right. >> That was off from this. >> That was the most non hotel discussion about a hotel. >> Everybody good? We can move on to the next item. Super. You know, yeah, just I think any comment is it's it's not really up to us to determine >> right >> if if there's a need or not. It's been
proven and it's really the investors that need to be comfortable with the fact that or the whether or not there's a need or not, >> right? >> Mhm. >> Cuz they're they're the ones with the most skin in the game at the end of the
day. >> All right, so moving on. Next item, EDA's revolving loan fund policy and application. So, this is uh continuation. We kind of touched on this at the last meeting. Um
there was a lot of talk about do we need to revamp our our policies and application for the revolving loan fund. Um you know, we've been set at Well, actually, you know what? I'm gonna let staff
do their thing first before I step on any toes. So Joel, is this you or Corey, are you presenting on this one? Joel? >> Yeah. Um, yeah. So, as uh as Brian said, this been has been discussed at the last several meetings. It was also brought up at the the joint work session back in
March with the city council. Uh, based off a discussion at the last meeting at least, it was add property improvements to eligible loan activities, interest rate of uh two percentage points below prime. never less than 2%. And then uh adding an escrow fee of a th000 in addition to the
non-refundable application. Um and then just going through it and putting the application or the policy and the application side by side. There were some inconsistencies that I think we should which should clear up and just some I don't know
language I don't know if necessarily needs to be in there. I mean the city of Londale is a city of Lndale. Um I don't know if it really needs to say as defined by its corporate limits. Um section three number four replace Lndale with the Minnesota state that or Minnesota state that pertains to the the
building code. We don't have a building code. Uh section five number four uh proposing to add improvements made prior to the loan being approved do not qualify as a portion or all of the required minimum 20% of the total
project cost to be supplied by the applicant. um you know an applicant may be doing projects in phases and then come to us because I don't know whatever plans changed, cost became more expensive or they want to do the next phase of of
their improvements. Um, and maybe the count or maybe the the EDA is okay with this, but using prior main improvements as their equity for the the next phase or or their loan request,
you know, should that qualify as a portion or all of their their 20%. >> Interesting point. I would think so because it's it's money they put into the project since the loan application.
>> Correct. >> This is prior to >> prior to >> prior. >> Yep. So I did a bunch of work and then I apply for a loan for something else. Should they be able to use what they've
spent previously to applying for our loan as equity for their loan? You know, if I go and finish my garage and I spend $10,000, >> but now I want to put a fourseason porch on,
>> I can't play this a poor example, but I can't say, "Oh, I spent 10 grand to finish my garage. I want to use that as my equity or colle or my equity. staking it. Yeah. Um >> they're going to say, "No, you're requesting $50,000.
Your share of the $50,000 project is." >> I guess maybe a better example would be if uh they're going to do some roof repairs. They start they're going to pay out of pocket for that and then >> they've done that and then they open it up and now it's
>> it needs extensive repair. So then you would have you've already paid $10,000 in roofing materials and work and now you got $50,000 in structural repair, >> right? >> Do you count that $10,000 >> towards it?
>> Towards it. Have we run into that before as a problem with anybody? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> That's why it's not fair. >> Fair. Well, how was it dealt with the first time or is it still pending? >> Well, that language wasn't in there, so
we didn't have really anything, right? Is that >> correct? That language was not in there. >> So, this is net new language. >> Okay. So, someone attempted to use that argument that, hey, I've got this recently invested money. Can I use that as collateral? >> Yeah. >> Well, it's not even collateral. Just
>> as the application says, >> if you're asking for 100,000, you got to put 20,000 in and we'll give you 80, >> right? and they're saying, "Well, I already put 50 in doing this other thing, so I want to count that towards my 20, so give me 100."
>> Yeah. Or it could be a $120,000 project. >> Yeah. Um but if they whatever the total cost of the project is well what I think about the languages >> but isn't that kind of like using apples
to pay for oranges? >> I think so. >> Yeah. Like Okay. So he threw that equity in into his project and wants to use it. Now what's the time frame? You know, how
many years was this money added to this project? You know, is this a long-term project? Did he do it in just the last couple of months? Has it been over the course of two years that he's put this money in? >> Uh it was recently. >> Yeah. M
>> but I mean I I think that's an important consideration if you choose to do that at all >> or I mean I don't want to add definitions to this but I mean I guess what are we defining total project cost
as >> is that the loan request >> the loan request or >> the overall project. >> I guess my thought is it's >> the loan request.
>> Mhm. >> I I would tend to agree with that alone request. Uh, section 56, remove if the loans are used for the purchase of property, the applicant shall sign a repurchase agreement with the city EDA. I I just
don't know how realistic that is. >> It's typ cuz typically they're going to have bank financing as well. >> Yeah. If they're purchasing property. And I, you know, even when we did the the VNS loan, I had to basically sign a
release from Franston that we wouldn't foreclose on >> Mhm. >> the the project. >> We have to subjugate ourselves as a lean holder. >> Yeah. We're always going to be in second. Well, >> probably third or fifth. >> That's That's true. >> Yeah. We're always going to be
>> unless we're the only Well, not even that. I mean, it depends on what other leans they have against the property, but >> Right. >> We're always going to be in a subordinate position. Always. >> Always. Yes. >> Yeah, I would agree with that. And then section 6B, replace building
improvements and or equipment with loan request. Uh section 6 C replaced five with three years of cash flow. Um this was one of the inconsistencies with the policy >> correct in the application.
That makes sense. >> Yeah, they already agreed to that. >> U replace compiled profit with profit. And then section six to replace board with EDA. Those are recommendations for the policy as far as the application. Just there
there's nothing major here. Uh add street to address. I realized there wasn't a a line for an email address. We should probably have that. Uh revised the application to account for the three years of projected sales
and profits and then also added property improvements to the uh type of eligible um projects. to ask the board if you guys have any questions, concerns, comments, changes,
yes, no, other revisions, >> any discussion? >> I think the biggest thing here honestly is interest rate. >> I mean, I think I think what because this is pretty close. I know Evelyn, you had you
had brought this up as a >> 2% below prime, never below 2% total. >> Um, does anybody have any feelings about that? Like, >> is that I mean, cuz I What is it? Uh, 1%
below prime is what the county does. And I don't know if they have a a floor like this. I can't remember. I remember looking at it, but it's 1%. So, it's still a good deal. Mhm. >> Um, you know, I just think as stewards of taxpayer money, which is what this
loan is, is taxpayer money that we're giving out. I think, you know, if we're taking a risk with taxpayer money like this on loans, we shouldn't be giving away the farm at 2%. I mean, 5 years ago, 6 years
ago, 2% made sense. >> Yeah. >> Because interest rates were at 3%. But now when interest rates are at 7% 2% is like whoa that's basically free money >> right >> and um you know in a loan situation if we're
taking a risk we have to have some some payback on it. >> Yeah. 2% goes way back to 2001. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's >> where we put it all together. >> And having it set at a a static number like that I think is
>> Yeah. It's a bad idea in general. >> I like the two and two. >> Yeah. Um on the application I see we have you know for street address. Um is it worthwhile add having a separate thing because just because the applicant and street address the applicant might
be one place should the business the business or project address be broken out separately? Oh, because it might have a PO box or you know, you know, I my my my property company is my home address, but my my business is a different address.
>> Yeah, >> I know. I a lot of applications I fill out, I have to have two addresses. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> If different than above. >> Yeah. Yeah, that'd be great. Yep. >> Yeah. Probably not a bad idea.
>> That way you know where you got the money sitting in sitting in. Yeah. Really? Okay. >> Any other thoughts on these? I think they all make sense to me. >> Mhm. >> And consistency is important because
technically in something like this, if we're not consistent between our application and our policy, we could open ourselves up to liability. >> You know, there's always that possibility. >> Mhm. >> Do you need to take off? >> I do. >> Yeah. No worries. >> I apologize. >> No, no, you're good.
>> All right. Thanks, Bob. >> Does that make sense? >> Yep. Yes, it does. >> All right. So, I suppose we need a motion. So, the the process here is our changes will be proposed to because the council has to act on this because
it is an ordinance technically um goes to council and then there has to be a public hearing on this. So there'll be some some steps from here, but um to go to the next step, we would need a motion.
>> I saw move. >> So changes as proposed. >> Changes proposal. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Simon. You got that Dubon and then Simon. Any discussion? All right. All in favor?
>> I opposed. All right. Thank you for the work on this. >> Red lining is always fun, isn't it? >> Mhm. >> All right. Discuss the EDA's involvement in the Lndale Chamber Street Fair.
>> Uh, well, we had the uh or the chamber had their street fair earlier in the week, Tuesday evening. Um, a little chilly and windy, but I think overall attendance was >> better than I thought it was going to be. Probably better than what most
people thought it was going to be. >> Better than what Shannon thought it was going to be. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But they still were giving away things, right? >> Oh, yeah. >> That's the whole point. >> Yeah. >> Wasn't that cool? >> There was They still ran out of dilly
bars, so Um, yeah, we had basically the same information as as last year. >> Handed out as many chip clips as we could and did hand out a couple applications for um the housing rehab grant. So,
fingers crossed they they get in. I know there was at least one person that was we were next to Renewal by Anderson or whatever company was >> promoting them and um talking about improvements and I'm like hey I wasn't
easedropping but I heard you asking about this. >> Yeah, >> not sure if you qualify but we have this program. So >> um >> and I can follow up on that. I know her. So, um, yeah, I mean, I think overall
the the event went went well. It was, like I said, better attended. I think pretty much everyone thought. Um, still question if that's our Well, I guess I don't question I don't think it's our >> target market. Um, you know, I don't I I think being a
sponsor is is still good getting our name out there, but it almost seems like we need to be going to the booths. >> Yeah. you know, hey, here's who we are. You know, I mean, you have and you know, and honestly, how many and actually how many businesses are are really there?
There's, you know, quite a few nonprofits that that are there as well. >> Two school districts, >> you know. Yeah. >> I don't want to say the usual suspects, but kind of the the same people that show up at at that event and in our in
the chambers regular networking events as well. So, >> yeah. Yeah, I would agree with that. I think, you know, especially now, so this year because we had the housing rehabilitation grant, we have something for the citizens cuz that's who the
audience is. We don't have business. I mean, yes, we do have business owners walking through there, but they're not walking through as a business owner looking for business stuff. there. Oh, you know, I live in town and I came through because my wife and kids are here and we came as a family and
whatnot. But, um, again, our target market are the other booths really. Um, so I don't know next year if it would be something that really would be as beneficial. I mean, other than getting rid of chip clips, that's really
>> what it's there for. Cuz I was there from 4:30 to 6:30, maybe a little bit later, and maybe two housing rehabilitation grant apps were picked up. Lots of chip clips, though. We got rid
of a lot of chip clips. Um, you know, we talk to people. They, you know, it's good to be visible and talk to people, I guess, but >> Well, and we're showing support to the chamber, too. Well, I think we should continue to sponsor. >> Yeah. >> I don't know if we necessarily need to table there anymore,
but that's my my opinion. And we got a year to figure it out, too. So, but it was good. It was well well attended. You know, people like it. People in town like it. >> But it doesn't hurt for people to see who's on the different, you know, who is
on the ED. >> Yeah. But they got to show up, Bonnie. >> I know. I just think like would there be a double >> to do community engagement around like hey we've done these feasibility studies
do we want public comment like hey Maxfield recommended we should have a pharmacy and a nail salon >> what do you think >> what's your temperature on this like you know there's things that we produce that we could get public comment on we don't necessarily have a service to provide
but >> if we want resident input on things that might help us in conversations of, >> you know, future tax abatement or like, hey, if we could prioritize doing some Facebook ads or something around XYZ,
it's free market research for us to be there and ask questions. >> Yeah, that's fair. That's a fair point. But that that requires prep work from us, you know. >> It's never bad to gather information. No.
>> And it's never bad to inform on what we do because nobody knows what the EDA does. Let's be honest. >> Hey, I I was talking to people about our YouTube and how we have really great exciting meetings, so they should tune in.
>> Yes, we'll go back and check the metrics later. >> What was a stay at home mom and she said she'd tune in. You know, it's like, all right, >> I'm your witness. >> Did you get her IP address? So, >> I did not. I did that. But if you're watching >> so we can follow up.
>> 192 point. >> What's your IP? We got to make sure that you're you're staying true to your word. >> You need a word for that. >> Yeah. >> Not necessarily if they're willing to give it. >> Oh, >> you can always ask. They can say no.
