HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/26/2024LAUDERDALE, CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
L auderdale City Hall
1891 Walnut Street
Lauderdale, MN 55113
P age 1 of 3 February 26, 2024
Call to Order
Mayor Gaasch called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Councilors present Evan Sayre, Sharon Kelly, Duane Pulford, and Mayor Mary Gaasch.
Councilors absent Jeff Dains.
Staff present: Heather Butkowski, City Administrator; Jim Bownik, Assistant to the City
Administrator and Miles Cline, Deputy City Clerk.
Approvals
Mayor Gaasch asked if there wereany additions to the meeting agenda. There being none,
Councilor Pulford moved and seconded by Councilor Kelly to approve the agenda. Motion
carried unanimously.
Mayor Gaasch asked if there were corrections to the minutes of the Februaiy 13, 2024 City
Council meeting. There being none, Counciloi Kelly moved and seconded by Councilor Pulford
to approve the February 13, 2024 City Council meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Gaasch asked if there were any questions on the claims. There being none, Councilor
Sayre moved and seconded by Councilor Kelly to approve the claims totaling $51,163.40.
Motion carried unanimously.
Consent
Councilor Kelly moved and seconded by Councilor Pulford to approve the Consent Agenda
thereby acknowledging the January financial report.
Special Order of Business/Recognitions/Proclamations
A Louis Adams, Honorable Mention Winner of League of Minnesota Cities Mayor for a Day
Essay Contest
L auderdale resident Louis Adams, a fifth grader at Brimhall Elementary, was an honorable
mention winner of the recent League of Minnesota Cities Mayor for a Day contest Louis
attended the meeting to read his essay and be commended by the City Council.
Council Member Dains joined the meeting at 7:17 p.n1.
Informational Presentations/Reports
A. Environment and Sustainability Discussion with Russ Henry, Owner of Minnehaha Falls
Landscape, Giving Tree Gardens, and Founder of Bee Safe Minneapolis
LAUD F RDAL h CITY COUNCIL
MEF,TING MINUTES
Lauderdale City Hall
1891 Walnut Street
L auderdale, MN 55113
P age 2 of 3 February 26, 2024
Russ Henry came highly recommended by City of Roseville staff as a knowledgeable speaker on
the environment and sustainability. As the Council looks to support residents' sustainability
projects, educate the community about pollinator health, and start an environmental commission,
he offered to be a resource to launch those discussions and projects. Henry went through his
presentation and answered follow-up questions from the Council.
The Council took a brief recess at 8:22 p.m. and returned at 8:27 p.m.
B . City Council Updates
Councilor Kelly shared that she and Councilor Pulford attended the League of Minnesota Cities
Elected Leaders Institute in Alexandria the previous week. Mayor Gaasch stated that she
attended the same conference in Plymouth a couple of weeks prior and the content was very
valuable. Councilor Pulford reminded all that the Statewide Precinct Caucus would take place
on February 27. The Presidential Primary would be held on March 5.
D iscussion/Action Item
A. Impact of Drafted State Legislation to Create "Missing Middle" Housing
Mayor Gaasch added the discussion on proposed state legislation regarding "Missing Middle"
housing. She said the concern of cities is that the law will limit the ability to govern in the
interest of their residents and property owners. In Lauderdale, the bill would prevent off-street
parking requirements and allow current single-family homes to be two to four units of housing
based on the City's proximity to bus stops. Staff were asked by Metro Cities to comment on the
proposed legislation; those comments were included in the packet.
Set Agenda for Next Meeting
B utkowski stated that the March 12 council meeting might include the February financial report
and an annual update ftom Eureka Recycling.
Work Session
A. Community Development Update
Butkowski shared that new legislative changes were made to TIF funding. Council members
will meet with Ramsey County staff regarding Eustis Street on March 4.
B Opportunity for the Public to Address the City Council
Mayor Gaasch opened the floor to those in attendance interested in addressing the Council.
There being nobody interested in speaking, Mayor Gaasch closed the floor.
Adjoui nment
Councilor Pulford moved and seconded by Councilor Dains to adjourn the meeting at 8:54 p.m.
Motion carried unanimously.
LAUDhRDALF, CITY COUNCIL
Mf ;FTING MINUTF,S
L auderdale City Hall
1891 Walnut Street
L auderdale, MN 55113
P age 3 of 3
Respectfully submitted,
Miles Cline
D eputy City Clerk
February 26, 2024