HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 25, 2026 City Council Workshop Agenda PacketCITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
City Council Workshop
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA Wednesday, February 25, 2026
6:00 P.M.
A.CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 PM
B.ROLL CALL:GUSTAFSON__X__ MAY_X__
MIELKE__X_ MOGEN __X_ WASSENBERG_X__
STAFF PRESENT: LINEHAN_X_
C.POLICY ITEMS:
1.Review of Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Community Advisory
Committee (CAC) Proposal
2.Legislative Priorities Continuation
3.Towing Reimbursement Policy
CI.ADJOURNMENT: 6:59 PM
DISCLAIMER: City Council Workshops are held monthly as an opportunity for Council Members to discuss policy topics in greater detail prior to a formal meeting where a public hearing may be held and/or
action may be taken. Members of the public that would like to make a comment or ask questions about an
item on the agenda for an upcoming workshop should send them to mail@falconheights.org prior to the
meeting. Alternatively, time is regularly allotted for public comment during Regular City Council Meetings (typically 2nd and 4th Wednesdays) during the Community Forum.
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION (RCA)
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Review of Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Community Advisory
Committee (CAC) Proposals
Description
As the University of Minnesota moves forward with interviewing potential
developer candidates for the Les Bolstad Golf Course sale, it is prudent that the
City of Falcon Heights begin laying out a process and timeline for developing a
master plan for the redevelopment.
Consultant Andrew Dresdner of Bolton & Menk has advised the City to
consider forming two committees: a Technical Advisory Committee and a
Community Advisory Committee.
The Technical Advisory Committee will be made up of individuals from
organizations such as Ramsey County, the MetCouncil, St. Paul Regional
Water, Rice Creek Watershed District, Capitol Region Watershed District,
Falcon Heights staff, and any other appropriate parties.
The Community Advisory Committee will be made up of local community
members who represent various economic, ethnic, and social service interests
within the City of Falcon Heights and adjacent cities.
The City Council was tasked with determining the selection process for
choosing the CAC members. During the February 11, 2026 Council Workshop,
Council determined that the CAC will be made up of nine (9) voting members
from the following groups:
• One representative from Falcon Heights At-Large
• One representative from the Planning Commission
• One representative from the Environment Commission
• One representative from the Parks and Recreation Commission
• One representative from the Community Engagement Commission
• One representative from The Grove neighborhood
• One representative from Lauderdale
• One representative from Roseville
• One representative from St. Paul
Meeting Date February 25, 2026
Agenda Item Policy C1
Attachment See below.
Submitted By Hannah Lynch, Community
Development Coordinator
Jack Linehan, City Administrator
Taking this direction, staff worked on an application form and has set up a few
recommendations which can be considered to be modified for discussion:
1. Following the example of the Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) project in
Arden Hills and other CAC groups, it is recommended that the Council
recruits and appoints a Chair directly. The Falcon Heights resident at-
large could be the logical choice.
2. For the Roseville and Lauderdale positions, it is suggested they are
appointed by their City Councils if possible. For St. Paul, it is suggested
to consider an appointment from the District 12 – St. Anthony Park
Community Council rather than any resident in St. Paul. For the Grove,
it would be asked that the Grove HoA provide a representative.
The CAC will meet monthly, with the first meeting date anticipated for
Wednesday, April 15.
Additional notes from Andrew Dresdner, Consultant from Bolton & Menk: In
general, it will be important to build a “big tent” of partners (community,
county, watersheds, state, etc.) to improve the end product and expedite
matters. It is also important to remember this will not be a quick, 3-4 month
process. Finally, the developer will take the lead on the master plan and
AUAR. The City/consultant will review and shepherd the process. If things
change, we will be capable of leading, but the current assumption is the
developer is production and we will be reviewing.
If we are to start the CAC in April, it is important that we move quickly in the
formation to begin the recruitment process. Our timeline would be as follows:
• Mid-late February – Staff Council liaisons begin sharing the upcoming
draft CAC info with their commissions at their next meeting or by email
if no meeting early March.
• Feb 25th - Approval of Resolution 26-12
• Feb 26th – 30 day recruitment for At-Large position, request to
neighboring communities go out seeking candidates
• March 27th – Deadline for at-large applications
• March 30-April 2nd – Interviews for at-large applications
• April 8th – Approval at the City Council meeting
This timeline can be extended to consider a May start if additional time is
needed.
