WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=HTxKsIygj3I

Part: 1

1
00:01:59.760 --> 00:03:51.800
Mhm. >> I move >> Call to meeting of the Winona City Council of June 16th order. 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

2
00:03:51.800 --> 00:04:12.200
nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Thank you, everyone, for coming. Right. Next, we have the consent agenda, and there's some changes and additions to it. And Elizabeth, could you announce that, please?

3
00:04:12.200 --> 00:04:29.720
>> Correct. So, the agenda you have before you, um, is different than the agenda that was posted. There is a request, um, to add, uh, a timeline extension and, uh, approve part-time employees under the consent agenda. There was a request to remove

4
00:04:29.720 --> 00:04:46.280
the public comment policy from the consent agenda, and that has been added to administration. And then, also, um, resolution 2628 has been added under administration, as well. Um, we probably should have, uh, formal motion to accept the updated agenda.

5
00:04:46.280 --> 00:05:01.800
>> I'll move to accept the updated agenda. >> Second. Second. All in favor of the Lena? >> Approved. >> Holden? Aye. Lena? >> Aye. >> Vernon's an aye. All right.

6
00:05:01.800 --> 00:05:17.640
Consent agenda accepted. All right. Next, um, I'll read off the items here just for the consent agenda, so you know what they are. The May 19th, 2026 regular City Council meeting minutes. June 2nd, 2026 City

7
00:05:17.640 --> 00:05:34.480
Council work session meeting minutes. Request for alcohol on public property. Request to approve City Hall printer lease. Request to approve raffle permit for the Pine Island Youth Baseball Association on December 5th, 2026.

8
00:05:34.480 --> 00:05:51.000
Pine Island Football Club Creamery request. Resolution 2626 approving election judges for the primary primary and general elections held on August 11th and November 3rd. Request to approve extension of recording deadline,

9
00:05:51.000 --> 00:06:08.040
request to approve part-time employees. >> Yes. >> Next, we'll move on to public input. >> I'll move to approve the consent agenda. >> Oh. >> I'll move the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Second. Elena? >> Aye. >> Holden?

10
00:06:08.040 --> 00:06:24.120
>> Aye. >> Brandy? >> Aye. >> And Vernon? >> Aye. >> Next is public input. Before we get started on that, I just want to remind everybody that's here about our our rules of public quorum and decorum. When people are speaking or after

11
00:06:24.120 --> 00:06:40.840
they're speaking, refrain from any clapping, cheering, booing, no name-calling, attacking, etc. We've been pretty good the last few times, let's just keep it going. Um if not, I mean uh this will end up changing our public input policy down the road. So, your

12
00:06:40.840 --> 00:07:00.240
your actions here reflect highly on what we do in the future. So. Uh with that, I think we can call up our first speaker. Um that will be Susan Blazek. Suzanne Blazek, sorry.

13
00:07:02.200 --> 00:07:19.520
>> Suzanne Blazek, 1315 County Road 3 Southwest. Good evening. I want [snorts] to address the recently suggested policy and public input. Specifically, the bullet stating that public commenters shall refrain from allegations, charges, complaints, or

14
00:07:19.520 --> 00:07:34.560
name-calling against any city employee or community member. Every council meeting, we are reminded to behave properly. Yet during the Cheese Fest parade, one of you openly and loudly booed us in the

15
00:07:34.560 --> 00:07:50.640
No Data Center float in front of children and your constituents. Are the rules just for us, but not for you? We've discussed leadership before. Be leaders. You set the standard. The second point concerns the bullet

16
00:07:50.640 --> 00:08:05.800
that prohibits raising new information about matters that have been given a public hearing. I want to talk about water, which we've talked about plenty, but not enough. On page 28 of the AUAR, you state about Project Skyway, the Pine Island Hyperscale Data Center, that wastewater

17
00:08:05.800 --> 00:08:20.240
generated under both development scenarios would be conveyed to the city of Pine Island's municipal sewer. There is no mention of pretreatment of this water. Our current wastewater facility, built decades ago, does not treat or

18
00:08:20.240 --> 00:08:38.120
test PFAS, VOCs, non-corrosives, or emerging contaminants linked to hyperscale heavy industrial data centers. This information is public. The proposed wastewater facility in Zumbrota shows no plans to address this, either. Air-cooled systems, especially closed

19
00:08:38.120 --> 00:08:55.120
water and glycol loops, require flushing to remove construction debris and prevent corrosion and microbial growth. These flushings introduce chemicals, not heavy chemicals and nutrients, which we can treat in our wastewater plants, but complex substances into our wastewater streams, and the flushing needs to be

20
00:08:55.120 --> 00:09:12.040
done every 3 to 5 years. Are these contaminants simply going to be released untreated into the North Zumbro River? You keep telling us there are no other options, but we know that there are many options.