>> All right. So, yeah. I mean, it was good, but I don't know. I don't know if we're going to see a bunch of return on our investment, but >> Well, is there a a less expensive option than $300, like a half table or we just
get like >> waitress aprons with little pockets and hand out chips? >> Well, I think I think the $300 is a valuable investment sponsoring whether we have to, you know, whether we have a table or not because frankly, we got there and and Shannon even said, she
goes, "I didn't think you guys were coming." Oh, >> so pick a table, you know, which is not a shot at the chamber by any means. That was just, you know, because >> in the past >> we've talked about it. We've had this conversation year after year. Yeah.
>> I mean, we we've support the chamber either way. Um, go ahead. >> I think the lesser option or less expensive option is just to purchase the booth and or um yeah, just the table and chairs, not be a sponsor.
>> Um, >> 300 boxes. >> If you do, if you don't sponsor, then you are not under the tent. Uh, >> but then we'll have to see what happens next year because now with generation uh
no longer going to be providing >> Well, that's true. >> Tents anymore. We don't know that we'll even have that option anymore because that was all part of that sale with the lumber yard. >> That's true. Okay. >> So, all the all that stuff is leaving. >> Generation's been sold. >> Yes. >> Yeah.
>> Sew SeaWick. >> Yeah. Seawwick out of uh Jordan and Massur. they bought it and uh Generation is continuing with the rental through July uh because they had so many graduation parties and stuff like that. So, they're
continuing to do that. But, um once that's done, I mean, we we don't even have them for community day. So, we don't have the we don't have the tent for community or any of that. >> Oh, boy. >> Because that was all gift uh gift in kind donation. So,
>> so it's unknown as to what what August, you know, after July looks like as far as ability for that. >> So, what you're saying is there's a vacuum in the market in Lndale for a rental service business. >> There there may be there was some
discussion that maybe that that Seawick would um >> pick it up. >> Well, they may move everything to one location. I'm not really sure what their what their plans are, but >> you know, is Jordan convenient for rental stuff? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Not really.
>> Or may maybe they decide they want to continue to operate it here because they have the space for it. I don't >> there hasn't been any conversations. >> There's a rental place in New Pretty, isn't there? >> I thought there was tents and stuff, but >> but tooling, you know, cuz they uh
Generation did a lot of that. I mean, I've rented a tile saw and stuff down there before and hammer jacks and all or hammer drills and all that. >> We did too at the farm. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, yeah. So, it's unsure if this, you know, this will even happen. But, yeah, if you didn't sponsor, if you just had a
table, you were responsible for your own >> your own table and tent and all that stuff. >> I believe Hardware rents equipment too still. >> They probably >> Yeah, some smaller stuff. Not the same scope. Yeah,
they don't have I Well, maybe they do have a Dirt Witch, I guess. I don't know. >> Never asked. >> Do you have one? >> I have a Massie. >> Well, there you go. So, you're going to start renting it out? >> You do have a ditch wedge in your
>> Do I have one, too? >> Yeah. I don't know. We'll ever run again, but none of them belong to me, by the way. They're there. >> Okay. So, any other discussion on that? Moving on to discuss EDA's 2027 budget,
as I alluded to earlier, I guess. >> Yes. Um, actually tonight, the city council will have their first budget meeting on the 27 preliminary budget and property tax levy. um over the last several well
since well 2019 was excuse me the first year in a while that the EDA received funds and then um we've received funds every year from 23 through uh this year averaging that it's
going to be average 45,000 504 to $50,000 each of those um four years. Um, you know, the EDA does have three funds. The revolving loan fund, um, which we talked about earlier, the pet stop V clinic will have their loan paid
off in October of this year. And then we recently issued the the BNS holdings for the tipsy bullfrog. Uh, some discussion on that is a long-term permanent funding solution for the the revolving loan fund. Uh, the small city 209, the small
cities housing rehab uh, grant program. uh going from 27 into the future, the only time that that will be used is if um anyone sells their house or is required based off the repayment agreement to pay all or or a portion of their loan back. And then the 210 is the
the EDA's fund where the majority of the day-to-day operations um uh come from, revenues and expenses. I guess topics um BR initiatives um that I didn't print that off but it was um included as an attachment to the
the packet uh marketing that's been a big thing the last several years and then um here recently we've had been having conversations or at least during the last budget process conversations on whether or not to fund uh other economic development
agencies and I believe this year we actually um less than that dollar amount is to focus I think on on the chamber. So very preliminary information um but at the same time wanted to get this
to the board so we can can start thinking about this and um you know it would be nice to get it wrapped up in a couple meetings. I don't think we need to I don't think this needs to drag out till August September. Um, you know, if we could if there's
information that that the board wants, staff definitely can get it. Um, but you know, I think, uh, you know, June, July review and should be wrapped up.
I mean, in quite I mean, really, um, and if we can get this wrapped up in June, I think, or very close, I think that would be a a good thing. I agree. Any thoughts? Um I think one thing that might be worth
cuz we're paying what 50% of the social media budget right now. >> Um uh three Well, it'll be a total of $3,000 and it's a it's a $12,000 expense. >> Oh, okay. >> So pay. So, would that be proportional
for what we're getting as an EDA, would you say? How does that compare to other departments? >> Oh, the EDA pays the most. The EDA pays um I think $220 a month and everyone else is that $70 $80 a month. >> I think at this point and and I think
the only reason I say it is because I feel like the council would be amenable to this is all right, we we 100% funded it one year. We scaled back the next year because everybody else is,
you know, doing social media and honestly, we got to spread out these costs based on what you're getting from it. But maybe this is the year we say in our budget, we just want to pay our share >> just like everybody else equally. >> Yeah. Equally among all departments. I
think I think this is the time to to do that. Um because honestly we have not done an EDA. Well, I shouldn't say that because we we do highlight the um small cities
development grant. We have been doing that. We've been pushing on that. But beyond that, >> facade grant also. >> Yeah, the facade grant. But beyond that, you know, we haven't we haven't done a video or anything since before Sophie
and Steven took over. Not that that's not like a criticism, but like >> we're paying for more than >> Well, we were >> we're subsidizing this for everybody else. >> And we were paying for the marketing because we were marketing properties, which we're not >> doing anymore. Now it's social media,
which >> is benefiting a lot. And and they're doing a great job. I I think the content is great. It really is. Um >> but they're not selling any properties. >> Yeah. But there's there's real value to the social media. I just think that now is a good time to make the trans. We've
we've stepped it to the point where I think we're at the point we should spread it equally. So I think that changed to our budget. Not that it's a huge one, but >> what do we have 11 funds it looks like >> or 11 departments that we that are in there
>> 101 to 903? >> Correct. So now the same thing could be said about the fire department. You know, they're going to be or the water fund. You know, I mean, at that point, you almost need each department to get their own proposal. >> I'm just looking at and it works out to
90 bucks a month as opposed to our 220. So, it's 100 bucks a month. But >> yeah, >> I mean, I don't know. >> Yeah, I guess. And I think, you know, and honestly, then we're just giving the control back to the council on this thing. I mean,
>> which I think is okay. Let them have it. Um, I guess I would say the really for me on the budget it's more about how do we keep that revolving loan fund >> soluble
more so than the budget. I don't know. I think the 40,000 is is a a number that works for us because we we always have a little bit left over at the end of the year anyway because we're sitting at like in our in our quote unquote general fund for the EDA, what are we at right now? 70 or
80,000 >> estimates. >> Uh correct. 70,000. >> Yeah. So that's our 40,000 from last year plus a little bit more from previous years, you know, collectively. >> Oh, and we haven't got our any of our
26 property tax statements either. >> Okay. So, there'll be a lot more coming in. uh 40 I believe. >> Yeah. So I would say I don't see the need to increase our budget ask to the council.
>> Um keep it at 40 and then I think really what we should do is we should take some of our surplus at some point here and roll it into the revolving loan fund so we have funds available. I mean, yes, we're going to have theoretically 17,000 going in July
1st >> or well, June 1st, really. Um, but until we hit June 1st, we don't know cuz that's the facade grant money that'll roll back in there. But that still puts us at maybe 20 grand in there. And we're
>> Yeah. And we're we're talking about up to 50. That's what we advertised. So, but that that doesn't affect our budget ask. I think you know our our budget >> I don't see any need to increase it
>> personally. Um because I think even keeping it flat we cover because we do cover some of the expenses for salary and benefits and those will go up. So, those costs do they they will be going up for this budget, but I think even at 40, we're
well positioned to cover any of those increases. Um, >> and if we should get, you know, more applicants for the revolving loan fund, I think we could approach the council to >> we could. Yeah. >> You know, >> but I think we have enough in reserves
that, >> but I'm just saying if by some of chance that we should >> four people come. Yeah. >> 10 people or something. So the city runs fund accounting. So as staff, if if that's the angle we're going to play, where is that money coming from? My
budget of admin, Cory's budget of planning and zoning, water and sewer, streets >> for the revolving loan. You mean? >> Yeah. If we're if we're going to just have this, oh, the council will give us money. Well, I get it. That's my job to determine that, but we we run fund
accounting. >> Yeah. >> So where does that money come from? my budget, >> my surplus that I've been prudent and not spent all my funds >> or water, sewer, streets, parks, our debt service.
>> Where are these funds coming from? >> Well, that would probably be up to the council to decide. I'm just saying. >> I understand that, but I'm trying to lay the context of >> funds are allocated in department. So, you're going to be stealing you're going to be you almost have to set up a due to a basically a loan. >> So, the EDA is never going to get that
money back. It would be like when we constructed the um the the liquor store, we we funded it internally and basically provided the liquor fund a loan from >> other funds. >> Correct. >> And it shows up in your audit
>> and it shows up as a liability, you know. Uhuh. So, >> I think >> I got all I got I got, you know, you know, like Scott said, I don't have nine other department heads, but you know, I've got five or six other department heads saying, "Why does he need to get my money?" >> Well,
>> so you're telling me I should spend all of my money? I don't That's not the philosophy that we have here. I mean, I've worked for other organizations where it's December 1st, spend, spend, spend. That's not the way we are here. >> No, >> I'm just trying to set the table. >> Yeah. I would say really the first
>> you don't have one bank account then it's just >> right I would say the first place is we go to our own surplus in the EDA fund that's that's what rolls into >> yeah I wasn't against that idea I'm just saying we if we should use all our funds
and then someone should approach us and it sounds like you know something that would really be good I I would think that our fall back would be to go to the council and say hey you Well, we've used up all our money and there's
>> Do you feel it's worth it? I mean, yeah, we we have >> I'm not saying they would give it to us, but I'm saying that we should at least be able to approach the council at that point. I think with what we've got in our general fund, >> our overflow, we I think we have enough to >> Yeah. I'm just saying
>> keep us where we need to be if if stuff >> I'm saying a safety net, you know, at least, >> you know, have something that >> I mean, at this point, >> yeah, at this point when we hit June 1st, you know, we've got the 20 grand in there. Let's wait till we get a request
for 20 grand before we get too worried about it. But I think, you know, there's money in the the overflow EDA, >> but I agree. I don't think we need to increase our budget. No. >> No, I don't think so. >> Because we we did the feasibility study
this year. We did the hotel study this year. >> I don't think there are any other studies that we would need to fund on the radar. Would you, Bill? >> Yeah. I don't know. As soon as you say no, like my phone's going to be ringing in two hours saying, "Hey."
>> Yeah, that's that's true. >> I think we >> What do we What did we say? Then we had Maxfield was >> eight, >> eight >> and 96. >> Okay, that was one was 10. And then >> the other one
>> seven. >> Yeah, I think we went with the seven. We didn't need the location cuz Right. >> Yeah. So about 17,000 let's say. So we spent 17 grand on studies. Well, I mean honestly that that market feasibility study I think is
our fall back. If somebody comes to us and says we need a study, well here's our market feasibility. >> That's a more broad I was going to say >> if you want us to get anything more specific at this point, >> you got to have a real good reason why. But, you know, that's just what we've
done this year. We know we don't have studies. That doesn't mean we have other things we couldn't do. Um, you know, I I that's what we need to think about. So, I would say homework for the board would be next
meeting thoughts on the budget. If there are things that we want to do in 2027, we should probably have a good idea what those are in June
cuz that's going to be our our we're going to do our budget because as Joel said, we don't need to drag this out. We've done that in the past and we end up talking about the same thing, saying the same things over and over. >> Some of that long drawn out was always what was our marketing going to be?
