meeting to order. First order of business would be the pledge of allegiance. Please rise if you're able to pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for its one nation under God,
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Like to welcome everybody to our December 16th council meeting. got a full agenda tonight. >> Mr. Mayor, I would like to amend the
consent agenda item I the assembly permit application for winter fest. A motion to agenda the consent agenda. >> I hi >> Brandy. >> Hi. >> David is >> our consented agenda includes our
November 18th, 2025 regular monthly meeting minutes. Our December 2nd, 2025 council workshop minutes, a request to approve the Zach Clap's successful completion of probation for public works. Resolution 2553 accepting monthly donations for the mural when giving tap.
Uh resolution 2554 evergreen place fund at the transfer enclosure. Resolution 2555 evergreen place or M fund transport and closure. Request to approve the department of health service connection with heat increase and request to approve the final fire
department's brush to graphic quotes along with the added assembly permit. Follow the consent agenda. >> We have a motion, a second on the consent agenda. Any questions or
discussions? >> Delena. >> Hi. >> Colton. >> Hi. >> Vernon. >> Hi. >> Bren. >> Hi. >> And David will I. >> All right. We are going to be moving into our public input. Uh before we
begin tonight, just a few housekeeping items. Remember for public input uh we have some expectations as a council so we can conduct business accordingly and efficiently and that includes uh the guidelines that are posted in the back of the council room. Um there is not to
be any outbursts, interruptions, anything like that. Everybody's going to be respectful um with the time clock. Everybody has their two minutes to speak. Uh given that we have a little bit of a longer list tonight, please do not take offense if I have to cut you off at the two minutes. I'm trying to be
respectful, but just give you a heads up. Please be mindful that there's other that would like to speak as well tonight. Um is Rusty Jackson here? I have not seen. But anyways, um he was going to be here tonight. was not obviously not able to
make it, but um he is one of our business members uh that recently sold Owen's locker and he's going to be receiving a a certificate of appreciation from the city this evening recognizing his uh long and dedicated
service to the city of Pine Island. He uh has a long family history with uh their business here in Pine Island and I wanted to publicly thank him for the work he's done and and a lot of the opportunities he provided people for employment. Not only that, but it was a
staple in this community and we were very fortunate to have him and his family here. Uh that business was recently sold, so it's still there and we are very thank for that and like to support him as well. So that will be going to be done. So congratulations
Russ. All right, we're going to jump right into again um Darcy Simpson here first up to the lectern. Please introduce yourself and where you live. >> My name is Dory. I live at 2008 Street
Police. I'm here to ask you to vote no on the approval of the PTA companies. The application violates our city code. In the land use regulation chapter under city code section 1111 sub1 purpose, it states to encourage
development of land quote while preserving the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Pine Island end quote. And in subd6 preliminary development plan section B number two quote the uses proposed will not have an unlimited adverse impact on the
reasonable of neighboring property. The put application omits information on the use of backup diesel generators which are required to produce energy for the data center when the grid cannot. This is important because diesel generators create air pollution
including fine particullet, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. All of which can penetrate lung tissue and cause asthma, COPT, lung cancer and other cardiorespiratory diseases. Without detailed information
on generator use, you cannot say the project will preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Prime. The PUT application also states the noise levels will be within the city and state guidelines, but they don't tell
you the whole truth. Data centers create two different types of noise, both high and low frequency. The application only refers to the measurable high frequency tones. The low frequency hum created by data centers travels as far as 2 and a
half miles from its source, moves easily through structures like houses and schools, and never stops coming. It's 24/7. The only way to mitigate low frequency noise is to move it further away from people. Low frequency noise is also
difficult to measure in decibb, but it can be felt and the human brain constantly processes it even while you sleep. Low frequency noise has been shown to cause headaches, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. This noise does not preserve
the health and safety of citizens, and it creates an adverse impact on the reasonable enjoyment of neighboring property. Finally, the POT application also does not provide mitigation on construction traffic for safety. There will be hundreds of construction workers as well as numerous large
construction vehicles using the roundabout and bike pine road daily. Pedestrians, including children who walk and ride bike, will have to navigate across three intersections in the roundabout to get to and from town. This does not preserve the safety of our
citizens and will have an adverse impact on the reasonable enjoyment of neighboring property. This is the reality of hypers scale data centers. as soon as we have seen across the country and proposed here in Miami.
You must vote no on the proposal as it violates our city code. >> I I ask you I set the rules. I ask you I set the expectations. No outbursts. Okay. This is this is my last morning.
All right, Lauren. Lauren Simpson, 2008 Street Southeast. Why is Project Skyway being zoned as light industrial versus heavy industrial? Heavy industrial projects have certain characteristics that are not seen in light industrial. Heavy
heavy industrial has a large physical footprint. Pine Island's proposed hypers scale center data center will be 3 million square ft. To give you a comparison, US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis is 1.7 million square ft. Yeah, about half the size. The Lindberg
airport terminal in Minneapolis is a whopping 2.8 million square ft. Still smaller than the proposed PI data center. This proposed project is objectively massive. Heavy industrial is also noted to be a gigantic consumer of
energy. With the vast footprint of this proposed data center, expected consumption of electricity will be enormous. This amount of energy poses a significant strain of power on the grid. A US Department of Energy report says that data centers consume 4.4% of all
electricity in 2023 and that by 2028, it projects that data centers will consume consume up to 12%. Department of Energy also raises concerns about blackouts by 2030 unless new power sources are added. Light industrial has limitations on
hours of operation, ensuring reasonable hours to minimize disturbances to residents living close by. Hypers scale data centers run 24/7. People want to use their phones, internet, and computers all times. Makes sense. These hypers scale data centers need to run
constantly. It also makes sense that we should not that we should cons consider these data centers heavy industrial. Last but not least comes the amount of pollution and waves generated by heavy industrial. Low frequency wavelength noise pollution is a real thing. We
should not have housing closed data center. You will notice in the information supplied by the city council and developer there's no mention of low frequency wavelength noise. You'll also notice that there's no mention of backup generators which will be needed on site nor the fuel that will be used. The
operation of these backup generators are a huge source of air pollution and noise pollution. No variance should be given by final. >> If if it walks like a duck, whacks like a duck, and swims like a duck, it's most certainly a duck. This PI hypers scale
data center should be zed as heavy industrial and we shouldn't even be at this meeting because the project would have to be installed miles away from our home. >> The the person before me took over 3 minutes. >> Why aren't these hypers scale data
centers classified by state small towns as heavy industrial? First, the large billion dollar corporations and developers don't want them to be because it affects their bottom dollar. Second, state All right. Fun fact, >> few minutes as you're
>> just yesterday. >> Yes, I understand it, sir. But please have a seat. There's other people that need to speak. >> Exactly. So, >> no one gave me two minute two minutes before I I call. No one said two minutes. I already broke the speech
down. 4 and a half minutes. It took three minutes. And you're welcome to send it by step. My wife has sent multiple emails and you guys have not answered. >> All right. This is your warning. >> This is your warning. Please noted.
>> So for those of you behind back here, I >> no sir. I set the expectations at the beginning of the meeting. I set the expectations. Follow them, please. I said two minutes
at the beginning of the meeting. Two minutes. Okay. So, that's we're that's the explanation so everybody can get through. All right. Amanda, you're next. Please. >> Farmington allows five minutes. >> Sir, I need you to leave. Please. >> Can you tell me why I need you to leave?
>> I need you to leave. Please follow the rules. Amanda, you're next. Welcome. >> I'm Amanda. I live at 230 Prairie View Drive Northeast in Front Island. Um, small town, community, quiet, and safe
are all of the main words highlighted on the word cloud of the comprehensive plan. It summarizes why many people chose to call Pine Island home. I would like to start by saying that I am not 100% propo opposed to a data center. I am well aware of the direction our world
is headed. I'm opposed to data centers located so close to residential homes that affects our quality of life and our livelihoods. I understand why they want to build here because it's more cost effective for them. But they are Fortune 100 companies and have the means to
build their own infrastructure away from residents of a town. Make them be self sustainable. make them relocate to where residents are not affected by all of the negative side effects. Set the standard for what a data center should be and where it should be located. While I have
many concerns related to the data center, noise and transportation are also the top of my list. The proposal submitted said that it will comply with the state noise regulations. However, it specifically asks for exceptions right off the bat. There is no additional information that's provided. How will
they read these limitations? monthly, daily, for how long? One hour, a full day. The residents on the north northeast side of town are being blatantly disregarded. Excessive noise as well as a study hum 24/7 has been linked to so many health risks. Ryan
claims that Minnesota has some of the best regulations, but the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board has stated stated specifically that no true regulation will be in place until December of 2026 at the earliest. They can't protect you when exceptions have already been agreed upon. Lastly, with
transportation, it should be a non-negotiable, a hard stop. They plan to use the roundabout by my house, my only way into and out of town along with many other people. My kids use this road daily. There are pets, runners, bikers.
A sidewalk is not sufficient. Please just 15 seconds. >> We are unwilling to gamble with our safety and our health. The proposal is inadequate and it does not answer our questions and protect our safety. The city continues to revise and amend several documents to allow it to fit the
agenda, the comprehensive plan, the ordinances for development. So, who will choose to stand with the residents and not a Fortune 100 company to make them revise their plans? Please hold the project and request more detailed information. >> Thank you.
Never find this. >> May I ask you again please refrain from clapping just so there's people here on both sides that would like to speak. Welcome, Miss Lannerson. >> Tonight, we are here to ask that you pause the status center project until
our questions are answered. Right now, it feels as if we're rushing ahead about a clear plan, putting the car before the horse and the horse can't even see straight. So far, what we have delivered from Ryan companies has not defined clarity, only more confusion. Key
questions remain unan unanswered. Even though we are were told that there'd be a 60-day pause to address them and gather public input, that laws never happened. Here are just a few of our top concerns. First, what will be the total
power demand of this data center? What's the backup system and how much noise will it generate? How many generators are planned? What fuels them? And what are the emissions during this operation and maintenance tests? It is vital that Ryan companies not be exempt from noise
limits during these tests as they have requested. Beyond noise and emissions, how will Pine Island provide enough water once the data center is running and our water permit is maxed out? How many jobs will actually come from phase one? What's the real cost and benefit to
our community? And what's the true environmental impact? Why is this project being classified as light industrial and during a power emergency? Who gives priority? Our residents or the data center? Will these demands raise our residential electric rating? And why
did we sign non-disclosure agreements for nonproprietary information? We are not asking for much, just to pause until we have real answers. We wouldn't build a house without a blueprint. Why should we build a data center without reviewing the plan and without considering all the
possible possible negative impacts to the community? I beseech you to all dig deep into your hearts. This is something that is affecting so many people and there we're not even
allowed to to have a discussion and it it's sad. It's really sad and I would vote that all of you. Thanks. >> Mayor, can I just a comment about the clapping? You know, I understand that people are supportive of a lot of comments here tonight. Um, this is
unusual for Pine Island to have a room like this, obviously. Um, the problem with that, mayor, as I think you tried to point out, is that people may disagree and then they're going to start booming sometimes. Okay. And then it turns into a free-for-all. So you have to have some rules about the amount of
time people get stopped. Mrs. Baker why please don't do that. You have to rules about the way these are going to be. See mayor sometime I'm monopolizing a little bit of time here. I've said this to this council before. Cities are not in Minnesota required to
have public farms. It's not a requirement by law. Many cities have them. Many cities don't. Many cities recently have moved away from having these kind of open forums, public comments because of conduct like this because of conduct like this. So just
please follow the rules. Okay, everyone will get to speak. Yes, there are time limits because there is a room full of people. There would not be enough time for everyone to speak as long as they want to. That's the way government has to work sometimes. So I would just ask all of you, I don't live in this
community, you do. I would ask you to be respectful of the public forums so that we can continue to have it here. Okay. Again, I work I'm city attorney cities. Many cities have moved away from having public forums because people won't follow basic civility rules.