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) - CAC Overview
- CAC Application
- Resolution 26-17 (draft)
Action(s)
Requested Council should discuss moving forward with creating a Community Advisory
Committee for the development of a master plan for the Les Bolstad Golf
Course redevelopment.
Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Community Advisory Committee
Overview
The Community Development Advisory Committee (CAC) will serve as a voice
for the community and act in an advisory capacity to help shape the future
redevelopment of the Les Bolstad Golf Course. The CAC will be made up of local
community members who represent the diverse economic, ethnic and social
service interests of the City of Falcon Heights and of adjacent cities. The
committee does not have independent duties or authority to take actions that
will bind the City of Falcon Heights.
The group will be appointed by the Falcon Heights City Council and made up of
nine (9) voting members to consist of the following membership:
• One representative from Falcon Heights At-Large (to serve as Chair)
• One representative from the Planning Commission
• One representative from the Environment Commission
• One representative from the Parks and Recreation Commission
• One representative from the Community Engagement Commission
• One representative from The Grove neighborhood (selected by the Grove HOA)
• One representative from Lauderdale (selected by the Lauderdale City Council)
• One representative from Roseville (selected by the Roseville City Council)
• One representative from St. Anthony Park (selected by the St. Anthony Park
Community Council – District 12)
Additionally, staff from the City of Falcon Heights will serve as liaison to the
CAC, as well as non-voting member participation from our consultants at Bolton
& Menk, Barr Engineering and Braun Intertec. Representatives from the
University of Minnesota and the identified buyer will also have an active role in
this process.
Meeting Information
o Monthly, the 3rd Wednesday of the month, at 6:30 PM, at Falcon Heights City Hall.
o Anticipated first meeting date of Wednesday, April 15th.
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
LES BOLSTAD GOLF COURSE REDEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPLICATION
DATE: _______________________________________________________________________
NAME: ______________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________ PHONE: ____________________________________________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________ HOW LONG AT ABOVE ADDRESS? ____________________________________________
REASON(S) YOU WISH TO SERVE ON THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
LIST YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, LEADERSHIP ROLES, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR OTHER INTERESTS WHICH YOU COULD BRING TO THIS COMMITTEE:
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
PRIOR PUBLIC (OR RELATED) SERVICE: ________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
OTHER RELEVANT SKILLS, SPECIAL TRAINING, EDUCATION OR BACKGROUND
(OR COMMENTS): ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION
February 25, 2026 No. 26-17 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A LES BOLSTAD GOLF COURSE REDEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the Les Bolstad Golf Course property, owned by the University of Minnesota, is
located adjacent to the City of Falcon Heights and represents a significant redevelopment
opportunity affecting land use, infrastructure, environmental systems, housing, and community character; and WHEREAS, redevelopment of the property will have regional implications for Falcon Heights
and neighboring jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the Falcon Heights City Council recognizes the importance of structured community engagement and broad stakeholder input in shaping redevelopment outcomes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish a formal advisory body to serve as a
community voice and provide recommendations to the City Council regarding the redevelopment process; and WHEREAS, the Community Advisory Committee shall act solely in an advisory capacity and
shall not have independent authority to bind the City of Falcon Heights.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights hereby establishes the Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the purpose of advising the City Council on matters related to
redevelopment of the Les Bolstad Golf Course property.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Community Advisory Committee shall: 1. Purpose and Duties a. Serve as a community focus group representing a cross-section of residents and
stakeholders. b. Provide input and recommendations to the City Council regarding land use concepts, environmental considerations, infrastructure, housing, community amenities, and related redevelopment matters. c. Identify community priorities, concerns, and opportunities associated with
redevelopment. d. Act solely in an advisory capacity without independent authority to take action on behalf of the City.
2. Membership a. The Committee shall consist of nine (9) voting members appointed as follows:
i. One Falcon Heights resident appointed at-large, who shall serve as Chair;
ii. One representative from the Falcon Heights Planning Commission; iii. One representative from the Falcon Heights Environment Commission; iv. One representative from the Falcon Heights Parks and Recreation Commission;
v. One representative from the Falcon Heights Community Engagement
Commission; vi. One representative from The Grove neighborhood (selected by the Grove HOA); vii. One representative from the City of Lauderdale (selected by the Lauderdale
City Council);
viii. One representative from the City of Roseville (selected by the Roseville City Council); ix. One representative from St. Anthony Park (selected by the St. Anthony Park Community Council – District 12).