>> Yes. So, are we going to are we going to market at the industrial park or for the business park? Are we going to, >> you know, where are we going to spend all that? That seemed to be the majority of our time that got spent was, >> right? And honestly, >> in my opinion, if we're going to do marketing, let's do it right. We go to
conferences. We go to networking events where these developers are at. I mean, this is this is inerson stuff. That's what other EDAs do. They go to conventions. They go to conferences. So, >> it's a much more involved thing. So, if
we're going to do the marketing, let's do it right. You know, we're not going to do radio ads or web streaming ads. We're going to go meet people face to face cuz we get nothing from the streaming. When you sit down and get somebody in front of you, that's where stuff comes from. >> Right. Right.
>> The networking. >> But I don't foresee that as something we need to do next year. I mean, especially if this 12.1 acres closes in October, we got to get our our feedback under us before we start marketing anything. >> Mhm.
>> I think our biggest >> our biggest discussions for next year are going to be where do we go? Do we propose that we as a city buy land or are we just going to partner with land owners to help, you know, push
people to them? Um, that's really what we need to figure out. >> Does that give you what you need, Joel? >> Yeah. >> Okay. I just want to make sure we're not >> prepared to present the budget. >> Cool.
>> All right. Other business. Development update. We kind of been doing a development update all year. >> Um well, I guess you can see um Quick Trip is um well under construction. They delivered the tanks yesterday.
Um so those are are getting put in. Yeah, we alluded to the fact that we or the council um approved a purchase agreement at the last city council meeting for the the remaining 12.1 acres that we own in the business park. Um
signed and brought the plat for the apartment project down to uh Rice County on Monday. I also had a document to record too. Oh, um the encroachment agreement for TMI council approved that.
>> That's right. >> Uh land use application and site plan um at a previous meeting. So anticipating them to be under construction soon. Uh Monday night, the planning commission approved the preliminary plat for the Prairie Vista subdivision.
So the developer will be working through that. Um some of the conditions that need to be met for final plat approval. Trying to think what else I had on there. Those are probably the main things that are
that are going on. So, >> lots of stuff. >> So, the final 12.1 acres, is that public knowledge yet? Who's purchasing it? >> Uh, Aventus Properties. They're out of um between here and New
Craig. >> What's the name of the company? >> Aventus. >> A V E. >> Yep. T >> I believe. >> Yeah, >> that is correct. >> Do we know what they do? >> Develop properties. >> Yeah. Oh, they got a project in New Craig going on right now.
>> Yeah, they basically build the properties and then lease them out. >> Okay. >> Yeah, they've been between the two of them. They've been all over the place. Business owners, apartments, >> golf course. >> Golf course. Yeah. >> Um, quick trip. When is the opening
scheduled for? >> September. >> September. Sometime. Okay. >> Will that be the chamber or is the city the one that >> chamber coordinates the the ribbon >> ribbon cutting? Okay. >> And we'll do our best to do it on a weekday so you don't burn up another
Saturday afternoon. >> I I'll make it work. I'm at home. I'm at you know I work from home. though. >> I got cheesecake out of the last one, so I was that I didn't I wasn't >> You guys got frostbite, too.
>> Yeah, it was cool. >> All right, cool. Any other questions about the development update? Additional items to be discussed? Anybody have anything additional? >> Um, on-site visits, have they kind of just stalled in the water?
>> Uh, for now? >> Yeah. People are busy. There's a lot going on. >> So, no, I said at the last meeting it needs to be a priority. >> All right. Items for June. I think we got a lot on there already. Anybody have
anything additional for June? Um, do we Well, no, I'll leave it. Never mind. I was just thinking founders day if there's anything we want to do to promote EDA there. But I think it's just going to be like the street fair.
Doesn't make sense. >> All right. With that, I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. So move >> Evelyn second. >> I'll second >> Simon. >> All in favor? >> All right, we are journ. Thank you
everybody. Happy Memorial Day. >> Yes, please. A V or Part: 2
I was like, "Do I wear it? Do I not wear it? Do I wear it?" It's like, I wear it. Now I won't wear it. Hello everyone and welcome to the special city council meeting today, Thursday, May 21st. call to order this
meeting at 7:01 p.m. You can all please join us in the pledge of >> allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. Thank you. Roll call. >> Brian Wormkers >> here. >> Krie Miller >> here. Tom Berg >> here, >> James Bka >> here, >> and Scott Palava >> here.
>> All right, tonight's agenda goes all the way down to 10A. Is there any additions, deletions, or corrections to the agenda? >> I'll make the motion to approve. >> Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Second by Blava. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I.
>> All right. All opposed. Approval of the minutes. There are no minutes. Uh public hearings. There aren't any public hearings. So presentation is citizen petitions and comments. Comments limited to two minutes. So if not on the agenda tonight, now is your time to speak.
All right. Uh there are no items on the consent agenda. On to old business proclaiming April 30th, 2026 National Therapy Animal Day, the city of Lonel. Joel Ericson, city administrator. >> Thank you, mayor and members of the
council. Um, this is a it's continuation from from the last meeting. Um, Mary Drezen was here with her dog Maggie at our last council meeting. Um, unfortunately, a couple items took longer than what was anticipated, so it didn't work out, but um, emailing back
and forth and the council's desire to to have her come and, um, explain what therapy dogs do and things like that and the benefit to, uh, humans and whatever situation they're in, whether it's just a stressful day in the hospital, at
school, whatever the case may be. Um, uh, Mary wanted to come back and, um, kind of just go over what we were supposed to go over at the last meeting. So, >> um, I guess with that, >> Mary, do you want to come up?
Absolutely. With Maggie. >> Yeah. Well, thank you for inviting me back and putting up I apologize for last week. Uh, we had been at Children's Hospital. were only allowed to work a little while and it was getting long for her. So I kept her home today and I took her sister. So Maggie is a golden
retriever. She is 5 years old and I got her just outside of Londale from the Born Holen family. I was teaching a new parade and uh retiring and they're like I have one of our pups. I can't afford you. And uh so she's extra special to me being I got her from one of my students
and right here in Montgomery Lawndale area. And uh we go all over the metro area, all over the state area. Um we regularly visit Gillette Hospital where we do physical therapy. We'll be there tomorrow. Um met some amazing people. One of the first kids we met, he was
going to be a senior in high school and he was in a car accident. Two of his best friends were killed and he's paralyzed from the shoulders down and First time we met him, his name is Charles. All he could mouth was. He had a dog at home. Every week we saw him. Every week he got better and after
about eight months he was discharged. Um and is learning to slowly work her wheelchair with one of his arms. Um do physical therapy with him a lot. He'll brush her and they'll stimulate his muscles and things. um met another girl who had just finished volleyball season
and got some kind of illness and was paralyzed. And we would work physical therapy with her and uh finally they're like, "You ready?" She grabbed a walker and for the first time walked again with Maggie. Um do a lot of physical therapy. We had a young girl who was from
California who went to the state fair and ate a corn dog and had a dairy allergy and suffered massive seizures. Was left paralyzed and she's worked with her the unconditional love, the acceptance, you know, the caring, the motivation is great. Um, I had a student
who had cancer and he would go to Children's and get chemo and he um did pass away. So, I do it in honor of him. So, we visit Children's Hospital and we visit the cancer ward. We were there this morning with her sister Millie. I've got two dogs now. We're members of
Pet Partners. Pet Partners is international around the whole world. Um, we hear about floods and hurricanes and different things. Um, that's us. The Minnesota branch is Northstar Therapy Animals. We have about 370 members. We have alpacas, llamas, guinea pigs,
rabbits, cats, dogs. Um, majority are golden retrievers. Um, we do a lot with veterans. One of my favorite events is home for the holidays and as homeless veterans. and we meet at Target Field and they go from table to grab some chair, some shoes and some boots to a
haircut facility to a shower facility to a job application to petting the dogs and uh you know naively said to one of them like you have a dog can't even take care of myself. I love seeing your dog. Um so that's one
of our favorite. We do a lot with the veterans. We just set up 10 visits in the metro area with different veterans. um do a lot with homeless, do a lot with Catholic Charities. We were recently at Higher Ground. Higher Ground is a homeless shelter. Um and so we do a lot with homeless and with Catholic
Charities. Do a lot of fun events. Um our group was at the Viking Stadium for stress relief. Um we'll be at the state fair this weekend reading with kids. We go to min new PRA hospital. We go to um all the new Prague schools. And I was very honored, very impressed to be
invited to launch those schools. Excellent school. Very impressed. The kids were so kind, so polite. The teachers were so appreciative. And we're planning to set up next year where kids can read to her. She doesn't hand out report cards, you know, she doesn't judge. And so, you know, people that uh
maybe don't like reading the kids so much, they'll read to her. So, we do a lot. Um it it's a great organization. It's a great retirement thing for me. And uh she's a little bit of a celebrity. I have to brag a little bit. Um the Special Olympics are held this
summer in Minneapolis and she is the first live mascot. They will call her champ because the theme is calling all champions and um so we're going to be in the St. Paul Grande Parade. We've been to state fair parade. We've been on TV a number of times where I'm champ Maggie I
mean champ. So she's going to be at uh Special Olympic facilities um Mall America etc. So um this is a great honor. We really appreciate you doing this and um we're very appreciative any way we can give back. Um we do a lot. I
got to show you a couple quick tricks. I'll let you get out of there. Maggie, sit. >> Maggie, you have a lot of special people there. Your hair is messy. Fix it. Your hair is messy. Fix it. And uh I do a lot of lessons in school
about kindness and about dogs accept everyone. what kind of house you live in, what kind of car you drive. Dogs love unconditionally. They don't care if Taylor Swift or Justin Jefferson walked in or she's met a lot of kids Crescent Wolf that are dying. She treats them all
the same. Um, and going to school, she learned a lot. She's even learned how to spell. Maggie, leave it. Do you spell Blondale? N I C E. No, she didn't eat it. Maggie,
do you spell Millie? That's her sister. P A I N. She didn't need it. Maggie, do you spell mom? D A D. Maggie, do you spell book? B O K. B O K.
I'm very grateful, very appreciative. If any of you got questions, um, we're covered under $2 million insurance. Uh, we get tested every two years. I get tested, she gets tested. Um, with Pet Partners, they test both ends of the leash. There are different copycat
organizations with therapy animals, but we're the only one that has the million dollars insurance and that's why we're tested both both ends. So, any questions or comments? >> Uh, what children's? Minneapolis, St. Paul. >> Yeah, Minneapolis. We go to St. Paul once in a while for special events, too.
Got a lot a lot of different special events. >> You did a >> We read here this afternoon. That's was a tough one. >> Mhm. >> Fight. I was probably the first one that the door >> um the hospital that didn't deal with mental health. >> Um Beth Eupen,
>> she is the head of recreational therapy there. So we go visit every week to see them too. Kids love them. >> Well, I'm sure there's lots of Vikings fans that could use a therapy dog >> and wild fans only
recently. I have because I prefer the hospitals and schools, but uh we also go to Twins games and there's a area for kids that are having sensory problems and they can you know visit with them and then the St. Paul Saints games and now we're invited to Vikings and the Minnesota Wild or kids that need a break
with sensory needs. We don't get to meet the athletes or anything which is fine but it's just fun being there. >> It's just a matter of time. >> Exactly. >> Well, uh Brian, you got anything you want to add? No, just thank you for coming back. We appreciate it. >> I apologize. >> No, no, no, no. We don't want to
apologize. We went long. It's not your fault. >> Sit wait. >> No, thank you. Thank you for bearing with us and coming back. So, I'm really glad we could hear hear your story and and >> you know, uh I said at the last meeting, I think you were gone at the time, but I said we we need to keep this on the
calendar for every year. You know, we have Arbor Day, tree day, all that kind of stuff, but this one we wanted to make sure we have on the schedule. >> Really appreciate it. very kind of you. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah, I appreciate it. That's that's very nice. And we all met it was April 30th and 197
America. It was a really great event. People everywhere and then they announced all the city. I'm very >> proud. I I think it's very cool that uh Megan gets to be the the mascot for Special Olympics. I'm the nephew with Down syndrome. So, I think that's
amazing. That's awesome. >> I'm proud of her. Yeah. I I went last year to Special Olympics. Minnesota just Minnesota Olympics, right? And this is our big event. They're expecting 7,000 athletes to fly in the same 12 airports there for months. >> Oh, yeah. They've been doing a lot. It's been on the news and everything. So,
it's going to be great. Yeah. That's awesome. >> So, she's the first live mascot. So, we're a great job. Does a nice job. My son's a special ed teacher. I was a special ed and Okay. I've got also have a nephew with Dies. So, we're very proud. >> Yeah. That's amazing. >> It's a great organization. >> It is. Curry.
