Good evening and welcome to the regular city council meeting for the city of St. Peter, Minnesota. It is Monday, November 10th, 2025 at 7:03 p.m. We are called to order. Would all please rise for the pledge.
I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right, we have all received a copy
of the agenda. Are there any? Um, I believe there is one update to the agenda, which is uh we're going to pull an item off of the consent agenda and move it to new business. Todd. >> So, Madame Mayor, what I'm asking the council to do is remove the item which is located on page 10, which is the
noise vehicle um signage. As you know, we work hard to ensure that you are approving those types of changes. But it's my understanding through Pete that the county engineer would like to have a separate um resolution on that. And so, my hope is we don't have one prepared for you, but my hope is is that you'll
give staff some latitude about that. really what we'd uh and I can cover that a little bit more, but um that's the goal of removing it from the consent agenda to have it its own separate resolution. >> Okay. Um are there any other
questions, discussion, revisions to the to the agenda? Hearing none, is there a motion to approve the agenda as revised? >> Second. >> All those in favor of approval say I. >> I. Any opposed? The agenda is approved.
Next up, approval of the minutes. The minutes appear on pages 5 through seven of the packet. Are there any revisions or corrections to the minutes? >> Hearing none. Is there a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second. >> All those in favor of approval say I.
>> I. Any opposed? The minutes are approved. We have time on our schedule for visitors comments. Uh is there a visitor who'd like to address the council concerning an agenda item? Hearing none. We also have time for general visitor comments. Are there any
visitors who'd like to address the council on another matter? Hearing none, we will move on to the approval of the revised consent agenda. The consent agenda begins with a memo on page eight of the packet and concludes with the resolution that appears on page 26. The
consent agenda includes um a low hemp a low potency hemp edible license and registration for St. Peter Food Co-op for the dates and location listed within the packet. It includes the following employee appointments.
Paige Markwart, Rowan Meera, Joseph Connor, and Le Bllye as volleyball officials at the wage listed within the packet. We would approve installation. Oh, we're removing >> that would be removed. >> We're removing the vehicle installation.
Uh we're moving on to approve MWP Recreation of Golden Valley, Minnesota to furnish and deliver new playground equipment for the improvements at Stones Park in the amount of $17,427. We will cancel the December 15th and December 22nd workshop and council
meeting as well as the schedule of dispersements for October 24th through November 20 uh November 5th, 2025. Is there any discussion of any item on the consent agenda hearing? None. Is there a motion to
approve the resolution? >> We have a motion and a second. Call the role, please, please. >> Council member R. >> I. >> Council member Charstrom. >> I. >> Council member Devos. >> I. >> Mayor Noel. >> I. >> Council member Johnson. >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> Hi. >> The resolution is approved. We have no
items of unfinished business tonight. So, we will move on to our first item of new business, which is a canvas of the 2025 election. >> Mayor and members, as you know, um Kesha and her team conducted elections in cooperation with the school district and certainly Nicollet County. And so, it is
the law that the council take action related to canvasing. You will note on the resolution that it does include the school board canvasing as well. Um you will or may also note that the school board will canvas too. This is really kind of a little bit of a gray area
within the law. Um, and since we are managing their election, I think it's appropriate that you canvas the schoolboard election and they can certainly canvas it as well. The data will be the same, but I want to make sure that we're covering all the bases here. This is the process that you've
used for the past many years, more than a couple of decades related to local oddyear elections. The information is included in your packet. And again, I do want to thank um Kesha and the teams and all those election judges who really do
make all this happen. And um so we want to thank them as a part of this as well. But the resolution is included in your packet starting on page 28. >> All right. Any discussion or questions hearing? None. The resolution canvasing the 2025 municipal election returns is
on page 28 of the packet. Is there a motion to approve? >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Call the role, please. Council member Sharstrom. >> Hi. >> Council member DVOS. >> Hi. >> Mayor Noel. >> I. >> Council member Johnson. >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> I. >> Council member Rand.