21
00:09:12.040 --> 00:09:38.800
Thank you. >> All right. Next up, Joe Blasic. Joe Blasic, 1315 County Road 3 Southwest. So, during Cheese Fest, I had the opportunity to talk to a great deal of people. And what I found was

22
00:09:38.800 --> 00:09:54.360
that everyone I spoke to fell into one of two camps. The first camp were those that were uninformed, knew nothing about the data center, and thought it's just a done deal. Camp number two are those people that are highly involved in the community,

23
00:09:54.360 --> 00:10:10.520
are anti the data center, but fear retribution from the city. So then I asked I asked them, are you for it, against it, neutral? And they say, well, I have to be neutral about it. To which I respond, you can remain neutral, but your silence

24
00:10:10.520 --> 00:10:25.440
becomes consent for the developer, for Google, and for those that stand to profit. And they say, well, and what else are your thoughts, Joe? Well, I'll tell you, one of the travesties was the zoning of light industrial. Let's talk about power for a minute. The power consumed by Pine Island at around 20

25
00:10:25.440 --> 00:10:41.800
megawatts, the power consumed by Rochester around 300 megawatts, the power of the state of Minnesota is 10,000, and the data center is 2,700. Can anyone guess as to the largest consumer of electricity right now in the state of Minnesota? That's the Pine Bend

26
00:10:41.800 --> 00:10:57.760
Refinery tipping the scales at 120 megawatts of energy. This facility is 22 times the largest consumer right now. And is Pine Bend a light industrial application? Of course not. All of us

27
00:10:57.760 --> 00:11:13.760
know the answer is no. Project Skyway has largely been the baby of our administrator, engineers, council, mayor, anyone who signed those NDAs, and no one likes being told that their baby is ugly. But what we're asking for is someone to

28
00:11:13.760 --> 00:11:32.342
admit a mistake was made along the way, and have that person or those people stand up and help us as a community reverse some of those decisions that led us to where we are today. Thank you. Next up, Tucker

29
00:11:32.342 --> 00:12:01.120
>> [clears throat] >> Tucker Hogland, 14677 498th Street Way in Pine Island. Good evening. My name is Tucker Hogland. To be completely honest with you, I was somewhat neutral on the data center project for a long time. That was until my good friend Joe Lazic asked me to get

30
00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:16.600
involved. Joe was a Marine officer who led young men across three different deployments, putting his own life on the line to keep all of us safe. When a man of that level of integrity asks you to step up, you do it without hesitation. Public service runs deep in my own family, too.

31
00:12:16.600 --> 00:12:32.960
My late grandfather, Lyle Hogland, sat on this very Pine Island Council many years ago. My dad, Keith Hogland, spent 15 years on the Planning and Zoning Board of a nearby town. Because of them, the weight of your responsibility is not lost on me. I understand the challenges you face in

32
00:12:32.960 --> 00:12:49.800
trying to improve our great city while keeping residents satisfied. But this data center is a deeply serious issue. A project of this massive scale and location is entirely unprecedented for our community. An unprecedented project requires unprecedented scrutiny.

33
00:12:49.800 --> 00:13:06.120
I know you are all good people trying to do the right thing. If you feel you must allow this project to move forward, I ask you to do one thing tonight. When you lay in bed, ask yourself if you are absolutely 100% positive that this is the right move for us, our children,

34
00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:21.920
and our grandchildren. If you hesitate for even a second, then you owe it to yourselves and to this town to apply that unprecedented scrutiny, even if that means pausing or changing previously adopted procedures. This is permanent. It demands more

35
00:13:21.920 --> 00:13:50.200
careful thought than anything this Council has ever done before. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next up is Rod Landers. >> Good evening. The shenanigan The shenanigans of Ryan Companies and

36
00:13:50.200 --> 00:14:05.320
Google. The people of Pine Island should have more influence than Ryan Companies and Google in deciding what is built in our community. If data centers are truly beneficial, why is this project advanced with so little transparency and public

37
00:14:05.320 --> 00:14:22.440
involvement? I moved to Pine Island 53 years ago, met my wife Joyce here, and together we raised three children. We chose this town because of its rural character, small-town values, and strong sense sense of community. These qualities are worth protecting.

38
00:14:22.440 --> 00:14:38.120
Today I feel cheated and betrayed. If the Google data center project moves forward, residents could face significant safety, health, and quality of life concerns from locating a massive industrial facility so close to homes.

39
00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:53.880
It is heartbreaking to think families may eventually leave or feel pressured to leave because of the influence of a wealthy corporation and decisions made by city government that has not put residents first. Ryan Companies and Google came to Pine Island because we

40
00:14:53.880 --> 00:15:08.600
have the power, water, and infrastructure they need. In return, a 36 million tax incentive package was negotiated behind closed doors. Property was rezoned as light industrial, avoiding a more

41
00:15:08.600 --> 00:15:24.280
comprehensive environmental review. Watching this process unfold has been frustrating and disappointing. Fortunately, the court has paused the project so that important questions can be answered before additional actions taken. Something should have happened

42
00:15:24.280 --> 00:15:40.960
before the beginning. The project initially presented as project Skyway, not a data center, allowing approvals to move forward before residents fully understood what was being proposed. A trillion-dollar corporation may not care about the concerns of a small town, but

43
00:15:40.960 --> 00:15:57.520
our local government should. Our health, property values, quality of life, and community character matter more than tax incentives and development deals. Government should protect residents in rural communities, not sacrifice them in pursuit of revenue.

44
00:15:57.520 --> 00:16:25.760
Thank you. >> Thank you. Ethan Showns. >> Ethan Showns, Rochester, Minnesota. Data centers are a cancer upon the land and society that they are built upon. In Canton, Mississippi, ever since the Amazon data center started operations,

45
00:16:25.760 --> 00:16:40.760
residents have reported lung irritation, breathing difficulties, and elevated reports of asthma in children. In Monterey Park, California, local modeling studies found that the proposed data centers had a potential to increase fine particulate exposure and cancer

46
00:16:40.760 --> 00:16:56.920
risks, as well as cause more issues for California's chronic water scarcity with its 500 million gallons of annual water demand. On top of these issues, data centers can also cause noise pollution that can exceed 90 decibels, with anything above

47
00:16:56.920 --> 00:17:12.079
85 decibels being considered harmful to hearing, and light pollution that disrupts sleep cycles and melatonin production, as well as disrupt the migration patterns of birds, bats, turtles, and insects, among other creatures.