>> Well, as you know, what you do is close to my heart, too, because I work in schools um with kids with special needs, and I just see the huge benefits that therapy animals have. So, thank you so much for volunteering your time in retirement to provide joy to all the people who need um a little extra every
day. >> And those of us that don't, too. >> I know. I This is makes my night. Thank you. >> Um and like Brian said, I just want to make sure we do this annually in April ahead of April 30th so that we can Yeah, I can bring Millie next time. Yeah.
>> Or both. Can they come together? >> Can only handle one at a time. >> Okay. >> They are very strict with us. So, yeah. >> Sounds good. Well, thanks again for being here and sorry about last year. >> I really appreciate it. That's very kind of you. Thank you. >> Very classy. Very impressed. >> Thank you,
>> Jamie. >> Just thanks for coming back. >> Thank you. Sorry about being >> It's okay. >> Worry about it. >> Yeah. You know, um we always uh you know, we're a dog town. We have a lot we have a lot of dogs around town and uh you know while they're not all official
therapy animals. I mean they they all serve as a you know it's amazing how how much an animal can uh enrich somebody's life and and take the edge off or whatnot. And uh so that's it's great that uh that we can have that connection
and that you're doing what you're doing. Taking it a step above that which is uh a very important thing when you consider 50 years ago animal therapy was virtually unheard of. You wouldn't see a dog in a hospital or
>> uh you know a health facility or whatever. But now it's >> it it's as they're they're as important as the doctors. So, >> I've had Dr. You're more important than I want and they do sit in the hospital. Yeah. We were invited to the science
museum last year. We're back again this year and we do a scientific study. Studies have done proven that it lowers your heart rate and it also lowers your blood pressure. Scientific studies. >> Thank you. >> Well, thank you very much, >> Mary. I want to thank you again for
coming in. Um, that is our fault, not yours. Don't don't even take a little bit of the blame. That was all ours. And uh um I actually wished we we had gotten this ahead of us. So then that way um we could have really truly promoted it for
that April 30th event. So we'll get it next year 110%. And I want to thank you and Maggie for coming in. Thanks for doing the tricks too. I think you did Lakefville too, right? >> Pardon me. >> Did you you did Lakeville too? >> I didn't get Lakeville. Very dumb. Got Lakeville. >> Okay. So I tried real hard but and then
Elark never heard back. And then Lord told me will not do it. will not do it. >> Well, I I watched the Lake Council meeting. I saw that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And I thought that was really special and I'm glad you reached out to us. >> St. Paul, we got the state of Minnesota. We got
>> lawn sale. >> Yeah. That's all you did. >> But I appreciate you both for coming in and thanks for doing the tricks and >> thanks. >> I hope people got to see that on the camera. And if they didn't, be jealous cuz you weren't here. >> That was awesome. I loved it.
>> Um, take care. Okay. >> Thank you very much. Thank you for all your work. Your city is class. >> Do you have a Do you have a business card? >> Yeah, I've got a brochure. I got a card. >> We were joking today since we're going to be talking about budget tonight. We should have her come at the end of the
meeting. >> WE NEED THE therapy up here. >> Then come back in September when we got to pick a letter. This is our Northstar therapy animal organization. She happened to be in the front cover. >> This is hospice and respit for kids. It
was started by her kiloo >> and continues with Joel Mer and Kyle Rudolph. >> Um and it's where kids can die with dignity. There's only three in the United States and Minnesota has one of them and we visit there on Mondays. It's in Brooklyn Center. >> Sure.
>> So that's where that picture was taken. Well, I appreciate it and we'll we'll definitely stay in touch. >> Thank you for making time for us. I appreciate it. Yeah, we'll be back in our schools. >> Good, good, good. >> Maybe you want these the extras or Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> I appreciate you.
>> Yes. >> Bye, Maggie. >> Did we make a motion for this or did >> Yeah, we did. Yep, it was approved. Yeah. >> All right. >> All right. >> Awesome. Well, on to new business. Discuss the city's preliminary 2027 budget and
property tax levy. Joel Ericson, city administrator. >> All right. Thank you, mayor, and uh members of the council. >> Actually, that was pretty nice. Kind of. >> It was nice. >> It was. >> Can set the tone hopefully for for the evening.
>> If not, I got a card to call her back. We can all just take a minute and look at her cute picture. >> I'm not even out of the parking lot yet. >> Well, all joking aside, right, are kidding. Um, this is the first meeting on our uh 2027 preliminary budget
property tax levy. Um, you know, really the point of this meeting is kind of big picture generalities and kind of, you know, set the stage or pro provide direction that staff will use to formulate the uh preliminary and final levy uh budget and
and levy. Um, kind of talked about that priorities are are big importance. um you know until the levy's determined there are several I I could make all kinds of examples all day long of this amount that amount um what's included in
the in the along the staff's report are are two options just to kind of get people thinking of the levy. Uh, one is um a 0% increase in the levy which uh takes the property tax rate
from 51.719 down to 49.256. Um, what while it doesn't uh provide any additional revenue, it does provide a tax relief to some properties but still
increases others. And then when you look at keeping the le the tax rate the same at the 51.719 uh it generates about $161,000 in additional revenue. And um
what it results is results in is uh for the houses that we track a tax increase per year um between $19 and uh 218. And then for the businesses,
um, a much wider range, 186 to a little over,400 through my paper so I can write notes on it. Um, that's probably one of the one of, if not the biggest decision that that the city council has to make in in
formulating uh the the city's budget. The uh Minnesota legislative session ended uh here on Sunday night, early Monday morning, whenever it was. Um, very beneficial to
the city of Lndale. Uh as of now um I don't anticipate less L uh less LGA but in 20 or this year uh we received $638,670 and that is used to um partially fund uh general fund
say general fund but um admin planning and zoning police parks and streets. Uh we did request uh money for our water tower and water main loop. Um that was
fortunately included in the the bonding bill. So um staff will be working with whether we need to work with our legislature legislators or uh city engineer to uh get the next steps
anticipating since this is the budget for um would begin 71 kind of going by the of timing for available funding of our small cities the grant that we got we ended up signing the contract in September.
So, I'm anticipating September, October, we'll be signing a grant agreement um for whatever documents we need to sign for the project. Um with that said, one of the uh decisions the council needs to make is
what do we want for the timing of this project? um to get on the intended use plan which is uh an application process that is due if we're going by uh the timelines for
26 March of 27 and then the PPL uh is due June of 27. Um as far as well I'm getting ahead of myself. That's that's for the sewer. I'm sorry. Um
and then so the um >> so everything hold on Joel. So everything you mentioned for the dates March and June that was for the wastewater treatment facility. >> Correct. >> Okay. So where you left off with the bonding bill was anticipating getting the funds allocated September and
October. >> That's a guess as far as I'm just going by the last grant that we got from the state. >> Yeah. Um the water tower sighting study uh that is currently underway modeling. I know public works has been working with Bolton and Ming to provide whatever
information they needed. The pressure the hydrant pressure equipment is on. So that's um recording pressures based off of usage and everything. That information will be incorporated into the model our of our
whole water system to determine um the size and um height of the water tower and what what we do with do we have two water towers? Do we do one large one? Um I know it's the staff level we've been saying we have a water tower that was
constructed in 1995. >> Yeah. >> So you know a little over 30 years they last way longer than that. Mhm. >> So that's what the modeling will do is, you know, how do the two towers function together? Um, so once that's done, then we'll be
able to really get into the the nitty-gritty of the tower and then get a proposal from uh Bolton and Mink on the actual design, construction, observation, and really the the building of uh or construction of the water tower.
>> Is the site still right over here? Uh that's what we've been using for since we did the business park. That's why we um have that property that way and then have the trail there. And then we put a 12-in water main between uh Commerce and
Pond View to basically get us to this point of it's just the water tower. >> And then just couple of things real quick. I think our LGA is actually supposed to increase. I got to go back and double check. >> It always does. I missed.
>> But I know that when I was watching uh these committees and all that, they they did bring it up how they were going to try to increase it. Um I I just got to verify. I'm sure you'll probably hear before I do, Joel. But >> yeah, I just haven't seen anything. And 24 was like 636,000.
25 638, >> right? >> So >> yeah. and and I think they were talking about a significant because they were talking about property taxes um being pretty high and they had a priority marker on it. But um the other thing too
is as far as the water tower goes and timing. Um I think it's important that we reach out to uh Dayton Freight to um just shoot Anthony a line and and state that we got it cuz I know that that was one thing that he did bring up was
what's that little square for? And uh we talked about a potential water tower in the future. Um and I think we can correlate or coordinate with him Um kind of good timing as well. And uh seeing as this would be towards the end
of 2027 or sorry we would be that's this September and October, right? But you're thinking we're going to get word. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Because they're doing the budget. They
approved the budget now for >> 71. Correct. >> Yeah. That's the fiscal year start two years. >> Y >> by annual >> well this this is not a budget year. We're in the middle of the budget year budget cycle >> follow >> next year is the beginning of a new
budget cycle. So 20 27 or I'm sorry 20 yeah 27 is when that legislature will meet for the new budget. So they'll be planning um for the new budget and I believe that kicks in July 1 of 27th. So July 1 of 26 is
the middle of the budget for the bianium. Does that make sense? Minnesota's weird. We got the bianiums. Think of it this way. The the odd number year is the budget year. The even number year is bonding. You know, if they do
bonding now, they did do a supplemental >> going to say that's the way it's supposed to be. >> That's the way it's supposed to be. That's the way it's supposed to be. Um there was I believe some supplemental budget stuff done this year and that's not uncommon in in the off year but um
yeah. Yeah. This is it is it's an annual budget. Yes. But this is the the budget that was figured out last year. So we can get we can definitely get more information on when to anticipate it. But, uh, as far as timing goes, I I
think we should link up a date and on that and just see kind of what they got planned. >> Yep. >> And, yeah, my recommendation would be have everything ready to go. >> Yep. >> So, when the funds are available, >> we're bidding go. >> We're under construction. >> Yep.
>> Before they take it back, >> they could. They can't. >> U, we do receive small cities assistance for street maintenance. um estimating that at about $62,000. Um and I mean I think it's obvious we'll
be over 5,000 for uh MSA municipal state aid. So we'll be working with the city engineer on on that and getting lined up and getting our account set up and whatever we need to do to to receive that money. >> And that's through MINDOT,
>> correct? >> Yeah. Do we have to pay a demographer to come back and and redo our population? >> No, the state demographer report is what it goes off with. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, June we should be getting the official report, correct? I believe it's June.
>> We should We usually get it like in April. We should I'm anticipating we're going to get that any day now, actually. >> Okay. I thought it was June last year. I could be wrong. >> Then it's dated back to July of the previous >> previous year. Okay. Yeah. So, it's the
state demographer that does that. They release a an estimate every year in non-ensus years. That's where that comes from. >> I'm pretty sure we What was it? The 18 20 people. >> We were 17 short.
>> 17. I will never forget that number. >> That night. >> That's right. >> That's true. That's true. >> Didn't count. >> But it did. Yeah, exactly. He was right. >> I don't even think my last one counted. So, >> I better get a Christmas card. I'm poor kids is alive. I'm going to stay
tomorrow. >> Just wait. Uh, as far as federal legislation, uh, as we talked about the last meeting with the presentation of the wastewater treatment plant, uh, and the bioolids recommended updates, uh, we did request 2.5 million in congressional funding.
Um, Angie, Representative Craig, and both of our senators have supported that and it is included in their request for funding. So, my understanding is it's in the appropriations. It just needs to get
negotiated out at at the federal level similar to um our body cams. >> Just the final step. >> Correct. >> Yeah. And like we've talked before, I think we requested 186,000, got 180. So,
>> right around there. It was >> 187 and then we got 184. Yeah. >> Yeah. A few thousand less, >> which wasn't that bad of a deal. So ideally um we'd know in September October if they approved a budget before
uh October 1st their fiscal year but as with the body cams uh and the radios the encrypted radios for the fire department uh that was approved in December of 25. So want to be optimistic but kind of seems the way things are going over the last
couple years probably we're probably due for two more shutdowns between now and then and then they'll get approved. Well, we're still in one, so >> don't forget. >> Well, yeah, good point. So, one more that'll continue till now. >> Uh, as far as our capital improvement plan, the last time the city, uh, I
mean, really did one was in 2006, and that'll be updated this year. The first step in that is evaluating our our pavement, our part of our pavement management plan or our PCI, our pavement condition index. um in talking with Bolton Mink. That's
going to be done here in the next uh couple weeks. So, if anyone sees any car driving around real slow with sensors or whatever, that's what what that'll be. It's actually a >> It's not a Whimo.
