This is the transcribed townhall meeting with speaker names added based on the context of the Hermantown City Council. **Note:** The transcript includes Councilors "Nelson" and "Hostchild" (likely Hauschild), who may be alternates or newly appointed members not listed in the initial briefing, but are identified by name during the roll call. *** **[0:00] Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty. **[0:20] City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Roll call please. Councilor Peterson? **Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Here. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? **Councilor John Geissler:** Here. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Nelson? **Councilor Nelson:** Here. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hostchild? **Councilor Hostchild:** Here. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Here. Announcements—uh, this is the time that councilors can make announcements about anything they would like. Does anyone have any announcements tonight? **[0:45] Mayor Wayne Boucher:** You're going to announce the obvious. I have one. Um, you know, I got a little script here. Uh, there is a tradition in giving the key to the city to individuals and groups who've made important contributions to an entire community. As Natalie Peterson steps off the council tonight as part of her move back North, it's worthy to note that she herself has been a key to the city of Hermantown. Her dedication and passion as a city councilor over the last eight years was key in aiding many council-led projects to fruition, such as the Essential Wellness Center, Boulder Trail, and the Section 23 sewer line; both the Hermantown Marketplace and the Hermantown Square; our entire city's overall marketing, branding, and imaging. Her efforts were key in areas beyond the city council as she was critical in helping Hawk Pride school referendum successfully pass. At each turn, she's opened doors and created opportunities for others. Even though she's moving back to her home, we will hope she will forever think of Hermantown as her home. We have a small gift of appreciation as you finish your time on the council; it's our way of giving you the key to the city. **[2:15] Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Now you're gonna make me cry. Oh my gosh, as soon as I start talking, then I start crying. Um, I just want to thank Council, Mayor, staff, the community. It's been just a joy to raise my family. We've been here for 22 years, raised the kids. I've been as involved as I possibly could be—um, hopefully in a lot of positive ways. Um, this group has done amazing work in this community, um, making decisions to hopefully better the community, um, for the right reasons. The staff is amazing, one of the best. I think we all hired most of you, so I hope we feel that way. Um, but it's—it’s an—it's a special community to be a part of. And um, I'm, you know, I'm from International Falls originally, so I'm a northern Minnesota girl. My dad was a sheriff for 27 years. Um, I know what it's like to be raised in and live and raise a family in a small community, and um, this one is a little special in its own. Um, it's vibrant, it's connected. Um, the values that are here within this community, the support—um, I've watched, unfortunately, some sad situations with certain family and friends that this community's rallied and supported without even question, and at the same time, they've gotten together and celebrated one another. Um, and that's something to be very proud of, and I'm very proud to have been a part of it. So thank you. **[3:55] Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Okay. We have no public hearings for items under item five this evening on the agenda. Communications—Uh, Kevin, we've got two highlighted here. The first one, 22-94, is that the same as something that was just handed to us? **Director of Finance Kevin Orme:** Let's hand it out to you guys. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Well, we just received one tonight. Okay, this is new. Looks like it's been added on to. **Director of Finance Kevin Orme:** Okay, there's some additions on here, yep, on the second page. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** And then we have one from PNR Properties that's in record. We have presentations in depth at the pre-agenda meeting; I'd like them to be given a summation at this meeting. Mr. Orme, if you have a summation of the Debt Services budget for 2023. **[4:45] Director of Finance Kevin Orme:** Yeah, Mr. Mayor, members of the Council. Tonight I presented to you a kind of synopsis of what our 2023 Debt Service budgets will look like. Overall, the city has about 33 million in total debt. That amount has reduced um in 2022 because we have not issued anything this year. Next year we already have plans to issue probably two more million in debt to redo Richard Lindgren Road and to redo the Hermantown Road Bridge. Um, we pay about 3.75—sorry, 3.75 million annually to service our debt of about 33 million. The other piece I presented to tonight was the sales tax fund itself. So that sales tax fund uh covers about 73% of our debt in the city. Now sales tax has certain uses that we can only use it for by the legislature, um, so I did include the sales tax budget. We're budgeting 3.3 million in revenue and about 3.3 million in expenditures in 2023 from that sales tax fund. Questions on debt service or sales tax? Now, we'll bring the rest of the budget to um later. We've also brought some other pieces to you, and the overall budget gets approved in December. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions from Council? Thank you. And now, um, Mr. Wicklund, do you have a short synopsis of your presentation on the community recreation initiative? **[6:25] Assistant City Administrator Joe Wicklund:** Yep, thank you Mayor and Council. We covered uh in pre-agenda both actions that are about to be taken on the communications side as well as information that will be put out community-wide around education around the upcoming referendum around local option sales tax referred as the community recreation initiative. A city-wide mailing is hitting mailboxes and has already started in terms of bringing folks up to speed. The biggest Q and A's that we've had through that process to help people be clear and understand what they're walking into when they vote, whether it's in early voting or an election day, is that it is three separate questions. Um, they're not linked together, so one, two, or three can pass, and regardless of uh one, two, or three passing, it's a half-percent sales tax increase no matter what. It'll just be the time that we enact that tax. Uh, it is different than other taxes in that it does have a hard sunset due to our new regulations around local options sales tax at the legislative level, and there's more specificity in terms of what those sales taxes can be used for. Kind of like Kevin mentioned on—the new referendums around this are hyper-specific. So the questions that folks are encountering are a bit laborious on the uh ballot, but it outlines total amounts and specific amounts for any projects associated with us. We'll be doing our third information session on Wednesday here; that'll focus on the arena project. Folks have already attended the Fickner Park reimagining project as well as the trails piece, and those videos are online for folks who didn't see those meetings. We'll have two more public meetings at least in October and November and multiple tabling sessions uh some at the high school and then some others as folks kind of call and and need. So folks, the recreation initiative will just be a lot more prevalent I think in the community in the coming months leading up to the election. **[8:00] Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you for that. Um, next on the agenda is public discussion. This