City Council - Regular Meeting

Mayor Reese here. Council member Osk here. Nelson here. Gilbertson here. Baggerly here. Davis here. Butterfield here. And Sheld here. Council member Gardner is excused. Eight present, one excused. Please stand for the pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat]

Mr. Mayor, I'd offer a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Second motion and a second. Any discussion? Roll call. Council member O. Hi. Gilbert. [clears throat] Hi. Butterfield. I should I. Davis. I. Baggerly. I. And Nelson. Hi. Seven eyes. Zero nos. Motion carries. [clears throat]

Send [clears throat] agenda. Renee. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members and Mr. Mayor. Tonight, for your approval, I have the city council minutes of February 2nd, 2026. The planning commission meeting minutes of February 4th, 2026 is a draft. The Police Civil Service Commission minutes of February 2nd, 2026 is a draft. The Warmer Municipal Utilities Commission minutes of February 9th, 2026. Approval of the Supervisors Union 2026 to 2028 agreement. Approval of the ASME general labor agreement, the professional services proposal, airports snow removal equipment acquisition, the Wilmer Township fire agreement, the Candy Ohio Friends of the NRA Minnesota lawful gambling application, sale of low potency hemp edible retail registrations for 2026, and the accounts payable report from January 29th through February 11th, 26. And for your information, I have the director's report and the financial report through 131 of 2026.

Mr. Mayor, I'd like to pull item 5G. And unless there's any other items to be pulled, I'd offer a motion to approve the remainder of the consent agenda. Second. You got a motion and a second to approve at minus 5G. Discussion. Roll call. Council member Butterfield. Hi Nelson. I Baggerly. I should I Gilbertson [clears throat] I and Davis I. Seven eyes, zero nos.

That motion carries. Next we've got the uh consent agenda items and call on council member OS.

Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'm just hoping to get a better understanding of what is included in the professional services uh proposal here from Bolton and Mink. It sounds to me like they're they're basically putting together a bid for us and that runs $20,000 which seems to be extensive in my opinion. [snorts] Kyle,

good evening, mayor. Thank you, council me council member Ross for the question. Uh, this bid proposal as Bolton Mink is the assigned engineer for the Wilmer airport. Uh, the specifications do comply with the FAA uh by America requirements as well as the um process that's required for acquisition through the Federal uh aviation administration. Uh as you can see when you look at the scope within the scope of services and um towards the bottom for the consideration that we're asking uh this is a $20,000 professional services agreement that includes all of the coordination with the FAA. However, as you'll note, the breakout is 95% of this uh of the 20,000 is paid by the FAA, 2 and a half% or $500 by the state of Minnesota and the city of Wilmer shares also at 2 and a half% or $500. Um that is something that we have discussed um if you remember previously uh when the airport master services contract was approved uh in last year I believe. Uh these are the um specifications required by the FAA as well as the approved rates approved by MDOT uh the aviation division as well.

That provides some context. Do I understand you correctly to state that the rates and are approved by MDOT? So like the $20,000 for putting together an RFP would be something that MDOT would dictate an amount on. Council member Ask. believe the rates I I believe that they're hourly rates that are set. I would need to verify that. Um but I know I we do have that documentation. I just don't have it in front of me uh this evening. So in theory the rates would be an hourly rate set by Mandot which in theory Bolton and Mink would have estimated how many hours that they would need to put together an RFP and arrived at $20,000.

Yeah. Uh so further down in the project fee estimate uh they do have 136 total person hours uh varying rates depending on the activity or person fulfilling that role. Um again those are and then as well as the overhead which is the uh 2.25% above uh the hourly rate. Again that I believe that was the overhead was the question was questioned last time and that is that mindot rate. It just seems excessive. But I suppose when it's specialized when it comes to airport and dealing with FFA and Mindot and all those different parties that it's not as simple as just taking out a you know a snow removal. Um yeah,

it's very unique. Yes. Okay. Be unique if you were Yeah, I bet. I bet I I will offer A motion to approve item 5G. Second. Any questions? Discussion. Roll call. Council member Faggerly. Hi. Butterfield. I Davis. Ison. I should I Nelson. I. Seven eyes, zero nos. The

motion carries. Next is uh open forum and we've got one individual speaking and that's Celeste Flynn from CH from charter and uh Celeste you know three minutes give your name and address.