48
00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:28.240
And despite all of this, the Democrats and Republicans of the Pine Island City Council have chosen to not sign the moratorium my organization, Workers Strike Back, have put forward. And said they choose to let Project Skyway go on unhindered, effectively

49
00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:44.120
giving tax cuts to trillion-dollar companies like Google, while also choosing to let their constituents slowly die from cancer and illness from the eventual pollution in the name of profits. Shame upon every single elected city council official, and I ask all

50
00:17:44.120 --> 00:18:08.520
constituents in this room to remember this come time for elections. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next, Aubrey Dirkson. >> Aubrey Dirkson, 340 Prairie View Drive Northeast, Pine Island. I actually don't have a typed speech for

51
00:18:08.520 --> 00:18:25.440
the first time tonight. Shocking. But something that has been standing out through all of this, never underestimate the capacity and the propensity for the local government to make poor decisions. It's been the number one lesson learned

52
00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:45.440
from this. As residents, we deal with the brunt of the impact when the local government fails. And none of you have been able to actually acknowledge that there's been any impact.

53
00:18:48.120 --> 00:19:04.920
And when you fail, and that impact falls on us, the cleanup in turn also falls on us. We have repeatedly asked you to change course. What you have been doing,

54
00:19:04.920 --> 00:19:22.880
responding in punitive ways that infringe upon our First Amendment rights, that ignore environmental that continue to maintain one-way conversation instead of two-way conversation, that continue to exacerbate

55
00:19:22.880 --> 00:19:40.800
the problem that got you here in the first place. It's not working. The request has been the same this entire time. Slow down. Two-way conversation. We are at the table. We are awake. We

56
00:19:40.800 --> 00:20:00.000
are active. That is an asset. And the call is for you to actually rise to the occasion. And actually join with the residents in two-way conversation about the betterment of the community. Which you have not done.

57
00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:37.880
That ask is still there. You can still change course. >> Thank you. Next is David Dirkson. >> Reverend David Dirkson, Pine Island. On Sunday I sent you all an email about the change in policy and my concerns

58
00:20:37.880 --> 00:20:54.120
about that. There's a Proverbs, Proverbs 20:11, says, "Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and whether it is right." So, this evening I'm asking you to do

59
00:20:54.120 --> 00:21:12.280
the right thing and not make this change. The purpose of the change says that it's for efficiency. Efficient, common period. Our government is built on efficiency.

60
00:21:12.280 --> 00:21:31.320
Dictatorships are, though. I stood here before you last session saying, "Let's have a conversation. We have an opportunity to come together just as my wife just said. Have a two-way conversation." Instead of building on that opportunity,

61
00:21:31.320 --> 00:21:47.720
we got this policy put into the order for tonight. A policy that restricts conversation. That's not how we repair relationship. If you have someone who's upset with you, you don't say, "I can only listen

62
00:21:47.720 --> 00:22:05.320
to you for 2 minutes, and if you say certain things, I'm not going to listen to you anymore, period, end of story, just because I don't like what I'm hearing from you." That's not how you repair relationships. Yet, that's what's under consideration tonight. So, what I ask you is to do the right

63
00:22:05.320 --> 00:22:20.760
thing. Our government is based on robust dialogue. That's our freedom under the Constitution. Let's have robust dialogue. Even if we don't like necessarily, we might not agree. That's okay.

64
00:22:20.760 --> 00:22:45.560
But, that's how our government is based, and it's a cherished right. Let's honor that. Thank you. >> Thank you. Jason Lindahl. >> Hello, Council. Thank you for this opportunity. I do want to show my support repeatedly

65
00:22:45.560 --> 00:23:03.240
for your approach to community development, economic development, and managing the needs of this town. Thank you. I do want to address a few things. One, I see the opposition to the one project that has people riled up. Brings a lot

66
00:23:03.240 --> 00:23:19.680
of literature. They're They are organized. I give them that. But I don't have that approach. I have an approach of looking people in the eye with no paper, no computer, no phone. I would like to have conversations,

67
00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:37.240
but I do understand that representation in our democratic process relies on people being elected and doing a job. The job you were elected to do. And I know how thankful I am that it is. I am in a representative role in my

68
00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:54.280
labor union, salt of the earth people. But I grew up here. I've said it before. I've watched countless opportunity miss this town. I grew up on a family farm that lost its availabil- or lost its possibility of a future, right? The

69
00:23:54.280 --> 00:24:11.200
farming is not is not happening. I support farmers to this day, everyone. I don't believe this land would be sold if the farmer wasn't willing to sell it. And and I know that there's lots of CRP land that we're paying to not farm. So,

70
00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:26.960
I don't believe that is the heart of this issue. Also, the MPCA, one of the strictest in the United States, has approved this or we are stricter than that. So, I don't understand why we were told that this is such a bad project for the

71
00:24:26.960 --> 00:24:42.720
environment when this one of the strictest in the country says that it is okay. Um I was also I like to address the closed-loop glycol system. I have that in my house. My grandpa put it in. At 75 years old, he put in a

72
00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:59.280
geothermal system that was supposed to be the answer. Thank you. I would love to continue this conversation at my dinner table with anybody that would like to have it. That is one thing I miss about my family farm. When I every day when I leave for work, I see the farm. The house is gone,

73
00:24:59.280 --> 00:25:16.360
but there was an open door with a dinner table where he would discuss anything and I'm the same thank you. >> All right, thank you Jason. All right, that concludes our public input for tonight. Uh next up is the administration.