is the time that individuals can address the council about any item not on the agenda. We ask that you limit your time to three minutes per person. Now, a lot of you are here for certain items on the agenda, and we will have a public discussion available when we address those issues. Is there anyone who wishes to speak to the Council about any item not on the agenda? If so, please step forward to the podium and state your name and address for the record. **[9:06] Assistant City Administrator Joe Wicklund:** That also invitation also includes to anyone attending the meeting online. If you wish to speak to the Council, please lead with your name and address. Are there any hands raised? Not at this time. **[9:32] Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Okay. Is there any public input on and general discussion for the City Council this evening? This will be the last opportunity for general public discussion in this meeting. If anyone wishes to speak to the Council, please state your name and address for the record. **[9:49] Unidentified Resident:** [Inaudible question about an agenda item] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** That is on the agenda, sir, and we will have a time for public discussion during that item. So once we call that item, we will have public discussion on that as well as the other ordinances and motions, with the exception of the first reading of the fee schedule. So if anyone has any general public discussion, please do so at this time. Otherwise, we will move to the consent agenda, which is the minutes approval or correction of the September 6th meeting, and general city warrants in the amount of $356,991.55. Do we have a motion? **Councilor John Geissler:** Motion to approve. **Councilor Hostchild:** Second. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Geisler, second by Councilor Hostchild. Roll call please. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geisler? **Councilor John Geissler:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Nelson? **Councilor Nelson:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hostchild? **Councilor Hostchild:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? **Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Next is our first ordinance for a second reading this evening. This is ordinance 2022-10, an ordinance recommending that part of the Hermantown city code be temporarily suspended to further study the "Earn a Buck" requirement for the Hermantown City 2022 Bow Hunt. Do we have a motion? **Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Motion to approve. **Councilor Nelson:** Second. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Nelson. This is—uh, would put the "Earn a Buck" program that we use on hold for one year to study its effectiveness. We have been asked to do this by bow hunters, and we've been told by the DNR and other agencies that are in the know that "Earn a Buck" is not helping increase the deer population or cull the deer population as we needed to. So the population is apparently down right now, and by suspending this and studying it for a year, we're going to look at the effects and look at continuing uh the suspension or reinstatement of it again next year. Does—do any councilors have questions or comments? Is there any member of the public that wishes to comment on Ordinance 2022-10, either in chambers or online? If so, start with your name and address. Is there any public input on the temporary suspension of the "Earn a Buck" requirement? This will be the last notice for public input on ordinance 2022-10. Roll call please. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Nelson? **Councilor Nelson:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hostchild? **Councilor Hostchild:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? **Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geisler? **Councilor John Geissler:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Next is the second reading of the ordinance 2022-11, an ordinance amending Title II of the Hermantown city code by amending the official zoning map: 4747 Hermantown Road, Parcels 395-0010-07045 and 395-0010-07050. Do we have a motion? **Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Motion to approve. **Councilor Hostchild:** Second. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Motion to approve by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Hostchild. Mr. Johnson, would you please give us a short description of this ordinance? **[13:50] Community Development Director Eric Johnson:** Great, thank you very much, Mr. Mayor and members of the Council. Uh, before us this evening, it's a rezoning request for a 27-acre property located between Hermantown Road and Anderson Road. This is a former Engwalls site that we're familiar with. Uh, this property has in the past functioned as a more of a commercial establishment although it was in an R3 zoning district. Uh, the functioning of Engwalls predated the city and hence was essentially grandfathered in as a—as that type of use in that area. Uh, when this application came in, uh staff looked at not only this existing property but also uh adjoining properties in that area. Uh, what staff is finding is there is either commercially zoned properties, i.e., at the corner of Haynes Road and um and Hermantown Road—that's the Accurate Auto as well as the BP Auto station—and then other adjoining properties, although zoned R3 residential, do have commercial characteristics associated with those. Uh, particularly the Salem Lutheran Church, which also includes a daycare, the Kids College daycare, the Estates Treasure building, and uh the Keen Creek Townhomes does have some certain multi-family type of density associated with it that is commonly seen in some commercially zoned districts that way. Uh, this information was presented at the uh the Planning and Zoning Commission uh previously back in August. At that time, staff had been recommending the approval uh or at least the recommendation to approve from the P&Z. Uh, the Planning and Zoning did have some concerns particularly is if uh P&R Properties did not pursue this property right now—all that we're looking at is a rezoning request, there's not a particular application for site development associated with this—but at that time, Planning and Zoning was concerned that if there is a rezoning to the property and and P&R did not go forward, that we would have a commercially zone property. As I mentioned previously, uh this property, although it is vacant, does have certain characteristics associated with commercial zoning as well as other properties in that zoning district. Thank you. **[16:15] Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Do any councilors have comments or questions? **Councilor John Geissler:** Mr. Mayor, I've just a comment that uh my employer holds contracts with P&R Properties, the applicant for this rezoning, and therefore will be abstaining from this vote and also not participating. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Any councilors have any questions or comments? I wanted to ask a question of Mr. Johnson and to make this clear because someone mentioned it either during or after our last meeting, and that is uh the part that's asked to be rezoned is only a portion of the former Engwalls property and not the part that has been previously approved for residential land unit development? **Community Development Director Eric Johnson:** Uh, actually we are going to rezone the entire 27 acres, which does include that previously approved area. Basically, that was the northern eight acres of this property. Staff tries to avoid essentially split zonings of properties, so that's why we're pursuing at least looking at the both of these parcels that way. That previously approved planned unit development, which happened in between '20 and '21, that is still an approved project and could go forward underneath a commercial zoning, as well as a planned unit development is allowed in any zoning district within the city. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you for clarifying that. Now we will open this up to public discussion. Uh, we're going to have public discussion possibly both in chambers and online. I'm going to ask that everyone start with their name and address if they wish to speak, and the people in chambers can approach the podium and speak into the microphone. We normally have a three-minute limit on public input; we've never held that hard and fast to it, but if we start getting to six to ten minutes, we might ask somebody to to sum things up a little bit. And also, if anybody has anything that they would like to deliver to us in writing, they can give it to the city clerk and it will be distributed to us. Uh, is there anyone in chambers that wishes to speak to the Council? If so, please step forward and state your name and address for the record. **[18:40] Dante Tomassoni (PNR Companies):** Dante, with PNR Companies, 5546 Morris Thomas Road in Hermantown. Councilors, Mayor, I have uh submitted with our application a set of PowerPoint slides that will not fit within the four-minute time limit but they are available if uh at the discretion of the council or the mayor later on uh for rebuttal if needed for any subsequent testimony if requested. Um, tonight's hearing—tonight's hearing, council members, it's it's a zoning hearing. It's limited in scope to that of rezoning a piece of property from R3 to Commercial. The piece of property is currently operating in a commercial capacity and it has been for 30 years. The piece of property is two city blocks from a major commercial vein in the city of Hermantown and just over a mile away from the Hermitage major commercial district. It sits contiguously next to a commercial operation that's next to another commercial operation that's across the street from a commercial operation and is itself sitting uh across the street from a commercial-like operation all within this corridor. The R3 zoning of these operations came in under existing uses, and an existing use zoning does not change the commercial nature of the tract of the land or its operation. It is an exercise in municipal efficiency when the city was created. It's a way to allow an operation to continue without forcing an owner to have to reapply for a different zoning. It's also, and most importantly, a function of not removing a property personal or operational right of the of the owner during the zoning process. Again, for 30 years this has been a commercial operation site and is currently a landscaping company operating out of this site. For the reasons stated above, and solely for the reasons stated above, this zoning application for the rezoning Commercial should be granted. Now, of course there's a reason we're here today uh other than that rezoning. It is our application so that PNR companies can redevelop the land in a way that is good for the community, good for the area, and will greatly benefit the citizens of Hermantown with minimal impact to the land, the neighboring properties, and all on a reduced footprint. The Planning and Zoning Commission appeared to have a crucial message that ruled the day during the application there. That message was: "If there's no project, um what does PNR do? If PNR doesn't build here, what happens to the project?" Two answers were delivered as part of the record by the City Administrator. One: If PNR doesn't build, their rezoning to a commercial district—it does not open Pandora's Box. You can't just put a meatpacking plant there if we don't end up building a building. The CIDP Hermantown statute is Section 520.02. It prohibits any non-conforming use that doesn't apply with that zoning requirement; I think there's like 50 requirements. So that is a protection for the community. If for some reason we did not build there, there's no nuclear waste facility, pig farm, Menards—the slippery slope argument here, it just—it simply inappropriately applies that; it's not applicable today. Two: There is a project. We have we have invested significant time, thought, money, and architectural resources into creating the project. Um, I could share with the Council and the community today if it's requested later, but due to time limits, I'll talk about the nature of the project otherwise. But this project is before us because there is a need. There is a real strong need for housing. This company Sirius is hiring 400 people; Sirius just announced—it's actually just today—189,000 square foot project called the Innovation Center of Excellence. I hope that doesn't fit the Hermantown community, I don't want this... but um, Essentia is having trouble recruiting because of a lack of housing. These are nurses and doctors that take care of the people in Hermantown and the people that live here too, and they're having trouble bringing them to community because we don't have enough housing. Um, and you know, property taxes are going up, and property taxes are going up at a significant rate because there is a lack of supply in this community. This project will increase the supply, will help stabilize prices, that will help stabilize the community and stabilize um housing in this area. Uh, the initial investment into this community in this project is uh 30 million dollars anticipated for phase one. If phase two goes through, it'll be an additional 30 million dollars. That will that will put PNR's initial investment in the city of Hermantown up to nearly 100 million dollars if you want to combine with Erie. We care about this community, we want to be a part of this community, and we want to invest everything we can into this community. Um, now, even with the scope and the limited scope of this hearing, um, you know, what the reason we're applying for is one floor—the reason is is because going up with wood is significantly less expensive than going out with concrete. Additionally, going up with wood reduces the footprint of the building. So now we have a smaller footprint for the building, we preserve green space, and we preserve the buffer between the communities, the single-family homes in this area. It keeps everything commercial going towards Haynes Road. So that being said, we have those two main reasons for application today. One: Our project has been fitting of this community. We plan to go taller because it reduces the footprint of the project and it allows for more green space. Two: This is our model. Um, if you—if you've had a chance to see Erie, and I invite anybody to do so that hasn't, um, it's how we make our buildings. It's a podium on the main level, it's indoor parking, it helps the quality of light for our tenants, and on top of it, it is one of the most energy-efficient buildings in potentially the country. Our buildings house all of the plumbing and heating systems in that podium level, and in inside that podium level you have 50-degree heat that circulates year-round. We have 170,000 square foot building in Superior that was $400 last February. We are energy efficient, we care about the footprint, and this is design we use. The other part about this building that's unique, that takes care of the citizens, that takes care of the neighboring properties, is that we are building into the hillside. So the measurement from the lower part of the building is going to need the commercial zone; the measurement on the backside of the building into the hillside will be significantly lower to the trees. It will be closer to the 40-foot requirements of the R3 zoning. So the actual impact of this rezoning is minimal at best. Um, our demographics that attract our building—our tenants are young professionals and their retired Hermantown community members, typically 55 plus. We are almost half and half between young professionals and and 55 plus with some scattered in there. And so um, we have a high quality of living that we provide in this building. This is going to be a market-rate building; there's not an affordability aspect to it. It is going to create quality of life and it's going to do that for the citizens of Hermantown. Now, we've listened to the concerns of the community and I just wanted to address a few um before we go. I think I'm probably getting near my buffer time so I will go fast. Number one: The school concern. With our demographics in our buildings, um, Erie has 12 families out of 147 units. 