>> I haven't seen it. I It very well could be. I I don't know. But it's definitely AI. It's a an AI product. >> I saw one. I don't know what the car looks like for the car. >> Uh, and that will be used for to develop a plan for maintenance of our
developments and recon projects. Um, we will have a component in there for um crack fill seal coat. We've kind of switched to the oil rejuvenation. Um, milling overlays. We'll use that information to determine what areas of
town we go to next based off of the the lowest ratings. Uh, I know we talked about this last time, but consider assessing for for milling overlays and then evaluate our our current assessment policy. So, through the budget process, um, I'll
utilize the league's template or or sample assessment policy to see how much ours has changed. It it has been 20 years. Um, we do have a section in our current assessment policy about um,
you know, fixing curbs, small street repairs, what how that would be uh, cost allocated between the property owners in the city. And we don't have anything really specific on milling overlay other than just uh, reconstruction prior to 25
years. And all that says is basically no time. Shall the city assess an amount less than that equal to sell bonds? Uh the last time we sold bonds that was 20%. Um I know Joe has in his conversations
with other communities um Elco New Market in specific I believe they're 40%. 40% and then divide it amongst the number of houses in the project. >> And that for them was equating to 11 to
$1,500. But I mean that's almost half the funding and helps. So any bond like I said you have to at least assess 20% of the project costs. So what that allows you to do is not just oh we can get
400 feet of 8th Avenue Northwest and you know uh singing hills from Willow Creek to Woodidge and Woodidge Court. I mean it could be all of Harvest Ponds, >> right? >> And then you're on a like a threeyear
schedule then. Uh next, you guys have seen this before, our water capital outlay based off of the comprehensive water uh plan that we did. I think that got approved in the early
it was spring of 23, but we've completed the booster station. We're working on the water tower sighting storage study. um 0 to 5 years, the remaining thing they're looking at is a a rate a utility rate study. That may be something that
we we want to consider. Um there are free options out there. Um I know or at least in the past, rural water had a a spreadsheet that you could put all your information in and would kind of tell you where where you were at.
I think this is a much bigger picture. um study as far as going out so many years and a water tower um whatever the case may be your uh your CI your water man
replacement all that stuff uh the water tower we talked about that with uh being successful with the bonding bill as part of that project I also recommend there's for years there's been talk about
getting a rail from 8th Avenue up to 15th here. Um I know with the Quick Trip project, they're going to be installing a sidewalk the length of that block. So we'll have a sidewalk um basically up to the corner of Commerce in and 15th.
And it is actually surprising how many people walk on on Highway 19. >> Yeah. So, my question is is wasn't that wasn't that a part of the Highway 19 milling overlay to add trails?
Uh, I would have to look to see how far it went, but we definitely um I'd have to look at that presentation that was done, but yes, there was a bunch of missing sections that were were put in and a lot of it was on the the north side. I forgot how far I went because that was when they were pitching the
roundabout on ETH. But um I I specifically remember it going to the tree I think a little bit past by Lions Park. But yeah, that that would probably be worth revisiting too.
>> Yep. I know for sure it went to um the rolling rolling rich marketplace. >> That's what I'm seeing. And then that would connect up with uh the trail that um goes north and then around Mac and Tons and then up to 8th
Avenue or 8th Avenue North and South. >> Yeah. cuz I kept going back in my mind about you know the apartment how we have the walking path you know going from the library to Aith but the rest of the trail doesn't or the walking path
doesn't connect to say ash right >> ash >> yeah the trail that um the apartments we putting in is basically replacing that demonstration laying on birch >> right but I'm I'm just talking about
being parallel wall with a >> Yeah, it would just be in that area. Ash and Eth Avenue. Yeah. >> Okay. Right. Are we going to the same? >> I don't know. >> I I believe it just goes a little bit
um from I believe Birch starts out at Birch and then it goes up to the library. I don't think there's anything that goes down to ash on e >> uh not on the east side. >> Right. >> Are we planning on painting like a
crosswalk at where that trail would end on ETH? >> Uh it's going to it'll be at the intersection of Birch and ETH. >> Okay. So, we'll have a painted. >> Yeah. Yeah, there is. >> There is one there now. >> Yep. I see that sign keeps getting
pushed further and further to the south. >> Um yeah, so it'll go um at that intersection and then go south on the the east side of ETH. >> Mhm. >> And then >> cut across. >> Correct. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Basically between what's proposed the housing on Birch. So it's kind of
the apartment divider. >> Yep. Um yeah, then it just gets out, you know, it's nice to have a plan out 10, 15 years, but priorities change, everything changes, but it's nice to at least have a plan with um treatment
upgrades and water tower rehab and then a future well out. Gosh, it seems so long, but >> nine years, eight years, and 27. >> Uh, as far as sewer, like we discussed
earlier, uh, John Grutman from Bold and Mink was here going over, uh, options for bioolids. We updated the 2014 study, which was presented at the May 14th meeting. Um based on preliminary estimates costs
range from five to 14 million and the 14 includes the uh liquid stream. So this is where my notes say look at first page IUP and PPL.
Um so going back to that those March dates and the June dates of you know you know that's you know what when you know when does the council want to see those improvements started to be made as far as whether it's the liquid stream you know probably more so the liquid stream
the uh federal funding is based off of fiscal year 27. So, uh, debt service, uh, the next bonds to be paid off, which are supported by the the property tax levy, are the 2012 A bonds. That's the third or second and
third Avenue Northwest projects. Uh, the water treatment plant we've paid off in 2030, that's about 70,000 a year. Uh then with the pending sale of the city's remaining lot in the business park, uh the debt ser the principal
645,000 um which could be paid off early. U if so we'd save about 13,000 in interest uh with an interest rate of 2%. Uh currently we're getting about 3.61%
61% interest in the 4M plus fund, which just with rates dropping has come down from over 5% several months ago. Um, so when you're considering paying off bonds at 2% and we're, you know,
getting revenue at 3 and a half or 3.6, probably makes sense just to keep the money in the bank and not levy that. I think it's about 160,000 a year we're levying and then just pay the debt service uh out of that.
Um I I would like to kind of say something on this is when we were discussing that transaction um the intent was to pay off the bond and then take the rest and put it into
EDA's revolving loan fund and to relieve ourselves from you know that 224,000 because then that's an easier conversation to go look at a GO bond or whatever else it might be for wastewater treatment facility. without really affecting the levy all too much because
of 2028's bond dropping. Um, in that first year, we're not I'm assuming, and you can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm assuming that first year when we go and say we do a geo bond, you know,
we're not going to see that full rate that first year or that full payment. Correct. kind of like the um city hall, you know, the first year, the first payment wasn't the full how much >> Oh, yeah. There's Yeah. So, the
investors can get a their return. Yeah. You know, the first year is just interest. >> So, I guess I'm kind of curious to know um and maybe we got to wait if we do look at bonding for that um what interest
rates might might be, but I just would hate to see us apply it for congressional funding and then us just not fund anything for the wastewater treatment facility. But then also looking at the fact of uh
kind of where we're sitting at. I mean our options are to keep things the same or decrease our tax rate. Well, how is that sustainable if we're going to go into further debt service and potentially maybe we don't have to go into debt service? I don't know. We're
We still got to have the conversation on it, but that was the intent when we um presented that offer or uh the the counter offer, but I I get what you're saying, Joel. I
mean, we're at 3.61 61 with the 4M fund. But um I think when I worked this out with Tammy for the Wacken sack um the interest made off of it, it would have to be vested to see the full amount
passed a year or at a year and I think it was at that time 810,000. I think it was like less than 30,000 in return. Does that sound I got to look back on it again. Yeah, if you guys want to pay it off,
I'll start that process of calling them. >> Um, I I I really what I really want to do is I really want to come up with a game plan for the wastewater treatment facility and and really consider all of our
options. Um, but I I just think it would be better off if we tried to pay down debt service versus adding to debt service because I mean we did we got a big payment with this city hall now. So, trying to offset it as much as
possible. >> Okay. And then real quick question. Um, when can we when can we expect um the full property taxes from Quick Trip? Is that 2027
>> or is that 2028? >> I think 28. >> It'll be 28 because values are already set for 27. Okay. >> Or uh yeah, I mean >> and we probably see >> equalization, you know, getting notices
for that are it's typically held in uh April. So, we'll probably get the full amount for the apartment the same time we get it for quick trips, right? >> Uh, yeah, just depending on the where they are in construction. >> Okay. >> But yeah, so we're always
we're always a year behind. >> Do you do you have an idea of what that would be? And I mean like you don't have to throw anything out there if you're not too sure. Um, >> for the department or for Quick Trip? quick yet. We already know the apartment.
Um I I could look real quick. It's probably not going to be apples to apples, but right And it's all, you know, based off of value and uh tax rate. But the quick trip in Dundis generates
about $19,000 in the city taxes. >> Okay. So, I don't say 14 15. >> Sure. >> Because they have the diesel canopy and I'm not sure what their tax rate is. Yeah. I think Dundus is a little bit
higher than ours. Anyway, okay. Um and then put on the table is um sneak peek of the audit presentation on debt service. Um
and this is just straight up principle and interest and you can see principal going down, but it seems like the or obviously, but um you know, it seems like interest goes
down substantially more than what the principal does. It doesn't look like it goes down that much just because you're looking at $500,000 increments and in in the graph. The second page just shows the bonds
that we have um what they were issued at, what the interest rates are, maturity dates, and then just the balance at at the end of the year. So um
you know over the years we've bonded for you know quite a few projects three projects 0708 then we kind of took a break when the market crashed and then 2012 was we were back to second and third and then
not every year but pretty much every year uh through 2020 we did a project or 22 actually and you know we we were able to get good rates at the time um or refinance. I mean, some of our bonds are less than
1%. So, >> there's an at least one floating equipment bond, right? >> Yes. >> Or is there two? >> Uh so, these are the go bonds. Um, yeah, the equipment bonds equipment
certificates that we issued were like 340,000. >> I I think there's two, right? It's the plow truck and then it's the um >> Help me out, Joel. >> We coupled the truck, the lamb, >> and I think the zero turn. Yeah.
>> Yeah. Okay. And those are included any right in the total amount say 26 or 2026. >> Uh no these are just um geo bonds. >> Okay. >> I I believe that principle is like 340,000
You know, no one likes debt, but when you compare, you know, the ratio of our cash to debt, I think a lot of cities and quite frankly, a lot of residents would would want to be in the position that we're in. Uh as far as HR, um last year we did a
classific classification and compensation study. Uh it evaluated um all of the employees in the wage scale um and assisted in realigning us with with the market. Uh over the last 12 months, the CPI has
increased 3.8%. And I haven't received anything for health insurance, but anticipating around hopefully around not a minimum of a 10% increase. Um we always go and
price out multiple companies and we don't have any loyalty. Whatever the cheapest one we we switch to. >> Is the uh MPL factored in here too? because I feel like it's going to be a lot higher >> next year since it's already going to be
exhausted. >> Yeah. Um it's it's not in here, but we went to the private market. >> Okay. >> So, um whatever's happened at the state is is their deal. I think they were at 888 and we went to the private market and got 82. >> Okay.
>> So, I guess we'll see what what happens. As far as the library, they just recently completed a strategic plan for um 24 through 26. >> I'm sorry. I believe it was 26 through 28.