74
00:25:16.360 --> 00:25:37.080
Let's move on to I would first like to read off a Purple Heart deck proclamation here. Is Doug Andrews here? >> Yes. >> All right, thank you. I will read off our proclamation here. Was it in the packet? Oh, here it is.

75
00:25:37.080 --> 00:25:51.480
Thank you. The city of Pine Island proclamation Purple Heart City. Whereas the city of Pine Island in the state of Minnesota has always supported its military veteran population and whereas the Purple Heart is the oldest

76
00:25:51.480 --> 00:26:08.560
military decoration in the present use and was initially created as a badge of military merit by George General George Washington in 1782. And whereas the Purple Heart was the first American service awarded or

77
00:26:08.560 --> 00:26:23.840
decoration made available to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to members of the United States Armed Services Armed Forces who have been wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat with a declared enemy of the

78
00:26:23.840 --> 00:26:40.840
United States of America. And whereas the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill among the combat wounded veteran members and their families, promote patriotism, support legislative

79
00:26:40.840 --> 00:26:57.560
initiatives, and most importantly make sure we never forget. And whereas the Pine Island area has a highly decorated veteran population including Purple Heart recipients. And whereas Pine Island appreciates the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients

80
00:26:57.560 --> 00:27:13.640
made in defending our freedoms, and believe it is important >> [clears throat] >> that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the honor and support they have earned. Now, therefore, as the mayor pro tem of the city of Pine Island, Minnesota,

81
00:27:13.640 --> 00:27:28.600
do hereby proclaim the city of Pine Island as a Purple Heart City, and encourage the citizens of Pine Island to show their appreciation for the sacrifices the Purple Heart recipients have made in defending our freedoms, to acknowledge their courage,

82
00:27:28.600 --> 00:27:45.880
and to show them the honor and support they have earned. In witness whereof, I will sign it and set my hand and cause corporate seal of the city of Pine Island to be affiliated the 16th day of June, 2026.

83
00:27:46.640 --> 00:28:37.000
Doug, would you please come forward? Sign this. All right. Sign that when you bring when you bring Thanks, Doug. Much appreciated. And again, we thank all military actives and members that have supported our freedoms. So,

84
00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:56.360
moving on, we have the next item up here. Administration, do I have uh resolution 2627 approving liquor license to Los Reyes Kitchen and Bar. I'd like to pick that. >> Yes, we have a liquor license request.

85
00:28:56.360 --> 00:29:11.840
It will be noted Los Reyes did have a liquor license in 2025 that did expire on December 31st of 2025 and they did continue selling liquor into 2026 after a few warnings

86
00:29:11.840 --> 00:29:27.360
um and getting law enforcement involved they they did stop and now they have reapplied for a new liquor license. Our code says that we could suspend or not approve a future liquor license. I do believe that there might have been some

87
00:29:27.360 --> 00:29:43.320
misunderstanding about the need to reapply for a liquor license. So we are recommending approval of the liquor license. Um and then we will work with them to make sure that they apply for a liquor license again for 2026. >> of the change that? >> Yes.

88
00:29:43.320 --> 00:29:58.280
>> Okay. Any discussion? >> If we were to deny it would have a significant impact on the business. >> Yes, they would not they would not be able to sell any any sort of liquor. So

89
00:29:58.280 --> 00:30:16.520
and this is for on sale only an intoxicating liquor license. >> I'll move approval of resolution 2627 approving a liquor license for Los Reyes Kitchen and Bar. >> Second. >> The motion is second. Delena? >> I. >> Holton?

90
00:30:16.520 --> 00:30:34.320
>> I. >> Brandy? >> I. >> And South Burnett? >> I. >> Next up is to request to approve the facade loan application for Mama Soulis. Hitch, thank you. >> Yes, good evening council. Before you

91
00:30:34.320 --> 00:30:50.840
tonight is an application from John Mangouras the owner of Mama Soulis to apply for a facade improvement loan. He's working on installing some awnings, some new lighting, and doing some window trim work around his building there to improve the facade. Uh the EDA did go

92
00:30:50.840 --> 00:31:05.920
ahead and approve this, and per that agreement per the program, it does have to come before council to finalize that. Um so he is requesting the amount of $5,000 of the to help pay for the $16,545

93
00:31:05.920 --> 00:31:25.520
total for that project. >> Any questions for Mitch? Linda? Did see the photo, it looked really nice with the outside lighting that they're proposing and >> Yeah, it's going to look great. >> So it'll be For everybody's reference, that is the old Bourgie Boys in the chain of

94
00:31:25.520 --> 00:31:41.400
restaurants. >> Is that in through the side of the building that's some of it's purple? >> Yeah, they're going to be painting. So that that purple will go away. >> [laughter] >> The purple will not exist. >> Not that I don't like the purple clearly, but it's just kind >> At least that's my understanding is that

95
00:31:41.400 --> 00:31:57.920
he's painting it. Okay. So. >> All right. >> I'll move approval for the facade loan application for Mama's Release. >> Second. >> Have a motion and a second. Delaina? >> Aye. >> Holpen? Aye. Brandy? >> Aye. >> And Vernon, myself, aye.