11 of them moved from Hermantown into Erie. We have one family that moved from Duluth. So we will create a significant community benefit without stressing our school district. Number two: Traffic. So we have a ratio of 1.7 units—or 1.7 cars per unit—at 140 units. I know how the math shakes out. I can tell you as an experienced—and and somebody who has sat in Erie and watched the cars go in and out, so I can say this with full confidence today—that the actual impact on the roads is not substantial and it doesn't affect the daily lives of the citizens. I had—I sat there almost an entire day and never saw more than five cars at that light on a one-way in and one-way out. And the reason is because when you have our demographics, people don't just leave out the building at the same time. You have young professionals that go to work at different times, you have 55 plus that maybe never leave, and we have work from home. We have a lot of work from home mobility in our in our in our units. So it will not be felt on the road like you'll hear some of the concerns. Um, there's no evidence that apartment buildings reduce property values. High-quality buildings actually have positive effects on the neighboring neighborhoods. Um, and finally, the concerns about heights and views and seeing the building and looking at the building. The closest property to the building construction in the north property—that is actually going to be an addition to our development, not the eight acres to the north—has 100 feet of trees between the back porch and our property. 100 feet wide pine trees, and that's not even tall. And the last view you'll ever see is when you're going north on 53 and you're looking at Erie—you cannot see it, and that building is not built into the hillside. Those are the things that we know the community thinks about, those are things we know the citizens think about, and that's why we've designed this project to have a minimal impact as far as aesthetically on the community but have a positive impact when it comes to property taxes—potentially over a million dollars a year to the community—and and how it's going to help with our housing crisis. Uh, thank you, councilors. I'll be available for any questions if needed. **[27:50] Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Thank you. We may have some later but can I just ask one question? Um, I apologize, Dante. Um, if you could just talk about—I know there's an intention of kind of adding a little bit of public benefit to your plan. I don't know if you're prepared to speak to that because I know your location with the new trail that is heavily used by our community. Can you speak to that a little bit? **Dante Tomassoni:** Absolutely. Um, so we're designing the project we're on the trail, of course, um, so that our tenants can use the trail. We're also planning on putting a parking lot, a public parking lot, and adding public parking space for the community. Um, we're entertaining uh we're entertaining pavilion-type settings uh near there, and that's kind of still in the drawing phase. Um, but yes, we want the public to be able to drive through, use the project, and with that, there will be some of the green space that the public's going to be able to use adjacent to the trail if they want to stop, have a picnic, whatever you like to do. **Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Okay, thank you. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** All right, thank you. Anything else from Council? Okay, who would like to be next? Anyone in the room wish to speak to the Council? Please step forward and state your name and address for the record. **[29:00] Dave Miller:** Thank you. My name is Dave Miller, 4793 Anderson Road. And I handed out to the councilors—the front, the first page and a half is from the last meeting, but then there's additions that I added to it and hope you can read it uh here. And I—I have to say first of all that I would really like to see Rod be able to sell his property and and retire, and I also applaud PNR for the quality of work and the the thoughts and the research that goes into this. But I come to you as a neighbor, and I hope I represent my neighbors um as part of this meeting here too. And a couple of thoughts here: the Kings Creek development is included with commercial properties but is actually a residential development with single-story and some some walkout basements. I don't see it as an extreme commercial type of property. There's a single-story daycare that is hardly commercial and has a low impact on the neighborhood, and the single-story antique stores are barely open and very low impact. These are—well, the daycare is not grandfathered, but not nearly the impact. And I—I noted actually today I read the agenda and and it was very very interesting reading the agenda, kind of seeing some of the things that come out in it. And I—I urge those in the community to to to read those kinds of things here too. But as I read the agenda, there was a reference to Area One, and in the—this property is in Area One. It goes from, what I understand, back to the 10-12 year old rezoning or um comprehensive zoning, but it does not include commercial use as I read it. Um, the the current PUD is—the northern eight acres is included in the commercial rezoning, and would this allow for more 65-foot hot tall units? Um, as I understand in the current conversation, there's there's phase one, but phase two adds a second—if you look on the agenda, it does show pictures of of those, and I say this for the community members here. Um, but with with that um that area included in the commercial, it does allow, as I see it, allows for another area instead of the 24-25 residential properties that were originally planned there. Um, a point of interest is is that the zoning meeting an up by Salter representative stated that if the commercial zoning was not allowed in this development that they would walk away from their project. What would happen if PNR walked away from this whole thing after it was rezoned? I mean the the certainly the potential is there. Um, today I drove around the block of Anderson Road, Haynes Road, Hermantown Road, and Okerstrom Road, and only looked at the properties in Hermantown. And as best I could come up with, there's 51 residential properties around that block. They're all appear to be private households, and assuming an average of three people per household, that would be a total of 153 souls that live in in those houses. Add in Kings Creek at 44 units with two per household is an additional 88, for 200—a total of 241 people that live within our neighborhood. Um, compare that to 140 units with an average of 2.4 souls equals 236—multiply that by two and you get 672. Add in a potential phase three and you're over a thousand residents in that block. Um, they speak of phase two and phase three, there certainly is a potential especially at the northern—well, we already know that the northerly eight acres is zoned Commercial. Um, reading some of the notes in the agenda, it states that R3 allows for 10 usages—10 different types of usages. Commercial allows for 56 usages. What could those be? And we don't know what they are, but it's kind of like vote on it now and find out later if uh if things change here. Uh, according to the zoning details uh comparing