>> Yep. 26 through 28. Um their main priorities were just increase knowledge of the library, build maintain strategic partnerships, uh increase opportunities for community involvement, provide programming that provides lifelong learning
and then evolve to meet the needs of the community. Uh Brian, do you want to add uh the big ticket item that you disclosed in the library board with the um >> friends of the library? >> That's
so friends of the library will actually be a separate entity, right? Um, the way it's it's supposed to be done, the way it should be done correctly is a Friends of the Library organization should be a separate 501
uh IRS 501 C. I'm not quite sure if it's a three or four. I'm doing some research on that. Um, but that will be completely independent. Um, so I'm working on that kind of on the side to try and figure it out. There's there's startup costs, you
know, before the Friends of the Library as a as a nonprofit organization can fund raise. It has to be registered with the Secretary of State. You have to have a tax ID, all this stuff. And there's some some costs involved with that. Anywhere from a,000 to $1,500 to get
registered as a 501 um with both the state and the fed. Um, so you know, part of that is we we've been talking about it for a long time and we've used the the name Friends of the Library, but really it it needs to be a separate entity, separate from the
city, so we can fund raise properly, so we can support like other Friends of the Libraries that are successful do. Um, we had a library board meeting last night and I said my personal goal with the friends of the library and it's a really
ambitious goal. I don't know if it's achievable or not. I hope it is, but um, personally, I would love to see us create a friends of the library organization that raises enough money to build a library to actually build a new
library. Um it's ambitious, but other friends of libraries have done it. >> Um frankly, um I think what what we'll find in these sorts of meetings going forward is once it's established, we'll let people know
it's established and that's about the end of it because it has to operate completely independent from the city. >> Um you know, it's a separate organization. You know, it'll be just like the way we do Founders Day things. You know, friends of the library makes a donation. and we as a council will then
accept those donations. But uh um you know, more to come for the public that's watching, you know, as we get it developed, as it as it gets, you know, there's so much legal and bureaucratic paperwork with setting up a 501. Um but
I think we could do it right and I think I think the city of Lawndale is ready for it. Um so >> yeah, it it always gets brought up to me all the time. Uh my neighbor's a part of the uh new branch system in Scott County
and she's like start a friends with the library. Okay, >> it's a good idea. >> Yeah. So that's that. Um, as far as like library budget stuff, um, I know Margarite, uh, because I had asked her last night for we had created a a a list
of of the board, the library board had put together a list early in the year of long-term stuff. And um, I can't find it for the life of me on my computer. And Margarite was going to get it from me. I know she was out sick today, so she sent
me an email. She was out sick today. So, she's going to try and get that to me tomorrow. I will share that with everyone so you guys can see what that was. Um, >> it it's in the last year's budget >> staff report. Yep. >> Okay. I'll dig for it some more, but we
we'll get it out to everybody. you know, really for like this year's budget. Um, I think the library, you know, they they've they've come up with some really good ideas that potentially will be implemented this year depending on some grants that they've
applied for. Um, you know, there's things coming up in June with the the summer reading program. This kind of gets into my report for later, but the summer reading programs kickoff is is coming uh first Friday in June. But part of the summer reading program this year, it's it's actually extended.
It's gone from six weeks to eight weeks. So that's extended, but there's movie nights. Cost of showing movies. There's licensing fees with that. Um you know, how much is provided at those movie nights is determined on do we get these grants, you know, as far as refreshments, snacks, that's kind those
kinds of things. Uh the library received a grant for uh from Dollar General for I believe it's like $2,800. Um and all that money is for the party at the end of the summer reading program. So that's enhanced this year. But if you know wish
list items, taking those things and and making them ongoing long term um you know other things like uh um uh what do we talk about? Uh with the parks, you know, we have a for example, we have a disc
golf course. Wouldn't it be great if somebody could go to the library and check out discs to go play at the disc get disc golf course and then return them. Don't lose them, return them, but you know, equipment that people can use, pickle ball paddles and stuff to go
up to the the hockey rink and play pickle ball, that kind of stuff. So, those are some ideas that are being kicked around. Um, again, for this year, it depends on grant funding, but potentially those are the types of things you could see with the library in
that budget. I I told Margarita like, you know, this is where you ask. So, think of what you'd like to do for next year. You know, what's the worst? You ask for something and you're told no. That's the worst case scenario. So, said make a wish list and let's go from
there. >> I can appreciate the council wanting to be involved, but I mean that's what staff gets paid for, >> right? I mean, we should be working together. >> Create a recommendation and then present it to to the city council. I I agree. Yeah. Yeah. I know. I agree.
I just um I know Tom and I were talking about getting that list from the brainstorm session out to everybody. So >> that was uh from last year. >> Yeah. >> That that goes hand in. So you have the Celco information, but um last year they
they took a lot of time to >> put their plans out there for what was it? uh zero to one one to five >> two to three. Yeah. >> Yeah. And then there was like a 10-year long term. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> And that was the library board. That was
independ. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> We did share that with Selco when they did their uh their strategic plan and that's what the survey was was for for the library too last year. Uh,
anything else on the library? >> No. Last page. Uh, next is liquor store. And again, this is just a continuation like all departments from uh from last year. General maintenance, racking for the
beer cave just to free up space. Uh ocean compliance. I know um Lynette has been doing a good job working on checking the the items off the list that that need to get done. Um we had um some electrical work done to check that box.
And then public'll be working with public works on on the shelving that we need to uh rate for how um the carry load or how much it can hold. Uh we're actually going to meet next week uh with the association uh the
three of us at least um to talk about maintenance in our parking lot. Um and then um I think after that bigger picture there needs to be or there will be a meeting with with everybody that um is in in the Rolling Ridge marketplace.
>> Yeah. Can we have um at least two council members attend that one? >> Yeah. Yes. >> Cuz I mean that was something that I I really looked at last year and um
I know it's going to be a an interesting conversation. So, >> are you talking about the uh >> old Rolling Ridge market places? >> Oh, yeah. Okay. >> Um, were there any other than the parking lot and Ash Street shelving? Um,
there's no Do you know there's no other big ticket maintenance items for for the liquor store this year? I know we did the sidewalk this year or next year, I should say. Uh, we did the sidewalk. Um, we had her a little electrical
situation on New Year's. >> Yeah, she got carts. >> Yeah, she got her carts which were budgeted for this year. Both those were budgeted projects. >> Overhangs and the last thing. >> Yeah, the awnings. Get rid of those. Um,
get rid of the fabric ones and go to more of a >> Okay. metal >> like a steel. >> Yeah, >> that'd be similar to Subway. They got >> got the HVAC taken care of. That was nice. have to worry about that for a while. Jeez. >> Yep. >> So, we should we should be pretty in a
pretty good shape there at the liquor store on one thing. >> Clock set. >> Yeah, I got the clock set. The clock's and that's been working great since you guys did that. Thank you. >> Cross our fingers. >> Yes, the clock has been keeping nice time. So, that's good. >> Yeah. >> Now, we just need to convince people
that go to liquor store because you know it benefits your community. liquor store. >> Working on signs to hang around where >> Yeah. the party stuff. >> That' be great.
>> Loyalty program hopefully. >> Mhm. >> Uh as far as streets, short-term is just annual maintenance, patchy mill and overlays, crack fill, uh oil rejuvenation, the GSB 888. Uh longterm would be finalizing
our street reconstruction projects in the older sections of town. Uh pond cleaning. I know public works directors working with the city engineer on >> andor rural water. Uh coming up with a plan for for that.
Uh, as far as equipment, um, the last plow truck that we received was in the fall of 24. I'm looking at a new plow truck in the next one to two years to replace uh, one
of our the 96 Sterling. know the exact >> 99 >> 99 Sterling >> 02 and 06 >> parts are just becoming difficult to find for them >> very >> um so that that's going to have to happen I know we're working on a lead on
a on a used one locally to hopefully get that one as far as the facility um looking at doing the sidewalk on the the east side and uh north side to the
main door and then possibly um a salt shed. I will say our our relationship and agreement with Rice County overall and specific to Salt and Sand I feel is good.
I I also feel it's good. And um we haven't talked about the sulta in a while, Joel, but uh just shooting from the hip here. >> Whatever happens, it is a possibility if something happens with drying beds that we could have a salt shed inside of the
bioolids drying shed. Just the throwing it out there as maybe a >> common purpose. Yeah. >> Would the sidewalks be something we would do in house? >> Absolutely. Okay. I figured I just thought it would be worth asking.
>> I do have a question. Um, have we looked at Hidden Willow Pond lately? >> What do you mean looked at it? >> Um, I had gotten a comment uh from somebody that it's kind of been more difficult to fish down there off of the
dock and I don't know >> the weeds in the water >> and the algae and all that. Yeah. So the the challenge is that hidden willow that it's named after is protected
and it's one of three places known in Minnesota where it is. So to chemically treat that to get rid of that algae and it's just not I don't want to say not possible but >> sure
>> it's a DNR item. Do you think um well are are they stocking this year or no? You know, >> I anticipate them to. >> Okay. Um if they do, can you just bring it up and talk to them a little bit? >> Absolutely. I did last year when we were
stocking and I I kind of got the good luck. >> Yeah. I I know you've done a lot to keep that relationship going with uh with the DNR and so I mean we could try to figure out
something with them. That would be great. It' be awesome. I took my daughter down there uh last year and we kept getting hung up so I had to kind of just hang on to >> Yeah. Ask Scott if you could borrow this cane pole.
that movie relic. >> But anyway, >> he's got to autograph it. >> No, that is Tom. I mean, Joel and I have talked about that of what we can do and it's, you know, with the stock again, the presence of the DNR there all the time. You know, we
really need to focus on we need to follow everything the DNR says and not violate any uh thing to keep our habitat safe. So, and and I know I tried working with uh Ducks Unlimited a little bit, too, and
and that was kind of slow moving, but >> I think talked about it recently, but you know, the Tri Lake Sportsman's Club, I'm a member, they're, you know, they do dredging projects at Circle Lake. >> Um, that's probably the route I see is the best option environmentally wise,
like chemicals and all that. It's just kind of a >> but um I certainly will talk to them about it again and just see what we can do. >> Yeah,
>> I would appreciate that. Thank you, Joe. >> Uh as far as capital outlay, um like I said, we're doing the payment management plan. we're doing the the PCI. That's like the first thing that needs to be done. So once we um get that done, then we'll be able to determine where we go
from from there. Uh, as far as parks, uh, mowers, as always with the park's ongoing grants, playground and field maintenance, uh, pavement and parking loss, trail maintenance. Um, at the, uh, last park
board meeting on May 11th, they prioritize safety as the number one pri as their number one priority. Uh, trail connection between Willow Creek Drive and Park. Then the JC Park concrete pavement to uh,
improve access to the the restrooms, >> uh trail maintenance, um the dog park. I know um we get numerous requests every year for improved lighting and uh the access to it between the gates.
And as far as DRS site improvements, um we contracted and public works completed those in 2324. tile the um the tile line and the left field foul line and then kind of the
elephant in the room is the the the lights for the the field. Um the last time we got a cost estimate was 350,000. You know, given the cost, you know, it should be scheduled and funded and fundraising done prior to, you know, should it be done, you know, fundraising
prior to, during, or or after construction? Um, I mean, just getting $18,000 for fireworks was a tall order, let alone 350,000. Um, you know, this this may be one of
the things that, you know, if if the city is going to be bonding for milling overlays, maybe this gets added on to that. And then we work something out with um the the ball associations that play there to, you know, work on
fundraising or they allocate some of their funds to help pay that debt service. >> Uh how long ago, sorry, I I totally missed it, but how long ago did we get that estimated 350,000? >> Was it last year? The year before?
>> It was right during town ball. So was that two years ago? >> 23. >> Yeah. And was that for eight lights? Because I counted eight lights yesterday. >> The only thing that changes, Tom, is the placement of the poles on left field line. Otherwise, it would it's exactly
the same setup. >> Okay. And then um was that LED? >> Yep. >> So, were they taller? >> Shorter, I think. >> Really? Okay. All right.
Yeah. I was talking to Adam at Cape Check on Monday and he's kind of picking his brain on it. So, it's uh definitely been on my radar, but I don't know if did you have a guy out there that kind of walked it and said, "Hey, this is
what I can do." And >> yeah, they came out. I can find the >> Okay. >> the bid for you. >> Okay. >> They were actually just here um yesterday. So, the JC lights were installed in 2007, still under warranty. There was a light that went out in the
most difficult pole to get to and they came with a lift and replaced it. >> That's awesome. >> Yeah, the technology of legs is crazy from just from the ones we have at the JC Park to the ones that were proposed at the DRS park. You know, it's not not
that we're picking the more expensive option, but just the science of lighting all the sides of the ball and just it's crazy. >> And that's what I was that was what was on my mind when I brought it up was like, are they taller? you know, LEDs LEDs tend to create more
shadows, you know, and uh I I don't know about spacing, but I I know they're significantly brighter, but um yeah, I I always enjoy it when I see those lights on cuz I can see from my house. So, >> the thing uh it's it's always fun to talk to the Musco guys, you know, they're
>> pro stadiums, the big house, you know, Ohio State, Texas, like they are the real deal, you know. So, Uh as far as the police staffing, um we should be at full staff late summer, early fall. Uh believe this year is or
27 would be scheduled for a squad replacement. um you know, if you got to replace or the squad and all the lights and everything, you're probably looking at about $65,000. And then technology and equipment. Uh as far as planning and zoning,
you know, pretty pretty basic and simple like uh administration, GIS, and it's not data link anymore. Whatever Bolton Mink calls there, >> I'm guilty of it, too. program. This is data link. It's done that for >> 20 years.