>> I. >> The resolution is approved. Next up, MDOT limited use permit for uh the 99 trail. >> Oh, and Pet is here to talk to us about that. >> Yes, madame mayor and city council. Um, as you're aware, we received grant
funding to install a trail on the north ditch of Highway 99 West, uh, running from Trunk Highway 169 all the way up to Nicollet Avenue. Our intentions are to install a trail in the bottom of the
ditch, uh, along that area there. And in order to do so, we would need to have a limited use permit from MNDOT uh, to construct, maintain, and operate that trail. uh there would be no other permit uh permitted uses of that area along there
since it is mendot rightway and it would be our intent to move forward with this and what we're asking is that the mayor and city administrator be allowed to sign an agreement uh asking permission to use mindat rightway there's a resolution on page 31 and I'm available
for questions >> thanks questions for Pete Brad >> um so Pete uh this is in a different location than previously ly when it was going further up the hill. Correct. This will be closer to the road, so further out of yards. >> Yeah. >> Well, they weren't ever in yards. They're always in the rightway.
>> Right. It's always been in the rightway. We didn't have a route determined. So, I wouldn't say that we originally had it up on top. We We've never really had it located there. We had to do the evaluation of where it would be best fit to control cost. And so, that was determined to be in the lower portion of
the ditch. >> Thank you. >> Additional questions. If I can, Madam Mayor. Um, so Pete, we are planning to have a session for neighbors to be able to see what's going to happen to ensure that they have an opportunity to know and understand what's going on. >> That's correct.
>> All right. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Hearing no further discussion, the resolution authorizing entering into an agreement with Mindot for a limited use permit for a non-motorized trail adjacent to Trunk Highway number 99 is on page 31 of the packet. Is there a
motion to approve? >> So moved. Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Call the role, please. >> Council member Das, >> I. >> Mayor Noel, >> I. >> Council member Johnson, >> I. >> Council member Pettis, >> I. >> Council member Rant, >> I. >> Council member Sen, >> I.
>> The resolution is approved and Pete staying put for our next item of new business, which is a update to 2026 tree planting lists. Madam, mayor and city council, as you know, we come to you periodically with a request to update our um tree planting list. Uh we're
really concerned about two different locations. One is in city rightaway and two would be in parks and green spaces. Uh each of these areas uh are treated a little differently according to the rules and regulations that we have uh governing those areas. Um, in our
rightway, we try to use trees that provide a larger canopy uh to cool our streets down. That's kind of a storm water related issue. And also, there's limited space in right away. So, we're looking at root growth and how the tree would grow and benefit the neighboring
property owners. Um, in parks, we allow for a wider root base, a little um I wouldn't say wilder tree, but a tree that probably has the opportunity to grow in different directions. um not only vertically but horizontally in some cases uh with a wider root base
and can be more decorative. And so our intent is since we have uh kind of worked our way into zone five is to update that to reflect the authorized trees that can be planted in zone five. Uh we did have about I'd say about 8 to
10 trees that we did modify. Some went from just uh describing a regular tree like a genko and then we may have required that it be fruitless or seedless uh depending on what's going on there and the mess it makes and what it does to neighboring properties. So a lot
of these are just pinpointing certain types of trees to increase our diversity uh and provide for the community to have uh decent looking canopies. Uh there are there is a resolution on pages 34 through 36 and pages 37 through
39 that completes this improvement. >> Okay. Anything to add? >> Just to mention again there are two resolutions. One is for trees in the rightway and the other is for within green spaces and parks. >> All right. Hearing no further
discussion. The first resolution approving the right of way tree planting list is on page 34 through 36 of the packet. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Have a motion and a second. Call the role, please.