R3 to Commercial—and this again is in the agenda—the setbacks and lot sizes allow much more density per lot on any development as a commercial property versus a an R3 property. So what are the limits and what is the potential for that? Um, more than anything as a Hermantown resident speaking with my neighbors, we need zoning changes in Hermantown that groups residential property with residential property and commercial with commercial. Right now we see this random plopping of commercial into residential areas and and I'm not sure that the citizens benefit, and certainly the atmosphere of Hermantown does not. Um, looking at the Area development, it's right on the corner of a busy major highway with traffic lights. This development is located on on two local roads with limited visibility. Can they handle the 200 to 400 vehicles twice a day that would be coming and going from the property? More than anything right now, we have the opportunity to make some decisions um that that can affect the whole community in the long run. I did not include this in my letter, but getting a current comprehensive plan that delineates commercial, residential, and the other zoning, I I think is very very important. If Eric has time to do it—I mean that's that's probably the most important thing. But our opportunity to do something right is right now because we can't change it in the future. So I urge you to contemplate what's going on, think about it, and uh try and do the right thing for the citizens of Hermantown, especially the residential ones. Thank you. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Any questions, comments, anything from Council? Thank you, sir. Thank you. Next name and address please. **[35:30] Rod Slane:** Rod Slane, 3296 North Little Alden Lake Road. I've owned and operated a commercial business on this property. I've been here since April of 1974. I've been involved in ownership since 1987, and so we've got some history since I've been here, but the beginnings of Engwalls really go back to the late uh 1800s, 1888 something like that. I think retail actually started on the property in maybe 1930, and it has grown from there. Uh, the operation obviously has been commercial, uh and and what we're talking about tonight, I think just tells me that we're trying to be consistent with uh with what it has been uh for a long time. I'm selling the site uh to P&R. uh I have a contract, uh have uh earnest money, uh um and hopefully this uh this project uh will go forward uh in my getting to know P&R since the contract was signed last June, June of '21. Uh, they are to me some real quality people. We've all seen the kind of project that they've done here in Hermantown and we've all heard stories of other projects that uh that they've done. I'm glad from my perspective that that P&R is interested uh in uh in a project like this. Rezoning the site from my perspective is not non-conforming by any means. As I've said, we've operated a commercial business there for a number of years. Again, I've been there for—I'm in year number 48. Uh, we were here uh Engwalls was here prior to Hermantown becoming a city. One of the questions that came up at the Planning and Zoning meeting and I believe came up even last week is traffic. And and you know let me tell you a little bit about traffic that we have generated uh as as we have operated. Um, uh we've operated a number of departments uh on that property. A retail floral, which most people uh know us for, a garden center activity uh we've operated a corn maze uh for nine years, we've got a number of other departments: interior plantscape, exterior plantscape, um a number of things. The garden center, as an example, in the months of May and June would generate 4,000 plus transactions each month. Uh, retail floral, which is not garden center, uh would generate probably 10 to 15 drive-in walk-in customers on a daily basis. We also had uh employees, and depending on the time of year it could be from 25 to 60 employees coming and going off the property. Uh, the corn maze, when that operated the 10-11 weeks out of the year, we would have between—depending on the year—7,500 people uh come through the corn maze. So that says roughly that on the low end it might be 184 vehicles coming in and out every day. Excuse me—uh to corn maze weekend, and when that could be 275 cars coming in and out when the corn maze is open. I think that there was really only one time where we created a problem, and that was during a Fall Fest that we had, that we had 1,500 people on one day and people were parking on Hermantown Road and it—it was it was a problem. But that's it; I think that's the only time that I've ever heard that uh that uh that we've had any kind of an issue. I support it. It's self-serving—everybody expects me to say this, and and I do—but I believe uh uh in uh in what P&R is trying to do. I support uh what they are doing uh trying to minimize the footprint on the property. The conversations actually go back uh here in Hermantown to 2014, 2013, where uh where I came in and and worked with Hermantown Planning and Zoning on what would be acceptable to Hermantown. Um, I've got um I've got pictures, I've got drawings from 2014, 2017, 2019, and things have changed uh in uh in those uh whatever that is, eight years. Uh, and and with what P&R is presenting for the rezoning, it is a smaller footprint than what we have been talking about uh for uh those uh those eight years. Um, I've got Hermantown—uh Hermantown is important to me and uh excuse me, this—I didn't expect this. Hermantown is important to me; I've been here again for 48 years. Uh, I am proud to be part of Hermantown and proud to have had Engwalls uh and and what we have accomplished over the years in being hopefully a good citizen uh here in Hermantown. Um, I would not be selling a piece of property for a project that I didn't think uh was going to benefit Hermantown. Thank you. **[41:40] Beverly Donaldson:** My name is Beverly Donaldson, 3713 Keen Creek Lane. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** The last name again? **Beverly Donaldson:** Donaldson, thank you. I'm sorry, could you say your address here one more time? **Beverly Donaldson:** 3713 Keen Creek Lane. Okay. My husband and I have been residents of Hermantown for nearly nine years. I walk the trail five days a week, belong to the Y, and serve as an election judge to do my part to support the community. We were drawn to Hermantown for all the reasons listed on the website, primarily country living and a small-town community feel. It is unlikely we would have purchased had it been known at the time of the zoning change being planned to Commercial. We have been advised that emotions and feelings have no place in aspects of zoning changes; then perhaps the website verbiage needs to be revised. It is my understanding that in another situation the Mayor did voice concern that emergency services are being stretched with the requested modifications made at that time. It would appear that in this situation Council's main focus is increasing the tax base for Hermantown without foresight regarding the impact affecting roads, road maintenance, police coverage, volunteer fire protection, crowding of the schools, plus the impact a commercial zoning change could make on the real estate taxes for homes in the neighborhood—is the unknown. Walking along Hermantown Road to access the new border trail system is precarious at best due the lack of sidewalks, extremely narrow shoulders, plus the hills, curves, and cars driving in excess of the 40 mile per hour posted, particularly in the winter. Albeit, I understand that zoning changes do not dictate attention to this type of detail; however, simple common sense does. Thank you. **[43:45] Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Is there anybody else in chambers that wishes to speak to the Council? **Diane Langley:** I'm Diane