96
00:31:57.920 --> 00:32:13.840
>> All right, thank you. >> Thank you very much, Mitch. >> Thanks, Mitch. >> Next step is ordinance 183 revising council meeting order of business. Mitch Smith? >> So chapter 2 section 2.04 of our code says uh the order of business that shall

97
00:32:13.840 --> 00:32:29.560
be conducted at city council meetings. It seems that throughout my tenure um that councils have requested to change the order of business uh to fit their needs, and so um council had requested to change the

98
00:32:29.560 --> 00:32:46.240
order of business um at council meetings. Attorney Voss and I decided that it would best be to change the language of what should [snorts] be um uh what what should be considered at city council meetings, but then leave

99
00:32:46.240 --> 00:33:00.880
the order of the city council meeting up to the current council. So, that way we don't have to change the ordinance every few years, and the order of business can be left up to the current council. So, the same agenda items would be on the agenda. They would just be uh appearing

100
00:33:00.880 --> 00:33:22.920
in whatever order the city council wish. >> Any discussion here? >> I'll move ordinance 183 revising the council meeting order of business. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Melina? >> I. >> Bolton? >> I. >> Randy? >> I. >> And myself, Vernon?

101
00:33:22.920 --> 00:33:40.760
>> I. >> Next is public comment policy and rules of decorum. Um And what this all came about is stemmed from the evening where we could not conduct our business basically because of the disruptions that happened

102
00:33:40.760 --> 00:33:57.520
during our public input process. So, that is why this has been on the agenda now. Added at our work session, we had a discussion. The council very much would like to continue the public input, but if this continues as is, um our attorney here, Bob Voss, has made

103
00:33:57.520 --> 00:34:13.159
it clear that there are and we've also checked with other cities that they don't have public input at their council meetings. So, the question is is you know, if we can behave and act accordingly with public decorum, we can continue our

104
00:34:13.159 --> 00:34:31.080
public input. And I will let uh somebody want to speak on this or not? >> I do. Yeah, if I can. Yeah, so acting mayor, um you I've said repeatedly um at your meetings that uh what you just said, mayor acting mayor, um

105
00:34:31.080 --> 00:34:46.879
Minnesota cities are not required to take input from the public. Uh folks don't like to hear that, but that's true. Cities don't have to in your council meetings take public input. I don't know if a majority of cities at this point don't take public input, but it's getting close to that because

106
00:34:46.879 --> 00:35:03.000
people come into these meetings and they individually call out elected officials. They call them out by name and talk about their kids. Talk about um in in the case of of this uh of this data project, I've heard multiple

107
00:35:03.000 --> 00:35:20.040
occasions where people have accused directly or indirectly city council members or public officials staff of being on the take, of being paid off, being bribed to support this project. It's absurd. It's an absurd allegation

108
00:35:20.040 --> 00:35:36.720
to make. No one has any evidence of that. No one has suggested they have any evidence of that, but yet people say that. It would be if these were not public officials slanderous. It would be actionable kind of stuff. But these are public officials and it would be very hard for you to sue somebody who makes a

109
00:35:36.720 --> 00:35:53.800
claim like that. But it's absurd. It's absurd to come into a public meeting where people are effectively acting as volunteers for your community and to accuse them of crimes with no evidence. But that's happened here, okay? And and

110
00:35:53.800 --> 00:36:08.880
what's happened that's happened in in city council meetings across state and cities have frequently said, "Forget it. We're not going to have public input. If you're going to come in and you're going to call people out individually by name and accuse them of criminal activity with no evidence, we're just not going

111
00:36:08.880 --> 00:36:24.120
to have it anymore." This city has said, and I uh commend you. I represent eight cities. I'm city attorney for eight cities. Most of I think all of the cities that I represent continue to take public input. I think it's great. I think that's the way government should work. I think we

112
00:36:24.120 --> 00:36:40.960
should hear from constituents. I think you should hear from your constituents. But if you're going to use the opportunity here at a council meeting to come in and make allegations about people being on the take, what why why does anyone want to serve in government if that's the way it's

113
00:36:40.960 --> 00:36:57.080
going to work? So, my understanding is you've proposed some changes to your policy to avoid that. Pe- people people here have every right to not like this project and to say they hate the project, think it's terrible for the environment, think it's terrible for

114
00:36:57.080 --> 00:37:12.880
their children. They have every right to say that. If you're going to have public forum, let them say that. But to call people out individually, to to accuse them of criminal activity with no evidence, it's not right. So, I'm speaking right now. This is not

115
00:37:12.880 --> 00:37:28.720
the opportunity for public input. You are making my point. Thank you. So, anyway, um you have in front of you a change to your policy. Do I think Do I think that if somebody stands up in a meeting and

116
00:37:28.720 --> 00:37:44.680
refuses to say where their address is, which is part of your policy, that you can throw them out? I don't think that. Can you have that be part of your policy? And then if people are not going to comply with that, if they're not going to comply with a 2-minute limit, get rid of the policy? Yes, you can do

117
00:37:44.680 --> 00:38:01.000
that. And I think that's the point of the changes to your policy. They are to make clear to folks what you're going to allow and what you're not going to allow. If people are not going to comply, if your community is not going to comply, which historically for 50 years, 60 years, I don't know, as long as Pine Pine Island's been a city,

118
00:38:01.000 --> 00:38:16.160
everyone's been able to comply until very recently, um then I guess you'll consider not having public forum anymore. But that So, anyway, I guess I've gone off in a bit of a tangent here, but that's I've sat here and witnessed this. I serve as city

119
00:38:16.160 --> 00:38:32.120
attorney in eight cities. I go to three council meetings a week. I sit through council meetings ad nauseam for three decades. And it's it's it's you know, that's the way the country has gone is that people are going to get called out

120
00:38:32.120 --> 00:38:47.920
as being public servants. And it's you know, people should disagree about policy vigorously. That's what America is all about. But to call people out individually and to to call them names and to accuse them of things, it's just

121
00:38:47.920 --> 00:39:03.600
it's it's disappointing. So, I think that's the point of the change in the policy and you know, I've rattled on long enough. So, thanks for the opportunity to speak on that. >> And a lot of this stems I think from the issues too. You got to check your

122
00:39:03.600 --> 00:39:21.120
political egos at the door. This is not time for comments right now. So, we don't do anything here right now. This is We know about that and the attorney has addressed those issues already. So, >> It's taken.