>> Mayor Noel, >> I. >> Council member Johnson, >> I. >> Council member Pettis, >> I. >> Council member Ram, >> I. >> Council member Sharstrom, >> I. >> Council member Devos, >> I. >> The resolution is approved. >> Thank you. Uh the next resolution approving the parks and green spaces tree planting list. That resolution
appears on page 37 through 39 of the packet. Is there a motion to approve? >> Second. >> We have a motion and second. Call the roll, please. >> Council member Johnson >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> I. >> Council member Ramp. >> I. >> Council member Sharstrom. >> I.
>> Council member DVOS. >> I. >> Mayor Noel. >> I. Resolution is approved. I'll just take a second to note that these resolutions or the tree lists are reviewed by our tree advisory board, which includes members of the public. So, if people are watching this at home
on YouTube and you're not serving on a board or commission of the city, think about doing it. It's a great opportunity to serve your community. You'll learn a lot and um it's just a great experience. I recommend it. Um, we will move on to next item of new business, winter no
maintenance trail designations. >> Madame Mayor and City Council, uh, we come to you every couple of years and ask you to approve a list of trails and sidewalks that primarily are not used during uh, inclement weather. Uh, and
what that does for us is on this list here, we do not maintain that. So, uh, an example would be up on County Road 20. Um, we have an area of trail there that blows in quite frequently. If we were to try to maintain that area, um,
it would be very costly to do so. Uh, we do maintain uh, and most of these areas are one side or the other related to trailer sidewalk. Uh, we usually do not close down both sides for any reason. we'll have one side open um and then try
to maintain those. No major changes this year. It's just a timing thing coming back and making sure that people are aware that we're going to close some of the facilities down when winter provides. Um remember if we do have light snows and it looks promising from
time to time, we will keep them open as long as we can. Uh but usually in January and February, what we end up with is some big events and then it becomes pretty difficult. Um there's a resolution on page 44 uh that covers these activities. Um there's really no
cost to approve this. Uh there is a cost savings depending on how much snow we receive. And as you know, we've gone anywhere from 25 in to 85 in the last few years here. So uh it's hard to give you a number on what that would be for a savings.
>> Any questions or discussion? All right. Hearing nothing, the resolution establishing no winter maintenance trails and sidewalks for the winters of 2026 27 through 2728 appears on pages 44 and
45 of the packet. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Call the roll, please. >> Council member Pettis, >> I. >> Council member Ram, >> I. >> Council member Shrom, >> I. >> Council member DVOS,
>> I. >> Mayor Noel, >> I. Council member Johnson. >> I. >> The resolution is approved. Thank you, Pete. >> Um, next up, order preparation of assessment for nonrightofway work and unpaid miscellaneous charges and call for a public hearing.
>> Mayor members, this is an item that you see on a regular basis annually, generally this time of year. Um, there are two resolutions for your consideration. Um, Perry is not here today, so I'm covering this one again as the um subject
outlines. This is for assessments for nonrightofway work and miscellaneous charges. And so you can see there are four lawnmowing charges and 24 snow removal charges and so on as a part of this. It's appropriate to call it at
this time um call for um the preparation of the assessment role and for the hearing. Notice then is provided to the impacted property owners or those that would be build and they'd have opportunity to attend your meeting um to contest this. This hearing is requested
for your next regular city council meeting on the 24th. The first resolution within your packet which is after the role or the assessment list um is located on page 48. And again I'm happy to answer questions. Again, this
resolution is for um the um declaring unpaid and for the assessment. The next resolution is calling for the hearing. >> Any questions about either of the resolutions?
Hearing none, the first one will be a resolution declaring unpaid miscellaneous charges to be assessed and ordering preparation of proposed assessment. Is there a motion to approve? >> Second. Uh, we have a motion and a second. Call the role, please. >> Council member Ramp. >> I.
