We'll call the meeting to order. Roll call. >> Mayor Reese >> here. >> Council member Osk >> here. >> Gilbertson >> here. >> Gardner >> here. >> Baggerly >> here. >> Davis >> here. >> Butterfield >> here. >> Shoulders >> here.
>> And council member Nelson is excused. Eight present, one excused. >> Please stand for the pledge. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Any proposed additions or deletions to the agenda? >> Motion to approve as presented. >> Second. >> Second. [snorts] We have a motion and a second. Discussion.
Roll call. >> Council member Butterfield. >> Hi. >> Shel. >> Hi. >> Gardner. >> Hi. >> O. >> Hi. >> Gilbertson. >> Hi. >> Aggerly. >> Hi. >> And Davis. >> Hi.
>> Seven eyes. Zero nos. >> That passes. call on uh our city clerk, Verne Larson, for the consent items. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Tonight, council members and mayor, Mr. Mayor, I have for your approval the city council minutes
of March 16th, 2026, the parks and recreation November 2025 board meeting minutes, the Wilmer Municipal Utilities Commission minutes of March 23rd, 26 as a draft, the Wilmer Municipal Utilities Commission application.
A project number 2608 seal coat crack and seal improvements plans and specs authorized ad for bids. Project number 2605B storm water capital improvement plans and specs authorize authorize solicitation for quotes. Business 71
bridge maintenance project plans and specs authorize ad for bids. Trunk highway 40 turn lane project plans and specs authorized ad for bids. the subawward agreement with the connected community project Bethesda Foundation,
the Wilmer Community Theater lawful gambling application, the Wilmer Firefighters Association lawful gambling application, and the accounts payable report from 31226 to 4226. And for your information, we have the airport commission and human rights commission
applicants and the monthly building report for March 2026. >> Mr. Mayor, I would offer a motion to approve the consent agenda. Second >> a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda.
>> Discussion. >> Roll call. >> Council member Davis. >> I. >> Butterfield. >> I. >> Gilbertson. >> I. >> O. >> I. >> Gardner. >> I. >> Baggerly. >> I. >> And Sheldz. >> Hi.
>> Seven eyes. Zero nos. >> The motion passes. No open form. We didn't have anybody sign up. So, we'll go to number nine and the state of the city. Good evening.
At this time of year, each year we take time to reflect on where we've been, where we are today, and where we're headed as a community. And it's truly an honor to stand before
you as your mayor and share the state of the city of Wilmer. Wilmer continues to be a city defined by progress, resilience, and opportunity. Over the past several years, we've laid a strong foundation modernizing our
operations, investing in infrastructure, and positioning our city for long-term growth. Today, we're seeing the results of that work. At the core of our efforts are a few key principles: thoughtful growth, strong
infrastructure, housing, and community engagement. These themes have guided our decisions and will continue to shape our future. This past year, we reached an important milestone
with completion of the 2025 comprehensive plan. This plan reflects the voices of our residents and provides a roadmap for how Wilmer will grow in a responsible, strategic, and inclusive way. Alongside
that, we completed our bike, pedestrian, and trail plan, reinforcing our commitment to connectivity, safety, and quality of life. As we move forward,
staff will begin updating the city's 1994 planning and zoning ordinance. This is a vital step in aligning our land use regulations with the goals and priorities outlined in the comprehensive
plan. Ensuring Wilmer remains responsive to evolving community needs, economic development opportunities, and modern planning practices. We also saw meaningful investment
in our parks and public spaces. We celebrated the addition of the pavilion and rest area at the glacial ridge trail head, creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike. And we completed construction of the
outdoor ice rink, expanding recreational opportunities and enhancing our community amenities and yearround. These projects are visible, exciting, and impactful, but they are only part of
the story. We are also continuing to invest in the less visible but equally critical infrastructure that keeps our city running. This spring, we begin replacing the roof on the public works
building and the public library. These may not be headline projects, but they're essential investments in maintaining the facilities that service our residents every day. Looking ahead, we have several
transformative projects on the horizon. Construction of the Wilmer Connect broadband network will begin this spring. This open access fiber system will position Wilmer as a leader in
connectivity supporting businesses, residents, and future economic growth. This is a generational investment that will strengthen our competitiveness and ensure we are ready for the demands of
tomorrow. We are also excited to move forward with the Robins Island Amphitheater project made possible through strong re partnerships with Wilmer Rotary Club and the Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails
Commission. With a total investment of 2.6 6 million. This project will create a new destination for arts events and community gatherings, further enhancing Wilmer's identity as a regional hub.
In addition, the city of Wilmer is partnering with Candy County and BNSF on a rail corridor study. This effort will help develop long-term vision for safer, more efficient rail
corridors and crossings throughout both the city and the county. This is an important step in improving public safety, supporting economic development, and planning for future transportation needs. While we celebrate these
successes, we remain focused on the challenges ahead. Housing continues to be a critical need in our community and we will continue working with partners to expand opportunities across all housing types.
We also remain committed to maintaining strong city services, supporting our workforce, and ensuring that Wilmer remains a welcoming and inclusive community for all. This progress that we see today is not the
result of one person or one decision. It is the result of a collaboration. It comes from the dedication of our council, city council, our city staff, our community partners, and most importantly, our residents.
Wilmer is a city that plans, adapts, and moves forward. We are building not just for today but for the future. The state of our city is strong and the future is even stronger. Thank you and may God
continue to bless the city of Wilmer. [applause] Thank you. Thank you. Next is uh Kandandy High County Economic Development Housing Study introduction. Marv and Sheree are here to talk to us.
>> Well, thank you guys for the uh invite and uh it is a little bit different standing on this side of the uh the DIS, if you will. So, Mr. Mayor, thank you for those kind words. Uh your state of the city is a very good address and a lot of things that you're leaning into
and really do appreciate that. So we're here to talk a little bit about one of the things you talked about which is housing and housing is very important for not only Wilmer but also the region and a lot of different cities are working on how can they expand their housing needs and in Kio County we're
looking at doing another housing study and Sheree is the lead on that for those of you that haven't met Sheree yet Shere's been with us about two weeks longer than I've been with the EDC and so uh she is the lead person from our office working on this project and she's worked very diligently ly and uh
involving the key stakeholders. So if we go back and look uh back into the past when the first housing study was done, it identified a need for housing at all different levels uh within our community and that was funded and paid for by a community investment that happened from
one of our local uh businesses industries in town. Subsequent to that, we have done two additional housing studies that have been paid for uh with local tax dollars and also with other partners. And this one is the same. It is being paid for by your dollars uh by
the dollars that have come through the W area Community Foundation and also the partners that are still at the table making that happen. Uh when we went out for bids on it, uh we thought we knew what our bid numbers were going to be. They came in a little bit higher than we anticipated and so we had to reach back out to another one of our industry
leaders to fill that short gap that we had. And so we're very thankful for everybody that's been at the table to make that happen. So, with that, I'm going to pause uh and let you hear from somebody a little bit more uh pleasant to hear from than me, but Shere's going to talk a little about where we're at in
the process that we're going through. And then, uh I'm going to come back up at the end. Well, I'll just do it now. Then I don't have to come back at the end. But, um so, uh what we're asking of you is $1,000 a year to go forward to
fund similar projects to this. that money would be collected by the Wilmer Area Community Foundation and held in a fund to handle that and I believe uh Leslie has included that in your packet as well. So you have that for your information. So with that I'll turn it
over to Sheree and I'll sit down and then uh we'll stand for questions at the end. So Sheree, >> thank you for your time. I appreciate it. >> Get by the microphone. >> Sorry. Thank you. Thank you for your time. I appreciate that. this evening. Uh it's my understanding that uh when we
do the housing study, we just present and let you know that uh this isformational that we are moving forward with the housing study. So we are doing so with vision 2040 and we have opted to go back with viewpoint. Uh they've done the previous studies and we're working
with them again uh through this process. This is the last comprehensive study we did was in 2023. They did a refresher. Uh when we approached them on this one, they had the foundational knowledge. So we took the existing housing study parameters and we added to that to
incorporate more into the county, making sure that each one of the communities will have uh impact on this study where historically it's been about five communities that were the primary focus of the study.
