This transcript is from the Farmington City Council meeting on January 21, 2025. Based on the context provided and the dialogue within the recording, here is the formatted transcript with speaker names. ***Note on Mayor Identity:*** *While the provided context notes Nick Lien as Mayor (likely reflecting the 2026 period mentioned), the transcript from January 2025 clearly identifies Joshua Hoy as the Mayor and Nick Lien as a Councilmember. I have used "Mayor Joshua Hoy" for the presiding officer and "Councilmember Nick Lien" for the participant to maintain accuracy to the recording.* [0:00] [Music] [0:48] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** We'll call the city council regular meeting to order for Tuesday, January 21st, 2025. Would everyone please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. [1:02] **All:** I pledge allegiance 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. [1:15] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Call the roll, please. [1:19] **Shirley Buecksler:** Mayor Hoy? **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Here. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Bernatz? **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Here. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Cordes? **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** Here. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Lien? **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Here. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Wilson? **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Here. [1:33] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** All right. Uh, any changes to the agenda? No? Any changes? All right, seeing no changes I will seek a motion to approve the agenda. [1:42] **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Motion. **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Second. [1:45] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Motion by Steve, second by Holly. All in favor? **Councilmembers:** Aye. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** All right, we'll start with item 5.1 under our announcements, and this is the swearing-in uh, Police Department personnel. And Lynn... I'll take it. All right, I'll get her started. [1:50] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** Good evening Mayor, Councilmembers, distinguished guests, and members of our community. It is my distinct honor to stand before you tonight as we prepare to swear in the newest members of the Farmington Police Department. This is a significant moment for our department and for the community we proudly serve. Tonight we welcome new officers and celebrate the promotion and seating of seasoned officers to the rank of Sergeant. These individuals are stepping forward to accept a responsibility that is both demanding and deeply rewarding. They will uphold our department's core values of integrity, professionalism, and service, all while strengthening the bond between our officers and the residents of Farmington. To our new officers: you are joining our team committed to making a difference. As you put on the badge, remember it represents not just authority but also trust. It is a commitment to serve with compassion, fairness, and an unwavering dedication to the safety of our community. To our newly promoted sergeants: you have earned this moment through the work, leadership, and steadfast commitment to excellence. As you step into these new roles, you will be mentors, decision-makers, and the backbone of our department. Together we can ensure Farmington remains a safe and thriving community for all. I have full confidence that each of these officers and sergeants will rise to the challenge and make Farmington proud. All right, first up: CSO Brennen Beer-Brower. [3:41] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** CSO Beer-Brower grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and has been surrounded by law enforcement his entire life. His grandfather, Mark Pierce, retired from the St. Paul Police Department with 28 years of service. His grandmother, Sandy Pierce, worked for the Farmington Police Department for 13 years, making Farmington feel like a second home to him. Now as a member of this department, CSO Beer-Brower is grateful for the opportunity to serve his community with the officers he grew up admiring. [4:32] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** I will support and defend... **CSO Brennen Beer-Brower:** I will support and defend... **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** ...the Constitution of the United States of America... **CSO Brennen Beer-Brower:** ...the Constitution of the United States of America... **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** ...and the State of Minnesota... **CSO Brennen Beer-Brower:** ...and the State of Minnesota... **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** ...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... **CSO Brennen Beer-Brower:** ...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** ...that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same... **CSO Brennen Beer-Brower:** ...that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same... **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** ...that I take this obligation freely... **CSO Brennen Beer-Brower:** ...I take this obligation freely... **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** ...without mental reservation or purpose of evasion... **CSO Brennen Beer-Brower:** ...without mental reservation or purpose of evasion... **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** ...and that I will faithfully discharge the duties... **CSO Brennen Beer-Brower:** ...and that I will faithfully discharge the duties... **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** ...as a Community Service Officer... **CSO Brennen Beer-Brower:** ...as a Community Service Officer... **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** ...upon which I am about to enter. **CSO Brennen Beer-Brower:** ...upon which I am about to enter. [5:18] [Applause] [5:25] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** CSO Beer-Brower's mother, Heather Beer-Brower, will be pinning on his collar brass. [6:05] [Applause] [6:09] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** Perfect. Officer