>> Council member Shrom. >> I. >> Council member Devos. >> I. >> Mayor Noel. >> I. >> Council member Johnson. >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> I. >> The resolution is approved. The second resolution calling for a public hearing on assessment of miscellaneous charges is on page 49. Is there a motion to
approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Call the RO, please. >> Council member Sharstrom. >> I. >> Council member Das. >> I. >> Mayor Noel. >> I. Council member Johnson. >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> Hi. >> Council member Ram. >> I. >> The resolution is approved. Next up,
order of uh preparation of assessment for delinquent utility count uh accounts and call for a public hearing. So again, we'll have two resolutions with this one. >> That's correct, Madam Mayor. This information starts on page 50. And I do want to bring your attention to page 50 because it does show the past or the
history of delinquent accounts from 2008 through 2004. Um, I should mention that this really runs until May of 2025. So, this would not be for any utility accounts after May of 2025. Um, you
might wonder why that is. Well, our general process is and so we try and keep this on a regular occurring basis and that's the date um that makes the most sense from an assessment standpoint. These are for accessible amounts for folks um whether it's
property owners or renters um that have not paid their utility bill. And so this is a mixture of households and other commercial uses whether it's retail businesses or industrial or whomever. You might note that we see an increase
in the 24 and 25 year over previous years. the number that we will be assessing remains very very low relative to the total revenue stream that you have in place. And so it's also true that one or two delinquencies can make
this trend line look very different very quickly for a few thousand dollars because the number is so low. Um so please take that in consideration as a part of that. We do go into some explanation about how we provide for collection of these and this is really the last stop for an opportunity to
collect these. Um again there are two resolutions in within your packet. The first of which is um the assessment role preparation of the assessment role and ordering these to be assessed and the second is calling the hearing again which would be on November 24th.
>> All right. Questions for Todd? All right. The first resolution declaring unpaid charges for municipal utilities to be assessed and ordered prep and ordering preparation of proposed assessment is on page 53. Is there a motion to approve? Second.
>> Um, call the role, please. >> Council member Devos, >> I. >> Mayor Noel, >> I. >> Council member Johnson, >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> Hi. >> Council member Ram. >> I. >> Council member Charstrom. >> I. >> The resolution is approved. The next resolution calling for a public hearing declaring unpaid charges for municipal
utilities to be assessed is on page 54 of the packet. Is there a motion to approve? >> Second. We have a motion and a second. Call the role, please. >> Mayor Noel, >> I. >> Council, Council Member Johnson, >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> Hi. >> Council member Ramp.
>> I. >> Council member Charstrom. >> I. >> Council member Deboss. >> I. >> The resolution is approved. Uh, next up, donations acceptance. Mayor, members, I do want to mention this one is a little bit unique and a little bit out of process because of the timeline and with
these two um very nice gifts being primarily for Gorman Park and the enhancements. Um well, again, you had an event on Friday and I'm sure some of you will talk about that under report. So, wanted to move this along and it's a little bit out of order. Um it is appropriate based on your donation
policy that you do take action. Um, typically we have the parks board review this, but based on the timeline. Um, it just didn't work out that way. I and I would suggest that it that the park board does review and if they have any concerns to move those forward. The
donation of this is cash. Um, and so it's easy to use. You're not um having to figure out whether there's going to be additional maintenance on somebody gifting you a 1974 F-150 pickup or anything like that, right? And so, um, we do want to make sure that we're
following the process, but I wanted to be transparent about how this works and how this fits together. You do have two separate resolutions for these donations. The first one is from Barb Grahams, um, in honor of Steven and Barb, and they provided $25,000 towards Gorman Park. That's the first resolution. The second is a generous
resolution or gift from the Redmond Club providing $40,000, 30 of which would go to Gorman Park and 10 of which would go to the police department for um equipment at the new city hall, exercise equipment at the new city hall when that comes to fruition. Um I'm happy to
answer questions as best I can and try and make sure that the timing on everything works out better in the future. But these are fantastically generous gifts, very kind. Um, I know that, um, the Redmond indicated at Johnson, the manager there, indicated that they really wanted to invest in kids and families and in the health of
police officers within our community. And Barb wanted me to make sure that I mentioned how important the park was to Steve and he loved to be in there with his grandkids and loved to be able to sit out on their patio and watch all the activities with kids and families. And certainly that will only be enhanced by the new park um, that you've made happen