Again, we're in partnership with 2040. uh they were the ones directing the KCED to activate the study and also um helping us with the financing piece of that. [clears throat] The difference on this one is we are looking at the demographic trends and
projections, the employment trends, housing characteristics, meaning all the different housing styles, not just limited to three styles, which in the past has been more of the focus. also looking for for f for forale marketing analysis, rental marketing analysis,
senior housing and senior housing not only assisted living but move over housing. So what do we need to do as a community to get the population who's been in their home for years and have paid off their mortgage don't need the space and potentially could downsize
into a smaller living facility or living home or duplex freeing up that single family space. So, what would it look like and what do we need to do for moveover housing? And [snorts] then another big area of this that we haven't touched in the past was disability services. And so, what are we doing for
our community? Candy Ohio County has a high number of people that are being served under the waiver system for disability and mobility issues and looking at what that needs to happen within this housing study as well and not just in Wilmer, but across the county.
Um, one of the really interesting pieces to this one is in the past it's been a large housing study and it was a large study. This one we're doing the same study, but we're asking them to break it down to have a sheet, an information sheet for each of the 15 communities.
That will give a quick glance of what that community's needs are moving forward. So, as we have people coming into our community for businesses or as we have developers coming in, we'll be able to more accurately indicate what areas in the community have different
needs. Not everybody is going to need duplexes. Not everybody needs single h families in each community. So, this will identify what each community needs and we can help direct um contractors, investors, companies to the right part of our county based on
what our housing solutions and needs are. Um the um viewpoint sorry viewpoint has asked some specific questions and these are some of the questions that they have sent out. We have since then sent out to
many of the stakeholders asking to get this information to help drive viewpoints research and we've had pretty good response. Uh in the next week we'll be following up with those who haven't responded with these four questions to get a better
broader answer so that Viewpoint can have the contacts that they need and the direction that they need that we're looking for them to do. We don't need them to spend a lot of time going down a rabbit hole when the questions that we're wanting are a little bit different. So this feedback is going to
be critical. So when they bring this back to us in midsummer for our first review, it'll be more directed and accurate to where we want to be with the intention of having this housing study completed by the end of the year.
So what questions would you have for me? >> [snorts] >> questions. >> Yes, Tom. >> I'm curious, does the housing study address um as those folks are moving out of their home into those assisted living
type or uh facilities, the need for uh folks to go in and bring those homes uh to a different uh bring them up to what folks are looking for um from that standpoint. So not necessarily the
flippers but something similar to that. >> So when they start looking at moveover housing oftentimes those houses have not been updated >> and so as we look at the trend of move over what needs to happen in those homes to remodel them to get them to a more current state and that is one of the
things that they'll be addressing. In addition to that they'll be looking at any new homes being built or housing projects being built. what percentage of that would also include services for elderly or disability or mobility issues to make sure that we're having that plan
across the board as well. And then finally, um, we just went to a housing presentation and what they were sharing with us is the current trend is have a multiple level home, finish off the top level, leave the bottom level unfinished so that people moving in can then over a
course of time move in and grow into their home and then design the bottom space as they grow their family. And so that's a piece of it that hasn't been incorporated in the studies before. Did that answer the question? >> Yes, Justin, [clears throat]
>> you good? >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I'm wondering, you talked a little bit about that this study is going to be different than the last previous study from 2023 in the depth that it was going into the to other communities around the county. I do recall in the 2023 study that those
other communities, I believe, were included. Can you speak a little bit more to how it's different this year? Yeah. So, they took the top five communities and that's where they put their focus and then they did minimal research on the rest of the communities. They're going to be doing a heavy weight
in Wilmer and then an aggregated weight to the next five, but they're going to continue the investigation into all 15 county communities. And so, they'll have a much more in-depth answer of what the whole county needs versus just the top five communities.
>> Okay, that's super helpful. Thank you. Any other questions? >> Yes, Steve. >> Thanks, Mr. Mayor. Uh, Miss Wagner, um, is it normal to to do a a housing study so close upon the heels of the 2023 one? >> So, the [clears throat] 2023 was just a
refresh. It was not a full study. And so, they took the information that was there and then they just refreshed basically in the Wilmer area. And so, this is going back to the uh strategic plan of 2040 to do a full in-depth every five years. And so we're right on mark with that five-year plan.
>> Okay. And then my follow-up question to that and may but you're you're relatively new here. >> I am. >> Mayor is not or is not. [laughter] Um do we know what tangible things happened as a result of the last study so we could kind of project to see what tangible things could happen as a result
of this one? >> Thank you for your question. Uh Council Member Gardner. I think what we can uh confidently say is the last housing study showed that we needed housing at multif family housing level. There had not been a whole lot of multif family
housing that had been done in Wilmer specifically for a number of years. And so that plan was already in place when the 23 started happening, but it showed us and it completed us out through what what that looked like. And so now at this point we need to evaluate and you
saw that on the slide that where are we with our multif family housing and so we're going to look at that. The other piece that really was looked at very heavily was the uh as Sheree calls it moveover housing or the housing for senior housing. And if you take a look at what's happened on the senior housing
side we have the crossings that have as recently opened as recent as this month. And then you take a look at Bethesda Stonegate. Bethesda Stonegate is more of that moveover. And so we have had tangible measurable outcomes that have come from that. This study will
hopefully show what that impact was, but more importantly chart the course forward on what we should be doing. I think we all agree that single family homes have not met the demand that one would assume is there and part of that
is price point and that's what you guys are going to really have to wrestle with is that price point of that single family home because right now that it's not affordable to the average person and so we have to do something either through your work or through our work to
try to figure out how can we help that on the front side to get that person moved in uh one of what things that uh that Sheree talked about was how can we then have people get value add by having the structure built but then being able
to build into that system and I think that's something that we really haven't explored certain certainly have not explored that in Wilmer other communities around us have and maybe that is something that can really be a value ad for us and hopefully the study will show us that. >> Thank you. >> So I think that's the tangible side that
we saw. >> Thank you. Sheree, I can directly relate to your move over or senior housing for my wife and I are going through that right now. >> So, >> there's not a lot of incentive
if you've owned your home, you don't have a mortgage anymore to sell it, have capital gains tax, all the expense of moving out. It's it's more advantageous for you to stay where you are, but as a community, it's not the right answer. And so, what do we need to do to address
that? to free up those multiple person homes. And so that's one of the things that we're hoping to be looking at through this study. >> Anything else? >> Well, thank you. >> Thank you for your time.