Gavin Janowski and Officer Braden Wilford. In no particular order—my name, I'm saying Officer Janowski graduated from New Prague High School and Alexandria Technical and Community College. This marks his first time in a position of law enforcement. He's eager to serve the community, contribute to the department's success, and support his fellow officers. Officer Braden Wilford hails from Spring Valley. After graduating high school in 2019, he attended Rochester Community and Technical College where he earned an associate's degree. He then transferred to Alexandria Technical and Community College where he completed his law enforcement career transitional diploma. He began his career in October of 2022 in Goodview, Minnesota, where he served for a year and a half before coming to Farmington. [7:34] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** I will support and defend... **Officers Janowski & Wilford:** I will support and defend... **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** ...the Constitution of the United States of America... **Officers Janowski & Wilford:** ...the Constitution of the United States of America... [Oath continues in unison] [8:15] [Applause] [8:21] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** Don't forget your badge! [Laughter] Yeah. We have Officer Wilford's parents, Terry and Danny Wilford, pinning on his badge. Officer Janowski's father, Michael Janowski, pinning on his. [8:53] [Applause] [9:09] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** All right, Sergeant Cassie Redmond and Sergeant Dan Miller. Sergeant Redmond joined the Farmington Police Department in 2005. Most of her career has been spent as a patrol officer with supplemental assignments including Citizens Academy coordinator, crime scene investigator, drug task force agent, drug recognition expert, field training officer, peer mentor and support officer, treatment court liaison, and union steward. At the beginning of last year, she accepted a sergeant position with the Dakota County Sheriff's Office overseeing the civil and warrant division before recently returning to the Farmington Police Department, thankfully. Sergeant Dan Miller: with two decades of experience in law enforcement, Sergeant Miller has served as a firearms instructor, reality-based training instructor, field training officer, and SWAT operator. Known for his calm and steady demeanor, he leads by example and is passionate about mentoring others. Above all, he's a proud husband and father dedicated to both his family and his profession. Step forward. [10:37] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** I will support and defend... **Sergeants Redmond & Miller:** I will support and defend... [Oath continues in unison] [11:22] [Applause] [11:27] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** Uh, Sergeant Redmond is joined by her husband Tony and children Colton and Arrol. Sergeant Miller's wife, Carrie, will be pinning on his badge. [12:07] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** I'll invite you both to come and say a few words if you'd like. [12:18] **Sergeant Dan Miller:** Good evening Mr. Mayor and Council. I stand here today with immense gratitude and pride as I accept the honor of being promoted to Sergeant. This milestone is not just my achievement but a reflection of the unwavering support, guidance, and teamwork of those around me. To my colleagues and superiors: thank you for trusting me with this responsibility and for challenging me to grow in ways I never imagined. To my team: I look forward to serving alongside you with integrity, strength, and dedication. To my wife, Carrie: your love, patience, and sacrifices have been my anchor through every challenge. This achievement is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you for believing in me even when I didn't. Lastly, I'm humbled to step into this role, ready to lead with compassion, fairness, and a commitment to making a difference. Thank you. [13:14] **Sergeant Cassie Redmond:** What he said. Um, I just wanted to say thank you to everybody that showed up to support all of us tonight and um, it's truly an honor to have everybody here and with our Police Department. My family, especially my husband and the boys, you're always supporting me and I promise I won't make any more job changes in the near future. Um, it truly is an honor. Farmington was my home for a long time and um, I appreciate everything I was able to learn this past year, but it feels really good to be home. And um, I'm looking forward to watching the new officers grow and get out there and learn how to be good cops and um, also, you know, continue to work with the people that I spent so many years with. So, thank you. [Applause] [14:12] **Staff Member:** All right, now it's my turn. With great honor, I'd like to introduce Deputy Chief Nate Siem. Deputy Chief Siem joined the Farmington Police Department in 2006 and has primarily served in the Patrol Division. His other roles have included use-of-force instructor, firearms instructor, and 11 years as SWAT operator and team leader. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2019 and most recently served as Administrative Sergeant before stepping into his new role as Deputy Chief. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from St. Mary's University and a certificate in police staff and command from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. Deputy Chief Siem is joined by his wife after swearing-in and his children Lincoln, Hendrick, and Emerson. [15:17] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** I will support and defend... **Nate Siem:** I will support and defend... [Oath continues] [16:11] **Police Chief Gary Rutherford:** If we could have Shannon, Lincoln, Hendrick, and Emerson join us up front for the pinning. [17:02] [Applause] [17:24] **Nate Siem:** Thank you. I'm deeply honored to stand before you tonight as I step into the role of Deputy Chief of the Farmington Police Department. This is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I'm incredibly grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by the department and the community. Over the past 22 years, I've had the privilege of serving alongside some of the most dedicated and talented individuals in law enforcement. Together we have faced challenges, celebrated