Sure. My name is Celeste Flynn. Um our address our Spectrum store is at 400 Lakeland Drive Northeast. Um good evening members of the com uh the city council. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak tonight. My name is Celeste Flynn. I'm the AVP of government affair uh government affairs for charter communications, also known as Spectrum. I'm here to update you on Spectrum's ongoing commitment to serving the residents of Wilmer and to share details about our latest investments in our network infrastructure, product offerings, and customer service. From 2020 to 2024 alone, we've invested nearly 51 billion in US technology and infrastructure. Our investment is customer focused to en ensure dependable service. Charter makes these investments because we want to attract and retain your community members as customers. Today, our company faces privately funded competition in Wilmer. We are no stranger to competition and face it every day from multiple broadband providers. We notified you late last year that we began our network evolution in Wilmer. Our upgraded network will deliver multi- gigabit symmetrical speeds, ensuring that our customers have futureproof connectivity. We are excited that these multi- gig symmetrical speeds will soon be available. Spectrum sets itself apart by offering not only internet, but mobile and video services and cost-saving packages such as free internet for life when you sign up for four lines of mobile service. We've redefined the streaming experience with our seamless entertainment packages, providing video customers with access to the most popular streaming apps like Disney, Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited, HBO Max, Paramont Plus, and more. A retail value of $129 per month at no additional cost. It's not just our products that set us apart from our competition. Our 100% US-based

employees, over 20 who live and work in Wilmer, are available 24/7, 6 365 days a year. We've made significant investments in improving the tools to make their jobs easier, including new digit digit digitization technologies and AI and network intelligent programs. Again, these investments were made with the customer in mind. We are equally committed to providing exceptional customer service that consistently exceeds expectations such as same day service calls and responding to installation and repair calls within two-hour windows. We are committed to continuing investing in our network and exploring new technologies to ensure that we stay ahead of our competition. We believe that healthy unsubsidized competition drives improvement. And at the core of our customer commitment is the need to always improve in every aspect of how Spectrum serves our customers and communities. Thank you for your time. Spectrum and our employees are fully committed to this community and we look forward to continuing our work to ensure families and businesses remain committed connected. Thank you.

Thank you, Celeste. Next is uh first of a couple public hearings and an ordinance authorizing the issuance of general obligation tax abatement bonds. Um, Michaela Michaela, I forget how to say your name. It's um, mayor, members of the council, Huitt. So, just think h e wi tie. Hey, with Baker.

Oh, sorry. With Yeah. So, sorry. Michaela Hwitt with Baker Tilly. um here to present the items before you on the two public hearings, one on the city's uh bond ordinance and on the tax abatement um as related to the bond financing. I do have a short PowerPoint that I can share and would be happy answer any questions that you have. I think we'll have you share that and then I'll open the public hearing.

Okay. Thank you. So again, the purpose of the public hearings tonight, um, there are two. One is to consider or following the public hearing, consider adopting an ordinance that would authorize the issuance up to 9.2 million of general obligation tax abatement bonds. And listed here are the dates as applicable to the the ordinance in the the public hearing tonight. Um, the ordinance was first introduced at uh January 20th. The public hearing notice was published on January 31st. The um public hearing on the bond bond ordinance is tonight and then the ordinance would be published following this on February 28th. The second public hearing is on the property tax abatement um in an equal amount of 9.2 million and the um property tax abatement again provides the authority for the city to consider the issuance of general obligation tax abatement bonds. So tax abatement financing um is a mechanism that um cities use under chapter 469. Um and it is uh allowed to be used to make specific improvements. Um the construction costs can be financed internally through city funds or through the issuance of debt obligation bonds. Uh the process of tax abatement allows cities to identify specific parcels that are included within the tax abatement area and the values from those parcels are what is used to finance and pay off the inter the um internal loan or the the bonds. Um I'll be providing additional details on what tax abatement is and how it's used. So again to use tax abatement bonds through or excuse me to use tax abatement financing through bond issuance um there are certain restrictions on how those dollars can be used. um they can be used to finance improvements to private property to um finance public infrastructure improvements and also to acquire, construct or improve public facilities that may include parks and recreation and community centers. So it is a pretty

broad um authority tool that again can be used to finance both private and public infrastructure um projects. When we're looking at the financing tool, the proceeds um can be used to finance certain public improvements. And for the project as proposed for the city, you'll see listed here. It's to finance a portion of the cost of the acquisition, construction, and installation of an open access high-speed fiber optic broadband inter infrastructure network within um certain portions of the city. The annual debt service payments from on the the general obligation bonds would be made from an annual tax abatement levy using the city only share of the taxes from the identified properties within the tax abatement. The proposed term of financing is up to 20 years. So prior to using tax abatement there are findings the city um needs to make. These findings are listed within the resolution um considering adoption of the tax abatement. Um I'll list them here. The two primary findings are one that the city finds that the benefits of the proposed abatement um at least equal the costs of the abatement and that uh participating in the tax abatement is in the public interest. So the first finding that the council expects the benefits of the city uh benefits to the city of the abatement to at least equal or exceed the cost to the city. Um listed here one the abatement will help to finance the broadband broadband facilities um to implement key development goal within the city. The project is expected to provide economic stimulus needed to attract new businesses and to retain and expand existing businesses and that the broadband facility will help preserve and increase the value of the properties within the tax abatement thereby uh helping to generate additional city tax revenues over a longer term um and after the expiration of the tax abatement which in this case is proposed as 20 years. The second finding is that granting of