>> Thank you, Mark. We'll go to uh 9C approving a planned inspec [clears throat] and authorizing ad advertisement of bids for the Robins Island Amphitheater. Shane, you covering that? >> Yes.
>> Good evening, Mayor and Council. Um, I'm here to talk to you about adopting a resolution to approve the plans and specifications for authorizing advertisement for bids for the Robins Island Amphitheater Project. Um, just a little history. In August 23 of 2023,
the city of Wilmer entered into an agreement with the Wilmer Rotary Club for development of an amphitheater at the Robin Islands Regional Park. The city has successfully secured two grants from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission totaling in
2,632,513 to support the project. Under the terms of the agreement, the Wilmer Rotary Club is responsible for completing the architectural and engineering design, incorporating feedback and direction from the city into the final construction plans and bidding
specifications. Upon completion of the design phase, the project will transition to the city for bidding and construction. Angen Associates, Rotary representatives, and city staff have reviewed the plans, and its collective
recommendation is to present the project to you guys tonight. [clears throat] Um, with that, I'll introduce Eban Pet or Evan Peterson to give a quick overview of the project and then we'll stand for questions. That didn't work.
>> Evening, Evan. >> Good evening. >> All right. Thank you everybody for hearing us on this project here tonight. And yeah, I think uh just to kind of build off of uh what Shane was talking about as well as what you were talking about, Mayor Ree, um particularly with
the the thoughtful development as well as that um the community engagement components. I think those are things that really resonate strongly with our project here that we're working on and presenting to you guys here today. That that uh amphitheater structure on Robins
Island there. And so I'll kind of give a a quick overview, go over the the floor plan a little bit, um, and then get into a few materials as well, and then open it up to questions as well, too. And I've got Andy in here with me. Uh, he may jump in if at any time I yeah, have
a question for him or if you guys do as well, he's available. So, all right. And with that, um, yeah, essentially, so the the Robins Island band shell structure that we're looking at, um, really the the big overview and concept, I think, that that Rotary came to us with was the
the two sided stage concept and really thinking about, okay, how can we use that natural landscape of Robins Island to enhance this structure and to make it really unique and additionally along with that, what are the some of the supporting spaces that we can add to encourage how they're doing concerts
now, but also encourage addition events and concerts in the future there at the island as well as uh yeah, thinking about how how the community can continue to use that building outside of large concert events as well too.
And so yeah, with that um essentially on the the sighting of the building here, we've got uh we're cited just to the north on Robins Island there, that main open athletic field. um our our main stage plays to the south there and then
utilizing our landscape to the north that that gentle slope as it moves up the grade uh to create that smaller more amphitheater feel. And so yeah, thinking about okay, what are the the the grading and the drainage concerns and how can we improve the circulation as well as well
as the ADA accessibility of the building. So, uh, off to our our plan left here, we do have our ADA accessible path, which would be concrete, getting getting, uh, anybody at the park to the building to be able to enjoy those concerts, but then additionally doing,
uh, a little bit of a a trail improvement to provide some circulation for those, uh, production support vehicles as they come in. And so here's a a simplified kind of expanded version of that where you can see a little bit tighter in uh down on
the building there. The the building would have a concrete plaza around again to encourage the ADA. So we make sure we have good places for people people to sit um as well as then facilitating that circulation of production equipment around the building as well too.
And with that, I'll kind of step into the the floor plan here. Um, and so essentially with the the floor plan, we the really the the goal going back to those those big picture design criteria. Sorry about that. Um, yeah. So
essentially what we have with the structure is that main stage to the south, the small stage to the north, and then the enclosed uh space in between essentially those supporting spaces. And so in working with the Rotary, talking with uh other community members about how they would use this facility, we
started to really develop that floor plan a little bit more. So providing some storage space with a loading dock. They're off to your off to plan, right? Uh as well as some backstage space essentially to facilitate again some of that production, particularly the the lighting and sound that comes with
larger productions, but then also uh improving the the artists experience out there at the island as well too. So creating some some private space for those artists to be away from the crowd but also to be preparing for the show and then uh providing some restroom facilities as well there. One just quick
comment that main stage um essentially we're working on a 32 by 32 performance area then with our wings being able to provide some supporting area on the stage there itself. Um and then it would be 20 by 20 on that stage to the north. One of the other other benefits here too
um we have two two doors opposing doors in that backstage space. So thinking about how we could use the the stage that's not being used to really facilitate that next event that's coming onto the main stage there and shorten production timelines.
All right. As far as the the roof structure of the building, um we'd have, you know, some exposed beams essentially really opening up and projecting to those audiences both to the north and the south as well as some some lighting that can be integrated with show lighting, but also be used, you know,
kind of utilitarianly as the building is being set up, taken down, and all of those components. Additionally too, we'd have um some some open ceilings in the storage space and then bringing that ceiling down just a little bit in the green room space as well.
All right. And so stepping over then to our exterior elevations here, I think one of the other uh goals that we had was to really replicate and use that Robins Island material pallet and, you know, continue to build off of the good work of of the buildings that exist out
there and really connect into that landscape as well. So looking at, you know, utilizing that copper colored roofing as well as using the uh more tans and cream colors in the the siding that we see on the four season shelter as well as that lower stone Wayne's
coating as well. Additionally too, here you'll see the the doors from uh our backstage space and our uh small stage and main stage pass through. The other piece I'll just quickly highlight here too is providing doors on that front and back stage um in a in a way so it
provides the performers all kind of all of the entries that they would have on a typical stage that stage left, stage right, center stage. Um so really you know giving the theatrical performances what they may need as well as the musical performances too. All right. And then these are
essentially just uh some aerials or some uh sketches of the building kind of what does that overall system look like. Essentially uh we have that one large main roof that's covering the stages there. Uh then with a a cricket that'll helps our drainage and our lower roofs
that are covering our supporting spaces there as well. all in that kind of copper language as well as then our exposed beams, exposed trusses that at a framing very much uh giving some giving some depth and variation to that
structure. And then this is a a rendering that we have here, kind of a a conceptual rendering essentially getting some of those those colors uh and really the the general feel of the building there as well too. But I do just want to want to point out on our previous elevations
that that steel was in more of that lighter steel color. And essentially the intent would be similar to this image here to have that painted to match some of the other metal and and steel on Robin's Island there as well. All right. And kind of with that, um,
yeah, just to to wrap up on some materials essentially again, yeah, really matching that material palette that we have on the the site. So using the the copper colored roofing, the the black painted metal, you know, having our our exposed ceiling there as well.
And then also our our wall structure would be a CMU construction and then a CMU veneer on the concrete foundation down below. Additionally too, the concrete stage platform would all be at a consistent elevation as well. we'd
have a little bit of slope on the edges so we don't have ponding water, but at the same time then we also make sure that we're encouraging that ADA accessibility all the way through the building and also then providing a ramp for them to get up into the building as well too.
