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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/10/2026LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 1 of 3 February 10, 2026 Ca11 to Order Mayor Gaasch called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Roll Ca11 Councilors present: Jeff Dains, Sharon Kelly, Evan Sayre, Duane Pulford, and Mayor Mary Gaasch. Councilors absent: None. Staff present: Heather Butkowski, City Administrator; and Miles Cline, Deputy City Clerk. Approvals Mayor Gaasch asked if there were any additions to the meeting agenda. There being none, Councilor Dains 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 January 27, 2026, City Council meeting. There being none, Councilor Sayre moved and seconded by Councilor Pulford to approve the January 27, 2026, City Council meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Gaasch asked if there were any questions on the claims. There being none, Councilor Dains moved and seconded by Councilor Kelly to approve the claims totaling $143,895.06. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Councilor Pulford moved and seconded by Councilor Sayre to approve the Consent Agenda thereby acknowledging the January financial report and approving the Wastewater Collection System Operation and Maintenance Agreement with PeopleService. Motion carried unanimously. Informational Presentations/Reports A. Broadband Franchising Conversation with Cable Commission Attorney Mike Bradley Recently, Woodbury was the first city in Minnesota to franchise a broadband company. The franchise was negotiated by Michael Bradley who is also the attorney for the North Suburban Communications Commission, of which the City is a member. The franchise is possible due to a recent US Court of Appeals decision that held that broadband was not a telecommunications service. With the change, cities in Minnesota are discussing whether to franchise broadband providers in the same way that cable providers have been franchised. The purpose of franchising is multi -fold but centers around ensuring broadband providers build out in all areas of cities instead of just to households with the means to purchase their services (equity). It also allows cities to more easily control utilities in the rights -of -way as cities are responsible for regulating the orderly use of that space. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 2 of 3 February 10, 2026 Bradley presented information about how the City may pursue franchising of broadband providers, and how the franchises would be negotiated. After concluding his presentation, he answered questions from the Council. Discussion/Action Item A. Opportunity to Join the Cities for Safe and Stable Communities Coalition Butkowski explained that a coalition of west metro mayors formed the Cities for Safe and Stable Communities. It is a growing coalition of cities organizing in response to the effects of the large federal immigration presence in Minnesota. Currently, cities have been working independently to address issues arising from immigration enforcement. Together, cities could be more effective both with boots on the ground and publicly representing the challenges faced. The coalition exists to coordinate city responses and communications; share timely, actionable information; reduce duplicative and uncoordinated requests to city staff; and present a clear, consistent local government perspective. Twelve cities launched the coalition, but they are open to more members. The coalition hired administrative support for this effort that members will share the cost of. As the group grows, the costs shrink. It is estimated to be roughly $500/month over the next five months. Councilor Pulford made a motion to join the Cities for Safe and Stable Communities coalition. This was seconded by Councilor Dains and carried unanimously. Set Agenda for Next Meeting Butkowski stated that the next meeting would include the selection of an architect for Lauderdale Municipal Cannabis and revisions to the sewer utility ordinance. Work Session A. Staff Project Updates Butkowski shared that the Environmental and Sustainability Committee will be hosting an open house at City Hall from 5:00 — 7:00 p.m. on February 11. The event includes catering from Mim's Cafe. Butkowski explained the arson incident at the warming house on February 5. The portable toilet was set on fire and the flames spread to the warming house causing mostly some minor damage to the building. City staff will work with our insurance company to rectify the issues. The warming house will remain open until the end of season party on Presidents' Day. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 3 of 3 February 10, 2026 C. Opportunity for the Public to Address the City Council Mayor Gaasch opened the floor to those interested in addressing the Council. There being nobody interested in speaking, Mayor Gaasch closed the floor. Adjournment Councilor Dains moved and seconded by Councilor Kelly to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, 414/0:44)....., 0;24,6 Miles Cline Deputy City Clerk