there. So anyway, that's the basis for those kids. Yeah, it was great to uh at the ribbon cutting for Gorman Park to be able to thank some of these people uh in person. So, um Brad, >> um I just want to uh make some comments
um about particularly the Graham's donation. Uh three of us uh served with Steve while he was on city council. Uh number one, really funny guy. Um but one thing Steve, one thing I always remember him saying is, you know, everybody's going to be disabled eventually. It's just a matter of when. Um, but that
didn't stop him from doing stuff, but also being an advocate for accessibility. I think it's so appropriate um and so great to see to see them making this donation. I so much of this park we looked at the accessibility part of it. I think it's a great way, you know, to honor to honor
Steve and Barb, his partner in crime, partner in life. Um, so I I'm just really excited about that. So, >> any other questions or comments? >> I'm sure that the advisory board will be just fine with stepping
over a procedural hoop to take a donation of this size. >> Yeah. All right. The first resolution accepting a donation from Barb Grahams is on page 57. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Call the
role, please. >> Council member Johnson. >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> I. >> Council member Ramp. >> Hi. >> Council member Shstrom. I, >> Council Member Devos, >> I, >> Mayor Noel. >> I, the resolution is approved. Next resolution accepting a donation from the
Redmond Club of St. Peter is on page 58. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. Second. >> All call the role, please. >> Council member Pettis, >> I. >> Council member Ram, >> I. >> Council member Charstrom, >> I. >> Council member Devos, >> I. >> Mayor Noel,
>> I. >> Council member Johnson, >> I. >> Resolution is approved. Uh, last item of new business tonight is approve the installation of vehicle noise law enforcement signage on Klaw 5 and Broadway. And Pete's back up to talk to us about that.
>> Thank you so much for pulling this out and making my life easier to try to get these signs and stuff. Um, we've been working with some concerned citizens along this route to um try to accommodate some of the noise
requirements in this area. We've worked with Nicollet County um to sign some of their roadway since they own uh Broadway Avenue or County State Aid Highway 5 from Sunrise Drive to the west past the high school to city limits. And in order
to get uh signs put up there, um we would have to agree, the city council would have to agree to allow our law enforcement to enforce the intent of that. Uh the language basically is reflected in about the fifth bullet down
here uh to enforce Minnesota statute section 169.69 uh related to muffer muffler use and Minnesota statute 169.693 motor vehicle noise limits. Um basic basically what's happening is there's
three areas when you come into St. Peter from the west on County Road 5 where this is an issue. Uh the first one is in the rural section of town coming into the roundabout. Uh the other is when they get to the top of the Broadway Hill and realize that there's a controlled
intersection down there by the new fireh hall. You hear that constantly and I think the mayor was at a meeting at the fire hall and all we heard for about 45 minutes was the Jake break coming through there um with all the grain that was being hauled and everything else
that was being trucked through there. And the second in the third area is once you start past the uh roundabout heading to the east going down the hill by the middle school um they just start to pick up activity. They realize there's a sharp hill with a controlled
intersection uh down at Washington and they use their Jake brake quite a bit uh which is basically using their engine to try to control their speed and or get a reduction in their vehicle. And so what we're asking you tonight is to approve the installation of two signs. Uh one
would be in the county road section. U that's to be determined yet. Uh the county likes to put it out in advance so that truckers are well aware that this is up here. Uh that we are going to enforce this as they come into town. Um, the other would be um what I call east
of the Sunrise and Broadway intersection so that when people get near the middle school and the residential areas on both sides there, they're encouraged not to use that Jake break. Um, and we have talked this over with um our local law enforcement and they're aware of the
situation. That was gonna be my next question because if we have an enforcement signed up but nobody's notified >> uh the chief probably not going to work very well, >> right? He he's aware we've had some discussions and so um we'd ask you to give us some leeway to approve a
resolution um or to you you to approve a resolution that would identify those bullets that are contained in the memo. >> Okay. Any questions for Pete Carrie? >> Yeah, I this just reminds me of the concerned residents along Highway 169. I know it's a different process. It's, you
know, this is a county road. It's probably a lot easier and safer for >> law enforcement to enforce. Um, >> I am in support of this, but it does make me think about the residents who have campaigned for a long time to have a similar signage.