the abatement is in the public interest. And again from the resolution um the findings are that it will increase or preserve the property tax base by stimulating development and helping to maintain um values in the city and region and that it allows the city and other government local governments to provide public services to their residents more efficiently through a direct connection and to provide access to services for residents and businesses of the city. as the project will offer a service uh again the fiber optic broadband telecommunications that's not currently available. There are a few limitations on tax abatement financing. The maximum term is up to 15 years if all three taxing entities participate, meaning the city, county, and school district. However, um uh the city can go up to 20 years if only two or fewer of the um taxing entities are participating. In this case, we're looking at a city-only tax abatement. So, we're um able to extend up to 20 years. Um the other considerations for tax abatement is, as I mentioned, there are certain properties that are included within the tax abatement area. Um and the value of those properties is what is um used to support the debt service payments or the debt service levy on the the tax abatement bonds. Um so, there are no back-to-back abatements. properties that are included within this proposed tax abatement um cannot be included within another tax abatement until 8 years pass. So, if we're looking at a 20-year tax abatement, um the properties that are within this tax abatement cannot be within another tax abatement um for up to 28 years. So, 20 years plus 8 um with the the waiting period. Um the other limit or the other consideration is the annual tax abatement levy for the city is the greater of 10% of the city's net tax capacity or 200,000. So when we're looking at the um annual tax abatement levy, another consideration is is up to 10% of that net tax capacity um and that

is again based on the abatement um uh levy for the the debt service. So again, the purpose of the public hearings tonight are are uh one on um adopting a resolution um the bond ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to 9.2 million of general obligation bonds and also uh public hearing on the tax abatement to provide the authority to issue the general obligation bonds of up to 9.2 million. Here's a u a timeline for the um issuance of bonds following tonight's meeting. Again, tonight is um consider the public hearing and consider considering the ordinance and the the tax abatement. Um following tonight, the next steps would be on March 2nd, the city council would consider the bond resolution authorizing sale of the bonds. Um the week of March 16th would be uh credit review with u Moody's um Moody's analyst. March 27th is when we'd be looking at publishing the preliminary official statement and then looking at a sale date of April 6. And this would be a competitive sale. And then based on this timeline, expecting to receive the bond proceeds for the project around April 23rd. So with that, I'd be happy to take any questions or step aside for the public hearing.

Why don't we have you step aside and I'll open the public hearing. Thank you. I'll open the public hearing. Is there anybody here to speak to this? Anybody here to speak? Seeing none, uh, I'll close the public hearing and call for a motion. Anybody got questions?

Just to to clarify on the uh you talked about the backtoback abatements. So if for example in phase one if within within that 8-year period um something happens where we have to spend some more money on that uh what what happens how is that funded?

Um mayor members of the council question is um if I'm understanding correctly we're right now the proposed um financing structure is for phase one of this project. um should a period of time in the future um happen where there's either improvements made to phase one or phase two or additional um costs incurred for this project and the city wishes to follow a similar procedure um of issuing tax abatement bonds [clears throat] to finance those improvements. Um what the process would be would be to find different parcels not the parcels that are included within this tax abatement within this pro proposed tax abatement. they will be tied up for the the term of the financing up to 20 years plus the eight years after that. Um so any future phases or project costs would be financed by different parcels within the city um with a similar process for how this um project is being financed. One thing to note on that um when identifying the properties, we look at limiting the amount of what's included in this to provide that flexibility for future projects or for the city to use tax abatement to finance either additional phases of this project or other qualifying projects within the city. So short answer is we try to minimize the properties that are included within this tax abatement to allow the authority to finance um additional improvements through tax abatement with different properties within the city.

Thank you. Any other questions? Rick. Thanks, Mr. Mayor. When did this tax abatement language come into play? I've never heard it before. And this this was supposed to be income revenue.

So, mayor, members of the council, that's a good question. Um, I thought you wanted to know when tax abatement became a tool, and it was, I think, 1999 or 97. Um, but the the answer to your question, tax abatement is the financing mechanism for this project. Um it is the um because it's general obligation um it's the the lowest interest financing um for this type of of project. Um and we went through the different types of projects that can be financed through tax abatement. Um the expectation is while we're using the tax abatement as the authority to finance the improvements the projected revenues from the new project will um um reduce to cancel the annual debt service levy. So the expectation is the revenues generated by the project will reduce the annual debt service levy of the city an amount that's equal to those revenues. So the net effect would be that the project revenues of the of the of the the future revenues of the project are what's paying the debt service. However, from an authority standpoint, the tax abatement um under the tax abatement statute, the properties that are identified within the tax abatement resolution um are the the city's annual tax abatement levy, but then the revenues generated by the project reduce the city's overall levy. So, the net effect is that the project revenues are paying the debt service and the tax abatement is the mechanism for which to finance the improvements.