123
00:39:21.120 --> 00:39:40.320
>> Thank you. So, any other discussions council? >> Yeah. >> No. >> I just want to add that you know, we check political egos at the door. We don't do anything here about bombing Iran or Gaza or anything like that. And we don't

124
00:39:40.320 --> 00:39:56.760
appreciate this being used as a public forum for political positions and stuff like Steve Young did and we want to maintain the public input from the residents of this town so we can hear what they have to say about the projects and the agenda

125
00:39:56.760 --> 00:40:17.240
items that we have on before us every night. We don't like to be sidetracked on issues that we cannot control or do anything about. So, thank you for that. All right. Any other questions or Now, take a motion.

126
00:40:17.440 --> 00:40:33.760
>> I move approval of the public comment policy changes and rules of rules of decorum. >> A second. >> At least you have >> We have a motion and a second. >> Why do you change it? You haven't shown anything here. You got to at least present >> So Mayor and Council, let me I mean I I

127
00:40:33.760 --> 00:40:49.480
went off of my little tilt there. I went off my little tangent. Um the policy is in the packet. It's available online. And if folks want to make avail themselves of seeing what you have in front of you, they've had a week to do it or almost a week to do it. So and I'm I'm not I'm not going to I'm not going to

128
00:40:49.480 --> 00:41:07.320
>> Well, that's the only >> I'm not going to engage in a debate about it. >> Sit down. Raise them up speech. >> Sit down. >> I'm asking you to be removed. >> Thank you. What we are doing has been published out there. It is We are limiting public

129
00:41:07.320 --> 00:41:22.600
input to 20 minutes. >> It's illegal. >> It is not. Do you want to eliminate public input completely? We can do that. It is not illegal. >> statement. Real judge. >> illegal. Minnesota statutes have that.

130
00:41:22.600 --> 00:41:41.160
>> Right. >> All right. That's enough comment from the galley. We'll move on. Next comment, we'll ask you to leave and if not we'll have the deputy escort you out. All right. So back to the discussion. We had a motion and a second. Alaina.

131
00:41:41.160 --> 00:42:01.560
>> Aye. >> Copen. >> Aye. >> Brandy. >> Aye. >> Burnett. >> Aye. >> Next is resolution 2628 declaring a vacancy for mayor. Anybody with >> Yes, we have a resolution before you.

132
00:42:01.560 --> 00:42:19.400
Uh resolution 2628 declaring a vacancy for the mayor position. Uh the city received a resignation notice from a Mayor David Freeze. Um and so I have that letter before you and I also have prepared the resolution. Per

133
00:42:19.400 --> 00:42:36.880
Minnesota state statutes, the city council may appoint someone for mayor until the next election. So that would appear on Mayor Frieze's term is already up at the end of the year and his position would have already been on the ballot. And so it would be my recommendation to approve the resolution

134
00:42:36.880 --> 00:42:54.080
declaring the vacancy, but then filling that position at a future council meeting. >> Any questions? >> I'll move resolution 26-28 declaring a vacancy for mayor. >> Second. >> Mayor, if Acting Mayor before you take a

135
00:42:54.080 --> 00:43:11.080
vote on that just this is all standard practice where a public elected official resigns a relatively short period of time before a general election. It would be typical to appoint a replacement until that general election. I mean obviously in this case

136
00:43:11.080 --> 00:43:27.600
folks can sign up to run for mayor if they wanted to do that. I guess the only thing I would add to the motion you've made which is to approve the acceptance of the resignation and the declaring of the vacancy. The only thing thing I would say is if if the council will is

137
00:43:27.600 --> 00:43:43.240
to accept of folks interested in temporarily being appointed as the mayor, you might want to say that or if you'd rather look to your own council. I mean you you may want to say something tonight about how it is you want to go

138
00:43:43.240 --> 00:44:00.760
about appointing the replacement for the mayor and so maybe you could have a little dialogue before you take a vote on on that about how you want to go about appointing the replacement. >> Or would that be something that we >> Or you can take the vote and then talk about it at the next meeting. Yep,

139
00:44:00.760 --> 00:44:18.240
that's fine too. But I want I want you to I want you to at least I think it can be it's perfectly legal to come to a meeting and just appoint somebody, but it's I think it's a better it you know, public perception is a bit better if you sort of say what you're going to do to decide who to appoint. So, whether

140
00:44:18.240 --> 00:44:34.400
you do that tonight or at the next meeting, I I guess I'd leave that up to you, but I I I would encourage you to say something about that at some point. >> So, I want to put on the record that um for everyone in the room that we are just comprehending this

141
00:44:34.400 --> 00:44:51.880
ourselves. This just happened. We are going to take into consideration what we need for the city, and we will come to you with a decision next meeting. It is going to be something that we will not take lightly, and we will be having deep discussions

142
00:44:51.880 --> 00:45:10.320
about it. And keep in mind, it is 6 months. So, we have a filing period in July, and that will have whatever happens there happens there. But, we will be addressing it, and it will be open and discussed in July.