>> Um, and is there any update on on that as an option? Do you still hear uh folks complaining about it? I I can tell you that I you know since being made aware of it I hear it all the time >> right >> still and we have we have talked with
Mandot about that process there and we know what the cost would be and so during the process of the change in that area where we've heard it mostly is coming from the north into town where the higher speed is is really closer to St. repeater than on the south end um
with less residents on the south end. Um and the north end there they're coming in at 55 and then they're going to slow down to 45. Uh the flashing sign has helped quite a bit not only with speed reduction but with noise reduction. So we're hoping that with the median
changes that'll come up in the future project uh that they'll be get used they'll get used to driving at a slower speed and not have a need for signs to be installed. But we can if if they continue and we would address that situation.
>> I appreciate the explanation. It just makes me think about those folks that might see that this is happening and wonder, well, where's our sign? But I I think with the improvements, it's worth seeing that process through. And um but my second question was, do do we still
hear from residents about that? >> Um not as much. Um, we're trying to do things to control the speed, which again impact the effect of that Jake break. So, if we can get them to slow down a little bit outside of town, there isn't the need to get to the Dairy Queen or
Union Street intersection and then hit that Jake break. >> Thank you. >> Additional questions. >> All right. Hearing nothing further, we are being asked to approve a resolution installing of for uh installation of
vehicle noise law enforcement signage on CASA 5 and Broadway. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Call the role, please. >> Council member Ramp. >> I. >> Council member Sharstrom. >> I.
>> Council member DVOS. >> I. >> Mayor Noel. >> I. >> Council member Johnson. >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> Hi. The resolution is approved. Thank you, Pete. >> And I would mention, Madame Mayor, the noise that maybe you all heard, I my guess is that was a helicopter heading towards the hospital. So, this would not
affect helicopter traffic. >> All right, we have concluded our new business. We'll move on to reports. Um, I just wanted to and I'll let others um chime in as well. like to thank everybody who participated in the ribbon
cutting at Gorman Park last week. Uh was that Friday? >> Yes. >> Yeah. It was a cold day, but there was a great turnout. People are really excited. Of course, the kids are excited, which is the most important uh group of people. Uh there are lots of thanks to go
around. of course to donors, to city staff, to everybody who, you know, played some role, the parks board. Um, but I was really moved by the three moms who spoke about the creation of the
original tremendous program uh, playground and that was Martha Morrow, Wendy Bachmann, and Tracy Pyman who really spoke with such um, care and love about the process that went into the creation of Tremendous. How many
families were involved in that process? how many families benefited from having that park uh built. My family is among them, but also with so much excitement about the future, the new park, and um
looking forward to all that we're doing in Gorman Park. So, I especially wanted to call out that group of three and thank them and just welcome any other reports or reflections from that event. >> I was attendance as well and it quite
frankly was very moving to see so many people from the community there and seeing the park come together. >> It's great afternoon. >> A lot of people, a lot of work behind the scenes to make it happen. So, uh,
thanks again to everybody. That was my only report. >> If there are council members that have any other reports, >> any other reports? >> All right, >> I'll follow the council members. Madame Mayor, I don't have any of the reports either. >> All right. Well, hearing nothing
further, is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Second. >> All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? We are adjourned. Thanks, everyone.