Any other questions? Tom, [clears throat] just uh coailing off of Faggerly there, [gasps] you had $200,000. Was that per year?

So, the the limit um mayor, members of the council, the limit that was referenced there is so with tax abatement, um there are some limitations on the use of it. There's an annual test that's the greater of 10% of the city's net tax capacity or 200,000. In this case, your net tax capacity is just around 21 million. So your annual tax abatement levy limit would be 2.1 million and the proposed debt service for this project is well below that 2.1 million. So it's the greater of your 10% or the 200,000. In some communities that are very small 10% of their tax capacity is less than 200. Um but in your case um the annual tax abatement levy for all projects within the city is 10% and right now based on your current um total tax capacity is about 2.1 million.

Okay. So all the properties in listed this my understanding is going to pay off this bond but if we don't have the money coming in from the revenue from that the city is going to lose that for budgeting purpose for the rest of the city. Correct.

So as a general obligation bond um there will be the annual debt service payments uh for 20 for 20 years. The um expectation is that the revenues from the project will be used to pay the debt service on the bonds. But to the extent if the revenues are less than what the debt service payments are, it is a general obligation levy of the city similar to all the city's um existing in in future bonds. So it's an annual annual debt service levy um similar to all of your other um debt service levies. However, the expectation is that future revenues from this project will cancel the debt service levy. That makes it um makes it neutral, if you will, from the those future revenues. Um, one of the things that we've been working on, um, and structuring of the bonds is, um, reviewing those those projected revenues and trying to align the annual debt service payments with the revenues, um, so that there's not going to be um, a levy impact and that the sizing of the re so based on projections, we're trying to size the debt service payments around um the the the levy or the debt service payments. My understanding is there's also other sources of revenue that um could be available before the debt service levy um is is impacted. So between the project revenues um other identified revenues that would be available that would be what would mitigate the actual levy of for debt service on this project.

Anybody else? Otherwise I'll entertain a motion. So moved. Second. We got a motion and a second. Discussion. Roll call. Council member Ask. I. Gilbertson. I. Davis. Hi. Baggerly. [clears throat] No. Childz. I. Nelson. I. Butterfield. No.

Five yeses. Two nos. Motion carries. All right. Next is a resolution approving tax abatement go abatement 2026A. And again, Michaela Mr. Mayor, members of the council, um I close out the the PowerPoint presentation, but the second action item is to um um do we just do the ordinance public hearing? Is that now we're do the abatement? [snorts] So the um tax abatement um again this action is to adopt the resolution approving the tax abatement. Um again for the so in support of the ordinance authorizing the issuance [clears throat] of the general obligation tax abatement bonds um the city must conduct a separate public hearing on the tax abatement. Um I did describe the tax abatement process um in our in our presentation and again the purpose of the tax abatement is as the financing mechanism for the project. Um the up to the maximum uh term of the abatement is for up to 20 years with an amount not to exceed 9.2 million and that is based on the um highest project cost estimate um with the expectation that amount could be reduced based on um further project components. So, with that, I'd be happy to answer any questions or set aside for the um for the hearing.

Next, I'll open the public hearing. Anyone here to speak to the tax abatement? Anybody here to speak? If not, I'll close the hearing and uh call for a motion. So move to approve the tax abatement. Second. We got a motion and a second discussion. Tom,

I'll go at the end if because I got a few more questions. So see if anybody else has any first. They might have same questions as I do. Anybody got questions, [snorts] Kyle? [clears throat] On exhibit A on the parcel numbers for the properties, there's about 550 of them listed. How did we come up with those properties?

Yeah, that was a kilo. So the question on the the properties included within exhibit A of the abatement resolution um there when looking at the location of this project um in part what we wanted um to do is minimize the amount of properties that need to be within the tax abatement only up to the the maximum 9.2 million um that's uh provided for in the authorizing resolution over a 20-year term. And secondly, then the properties that are listed within there are in um geographic proximity to where the projects are. So if we or the project is so if we look at a map of the entire city going back to the um the uh public benefits and finding um the the findings within the resolution um essentially um all of the properties within the city have the same general public benefit of this project. Um, however, if we include every property within this tax abatement, there's no future tax abatements. So, that being the case, what we do is we look for for properties that are within geographic um proximity of where the improvements are going to occur um up to the amount that's needed to support the tax abatement. So, there is some methodology to which properties are identified um based on both the geographic location [clears throat] up to the maximum amount of what the abatement's being proposed. um knowing that um the the benefits to um properties greater than this could be considered but we didn't want to include them in there for the case of future um tax abatement financings. So just to follow up on that, are the parcels that are listed all in phase one?

That's correct. And then out of those phase one, are all the these parcels ones that pre-signed up to that they were interested in having this fiber or is this just a random draw?