Uh building official and code enforcement. As far as the fire department, um the res or ordinance, excuse me, says a roster up to 30. I'm not aware that they're planning on any hiring in in 27 based off of the the budget
just simply because we've bought brought so many um new members on here recently. As far as vehicle and uh equipment replacement, I did include the the CIP that um the fire chief and I worked on
when we were preparing the uh department's 27 budget with with the townships. Uh 27 is a year that we will hopefully um bar any delays receive our new pump
truck. Um that was $774,000. So we worked with them to increase the budget to be able to save up um over the last couple years and we'll be able to pay cash for that. >> Have to get off subject. Uh did we sell
the ladder truck? >> We did. >> I noticed it wasn't wasn't around anymore. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh we look >> Yeah. 6,000 or 6,500. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Which was more than what Joe Pumper had thought it would he thought for
>> cuz we had an offer of4500 and it was like >> just take and let's move on. >> Yeah. >> I should have bought it. >> There's just so much going up up public works with you know men or there was so much going on. I just not the other day I was like
>> it looks different. >> Yeah. Good. I was going to ask you about that. >> All right. Thank you. >> Um for 26 the city's portion of the fire budget increased about $46,000
and we pay about 46% of the the overall budget. Um I believe this is the first year of the new cost share formula that takes into account um not only valuation but calls as well
as far as admin kind of like planning and zoning pretty pretty basic um computers copy machine and then our ongoing um service contracts our accounting system website and um just it with tech support of
Minnesota. Uh the EDA over the last several years, their priority has been marketing um based off of the EDA city council work session. Um the main focus of that was the revolving loan fund and uh revising
that, updating that to um be more attractive or lucrative to um businesses. And then we also talked about incentives and um what um council and the EDI or the EDA is willing to recommend and the city council is
willing to approve. Um we do uh the EDA does receive funding for the property tax levy and that basically goes to pay day-to-day expenses and then um it's been a kind of a standing conversation or agenda item
at the EDA and also discussed at the work session um coming up with a long-term funding solution for the the revolving loan fund And that's kind of a brief summary of of all the departments. Um
no surprise every decision made has a fiscal impact to the city. >> Yeah. >> Can you um for the next special meeting, can you add a tad for council expenses since it's going to be a an election year?
and reappointments for advisory boards too. >> Yep, absolutely. Uh and then just included with staff's report is just all the supporting documentation that we kind of went over for for each department. Guess if you guys have any questions, be happy
to answer them, but I think we went through as we went through it. But >> Curry, you got anything? >> Well, everybody knows how I feel about taxes. So, um, my goal would be to
definitely keep it at what are we 4.96 for this year? we were for 26 >> uh it was like 51.719 or something like that. >> All right. And then Yeah. So I'd like it
not to go up ideally down because everybody's going to be feeling we all already feel pressure from cost of living as it is and I know that we're going to be getting hit hard from state
and county. So, if we can do a good job being maybe as tight as possible for the city, I would really like to see that. Yeah, we'll come in with a a solid budget, but I would this may
sound bad, but I would not base our levy off of what someone else is doing >> cuz all we're going to do is just keep getting behind and behind and behind and behind >> and then bam, there's going to be a huge increase to get caught up. >> Well, I don't want to play catch-up. I want to be proactive, not reactive.
>> Yeah. prioritizing the things that need to be done right away, you know, like our our improvement plans. I really want to stick to something like that so that we aren't being reactive and trying to catch up after things
didn't get done. >> Okay. We've done that in the past where the schools come to us, hey, we're going to do a referendum, so hold the line. And then the next year we're >> Yeah. Is that what you got? >> That's
>> all right. Kenny, >> I'm good. >> Are you sure? >> Well, as we all know, everybody likes it when the water comes in and goes out when it's supposed to. We want to keep it that way. So, um, if we need to do a water tower, we need to do a water
tower. And if we need to do the water treatment plant, we need to do the water treatment plant. It is no fun when that comes back into the house. Unless you own a service master. >> It doesn't come in at the necessary time. I've had it explode into my house
before. And my wife called city hall and screamed at Joel. He probably still remembers it. >> Look at him just smiling over there. All right, Scott. >> Um, only question I have right off the top of my head is with the local state
aid. So, if we do meet that 5,000 that comes from MINDOT, >> correct? >> And that can be used, but that's not that just can't go into the road and bridge, it has to meet certain specific criteria for usage.
>> Uh, correct. So, I think once we get to that point, um, we'll have our city engineer or whoever from their office maybe, you know, that deals just right in state aid. I mean, these these engineering firms have people that just deal with state aid. That's day in and
day out. That's that that's what they know. Um, so everyone because it's new to all of us. Um, but my understanding is there's kind of two pots of money, you know, state aid projects and then maintenance. And if I remember correctly from the last time I checked out Elco New Market,
which is probably going to be and it's all based off of miles and what constitutes for state aid roads and and all that stuff. Um I think they were maybe just under $250,000. Yeah, I guess that was my question was,
you know, do we probably don't have it planned out yet how how we can apply that because it all depends on all the uh the formatting and the the the guidelines. >> Correct. >> Okay. Okay. Well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. No pun
intended. >> All right, Brian. Um, with this uh sale of the property in the business park, we said October is what we're shooting for for a close date on that. >> Uh, just based off of
>> the purchase agreement, >> correct? >> Yeah. So, so we're targeting October to close on this. So, we'll have to have our levy decided before that's completed. Um, I just I don't want to get too far into a situation where we were in the past
where we had that land sold and the rug got pulled out from underneath us. So, not that I feel like that's going to happen here. Um, but you know, I want to be careful getting too far ahead of ourselves on
because I agree with with the mayor on on I'd really like to see that that debt service paid off because I think that'll help us with this budget, especially because we're not going to see the property tax from Quick Trip or from the apartment this year for this 27 budget
will be the following year. So, you know, I want to work with what we known known entities, you know, um I think that's the key here is we need to budget based on quantifiable known entities here. Um
so, yeah, I don't think I have any questions on anything else at this point. Um just digesting it all. >> Good. So, um,
there's a lot that I want to share. Um, I'm going to try to keep it short. Um, but I do kind of want to discuss the bonding bill and I kind of want to open up about kind of what that process was like. Um, you know, this water tower has been a
need for a long time. I mean, gosh, it was planned for what, over 12 years. And then we also were discussing the wastewater treatment facility plan, too. We're trying to figure out which one's more of a priority. So, when you go into these conversations, you're trying to
see what do I have numbers for when you go and apply for it. And at that time, we had the dollar amount for the uh water tower, but we just didn't have a dollar amount for wastewater treatment when it came to the bonding bill. And it was back in August. Um, I was working with Bill Liskkey and I said, "Hey, is
there a chance that they're going to do it and if they send the paperwork out, can you please inform us?" So then Bill uh found out and he sent me an email and same with his staff member and we had like 3 days to figure it out and the
only person that was working in the office was Cory. Um Joel was on vacation so and uh I I had said I don't like bothering people on vacation and Corey I had a lot on his plate. You know Dayton had reached out about gas lines and you
did the best that you possibly could and we were trying to work it out. Joel helped out too. It was kind of a chaotic week and then I called Joel and I said hey I don't want to bug you too much but can you please apply for this bonding
bill for the water tower? He just, "Yep, don't worry about it." And he got all the uh submission ready to go. And then all of a sudden, we find out it was the wrong document to sign. Um no blame to Bill or his staff. It was just the legislature. And uh so then the right
form came out and uh Joel had filled that all out and resubmitted it. And then we still didn't know if there was going to be a bonding bill. And the only way that we could kind of do what we could on our side was by truly pushing
all of the support we could um you know whether it's our representative or senator other senators and other representatives. So we invited Christie Purcell um out for a meeting and Joe Dormfield uh Jordan Plots Brian Wormisian myself
and Joel all sat in that meeting. We discussed what our priorities were and we discussed that we were on the bonding bill. So, she asked if we would be willing to testify and then uh Joel Ericson and Joe Dornfeld both went and it it's so strict there. You know, you
got to go through the chair for everything and then you have a 2 and 1/2 minute um time slot to kind of plead your case and it wasn't anything. Nothing was laid on the table. It was all just a listening
portion and uh Joel did a great job and um you know I cracked a joke at Joe you know wearing his nice suit and then going back to work in um but then we still didn't know if the bonnie bill was going to go through and
I mean that was what February um February and >> March. Yeah. March I thought >> March. Yeah. And and so we still had no idea and then the legislature was starting to, you know, keep going and
listening to all these bonding requests and there was a lot um there was a lot that they had to listen to and it wasn't until a couple of days before the last day of session. uh Bill Isky had called me and he told me that Lansdale wasn't
on the bonding bill and he was asked about it and he said well cuz at that time they didn't think it was a priority and so then Bill had made sure that Lansdale was on the bonding bill and another city was removed and so you
really stuck up for us there and then I had said to Bill I I said uh I like this two-step verification that this whole world has gotten into like Gmail, your Outlook, everything like that. And I go like, "Can you just send me a picture of it like in writing that
it's on there?" And and he he couldn't do it for me. And then uh the day the last day of session um I was watching I was watching the Senate Committee of Capital Investment and I heard Lonzo and so I felt really good. I I didn't know
uh what the vote was going to be like, but the whole buildup of that day was all about uh a positive approach for the bonding bill. And then um they finally took the vote at 11:45 p.m. It finally got to the Senate. The House passed it and it came to the Senate and I mean it
lit up green. Um people were in support of it and there was a lot of work that went into that um you know with city staff. Um, I I know I lobbyed the as much as I possibly could for it with everyone that was willing to listen. And
it's great because people were running for election. So, I got to, you know, go to some of these conventions and talk to them and tell them how important infrastructure is to cities and and how it helps reduce the burden on property taxes. And a lot of them I I saw their
names on there and they were voting green. Um, and so I'm very appreciative to Senator Billy and I'm very appreciative towards Christy Purcell, but I'm also very
appreciative towards my staff and um I really appreciate all the work you guys did. Even on your vacations, it it didn't matter. Um, it was like, "Nope, I got it." And and it's great. So that is, you know, I I've been kind
of rounding up to 4.9. It's easier to say than 4.85, but um that's on there. Okay. The congressional funding. Um this goes back to um right around the time I swore in, I was
able to do a mayor roundup and meet a bunch of new mayors that got uh elected. and we had met with uh Angie Craig, Congresswoman of Congressional District 2. And
um if you know me, I I don't necessarily align myself with Andy and and you know, first time elected official, you know, you're trying to be as nonpartisan as possible and and uh you know, you really don't
know what to expect. And so I very much had told Angie, I go, "I'm not here for a photo op. I'm here to get something done for the betterment of my community." And she goes, "And that's exactly why you're here because I need to hear what your needs are from your community so I can represent you." And I
had told her about because again, it comes down to what prices do you have in front of you? Um, and at that time we worked with Jason Schmidtz. Um I know uh council member Miller, council member Vika were both pushing for body cam squad cams and
so Jason provided the numbers on it. So we had that in front of us. Then the capital outlay for uh the fire department's budget for this year last year um that had the encrypted radios on it and she said lale fits a niche market. So,
uh, when the community fund project opens up, go and apply for it. And I brought it up to Joel or, uh, to Joel, and Joel never shares his opinion ever. Um, so, uh, you know, I I remember that
because it was, why are we doing this? you know, um, langel has a hard time, you know, and and I've I've heard it all, you know, high median income, um, you know, whatever it might be. And I said, let's
just try it. Let's see what happens. We got selected. And um I think we were both surprised on that and and then it went to the next phase, the next phase, the next phase and then we were selected to be allocated uh the funds.