143
00:45:10.520 --> 00:45:27.440
>> All right. I think that sums it up. Then, this is declaring the vacancy because of the resignation that was just submitted. So, can I get a motion or or any discussion? >> I move for the 2628 declaring of vacancy for mayor. >> I second.

144
00:45:27.440 --> 00:45:44.640
>> Motion and a second? DeLeta? >> Aye. >> Holton? >> Aye. >> Brendy? >> Aye. >> Vernon? Aye. All right. Let's move on to planning commission. Anything there? All right. Public works and engineering? Adam?

145
00:45:44.640 --> 00:46:01.440
>> Yeah, Adam's in the back. >> I haven't seen you in a while, Adam. >> Yeah. Uh good evening, members of the council. Um Adam Pluscourt with Wood Seth Engineering Firm. Um first item on your agenda here is uh approving change order number one on your street project that we all see

146
00:46:01.440 --> 00:46:17.120
right outside window there. Essentially what this is is the the project was designed with a 36-in storm pipe running under the ground with an assumed depth of a massive duct that Bev Con uses as their main duct that feeds a

147
00:46:17.120 --> 00:46:33.720
major part portion of their service area. Um and then immediately once the project started, uh that duct was the first thing we dug up because we didn't verify the depth. Um it was a couple feet lower or uh 18-in lower or so than we expected,

148
00:46:33.720 --> 00:46:49.360
so we had to switch our pipe from a regular cylindrical 36-in pipe to an arch pipe um to get underneath that and to keep the same capacity in that pipe. Um arch pipe is very very expensive in comparison to the

149
00:46:49.360 --> 00:47:06.240
regular cylindrical pipe, so uh to avoid a 117-ft long run of that arch pipe, we added a manhole um and just have a 25-ft stretch of arch pipe and then we switch back to the circular pipe. So, all told it ends up being around $12,700

150
00:47:06.240 --> 00:47:23.440
um additional um that's expected as this change as part of this change. Um but like I said, the the cost savings of running that entire stretch at arch pipe is it's over over $25,000 savings. Uh it's right outside here. Yeah. Yeah,

151
00:47:23.440 --> 00:47:39.000
it's like right next to the it's the duct the the duct crosses and then it's right after the the duct crossing. >> wasn't on the street down there. It was right out front here. >> Yeah, the duct goes up this alley here. Yeah. And we had a manhole just 20 25-ft

152
00:47:39.000 --> 00:47:54.120
um be west of there, but we're adding another one. Just to switch the pipe over. >> Has that been looked at like elsewhere to make sure there's no other changes there? >> Yeah, um we dropped some grades of some other pipes, too. There's a smaller

153
00:47:54.120 --> 00:48:10.040
storm manhole that we have to drop a little bit, too, but um no changes that affect cost really. And so, This is the main cost difference, I guess. It warranted a change order. >> So, you just need an approval for that additional >> Yeah, that's item A.

154
00:48:10.040 --> 00:48:27.560
I'll I'll be up to talk about item B, if you want to do that. I'll be around for other questions, I guess. >> Um I'll move approval for the change order number one for the 2026 street improvement project. >> I'll second. >> There's a motion and a second. Elena? >> I. >> Bolton?

155
00:48:27.560 --> 00:48:43.120
>> I. >> Randy? >> I. >> Vernon's I. Next is Adam Nickels. >> Okay. Um yes, this item uh just payment application number one. We do these monthly. Um the majority of the items on the street project for this portion are

156
00:48:43.120 --> 00:48:58.840
uh it's the first one, so mobilization charge is um a large portion of it, and then the rest are removals, um and some minor pipe that's gone in, but mostly pavement removal, curb removal, mobilization, tree clearing, um

157
00:48:58.840 --> 00:49:13.920
front end stuff on on a project. So, all told it adds up to 191 or 195,000 um $291. So, that is payment application one. If you have any questions for that, I'll be

158
00:49:13.920 --> 00:49:30.920
around, as well. >> I'll move approval for the 2026 street improvement project pay application. >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Elena? >> I. >> Bolton? >> I. >> Randy? >> I. >> Vernon? >> I. >> Out of curiosity, what is the timeline?

159
00:49:30.920 --> 00:49:47.160
Can you remind me? Like just for the whole >> Yeah, so it's a it's an odd project because it's this portion, but it's also Second Street over there, and it's also Willow Circle. It's split up, so um all told it wraps up in the fall, like they pave,

160
00:49:47.160 --> 00:50:04.040
you know, October time frame, um September October. Um that's what the contract says, but that doesn't mean that like certain portions might not be wrapped up before then. The contractors let us know that this portion will be first and they started there. So I would imagine it'll be a gravel road

161
00:50:04.040 --> 00:50:21.720
with you know concrete curb and gutter pretty early on in the summer or you know mid-summer I would say. >> So there will be any impacts to the school over here when we get to that one? >> Yeah, so that's in the contract that that street specifically needs to be

162
00:50:21.720 --> 00:50:37.920
basically started and finished in the summer months. So just second street's got a few little extra language there. It might be paved during school, but it'll be um >> open >> It'll be open. Yeah, and the all the underground utility work and stuff has to occur >> Okay.