3. Staff and Consultant Participation a. The City Administrator, or designee, shall serve as staff liaison to the Committee. b. Non-voting participation may include representatives from the City’s professional consultants, including but not limited to Bolton & Menk, Barr Engineering, and
Braun Intertec. c. Representatives from the University of Minnesota and, as applicable, an identified buyer or development entity may participate as non-voting stakeholders. 4. Meetings
a. Meetings shall generally occur monthly at Falcon Heights City Hall unless otherwise
determined by the Committee in coordination with staff. b. Meetings shall comply with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. 5. Duration
a. The Community Advisory Committee shall remain in existence until dissolved by
further action of the City Council. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff is directed to solicit applications for the Falcon Heights at-large member using the adopted Community Advisory Committee application form and to
coordinate with partner jurisdictions and organizations regarding their respective appointments.
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Moved by: Approved by: ________________________
Randall C. Gustafson Mayor
GUSTAFSON ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________ MAY Jack Linehan
MIELKE ____ Against City Administrator
MOGEN WASSENBERG
BLANK PAGE
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION (RCA)
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item 2026 Legislative Priorities Continuation
Description
The Minnesota State Legislature is in session, and numerous bills may be coming that
could impact Falcon Heights. Staff has collaborated with the League of Minnesota
Cities (LMC), Metro Cities, and our legislators to identify areas where the Council
may want to take official positions.
Council identified and began discussions about 2026 legislative priorities during the
Council Workshop on February 11, 2026. More time was needed so this is an
opportunity to continue discussions on the following items that did not have full
consensus:
The LMC has scheduled “City Day on the Hill” for Thursday, March 11, 2026. We
plan to coordinate meetings with our District 66 legislators to discuss our legislative
priorities.
Item the City of Falcon could advocate for at the State level but needs more
guidance include:
• “Just Cause” Eviction Support: The Minnesota Legislature is actively
considering "Just Cause" eviction protections (SF1671/HF997) to prevent
arbitrary or retaliatory lease non-renewals, and ensuring landlords can only
evict for specific reasons. Following 2023 reforms, new 2025 laws mandate a 14-
day pre-filing notice for non-payment. While some cities like St. Paul have
implemented specific, localized “Just Cause” ordinances (S.A.F.E. Housing
Tenant protections), proposals like SF1671/HF997 aim to establish these
protections statewide. Falcon Heights City Council discussed “Just Cause”
Evictions during its November 4, 2025 Workshop, with a representative from
HOME Line present. While councilmembers generally expressed support for
stronger tenant protections, several expressed caution about moving forward on
state legislation that has not yet advanced through the committee.
• Eviction Moratorium: Cities such as Roseville and St. Anthony Village have
requested that the Governor and/or Minnesota legislature consider a
Meeting Date February 25, 2026
Agenda Item Policy C2
Attachment(s) Draft Legislative Priorities
Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator
moratorium on evictions due to the disruptions caused by Operation Metro
Surge. As a Statutory Plan A city, Falcon Heights would not have the power to
impose a moratorium on evictions, but the State can.
Budget
Impact
N/A
Attachment(s) • LMC Priorities
• Metro Cities Priorities
Action(s)
Requested
The City Council is requested to continue to discuss and provide guidance on Falcon
Heights' legislative priorities for 2026.
BLANK PAGE
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION (RCA)
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Towing Reimbursement Policy
Description
With recent immigration enforcement activity surging in Minnesota and reports of
ICE leaving detainees’ vehicles behind after arrests, other cities such as St. Paul,
Minneapolis and St. Anthony Village have considered what to do with vehicles
abandoned due to ICE arrests, and whether towing costs should be waived or
reimbursed if vehicle owners detained by ICE can provide proof of ownership and
detainment.
Falcon Heights City Code Chapter 46 Traffic and Vehicles outlines enforcement actions
for any motor vehicle parked in violation of City Code.