successes, and continually strive to provide the highest level of service to the people of Farmington. I've learned that it's not about the badge; it's about building trust, fostering relationships, and making a real difference in the lives of others. I want to thank my family for the unwavering support and understanding. To my wife Shannon and my children Lincoln, Hendrick, and Emerson: you are my foundation and I couldn't do this without you. To my colleagues: thank you for your teamwork and inspiration. I am excited to continue working alongside all of you as we shape the future of the department together. I'm humbled to serve in the new role and I'm committed to leading with integrity, dedication, and a vision that ensures our department remains a source of pride for all. Thank you, and I look forward to serving this department and community with honor. [18:59] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thank you. Steve, anything? [19:00] **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Yeah, I mean, obviously, what an exciting night to be here part of the council. Um, you know, I have said this before to Officer Redmond... I was here both for Dan and Cassie when they first came in to the city of Farmington. I remember Cassie and I'm thinking, "How is this young lady going to go out there and just, you know, whatever," but uh, you know, um, it's it's really for all of you. Um, for our new Sergeants, for our new CSO... Braden, you helped me last week with some fingerprinting I needed for a little bit of a job thing I'm doing. And for you new officers, um, you know, it's just really exciting to see kind of the youth and then the continued growth into leadership. Um, obviously the community benefits when you stay with us and you grow with us and the community gets to know you and support you and love you for everything you do. So, um, looking forward to seeing you all continue to grow within the community. So, thank you. [20:17] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Jake? [20:18] **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** Tonight's only my second meeting and you guys have really set the bar high for how meetings should go. I mean, this is amazing. Just like Steve said, to be able to sit here and and see you all get sworn in tonight and for everything you do for our community—just thank you. Um, you know, I've had the chance to interact with a few of you in the past, uh, both personally and professionally. Um, thank you for being great ambassadors for our community. That's all. [21:05] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Holly? [21:06] **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Just a big round of congratulations to everyone and and thank you for everything that you do and uh, the way that you all work together to make Farmington better and safer and more connected. Uh, it's it's great to have you as a part of the team. [21:18] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** I just had a realization while I was kind of sitting there watching Nate get pinned, actually. It's... we get a unique perspective on here. You're all watching them facing you; we get to watch your families and see their faces and it's just so cool to see how much you support them. I don't know, there's just a look you get to see that really frames it nicely. So congratulations. I'm going to start with our newest officers and CSO. You see the room, right? Today is not day one on the job. You've been in the job, you've been working. But you see how the room and the family—that is not just immediate blood, but the professional family—rallies around and supports. Don't ever think that it stops within the walls of the PD. This community rallies around its public safety, around its police and fire. It's our businesses, our residents, from left to right, front to back, we rally around and we support. Um, you see yourselves 10, 12, 15 years down the road. You see the promotions to Sergeant, you see the promotion to Deputy Chief. Where is Nate at? Right over here. You see that there's wisdom, there's knowledge, there's experience, there's things that are going to be learned, right? You're going to make mistakes; learn from them. You don't learn from what you do right; you learn from your mistakes and your failures, and you're going to make them. But feel the support and the love that you have of the family around you. And to our sergeants: Cassie, you look way better than you did in brown. We are happy to have you back, right? Um, both of you, and and each time we have our sergeants get promoted, um, it's the next ascension of leadership. It's an opportunity to not only mentor your peers but also to mentor those that are just coming into the profession. Congratulations to each and every one of you. Nate, you've got some big shoes to fill and I have no doubt that you will do that. Um, you will do it tactfully, respectfully. You will continue to embrace the values of the community and the department. Um, I look forward to what the men and women of our department continue to do for our community. And I love this feeling... this is what community is about right here and I couldn't be prouder to be from Farmington than I am tonight because you guys are just phenomenal. So congratulations each and every one of you. Um, best of luck in your endeavors and the rest of your career, and godspeed. [Applause] [23:46] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Congrats. Our next item on the agenda is item 5.2, which is a resolution accepting the Toys for Town donations. And we'll wait for them to all move out. We're just getting started, guys. The police donation. Yeah. Who's left? [Laughter] Imprinted in my brain right now. Nice to meet you. Look... first official business as counselor was they bounce. I like this crowd size a little better, right? Oh good, me too. It's all you. Good to go? [24:34] **Nate Siem:** All right. Um, we are requesting the acceptance of the resolution of the donation of funds for the Toys for Town event. Toys for Town is an unbudgeted community engagement program offered each year by the Farmington Police Department. The program was founded in 1988 by Chief Dan... and initially served just a family or two with toys and gifts during the holiday season. The program has grown steadily over its now 37-year existence. This