Good evening and welcome to the regular city council meeting for the city of St. Peter, Minnesota. It is Monday, May 11th, 2026. At 7:01 p.m., we are called to order. Would all please rise for the pledge.
I pledge algiance 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,
everyone has received a copy of the agenda. Are there any revisions or corrections to the agenda? Hearing none, is there a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second. All those in favor of approval say I. I. Any opposed? Our agenda is
approved. Next up, approval of the minutes. The minutes appear on pages five through six of the packet. Are there any revisions or corrections to the minutes? Hearing none, is there a motion to approve? >> Some move. >> All those in favor of approval say I.
>> I. Any opposed? The minutes are approved. We have time for visitor comments on our agenda. Is there any visitor who'd like to address the council on an agenda item? Seeing no one, we also have time for general visitor comments. Is there a visitor who'd like to address the
council on another matter? Hearing none, we will move on to the approval of the consent agenda. The consent agenda begins on page seven with a uh memo and concludes on page uh let's see with a resolution on pages 13
through 14. The consent agenda includes the following. Employee appointment Ryan Yners. The details listed within the packet. Additional employee appointments shall be made. The names, positions, and wages are also listed within the packet.
We have the following licenses and permits for tree workers, a temporary temporary liquor, temporary show, and display of fireworks. All of those organizations and dates are listed within the packet. We have uh McQueen Companies of St. Paul approved to
complete repairs on the Mac, Vactor, uh, truck, roer, pump, and components for an estimated amount of $44,56.80 plus freight, as well as the schedule of dispersements for April 23rd through May 6th, 2026.
Is there any discussion of any item that's on the consent agenda tonight, Brad? >> Um, so just a question on the pump. Um, I know it's significantly more to buy a new truck, but people will say, "Well, you're spending 44,000. Why don't you buy a new truck? Uh, do you have an approximate, you know, how how much Darl
would a new truck cost? Or or Curtis? >> Curtis might be able to help us out. He'll go into the six figure. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I I figured that I know it's going to be exceedingly expensive, but let let people know how much a new one would cost. >> So, I did ask last year at our annual
conference for budgeting reasons, and it's 600,000 plus. >> So, >> when we purchased this one, it was over $300,000. Our current one was roughly 360 and now our budgeted number we were told is budget for close to 700,000 for >> for a replacement truck. So yes, the
$44,000 repair is significantly less than a replacement truck. >> Okay. Thank you. Yeah, I just wanted you to know in case people look at it and say, "Well, geez, that's an awful lot." >> Correct. >> For a repair. So >> this is the big truck, Mac truck, big tank on the back, equipment on the front, equipment on the back um that
people see um with our crews working in manholes. >> Yep. And this roer pump is physically the the the life of the jeter. Without it, it's completely useless for the jetting portion of it. >> Okay. Sure. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yep. >> Thanks, Curtis.
>> Any other questions or discussion? >> Hearing none, is there a motion to approve the resolution approving the consent agenda? >> Second. >> Oh gosh, we have a second and a third. >> Can give. >> Council member Weisenfeld. I
>> council member Sharstrom. >> Hi. >> Council member DVOS. >> I >> mayor Noel. >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> Hi. >> Council member Ram. >> Abstain. >> The resolution is approved. Moving on. We have no items of unbinished business tonight. So, we will move on to our
first item of new business and that is a hospital purchase. And Paula is here to talk to us about that. >> Mayor, council members, thank you. Um, I'm going to be throwing a lot of numbers at you in a little bit of time here, but uh, what we're coming to ask approval from the hospital is the purchase of a Striker Makeo robot with
the potential to purchase a second robot. Um, I did include pictures. So, the next page there, >> I love pictures. We want to see >> picture of the robot, >> especially if it's a robot. >> Um, so I'll remind you that we have we currently have a Makeo robot which was
purchased back in 2019. We have paid for that. We have paid out the the capital lease on that. We own that for the price of a dollar. Um once the lease was over, uh the technology of the robots has been upgraded and we have now additional surgeons that would be interested in
using the robot and actually have started using the robot. Um so there's periods of times where we have schedule conflicts because I have two surgeons that want to use the robot at the same time and so we we have to shift those around a little bit. um sometimes
causing a delay in scheduling. Uh we've been working with Striker, which is the vendor that we have the current robot with as well, and they've proposed a suppliers equipment agreement program where we would be able to uh purchase
I'm going to do purchase um two robots, two MO4s, and the associated instrumentation with the capital obligation of $1,693,468.95 plus interest, which would take us to 2,79,000.