Yeah. And I think uh essentially these are some images really thinking of okay what is that what does that uh that space look like from you know the the the audience's perspective essentially there and I think yeah maybe with that unless there's something else you would like to add can open it up for questions
>> there's a question grading on the site >> ah yes yep yeah so uh the other component so with our with our site grading too we do have essentially the the small stage on the back would be a little bit closer closer to the ground about 2 feet off of the ground and then
that main stage would be about 4 feet off of the main grade. And we're using that grading one to connect with the ma natural landscape that we have on the site there, but then also really to uh to craft that feel of the stage. So that small stage there where really the focus
was trying to be a more intimate closer venue where uh the the audience feels much much closer to that performer there. And then obviously creating some drama with the height on the main stage as well. >> A question for Andy
on the uh [clears throat] as we know the materials right at where the amphitheater will sit was the edge of the dredged material. Is there any concern? >> Um yes >> or accommodations.
Uh there has been we have done multiple rounds of soil borings um for both both designing for traditional um soil corrections. The traditional soil corrections would be blowing down between five and 9 ft um and replacing
that with non susceptible um soil. The second option was to use either helical piles or rammed aggregate. Ram aggregate is what they used at the middle school in Wilmer. Um it right now with the information that we have, it looks like the traditional
soil corrections would be the more economical route to go. That's the type of soil corrections we did at the Four Season shelter as well. Um the Four Season shelter was kind of on an old beach. Um on this location, it's similarly on an
old beach kind of this was more of a marshy wetland area. >> I'm sorry, Andy. They're telling me that you got to be by the micro. Oh, I apologize. Um, so yeah, that's soil corrections. Wanted to make sure we
don't disturb any um um archaeologically significant areas of the island. Um, it actually played in our favor that we were not on the island, but we were on a previously dredged area. Um, it was determined that there were not archeological
significance in the swamp itself. Um, so, um, yeah. Any, does that answer your question? >> Yeah. I just wanted to know if you had considered [laughter] options for soil corrections and >> Yeah.
>> with that being right on the edge of where the dredge material and the natural ground was. >> So, >> yep. Nope. That's been um kind of thoroughly vetted and turned upside down again. And um I think we have a good
plan. >> Great. Any other questions, Rick? >> Thanks, Mr. Mayor. >> So, the loading area that'll be on the right side of the building. So, do they
go to the boat landing and then go up? >> That's quite a distance. Then that soil is like the mayor said it was all >> right it we would be using the same path that they have been using for the last five or six years for rock and robbins.
Um the idea was that you know as time allows um or the need rises that existing trail that they're currently using would continue to be um improved. Um
but yeah, the idea was to keep support vehicles on the one side and you know the public access um on the the paved asphalt and and and that side >> cuz I'm not sure what that path will
hold for weight. You're going to have some big trucks, won't you? Uh >> um yeah. I mean Rocket Robbins I mean they're using like 30 foot box trucks. Um, >> they don't go on the path now. >> I think they they kind of go both ways.
Um, >> they go on the grass, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Enders do, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um the city did bring it up that ideally they would like to do some future improvements on that uh gravel path um
so that it was um um it could handle more traffic up to this point. I guess it's been handling the traffic that Rock and Robbins has had. Hopefully we have you know even more productions out there and um that
may may lead to you know more site improvements as well. Well, the uh the trail that goes up there is so close. I don't know how far it is away from the lake,
but that was there was a jetty built there you so to to hold the dredged material. >> Yeah. >> Um and there was a lot of rock in that large rock. >> Yeah.
Yeah. So like existing gravel path is kind of set on top of that old jetty. >> Yeah. >> Um >> so you're keeping it as gravel then? >> Correct. Yes. Not um not anticipating the need to pay that.
>> Anything else? >> Vicki, >> I just have a comment. This looks great. I think it's going to be a great addition to our community. Um I guess I do have a question too. So the backside is a smaller stage, right? >> Yeah. Is that going to be for weddings and things like that or
>> Absolutely. That's definitely one of the event types that we talked about and I think it's yeah kind of those weddings maybe graduation uh ceremonies or parties as well as thinking about potentially church services on a Sunday morning was yeah really that target audience there.
>> So community orchestra community orchestra community band kind of. >> Okay. How close is it to like the trees and stuff? How much space is there? So, as far as uh closeness to the trees, don't quote me on this. I don't have it off the top of my head here, but I
believe we are about about 20 feet away from that line of trees there to the front of our stage. >> So, like how many people could sit there? >> We we have laid it out so that we can have up to 200 chairs um like this um
now like the rental chairs that one like to use um on flat surface >> um before you got up to the slope of the of the hill. Maybe it was like 75 chairs, like folding picnic chairs like Rock and Robbins typically would have
set up. Um, so there is space for flat seating there as well as um up on the hill. >> Nice. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? Justin. >> Thank you, Miss Mary. I just want to make a comment as well about it's a
great project and I think it it it's like at its heart it's such a perfect project because of the way that it it started with just vision and initiative and creativity from private citizens in our community that recognized the need came together with Rotary Club um started working with city staff work
local businesses like EN um I mean this is the kind of project that I think we love seeing um before the council and not just because you're not asking the city for any money really ultimately but just like that that grassroots um citizen-led project is refreshing to see
before us tonight and so very supportive of this and thanks to Rotary and Enan and city staff for working so hard on it. >> Yes, I agree. Thank you, Rotary, very much. Anybody else? >> All right. Well, thank you gentlemen.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. We need a motion. So moved. >> Second. >> Got a motion and a second. Discussion. >> Roll call. >> Council member Gardner. >> I should
>> I. >> Gilbertson. >> I >> Davis. >> I. >> O. >> I. >> Butterfield. >> Hi. >> And Feley. >> I. >> Seven eyes. zero knows. [cough] >> All right, that mo that motion passes.
Next is a consideration of awarding sale of general obligation tax abatement bond series 2026A. Jake Emot from Baker Tilly. >> Yep. >> Sounds like you had a good sale.
>> We did. Yeah. No. Um with discussion with city staff this morning, we had a really good outcome. Really good sale. Um yeah, the market with all the political environment has been very volatile over the last month. Um so yeah, we were very outstand or very excited to see the sale results today and that's what I'm here to talk about
with you all. Um so again, my name is Jake Emiot. I'm from Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, municipal advisor to the city of Wilmer and yeah, I'll just go over some of the um the sale results today and then I'll kind of talk about that Moody's uh discussion that we had or rating call that we had as well.