The properties that are included within here have no correlation to the project itself. Um when identifying properties within a tax abatement, there is there's no impact to these properties as compared to any other properties within the city. Um there is no consent needed for the properties that are included within the tax abatement um area. So it's a it's a mechanism um that is used by identifying properties that um meet the the qualifications that generate meeting qualifications such that they're generating sufficient um revenues of the city share of the tax abatement to be included within the the project up to the maximum tax abatement amount. So to answer the question, the properties that are listed here um have no different impact than any other properties within the city as far as if they've signed up for this this project. Um um so they're all they're all being treated equal as far as that's concerned.

Okay. And then have we reached out to these uh owners of these parcels to see if they want to be included on this? because later on if they wanted to do go for an abatement and now they can't. Now they're locked in for 28 years where now they can't try and get a an abatement on their property.

So the the properties that are included within here are um residential homes um in uh generally when we're doing tax abatements, we avoid any sort of um businesses or projects that would be looking at doing improvements to their project. Um and so tax abatement has been reserved as a tool to facilitate new development redevelopment opportunities. Um when we're looking at a traditional tax abatement and provide an incentive to a project, um generally it will be commercial or you know commercial industrial um type facilities that are looking to do an expansion or some other improvement at requesting tax abatement assistance. When we're doing tax abatement for these types of projects, um we focus on um residential properties that um generally don't don't qualify and wouldn't uh request a tax abatement um just due to the existing value of their property, the the use of the tool itself. Um so and from a statutory standpoint there is not a requirement to requify and or request that properties included within a tax abatement area need to be there's no there's no statute requirement that they need to be notified and or um requested to participate in a tax abatement.

Okay. on on that. Just say something happens where [snorts] somebody's remodeling, doing whatever, qualify for another abatement, they have this and they protest because they never agreed to be on it. What happens then?

The statute allows and I believe the resolution, [clears throat] excuse me, every other year, um, an abatement resolution can be modified. So, if there's a time in the future, so one of the things that we've discussed is right now it's the not to exceed 9.2 2 million based on the maximum um estimated cost of the project. Should the city choose in the future that the actual abatement is less um the abatement part the abatement resolution can be modified um and properties can be removed that are not needed for the tax abatement which then um doesn't have that full 20-year implication um and it reduces the time. So, that was one of the considerations is if the actual financing amount comes in less, the properties included within here can be reduced um which doesn't lock in for that full 20-year um period of time. Um the other thing on tax abatement is is um the use of tax abatement can be subject to the city's tax abatement policy. Um and if if um how housing or other uses, that would be a a future, I guess, consideration or discussion topic. Anybody else?

All right. Roll call. Council member Butterfield. No. Davis. Hi. Gilbertson. Hi. Nelson. Hi. Childz. I. O. I. And Baggerly. No. Five eyes, two nos. Motion carries. [clears throat] Thank you, Kayla. Thank you. Next, I'm going to call on Environment Specialist Sarah Seitzma to review the ordinance amendments for sanitary sewer and then I'll open the public hearing.

Yes. Good evening, mayor and council members. Tonight I'm here recommending a minor amendment uh to chapter 16 article 3 division 3 section 1691. So at the January 5th council meeting it was made clear that council wished to remove the list of unacceptable sewer lateral materials that was included in the original adoption of this INI mitigation program ordinance language. So staff have been applying the other parts of the ordinance when determining if a private sewer lateral is compliant and we have not been using pipe material as a measure. This ordinance would remove that language. The other minor language change presented tonight um would allow staff to accept a CCTV video um after repair or replacement work has been done in lie of an on-site open trench excavation um or to be able to determine that compliance right after the repair or replacement work has been done. We're seeing most property owners right now are choosing to do um either slip lining or that cured inplace pipelining um as the method of repair or replacement. And so these after the-act CCT videos allow us to ensure that the work was done um and that we are finding it to our acceptable standards. So with that, I will profer the amendment that's in your um council packets tonight and ask that you open the public hearing.

Right. I'll open the public hearing at this time. Is there anybody in the audience that wishes to speak? Anybody wishing to speak? Hearing none, I'll close the public hearing and call for a motion to approve the ordinance amending the sanitary sewer ordinance. So moved. Second. Second. A motion and a second. Any discussion? Justin.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I just wanted to offer that I um heard from a resident recently that just completed the sale um or is in the process of completing the sale of their property and theirs was one that was uh flagged and that required um that they work with the the the buyer of their property. They were able to do so and and it sounds like things went very smoothly. Um, and basically the cost of that repair is now being picked up by the buyer. And so I think we've we always hear, you know, the the negative sides when things don't go right. And I just wanted to share with you and the rest of the council that I I got to hear today one of the positive examples of this working out. I think very much exactly as we would probably have planned for that to do. So wanted to share that.

Thank you. Any other roll call? [clears throat] Council member Davis. Hi Nelson. I Gilbertson. Hi. Shoulders. Hi. Butterfield. I O I. And Faggerly. I. Seven eyes, zero nos. Motion carries. Um I need a motion to publish the ordinance by summary. So move. Second. Motion and a second. Do we have discussion? Roll call. Council member Shelders. Hi. Gilbertson.