>> I would encourage you to follow that. Sorry, mayor. Take off my hat. Mr. >> Two minutes. Good evening everybody. You know I I had uh all questions. I
just so people know I emailed them all out to leadership and also hand them over to Bonnie here. I have all questions but obviously in two minutes I can't get 12 questions. So I picked only one and the one I'm going to talk about is
not all the others are just as critical to get answered before you start the process here. But, uh, I'll start. I'm going to pick water. Um, how will the town get us water once the
data center moves um, our DNR pumping limit that's currently permitted cuz that's what's going to happen when we give
152,000 gallons of water to the data center. We will be maxed out on our permit if I jump in here. Okay. The current city uses about 300,000 gallons of water. So by
permitting them to take the next 152,000 gallons, that's 50% more than currently used maxes out our permit. And I'm sure people think, well, that's no big deal. Well, I'll tell you what just happened over in Rochester.
People are probably not aware of this. The DNR, I'll read it because this was given to me. The DNR will not permit Rochester to drill any more wells. In other words, put up any more water into the Jordan aquifer, which is what
we use until all other options of finding water a viable another viable source. So there Rochester is currently looking into pumping water from the Mississippi or drilling deeper well. How am I doing
right? So give me 15 more seconds because I've heard many times Peter not to point a finger at you say we will not use any more water than the Pine Island golf course.
The Pan Golf Course uses 292 gallons on an average. 500 gallons on a busy day. So out of the 152,000 gallons compared to 500 gallons.
I mean, you got to answer that question before you go forward. We're maxing out our permit. Do you think we're going to be able to put up another water tower or two? Thank you, sir. All right, Roxan White.
>> I hope you have some common sense. I'm not trying to make don't make naive decisions. Roxand 4645. It's hard to find the words to express trade. I feel by the city council and
zoning committee. I believe now that this data center project has been in the works for a long time. I believe the city officials knew that most residents don't pay close attention to what the city council is doing. We didn't think we had to.
If you had made a reasonable and honest effort to be transparent at the beginning, you would have received the push back that you're getting now. I believe this is a calculated manipulation and a betrayal of trust. Your disregard to the people who live
near the proposed site is breastfeeding, but this will affect all of us. There's no regulated permitting for these sites and yet and towns and their resources are being looted by the detect with your
help. I support fighting this impending catastrophe any way can be found legally and if we fail in this huge data center is built you will all be remembered as the fools who sold out time.
>> Thank you. Follow the rules, please. >> Your adults, please. All right, Aubrey, you're next. Dort when residents on Hingwood Lane in
Wilton County, Virginia, also known as data center alley, bought their homes, they were surrounded by farmlands with the northeast side of towns. Now, now the residential development is completely enclosed on all sides by data centers. Residents quality of life is dismal. They're unable to sell their
homes because no one wants to live that close to data centers. For Hittingwood, their only chance of selling was to sell the entire development as one industrial part parcel to a developer, which angered the bordering Brierfield residential development because it would put them in the same position as
Hittingwood, unable to sell, exacerbating the problem rather than mitigating it. The reasoning of the sale was denied by the county. Residents are left stranded in limbo and city officials have gone on the record that they created this mess through poor zoning and planning decisions. There are
already homes on the market in Northeast. Remember where you live and your neighbors are selling because of the data center. We in Northeast enjoy being surrounded by farmland for many. It's why we moved here and why we stay. We see community
neighbors, family farms, and we want to be good neighbors and responsible stewards of our resources. Ryan Companies doesn't know what it is to be a good neighbor. They only see land that they want to exploit, protections to ignore and violate, and residents to displace so that they can bulldo their homes to build data centers, resulting
in Northeast being completely surrounded just like any wood. We refuse to be unable to sell our homes because you make poor planning and no decisions without thinking through what the human costs are. Most residents here that sign purchase agreements, they don't want their homes owned. They felt backed into
a corner by a predatory developer with a city in its pocket and they're rooting for the project to fail. Our neighbors losing their homes is not a victory or a benefit. Reject the project approvals in front of you because we are not dispensable. >> Ashley
>> D. I got expecting to lure this for the first time. and appropriate. Hello, my name is Ashley Bang and I live at 832 Balsson Court Northeast, less than a mile away from the gold data center. My husband and I moved to Pine Island in 2022 when
we were expecting our first child and we were reflecting on the type of life we would like to provide for our family. I had grown up in a small Wisconsin town uh and I wanted my family to experience the safety, security, and sense of community I had in my small rural town.
Throughout our three years here, we trained and we've discussed what types of businesses we felt would really positively impact this beautiful community and we are absolutely not opposed to growth and change. However, we are adamantly against a large scale
data center that will not only impact our environment but also have very real and dangerous consequences for my family and our community. I could spend the rest of my minute up here recounting to all the factual information regarding the impact data centers have on families
and communities like many other residents, professionals, and advocacy groups have. However, I unfortunately have noticed that it hasn't made much of a difference. Instead, I would like to utilize the rest of my time to remind you all the duty and oath that you took
upon entering your position. You all solemnly swore that you would support the Constitution of the United States. the Constitution of the City of Minnesota and that you would faithfully discharge the duties of your designated offices for Pine Island, Minnesota to your best judgments and abilities. So
help you God. You pledge the law, operate with transparency and integrity, and advocate for your residents. Please honor your oath. Mr. Mayor, you yourself on your Facebook page during your first term as mayor said, "I will
represent all community members in Pine Island, whether they have marked their ballot behind my name or not. To those who do not vote for me, I will work to earn your trust. It is about representing all the voices in the community. You now need to earn back our
trust. Represent us and vote now." Thank you. All right, please. Reverend David Dirkson, here next couple weeks ago on the planning and zoning committee, I brought these
questions to your all attention since we do want to follow the rules and the laws of the land. Just as we've heard earlier, the legal description of the plat is rather vague about some very important questions. There's two historic railroads that are mentioned in their
plat. You need to answer who has the authority for these railroad easements. They no longer exist, these railroads. Have they been quick claimed or vacated? Does any successor railroad retain rights? Does the legal description
include or exclude the entire easement of the area? There's some really important questions and it's very frustrating because this is just a pattern of let's move forward before we have important questions to answer. It reminds me of the AU where we learn that
there is a historic Catholic cemetery on this land. It's a low threshold to say that we respect the community enough to actually call the local dascese, get the records of of who's buried there and figure out
if this is on the land and obey the law. It's so disrespect to this community that those certain things aren't being answered. Very disrespectful. And as far as saying that you're being transparent, keep on saying you're
transparent is like saying, "I'm humble. I'm humble. I'm humble. I'm humble." If you're saying it, you probably aren't. Show us. Don't say it. Show us. Get the information about the energy use of this project. There's plenty of other
projects out there for data centers that have given those information out. So don't give us the line that is trade secrets. Be transparent. Don't just say it. Walk the walk. Thank you.
All right. We got Taylor Schlot next. >> Hello. >> I'm Dr. Kayla Baldwin Schlot. I live at 510 Northeast. And I can make it on even speaking today because quite frankly I have the same concerns as most everyone else in this room and I feel like words
seem to fall in deaf ears. As stated I live in northeast neighborhoods. My children are 8, five and two. Ask any of our neighbors and they'll say that most days you will find my kids playing outside for as many hours as they can. Now we're faced with a major construction project that will impact them for the rest of their travel. Ryan
companies has stated that this whole project could take 15 to 20 years to complete. That means that all three of my children will be grown and gone to board this project. Instead of listening to laughter and playing outside, we will be listening to the sounds of trucks, generators, and heavy machinery. We've already had increased air quality
concerns the past two summers. Will that be even worse now? More coming to light about health concerns in areas of data centers. Increased rates of asthma, cancer, heart disease, and even miscarriage is being reported. The University of California Riverside researchers found that health impacts
from data center pollution tripled from 2019 to 2023. Harvard's thron school of public health reports that a recent model indicated that US data centers could contribute to 1300 deaths each year in public health burden of more than 20 billion. More research is
needed, but that takes time and money. And unfortunately, the people with the time and money are the ones building the data centers. As a business owner, I understand that this could decrease the tax burden on existing businesses here. But as a mother and a human being, I know that money isn't everything. As a
family, we have so many questions right now. Do we sell our home and move? What does that mean for our business? Do we move that as well? My biggest fear at this time is that in the notsodistant future, my children, our children, will come to me after receiving a diagnosis of cancer or asthma or something else
and ask me why we didn't do more to protect them. right now. I'm asking you to please press pause and dig into these issues further and with more open communication with the residents of this town. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Welcome. >> Good evening. My name is Mike Lane. I
live at 112nd Street North Island. If you want to come at my house again, I have Tennessee ruffle feathers here in town. Um I just want to bring up two items. talks about tax revenue. Now we understand state of Minnesota will not be taxing the data center but they say
the promo was well the locals can tax the data centers. What guarantee do we have as residents that the state of Minnesota which is facing a shortfall in the next couple years of millions of dollars is going to allow the city of Pine Island to tax the data center. how
we hell these guys in fancy suits, lawyers for the data center aren't going to come back and say, "Well, you're going to have us have a tax." Maybe Harvard Hack should have a sales tax and all these local businesses just to be fair. So that's one item that he's paid. We are going to have to pay more in
taxes. Second has to do with energy consumption. Let's look at the elephant in the room. By 2040, by state law, no regulation, we will be 100% renewable. Where is the electricity going to come
from? Because we don't even have the infrastructure right now for the state of Minnesota in of itself be 100% energy uh green energy by 2040. the state of um Excel Energy, it's not happened yet, but mark my words, is
going to be sued by five adjoining states that are part of Excel Energy because Excel Energy wants them to pay for the infrastructure for the state of Minnesota so that the state of Minnesota can meet its green energy commitment by 2040. How are you going to power this
thing? Are Yeah, what it took me five minutes on the internet. Did you actually do your homework? And I know the thing with City of Pine Island is we'll ignore you. You got a question, we'll ignore you. We'll make up some lame excuse. And I've seen it
year after year after year. We can't even get a stoplight in the town because it's the count he wrote. We pay you. We pay our taxes. Thank you. >> Chris Alen, >> welcome.