And then as part of that SEA agreement, 8.5% of the spend for the joint pieces, the joint components would be given back to us in a rebate situation. And so looking at that, that joint replacement
rebate on the spend would cover the cost of the robot and robots. Um, so we don't anticipate, we've looked at the numbers, we don't anticipate that there would be any money exchanged. Um, we would do a true up at the end of the year in the
event that we were short for some reason on our spend. But for the we believe that the the cost of the components and the reimbursement will take care of the cost of both robots.
So today, so as we continue to look at that today, I'd like to ask for approval to sign the contract to purchase a single robot um when we're ready to pull that trigger, which I think is going to be pretty quickly with the addition of a second robot to be purchased within six
months or the decision made within six months to grab the second one if we decide that that's needed. >> All right. And all these discussions happen with the hospital board. So there is a recommendation Daryl serves last two hospital meetings and at least one or two finance meetings, this specific
um item has been discussed. Um the hospital board, the finance committee, the staff out there, I believe, has taken um a really good hard look at this. I've seen the numbers. The numbers look agreeable. It looks like it will work. Um, I believe I have the number right in the back of my head from uh
Kyle that the current robot that we have has been responsible for over 14 million in charges for >> I don't believe that to be true. >> About $14 million worth of procedures has been performed by that robot since 2019. So roughly six or seven years. So
this is a big step. Um, I think we're in a good place to do it and I think it would be good for a hospital to do this as we continue to move along in our our um our goals and our operating as our hospital. So, I I do support this and
the hospital board does support this. >> I was just can you give us just a super brief overview of what this machine actually does? >> Yes. So, it doesn't take out There are robots that take out pretty much the the surgeon at the the sight of the table and they run that from the corner. Um,
that does not happen here. The the robot is set to we do a a CAT scan of the patient's hip or knee. Um, and it really creates a customized map, if you will, and then that robot won't let any cutting happen outside of
those parameters. So, it's it's more Obviously, it's more accurate and it's less um recovery time for the patients because of the amount of time that works on the front end of that. We currently have I should tell you we currently have
three providers that are using it on a very regular basis. The other thing that we're looking at is we have two other surgeons that will be um interested. They're certified in using it and so we anticipate that they're going to come on board. The other thing that we look for is OFC actually has had
one retirement already. His replacement is there using the robot. We have another surgeon that's retiring the end of May and then they anticipate another one that will retire in 27. And what we know is that any surgeons coming out of their fellowship are coming out with
robot training. And so this it would be used. Then >> does this speed up the actual surgery process? So if they weren't to use because they're still old, not old surgeons, surgeons who did this before robots were available and they do the
cuts and do the drill and everything. So that probably takes more time. >> It feels like it should be faster, but >> so but it's not. >> Um there's a learning curve at the beginning, but then I would tell you that they become just as efficient once that's taken care of.
Additional questions? Well, hearing nothing further, the resolution approving the purchase of two striker makeo robots is on page 18 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 Sharstrom. >> I. >> Council member Devos. >> I. >> Mayor Noel. >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> I. >> Council member Ram. >> I. >> Council member Weisenfeld. >> Hi. >> The resolution is approved. Thank you, Paula. >> Um, moving on to our next item of new
business, North Fourth Street Improvement finalization of assessments and call for a public hearing. And Jeff is here to talk to us about that. Thank you, Mayor, Council. Um, city has been considering improvements to North Fourth Street between uh Chadam and Scarrow. Uh improvements include
sanitary sewer, um main piping, water man, drinking water, um some service work, um storm sewer, curbon gutter, uh streets and sidewalk. Uh plans for the improvements were prepared and approved um at the March 23rd city council
meeting. Uh bids were opened on April 23rd. Um portion of the project costs are proposed to be assessed according to the city's uh assessment policy. Those costs would be assessed to the benefit the benefited property owners to the benefited properties according to the
city's assessment policy which is adopted each uh year as a flat rate. Uh for 2026 the flat rates are $8,300 for street improvements uh $2,250 for sanitary sewer and $2,250 for water.