So the proceeds of the bonds um to kind of give a high overview will be used for acquisition, construction, and installation of broadband infrastructure. It'll be used to pay capitalized interest on the bonds and pay cost of issuance on the bonds as well. The bonds are structured over a 20-year term. And as of late January
2026, when we were initially structuring the bonds, we did add on padding for market movement, and we were sitting at a a true interest cost of around 4.05%. and actual results today were 3.934%. Um, again, we are very, very excited to
see that. Um, and very happy for the city of Wilmer as well. Uh, so kind of going over the bid results, the bids came in, uh, six biders today. Uh, there's a few things I like to note here. Um, the one thing I really like to look at is the cover bid, which is the second bid, Northland
Securities, and how close that is to the winning bid. And that what that really shows is a good competitive sale in the market. Another good another thing that shows really good competitive sales is out of the the total um six biders, it was only about 19 basis points around in between. Um so it really just shows you
got a really good competitive uh view in the market today. Um again overall really good results. So um kind of talking about some of the pricings, they did include a premium offer and that is when the underwriters pay more than 100% for the principal maturities. And there's two options you
can do with that. you can either keep those additional proceeds and use them towards projects, but I always like to say premium is kind of a hard um premium's kind of a maybe not a great word to explain it because you do still have to pay that debt service if you keep those proceeds. It's not like free money or anything. So, we had some
discussions with city staff and um city staff decided to downsize the issuance of the bond. So, originally they were at 8,460,000 and now it's 8,35,000. But that does not in uh that does not affect the uh the total project cost for
um the project which is around 8.1 million. So here's just kind of a debt service schedule broken out over 20 years. Um it's uh uh kind of showing the principle on the um the left hand side of 8,35,000
and then the interest of around I think it was like 4.6 6 million or something like that to get to a total cost of around uh 13 million over that 20 years. One thing I will note here is we do have a 10-year call on them. So, um in 2036, I know that's a long time long time
away, but we can look at um refinancing opportunities if the market comes to that. So, um just wanted to make that note as well. Uh so, now I'm just going to transition kind of talk about the rating process and the city's rating. Uh so Moody's Investor Services is is the credit
agency that uh uh gives a a a wide overview of the city and they kind of serve as that independent third-party assessment for the investors that are bidding on the bonds like they did today. Um and overall uh the stronger the credit rating, the lower the interest cost. [clears throat] So the
rating discussion was held with uh Moody's uh city staff and us Baker Tilly. And um again, we just kind of had a a general call of a lot of aspects of the city. um Moody's uh before the call they provide agenda and they provide questions to the city. The city staff uh
filled them out and then we had a pre-rating call with just us and the city staff to kind of go over those questions and um and best layout to move forward and then on the rating call was conducted on March 18th and then that is when Moody's assigned a rating of double A3 to this issue and affirmed the
outstanding double A3 on this city's existing geo debt. So, I always like to kind of just show this table um and it kind of just goes over the investment grade ratings um from high to low. And I why I really like to show it is to really show that
A3 is a very strong credit in this market. Um it's very competitive to get high ratings and double A3 is a very strong uh credit rating and it's should be something the city is very proud about. Um, so and then lastly, uh, kind of the main,
um, after we have the call with the rating agencies, they kind of provide comments. They kind of go over some of the city strengths, some of the city's challenges, uh, factors that could lead to an upgrade, factors that could lead to a downgrade. I'm not going to go through all of them now, uh, but some of the strengths, strong financial position, a regional economic center
around the area, some challenges and elevated elevated leverage and fixed cost compared to peers, and then economic growth trails the nation. Um, I think city staff laid out a very good picture of the city of Wilmer and all the things you guys have going on right now. Um, and it was overall a very
positive conversation with the with the credit rating agency. Um, so yeah, and again, I know we kind of talked about this a little bit last year, but how they get to these ratings, just a very high overview. They have a scorecard and they kind of go through like the economy of the city, some financial stuff, the
city, leverage, um, and I think, uh, institutional framework is another one. They score all these factors and then all those factors kind of generate into your city rating of double A3. Um so that's what movies provided to us and again um just want to reiterate a very
strong uh rating um and something the city should be very proud about. So lastly as a recommendation I um I recommend to approve the resolution awarding the 8,35,000 general obligation tax abatement bonds to Robert W. prepared based on their low
bid of 3.934%. And I'll open it up to any questions anybody has. >> Tom, [clears throat] >> so in 2036 when we can re relook at this see if the city does move with phase two and phase three. Yep.
>> We'll be bonding those out separately. At 2036, could we tie all three of them into one? Uh so how we would it how we we would have to do that is when we look at bond structures anything usually 15 years or above in the market it's
credible to have a 10-year call. So you're doing this one in 2026. So 36 would be your redemption. Um the next year 2027 would be 37 and then the next one would be 2028 would be 38. So in 2038 technically cuz all the bonds at
that point would be redeemable. Then you could probably eventually do that if you wanted to do that. If that was if that made sense in the market, you could refinance all three of them into one issue. Does that make sense? >> Yeah. I was just kind of curious, you know, if we did move forward with it because uh I'd have to see a profit in
it before uh moving forward with two and three. Have >> to make sure it won't go in their taxpayers. Anybody else? Steve. Thanks, Mr. Mayor. Uh, good evening. Um, is it normal when we sell
bonds to not make payments for start making payments for two years? >> Um, so yeah, we see we see this quite a bit and the the main reason that we do that is we see like um for financing kind of the city's position like waiting for those revenues to come in and that's why capitalized interest is a very um
nice factor that we can use. uh the rules of capitalized interest it can't be any more than three years but we do see this quite a bit um especially on like utility projects broadband something that is happening now and it's got to have a few years to kind of see some of those revenues start coming in so yes it is a very common thing I would
say um depending on the project so >> and then maybe you're not the right person to ask but I'll ask anyway you probably have the answer what percentage of our bond capacity are we chewing up by doing this project >> um that is something I do not know on the top of my head, but I will I can
look into that and get you a factor. I can send it to Tom or Kyle and get you a get you a factor on that. I'd have to I just don't know the exact percentage and I guess like um by capacity like because there's a few factors like there's tax abatement capacity. There's also um
there's also like a general obligation capacity. So, would you kind of like to see just all that broken out? We could do that for you if you'd I'd like to know what we can't finance because we're doing this or what projects we can't do because we're doing this. >> Okay. >> I'd also know if it's putting us susceptible I saw on one of your slides
uh for downgrade long-term liability ratio or whatever that percentage was >> is how close to do we get to that by doing more of this. >> Yeah. One thing I will note on that is um city staff really did lay out future plans for this project and even like
financing like for your guys' 2026 street issuance. um we laid that all out for the rating agency so they are aware that it's not like hey we're doing this and then oh next year surprise we're coming out and doing more debt so that was something that was really laid out for the rating agency on that front to kind of give them idea
>> I understand that but I also know what our capital improvement needs are and it goes beyond 2026 [clears throat] >> that's all my questions Mr. Okay. Either a motion for resolution or questions.
>> I'll make a motion to uh approve the bid award. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second discussion. Rick, M, you know what the highest rating we've ever been? We've been
double A for quite a while. >> Yeah, I uh I did I I don't know the highest, but I do remember looking at this last year and at one point the city was rated A2. Um I think that was I think it was back in like 2012 2013 if I remember right. Um, and those was a
basis of factors that led to um led to the downgrade and um but I don't know exactly off the top of my head, but I think double A2 is the the highest. >> We're still double A, so that's good. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, double A double A is a
very respected rating. Um, it is. And I and I don't just say that just to um make you guys feel better. Double A3 is a very respectable rating in the market. So, >> any other questions? Roll call.