>> First of all, uh I'm from Rochester, Minnesota. I'm a visual artist. Uh and I, uh am the daughter of Mar Allen, who founded Channel One, so I'm a little shy because I'm used to being behind the scenes. Uh, but I I thought somebody
told me that island was super um um super conservative and and I'm shocked. Here I am in this amazing room. Uh I have a daughter, two daughters, 34 and 29. and
my oldest daughter moved to Montreal uh two years ago, three years ago to work on an animation film called the Unicorn. It's still on Netflix. Um Netflix people were super mean. Uh sadly, uh she's come
home. She can't find a job. So, she's going to move to LA in two weeks. So, we are best friends, but AI is killing AI is killing jobs for people that are
creative. Look at our newly daughter. She just went to a thing called Lightbox in LA. And Lightbox is not where you get a job. It's where you connect. You network. And she said, "People offer me jobs there, Mom." So,
thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Robin Schmall, welcome. Um, I've been following this project since I heard first heard about it in June. Um, and I think the thing that has
concerned me the most is that I feel like um I'm I'm just curious why my elected city officials are so in step with Ryan company and what they're asking for. Our developmental plan has changed to match what they want. Our
zoning is changing to match what they want. I'm also concerned about why my elected officials appear to be so deaf to the concerns of citizens who have raised questions and objections about this project. Ryan Company makes a wonderful sales pitch about the benefits
that they're going to give our community. But let's not be fooled. They're not here to help our town. They're here to exploit our resources, exploit our location, take advantage of local farmers facing hard times. They're here to capitalize on the fact that we
as a community, as a state, as a nation are very inexperienced in dealing with this type of in development. And they're capitalizing on the fact that there is lack of government oversight right now. Ryan has offered sales pitches. They've
offered us undefined financial benefits. And they've offered us a lot of misinformation. They've brushed aside legitimate public concerns about raising electricity costs, about noise, about light pollution, about environmental and health issues. I would expect this from
a developer. They want to push this project through quickly so they can gain money. Sadly, I have seen our elected and non-elected officials unanimously offer support to the developer instead of coming alongside of citizens who have
concerns and offering us some support and information. I haven't heard you asking hard questions. I haven't seen you demanding changes to projects that are a problem for the community. You guys can be in the driver's seat. We do not have to let
Ryan dictate how this looks. I just ask you to please do better representing those of us you have volunteered to serve. >> Wend Mr. Wend operate a business on the northeast
side of Pine Island last 55 years along with my family and I'm just thankful to be here. We live right across the uh our business is right across from the proposed
and highway 52 go right through by us. It's a noisy road. We all know that I'm used to it. Except it as something that's there that's going to stay there. I tend to look back being an older
person and remember when lands had a controversial proposition for the span community as well. They wanted to expand their production dramatically and this council said well where are we going to get the water? Where do we need it?
They're probably the biggest water users in pine now and in the future. But I'm sure that the city they met with them and and they they came up with a pre-treatment plant where they treated the sewage that was
coming in and they became a good neighbor to us and I don't think there's anybody in this room that like see our command lakes company. It was a very controversial time then do but the council did their job. They
investigated and it worked out. There was another controversy that I remember happening over in Had to do with an alcohol plant. I don't know how many of you know how much water and energy an alcohol
plant losses a lot but you know they figure figured it out over in that area and it's been a godsend to the farmers. It's a right now the farmers are going through a battle where where do we saw a
product corn for a few more seconds here and that that source is been dried up overseas for the product sale of their product. Fortunately they can take it over to alcohol plants and it's
very and very productive. and a good citizen that area and here. Now you might wonder what that got to do with here. This is the the commodity that we're talking about here is information. Everybody in
this room's got one and it's information that has to be processed and that's where these thanks Paul. Good evening. My name is Jonathan Paul and I'm now a resident of Oronogo. But
prior to leaving town in February of 2024, I called my island home for 40 plus years. And as a former council member of this very body, as a former me resident and council member, I am here tonight to vocally show my support for
the most recent development opportunities in Pine Island. As a former council member, this is exactly the type of opportunity that we were charged with and strive to obtain for the betterment of all of Pine Island. In calling this town home for over 40 years, I can say change is hard. It is
scary and it is emotional. I have watched this town grow from 2,300 people to a little over 3,700 now. And I remember when southeast pile ended at the softball fields, southwest pile ended at the Catholic church, and the subdivisions of Pinerest, Pine, and
Balsson Courts were all still farmers fields. In that same time frame, all that has developed in Northwest until very recently is acres and acres of solar farms, all of which actually lie outside of the city limits of Pine Island.
That reliance on wind and solar energy as another member point out by 2040 and this drastic pullback from coal, natural gas and atomic energy sources has increased the percentage of power in which Minnesota has to purchase from outside sources. This is a true and direct cause of increased energy rates.
I urge you as a council to continue to do your due diligence, continue to put information out for people to review as you are able and to proceed with Project Skyway. I also call on anybody in this town or who has a vested interest in this town to no longer remain silent if
you believe that this is a possible good outcome for Pine Island. Stand up. Let your voice be heard. Take the step that you know may get you chastised and begin to let positive feedback be heard. Change is scary. It is emotional, but it
is also inevitable. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Right. Thank you. And I would like to remind people if you have uh you're looking for information, we've got links on both the city website
and there's a lot of a lot of the questions that keep coming up are on there. So, please feel free to take a look at that. All right, folks. We're going to jump right into administration, which got truth and taxation. Am I
taking this one first? >> I sure am. So, first off, I want to say welcome to everyone. Usually, we have an empty room when I give the truth and taxation presentation. So, this is pretty exciting that so many of our residents are here today to uh listen to this
presentation. So, just to clarify a few things because I know um the average citizen sometimes gets uh the difference between the levy and the home valuation and the budget mixed up. So, the levy is the amount of taxes that the city collects. A budget
is the amount of money that the city spends. And then the property valuation is the estimated market value the county classifies on your property. So, what your property is worth in the county. So for uh passing a budget and a levy,
there are two requirements. And so the counties by state statute must send out the proposed tax statements uh by the end of November. And that is based on information that the city passed for a preliminary levy and a preliminary budget in September. Uh and then each
most taxing agencies must hold a public hearing uh prior to December 31st to explain the so the city's required to put that information on the 2026 budget, the 2025 proposed property tax levy which is
collectible in 2026. So that gets very confused because although right now we're passing the 2025 levy, those are actually tax dollars then that are collected in 2026. uh we must discuss the percent increase over the prior year and then the
purposes for which there is a difference between um if taxes are being increased. And so city budgets are divided up into uh different kinds of funds. I will explain what those funds mean. So we have one general fund. We have eight
special revenue funds. We have nine debt service funds. We have two capital project and improvement funds and five enterprise funds. So the general fund, this is the main um I like to explain things in kind of laying terms. And so this would be your checking account per
se. This is uh the city's general fund is where the dollars are coming in and out and then usually they're transferred out of the general fund. And so these are the majority of the accounts of the city spending. Um the functions include like general government, public safety, public works, culture and recreation, so
parks and wreck, uh economic development, and so a lot of like salaries, uh insurance, benefits, utilities, things like that come out of the general fund. So I like to think of that just your average everyday spend. Next, we have special revenue funds.
These are accounts that uh have a specific purpose. And so if you think like uh EDA, economic development authority, uh our library fund, things like that, our special fund. And so we actually move dollars from the general fund to fund these special funds. In
addition, we receive some outside funding. So they might be funded uh partially by the state or county. We might get grants to fund these special funds. Um some other examples are revolving loans, Ritter monitors, um things of that nature.
Then we have our debt service funds. Uh again, if we compare it to our personal finances, this would be uh our debt. So if you have a car loan, a mortgage, the city has debt as well. Um so when we do large projects like um make improvements, utilities, street
projects, things like that, the city actually carries some debt. And so that is what these level of funds are for is so that we can track those. And I'll talk a little bit about them um here later in my presentation, but each each bond that we take out, so each debt that
we take out has its own special fund so that we could track the bond payments being paid. Um we can track the levy dollars coming into this account spec. Next, we have our capital projects and improvements funds. And so the city opens a special fund uh uh capital
improvement fund when we're doing a project. So, if we're doing a street project or um we're building something, the city will open up a capital improvement fund so that we can track the dollars. For instance, when we built the pool, we open up a special account so that we have dollars coming in,
dollars going out, we can keep track of exactly how much that exact project um costs the city. So, when those special project funds are complete, when the special project is done, um then those funds are closed. Next, we have the enterprise funds. Uh,
these are separate from taxpayer dollars. These are funds that are self-sufficient. So, this would be the sewer account, the water account, our DMV. That's because those are not paid for with any property tax or levy dollars. Those are 100% paid for by fees. So, if you have sewer water, you
pay a sewer and water bill. Those fees fund 100% of the sewer and water account. Same thing with DMV. We run that based on the fees collected when you um buy your tabs. Uh we also have um the cemetery and then Evergreen Place um
which the city will soon be closing that fund due to the sale of the death. So when we look at revenue, the city collects revenue um from a large variety of different um sources. The majority is property taxes. So about twothirds of
our revenue comes from property taxes. Um then we also have federal and state aid. That would be the next largest amount. And so the city receives I know the news talks about LGA a lot. That's local government aid. And so that those are dollars that the city gets from the
state. Um we also receive some like transportation dollars, things like that. Uh we receive revenues from fees and permits. Uh we charge for services. So that would be things like uh when uh when you pull a building permit, you have to pay for that. Um and then
special assessments. That would be if we have special projects. Um, and then transfers in. So, some of our employees uh work both in general government and they might work also on the sewer and water. So, we actually have transfers in from those enterprise funds into the
general fund. And so, they're paid for by multiple funds. And so, that is why you see those transfers into the general fund. And then we have expenditures. So, when we take money in and we also spend the money. Um and so the largest portion of
our uh expenditures is uh our streets department. Second would be our general um and administration. And so that would be like city employees, uh city council, elections, things like that. We have police and fire uh planning and zoning,
um civil defense, which is emergency management, uh our pool, parks, and then uh the transfers out. So, just like we have transfers coming in from other funds into the general fund, we also transfer dollars out. So, when I talked about those special funds like the
library and the EDA, we're actually transferring money out of the general fund into those special funds so that we can keep track of those expenses. So, the schedule is uh the city starts meeting with department heads in early July. We start talking about the
previous year budget in addition to requests for what the next year looks like. It's really hard because we're trying to predict things over six months in advance. We're trying to predict utility rates and um projects. We're trying to get quotes. For anyone who's done a home improvement product uh project, you know, like quotes are
usually good for 90 days. So, we're trying to get quotes six months in advance. So, we're really trying to get the best idea that we can of what things cost. So, we're putting those together during the summer. Um between July and September, we're also talking about the budget at city council work sessions.
We're also meeting with the budget committee and trying to narrow down and see what projects they think should be funded, what projects shouldn't. And then in September, I present the preliminary budget and the preliminary levy to the city council to vote on. That's very important because once the
city council uh sets the preliminary levy in September, it can't be increased. It can only be decreased. And so typically cities while they're looking at projects, uh they'll they'll choose if they're looking at quotes, they might include the higher dollar amount quote. So then by December when
we're here at the final, we can kind of cut cut down, trim down those budgets uh because we can't go up. So if anything were to uh cost more to the city than we anticipated, we we can't increase that levy. So then between September and uh
November or December really, uh the city's continuing to meet with uh the budget committee if we're continuing to talk about the budget at uh council work sessions and with department heads. in late November, as I stated before, the county sends out the proposed uh property tax statements. If you want a
home, you know what I'm talking about. Um, and then at in December, December 16th, today, uh, city council will uh pass a final levy and a final budget. And so, just to remember, those are two different things because the budget is
all the dollars that the city is spending. The levy is the amount of property taxes that the city is taking in. So when we look at numbers um here it shows the numbers of what's before the city council. These are the same exact numbers um that was before the city
council in September for the preliminary levy and the preliminary budget. Um this is due to increases. So uh one of the major changes we had is we budgeted a certain dollar amount for like health insurance premiums and dental insurance premiums and those came in higher than what we budgeted. So um we had to
account for those. So we had to cut in some places to cover those for for our employees. And so we did not uh cut the the preliminary levy from September to today, but we are looking at a total of um $4,218,893.