Um first resolution to consider tonight is the resolution declaring the cost to be assessed and ordering the preparation of the assessment role. Um we did open bids and our low bidder and we'll get into that here in um upcoming resolution, but our low bidder was um
$769,44 uh well below our estimate which is really good. Um when you consider uh adding a contingency engineering and financing, there's about $158,000 in other costs. So a total project cost
estimated to be about 927 uh 20 927,220 of that 49 $499,57 570 would be the city responsibility and 427650
would be assessed. Um that's only a twob block area. So you're all scratching your head probably wondering um that's a lot of money to assess for um eight nine properties in that in that area. But private properties in that area um according to the city's assessment policy would be assessed about $112,950.
Remaining portion is the responsibility of the city. So, um the resolution before you on page 22 also provides the um assessment duration and the um interest rate for the proposed assessments.
Um if there's any questions, I'd be happy to answer. >> Thank you. Any questions, Darl? >> This is two blocks of street. These two blocks of street cost more than the robot we just approved. >> It's just two blocks. Can we get those
robots to go? >> I mean, it's just it's two blocks. We need to do this. It's a great project. I fully support it. But realize this is just two blocks. It's almost a million dollars. It's $900,000 for two blocks. >> Do you anticipate any push back on the
assessment for the tenant or the resident or well the property owner at 300 North Fourth Street >> there? Yeah, definitely. >> Definitely. >> Yeah. Push back. >> It's us. I was not looking at the city is the owner at that address. So
>> because it's adjacent to the pool area. So this is the area that we're talking about next week. >> We could fight the assessment. >> I was going to say she that we we've got our attorney here. When when Jeff talks about the bids, he'll talk about the timeline for this as well. But in front of you is the
resolution again um declaring the cost to be assessed and proposed um assessment and hearing set. >> All right. Um hearing no further questions or discussion, the resolution declaring costs to be assessed and uh
ordering preparation of proposed assessment appears on pages 22 through 23 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 Devos, >> I. >> Mayor Noel, >> I.
>> Council member Pettis. >> I. >> Council member Ram. >> I. >> Council member Weisenfeld. >> I. >> Council member Charstrom. >> I. >> The resolution is approved. We have a second resolution. I don't know if there's any discussion. The second resolution calls for hearing on proposed assessment for a 2026 Northfor Street
improvements from Chadam to Scarero Street. Seeing no hands up, is there a motion to approve the resolution? >> So move. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Call the role, please. >> Mayor Noel, >> I. >> Council member Pettis, >> I. >> Council member Ram,
>> I. >> Council member Weisenfeld. >> Hi. >> Council member Sharstrom. >> I. >> Council member Devos. >> I. >> The resolution is approved. Next item of new business, North Fourth Street Improvement Bid approval. >> Thank you, Mayor.
>> You bet. Uh so the bids, as I mentioned, bids were received for the improvements on the project. Um the bids, you can see in your packet there, uh total of six bids were received, real competitive. Um Holtmire Construction out of Mano is our low bidder at $769,44.
Um we bids ranged from Holm's low bid at 769404 to Peber Companies at a little over 1.1 million. Um we estimated about $936,000 $937,000. So um we were real happy with the bids
um with Hope Construction's bid and um they've performed work in the city before and it's been acceptable. So um we recommend awarding the improvements to Mary Construction in the amount of $769,4418. And as as Todd alluded to earlier,
construction is scheduled to begin after the pool closes and be done by October and by Halloween. >> Thank you. I had that highlighted and I said, I can't believe I forgot that, but that is correct. In the packet, um, we' u require the contractor to start
construction after the pool is closed. And so there's a two-month window in there that the contractor can work. And so the idea is is that they would be begin construction after the pool's closed. So there would, you know, parents, children can get to and from the pool without any construction
activities and then be completed uh by October 31st of this year. Um there'll be some touch-up work like uh seating and that sort of thing. That'll it'll take a little bit while a little while for that to final and uh to be established. So it'll be likely sometime
next year, spring of 27 before the project is officially final. >> Sure. >> But thank you. very very important for safety for families who are wondering about, oh, this is by the pool. Can I send my kids there? Yes, we're we've got that in mind. >> They won't even notice it, right? It
won't be after the pool is closed. So, >> uh, any other questions or discussion hearing? None. The resolution, uh, let me get to the right page. The resolution awarding bid for 2026 North Fourth Street improvements from Chattam
Street to Scar Street is on page 32. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. >> Second. >> You have a motion and a second. Call the role, please. >> Council member Pettis, >> I. >> Council member Ramp. >> I. >> Council member Weisenfeld. >> I. >> Council member Sharstrom. >> I. >> Council member Devos.
