2026.01.26 CC Minutes-Goal Setting Workshop

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Council Meeting Minutes Goal Workshop on January 26, 2026 Page 2 of 3 Krull began a discussion on reasons the City should not become involved financially at this time. It was noted that the momentum the committee currently has may allow them to complete the restoration. If the project were to stall due to lack of funding, that might be the time for the City to step in. Some members supported allowing the project and fundraising to continue independently, citing fiscal responsibility and community concerns about costs, while others emphasized that the City owns the building, has not yet invested financially, and will ultimately receive a valuable public asset. It was noted that the City has a 15-year lease with the committee and, in the end, they are handing the City an amenity. Suggestions were made to limit support to in-kind assistance and possibly pursue a partnership with the County rather than direct funding at this time. The Council generally agreed that the decision to financially support the project should reflect a strong consensus of the Council. Bear suggested pausing action until more detailed cost information is available and inviting the committee to provide a full update in the spring. The Council consensus was to continue discussions, explore partnerships, and revisit City involvement if circumstances change. Draft 2026 Goals Bear reviewed a draft of the 2026 City goals. He explained that staff prepared a memorandum, with input from staff and commissions, outlining focus goals and ongoing priorities, with goal categories remaining consistent from year to year. Bear stated there would be considerable focus on water conservation, with attention to the water reuse program and ongoing issues related to the White Bear Lake lawsuit. Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Planning Commission efforts will include work on the City-owned property on Egg Lake. La Delicious has proposed a mixed-use development with a restaurant/bakery, retail, and townhomes. Staff is collecting financial information and working on the purchase agreement for the property. The EDA and Planning Commission are helping direct the 165th Street Study, currently working on the AUAR. When the study is complete, the City can begin making infrastructure decisions. Coordination will continue with neighboring communities on the Otter Lake extension and corridor improvements. Amendments will be proposed to zoning district regulations. Commercial districts will be evaluated to determine whether there is too much commercial space for what the market can bear, and a study may be warranted. Shoreland regulations remain in draft form and are important to the Egg Lake City-owned property. Staff is also working on an ongoing dispute with the Metropolitan Council regarding the system statement, with the goal of avoiding delays to the comprehensive plan process. Infrastructure projects include street improvements in the Bald Eagle Industrial Park area and bridge projects, with the goal of applying for bridge bonding funds if available. The City will prepare plans for paving 165th Street and will work with Lino Lakes on paving Elmcrest Avenue. Public safety projects include work on the CIP for equipment and the timing of the purchase of the next fire truck. The Fire Marshal is retiring, and the position will need to be filled. Park projects include improvements at Frog Hollow Park, the Veterans Memorial at Lions Park and programming for summer concerts there, and completion of the Hardwood Creek Trail in coordination with Washington County.