year, Toys for Town provided toys, gifts, and meals to 144 families with 450 children. Children from infants to 13 years of age each received toys and gifts. Children from 14 to 17 years of age each received a Visa gift card, and each family received a voucher for a complete holiday meal from Lakeville Hy-Vee. As previously noted, this program is unbudgeted and must be conducted exclusively with donations. We received enough donated toys and gifts that every child received five to six gifts. Even after that, there were enough remaining to make a sizable donation of excess toys to the military outreach group Stewardship Ways. Tonight we are here to ask Council to acknowledge and formally accept the monetary donations provided by a large number of Farmington area residents, businesses, business owners, civic and fraternal organizations. Our 2024 fundraising goal was set at $35,000. We are pleased to report that our incredible community responded by donating an astonishing $53,383.80. Staff recommends that you approve Resolution 2025-11, accepting donations to the Farmington Police Department Toys for Town program in the amount of $53,383.80 for community engagement efforts. Thank you, sir. [26:48] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Jake, any questions or comments? [26:49] **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** No questions. My comment: when I was in high school we helped fundraise for Toys for Town, um, and I haven't been here for 37 years, but I've watched Toys for Town grow over the last 15 to 20 years and it's just... it's amazing to see the sense of community and the fact that, I mean, we raised over $53,000 to help our friends and neighbors in need. I just... that's astonishing. Um, I challenge anybody to go out and find another community that does that for their neighbors. And just thank you, and thank you to your staff for coordinating, and thank you to the community for stepping up again and donating again. Thank you. [27:35] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Holly? [27:36] **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Uh, yeah. You know, we moved here middle of the summer in 2012 and I remember that first winter Christmas season being like, "What is this Toys for Town thing? Did they get it wrong? Isn't it Toys for Tots?" I thought that's what it was. And then I realized that, no, this is something that's special and unique to this community. And um, it went from this thing that I was incredibly unfamiliar with to probably—actually not probably, certainly—my most favorite day of the year within my most favorite season of the year. And I'm very grateful to your staff, I'm very grateful for the efforts that you put into this to go above and beyond what your normal workload is. And if you don't hear it enough from the people that are receiving these gifts, I know that—because I've heard the stories—that you are changing the lives of families in the community as a result. And that's on you and that's also the effort that's put forth by the residents here. And so we're just grateful. And I get emotional because it's it's just a beautiful thing to see and sometimes things look ugly on computer screens but this is exactly what Farmington is and it makes my heart very happy. [28:55] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Nick? [28:56] **Councilmember Nick Lien:** I can't really top that, but I was just going to say that I'm totally fine with how you've been stacking the agenda this evening with these kind of enjoyable items. No, it's it's great. Like I said, it's also probably my favorite day of the Christmas season. It's become kind of a pillar of the season. It's just a way to kind of reground yourself and remember, you know, what's important, what we have around here. So, you know, there is a lot of... I want to say we realize how much we have around here when we can help those that are less fortunate, I guess. And um, that's just one of those days that helps us remember that. So thank you. [29:32] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Steve? [29:33] **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Nate, I just want to thank you for presenting this. You know, we see a list of amazing individuals who contribute small amounts or very large amounts. Um, some names are familiar, some are new, and and they're all greatly appreciated, obviously. Um, but there's probably 20 times that number of people who... the most important event for them throughout the entire Christmas season is spending two to three, four hours coming to the high school, blending with the rest of the community, and serving the community. It really is hard to explain unless you participate with it. Um, so you know, not only the gifts but just the people that came to volunteer to be there um, is just so greatly appreciated. And obviously, we appreciate your whole department for helping to coordinate. So thank you. [30:35] **Nate Siem:** Absolutely. Um, it's unfortunate that Chief Rutherford couldn't be here, but fortunate in that he would not appreciate the praise that I would give him. Um, this program transitioned into what it is today at the hands of Chief Rutherford and Mayor Hoy. The work that they did to build this program up is exceptional and I see it just multiplying in the future. So thank you to both of you. [31:07] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thank you, sir. This is... every time we talk about Toys for Town it's very full circle for me. Um, because I was the kid whose family was a recipient and I'll never forget what it's like that Christmas, being a seventh grader, hearing the pounding on the door and having... I didn't know which department at the time, but knowing that I lived in the district that it was a Farmington cop doing it, delivering gifts that year. And being in this position affords you a lot of opportunities to do a lot of great things where you get that extra lift. And being a part of Toys for Town every year... there's nothing that fulfills me more. And it's such a small part of all of the things. The Police Department, the Fire Department, our local businesses, the Rotary, everybody that has a hand in this... just watching it grow year over year over year. Um, you almost get conditioned to the fact that every year we're going to see 140, 150 families, we're going to see