Sec. 46-26
Any motor vehicle parked in violation of this chapter may be removed without notice to the
owner or operator, by any employee of the county highway department, any police officer, or
any person, firm or corporation employed or designated for this purpose by the city. The motor
vehicle so removed may be towed to and stored in any parking lot or garage designated by the
city or its policing agency. Payment of the towing and impound charges shall not relieve the
owner or operator from payment of the fine or penalty for violation of this chapter or any other
applicable ordinance of this city. (Code 1993, § 7-6.01)
Sec 46-27 - Parking; restrictions; uniform parking fine
(b) (3) (3) No passenger vehicle or hitched trailer in combination with a passenger vehicle
shall
be parked on any street or public grounds within the city for more than 48 consecutive hours.
Current City Code states that no vehicles may be parked in the same spot for more
than 48 hours. Vehicles that are parked in the same spot for more than 48 hours
without moving can potentially be considered abandoned, and, that the fine or
penalty is the responsibility of the owner.
Council is asked to discuss whether to consider adopting a resolution that would set
a budget for a program and outline parameters, such as:
Meeting Date February 25, 2026
Agenda Item Policy C3
Attachment(s) Draft Resolution 26-XX
Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator
• What type of documentation is required for reimbursement?
• Is it eligible only to Falcon Heights residents, such as St. Anthony’s policy, or
anyone who has a vehicle towed due to ICE detainment in Falcon Heights?
• Would the reimbursement be handled administratively, or through City
Council action?
A draft resolution has been included for consideration as a starting point that can be
further edited as needed.
Budget
Impact
N/A
Attachment(s) • Draft Resolution 26-XX
Action(s)
Requested
The City Council is asked to discuss whether updates to City Code are warranted at
this time to allow for consideration of vehicles towed due to immigration
enforcement.
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION
February 25, 2026 No. 26-XX - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY TOWING AND IMPOUND REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM RELATED TO IMMIGRATION DETENTION WHEREAS, Falcon Heights City Code Chapter 46 authorizes the removal and impoundment of
vehicles parked in violation of City Code, including vehicles parked in the same location for
more than forty-eight (48) consecutive hours; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Sec. 46-26, payment of towing and impound charges does not relieve the owner or operator from payment of fines or penalties; and
WHEREAS, recent immigration enforcement activity within Minnesota has resulted in circumstances where individuals detained by federal immigration authorities may be unable to promptly move their vehicles, resulting in towing and impound charges; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish a limited, discretionary reimbursement
program to address hardship situations where a vehicle was towed as a result of the owner’s federal immigration detention; and WHEREAS, the City of Falcon Heights has no role in civil immigration enforcement and this
program does not constitute participation in or support of such enforcement, but rather addresses
municipal towing impacts arising under City Code; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that establishing a capped and proof-based reimbursement program serves a limited public purpose and promotes equitable treatment of residents affected
by detention.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights: 1. Program Established
The City hereby establishes a Temporary Towing and Impound Reimbursement Program for
vehicles towed pursuant to Chapter 46 when the vehicle owner was detained by federal immigration authorities at the time the vehicle became subject to towing. 2. Eligibility
To be eligible for reimbursement, an applicant must:
a) Provide proof of vehicle ownership at the time of towing; b) Provide documentation demonstrating federal immigration detention during the period the vehicle was parked and subject to towing;
c) Provide receipts or invoices showing payment of towing and impound fees; and d) Submit an application within ninety (90) days of release from detention or payment of
towing and impound charges, whichever is later.
Reimbursement shall not include parking citations or fines unless separately authorized by the City Council.
3. Reimbursement Limits
a) The total program budget shall not exceed Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500). b) Individual reimbursements shall not exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500) per vehicle. c) Reimbursements shall be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds
are exhausted.
4. Administration a) The City Administrator, or designee, is authorized to develop application materials and administrative procedures consistent with this Resolution.
b) Determinations of eligibility shall be made by the City Administrator or designee based
on documentation submitted. c) The City Administrator shall report program utilization to the City Council upon exhaustion of funds or at the conclusion of the program term.
5. Duration
This program shall remain in effect until December 31, 2026, or until the $2,500 allocation is exhausted, whichever occurs first, unless extended by further action of the City Council. 6. No Waiver of Enforcement Authority
Nothing in this Resolution amends Chapter 46 of the City Code or limits the City’s authority to
tow vehicles parked in violation of City Code. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Moved by: Approved by: ________________________ Randall C. Gustafson Mayor
GUSTAFSON ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________
MAY Jack Linehan MIELKE ____ Against City Administrator MOGEN WASSENBERG