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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.01.26 CC Minutes-Goal Setting WorkshopMINUTES City Council Goal Setting Workshop City Hall Council Chambers Monday, January 26, 2026 6:00 p.m. Call to Order Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. COUNCIL PRESENT: Krull, Miron, Petryk, Strub, Weidt COUNCIL ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear, Finance Director Anna Wobse, Fire Chief Jim Compton, Public Works Director Scott Anderson, City Clerk Michele Lindau, Hopkins Schoolhouse City Administrator Bryan Bear began by providing background and an update on the Hopkins Schoolhouse. In 2022, one of the Council’s goals was to determine the fate of the Hopkins Schoolhouse. They agreed it was not a good use of taxpayer money and decided not to offer financial assistance for its restoration. They also supported the establishment of a community volunteer group if there was interest in saving it from demolition. The Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center Committee was established, and in May 2023, the City entered into a 15-year lease agreement with the committee. Over the past few years, the committee has been successful in cleaning up the building, installing new windows, improving the front entrance, replacing the roof and chimney, and framing the upstairs and downstairs. They were able to complete these improvements through fundraisers, donated labor, and assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department Sentence to Serve Program. They are now preparing for the next steps related to electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work. Recently, Bear and City Clerk Michele Lindau toured the building, and Bear reported that the committee had made tremendous progress. Hugo Historical Commissioner and Committee Member Brad LeTourneau has been instrumental in overseeing much of the work and coordinating the participation of STS. In response to the Mayor’s recent inquiry as to whether the City should participate financially, Bear met with Committee President Liz Cinqueonce, who indicated they were not asking for help but would gladly accept it. Their greatest need is with the septic system, well, and site improvements. He explained that the committee has proposed using the schoolhouse as a heritage center with historical displays and potential for public events, though they are not completely set on its use. He indicated the County could be approached with the idea of adding a trailhead on the site, noting that two regional trails will intersect nearby. Bear asked the Council for their thoughts on the City’s participation in the completion of the schoolhouse and what their expectations were for the site. The Council was impressed with the work that had been done and discussed the need for the committee to have sufficient resources to complete the project. There were comments that using public funds would be more justifiable if there were some type of public or rentable use of the facility. They acknowledged that proper management of events would be necessary. There was discussion about having a third-party user or a partnership with the County for a trailhead. If a trailhead were located there, accessible bathrooms and parking would be required. Also discussed was what would happen if the committee halted the project, and they recognized that it would become a City asset. 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. Council Meeting Minutes Goal Workshop on January 26, 2026 Page 3 of 3 Administrative priorities include implementation of the personnel policy, discussion of staffing needs, implementation of new finance software, and evaluation of City facilities. Council members expressed interest in banners and decorations along CSAH 8 for holidays such as the Fourth of July, and suggested a committee be formed to assist. In response to a question regarding whether the shoreland ordinance would be completed in time for development, Bear responded that it needed to go to the ordinance review committee. Tax Rates Krull initiated a discussion on tax rates, specifically the difference between the urban and rural rates that are inconsistent in some parts of the City. It was noted that his area, the Everton Avenue area, resulted from a decision made several years ago when the area was developing, and the property owners wanted to keep it rural because the properties did not have large buildable sites like others in the area. The City Council at that time voted to keep them in the agricultural zoning district, with the understanding they would never be served by the MUSA. The Council discussed the inconsistencies in the map Bear presented and agreed it did not warrant further discussion at this time. Adjournment Petryk made a motion, Krull seconded, to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Michele Lindau City Clerk