And so this is a change of 4.25% from last year. It's a change of $171,835. And so some of the increases uh I kind of got ahead of myself but as I stated it was the 19 we had a 19% increase in health insurance premiums and a 7%
increase in dental insurance premium. We had budgeted 15% and 5% respectively. Uh we also have the imple implementation of a 2024 wage study and so that created a grid for city staff so that they can get step increases each year in addition to
a 3% cola. We had a 12% or $56,183 increase in our Goodwill County Sheriff's Office contract. We had a $2.50 per capita increase for the Zimroda area ambulance service. Next year is also an election year. And so
that means we um in offers we get to use those dollars elsewhere, but then election year we have to put those dollars back um into our election fund so that we can pay our election judges. uh some decreases that I'll go over here
in um the next slide. We actually had a decrease in our debt service. So those debt funds that I talked about, we actually paid some debt off. And so that is in the city's capital plan. If you've been to other meetings, you know the city's talking about uh doing a street project next year. And so that is
planned as as we pay off debt. Then the city can look at taking on more debt and um doing more projects. So, here's just a uh some historical data of previous tax levies. I know it's very small print, but I'd like to
include the big picture there so everyone can see. So, the city has seen um some 0% increases. We've seen some very large all the way up to uh 16%, but for the most part, we've been in that, I'd say, four to 5% range each year. This is uh consistent with our growth.
So, I like to use analogies. um when you have a household of two people, you have a grocery bill. When um you expand your house household, your grocery bill goes up, right? The same thing happens with the city. So, we have our budget. As we expand, we are a growing community. As
we are growing, uh the city budget increases as well. We have more streets to take care of. Um we have more residences. We have more utilities, things like that. And so, it would be unnatural for the city's budget to not increase as our community has grown.
So, a part of that is our new construction. So, this is a a screenshot of what our new building permits have been for um the last few years. And so, this year, uh we are on track for our largest build year of we've had 31 new
home constructions. Uh back in 2020, we had 30 homes. So, we just got a permit submitted today, which bumped us up uh to beat 2020. So, that was pretty exciting. uh but this contributes to not only an increased tax base but then an
increased services like I suppose. So, how do we compare to other cities? Right? We don't want to be the highest. We don't necessarily want to be the lowest. So, um this is where we compare uh in the percent changes of the levies. So, we were one of the lowest cities in
the area for uh percent change. We'd have some cities um I think or no had a proposed change of like 36%. They've now dropped that to 18%. Um and so we've had some other cities right around in the age um or in in the percent that we are
at. And so we're we're somewhat falling in the middle. And then what does that mean to you? Right? Because that's really the statement everybody wants to know. How does this affect me and my property taxes? And so how it's uh applied is commercial properties are taxed at a
higher rate than residential properties. So I try to break it down here. So, um, if you look at the residential value that, again, going back to that first slide, the residential value of your home, that determines essentially how much property taxes you pay. And so, the residential value is determined by the
county. The taxes that are collected is determined by the city. And so, if your home is has a value of approximately $200,000 um, in 2025, so you will pay approximately um, last year you paid about 1478 in property taxes. next year,
you're looking at 1502. So, a rise of um just under $30. And then same thing for commercial. If you had a $200,000 commercial um valued commercial business, last year you paid 2,657,
next year you're looking at 271. So that concludes uh my portion of the budget and levy discussion and I can answer any questions if anybody has some. >> Those rates you showed up there were they both good and I know they're
different those >> so the city rate is the same. The county rates are different. So we're only talking about the city portion. >> Thank you. Do you mind coming in the microphone? >> I'm just curious if this information is available elsewhere.
>> I can make it. Yeah. >> Um the city website or something. >> Yeah, I can throw that on there. >> Yep. >> This is my favorite presentation of the year. So, any questions? Anyone else?
>> Any questions from uncle or may? >> No. Thanks for working on getting along the process. So appreciate the work that you staff did and getting that put together is good. Any other comments, questions from councel?
Not we're going to jump to resolution 2556 which is approving the final budget. First >> 256 approving the final budget. >> Second a motion is second on approving
the final budget going into next year. Any other concussions comment? >> I hear none. Elena, >> hi >> Colton. >> Hi >> Vernon. >> Hi >> Frammy. >> Hi >> David will be I which takes us to our
final levy for resolution 257 approving a levy. >> 2557 approving the final levy. >> Second a motion and a second for 2557 the final levy going into next year. Any
other thoughts or comments or questions? >> And this is at the 4.25%. >> Yes, that's correct. >> Hi Bellena. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Bernard. >> Hi. >> Brandy. >> Hi. >> And David will be.
>> All right. Right along. We're going to go to resolution 2558, which is adopting the 2026 fee schedule vote for next year. Taking this one. >> I can take this one, Mr. Mayor. Uh, so this is a 2026 fee schedule that would
take effect January 1st. Uh, essentially the only fees that were changed would be building inspector fees through safe built. Um, they have slight increases each year. And then also we have increasing utility rates. uh the city's
on a 10-year program or 10-year um schedule of a small increases of utilities of two. >> So those are reflected in the schedule. >> These are always on the website. People have questions on what the fees look
like. >> I'll move resolution 258 adopting the 2026 schedule. Second. >> I'm motion a second adopting the 2026 fee schedule. Any questions?
How do I Delina? >> I Vernon. >> Hi. >> Brandy. >> Hi. >> David will be I. >> Moving to item E which is an ordinance 180 chapter 11 definitions change.
>> Um council. So, as you know, um earlier this year back in August, we um had a public hearing and approved ordinance 178, which made some updates to section 111 of the city code um which was related to the plan unit development
PUD. Um those changes um kind of updated some outdated language that we had from, I believe, the early 2000s. Um our PUD ordinance only referenced um residential development. um our kind of review of surrounding cities and other other
cities in Minnesota that was um not the case. Their definition of PUB was a little more broad um and they were able to use it for all sorts of uh types of development. Um so we wanted to be more in line with uh the cities in the state. Um so that was approved back in August.
However, um it was my oversight that at the beginning of the uh chapter 11 of the city code, it lists a list of definitions of terms that appear throughout the code. Um we did not update the definition of plan unit
development to match the substantive changes that we made um later on in the code. Um so this doesn't change anything that's within the PUD portion of city code. it simply changes the definition that's listed kind of in the glossery
for that term. So, we staff is requesting that uh ordinance 180 be approved um to kind of pull things in line um and make our code consistent. Um this did go for a public hearing in front of the planning commission um earlier this month and they um issued a
recommendation to council for approval unanimously. We got action item for changes. >> I'll move ordinance 180 chapter 11 definition changes.
>> Motion and second on the ordinance 80 chapter 11 definition change. Any other question for Stephen? Otherwise hearing none. We got Delena. >> Hi. I >> Vernon. >> Hi >> Randy. >> Hi
>> David. I >> request to approve the community estimate and contract. Victory this one. >> I got it. >> Works. >> Yes, it has. Uh so as you know the city has received a $10,000 grant from
Smith's small town grant uh for the creation of a community hero. Uh in addition, we have received donations from the community foundation, chief festival board, and image committee totaling an an addition of $5,750 for the project. And in your packet,
there is a quote and contract from Greg Preslica, who owns the big picture. Uh that amount is for $14,000 for the commission of that mural. Uh so this in uh quote does include all the materials, travel and fees as long as and also with
meeting with the committee uh to commission this. Uh so to break down what that process will look like uh Greg will work with the committee of community volunteers including members of the chief fest board, image committee, Lions Club, the school uh the mayor and two other residents. Uh the
committee will be responsible for providing input to Greg who will then create three different layouts for them to review and provide feedback on to then break down to the best option that they see. Um so that first meeting uh with the committee is tenatively
scheduled for January 15th pending the approval of the contract. Um and then once um completed, once the mural is completed, we will need to mount the boards on a frame that will be installed near the easterly wall of Island Market, uh kind of in the city park there where
there's just blank space on Island Market. Um the installation and potential lift rental, those are not included in the quote. Um those potentially run somewhere in addition of $1,000 to $2,000, but I'm hoping to uh get public works guys to do it for us.
So we'll we'll see if what we can do for post >> but I welcome any question about the sign. >> What's the estimated time frame of the treatment? >> Uh so from the time of the first meeting to completion was about six to eight weeks.
>> Oh that' be good. No, thanks for your work in image committee and them getting volunteers together and this will be a nice addition. I appreciate that. >> Yeah. So, he actually uh paints that do
four separate boards to build out a 10 foot by 25 foot mural. Um, and then the installation will obviously have to be done warmer temperatures to set concrete and whatnot, but the mural will be able to get done prior to that. >> I'll move the request to approve the community mural estimate and contract.
I'll second motion and a second to approve contract on this project. Any other question for Mitch? Hi. Hi. Hiandy. All right. We got a request to vote for the exemption from an EQB petition.
>> Who's taking this one? >> I'll take this one, Mr. Mayor. So on November 26, the city received a citizen petition from the environmental quality board for the city to complete an environmental assessment worksheet or
EAW for project skyway. Um after reviewing and discussing with um various attorneys, it was determined that the city can claim exemption because the city did complete an alternative urban areawwide review AU which is more in
depth than the EAW. And so there are Minnesota rules where uh if an environmental study a qualifying environmental study which in any way are is completed that the city can um be
exempt from completing that e that we >> and mayor accuracy is important and so I'm going to throw myself under the bus on one typo in this resolution uh that I'd like to have corrected. on the very first page the one two three
four five six whereas I'm open right here council if you want six whereas so the the second indented language is quoting a Minnesota rule related to environmental reviews by local
governments and there's a typo there the language there should read if the EQB strike exemption from EAW petitions strike that So it should say if the EQB accepts a government unit's process as
an adequate alternative review procedure, projects reviewed under that alternative review procedure shall be exempt from the environmental review under parts blah blah blah. >> You with me council? >> So that's the correction. And just to be
clear about what that rule says, put it paraphrase what it says. It says that if a local government does environmental review using an AUI, which is what you've done, and the EQB accepts that review, which has happened here, then
the project that's being reviewed is exempt from other forms of environmental review, and it cites the rules, and I said blah blah blah, but it's 4410 is the first rule cited. That's the rule that's been petitioned under. The petition in front of you now is under
that rule. So specifically, this petition is not the appropriate way to proceed. We've already done an environmental review and so it's not appropriate for doing AU. Uh I would just say since I've got the floor for a second, as you all know, but let's confirm it for the benefit of the
public. the AUR, the environmentally city has conducted and it's been accepted as the ATV has been is in court, right? A group has sued the city over the adequacy of that review. That lawsuit's pending and that doesn't
change anything, but that that those are the facts. And so the idea that we would now start a different environmental review in addition to the fact that the rule doesn't doesn't provide for that. In addition to that, the fact is that the existing environmental review is in court and that will be resolved in due
course through the court process. And so it just wouldn't sort of make practical sense to start a whole another review when the existing review is in court. And someone's going to win and somebody's going to lose and we're going to find out if that review is appropriate or not. So, I just want to correct the
resolution since uh I I stop monopolizing your time again, but I I would just say instead of throwing myself a vote under the bus, because this is in court, I'm not your litigation council. You're insured by the League of Cities. They've gotten appointed council for that litigation
for you. We received the draft of this from litigation council because obviously this is related to impacts litigation. I reviewed it though, so I'm I'm taking the blame. I reviewed it. I didn't catch that. So uh let's correct it. >> Thanks Bob. >> Yeah
that action item 12 approval for the vote for exemption from the EP petition. >> I'll second that. A motion and a second. Can we reference resolution 256 with a correction?