>> I. >> Mayor Noel. >> I. The resolution is approved. Thank you, Jeff. >> Next up, one watershed, one plan. And Curtis is here to talk to us about that. >> Yes, I am, Madame Mayor. Council members. Um I'm here again to talk about
our one wershed one plan process. As most of you are aware we have been working on this for a little over two years now. Um we are at the stage of the game now we are ready to approve a compreh. So for this agreement what this does is
basically it does not create a separate entity. It is a collaboration agreement between the city and all of the other uh entities involved which are the the other counties, the other cities and soil and water conservation districts included. What this uh agreement does is
basically lays out the framework for how the next 10 years will look as we uh work towards completing projects within our wershed. Um this is very important with us. I mean for our wershed in the area um when it comes to for the city
individually the big thing that it will provide for us is potential storm water treatment projects. Um yeah this what this plan does it it it allows a lot of flexibility as well being a collaboration. We are not tied to an
entity. So there is no separate organization. and all of our does not change any codes or anything individually. Um there will be the the fiscal impact will be a not to exceed of up to $2,500 per year. Right now the
talk is that it will be potentially $1,000 per year. Um that will be reviewed annually. This cost would cover column incidentals that could be come along. So, uh, myself on the steering team has
reviewed this intensively and Darl that, uh, represents the policy committee has also approved this. So, we would ask for your approval to move forward with our one watershed, one plan joint powers agreement. Any questions? The only thing that I want to add,
mayor, members, is that the agreement itself has been reviewed by LMC and we typically use them to review these types of agreements that are collaborative joint powers agreements and so they have reviewed that for us and are confident that this meets the requirements that we
might have in place. >> Darl, >> um there's 10 entities involved with this. Um Blue Earth or excuse me, Blueorth County will be having this before their county board tomorrow for approval. Um, Nicollet County, Lassour County, Nicola County Soil and Water,
Lassour County Soil and Water, and Blue Worth County Soil and Water, and the city of Lake Crystal have all approved it. So, Blueorth County tomorrow, we're tonight. And then Mano, >> Mano is >> sometime in the future. >> To be determined. >> To be determined. >> Both. Yep. Yeah. All other all other
entities, the other eight involved have signed. We will or sorry, seven. Seven. Yes. us Blue Earth and Mano, the city of Mano is to be determined yet. >> And then we will need to designate someone to serve on that actually um on
there and kind of speak for the city. And >> so we'd anticipate that happening in the interim once everybody's um approved and it continues to move forward and then thereafter every year as the council does appointments at its either December or January meeting. And it looks like
right now um if this all gets wrapped up the way we think it will um there may be some funding coming down the pipeline August September of this year possibly for projects possibly we'll be in line for funding future funding coming at the end
of this year here. >> Correct. There is potential for funding still be to be available for this year. >> We still have a couple things to take care of bylaws and stuff like that. So but Thanks to Darl for serving and and you
well as well Curtis. It's been two year long process. So >> it's a process. We're we can see the finish line >> two years >> and we're just starting. >> Yeah. Yes. We could we can see the finish line for the prep work and then the actual work begins. So
>> uh any additional questions for Curtis or for Daryl? All right. Hearing none, the resolution approving joint powers agreement for the implementation of the Minnesota River Medo comprehensive watershed management plan appears on pages 55 or sorry 56
through 57 of the packet. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. Second. >> All right, we have a motion and a second. Call the role, please. >> Council member Ramp. >> I. >> Council member Weisenfeld, >> I. >> Council member Sharstrom, >> I. >> Council member DVOS, >> I. >> Mayor Noel,
>> I. >> Council member Pettis, >> I. The resolution is approved. Thanks again, Curtis. Uh, moving on. City assistance request. Old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration. 250th, not not parade in St. Peter, but
it's going to be a big year. >> It's a big year, of course, and it always is here with the Chamber of Commerce and the event that um is the oldfashioned Fourth of July, which occurs on the 4th of July in St. Peter. Um the request that you see in front of you from the chamber substantially similar to what you've seen in previous
years and includes assistance along the parade route and in Minnesota Square Park and some miscellaneous other things that have been part of the tradition and custom here in St. Peter. The information is included in your packet. The resolution includes um what the
chamber is going to be responsible for because again they're the primary organizer for this. It includes the type of things that the city provides, including no parking signs, the potential for mosquito control, street closures, additional um picnic tables,
you name it, and authorizing without a fee the fireworks event that now has started and is really taking hold out at Community Spirit Park, which has worked out really well. Um the chamber is also required to have the appropriate level of insurance, as they typically are, and all organizations that hold community
events here in St. Peter. The resolution is included in your packet and that starts on page 61 of your packet. >> Questions? Brad? >> Um, >> so I have a question. Maybe I've missed it in the past. It's asking for a 30-yard rolloff dumpster. Has that been there in the past? >> Yes, that has been there in the past.