>> Council member Gilbertson. >> Hi. >> Schultz. >> Hi. >> Baggerly. >> No. >> Davis. >> Hi. >> Butterfield. >> No. >> Gardner. >> I. >> Nosk. >> I.
>> Five eyes. Two nos. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Thank you guys for your time this evening. I appreciate it. >> Thank you, Jake. Next is the elevator in the city hall upgrade and I'll call on Shane Stefan.
[clears throat] Good evening, mayor and council. Um I'm here to propose that MEI total elev elevator solutions um bid is accepted for the elevator
modernization. Uh the state of Minnesota adopted ASME A17.3-2015. It's the safety code for existing elevators and that has been updated. Currently our elevator in city hall does
not meet that standard. Uh so we put out for bids. This was in our CIP budget for 2026. And we originally had 160,000 budgeted. We ended up with two quotes. one from
MEI for $144,787 and one from Metro Elevator and Hamlin Construction in the amount of $136,918. We staff is recommending the MEI total elevator solutions. They are the ones that currently service our elevators and
we just think it would be a smooth, streamlined process. questions or motion. Tom, [snorts] >> will this bring us up to ADA on the elevator? Also,
>> I believe so. It's Yes. Yes, it will. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, is this new rule just for uh public buildings or is it private and >> It's private and public. >> Yes, sir. Make a motion to approve.
>> Got a motion. >> We got a second. >> Steve, >> thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Stfanic or Director Stfanic. So, do you believe we're going to get $8,000 worth of value by using
the higher bidder? >> Um, yes, I do. So with the Metro and Metro Elevator and the Hamlin construction uh contract, we'd end up entering two different contracts because Metro Elevator and Hamlin, they
work together but separate. And so I think the risk of managing those two separate contracts. Um, and then coupled with the add-on that we had to include to make metro elevators quote meet the
same standards as mess. Um, I think that just instead of instead of trying to hodge podge everything together, I feel like we're getting our better value out of that. Plus we using MEI um they they're familiar with our system and so
I think the turnaround time on the project will be more um beneficial for us so our elevator's not down as long. So do the two do the two bids cover the scope that the single bid does? >> Yes. >> But we're going to still going to choose
to use the higher bid. >> Yes. just because we don't want to manage an extra contract for how how long of a period of time are we managing these contracts? >> Um well, it's probably I'd say it's between 16 to 25 weeks by
the time parts are ordered um by the time um everything comes in and they're both set up and ready to go. And additionally, um I forgive me for not mentioning this sooner, but um MEI, uh
sorry, I spaced out. Um but yes, I I yeah, so 16 to 25 weeks about. But how much of that is just order your material and we'll sit around and wait for 16 weeks until the material gets here
and then it'll install it over the period of what a month, two weeks. >> Yeah, it's 5 to 6 weeks um for install time. Uh roughly, I mean everything is depending on what they find in the field, but with MEI, they were willing
to adjust their payment terms. So, we're not paying until the end of the project. Whereas with the Metro and Hamlin, we would be paying ahead of time for a a percentage down for the project as after
they added uh purchase the parts and then we wouldn't be able and then we'd be paying on like 90day. >> We're the we're the project owner. We can we set those terms. They don't set those terms, right? We can ask because they they're the
Yes, we we we typically have some say, but they do ultimately dictate their payment terms. >> Our city administrator has >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> We have experience with MEI. They're our
contractor already for the elevator. So, we have ongoing experience. We have not we don't have any experience with Metro Elevator and working with them. >> I fully appreciate that, Administrator Valiant, but if if we were going to go with the high bidder, why did we even entertain the idea of a second bid?
Y'all y'all came here and said, "We don't care what the other price is. We're going to use the people that we like. >> We have to have two quotes under 175,000. We bid over. If it it's over 175,000,
it's a bid. If it's under 175,000, we get two quotes, >> right? Both came in with the same scope. You don't like one of them and so you're just going to disregard it. We feel at the staff feels it is the
more um it is the more streamlined and favorable option for the city with the contract and the service that we're going to be getting as opposed to just
um working with two separate entities. Uh, how long is our current contract with MEI? >> And when was the last time that was looked at? >> It's looked at annually. >> Our elevator is looked is maintenanced annually with MEI.
>> Is that contract bid or is that just renewed? >> That's a maintenance agreement. >> It's a maintenance agreement. So, it's not a contract bid. Um, and just following up on Council Member Gardner's uh question about the $8,000
uh difference, there's going to be some people that are going to be contacting a few of us. We would uh move forward with $8,000 more than what we could do for getting the same service, same everything, same scope for $8,000 less.
What's your advice to the citizens out there that, hey, we're taking $8,000 from you just because we've worked with this company before? >> Um, thank you, Mr. Barfield. Um, what I would tell them is we are
pursuing the MEI contract, the higher bid for the more streamlined process to alleviate the complications with an elevator being under service and nonusable to the
public or our employees if they needed it. Tom, >> is the elevator currently uh usable for the public? >> Yes. And if this is not done, what happens?
>> Um so once we're uh since we're out of compliance, once we're flagged by the state, we have 5 years to comply and then we end up getting fined. >> What is that fine? I don't have a I should have that for you, but I can get
that to you. >> Okay. [snorts] Have we been flagged by the state? >> No, sir. But it is inevitable. Um it's going to happen. It's it's once this
um I mean, yeah, it's already passed. Once it's implemented this fall, it's they're going to start going around and flagging everybody. >> What? Once the new regulation is implemented. >> Is that what you're saying? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay.
>> Just did I hear you say that we have five years after we're flagged? >> Correct. >> So, as long as this project is done five years from the fall, if that's when that happens, we suffer no penalties. >> Correct. >> Okay.
>> Well, I'm sorry. Forgive me, Mr. OSK. Um, we will I mean, as with any project, the farther we put it out, the more expensive it will inevitably get. >> I can appreciate that. And then my other question about Metro Elevator, um, the
company u any reason to believe that they're not a reputable company? >> No, Mr. O, and I was not implying that. >> Okay. No, I didn't hear you suggest that either. Um, and we've vetted them through the process. Is that accurate to say? Yes,
>> we took that bid seriously. Okay. Um, yeah, I tend to favor that bid over the $8,000 one. Um, $8,000 increase. >> Vicki, >> well, I'm just wondering if if we have five years after we're flagged and we're
talking about new city hall sometime, why are we putting this money into something? I mean, it might cost more later if we have to do it later, but seems like we could save a heck of a lot of money if we just wait.
>> Thank you. Um, yes, I mean that that is true. We could save that money. Um, and I I don't mean to be pessimistic, but I do know that it's been the new city hall has been talked about for some time, and I would like to I would like to believe
that it would happen, but I am just planning for um what needs to I know will need to be done. >> Mr. Mayor, I'd like to uh ask for a motion to table this discussion this evening. I think it's very important
that we have working elevators for all of our population, but uh at this point in time, I don't believe we have enough information to make a a wise decision. Um and so I'd like to table this for a future um city council meeting.
