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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/28/2026LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 1 of 3 July 28, 2026 Ca11 to Order Mayor Gaasch called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Roll Call 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 Pulford moved and seconded by Councilor Dains to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Gaasch asked if there were corrections to the minutes of the July 14, 2026, City Council meeting. There being none, Councilor Kelly moved and seconded by Councilor Sayre to approve the July 14, 2026, City Council meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Gaasch asked if there were any questions on the claims. Councilor Dains moved and seconded by Councilor Pulford to approve the claims totaling $83,178.18. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Councilor Sayre moved and seconded by Councilor Kelly to approve the Consent Agenda thereby acknowledging the June financial reports, the second quarter investment report, revisions to the Data Practices Policy for the Public, and a quote to purchase a replacement public works truck through Ford. Informational Presentations/Reports A. Night to Unite — August 4 Butkowski stated that Night to Unite will take place on Tuesday, August 4. Today is the final day to register a block party on the St. Anthony website, and for hosts to choose if they would like SAPD, SPFD, or ice cream vouchers for their event. Public Hearings A. Annual Stormwater Public Hearing Butkowski explained the City Council must hold a public hearing annually to allow the public to comment on the City's storm water program. This meets one of the requirements of our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. Typically, staff attach the most recent annual report to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This year, we did not have to complete one by the end of June. We will have to make up for it when the MPCA's new reporting software comes online. Attached is LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 2 of 3 July 28, 2026 the City's MS4 permit which documents the City's required commitments through 2025. The MPCA has not started the process to renew cities' MS4 permits now that they have expired. This is not atypical. Mayor Gaasch opened the floor to those interested in addressing the Council on this topic at 7:11 p.m. There being nobody interested in speaking, Mayor Gaasch closed the floor at 7:12 p.m. Discussion/Action Item A. Rum River Consultants — Fire Operation Permits Program Andy Schreder and Jeff Baker of Rum River attended the council meeting to discuss an additional service they offer. They refer to it as their Fire Operational Permit Program. In short, they would provide periodic fire code inspections for commercial businesses. This is a service that the City of Falcon Heights provided when they had a fire department. St. Paul Fire was unable to continue providing the service, so it was dropped. Rum River staff explained that the purpose of the inspections is to educate business owners on fire safety and help them inspect their buildings to make sure they are taking proper precautions. This is especially beneficial to ensuring our industrial businesses have the proper resources regarding building safety and material handling. After Council discussion, it was determined that a decision on incorporating this service will be made after meeting with the business community. B. Resolution No. 072826A — Authorizing Participation in the Met Council's Small Communities Planning Program for Assistance with Preparation of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Butkowski said the Met Council recognizes that updating local comprehensive plans requires significant time, knowledge, and resources from municipal partners. This responsibility falls most heavily on the region's least populous cities and townships. The Met Council is offering to assist the region's smallest by providing direct technical assistance under a new Small Communities Planning Program. Staff have been working on a contract with the Met Council for their assistance with some of the components of the 2050 comprehensive plan that must be finalized by 2028. The Met Council I asking whether the Council approves participation in the program via resolution adoption. Councilor Sayre made a motion to approve Resolution No. 072826A - Authorizing Participation in the Met Council's Small Communities Planning Program for Assistance with Preparation of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. This was seconded by Councilor Pulford and carried unanimously. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 3 of 3 July 28, 2026 Set Agenda for Next Meeting Butkowski stated that the next meeting may include the 2027 draft general fund budget and goals and revisions to the sewer utility ordinance. Work Session A. Staff Project Updates Butkowski shared that the warming house windows are being installed and the exterior of the building is being painted as the project nears its conclusion. She continued to say that the primary election would take place at City Hall on August 11, candidate filing finished today, and early voting is currently taking place at the various Ramsey County elections centers. Finally, staff provided initial information on staff's efforts to replace the hockey rink. B. Opportunity for the Public to Address the City Council Mayor Gaasch opened the floor to those interested in addressing the Council at 8:11 p.m. 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 8:14 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, 444116- 61;4a/ Miles Cline Deputy City Clerk