Yes. um in the sixth paragraph >> for resolution 2561. >> Yeah. >> All right. Do you have a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. Have a motion and second. This is referencing resolution 2561.
Any other questions for Bob? Thank you for the explanation. >> Thank you. >> Hearing none. Delena. >> Hi. >> Bolton. >> Hi. Vernon Brandy. >> Hi, >> David. Hi.
>> We got resolution 2559 which is approving the liquor license from JFP compadres for >> Oh, mercy. Okay. But this is for a liquor license. >> Yep. Yep. So, we have an application for a liquor license. Um before you it's a
complete application >> follow the 25 50 minute liquor license for JF motion and a second for their liquor license recommended lean very good food very
good uh any other questions otherwise hearing none Delena Vernon I >> David will be Hi and team member discussion for Colins Park. We got a request to approve the
Collins Park equipment quoted. >> So we discussed this at the work session. Um so park board had approved the purchase of new playground equipment at Collins Park and so that has been ordered um using budgeted dollars
combined from leftover budgeted dollars from 2025 in conjunction with 2026 dollars. Uh what the park board asked me to bring to city council is um when we discuss what kind of surfacing we want at the park. And so the two options
would be to do wood chips like we currently have at majority of our parks or to move into um the porin rubber servicing which we will have at trailhead park. Um but now we're looking at possibly implementing that at park
with the new equipment as well. And so, uh, the the pros are it is easier to clean when if there is flooding. Uh, we don't have to replenish wood chips, uh, each year or in a flooding event.
However, it is drastically more expensive and so it essentially doubles the cost of the playground equipment. So, the quote uh, including the equipment um, for wood chips is $135,683. And then the quote for the foreign
rubber surfacing is $285,25. And so uh what I am proposing is either way if we go with the wood chips or the pouring river surfacing is that we would use the remainder of the um for
the surfacing we would use funds from our 250 unrestricted fund. And what those are those are non- taxpayer dollars. Those are dollars that the city has accumulated from various land sales and then also with the reset sale of Evergreen Place. And so they would not have an impact on the levy. They would
not have an impact on property taxes. But there is a pretty big price discrepancy between the wood chips and the port and rubber surfacing at the workshop. council had asked me to check uh the balance of that and with various projects that the city has already
either paid for out of that fund or has pledged um for 2026 projects there is still sufficient dollars in that fund. So there's approximately $765,000 left in that unrestricted um budget.
So I'm not sure if you've had more time to think about it in the last two weeks since last year. >> Is there more is is this one thing that different stuff that you got? >> It it's easier to do at the time. Um so
they actually pour a concrete slab under the rubber surfacing and this is because it is in the flood plane and so and then the rubber surf the equipment would be put in and then the pour and rubber surfacing would be put um on top of that. And so I think it is the best use
of dollars to do it at the time of installation versus doing it new phase. Just so you know, the residents tell this is more of a ninja style equipment. This trailing is more the traditional style of equipment. >> So kind of, you know, having two
different parts. So that's why we were looking under. >> Yep. And I can give some backstory. So we had we had spoken about uh moving the playground equipment from trail head park to Collins Park originally. That
was the route that Slay Point wanted to go. That was going to be about $55,000 to move the playground equipment. However, there's no guarantee that we didn't have to replace equipment like we're tearing up and moving it. And so, typically you only get another five
years um out of a playground moving it. And so, that's when the the park board kind of stepped in and said, you know, why don't we do something different? Why don't we just um use our budget to purchase new playground equipment? And that's when they have decided on it's
like a obstacle course ninja course type style playground. >> Their budget just doesn't cover the foreign growing services. Um, I would like to move to approve the column park equipment quote with the
additional money for the member. >> Please a motion and second with just specify that's coming out 250. >> Uh, coming out of 258
>> 258 from public works. Where's this going to be? more efficient instead of having to replace wood sheets every time that's quite or close.
What's the cost? What's this worst case scenario? If you had to replace the chips, you know, do when it floods, what's the cost to that? >> And I think per park is probably a thousand, couple thousand each event. Um
they you typically get replaced each year anyways. And so it would be a matter of whether the flood event happened before or after >> the chip replenish, right? So, it's significantly more expensive. I think what um is a lot more accessible.
I know that's a city's goal is to make our city more accessible um age friendly initiative. I think that would help this um in making uh our parks more accessible. Um, anyone who's tried to push a wheelchair through wood chips,
even though it's considered ADA compliant, I think that um, I can empathize that uh, it it's difficult. And so it would be my recommendation to move to have more accessible parks so you have accessibility for all safer.
>> Yeah. Well, as you know, we can flood two or three time. We have a motion and second on the board. Any other questions or discussion? >> Thank you staff for working on this. Um >> Delena, >> hi >> Holton. >> Hi.
>> Hi. Randy. >> Hi. >> David, you will be first. >> And then it was ordered at the same time as the trail head stuff, right? >> It was ordered at a different time. We're using two separate companies. Um
both companies uh have the state have had a state contract and so that's why we didn't have to put it up for competitive bid because they already did that process through the state. Uh we did use two different companies just so that we uh aren't overwhelming a single company.
We are hoping that Collins Park and they have indicated the company the safety first that we're using has indicated that they would be able to hopefully cross my fingers don't quote me on this but have it completed by Cheesefest. um just so that we don't have any parks under construction for Cheesefest
because Trail Head would not be started until Cheesefest. So, we're hoping to have one part completed so that while another park is under construction, we can well uh steer a little to the newly completed park.
>> We're going to jump into planning commission which is resolution 2560 which is approving the 9 preliminary flat. who's taking this presently. >> Uh Stephen, I'll start. We're gonna kind of break it up. So, um either of us lose
our votes. >> So, just to kind of give um kind of the background of of what got us here with the plat before we get into the presentations. Um so, the city received an application for preliminary platform for Ryan Companies on October 27th. Um this application um proposes the
platting of what's called Pine Island Industrial. Each plat has to have a name. um that is the name that they selected. This comprises approximately 482 acres uh spanning 12 Goodw County parcels in northwest Pine Island and Pine Island Township. Um most of the
land currently sits in Pine Island Township. Um the city and Pine Island Township entered into an orderly annexation agreement uh earlier this year as part of that. Pine Island Township granted the city planning and land use control authority over the area
um prior to its annexation. They did this just because we have the resources to dig into um a project like this. The township doesn't have staff on hand that can um kind of take on a project like this. So they um pass that along to the city as the RDU and the the uh zoning
authority for that. Um per Pine Island uh city code 12.20 20 um planning commission to hold a public hearing and make a recommendation um related to plat applications. The Pine Island Planning and Zoning Commission did hold a public hearing on December
9th. Um public comment was heard um in accordance to that section of city code as well. Um notice of that uh hearing was published in the newspaper at least 10 days prior. Uh written notification of that hearing was also mailed to all
uh property owners within 350 ft of the boundary of the property. Um all of those statutory requirements were filled prior to that public hearing. Um that is where I will kind of jump over to the presentation here. Um just a bit of a
background on the platting process. Um so cities regulate the subdivision of land um through what's called a subdivision ordinance. Um for us that is chapter 12 of our city code. That is considered the subdivision um code
section. Um when developers or land owners want to subdivide a larger piece of land into um smaller subsections for either sale or development, they go through the planning process. Um so that is where we are at today. Um the
platting process like I said is governed by um code 12 of the city code. Um platting submissions undergo preliminary and final review by both the planning commission and city council. Um so the planning commission holds the public hearings for the preliminary plat. Um it
is voted on by them. A recommendation that goes on to the council. The council then votes on approval of that preliminary. Then following the preliminary um the submitter has I believe 120 days from the approval of that preliminary to file for a final plat. That final plat goes through the
same process. It comes to the planning commission. They make a recommendation. Um they hold a public hearing and then it comes on to the city council. Um both the commission and the city council have to review the plat um against the standards that are laid out
in that subdivision code. Um so like I said section 12.2 20 and 12.21 have a list of documents that are required to be filed for plats. They also um have a list of conditions that all the plats have to meet to be considered um complete. So of those documents that are
required to be submitted with the plat um the first is the actual official plat document. It's a legal map that shows um the proposed boundaries of the lots that they're subdividing um as well as some other information. Uh legal documents that are required for this um include title work um and land surveys just so
we know um that it can be checked that the land that they're claiming to subdivide is where they say it is. It is owned by who they say it is. Um in addition to those legal documents, you get into the more technical engineering side. Um the city collects soil surveys, trees inventories, sketch plans,
screening plans, grading plans, utility plans, um and some additional documents for the city engineer to review. um as well as city staff um review of these reports. They also send it out to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Minnesota DNR, the Goodyu County Public Works, and the Goodyu County Soil
and Wastewater Conservation District. Um so all of these organizations review the same documents they send back with um changes that they suggest that they would like to see in any final submission. um as well as you know comments, questions, concerns, things
like that that either the city or the developer can clear up for them. So we'll move into um so this is page one of uh the plat document itself. Again the plat is just a legal document
that shows the proposed subdivision of the land. Um lays out right ofway things like that. It doesn't necessarily have to do with the use of the property. Um more so again just the subdivision of land. So what they are proposing is um
the entire property um both south of 500th and in between 500th and 490th street be split into um four lots. So the first lot that would see the first phase of development would be lot one block one. Um that's what you kind of see in the bottom of your screen that
goes along Highway 52 here. Um that would be the first developable parcel. Uh the other parcels that would be um subdivided would be on the top of the screen along 195th would be outlot A. Um as we move north um there's outlot B
which is everything between 500 street and dry creek and then outlot C which is between dry creek and 490th. Um these outlots um would not be developed at this time. um in the event that they move on from phase one if this is all approved um they would have to come back
and replplat um to show all the information that they have here on lot one block one um all of these easements all of these um items for review those would have to be shown on each out lot or each proposed lot going forward. Um
so the P the plaid would that comes in is considered um the first edition which just has this one block um for development. Everything else would just be out lots and would be undeveloped at this time. Um we can kind of throw it over to Frag