Um, and so it's they're not asking us to provide it. They want to locate it there. So, yes, that has been there in the past. >> And has is that I it just seems like that's near the vets memorial. So, that's why I was just curious. Um, it's been typically at that location on a hard surfaced area that has worked really well.
>> Okay. Yeah. I just curious. Yeah. >> Yep. >> Additional questions. >> All right. Hearing none. The resolution authorizing city assistance for the Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July event is on pages 61 through 62 of the packet. Is there a motion to approve?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Call the RO, please. >> Council member Weisenfeld. >> I. Council member Shstrom. >> I. >> Council member Devos. >> I. >> Mayor Noel. >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> Hi. >> Council member Ramp. >> I.
>> The resolution is approved. Next up, city assistance at for the John Young John Denverfest and Bluesfest. >> Mayor, members, this information starts within your packet and includes one memo um for two and resolution for two events. Both of these events are hosted
by the St. Peter ambassadors. Um, Bluesfest has been in place for a number of years, but as you may recall, last year was the first year of Young John Denverfest, and there was just a tremendous turnout. The ambassadors were super excited, great for the community. At that time, I think the estimate was
around 5,000 people attended. So, um, this is one request. They're looking to have Minnesota Square Park for use of both these events. One is a Friday event and one is a Saturday event on June 11th through the 14th. It includes the typical requests that you've seen in the
past for Bluesfest and one other year um for the Young John Denver Fest that goes on. Um the ambassadors are required to do a bunch of different things too and including providing the appropriate level of insurance which they have done without fail in the past. Happy to answer any questions that you might have
about these two events. Um and the resolution is included in your packet and that resolution is on page 65 on to page 66. questions for Todd or discussion? Ben, >> just one little minor, there's a C
missing um talking about the restrooms. >> Um >> which page >> on the resolution. Uh bullet point one, two, three, four, five. Yep. Five. Uh restock and leaning of restrooms.
>> Just should be cleaning. >> Got it. Thank you. We can fix that up. Sorry. >> Funny. We should be cleaning that up. Thank you. >> Sorry. Council member ask for >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Got to lean. >> Got time to lean. You got time to lean.
>> Uh any other questions, discussion? >> Hearing none. Is there a motion to approve the resolution as modified? Uh approving the request for city assistance for Ambassadors Bluesfest and Young John Denverfest. >> So moved. Second.
>> We have a motion and a second. Call the RO, please. >> Council member Charstrom. >> I. >> Council member Devos. >> Hi. >> Mayor Noel. >> I. >> Council member Pettis. >> I. >> Council member Ram. >> I. >> Council member Wisenfeld. >> I. >> The resolution is approved. Uh, next up,
city assistance request. Our last one of the night for a Memorial Day parade. Mayor, members of Legion Post, American Legion Post number 37 has conducted a Memorial Day event and celebration um and ceremony in Minnesota Square Park for a number of years. Um over the past
few years, they developed what they call a walk of honor parade, which is primarily uh the governors and the Legion Color Guard as they move from the American Legion Post on South 3rd to Minnesota Square Park. We provided
assistance for this in the past. they have provided the appropriate insurance. Um, we make a squad car available as we're able to do that to provide for that. I would tell you that this isn't a parade in the sense that there are people lining the streets necessarily. Most folks are waiting at Minnesota Square Park for the start of the event,
but it is an impactful um effort on the part of the Legion and the governors and really looking towards um the solemn event that it is an important event within our community. The resolution is included in your packet to provide assistance in that way
and that resolution starts on page 69. >> Questions for Todd or any discussion? >> Hearing none, the resolution approving city assistance for the American Legion Post 37 Walk of Honor Parade is on page 69. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved.