four or 500 kids, and knowing that we're not even scratching the surface of the number of families that actually could be recipients of the program and—for pride or one reason or another—don't raise their hands and opt in for it. But nevertheless, we see the need, we watch people rally together, and it is unbelievable to see a number like $53,000 get raised and know that... to the veteran group that the bags of toys afterwards went to. And there's a kid out there somewhere—hopefully many of them—that will have a full circle moment, that will do something later in their life because they were a benefactor of this program. And so it's a little disappointing not to have Chief Rutherford here tonight because this was his last official Toys for Town. But you guys are incredible for what you do, both Police and Fire, and it's a huge lift. So on behalf of the entire community, like, thank you for everything. With that, I would seek a motion to approve Resolution 2025-11, accepting donations to the Farmington Police Department Toys for Town program in the amount of $53,383.80 for community engagement efforts. [33:28] **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Motion to approve. **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** Second. [33:31] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Motion by Holly, second by Jake. All in favor say aye. **Councilmembers:** Aye. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thank you, sir. And you do not need to stay here; go out there with your team and family. You're good. [33:38] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** All right, next item on the agenda is item 6, which are citizen comments. Um, there are a couple—just as a matter of formality—there are a couple public hearings on the agenda, so if you're here to speak during the public hearing, um, you can do so at that time. Citizen comments is for items not on the agenda. Is there anyone wishing to speak? Yes, please. Absolutely, just come up to the podium, state your name and address, and I'm just going to ask that you limit your comments to five minutes. [34:11] **Tim Galloway:** I'll try for three or less. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** You're good to go, sir. [34:16] **Tim Galloway:** Tim Galloway, 18009 Duncan Court. Um, here representing Farmington Youth Hockey Association as their president. Um, just wanted to address you guys today and sorry that it is kind of on an agenda but I'm going to just say what I've got to say on it. Couple years ago the City Council was approached by some other youth sports associations and asked to dictate, limit, and set standards on who can do the charitable gambling in town and who cannot. At that time, the City Council agreed with the stance I brought to them, which is: that's an independent agreement between the business and the charitable gambling organization. We all know "The Mug" is on the agenda, we're talking about that, change of ownership, all those things. Looking at the agenda today, I see that there's a discussion on a different youth sports association applying for a premise permit at The Mug. I just wanted to make sure that you guys have all of the accurate information. It is my understanding that our premise permit never ended, even when they were without a license. I also have a signed lease agreement through the state gambling control with the new owner of The Mug that Farmington Youth Hockey will still be participating in charitable gambling there. So I just want to make sure you guys were aware of that as you consider signing the lease to somebody else, that we are still under lease with them. Um, my understanding... I don't know where the agreement came from... I see their application is not signed by the owners of The Mug and it's three, four weeks old. Um, I have a lease signed by the new owner from today. So I just wanted to share that. Thank you for your time. I think I beat my five minutes. [35:56] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thank you, sir. Thank you. Is there anyone else in attendance wishing to speak? All right, seeing none we'll go to the consent agenda. Um, let me just real quick here... Shirley, with um, this information that I wasn't aware of, I would ask that we take the premise permit off the consent agenda. I... that's item 7.3? [36:20] **Shirley Buecksler:** Yeah, I believe so. [36:22] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** All right, so I'm going to... I'm going to seek a motion to um, amend the consent agenda, omitting item 7.3, which is the application for gambling premise permit for Farmington Youth Basketball Association, to be brought back to staff and presented at a later time. [36:39] **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** I'll make a motion to remove current item 7.3 in the consent agenda, renumbering in accordance with the items that are on there, and then uh, directing staff to bring back at a future time. **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Second. [36:51] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Motion by Steve, second by Nick. All in favor say aye. **Councilmembers:** Aye. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** All right. Uh, we'll move on to approve it then, don't we? Yeah. **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Oh yeah, yeah, yep. No, that's a motion to... I just made a motion to... I will make a motion to approve the amended agenda. **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** Second. [37:11] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Motion by Steve, second by Jake. All in favor say aye. **Councilmembers:** Aye. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** All right, so then we will go on to item 8.1. Uh, in the next item on our agenda is a public hearing. Uh, it's a public hearing for the application for on-sale and Sunday intoxicating liquor license uh, from Granowski 14 LLC, DBA The Mug. Uh, I'd like to go ahead and open the public hearing at this time. And Shirley, you'll take that item? [37:39] **Shirley Buecksler:** Yes. Thank you Mayor and Council. The city received an application for an on-sale and Sunday intoxicating liquor license from Granowski 14 LLC, DBA The Mug, at 18450 Pilot Knob Road, Number A. A public hearing must be held. Notice of public hearing was published in the January 10th edition of the Dakota County Tribune. The Police Chief has conducted a background check and approved the application. Staff also recommends approval of the application with an effective date of January 21, 2025, through December 31, 2025, and the applicant is here if you have any questions. [38:25] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thank you, ma'am. Uh, Nick, do you have any questions for staff? **Councilmember Nick Lien:** None. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Holly? **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Not for staff, no. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Jake? **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** None. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Steve? **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** None. [38:34] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** All right. Uh, Diane, you are the applicant. Um, does anybody have any questions for Diane? Jake or Steve? No? Okay. Is there anything that you wanted to say at all? If you do, feel free to come up, otherwise... okay. All right, you're the applicant, it's a public hearing, you're entitled to... if you don't want to, that's fine. Uh, and I don't have any questions for you. Um, again, it's a public hearing. Are there any residents that want to speak as it relates to the agenda item? All right, seeing none then I will go ahead and close the public hearing at this time. Um, unless there's any additional discussion or uh, deliberation, I would seek a motion to approve the on-sale intoxicating and on-sale Sunday liquor license for Granowski 14 LLC, DBA The Mug, located at 18450 Pilot Knob Road, Farmington, Minnesota. [39:30] **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Motion to approve. **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** Second. [39:33] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Motion by Holly, second by Jake. Call the roll, please. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Lien? **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Wilson? **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Mayor Hoy? **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Bernatz? **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Cordes? **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** Yes. [39:53] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** All right, thank you. Next item on the agenda is also a public hearing for uh, the withdrawal on the petition to vacate drainage and utility easement over Outlot D, Vermillion Grove. I'd like to go ahead and open the public hearing at this time. And Tony, you're taking it? [40:06] **Tony Wippler (Staff):** I will take it. Thank you, Mayor, Councilmembers. This evening we're requesting that uh, the petition for vacation be withdrawn. Uh, the applicant is still working through their platting process. Um, they came up with some hiccups with utilities, things like that, so they're still working through that. So instead of continuing the public hearing—um, which has been continued at least once—um, we've agreed with the applicant that withdrawing it at this time is appropriate. They will um, reapply or re-petition, if you will, um, when they submit or resubmit their plat. So um, at this point the action that's requested this evening is to close the public hearing and accept a withdrawal of the application or petition. So, thank you sir. [40:48] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Steve, any questions for staff? **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** No. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Jake? **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** No. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Holly? **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** No. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Nick? **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Nope. [40:54] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Uh, is the applicant here? No? Okay. It is a public hearing. Is there anyone that wants to speak? All right, seeing none then I will close the public hearing at this time. Uh, unless there's any other questions, comments, or deliberations, I would seek a motion to accept the withdrawal of the application. [41:19] **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Motion. **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Second. [41:21] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Second by Steve, second by Nick. Call the roll, please. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Wilson? **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Mayor Hoy? **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Bernatz? **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Cordes? **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Lien? **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Yes. [41:34] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** All right. Next item on the agenda is 10.1, uh, which is the Meadowview Preserve Second Edition final plat. Tony, you've got me again. [41:40] **Tony Wippler (Staff):** Uh, thank you, uh, Mayor, Council. This evening we have the final plat for Meadowview Preserve Second Edition, uh, which consists of 75 single-family lots. Uh, this plat is consistent with the approved preliminary plat which included 138 single-family lots spread over 61 acres that yielded a net density of 3.12 units per acre, and that does include Phase 1 and 2 combined. Minimum lot area within the second edition is 7,764 square feet with an average lot area of 9,476 square feet. The minimum lot width and depth within the second edition is 60 feet and 130 feet respectively. The property is zoned R1 and is a Planned Unit Development. Uh, the front yard setback—or the setbacks in this instance—front yard setback of 20 feet, side yard interior setback of six, side yard corner setback of 20, and rear yard setback of 6 feet. And there are no outlots that are associated with this specific final plat. [43:03] **Tony Wippler (Staff):** Oh, I apologize, this isn't showing up. Never got switched. There we go. My apologies, I did not notice that. Um, this is the copy of the uh, final plat, uh, just showing the general layout. Um, as far as uh, how it is laid out in