Heath to more of the technical review. Um, I had the whole list of documents that they have to submit um when it comes to grading and preliminary utility plans and things like that. Um, and Craig as city engineer completed
>> the review of that as well as um all their storm water management plans. So, I will pass it on to them. >> Good evening, Mayor and Council. Um, so like Stephen said, I uh did review more of the technical aspects of the of the project. There are some zoning items
which you'll be reviewing later tonight. This is more engineering based. Um, but I also do want to touch on a couple of common tonight. U some of those kind of fit into both categories, the zoning um, but also the engineering. So I'll touch
on those as we go through our overall review. Um so uh again like Stephen mentioned the uh uh developers had uh submitted a preliminary grading plan, utility plan and storm water management plan. Uh what we look at with the
preliminary grading plan um is just that we look at the drainage patterns uh will that have any adverse impacts um to the upstream or downstream properties and then we also look at how they're going to manage storm and that comes into storm water management. Uh so we we
looked at all of those um uh documents. We also review the utility plan and um this project would include offsite improvements. So the city utilities has been extended out to the site. So that would include the sanitary sewer and
water man. And then within the site there would be um uh private utilities. Um so those would be owned and operated uh by by the developer or by the owner um in so uh so we did look at those in in in general they
would comply with the city requirements. Um, as far as the storm water management plan, uh, there are two two main items that we look at and this is a lengthy document that includes a lot of hydraulic and um, hydraologic hydraologic
hydraology and hydraulic model. And so what we look at there are number one the uh, storm water runoff rates. So we look at that in the existing and proposed conditions. So the existing being the farm fuel that it is right now. what are the runout rates in the existing
condition and then also what are they proposed to be in a proposed condition with ultimate buildout. So not only did u the reports include uh just the first phase, we also looked at uh you know how storm water would be managed uh uh when
uh phase one or everything south of 500 street ultimately gets developed because we want to make sure our storm water ponds are large enough to be able to handle that uh downstream. Um this project is adjacent to um highway 52 rightway and mind has a requirement um
that the um the the storm water runoff in the proposed condition cannot exceed that of the existing condition. So those those are some of the items that we look at. We also have MTCA requirements that ex quality requirements. So for every u
uh so there's requirement of providing one inch of sword water treatment for every imperous surface that is either created or reconstructed. In this case uh there's very minimal um impervious surface that exists on the site right
now. Uh so we look at it u anything new uh being a building parking lot anything like that with hard surface that is looked at as impervious surface and they're required to provide that one in of water quality volume for MPCA
requirements and their MPCA guidelines their storm water manual outlines all of the requirements that that the MPCA has. So in in short just looking at the um uh the two points of
discharge from the site most both both of those are in the southeast or so excuse me the southwest corner of the site. Um so that is um into mind right away and we we evaluate and calculate the um the hydraulics in the twoear
storm 10ear storm and 100redyear storm and a 100redyear storm um is close to 7.4 24 in of rainfall in a 24hour time frame. So we uh so we look at all of their modeling uh they summarize that
there again two points of dis discharge on the southwest corner. Uh the first one in the 100year the existing condition is 800 close to 874 cubic feet per second. So that's the rate of runoff in the existing condition again as as it
is at farmfield. In the proposed condition, it would be 540 cubic feet per second. So, these series of storm water ponds on the site um there there are a number of them and they are they include filtration basins. So, those treat the water. We also have retention
basins and then there are a couple ponds there for flood protection. Uh so, again, just slowing that water down before it leaves the site. uh the uh the discharge in the far southwest corner of the site, the um 100year existing
condition is 1,76 cfs and the proposed condition would be a little less than 753 cubic feet per second. So again, they're well under the the threshold of what is required. And again because it's adjacent to Mindot rightway um Mindot
Hydraulics because we do all of all of these calculations and provides feedback uh to the developer um and the city as well because we'll uh the developer will be required to obtain per
work within the right way um and then access that. So the overall water quality volumes that are being provided by these filtration basins and what these are are relatively shallow basins with a sand um
under layer and there's a subgra that drains and draws down that storm water. So again that's what provides the water quality uh treatment for the uh a treatment for increased uh from the surface. Um we looked at and
that's measured in acre feet. So that'd be an acre would be the 43560 square feet. Um and then a foot. So that's an acre feet just to give you an idea of what uh sort of volumes you're looking at there. So the required water quality volume is 8.09
acre feet and what's provided is 10.8 um acre feet. So again it meets that uh meets that requirement. So those again are the two main things that we look at with the storm water management plan and
the uh utility and plants. Um the u the private utilities within the site that I mentioned um back up the there is a a require a proposed water main loop that will
come from the west side of Highway 52. Um and that will connect all the way down into the white area where the existing water exists right there to provide a loop for that. Um any sort of uh building within the site uh would be
metered. Um and uh talking to the developers sounds like daily mark each individual building uh meter so that way we can keep track of water throughout the throughout the duration of the of the project.
Um any any questions on I've got a question on storm water. >> Yes. Um, we're all waiting and stuff that I said here before we had from the Midat right away when it crosses under their road. How is that going to be
diverted? Is it following the rightway of USQ2 or because I know Windows has got some plans or something for that? >> Yeah, that's a good good question. I don't know if you plan that I can generally describe it. Um, so yes,
we can leave it right here. Um, so as you can see, there's a there's a lighter green um path. Yep. So that's the existing drainage. Yep. And obviously that's coming through the building. So the proposal is to um keep that on just on the east side of
Highway 52. So between the buildings and where that label is for us, >> correct? >> Yep. Yep. So that drainage just would cut down through there. That that would that helps manage all of the offsite water, storm water runoff that comes out
the property and keeps it in um right away and all the storm bases. >> Yep. Correct. the the main uh the main idea with the offset water is to bypass all of the filtration basins and any
sort of storm water treatment because it can clog up any sort of treatment that's um but as far as the mind project though is the um uh so Mindai is proposing a resurfacing project of southbound
highway 52 in 2028 and so um as part of that they are planning it's going to place of culvert or two along the stretch. Um and so that the developers consultant are working together
for that new project that's historical projects for No, we're not >> right now. Not for now. >> Can I >> put you on the spot real quick? Um, can
you speak to Um, >> I could, but I probably butcher the legal terms. um the railroad easement that was brought up earlier. >> Yep. So these are the a couple of the items here that aren't necessarily engineering related but obviously deal with any final flat. So um so that
question has come up um about the uh the lines there how they kind of biseect the property right in there. Um the first thing you'll notice that at the beginning of all word first is it says former um uh and so what that means is
is these these right of way u or this right of way um in separate parcels was conveyed uh back to the owners in uh okay it was 6 1968 and 70 71 and 72. So there are a few different parcels that
were conveyed back to the owners and that right of does not exist. Uh the reason that shows up on the plat is because some of the legal descriptions are described from that point. So um is the legal team review all the title
work. Um and so that is part of what uh part of the process whenever we plot property in town. title workers required and that's just really a search of any sort of recumbrances that are on the property. And that was one that uh that
stuck out and and so that was again the reason it shows up is because this is the first time it's being platted. Uh after this is platted the subsequent class will not likely show that right away because there's there's no legal
description that's tied to it. So I don't want to bother with you. >> Yeah. I know mayor council you heard a couple of comments. I think that one of the things city should know is ownership of the development property and all the different interests in it and that's that's a good point and it's right and
that is part of your process that that has to be done. So you require in all of your plats that I give a legal opinion about who owns what it's flat opinion and you have to have that before you approve the final flat. Tonight is preliminary flat. If you proceed
tonight, you have a later process for a final plat. And that's the point at which we have to be sure of all the legal issues, property issues, legal issues with property. Um I do have if you have um I do have a couple more things I can I can touch on
too. Uh so the water water permit water usage is has come up a number of times. Um and and the water appropriation permit is is um granted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource, Florida. Uh the area hydraologist is one that we
work with very closely when we look at um any sort of water usage and um and so early on in the process, we we contacted them to uh uh to look at what it may take to amend that water appropriation permit. um every close to every 10 years
the city puts a water supply plan together. Um that was last prepared in 2017 and according to uh the DNR records they finally uh they did accept that in 2019 and um again that's updated every 10
years. So um what they have told us is that that's a great time to look at not only just uh one specific user but also what are your water usage um projections over the upcoming 10 to 15 20 years. Um again when we look at the North Sville
project we put uh a population calculation um to see you know what our wastewater demand is going to be how much waste water are we going to have to treat. Um at that time we used a 2% projection factor. So are the population
growing at about 2%. And it came out to be very close to what Elizabeth reported earlier with number of houses that are that are being built due to this year. So um so we we do want to track that very closely because not only um you
know are we growing with industry commercial but also with our um with the population. So that is looked at. Um there are there's a a lot a bunch of information that goes into that water
supply plan and um the DNR said that uh they told me that within the next month or two to three um the city will be notified that um you know it's start it's time to start looking at your water supply plan. Um they do want to focus on
some of what's happening in the metro because those areas are growing. They want to get a lot of those communities kind of uh coordinated a little bit and and water usage. Uh but then it's going to turn to outstate and so in the next few years the the city's water supply
will be will be updated submitted to the DNR originally. Um if there's a request to increase the water use uh from the 166 million gallons a year uh to move to another number um
the the DNR looks at that in various ways. They have test um test wells we may have to use pumping test um to make sure that there's adequate water and aquar so all of that information is done that is uh or provided to them um they
kind of set the guidelines for what's going to be required for the water use. Um and then and then the city submits that they review it and then provide feedback. So it does take um a few years of back and forth with the DNR. Uh but um uh but that's something that we'll be
starting very soon again just because the large supply is getting close to need to be updated. And I do know that we put this into our comprehensive plan about water tower couple years ago. We were looking at that in our that we were anticipating.