163
00:50:37.920 --> 00:50:57.960
>> during summer all the concrete and stuff. >> That was one thing we wanted to make sure happened to reduce the issue with traffic at the >> Right, yeah. It'd be kind of a nightmare otherwise. So yeah, that was in the plans to >> Okay. >> to get that done in the summer months. Perfect. >> Thanks. Thank you. >> Next up with the department monthly

164
00:50:57.960 --> 00:51:13.280
reports. >> Yeah, legal. >> Oh, legal. Sorry. I apologize. >> Yeah, no not at all. I just to acknowledge I think it's been widely reported in the press there is an additional ruling in the court case involving the data center. Um

165
00:51:13.280 --> 00:51:29.360
parties have been enjoined from moving forward with construction until some additional information is provided to the plaintiffs in the case. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy is the plaintiff. Uh and that is the update. I'm happy to answer questions about that.

166
00:51:31.080 --> 00:51:47.120
Again, I'm not litigating the case, but I'm I've read the order. So I'm aware of it. So >> And I think that's stemmed from the fact that they couldn't certain lengths and some information >> Correct. There was an attempt to provide the information apparently, but they weren't able to open it there the that or something. and

167
00:51:47.120 --> 00:52:06.200
so yeah, that's exactly right. Yeah. And I have nothing else. >> Thank you. Next up will be claims. >> I'll move claims. >> Second. >> Motion and second for claims. Elena? >> Aye. >> Bolton? >> Aye. >> Brandy? >> Aye.

168
00:52:06.200 --> 00:52:25.880
>> Vernon's aye. >> Now we'll move on to department monthly reports. Administrator. >> I don't have anything on the agenda. >> How about with the wastewater treatment? Any updates there you >> Uh no, just that

169
00:52:25.880 --> 00:52:43.280
uh we're working with both state and uh federal funding for this. So. >> Okay, thanks. The bonding didn't come through with the amount that we were asking all the cities, you know, right? >> Yeah, so we received this bonding dollars, but we signed off on it.

170
00:52:43.280 --> 00:52:59.600
And then uh in the other omnibus bill, uh the state legislature put in language that $80 of our previous $10 million can be used then towards the project. Um so that was for pre-design and planning. So they both have $20 but we

171
00:52:59.600 --> 00:53:17.520
have $20 so that makes sense. >> Okay. >> Uh makes sense. >> All right. Well, thank you. On the library, Rachel. >> Hi. Uh just wanted to give you guys an update. County funding we had a

172
00:53:17.520 --> 00:53:35.000
bunch of gray clouds last time um and this time it's not quite so gray. Uh we had a meeting with Goodhue County last week at the outside agencies funding um request meeting and then we've been in communication with them again today with their committee of the whole meeting and

173
00:53:35.000 --> 00:53:52.040
they are going to be just freezing our funding. They are not diminishing our funding, but we're not going to get a bump for the uh standard of living increase. >> That's true. >> So next year that will return but they're just freezing it for 1 year and they're trying to do that across the board for the outside agencies. So

174
00:53:52.040 --> 00:54:06.320
that's good news for us. Hopefully we won't be losing the 10 Well, we won't be losing the 10% that we thought we might be for that. Olmsted County the commissioners and the administrator have also been taking a look after we've

175
00:54:06.320 --> 00:54:23.400
been pushing back a little bit on their funding formula that they presented which included programming numbers and they are looking to us. We actually have a meeting on Thursday the meet the library directors to look at different ways that we can split the pot of money

176
00:54:23.400 --> 00:54:38.400
that they're going to be providing. So the libraries will be funded at 1% of the county levy and we can kind of as long as it's in our annual report it's data that they can verify we can use that information. So

177
00:54:38.400 --> 00:54:54.760
hopefully that will mean that our library is not losing anything. That was $11,000 for this next funding year. So fingers crossed. I'll keep you updated for next month and of course Dodge County is the same. No changes there.

178
00:54:54.760 --> 00:55:11.040
My other big news is that summer reading is going on. We have over I think we forgot we reached the 300 kid or actually participant number for summer reading sign-ups. We've had a 92 stuffies that are stuffy sleepover

179
00:55:11.040 --> 00:55:26.760
which was our kickoff the first week of the month which was our biggest number yet. We think we had about 140 people at that program. So we were very very pleased and we are really appreciating the support. Take a look at our website and Facebook if you're interested in

180
00:55:26.760 --> 00:55:43.000
more information or the council packet also I put the listing of our different programs as well. And also just to give you all a heads up I will be out of the office from Monday through Wednesday this coming week, probably Thursday. I am going to a conference on America 250, which will be

181
00:55:43.000 --> 00:55:59.440
giving us programming ideas for the anniversary this year, and I'll be in Cincinnati for that. So, super exciting. Um and um then they'll also the the the conference is also providing a stipend for programming after the fact. So,

182
00:55:59.440 --> 00:56:16.760
hopefully we'll have a really good slate of programs this fall. So, stay tuned. Any questions for me? Well, thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Public Works? Nothing? Okay. Thank you.

183
00:56:16.760 --> 00:56:33.480
EDA? Yep. Fire Department? Veducci County Sheriff? >> Good morning. >> Good. Cemetery Board? License Bureau? Emergency Management?

184
00:56:33.480 --> 00:56:49.360
Okay. I've already >> talked about the North Sumner Road Sanitary District. >> Image Committee? And we'd like to thank them for all their work on that sign. That was very nice. >> Yeah, it was nice. >> And we've got a lot of positive feedback

185
00:56:49.360 --> 00:57:05.040
on that. It stood out really nice, and Public Works, and thank you for all your work. Veducci County Board minutes available at Veducci County. Um with that, I think we wrap it up to adjournment. >> Move to adjourn. >> Second.

186
00:57:05.040 --> 00:57:15.520
>> Have a motion and a second. Jolena? >> Aye. >> Open? >> Aye. >> Ready? >> Aye. >> Vernon says aye. Thank you, everybody, for coming.