Hi. Butterfield. Hi. O. Hi. Davis. Hi. Baggerly. Hi. And Nelson. Hi. Seven eyes's zero nos. That motion carries. Thank you. Thank you Sarah. Next is an ordinance amending section 7.03. 03 C, 7.04 C, and 7.05 C of the charter of the city of Wilmer. I'll call on Kyle for this and then I'll open the public hearing after he explains. Okay. So Robert's gonna [cough] [clears throat]

mayor, members of the council, this is a public hearing on one charter amendment ordinance that would [clears throat] make amendments to three separate charter sections. Um, as was the case recently, uh, there is not a full council here tonight. So, the recommendation tonight will be to continue the public hearing rather than close it and vote. That [clears throat] being because it's a charter amendment ordinance, uh it is required for this to take effect that every council member and the mayor vote in favor of it. As far as the substance of the three amendments to the three charter sections, it's actually very simple. The city charter has provisions for three types of petitions that can lead to special elections, initiative, referendum, and recall. Uh the charter specified format requirements for those petitions, which is uh different than and not as thorough [clears throat] as regulations adopted by the Minnesota Secretary of State for the same types of petitions. So the amendments simply replace what's in the charter currently with the format requirements that the Secretary of State has adopted in each case. [clears throat] Um with that, I don't have any further explanation, but I'm happy to entertain any questions. Otherwise, I'd recommend the uh council receive any public comments [clears throat] since this is a public hearing and uh then continue the public hearing until the March March 2nd council meeting. All right. Again, I'll open the public hearing. Anybody here to speak to this issue? Anybody here to speak? I would call for a motion to table the

agenda until March 2nd. So moved. Second. We got a motion in a second. Discussion. Roll call. Council member Shelz. I. Baggerly. [snorts] Hi. Osk. Hi. Gilbertson. Hi. Davis. Hi. Butterfield. Hi. and Nelson I. Seven eyes's zero nos.

My motion passes. Thank you, Robert. Next is project 253 C technology drive overlay and calling Spencer Johnson. Yes. Good evening, Mayor, Council. Thank you for having me this evening. In your packets, you will find the final pay application and reconciling change order for the technology drive street improvement project. The final pay application is in the amount of $447,53359. We have re uh reviewed the project. Um, it is complete and we recommend um final payment be made and the project be accepted and closed out. Um, if [snorts] there's any questions, I'm open to answering any questions that council may have at this time.

Either a motion or discussion. Move to approve. Second. Any further discussion? [clears throat] Roll call. Council member Nelson. I. Butterfield. I. Baggerly. Hi. Osc. I. Gilbertson. Hi. Davis. Hi. And Shel. Hi. Seven eyes. Zero nos. Motion carries. Thank you, Spencer.

Thank you. Next is uh rail corridor study and I will call on operation instructor Kyle Box. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, council. Uh this evening we'll be asking the council to consider uh acceptance of a proposal for a rail corridor study. Uh last year the council uh November of 25 the council approved the cooperative agreement between the city, the county and [snorts] BNSF [clears throat] railway company. Uh the city has released the RFP after working with the county and the railroad uh to develop the RFP uh and has received uh four proposals again that were evaluated by city staff, county staff and a cons a representative from BNSF. Uh the uh recommended proposal is included in your packet from SRF. However, we did receive four proposals in total from ACOM, HDR Engineering, and Quandell Consultants. Um the entire project um or the purpose and scope of the proposal again um that we received from SRF uh responds directly to the proposal and the cooperative agreement. Uh the study aims to identify uh projects and long range program of uh improvements to advance uh multimmoal safety, freight efficiency, and community connectivity. Uh this proposal um positions this this specific study as a corridorwide planning and engineering effort that builds on the recent planning work including the with Wilmer comprehensive plan and the safe streets for all initiatives and focuses on translating those plans into capital ready infrastructure concepts. Uh the proposal that we received from SRF is

consistent with the RFP which evaluates uh the and studies the atgrade crossings, safeties and improve safety improvement opportunities, grade separation, cross and crossing closure alternatives, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity along the rail corridor and potential alternative uses for the BNSF spur line. The project is broken into three main phases. Phase one uh the desktop and field reviews. Phase two is the public outreach stakeholder engagement and phase three is the development of uh a full corridor strategy within the proposal. We also asked uh added a uh optional phase 4 which would be further project refinement and grant development. This was important for us to include as an alternate if and when rail grants become available at the federal level. uh we could then go back and work with this consultant uh to develop those specific grants when we know uh from when the study is developed uh put together and what we know um the council would like to proceed with in capital improvements in the future. The proposed timeline is expected to begin uh by either the end of this month or early early next month um with phase three deliverables expected in November of this year. Again the phase four which is an optional phase would further extend the proposed timeline by an additional five to six months depending on funding and authorization. Uh the budget for this project uh we had established uh the entire project not to exceed uh $300,000 and this is split evenly between the three entities uh the city, the county and BNSF contributing $100,000 each. Uh SRF's proposal is structured to

deliver the full multi-phase study uh within those timelines. Um Mr. Mayor, members of the council, I will pause there for any questions. Any questions? If no questions, um I would call for a motion to adopt the resolution. So moved.