So, >> we're already on board with that plan as well. >> Yes. >> Yep. That's that's good. Um, one other item um that I wanted to talk about is the um uh the the Catholic cemetery. um
that that comment has also come up um a couple times that um has been um or was addressed in the AU so environmental review um but I just wanted to provide a little clarity to that because um because you know the question come up so
in the AU there's an archaeological survey u that is required and that arch archaeological survey starts with a database search so the uh shipo or the state historic preservation office. Uh they have um a database that um
certified archaeologists um can review to see where certain um historical um uh to see what project may have an impact on historical artifacts and things of that sort. So
the there was a um a Catholic cemetery that was that was um within or the AU area was within this uh Catholic cemetery um area and that is that was identified
as uh 20,716 was the identification number of the cemetery. Um however it was very generic on the description. Um so um further research was done um
looking back at old newspaper records um some uh digging on site was done um in coordination with with the state source preservation office to determine if this actually was in fact the location of the u of the cemetery. uh what was
determined from or the results showed that um that this uh is cemetery was not on the property, not on the AR property or the proposed boundary within what the plat proposed. Um and so the uh uh that
information was submitted um and the justification for that was submitted to CHIPO and they provided a letter of concerns saying they did review the information as well and um and they agreement that um they says we have
determined that no significant archaeological sites will be affected by this project and there are no properties listed in the national or state registers of historic So, uh that was provided to us. Um the developers of of this project and any
project want um to do their due diligence to make sure they don't get any um anything that has historic impact because that that can shut the project down very quickly if they run into some artifacts or things like that on project
on the property. So um so again that was all done in uh concurrence with uh with ship. So >> else last one last one is backup generators. Um so again this isn't necessarily a preliminary flat title but
we do again review the preliminary plans um at this level at this stage of the development these these plans are very preliminary um again showing general drainage patterns how they site will serve the facilities um and so air
emissions is um kind of outside of the purview of our review here uh but more information will be provided on that at a later time Um the MPC has a lot of guidance on backup generators. Um again, we we don't know how many. We don't know
um um the size of these generators yet. Uh but when they're determined, there's there there's a a few process um that uh that you go through. One is deter for the developers um in this particular case because generators are the proposed
um stationary engines or backup generators. It's kind of a synonymous term. So the the MPCA um has has them uh as a developer um provides some applicability determinations um to find
out if a federal permit is required federal or state permit for air emissions is required. Uh so if it's determined that they they do need one uh which in this case they'll likely exceed a threshold because um
because it's over by the size generator that would meet one. Uh so the MPCA would get involved with the permitting on that and that is they're mandated to stay within MPCA guidelines for hair. So that is really a permit that the city
will have on hand but really is permitted to facility. So that's all I does that what does that process look like? If you're talking about any kind of
seating um guidance or anything like that and they're going to be going to say what does that process look like? >> Yep. So they they would provide information generators um the size of them um if they're dies over natural gas
they look at a number number of other things but there's a there's a whole checklist that they they need to do and then in some cases their modeling is required um so um so again work directly with them uh with the
question for Craig put that on your recommendations or would you want >> um I'll kind of leave that up to you. Um so in resolution 2560 um there are a
list of recommendations if you were to approve the preliminary plat. Um the first one Bob touched on earlier was the um issuance of a plat opinion um from his office. Um and then the following conditions um kind of reference Craig's
report and Craig's um email string with Mindot. We tried to incorporate all their talking points into the resolution itself. They got kind of cumbersome. So um we just thought it'd be easier to reference that list of conditions that's in his report. Um so that'll be attached
to the resolution. Um yeah. So I guess if you have any questions on those um for Craig or I guess I'll let Craig decide how deep into storm water management revisions he wants to get
into. >> Yeah. Um no Stephen thanks. So some of these conditions here are are standard procedure for the BL. So a number of them are just uh outlining some of the requirements uh like for some of the plans that are now going to be required
along with the final plat if if this is approved by uh we also did have some comments that we provided and preliminary plat of mind staff also provided some comments on the post plat so we asked that those be addressed uh
we had some comments on the storm management plan utility plan those actually comments and then the responses have been provided by the developer. So, um, but, uh, just make those that's pretty
standard to have those as condition that they, uh, that they use all those or address all of those comments. And then to obtain the any sort of perity or obtain a permit, you should ask for any sort of access that's being proposed and
then also uh for the for the works within the rightway. Those are two permits that will be required by new. Um and then we also had a fifth condition there with their R public improvements that are outside of the right way that
uh the developer is required to provide the easements in favor of the city for those ilies or for those utilities. >> And that would be the one loop that would cover. >> Yep. The water loop if that's outside
um you can Yes, sir. >> Just one process question. I'm not going to get into the substantive stuff that you've heard from other experts. Um, just but on process, uh, to be clear with you, council, I think you
understand this. When we do planning, of course, planning is just the word we use for the way you do subdivision. When you approve review and food subdivisions in the city, uh it is very common in the city in the 20 years that I've been here, it's very common for you to combine the preliminary review of a
subdivision and the final review, the final approval into one step. Just have one hearing in front of the planning commission and have the council take one bite at that apple and give approval or don't give approval all in one step. That's legally permissible. It's it's permissible for cities to combine
platting into a one-step process. What we're doing tonight here in front of you uh is proposing a preliminary approval with some conditions, some things that would have to be done before a next step happens, which is final approval. And I
guess I'm just making that point because it's a little bit out of your typical process. And it's uh the reason for that is that this is obviously a significant project to your community and it's something that we want to be deliberate about. And so we're doing it as a two-step process with uh initial
preliminary review conditions associated with that and move forward and then another step later down the road for final approval. Tonight is preliminary approval. >> Mr. Mayor sir no sir we're not
>> when do we get a chance to ask our question sir >> sir >> I'm just asking we've had this yes we've had this conversation >> I'm trying to get that here >> I understand that and that the rules are right now that question talking
>> Mr. Lanners please >> Mr. Mayor, >> I've answered your question. >> No, you haven't. I haven't answered any question. >> I'm I'm happy I'm happy to answer the question. Um, >> so, uh, I spoke a little bit about our typical process and how we're we're
doing our deliberate longer process on this significant project through your community. The way the process works is that uh, you are required to by law have a public hearing. uh in the vast majority of cities in Minnesota, that public hearing is held
by your planning commission. That's specifically contemplated by state law. Uh and that's the process we're following here. And I guess I may I obviously was energetic about making the comment at the front end about your uh
your public input um uh time uh which I think is important these cities and I'd like to see you be able to preserve that. uh in order for a city to uh go through a significant development project like this, you have to have a process. There has to be a process,
right? What we can't do is we can't just open the doors for opponents and proponents of the project to just continually give their input and their questions and their comments. That can't work. That literally can't work. Uh and so there is a statistilally
mandated process. The state legislature of Minnesota has established a process by which cities review projects like this and it is my job my job primarily others around here have the same job but it's flex me to make sure that we follow
that statuto process. Uh and so that's what we're doing. We're following what the legislature has told us to do. uh and we have a public hearing and folks have every right to come and ask their questions and make their comments at that public hearing, but the process can't just be open-ended and folks get
to ask questions and make comments at any point all the way along. And so, mayor, I guess I I I support you in in wanting to have a process. And last comment about that, I hear folks not liking what I'm saying, and that's my job. I don't have a view on this, of course, as you understand. My job truly
is the gatekeeper here on process. um what you want to do, what policy decisions you make are up to you, but I'm going to do everything I can to make sure you follow the legal requirements for this process. >> Okay. So, Bob, when the question is going to answer >> during public input, you can and then
you can reach out. >> That's a simple question. Come on. He can answer that question. >> Mr. Lannards, this is going to be my last time asking you to stop or you can leave. We're not We're going to We're going to be civil. They're going to be civil. They're going to be civil here.
>> We don't get any of our questions. You may leave naive right now. >> You may leave, Mr. Lanners. Mr. Lanners, please leave. >> I'm sitting here. >> Please leave. >> Call me out. >> Enough. >> Are you done?
Enough. >> That's what I say. >> Mr. Lannister, >> Mr. Lanners, stop. >> They're not being >> Mr. Lanners, please leave. All right,
move on. So, are you done? >> I have it later. So, this is going to be a resolution 2560. Did you have anything else to add, right? >> No. Okay. Resolution 2560, which is approving or denying the preliminary
flat. Again, this is a preliminary plan. I make a motion to approve resolution 4560 preliminary as with the proposed plan the proposed uh conditions of approval.
>> I'll second motion a second on the resolution 2560 which is the preliminary added. Any other questions or comments? What's the time difference between the preliminary and the final
meeting? >> You want to answer that one? Okay. >> So, the developer has 120 days to final application for final thought and then within that the Minnesota state statute of land use where the city would have 60
days to consider that application. >> Other questions? >> Yeah. None. We have Delena. >> Hi. >> Holden. >> Hi, Vernon. >> Hi, Brandy. >> Hi, >> and David. I Which takes us item B,
which is requesting development. >> Who's taking this? >> I'll start with this one. So, next we have um a request to approve or deny preliminary development plan. And so in
October, the city received an application for a conditional use permit. Uh as we've discussed many times, the city has 60 days to process those land use applications. For the conditional use permit, uh the city code requires a preliminary
development plan to first be approved and then a final development plan would go before um planning the zoning and then council uh with approval. than uh initial use permit can be approved by council.
The city felt that that timeline was very aggressive since we essentially would have had to have the preliminary development plan before planning and zoning and council in November and then the conditional use permit before planning and zoning and council then in December. So the city
has chosen to extend the timelines for the conditional use permit by 60 days. um by state statute. The city has the authority to do that. We have to give reasons for that and the reason is because of um our code requires that preliminary development plan process and
then also just the indepth review that it takes for staff to uh review the entirety of the development plan and everything that goes with that. And so today um before you we just have the preliminary development plan. Like I stated, we did extend the timelines for
the conditional use permit by 60 days uh for that that allowed us to pursue that Jeep. And so um with the application, there's a proposed underlying zoning district of Light Industrial. Uh what a preliminary
development or what a PUD does is a planned unit development, but that essentially creates a different set of code for that development. And so although the underlying district is light industrial, essentially the PUD allows the city to deviate from that
code and then uh use that PUD code to apply to the development. In most areas, the PUD language suggested is actually more constrictive than what city code would allow. So, if a development were to proceed without the PUD, um they'd
actually have less restrictions than if we were to proceed with the PUD restrictions. So, I won't go into them all in depth. They were in the packet. However, um when the presentation, we'll kind of hit some of the um the high level
kind of the the buzz topics of the EU language. And so, first we have noise. And so our current code allows for up to six dB over um depending on the time of day it's either 50 60 or 70 dB. And so what the developer is proposing is to
just meet state guidelines. And what that would be is 60 dB during the day and 50 dB at night. So again, city code actually would allow them to go six dB over that. They want to stay within um the MPCA PPA guidelines versus the city.
Next would be lighting. And so the proposed language would be that the lighting would be limited to 0.5 foot candles at the property boundary. City code would allow them to uh have one foot candle passed at the property
boundary. Um so again this is more conrictive than what city code would allow. This is a very large map with very small print. This will be available on our website. Uh so I want to recognize that. Essentially what this is is the
developer um went and took decibel readings and then we also had the city engineer go and take similar decel readings. Uh they went to these various locations at different times of the day. Um and this is what those decel readings show what it's at. Um I don't want to
speak for Craig, but I think it was like noon like evening and late evening I believe um were the readings. And then there's also candlefoot readings as well of what it is. For instance, right outside of city hall here, it was 1.1 candle foot
and uh the 0.1 is probably contributed to our extra holiday decor and lights on outside of city hall. So typically main street is about right at that one gamble float just to give a little bit of comparison. Again, this map will be on
the website. Uh so as far as traffic, so what uh the language would allow is uh the developer and the city has worked out a right and right out access point for Highway 52 at 490th Street um for
construction truck traffic. Uh although the developer doesn't have to uh they are proposing adding a separate sidewalk and path along the east side of White Pines Road. Currently, the walking path is essentially the shoulder on the west side of White Pines Road. And so, we
don't want people to have to cross White Pines Road to use our trail system and uh get to sidewalks. And so, that would be uh constructed at the cost of the developer. And then also uh adding a bypass lane on the westbound County Road
11 at the southbound on ramp to Highway 52 to lessen congestion. Um, and I'm not sure Craig if you want to um touch on this, but that right in access point uh is valid through 2027. So in 2028, uh,
Highway 52 is going to be reconstructed. And so there's going to be some um we're having starting to have conversations between the county, the township, the city, Mindot um and the developer to try to figure out an alternative route in
2028 when um Highway 52 is under construction and so none of the construction truck would utilize any residential areas. If they're going on Highway 52 and they need to turn around to be able to use the right in right
out, um they would be using the Elkr interchange because that reverse diamond is essentially made for people to be able to get off the highway and back on quite quickly. >> Yep, that's right. So the yeah like
Elizabeth had mentioned that uh the resurfacing project in 28 uh will take up about the entire construction season and MNOT is planning to have um one lane of traffic in each direction uh throughout the majority of that
construction season. So at that time in 2028 um or anytime that construction is happening and we're reduced to one direction or one lane of traffic in each direction and that does not want that 490th um access used. So uh so that's something again we're still still
working out. We're also working out some of the geometry of that um that um access um for the acceleration on the highway. Uh so those are ongoing conversations with uh with Mindad. Um also um you know because it includes
count 11 and the potential of a bypass lane. So what that would be uh that's that third bullet point there on the traffic. So that bypass lane will be as you're coming into town on across the bridge and coming in towards the uh the
treatment point cemetery. There'll be there will be a left-hand turn lane where you can go southbound Highway 52. and uh Mindot is is proposing as part of that project to have a short bypass lane. So some of the work team would be coordinated if it's warranted, if it's
needed, uh then um then that bypass lane might be extended just to provide more staffing for vehicles as they head south. So to be clear on that, my understanding is that the traffic for construction
phase of this whole project will use 490th and then when they close off the southbound at 490th, there will still be an offramp on the northbound and then there will be a new bypass or acceleration lane built in on
the northbound side. And if they need to go south, they have to go up to zero to highway 60 and turn around and go south. Correct. >> Well, it's actually the the access. So, they don't want any access on if that 28 constructions.