>> Second. >> All those in fa Oh, how about this? How about a roll call, Kesha? >> Council member Devos. >> I. Mayor Noel. >> I, >> Council Member Pettis. >> I, >> Council Member Ram. >> I, >> Council Member Weisenfeld, >> I, >> Council Member Sharstrom,
>> I. >> The resolution is approved. Last item of new business, uh, new licenses. >> Mayor and members, this is the new license list that you have. As you know, when we provide for new licenses, background checks are done. Um, the
these all relate to pedaller or solicitor licenses, I believe. And so, you'll see folks that were listed there. resolution is included on um the following page and lists the companies but the licenses themselves are provided to the individuals who work for those
companies. Um this would be through um November 12th I believe of 2026 um for those that individuals that those companies that are listed here. Happy to answer any questions that you have. These are not renewals. They are new licenses. That's why they fall under a separate action item rather than the
consent agenda where renewals are approved. And these are for the individuals who would be knocking on on your door, not necessarily like the parent company. These are the the people who would be working in our community. >> That's correct. >> All right. Any questions or discussion,
Josh? Then Brad, >> as mentioned at our last council meeting, I do not believe we should be issuing pedallers licenses to effectively anyone. And I believe that in 2026, if you need services, you should be going on Yelp and calling them yourself. and it is not the businesses
or our community members interest in having folks randomly knock on doors. So, I will be voting no on this uh particular resolution. >> Thanks, Josh. Brad, >> um I actually I'm going to be supportive of of uh Josh. Uh be because uh I I
agree. Uh I I said it before, I believe these people, they're they're praying on what could be vulnerable seniors and such. I made the mistake, quite honestly, I made the mistake this weekend of taking down the sign of my roofing contractor when I was doing yard work and didn't put it back up. And one
of the one of the names on here showed up on my doorstep today. I wasn't towing, but my doorbell I I So, um I I I think not just these peddlers, but peddlers in general these days um have an opportunity to pray on more of the
vulnerable in our society. And and when it comes to roofing contractors, there are plenty available in the local area that you can look up. Don't you don't even have to go online to find them. But um I I agree that we need to actually revisit our I I also believe we should
revisit our peddler policy. So >> any other questions, discussion? Uh Dustin, >> I have no problem. As I stated uh two weeks ago, if we revisit this policy, however, it would not be equitable to
allow some of the pedallers to get approved two weeks ago and then turn these down. For that reason, I would encourage us to vote yes. >> Thanks. >> All right. Hearing no further discussion, the resolution approving new
licenses is on page 71 of the packet. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Call the role, please. >> Mayor Noel, >> I. >> Council member Pettis, >> I. >> Council member Ramp. >> I. >> Council member Weisenfeld, >> no.
>> Council member Sharstrom, >> I. >> Council member Devos, >> no. >> The resolution is approved. Um, that was our last item of new business. We'll move on to reports. And I'll take just a moment as we as I often do when we approve the city assistance requests to
thank the chamber, the Legion, the St. Peter Ambassadors and all the organizations that do really wonderful work in our community. I've said it time and time again. If you are bored in the summer in St. Peter, that's your own fault because there is so much to do and
so many great organizations um doing the hard work to organize events and bring tourism into our community, provide entertainment for our residents and families. And so, thanks to all of them. I'm excited for the summer. And uh
speaking of great organizations, I do have a proclamation this evening for the St. Peter Lions Club in recognition of their 80th anniversary. Whereas the St. Peter Lions Club is a member of the of Lions Club International, the world's largest
service club organization with 1.4 million members in 50,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. And whereas the St. Peter Lions Club was organized on May 8th, 1946 and is celebrating its uh celebrating 80
years of humanitarian service. And whereas the St. Peter Lions Club is comprised of volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to enrich and improve the greater St. Peter community and help aid those in need. And whereas the St. Peter Lions Club has been a
champion in helping combat vision impairment and blindness. With the same conviction, Lions have also been a force in providing medical care and education to prevent hearing loss, diabetes, and childhood cancer. And whereas the St.