And that whole entire time I I stayed in touch with Angie's team and I kept pushing for infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure. I said, "Let me know anything that comes up with infrastructure-wise, uh, that might be a grant or another opportunity to to bring some money in or
even low interest, you know, rates, um, for any loans." And and I kept pushing it over over and over and over again. And then Amy Clolobishar staff calls and they tell us, you know, the good news that, you know, we got the uh, body cams, squad cams, and grit
radios. And I kept asking the same thing. And I said, "What's the most that I could apply for?" And they said, "2.5 million." I said, "Okay." And then when the community fund project opened up and we had done all those studies, you know, especially for the
wastewater treatment facility, I talked again with Joel and I said, "Let's apply for it." And and I think we both had some hesitancy on it. And then I got a call and it's a quick period. I mean, even with the bonding bill, it's a couple of days, you got to spin it out and the community fund project's a
little bit more complicated. And uh but within a month, I got a call that we were selected and I think we were both completely shocked over it. um we didn't think we were going to get it,
but if you look at it, if you look at the numbers in the last year and a half, we got right around $7.5 million that did not hit the tax base if we get the
congressional funding. $7.5 million that everybody in this town uh didn't get debt service or a levy applied to them. And that's big. um that's not something to write off at all. So when it comes to a wastewater treatment facility,
understand you still had a water tower to fund. You know, you still had other things to fund and this gives you something to brag about because there was so much work that went into that. The other side, we got park dedication
money that that is going to be appropriated to the park board from the recent apartment and then potentially the the homes with Lumis if if he's able to build this year. With the recent transaction for the business park,
we're potentially looking at relieving ourselves 224,000 a year. Also applying funds to EDA And I I think everybody knew that I was nervous about 2027's budget. And
there was a lot of hard work that went into that. And it was because of the fact that we all know property taxes are hard because you get three taxing IDs, the school, the county, and the city. But this city is more important and
the state as if the city was perfect. You know, say a year and a half ago, it wasn't. There was a lot of things that need to be replaced and and we're hearing it. You know, the plow truck, um, you know, our wastewater treatment facility, the water tower, all this other stuff, all these other priorities.
And we need to put those priorities in front of us and we need to game plan on how to fund them the most appropriate way possible. I understand people's feelings about increasing taxes. We're having the
conversation about increasing taxes, but this is our governance model and it's a part of public safety and I put public safety as my number one priority always. And when we go through this budget cycle, I
really want us to focus on that. Um, it's been a lot of work, there's been a lot of teamwork, and there's been a lot of great things with Lawndale. There's been a lot of developments going on. And come 2028,
you know, I could see being a good year, too, um, if we make the right decisions this year. So, um, that's all I got to say. Um, staff, do you have anything you want to add?
Joel? I think uh I think it's important that staff knows um the the time which we discussed this but the timelines of this because there are steps that need to happen relatively soon in order for this to just keep
rolling the way it needs to go. um size and scope of wastewater. You know, I can bring you stuff of I don't want to say wants versus needs because it's all needs, but you know, there are some things that are possible to
>> others. Yeah. More needed than those. Good way to say it. >> I' I'd market I'd mark it priority one, group everything with a priority two, right? >> And then we can do the CIP based around priority two. Um, and then you know, Ki
on the park board, we've been really working towards recommendations for the city council for projects. Um, I just want the council know that those do those are big efforts. They take a lot of time. Um, so if there is something the council feels strongly about, I
think I would appreciate it. Corey, Ki, I think >> just to get us pointed in the right direction so we're not >> going back and forth on projects yet. >> Yeah. I guess. Yeah. Other than that, you know, we're
we're excited. >> Anticipating, you know, a lot of big things. Um I'm I'm excited to be a part of all this. So, >> hey Joe, I got a question for you. If you can read my mind, do you want to
bring it up? Do you want to bring up what you and and Jordan and I were talking about? I could say it for you. >> You go for it. >> Okay. So, uh, we were talking about the water tower and
Joe came up to me and he goes, "What color are we painting it?" Right. And we're kind of laughing. And then I go up to Jordan Plots and I go, "Hey, what what color are we painting that water tower?" And then he goes, Oh, I got an idea. And he pulls out this whole calendar full of all these other
cities with designs and and whatnot, you know, and so we're kind of geeking out about it really. I mean, there was a lot of them that were really cool. Um, and so it was kind of discussed just to throw it out there loosely,
but uh starting kind of having a design committee um and having them consider coming up with a a design to put onto that new water tower. >> The big steer.
>> Lville. >> Yeah. Lville. Yeah. >> And the steer. home with a big steer. Yeah. >> But uh I don't know if there's anything else you want to add about that, Joe. I I thought it was going to be more exciting
than how I just said it, but uh >> sounded better in your head. >> It It surely did. >> Well, I think it's cool because there are some interesting looking water towers in other towns and people it can be a destination to come and take your picture with this cool looking water tower,
>> you know. Um, I'm not trying to put your fire out here, Tom, but we have a lot of THINGS before we're to the >> No, I'm just throwing it out there now. You plant the seeds now and you watch them bloom. >> And sometimes you have to have something fun to have your eye on the prize for.
Right. >> Right. >> There's a lot of things that come into account. Like Joel said, the study's got to reveal one or two. I mean, I >> And then why? >> I'm pretty confident u my recommendation is unless the study says something drastically different. Red red redundancy is king in our utility world.
So >> we don't know what this thing's going to look like yet. You know, is it what we have? Is it a >> We have a lot of things to learn. >> Yeah. >> But just something to consider. I I you know
um down the line. >> We absolutely will. I think you need to show some of the photos. I mean, I did >> I feel like I'm sitting here in my underwear right now.
It's how awkward you're making it. >> Yeah, there's I mean there's a tank of the year competition every year. Um, I don't know if it's Royal Water, AWA, one of the two, but >> Oh, yeah. >> Um, >> yeah, I we only have 5 million to work
with. So, and we have to get a water man loop in there, too, somehow. >> Yeah, we'll figure it out in post. Uh now just um kind of kicking this out there because we hear from him all the time at
EDA, but if before we get to this point, we may have some availability of Smith likes to give out grants >> for like art and murals and stuff like that. So, as we get closer to this phase,
let's maybe look into some of that because there might be some grants we can get for design on not of but on the water tower, >> right? >> You know, that kind of stuff. You know, they do a lot of mural funding and that kind of stuff. So, >> I think we have some avenues to go if we
want to get creative with it when we get to that point. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Search it's uh tank of the year is what it's called. Search it up. It's uh >> these all tank shooting people. >> Different tank. >> Frank the tank.
>> All right, Joe. Is that all you got? >> Yeah. Yeah, I mean unless if council has any other questions for me, you know, I'm we're just on the cusp of all these studies that are going to let us know >> all these things, you know, for facts instead of I don't want to throw
things out there and get people leaded one way and then we have to go another. So, um we're right there this budget process throughout it's just as the time goes. Just had a public works meeting where, you know, it's almost like it's meant to be. you know, all these things are just kind of falling all in place,
but it's going to take a lot of work from staff just and council working together to make sure that everybody's priorities align so that we can keep this ball rolling. >> All right. Thank you, Joel. Cory, you got anything?
>> Yeah, Mr. my I just want to say that uh I've known uh Joel Erikson for three years and he produces just very successful results every single year. He's one of the hardest working guys I've ever worked with starting his day
at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. All I know is that I'm truly blessed working with Dormfeld Ericson and I'm so excited for the future for for uh Lawndale also. I mean, there's big ticket items that are being addressed and uh we're going to see some wonderful outcomes that's going to
benefit the community. Uh as far as 2027 goes, I'm hoping that, you know, we could uh further our transparency and then the council giving clear expectation and directions to advisory boards. Uh you understand that I oversee
three advisory boards. So, I just want to make sure that we're being efficient and utilizing our time. >> Yeah. But otherwise, yes, I think this is going to be a very good process because we got administrator Ericson uh lead or uh
or leading us here. So, um anyways, big kudos to him all the time. >> Is that a T-R Joel? >> I thought it was a little glistening in my eye. >> Thank you, Corey. Joel, >> uh well, thanks for the kind words, but
it's really the staff that that gets things done. Um, we have one of the greatest staffs anywhere and they they truly care about the community. Um, city council as well. Um, and just uh appreciate working with
with the council and the staff and things have been great over the years and they're just going to continue. So, looking forward to it. All right, Jason, do you got anything you got to add or >> I think it's all covered.
>> All right. Anybody else? >> Can I uh just do a quick update because I'm not going to be here next week. >> Sure. >> So, um library board met last night. Um I went through, you know, a lot of that
already. Um, but again, I just want to put out the plug that the summer reading program kicks off Friday, June 5th. I believe it's the 5th. Let me double check that. First Friday in June. Let's just say that. Um, so that'll be down at the park
at noon. It is the 5th. Perfect. Thank you. Um, at the park, JC Park. So, we will have hot dogs and chips and drinks for all attendees for the kickoff. Kids
get a free book for the kickoff. Um, again, it's extended this year. It's going to be eight weeks instead of six weeks. Um, there's there's a pretty lofty goal of 125,000 minutes read. That's what we're shooting
for collectively. 125,000 minutes of reading logged during our summer reading program. There'll be prizes. Again, it's it's open to both kids and adults. There's the adult program. So, I I really encourage everybody to take advantage of this. Um,
if you're on the council and you don't have a library card, please go get one. >> Do these work packets count as >> read >> only if you check it out with your library card. Um, so that's a big deal. And again, we
we got a grant from Dollar General for 2,800 bucks for the party afterwards. So, it's going to be a big ending of and that'll be on August 1st to end the summer reading program. Um, we have enough money because of that to give all
the kids that attend that party another book at the end. Um, you know, there's going to be refreshments. There's going to be uh Elephant and Piggy. I guess these are some characters from a kid's book I'm not familiar with, but I guess it's a big thing. So, for you parents
out there that know Elephant and Piggy, they will actually be at the party live. Elephant and Piggy people dressed up. So, um, >> No, they're the real thing. >> Yeah, the kids are watching the council meeting cuz that's what they do. They're not watching Elephant Piggy, they're
watching us. >> They're getting smarter. >> Sorry. Sorry, kids. But anyway, Elephant Piggy will be there. It's It's really cool. So, uh that's a big deal. Um and then EDA met this morning. I've been
at this building more than I've been at home in the last two days. So, uh EDA met this morning. Um we had a really good discussion about the revolving loan fund. Um, so there will be some stuff coming
up to council about that because it's an ordinance. So we're going to propose some changes to the revolving loan fund policy that we as a council need to approve as well. Um, I would say please take it if you have a chance take a listen to the EDA meeting from this
morning and and particularly that section because then you'll have an idea of what our discussion was as that comes up to us. Is that pretty much the interest rate? >> Interest rate uh just some other little things, but primar primarily the
interest rate about uh you know making that more realistic um you know and a better protection of the taxpayer dollars that we're using this money for. So trying to be better stewards of that money. Um not that we're not good stewards of it, but that that we're
we're getting a return on the investment of the taxpayers's money, right? Um but uh we also we we actually received and approved um a facade grant just in time for the facade grant to end. June
1st is when that ends. So we got one. >> We got one. >> Um the the money any money left over I mean there's still a chance for people to apply for the facade grant but any money that isn't used will roll into the revolving loan fund.
>> What was the amount? It was $3,000. >> The total project was six. So >> yeah, total it's a matching. It's a matching. The match was three. Yeah. So our our our share of it's three grand. So we still have 17,000 in that facade grant fund. Um
>> but you know, we've got people taking advantage of it. It's there's there's some more interest. I think it's starting to pay off. Us talking about the housing development grant. We've got a couple new applications in that are looking pretty positive to make it through. Um, again, we got to do that by
September. It's got to be done. So, take advantage of that, people. Um, we have money to give to fix up your home up to $25,000. So, please take advantage. Um, and then I'll leave it at that. Um, I'm sure I forgot some stuff and Scott can cover it next week.
So, I just want to get that report out there since I won't be here next Thursday. >> Okay. Well, thank you, Brian. I appreciate it. >> Yeah. Thank you for indulging me. Anybody else have >> Well, just speaking of the library program, um, is there a friendly competition again between >> Yep.
>> people? All right. >> Yeah. >> So, when are what's your date? >> The reigning champ out there has got this grin on his face. >> What's your date? >> July. >> All right. How about you? >> I think I'm the end of July. >> And Joe?
>> June 26th. >> All right. And the ambassadors are June 12th. Wait, maybe I'm the end of June. I got to look again. >> Well, it goes to August 1st, so it could be either one. >> Yeah, >> you'll know.
>> When's the fire department? >> I think the fire department's towards the end of July. >> Okay, >> nice. >> That's all I have. >> They were kind of last minute last year, so they could be the dark horse in this race. Just saying. >> They bring a truck with sirens, so
>> and water break, maybe. I don't know if they do that. >> Well, we found out they weren't no match for us. >> Right, Joe? >> Especially now that we're super famous. >> Yeah. >> Leave you in the best. >> Yeah. >> Wow.
>> Maybe the EDA should get in on this. >> Do a little reading. >> Read some financial tax forms or something. >> That would be so fun for them. >> Oh jeez. Be well attended, >> right? Motion to adjourn. >> Second.
>> Motion by Warren Gersian, second by Miller. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. This meeting is now adjourned at 8:53 p.m. Have a good night, everyone. >> Happy Memorial Day. Happy memorial.