Do >> I have a second? >> And we already have a motion on the table from Red. >> So he has to resend his motion first, doesn't he? >> No. >> Make it a motion to table. >> Yeah. Mr. Mayor, members of the council, the motion to table will uh have
priority over the motion on the table. Motion's already been made. >> Can I ask a question? >> That's clear enough >> to council member. >> Find out if I've got a second. >> Second. >> Okay, we got a second. Question, Justin? >> I don't know that I can ask the
question. I believe >> there's no discussion. Is that correct, Mr. Scott? >> Yeah. >> Correct. [clears throat] >> All right. Roll call to the addended >> table. >> Tabling. Yes.
>> Council member Butterfield. >> Do we know when this is going to come back on? Is it going to be two weeks, a month, two months? >> No. >> Gilbertson. >> Hi. >> Baggerly. >> No.
>> Davis. I >> should >> no >> gardener >> I >> anosk >> no >> three eyes's four nos
>> motion fails now we have the standing motion >> yes Tom >> now we go back in October. >> Now, Leslie, is this Mr. Valian, is this
correct that this was already budgeted for? We're pulling it out of the city hall that we've been budgeting for city hall for all these years. That's where this is coming from. So, it's not going to affect us one way or another going up or
down on our future property taxes. Correct. >> Correct. It's been on our the elevator has been on our CIP for years. We've been told by MEI for a long time that the elevator was going to need work and
we know that. I mean, we've had multiples people stuck in our elevator over the years, too. So, >> it would probably help out with resale of the if we move forward from them. >> Anybody else? Carl, >> I don't necessarily like the idea of
spending going with a higher bid, but I also trust our staff that they know what they're doing and they have they have a reason that we maybe don't understand why they want to go with a higher bid, but I trust that it is uh they know what
they're doing and and uh so I guess I support them in that. >> Any further discussion? Roll call. >> Council member Gilbertson. >> No. >> Osc. >> No. >> Baggerly.
>> Hi. >> Butterfield. >> Hi. >> Davis. [snorts] >> No. >> Gardner. >> No. >> And shoulders. >> I. >> Three eyes and four nos.
>> Motion fails. >> Thank you. All right. Next is uh an ordinance amending the municip municipal code and I'll call on our city clerk Renee Larson.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, in the past, um, we have had our THC license ordinance in place governed by Minnesota statute 151.72 in February of 2025 with the state
rolling out the cannabis licensing and um, we are I am looking for a motion to introduce an ordinance and call for a public hearing to repeal al that mo that uh ordinance that was governed under
Minnesota statute 151.72 since the new cannabis license through the OCM is no longer required and is now governed under mo uh Minnesota statute 342. >> I'd make a motion to uh call for that public hearing.
>> Second. >> Got a motion, a second. Any discussion? Oh, I have one and I can't resist this. >> Am I to understand that we're going to discuss redoing our cannabis legislation on 420? >> Yes, sir. >> I love it. [laughter] Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> There should be t-shirts with you. [laughter] >> I'm glad I could bring that amusement to you tonight. >> Any further discussion? Roll call. >> Council member Ask. >> I. >> Baggerly.
>> I. Gilbertson. >> Hi >> Butterfield. >> Hi >> Sheldis. >> Hi >> Davis. >> Hi. >> And Gardner. >> Hi. >> Seven eyes, zero nos. >> That motion carries. Next is consideration of cannabis
registration application process. And once again, I'll call on Bnee Larson, our city clerk. >> We're just going to keep talking about cannabis for just a moment longer. So, previously you have approved a retail registration, cannabis micro
business registration for Mary Jane's Buds. Um, I was recently notified by Mary Jane's Buds that they no longer wish to pursue uh retail business in the city of Wilmer and have withdrawn their retail registration application um and are putting their
>> licensing through the state on hold, at least not in the city of Wilmer. Um I I originally wrote the car indicating that they were withdrawing their license with the state and was told later that they are just withdrawing their license with Wilmer for now. So I am looking for
direction on how to proceed. We did take in uh people requesting to be on a wait list after we filled our two applications. This is one of those licenses that is limited with a cap of two. And now with the withdrawal of Mary
Jane's buds, we now have an opening for another retail registration. So the proposed ordinance is attached that would outline detailing how to proceed. Our current uh ordinance does not provide for stipulations if the
retail applicant rem withdraws before opening. And so this would just give us some resolution as to how to proceed, how the council would like us to proceed. and my recommendations or our recommendations as a city is is outlined in the resolution that's attached and
that I handed out tonight. So I'm looking for approval of this resolution. >> So moved. >> We got a motion. >> Second. >> And we got a second. Tom >> now [snorts and clears throat] with their application fee. Have they paid paid for it? If they have, are we
refunding it or or what happens with that? I don't believe that once they're approved they if they withdraw they they don't receive their application fund back. >> Okay. So >> and and actually their first application through the state of Minnesota is free.
>> There is no application fee fee for the first year of a micro business >> here in Wilmer. >> In the state of Minnesota it's >> for the city of Wilmer. >> The city can't charge them a a fee for the first year according to the Minnesota statute. >> [clears throat] >> What about for the police department to
do a background check and stuff like that? >> No. >> No. No. >> We aren't allowed to charge them anything. >> Any other questions? >> Um um how many businesses are on this weight list?
>> Four. >> And how are other um cities managing this weight list? >> I don't know if any other cities are doing weight list. I I would assume they are. I'm not aware of how other cities are managing their
weight list. >> Do you know, Robert? Um, mayor, members of the council, I don't know that there's any uniform way cities are handling it. And honestly, I don't know that any of the cities we represent have had an issue where they have issued a registration and had the
company withdraw. >> So, I think the we did review the draft resolution internally. We thought it made sense. It was a fair way to administer the process uh to uh contact businesses that had already gone through the application process previously and work with them in
order of priority. Any further discussion? Roll call. >> Council member Davis. Hi. >> Gardner. Hi. >> Gilbertson. >> No. >> Butterfield.
I [sighs] >> Baggerly >> I >> should >> I >> and Oski I >> six eyes one no >> motion carries next Vern you're up again on low potency hemp edible retail
>> thank you Mr. Mayor, council members, in the past, we've been putting um renewals for retailers who have had a THC license with us and are now rolling over into the new uh statute 342 low potency hemp edible license. We've been putting them
on the consent agenda. However, uh Cobra Corp is a new business to Wilmer. have they have not previously been approved by the council and so we have put them on the regular agenda for your review so that you could review their application and individually approve them. Um they
were new to Wilmer and are currently waiting. They did open a a retail tobacco shop which is managed or governed by the or licensed by the county. However, they are asking for a low potency hemp edible license to also sell those products in their store. They
have approval by the state and they have gone through the background check and paid their registration fee. Tom, now in this one, we have $125 application fee for the establishment city of Wilmer. The other one didn't have one. What is the difference?