We got a motion and a second. Any discussion? If not, roll call. Council member Davis. Hi. Gilbertson. Hi. O. Hi. Butterfield. Hi. Nelson. Hi. Feigerly. Hi. And shoulders. Hi. Seven eyes, zero nos. Motion carries. Thank you. Kyle will call on you for uh Wilmer Government Academy.

Uh yes. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, council. Uh this is a a fun program that we wanted uh that we want to present tonight. I think it'll be very beneficial not only for um not only for the community, which was its focus, but also for our city staff as well. And I have to give credit where credit is due. Our uh administrative assistant, Ally Pollson, uh did a lot of research and a lot of uh building uh putting this program together. Uh so I wanted to make sure she uh got the credit for uh putting this together. Uh so the Wilmer's government academy is a seven-week program designed to give our community members an inside look on how the city of Wilmer operates. uh participants would be able to engage with city leadership and staff directly to understand uh the services, the decision-making process and opportunities for civic involvement. The goals of the program are uh to strengthen community connections through transparency and engagement. You know, we would like to strive to continue continue to strive to provide residents with clear behind-the-scenes understanding of how we operate to and then continue to build off those shared understandings uh of our public services uh listing our priorities and our decision-m process. And we ultimately want to encourage like I had mentioned before uh encourage that community dialogue the community involvement and provide residents with um the informed participants in local government and civic life and why it matters just a continuation on that. Um we want to be able to [clears throat] you know pull the pull the doors back look at our city operations uh from a department level um a department level view. Uh it's not every day that you get to walk up to finance and and see how what makes uh what makes Tom's wheels turn up in finance and how and how we get to operate. And uh the the whole goal is to make this interactive, right?

Um you know, the the fun stuff, public safety, um you know, that's when you get to see the lights and the sirens and it gets really people's attention. But um I don't know how many people have got to tour a waste treatment plant. That's really exciting stuff as well. So um that's the whole goal again just to be able to have that uh catalyst for uh trust and transparency understanding how we offer operate and finally uh providing public path pathways to public service whether that's boards commissions or even uh local or state government employment pro program logistics and the structure. What we're proposing is again a 7-week program beginning on March 31st uh going through May 12th and then the following council meeting that in May I believe it's May 16th or 18th uh having a a having a reflection period with the council before the council meeting uh for you an opportunity for you to meet with the participants and ask questions along the way. Um but just a as well as a recognition for those that went through the program. We're looking to provide a light meal. Um, you know, this would be from 5 to 7:00 p.m. each of those nights. Um, we want to be able to provide um a good experience and that's why we're putting a maximum max participation of 15. Uh, this will be our first go at this and we want to be able [clears throat] to do it well. I know if we've get in anywhere between that 15 and 20 range, we'll evaluate it. But we do want to establish a maximum uh level of participation. Uh you must be 18 years or older, live in Wilmer, and able to transport yourselves from different locations. Again, each week will include several departments uh ensuring all departments are highlighted. Um and there it is right there, the May 18th council meeting for recognition. Uh we do have a small budget that we're will be uh for this and largely just to cover the expense of the meals uh based on 15 to 20 people uh

roughly $3,000 over those seven weeks. Uh but again that would be our not to exceed if um we can it's about $20 ahead is what it turns into. So um I think we can come in under that but we just want to make sure that there's an appropriate budget in place. So tonight's action u Mr. Mayor members of the city council uh ask questions of the program but we would be looking at a motion from the city council to approve the Wilmer Government Academy. Make a motion to approve the Wilmer Government Academy. Second. We've got a motion and a second discussion. Justin,

thank you, Mr. Mayor. Love the idea. Um, I'm going to assume that things go really well. Um, would this be something we would look to do again in the future? Yes. The goal in mind is this would be an annual program. Okay. And assuming that this goes really well, would it be possible to expand and maybe offer a second style of course that might be somewhat different that would target like high school youth? Yeah. Um yes, that is something that we had talked about. Um estimate produces unique challenges.

It produces some unique challenges uh maybe on the transportation side of it. Um and just the aspects of many minorities participating. that was something that uh the other cities that we worked with that was something that they potentially shied away from was making sure that all participants were 18 or older. Um but absolutely I think uh as we go through this the goal is to have maybe a surveyed response after each session what can we do different or what did you like etc. Um but maybe um coming off of this type of program to exactly what you had mentioned council Ross to have a I would think if you worked with the Wilmer public school district that they could they could help you solve some of those challenges. Absolutely.