Langley from 3719 Keen Creek Lane. I did send you letters in the past couple weeks on telling you about my concerns about the rezoning of this 27 acres. And I don't care to go over all nine because I'm sure you've heard many of them over and over again, but I did want to reiterate my last comment to you. It was: delaying this rezoning until the 18-month study is completed, I think, is prudent for the future plan. We'll certainly designate better sites for multi-family units where roadways, environment, public transit, and walkways would be considered. Possibly this study could include other options for this land. Thank you. **[44:50] Kevin [Resident]:** Kevin, [inaudible address] Road. I know you're voting on this tonight. I want you to please keep in mind that your Planning and Zoning board thought this project was too big; they unanimously voted against it. The citizens here tonight that you represent are asking you not to vote with P&R Properties' zoning request. Please consider the people that you're—the people that you are, the citizens that you're representing for us. Please keep that in mind when you vote tonight. Thank you. **[45:45] Alex Bushy:** Alex Bushy, S.I. Salter, 800B West Railroad Street. My company has the PUD for the single-family homes on the northern eight acres. We're in support of this project, support of additional housing in the community because it is well needed. Um, P&R is a great company; they've done a great project in Hermantown. They're Hermantown people. I think it's a good option to have a developer that's committed to a community to do that. Our project is struggling because costs are high. Partnering with a group like P&R on infrastructure could potentially save our project. Thank you. **[46:40] Mary Miller:** Mary Miller at 4793 Anderson Road. I've lived in Hermantown all my life and um you know, I'd be talking about the traffic which Mr. Slane you know talked about too, but it—it has changed. That—our whole—our whole neighborhood has changed with different traffic patterns that have happened. Um, now I have to sit at the end of my driveway to wait for cars to go by. So the—the traffic has increased both on the Anderson Road um due to whatever roads they can't use but and also on the Hermantown Road as well. And that is—that is a concern, you know um which I wanted to say. And also um I know these buildings are beautiful and they they want to to have it zone to commercial so they can be build high. Well, when you walk by there, all the other commercial places in that area that we're talking about are low profile. And to me, you know, to see something built high is going to be, you know, just not a part—no, just not a part of our neighborhood. And then I wonder: why is it in our world—and maybe none of you will like what I'm gonna say—but why is it in a world that big money always wins out and benefits a few and does nothing for the for the rest of us? Thank you. **[48:50] Kevin [Resident]:** Kevin, 4877 Anderson Road. Um, I think I probably just a real brief here. I'll echo a lot of what all my other neighbors had pointed out. Um, the gentleman from Engwalls, you know, he mentioned traffic, but you've got to factor in that seasonal traffic—that's not every day people living there going up and down the road. Uh, P&R representative, he talked about our—our place is bringing in, I believe you said 50% are retired, 50% are young people moving in. But he claimed these buildings are helping the whole community, and well, if half of them are already retired, they're not working in the community anymore, they're just living here—which is fine, I'm not—nothing against that. So—so I think just the increased traffic like mentioned. The uh zoning committee already turned down this idea, so just ask the city council to factor that in also along with all of our concerns. **[50:15] David Johnson:** David Johnson, 4792 Anderson Road. And really I'm just another voice to support my neighbors here that have spoken already. There isn't much that I can really add that they haven't said other than to say that I support what they've said. My wife and I walk—we live on Anderson Road—we walk either around Okerstrom, Hermantown, Haynes, and back, or we go over to Stebner and back. We've altered our walking pattern; we've gone on Okerstrom Road and back because we don't feel safe on either Hermantown or Anderson given the traffic. So I think it is a factor and it's a study that should be done in the neighborhood to see if it would support this business. And then I would just ask that you guys be strategic about the growth in Hermantown. We're going to have growth, people want to come here. I'm not debating that, I wouldn't fight that at all. I think—I think we live in a great community, but I think you need to be strategic and have a city plan for what we're doing. If we had had a city plan at the time we added the walking trail, we put a little bit of sidewalks on Anderson and Hermantown when we redid those roads, but we didn't. I have six grandchildren that I walk on that trail—it's not safe. So I need—I think you really need to consider that. I think you need to consider the voices that have been spoken. Uh, P&R gave a great presentation, well-thought-out. Um, I have a question: Is the property on Ugstad for sale? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** The um which property on Ugstad are you speaking? **David Johnson:** The building itself. I know that we own a residence next door that they bought that has a for-sale sign in it. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Mr. Johnson, there may have been some confusion on the Ugstad Road property with a house that they purchased next door that does have a for-sale sign at it that is owned by P&R. **David Johnson:** I was told by somebody the apartment building; he said that it's not. I would trust the owner, but there is a for-sale sign on a house next door. Okay, thank you. **[53:00] Mary Miller:** Mary Miller, 4793 Anderson Road. I've spoken to you before at the other meetings. Probably don't want to hear from me again—I don't want to speak again—but one thing that has been left out is that I was told that the Hermantown is looking at making the Hermantown Road uh business corridor, is that correct? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** I have not heard any plans in that direction. I think I think there may be a possibility in the future if commercial development was moving into the area, but I I don't think there are any immediate plans. **Mary Miller:** I'm glad to hear that because I was told that. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Let's ask Mr. Johnson. **Community Development Director Eric Johnson:** Yeah, I believe what you may be referencing is this could be a study area as far as a comprehensive plan given the nature that there are already some existing commercial uses and commercial-like uses in that area. And so with the existing uses being grandfathered in some of them, and some of them being commercial, this may be studied in the new comprehensive plan. **Mary Miller:** That is correct, yes. Okay. And then I do have to voice support for getting a good comprehensive plan going with citizen input. You said about a year and a half it would take to get a plan like that? **Community Development Director Eric Johnson:** But what we're doing right now is we're updating the ongoing comprehensive plan. Uh, it should take two years, Eric, to to complete. We're a little bit behind schedule on that. We would like to do it every 20 years; it was last done in 2000. **Mary Miller:** I also am not against the development, I just need the appropriate size. But on the comprehensive plan, do you have citizen input or...? **Community Development Director Eric Johnson:** There will be a time for public input when the comprehensive plan process goes through. You'll watch for public announcements for that. **Mary Miller:** Thanks. Thank you. **[55:25] Crystal Andrews:** Hi there. My name is Crystal Andrews. I live at 3847 Arthur Lane in Hermantown. Um, I just wanted to bring up the fact that I walked those roads on Hermantown and Anderson quite often. My father lives at 4852 Anderson Road, and I grew up there. Um, I would just want to make mention that oftentimes Hermantown PD will sit in my father's driveway right along there, running traffic control catching speeders. It's already—traffic is a problem on Anderson Road. People are speeding; there's no sidewalks. Um, I'd like to have a study done on how much traffic um is being run by Hermantown PD on Anderson Road please. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Is that the one at the intersection of Anderson and Okerstrom? **Crystal Andrews:** No, it's—it’s further down towards Stebner. Yeah, 4852 Anderson Road. I think they run it at 4851 Anderson Road is what they do for traffic. Thank you. Thank you. **[56:30] Dave Allison:** Good evening. My name is Dave Allison, 3735 Keen Creek Lane. My interest is that, if possible, some clarification in the process. It's my understanding that the Planning and Zoning Commission voted against changing this parcel to Commercial. If the Council decides to support the zoning change to Commercial, the question is: will there be limitations to the scope of the development, or could there be significant changes? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Um, I'll defer it to that question when you're done to Mr. Johnson. **Dave Allison:** Last comment—like, as a commercial parcel, this land's highest and best use will be increased by a zoning change to Commercial. How will this all be monitored? And I don't know that I need an answer tonight; I don't know that there is an answer tonight. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Mr. Allison, I think we can get a short answer from Mr. Johnson here on what would happen next were this to pass or in any commercial zone where a business wants to locate. Eric? **[58:00] Community Development Director Eric Johnson:** Great, thank you. Um, this did appear before Planning and Zoning. Planning and Zoning is an advisory board to the City Council. Uh, in most issues, the Planning and Zoning is a—is a proving body in a handful of things; one of those is what's called a Commercial Industrial Development Permit. That's assuming a property is zoned Commercial. So um, if this parcel was to be rezoned, if an application came in for the use as PNR uh has proposed, or any other type of commercial that is allowed under the commercial district, uh there would still be a public hearing at the Planning and Zoning. Uh, there would be notices sent out to property owners adjacent to the property to be able to attend that public hearing and and state any questions, comments, concerns at that. But there is uh once again, regardless whether it's R3 or Commercial zoning, there is a process that the city moves through for the review and comment period associated with projects. **Dave Allison:** And at that time, then the commercial plan for the property would be disclosed upon an application? **Community Development Director Eric Johnson:** Uh, yes. There'd be public notice to adjoining properties; there would be a meeting at the Planning and Zoning Commission for that. **Dave Allison:** So we don't need to wait to see it built to see what it is? **Community Development Director Eric Johnson:** No, there's an approval process that everything goes through. **Dave Allison:** That was my question, thank you. **[59:58] Kim Parmeter:** Kim Parmeter, 5590 Stark Road in Midway Township. My business is at 5094 Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown. Good evening, councilors, Mayor Boucher, and administration. My name is Kim Parmeter; I'm the President and CEO of the Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce. I'm here tonight to speak on behalf of businesses and future business in our community. I know this evening's meeting is about the ordinance; I want to speak tonight to what it could mean. Lack of quality market-rate housing is a key workforce issue for many businesses. I've heard from several employers both pre- and post-pandemic that housing is and continues to be a major challenge in attracting and retaining talent right here in our area, impacted enough such that major plans have been altered to reach talent in different markets, which means we lost jobs to more competitive communities. According to the Minnesota Chamber Foundation's 2030 report on a framework for economic growth, we have some work to do in our Minnesota communities. Aging populations and low birth rates—they certainly aren't helping. Competitive communities will need to deliver on childcare, digital connectivity, and necessary housing to remain relevant. These are foundational elements of a community's vitality and growth. We need to strengthen these assets in Hermantown. Unfortunately, Minnesota's housing market is not producing enough affordable housing for homeowners. In 2018, the Governor's task force on housing—the report found that Minnesota needs to enable private sector building of 300,000 new homes to stabilize prices and keep up with demand this decade. So new strategies are clearly needed. City Council, the request for development will be coming to your agenda over and over and over again. I urge you to welcome it. These are people who seek the opportunity, they see it, they are willing to take the financial risk to move our community forward. Continue to make Hermantown a desirable place to not only work and live in but to do business in as well. Our Chamber truly applauds the efforts of the City of Hermantown for their willingness to listen to and learn about ways to help address this issue and for what it's already done. We also applaud the efforts of P&R Companies in their ongoing pursuit to provide additional much-needed quality housing for our region, and really truly appreciate the excellent work they've already done in our community—most notably at Ugstad and Highway 53 with the Erie complex. Now it's the home to more than a hundred individuals—200 I believe—it's truly had a ripple effect in our housing market in the past year. In regards to any project, we respect a fair process whereby all the steps are followed and all stakeholders have the opportunity to have their voices heard, including the voice of business. We further believe that a well-planned community gives businesses and residents the best chance to succeed and create economic stability and new opportunities for generations of Hermantown residents. Thank you all for your time. **[1:03:50] Paul Johnson:** Paul Johnson, 3884 Okerstrom. Under R3, you still can put a housing development in there—you don't have to go big. Why is the city trying to make this area a commercial corridor? We already have the Hermantown Marketplace and there's property for sale up in that area that you can develop. What is so special about this property that you keep changing ordinances for this property? Zone C Commercial zoning, Kings Creek setback property sizes—once you go Commercial, you can change Planning and Zoning, then you can change those ordinances again. You know, what stops you changing before? So I ask you: not make Commercial, keep it R3. You still can develop it—we're not preventing you from developing it. We just ask the size, the quantity, the trap, the danger to our kids. Thank you. Thank you. **[1:05:05] Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Joe, do we have any hands raised online? **Assistant City Administrator Joe Wicklund:** We do not have any hands raised online right now, no. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Okay. We will ask one more time for public input, both in chambers and online. If anyone wishes to speak to the Council, please state your name and address. **[1:05:35] Mary Miller:** Mary Miller, 4793 Anderson Road. It is zoned R3 and it can be built on. I would like to see it built on as an R3 instead of a high thing up in the sky as it—if it was on Commercial. I know it's going to be developed, but looking at all the other businesses on Hermantown Road, they all fit into that. They all fit into that area. And to put a big high apartment building would be—I don't know, I think it'd be just kind of disheartening. You know, they still can build, but build within the means of our neighborhood where, you know, where we all live. Thank you. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. **Beverly Donaldson:** Beverly Donaldson, 3713 Keen Creek Lane. Please repeat your name and address. Thank you. My comment is that I have no question that their building is fantastic and gorgeous and all perfect for everyone, but it's not plunked down in the middle of a community that's already majority of which is residential. I think that should be a consideration. Thank you. **[1:07:20] Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any other public comments? Anyone online? If there is nothing more, we will close the public comment period and we will move to a section that we rarely get to and that is uh councilors again have an opportunity to ask questions and make comments. Is there any questions or comments from Council? Anything that needs clarification? With that being said, we will move to a roll call. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hostchild? **Councilor Hostchild:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? **Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geisler? **Councilor John Geissler:** Abstain. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Nelson? **Councilor Nelson:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. We will now take a short break in case people want to orderly exit chambers. Uh, you're all invited to stick around for the rest of the agenda. *** **[1:08:10] Mayor Wayne Boucher:** It’s seating, so we're gonna end the break and move along to the second reading or the first reading of ordinance 2022-12, an ordinance amending the Hermantown Code of Ordinances Section 270 Fee Schedule. We will have further description at our next meeting when we have the second reading in a vote and we'll allow for public input at that time. Next is resolutions. Resolution 2022-114, a resolution to adopt the proposed property tax and proposed budget for taxes payable in 2023 and scheduling a "Truth in Taxation" hearing. That hearing would be on December 5th. Do you have a motion? **Councilor Hostchild:** Motion. **Councilor John Geissler:** Second. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Hostchild, second by Councilor Geisler. Mr. Orme, do we have any further explanation needed here? **[1:09:00] Director of Finance Kevin Orme:** I'll give a short one, Mr. Mayor, Council. Annually, uh second meeting in September, we adopt the preliminary proposed property tax levy. We're required to give that to St. Louis County by the end of the month, and so we're um bringing that forward to you tonight. That amount is $7,606,333. It's a 6.91% increase over the total levy um of the current year. The effective tax rate next year will decrease 2.62% under this proposal. If you guys uh adopt it tonight, you can still reduce it between now and the Truth in Taxation hearing December 5th; uh it cannot be raised, though. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions from Council? Comments? Is there any public input on the proposed property tax and proposed budget? **Unidentified Resident:** Actually, I'm sorry, I know you said that but I just had a question. Okay, so we're—this is the preliminary, when is the official vote on it? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** December 5th. December 5th. You can take action that night or you could wait one more meeting and be—discover to take final action. **Unidentified Resident:** Thanks. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Any other questions? Nope. Any public input either in chambers or online? Any public input on this matter? Last opportunity for public input. Roll call please. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? **Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geisler? **Councilor John Geissler:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Nelson? **Councilor Nelson:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hostchild? **Councilor Hostchild:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Resolution 2022-115, resolution establishing and establishing an absentee ballot board for the 2022 general election. Do you have a motion? **Councilor Nelson:** Motion to approve. **Councilor John Geissler:** Second. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Nelson, second by Councilor Geisler. Um, do we need an explanation from Alissa on this or if she would like? This is—she has her three words... go ahead and do your three words. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Same as Primary. There we go. Just required to pass the resolution we passed from the primary; repeating it for the general. Same exact board serving. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions or comments from Council? Any public input either in chambers or online? Uh, anybody not want to be on the board that's listening online? Last opportunity for public input on Resolution 2022-115, the absentee ballot board. Roll call please. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geisler? **Councilor John Geissler:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Nelson? **Councilor Nelson:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hostchild? **Councilor Hostchild:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? **Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Aye. **City Clerk Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Resolution 2022-116, resolution authorizing the City of Hermantown to partner with Minnesota Trout Unlimited on a grant funding request associated with the Okerstrom Road Culvert at Keen Creek Park and contributing $35,000 towards the purchase and installation of all rooms. Do we have a motion? **Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Motion approved. **Councilor Nelson:** Second. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Nelson. Mr. Johnson will give us... **[1:12:40] Community Development Director Eric Johnson:** Mr. Johnson will do that, and I'll try not to be overly wordy as I usually am. Um, you're welcome. Uh, the gist of this is—this is a grant opportunity that Minnesota Trout Unlimited has identified for the replacement of one of the city's culverts. Uh, initial discussions back in February was looking at the city would be responsible for uh the entirety of a project—could be upwards of $350,000. Uh, this grant opportunity uh would change that where the grant would cover 90% of that cost and the city be responsible for 10% of that project—essentially $35,000. This has been a great partnership so far between ourselves, the county, and Trout Unlimited with all the work they've been doing. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions or comments? Hearing none, is there any public input on this resolution? Is there any public input on Resolution 2022-116? Last opportunity for public input on this resolution. And next, we have an opportunity for a motion to recess that I would like to defer to one person to allow them to make that... I forgot this was the last one! Yeah, well you have to give them to me again. We have a motion for recess... I am very pleased and um to have a final motion for recess, thank you. **Councilor Natalie Peterson:** Motion to recess! **Councilor Hostchild:** Second. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Peterson, her last, and second by Councilor Hostchild. All in favor say aye. **Council members:** Aye.