01-28-2026 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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WORKSHOP MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 28, 2026 • Participate in and fund public infrastructure improvements that support qualifying development or redevelopment projects, including streets, utilities, access, and related public improvements. • Use economic development financing tools, such as tax increment financing (TIF), tax abatements where authorized, grants, loans, and bonding. • Enter into development agreements and implement redevelopment or development plans to carry out economic development objectives. The Community Development Director reviewed the current EDA funds and city holdings. He stated the City owns a few properties that could provide attractive development opportunities. These pieces of land would be formally transferred to the EDA prior to any sale as under State Law, the EDA has more discretion on the sale of land. Fischer discussed potential future EDA meetings and bringing members of the public in to participate in discussions. Fischer suggested changing the bylaws language that states the EDA would meet monthly and replace with quarterly. Fischer asked the Council their opinion about the section regarding compensation. There was Council consensus to pay a $40 stipend to each EDA member only if there is a stand-alone EDA meeting on a separate night from regular Council meetings. There was Council consensus to add the Housing Redevelopment Authority powers to the EDA. LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES The City Administrator stated that at the January 14 Council Workshop, Council discussed the immigration events that have been occurring across the state and country. At that meeting, Council did not give staff direction to issue a statement or for specific actions in the city, other than provide information about resources for the public on the city's website, which was done. He explained that the City does not have the authority to prevent anyone from using public property, including the parks, and cannot direct our contracted law enforcement agency to take actions that they are not able to or willing to do. There was Council consensus to consider posting a statement on the city website at a later time. The City Administrator explained that historically, the City Council has not adopted or discussed formal city -endorsed legislative priorities. He noted the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities will also advocate on behalf of their member cities, which includes Little Canada, and the city may be asked to formally support specific priorities. He stated the city has an active $7.5 million request included in Governor Walz's 2026 Infrastructure Plan for a pedestrian bridge across Interstate 3 5 to connect Little Canada's east and west sides. There was Council consensus to support Little Canada's capital bridge request and massage therapy and other alternative healthcare state licensing, along with supporting League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities determined priorities.