Peter Lions Club mission is to also serve local underprivileged and disadvantaged youth, improve food security, and alleviate hunger, and help in environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives. Now, therefore, I, Shannan Noel, mayor of the
city of St. Peter, Minnesota, on behalf of the city of St. Peter, do hereby extend our congratulations to the St. Peter Lions Club on their 80th anniversary and acknowledge that a luncheon will be held on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at Gustavis Adulus College
Arburidum to commemorate the anniversary. So, congrats and thanks to the Lions for all that they h do and have done and will do in the future for our community. Uh, that's the end of my reports. Are there any council members who'd like to make a report? Brad?
>> Well, Todd was going to bring it up with the legislative testimony. Um, uh, between Todd, uh, Dustin and I, we had the opportunity to go testify in front of the legislature a week and a half ago. >> Um, um, regarding uh, the opportunity to
use our local sales tax to help pay for Gorman Park, any Gorman Park expenses that would not be covered by either grants or bonding. Um any so essentially if we were to take on any debt ourselves to cover it uh we have an excess of the
sales tax um that we that was passed to cover the fire station. Uh I think our argument went fairly well. I I thought it was wellreceived as we explained it was tax relief. It was not it was not a new tax on the community. Um I'll let
Dustin uh give any feed give anything he he feels about it. Well, I think it really boils down to when speaking to the tax committee, they generally support the idea of local communities should make the decision of what taxes
the people pay. And whether this goes back to a vote for within the community or it just gets passed that to be determined. Hopefully, we know in the next week. But this is a good opportunity for us to provide for the people in St. Peter using a mechanism
that the voters have already approved and generally support. >> And I would argue that park is more than just an asset for city of St. Peter residents. So for the entire burden to be put back on community members because
the park is a it's a regional destination >> for all over. I mean, how many buses pull up at Gorman Park on their way back from a field trip to have lunch from not St. Peter schools on their way back to Lake Crystal or something like, you know
what I mean? It's it's an awesome park that was >> and I think it would be a great great thing >> and I think it will be even more used as it's sort of revitalized and the splash pad comes. I I'm sure it's going to be even more of a destination than it already is. But yeah,
>> think just the use we've gotten from phase one and the added traffic that quite frankly has never been at that park. >> It's amazing to see. It's wonderful to see kids out there. A park full of kids enjoying the beautiful spring weather. I mean, they were even enjoying it in the
cold. >> Correct. Correct. >> Very well used. >> Thank you for doing that. >> Thank you for taking time out of your schedules and doing that. It's very important. My opinion is I think if sales tax in general gets into the tax bill, we stand a good chance. Um it's
just going to be a matter of if even a tax bill even comes out I guess is but I thought it yeah it seemed to have been received well. So >> the bill was continued which means it moves on to the next >> chance. So we keep our fingers crossed
for everyone and appreciate the time and energy that US elected officials can put into doing this stuff. >> Yeah. And I'll I'll also note like we have been uh trying to pursue bonding as well for this and as bonding seems unlikely to be an option. Uh we are
working hard to to try to find other options to serve our community and also try to uh not put those taxes all on property owners. So um any other reports from council members? How about a report from our
city administrator? I'll just cover the last one that I have in recognizing National Public Works Week, which is May 17 through the 23rd. Um, we haven't made as big an effort as we maybe could have in the past to celebrate these kind of events, and this year we'll have more
communication and factoids and tidbits about all the great things that happen through public works. Um, the theme this year by um the National Public Works Group is rooted in service powered by community. So, we're excited to celebrate that and provide a lot of that
great information that council members may see on a regular basis to the broader community. So, we should celebrate that. A lot of great things going on in your community. Um, really powered by public works. >> I feel great about our public works. We are so fortunate in St. Peter. Of
course, there's all the good work that you can see like when I drive through other cities and I kind of compare Ced St. Peter to what they've got going on. there are the visible things and there's so much that's behind the scenes that if if public works is doing their job right, you never see it happening. It's
totally invisible. But um thank goodness for our public works. If you know somebody who works at public works, give thank thank them anytime, not just May 17th through the 23rd. >> Madame Mayor,
>> Madame Mayor, that's all that I have for you for tonight. >> All right. With no further business before us, is there a motion to adjurnn? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Any opposed? We are return. Thank you. >> 6 o'clock Thursday.
>> Board of appeal. >> Yes. >> What? >> 6 o'clock Thursday. Board of appeal and equalization will not be there. >> And MRVT tomorrow at 2:30. Darl can't be there. So I still got Josh.