So, that that is a detail that would need to be worked out worked out if the developer is planning to have construction during the season. >> Right. From my understanding, the build out is 10 to 15 years. >> Correct. So 2028 also not
>> correct. Yep. >> So that's why I'm trying to understand the practic was saying exactly. Yep. And it's again um part of the ongoing conversations with you another um meeting with various agencies coming up in January where
we're going to continue to talk about um the possibility of altering alternative routes. Um but again the overall goal of providing that access at 490th is to so that the truck traffic can meet that access point and uh we don't bring
traffic into the the way plans that is the world >> right and then so then would have to somehow figure out a way to say if you have to take 195th all the way to I60 they would have to pay that as a control
test and everything right that's going to be done on 48th construction. Yeah, that that's a good point2 and there's some again as part of an on ongoing discussion with mendot there um there is some benefit to mind
as they have stated that uh if if um their ultimate goal is to to have highway 52 reach freeway status and what that means is they they just they very much limit access points at access points on highway 52 and so um this is
but in in order to have something like that. Uh you also need a frontage road system. So from the uh 12 interchange, you know, all the way back in town, we have a frontage road system um with uh without access on 52. Um and so that's
that's what it would like to to get to. So we're just again working out details on how how that could be accomplished. Could involve the county, could the township, city mand funding opportunities uh and what that may look like. and then also a timing on
the pull test. So, none of that has been worked out yet, but that that's something that uh that we're continuing to talk about. >> And then the um walking path that they're talking about on White Joe, right?
>> Um there will be like a grasshopper between the road and the >> path. Correct. >> It will be separate and not adjacent to the road. >> Right. And and so the that would come that will come with final final plans. But yes, that is the the overall goal is
to get that to have that boulevard separation between any sort of pedestrian track. >> They don't have to go there. >> Right. Right. Right. So coming out of the subdivision right now as you know and it is very busy there. There are a lot of people hiking along the side of the road and then they jump down on the
trail. Um so if if that is on the east side um like Elizabeth was saying um anyone coming out of that subdivision that sidewalk and then they're there at that separate they have that separation between the traffic and them and then
when they get to the roundabout there is the crosswalk there that that would be utilized for crossing the front and when that sidewalk is being done is there are there provisions maybe to put a curbing along that side to help
protect any vehicles from you know fighting off into the pedestrians or whatever for safety. >> Yeah. Yep. For sure. So there there are a couple considerations that we look at with that too. One is u going back to the storm water because right now there's a there's a a drainage going on
there. So we put a put any sort of path there that could disrupt the drainage pattern. So um uh so that would be the ideal condition where we have a curb and some storm sewer to convey the uh storm water and then have that separation. So
it would be like a typical urban uh roadway section. Now that may not be on both sides because we run through the >> just on the west side. Yeah. But again was working with the developer on the final final plans for for that after all
of the fees read gathered and >> okay that'll be on the final >> correct well final plans that are reviewed by city staff anything else
is >> I'll jump back I'll jump back in here So, um, moving on to infrastructure. So, the PD does contain language that, um, White Pines Road would be paved up to 500th Street. Um, and then in addition,
there would be, uh, water main and sewer extensions. It's approximately 3 miles, and this would be at 100% of the developers expense. Here is a map. Again, I recognize this is a large map with very small print.
And this um is currently available on the website and we will make this presentation available again on the website. This shows uh all the proposed off-site improvements and so it shows a looped water man um so water uh lines
would be extended on the west side um to the development in addition down the white pines road on the east side. Uh in in addition it shows extension of sewer lines. Um is that
okay so setbacks and buffers. Uh so the proposed POD language would keep the 30 foot setback uh to the commercial zones. So if it abuts commercial zones, it would have to have a 30- foot setback or 50 foot uh residential zone uh setbacks
which would uh be right in line with the I2 uh zoning in addition to the 45 ft in height for buildings. Um what they are proposing that any building over that 45T uh would have two feet added to the
setback for every foot that it goes higher than 45 ft. So, like I said, most of the restrictions are more restrict or um yeah, more restricted than city code. This is one of those that uh the developer is asking to go over the 45
foot building height, but again, they're requesting that for every foot they go up, they would go 2 feet back. Um and so then again looking at height and then also um rather than having a height standard um capped at 45 ft, they're
asking to go up to 60 ft. But again, anything between 45 ft and 60 ft, they would have two feet for every foot they go up additional. Uh, and then they aren't asking for the any accessory structures structures to be able to go
to 80 ft. This would be like antennas on top of buildings and things like that. So, not the main structure, just I like real life examples. Um, and so we wanted to show some just what they look like. So 301 Main Street Apartments here, Kitty Corner from City Hall. So to
the edge of the roof line, that's approximately 32 feet. Uh, to the top of the roof line is approximately 50 ft. And then when we go look at the grain bins at Egg Partners, so that's actually over 100 feet. The structure between the
grain bins. Um, and so Egg Partners, I believe they have a variance to go up to 14 45. So, um they they do have that allowance to go up to 145 ft
uh water. So, the A estimated approximately 152,000 gallons of water per day. uh that would be the usage for the entire buildout, not just this phase one, but that would be for any additional phases as well would be
included in that entire water usage. So, this does have similar water usage to our residential neighborhoods. We compared the Pinerest water usage compared to um what they are requesting and when we broke it down per acre, it
was within I think it was like seven gallons per day per acre. uh is what the water usage is being requested. There will be zero water usage for um any industrial purposes such as water cooling. All water uh used in the
development is for domestic purposes um such as employ flushing toilets and flushing their dishes after lunch and things like that. Um and there will be no private wells on site. All water will come from the city's goodness full water system. As we stated before, we are
proposing that every single building will have a water meter um patched. And then storm water management. So phase one proposes approximately 18.5 acres of storm water treatment. Um I didn't include it in the packet. It was
a link instead because it's a 300page uh storm water management plan. So that has been sit uh submitted to us and that was reviewed uh with the preliminary the green space ratio. Uh so the proposed PUD would require a green space
ratio of 35%. Phase one alone has green space of approximately 60%. And current city code we uh only require a 25% green space ratio. So, if we're just looking at the entire development or even phase one, they're going above
and beyond what city code uh requires. For trees and landscaping, there's a 1:1 tree replacement ratio. Uh just in phase one alone, there will be three over 300 trees planted in addition to 41 acres of native grassland.
Uh and then wetlands, there is one small wetland adjacent to Highway 52, which would be mitigated during phase one. This is I'm going to butcher this because I'm not an engineer, but this is um drainage from uh Mandot rightway. And
so essentially we would have to mitigate that uh because where it sits currently partially is on Mind Mindot rightway, part of it is on the private property. And so that would be mitigated in conjunction with MDOT um for that uh
storm water. Uh so as far as building aesthetics and materials and so um the proposed building materials would be consistent with modern commercial industrial standards for quality appearance. The proposed building materials within the
PUD are more specific. So our language is very vague in what um that requires and the PUD language wants to define that uh more closely. Same thing the proposed PUD for parking. uh they would require at least one parking space for
um every single employee on the maximum shift. City code we had a square footage requirements uh for parking. Uh and so allowing this would actually allow for more green space and more grasslands
than uh if we required them to abide by the city code. And then the use. So the proposed PUB would expand on the list of uses um in the I2 zoning district. So this would include technology campuses, research facilities, technology, college, schools, related accessory
uses. So there's more information again in the packet. Um those were the highle items. Um we reviewed any items that uh strayed from city code. Like we said, most of
the items are actually more restricted than what our code allows. Um and then reviewing those that are not. Thank you. I do not think you're involved for Elizabeth. >> I know this is like the third time we've
reviewed this information, but >> it will be an actionable item. Council, make a motion to approve the preliminary development plan. I'll second motion and a second on again this is a preliminary development and
any other discussion questions and none Delena >> Iton I burn I Randy >> hi >> and David will be think that's right public works and engineering you have anything
that you want to 11. >> I don't thank >> Hi Brandy. >> Hi. uh which takes us right between apartment. Can I go first? Elizabeth.
>> Sure. Um thing I'll address is I know um there have been a lot of questions and so I would like to address that and so I know Mr. Lannard's like I I met with you first. >> I know I'm hard of hearing as well and I've had a lot of
>> No, I don't want you to come up here. >> Well, I just I can't I'll sit here though. Yeah. >> All I'm saying is you've sent emails. I've sat down with you. So, the invite is with everybody. I have sat down with most of you one-on-one. That that invite is extended. I won't turn down a
one-on-one meeting with anybody. I will answer questions. I get over a hundred emails a day. Emails aren't always going to get responded to. Um, unfortunately, I have a full-time list of jobs um outside of this project and I do what I can. It's it's very busy season. We're trying to wrap up, but I will always
give any resident the time of day. So, please reach out. Schedule time with me. be more than happy to do so. So, um that's essentially I will add the balance of my report. >> Oh, the library. Thanks. >> Although it's kind of cold downstairs,
but that's okay. >> Um just wanted to note that my report has an incorrect date. Winterfest is the 31st, not the 25th. We will be having our annual book sale during Winterfest this year. um both Friday and Saturday. So January, yes, not December. Thank
you. Um so yes, we will be having that. We are currently accepting donations of materials if people really want to bring stuff that are in good condition, not smelly, not stinking, but something that you would want me to do, that would be great. Um otherwise, Mstead County
funding, I just want to highlight the fact that budgets have been cut um for many of us. Uh we did request from Mstead County uh 79873 for our fiscal year this coming year and they were unable to fulfill that. We did
come in um to receive 73187 which is a 1.9% increase over last year and they did that to all the libraries in the county across the board. though we did we do we we did redo our budget to reflect those changes but I just wanted
to highlight the fact that we appreciate all the funding we get from all of our sources. We do get funding from the city Dodgestead and good counties. So, thank you all for your support of libraries and thanks to any
>> excellent job with very much appreciated. Let's see what the weather does and EDA anything from fire department
keeping busy. >> All right. Anybody else? Otherwise, I have to publicly read for close session pursuant to Minnesota statute section 13B.05 subdivision 3me. The meeting will be closed to discuss the following pending litigations against the city.
Minnesota center for environmental advocacy versus city of pineal ry companies US Inc. Court file number 25 CV252298. Take a motion. No. Go to close session. All right. Thank you everybody.