>> I really wish somebody from the state legislature would tell me to because I don't know. They they're trying to be um the state of Minnesota is trying to be fair and equitable to social uh social
equity applicants. So some startup businesses in the cannabis business are people who maybe wouldn't have the funds otherwise available to open a retail shop. So they're making they're trying to make it a little bit more economical for them by not charging a a application
fee. Um whereas the low potency hemp edibles seem to be coming from tobacco shops mostly or other retailers. Uh we do have several other retailers that will be coming before the council for new approval that um
have just been approved. I've just been notified by the state uh that weren't previously licensed similar to the grocery stores and other retailers. Um, and I don't I don't know what made the state decide that cannabis, adult use
cannabis is not requiring a fee and low potency hempedibles are. I'm not sure. >> Carl, >> the buffer zone doesn't apply to low potency. Is that >> No. Yeah. >> Any other questions, discussion?
Otherwise, uh, I need a motion to approve the registration for low potency hemp edible for retail or cobra court. So >> second.
>> We got a motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> Roll call. >> Council member Gilbertson. >> I should be. >> Hi. >> Davis. >> Hi. >> Butterfield. >> Hi. >> Gardner.
>> Hi. >> And Osk. I. >> Seven eyes's, zero nos. >> Motion passes. Renee, you're still on for Spurs Grill and on sale intoxicating and Sunday
liquor license. >> So, um, earlier this year, Spurs Grill and Bar uh relinquished their liquor license just by choice. They had closed their business for anything, but um I believe
they were only doing online ordering. Their their front door establishment wasn't open. And so uh they at that time decided to relinquish their liquor license and wait to see what they were going to do with their business. They've since come back to this to the city now
with a new application. And so that before you tonight is a new application for the 2026 2027 liquor licensing year uh for a full-on sale liquor license and a Sunday liquor license for Spurs Grill. So I'm just looking for approval for that tonight.
>> So move second. >> We have a motion and a second discussion. Tom, >> now with them [sighs] relinquishing their license prior, are we giving them a break on the license fee for the
remainder of the year or is it just a standard fee every time they would do this? So, say in four months from now they decide to pull it again and then they see business opportunity, they'd have to pay for it again. So they were refunded the difference in their the
pr-rated amount of their application fee from the April to April of 25 to 26 when they relinquished their license. They were given a refund and now they paid the full they paid the full fee again with a pr-rated Sunday liquor license
applicable to current times because sun Sunday liquor license is renewable January to January or January through December and the regular liquor license is April to April. So, they got a pro, we've given them a pro-rated fee for the
Sunday and the full fee for the April to April since they're right in line with renewals. They just our renewal is April 25th and with this approval tonight, they won't quite make that um they might make it by the time the state br you
know, issues out all the rest of our renewals, but um they know that they might not make that and they might be in May renewal and that's fine with them. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> Roll call. [snorts] >> Council member Faggerly.
>> Hi. >> Gardner. >> Hi. >> Shoulders. >> I. >> Davis. >> I. >> Butterfield. >> I. >> Osc. >> Hi. >> And Gilbertson. >> Hi. >> Seven eyes's and zero nos. >> Motion carries.
>> One more. One more >> knowledge of donations. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor and council members. Tonight, I have for your approval the donations for the first quarter of 2026. They are as follows.
$400 from FiveStar Waltz LLC for the 2026 Daddyaughter Dance. $300 from Doulie's Petroleum for the 2026 Daddy-Daughter Dance. $750 from the West Central Steel for the 20 for the 2026
Daddy Daughter Dance. $150 from Henderson Lewis Post 545 for the Veterans Coffee Social. $500 from Ryan Clark's Heroes Project for the Wilmer Police Explorers, $2,500 from Centerare for the 2026
Community Growth Events, $1,000 from Hope State Home State Bank for the 2026 community growth events. $250 from Marcus Construction Charitable Fund for the 2026 Daddy-Daughter Dance. $500 from the Minnesota Masonics Charities for the
PD child Safety and Drug Education Program. $500 from the Sharon Lodge number 104 for the PD child safety and drug education program. $250 from Lisa Lee for the Wilmer Police Explorers.
$3,000 from the 1,00 yard club, Inc. for the new football helmets, $200 from Mick Quinn Insurance Agency for the 2026 Daddy Daughter Dance, and $8,71.97 from Wilmer Fast Pitch Baseball
Association for netting and cage improvements. >> We're looking for a resolution. So move second motion and a second. Justin. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Quick question on
the fast pitch baseball uh netting and cave improvements. Is is that an item off our CIP? >> No. >> So, this is just up for improving an existing >> Yeah. What was on our excuse me,
what was on our CIP was a netting over the concession stand and the diamond. >> Uhhuh. This is a This is a batting cage netting. >> Okay. >> And cage improvement. >> Okay. Okay. I should talk to them about the concession netting.
[clears throat] >> Not that rich yet. >> Any more discussion? Roll call. >> Council member Gilbertson. >> Yes. >> Ask. >> I. >> Yes. >> Davis. Hi >> Butterfield.
>> Hi >> Shelz. >> Hi >> Gardner. >> I >> and Faggerly. >> Hi. >> Seven eyes, zero nos. >> Motion carries. Next is a request for a joint work session on April 13th
and I call on operations director Kyle Box. Uh thank you. Good evening, mayor. Good evening, council. Uh staff are looking to uh schedule a work session with the council and the municipal utilities commission on Monday, April 13th, uh starting at 1 p.m. And this meeting will
be located at Heritage Bank. >> Motion, Justin. >> Does that work for Council Member Butterfield? No, I won't be able to get off work. [clears throat] [snorts] >> I won't be there. It'
>> be tough for me to make a three-hour midday meeting. >> Has this been on the calendar for three? We planned this quite a way out. Quite a ways out. >> We did.
>> I don't remember how when the first request came in, but we we discussed it. >> Not only that, the entire Sorry, mayor. Uh the entire utilities commission will also be there and it's been on their calendar for months as well.
>> I don't think the specific day has been on the calendar for months. >> Oh, yes, it has. >> We had a poll out with the days Right. And I I've known for three months I couldn't make this. So, I mean, we're asking for a CIP tour full day this month. Now, you're asking for a three-hour meeting in the middle of workday. There's no way Tom's going to
make either one of those, you know. [snorts] So, I mean, you're asking for two and a half or a day and a half out of our workday. Half of us work within within a two week period. I'm going to vote yes, but I can't make it.
Do I have a motion? >> Second. >> Second. >> Got a motion and a second. Discussion. Roll call. >> Council member O. >> Hi. >> Butterfield. >> Hi. >> Gilbertson. >> Hi.
>> Davis. >> Hi. >> Gardner. >> Hi. >> Baggerly. >> I. >> And shoulders. >> Hi. >> Seven eyes. Zero nos. >> Motion carries. Any announcements,
Rick? >> I think the board of review is in two weeks. Three weeks. No, two weeks. >> It's a Monday. The night of the next council meeting, but it's at noon at the fire station.
>> Yes. On the 20th. >> 20th. Okay. Yes. We need how many there? Five. Yes. >> And they all got to have had the training. >> We have we have plenty that have had training. We only need one. >> And I believe I have four or five
council members that are currently trained. So, we're we're good there. >> Okay. >> Are we at the recess? Okay, we're going to have a closed session. >> You should have a script, Mr. Mayor. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Well, there it is. Legal bases for closing the meeting. This portion of the regular meeting of the Wilmer City Council will be closed pursuant to Minnesota statute section 13D.0.