Carl, so uh you have the qualifications there. How how do they actually apply for this? Who would Yeah, we have an application that's put up. So it would be and let's say you get 30 applicants. Well, how you whittle that down? Yeah. right now a first come first serve is how we would put it out.

Tom um thank you mayor. Um in the event that [clears throat] there is some interest on that youth side in the event that uh a child and parent and there was seats available. I know everybody up here is very civically involved and think it's going to be a huge hit. But in the event that only 13 people sign up, could a parent and a and a under 18 civicminded uh youth uh attend the academy as well?

Um you know, it's it's possible, Council Member Gilbertson. Some of the thought behind it is let's say we're touring the waste treatment facility um and you're in some maybe um more dangerous or uh conditions or I shouldn't say dangerous but something you maybe wouldn't want an unsupervised or a little child or a child around. Uh that was the thought again the thought process around it but we can be as accommodating as possible. Uh and then not again not to belabor this but u making sure that we don't take away from the experience that others are also having in the class. Okay. All right. Go ahead, Rick.

Thanks, Mr. Mayor. So, is this duplication of what the chamber does or this is more diversified just for the city? Yeah, that's a great question, Council Member Fagerly. Uh we do have a couple of classes that through the lead and um lead program and the leadership perspectives program that are government oriented. This is a deep dive to city of Wilmer operations specifically, but it's a very similar structure and program. Okay. Would it be possible that if you say you attend, you're going to apply to be on a commission? [laughter] It'll be a requirement. They just don't know yet. Yeah.

Any further discussion? I like this idea a lot. I'll thank Ally next time I come into the office. Um, if there's no further discussion, roll call. Council member Nelson, I. Gilbertson, hi. Childz, I. Osk I Davis I Baggerly I and Butterfield I seven I's zero nos. Motion carries. Thank you Kyle. Thank you mayor. Thank you councel.

Next is Sunday liquor license for 2026. I'll call on city clerk Verne Lar. I just have one applicant looking for a Sunday liquor license and that's the Elks Lodge of Wilmer lodge number 952. They're looking for approval for a Sunday license. They didn't reapply when renewals came around and now have decided they would like to have that Sunday liquor license. They have held one in the past. They just didn't renew and now changed their minds. So move to approve. Second. Motion and second discussion. Roll call. Council member Schelz. Hi. Gilbertson. Hi. O. Hi. Davis. I Faggerly I Nelson

I and Butterfield I seven I's zero nosion carries. We're at the end of our regular [clears throat] meeting. Um any announcements. Audrey, I thought maybe Pablo would like to talk about the event this weekend.

Mr. Mayor, members of the council. Yes. And thank you for the opportunity to um remind uh our community and you city leaders that uh tomorrow actually tonight Ramadan begins for uh many members of our community and uh this will be uh this Saturday uh community connections uh which is led by Abd Fatam Muhammad uh is uh hosting um uh eat meal um and this is a way to introduce use [snorts] um that tradition in uh uh in our community. Uh many people uh throughout the years have wondered what is that about and they are willing to um over a meal uh explain some of the meanings behind and for us to start understanding uh the importance of that uh faith community and this celebration. So again, uh logistics is this Saturday beginning at 5 at the um Islamic Community Center on the uh northwest part of town. Um remind me of the name of the former school.

Lafayette. Lafayette. Um so that's where uh we will be gathering. There is no need to RSVP. Um just um um come as you're willing. And I hope that many of you can be partaking of that. Is the door on the south side of the building or where do you enter? Good question. South. Okay. Yes. I was trying to locate myself and um any other questions. Thank you. Thank you, Pavo.

There's no other announcements. We're going to enter into close sessions. Need a motion to enter into close session. So move. Second.

Um, mayor, members of the council, before we [clears throat] vote on that motion, we need to identify the statute and the property to be discussed on the record. This portion of the regular meeting of the city council will be closed pursuant to Minnesota statutes section 13D.05 subdivision 3C. The council may be asked to take formal action after concluding the discussions in a closed session. The following real property will be discussed separately in close session. Parcel Candy High County parcel ID 95-976-2302.

Now I need that motion to close the meeting. So move second. Okay.

All in favor start roll call. Council member Butterfield. I. Davis. I should. Hi. Nelson. Hi. Osk. Hi. Baggerly. Hi. And Gilbertson. Hi. Seven eyes. Zero nos.

The city council is now in close session [clears throat] pursuant to Minnesota statutes 13D.05 subdivision 3C. The time is 7:33. In addition to city council, also president, this meeting must be tape recorded. The minutes of this portion of the meeting should reflect only that a meeting was held on this agenda item with due with its date, time, and location, who was present at the meeting, and the purpose of the meeting. I will now call on city staff to lead the discussions regarding Candy Height County parcel 95-9762302.