transportation-wise, Everfield Avenue and Everglade Path uh, both will be extended north uh, with this subdivision, with Everglade Path connecting into the existing roadway within the Troy Hill development which is just adjacent to the east. 192nd Street is in the center of this phase and connects both Everfield Avenue and Everglade Path. As far as the roadway sections, Everfield Avenue uh, consists of a 60-foot right-of-way and 32-foot wide road. Everglade Path is a 60-foot right-of-way, 28-foot wide roadway. And 192nd Street consists of a 60-foot right-of-way and 32-foot wide roadway. [44:11] **Tony Wippler (Staff):** I do want to mention that 190th Street West is planned to be constructed as part of this uh, development and phase. Um, right-of-way for that 190th Street was platted with the first edition; um, it's not part of this specific plat. And that construction that is associated with 190th Street uh, West uh, will be subject to a separate review by staff and further discussion on cost as well between staff and the developer. As far as parks, trails, and sidewalks, uh, the city will seek cash in lieu of park dedication with this plat. Uh, the entire Meadowview Preserve development, both Phase 1 and 2 combined, required 5.36 acres of land for park purposes. 2.62 acres were dedicated with the first phase. That means the remaining 2.74 acres are due with this particular phase. Sidewalks will be provided on the north and west side of Everglade Path, the west side of Everfield Avenue, and the south side of 192nd Street West. And then just to note, a bituminous trail will be constructed within the adjacent outlot—which is Outlot A of the first edition—uh, which will run north and south through the outlot from 195th Street West up to the 190th Street West right-of-way. The Planning Commission did review and recommend approval of the final plat uh, with a vote of 4-0 at their January meeting. Uh, therefore, the action that's requested this evening is to adopt Resolution Number 2025-14, approving the Meadowview Preserve Second Edition final plat contingent upon the following: and that being number one, satisfaction of all engineering comments related to the construction plans for grading, streets, and utilities; and number two, a development contract between the developer and the City of Farmington shall be executed, and security fees and costs shall be paid. Submission of all the documents required under the development contract shall also be required. Any questions? [46:07] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thank you, sir. Nick? [46:11] **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Uh, you kind of preemptively brought up my topic. I was going to ask mostly about 190th, because I don't remember actually ever finishing that conversation all that much. Um, specifically the bridge conversation and what that looks like. That's still not even going to be a part of any talks as they develop this, right? That'll be a future... **Tony Wippler (Staff):** That will be as they move west; that would be a future phase. **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Okay. Okay, so they're just going to finish finish 190th basically out until the edge of their development. **Tony Wippler (Staff):** They're going to construct it to their first... to that first intersection on the north to Everfield Avenue. **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Okay, so not too terribly far actually. Okay. It'll be far enough because there's a portion of of that right-of-way that is outside of this plat. So... so basically from um, Everest Path over. **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Okay. We can expect future discussion on what that looks like and how that goes out to Flagstaff eventually someday, right? Okay. Um, second question because I can't see: where did you say that the walking trail was actually going to end up? Is it to the all of it basically? **Tony Wippler (Staff):** Yes. Backyards of the far west... there's a large outlot on the west side of... **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Got that holding pond down there? Yep. Okay, that's what I kind of pictured, but I just didn't know. And that wraps up to 190th then? **Tony Wippler (Staff):** It will. **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Okay, sounds good. Those were my only questions. Thank you. [47:20] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Holly? [47:21] **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Um, yeah. Nick had actually asked uh, part of the question that I was asking. I just... for points of clarification since the way that I'm looking at it, it's twisted. The—at least on my screen—the access points into this development are going to be 190th from the east through an existing neighborhood, right? Or coming off of 195th and going north on Everfield? **Tony Wippler (Staff):** Correct. So what we're looking at really is the backside of the development that we're already seeing come into fruition right now. **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Um, and are we expecting... I know that they've been doing, you know, work as far as improving 195th in that area too, and and how that looks getting in and out of there. Is that something that's going to continue to evolve and and happen with this phase of development? **Tony Wippler (Staff):** Specifically on 195th Street, that work is complete. That's all done. So there's nothing new that's going to be changing there as a result of this. **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** What what we're used to now is what we're used to? **Tony Wippler (Staff):** Correct. **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Okay. That was the only question. I just wanted to make sure that, you know, as people were watching this happen that they knew what to expect getting in and out. [48:32] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Steve? **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** I have none. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Jake? **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** No additional questions. [48:35] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** So just as a point of clarity, the—because we have this segment from Everest that stopped, right? Segment of 190th that stopped at Everest. So the developer is going to take it from there to the western edge... not to the property line, because I know we had initially talked about that. It's going to stop at the road and then once we see what happens with future additions um, and how it kind of develops out to the west, then we'll have conversations about the extension of 190th. Because if I remember correctly, the county has that in their long-term transportation plan. **Tony Wippler (Staff):** I'm not... I don't believe 190th... I don't believe it is. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** I just recall having the conversations about the setbacks being wide enough for a county road, because I thought... and I could be wrong there, but I for some reason that stuck with me. **Tony Wippler (Staff):** I don't believe it's supposed to be County. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Anyways, okay. We're not going to have a missing segment of road is the net takeaway, right? Um, developer's here? Representative? **Tony Wippler (Staff):** No, unfortunately they weren't able to make it. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Okay, no worries. Um, no, I mean it looks like the development is progressing well. Um, it's going to be nice to see this get done. And do they have to have the extension of 190th completed as part of this development? **Tony Wippler (Staff):** Yeah. So before they finish on the second edition or submit for a third, that has to be done. We'll end up having to have some language in the development contract specific to 190th Street, because that will be important to have that connection for this development so that not everything's getting funneled through the Troy Hill development. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Yeah. And the same provisions in the development contract about uh, uh, means of egress in and out of the site just as far as the residences and stuff to the east of there? Same thing? We didn't hear anything from that, so it was good. They... I think it worked fairly well. **Tony Wippler (Staff):** Yes. Yep. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Okay. I like it. Thank you. Uh, with that I would seek a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-14, approving the Meadowview Preserve Second Edition final plat contingent on the two aforementioned provisions. [50:49] **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Motion to approve. **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Second. [50:52] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Motion by Steve, second by Holly. Call the roll, please. **Shirley Buecksler:** Mayor Hoy? **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Bernatz? **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Cordes? **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Lien? **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Wilson? **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Yes. [51:10] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thank you, Tony. **Tony Wippler (Staff):** Thank you very much. [51:14] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** All right, next item under new business is 12.1, the appointments to boards and commissions for 2025. Shirley? [51:18] **Shirley Buecksler:** Thank you. For approval tonight are appointments to boards and commissions as listed in your packet. Interviews were conducted on December 16th. [51:30] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Awesome. Thank you. Any... Steve, questions, comments? [51:31] **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** No, I appreciate that one of our new appointees chose to be here tonight. Doug, welcome to the Park and Rec Commission. We did have a lot of applicants this year which, as a council member, I think all of us appreciate. In some years we we actually haven't had enough folks to fill seats. So um, you know, I know the Mayor talks about this a lot, um, that finding ways to serve and get back to the community is one of the better ways to get involved. So, appreciate... appreciate all the applicants. [52:03] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Jake? [52:04] **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** I will just echo what Steve said. Nothing for me. [52:13] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Nick? [52:14] **Councilmember Nick Lien:** I appreciate the energy of coming out to see your your appointment. Yeah, nothing to add to that beyond um, it's always good to have more applicants than we have positions available. Uh, because as we know over the tenure of the terms, that vacancies do happen whether it's moving, relocating... life happens. So it's nice to to have people to continue. Uh, because we were short not all that long ago. Um, it's going to be great to to see the new bodies get involved and get going. So uh, with that I would seek a motion to approve the appointments and terms as listed above to the Park and Rec Advisory Board, the Planning Commission, Rambling River Center Advisory Board, and the Water Board for 2025. [52:48] **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** So moved. **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Second. [52:51] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Motion by Jake, second by Nick. Call the roll, please. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Bernatz? **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Cordes? **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Lien? **Councilmember Nick Lien:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Councilmember Wilson? **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Yes. **Shirley Buecksler:** Mayor Hoy? **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Yes. [53:05] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** All right. Round Table. Nick? [53:06] **Councilmember Nick Lien:** I should have said it with the last bit, but one comment that stuck out with me from the interviews we had for the commitments was Bill Worky, who said he was coming up on 60 years of service to the city. We asked him why and he said, "Well, I figure if I've done 60, it makes people that have only done three or four and make it not seem so bad." So um, it was a great perspective on it. I appreciate it. It made me feel like the three years I've been doing this is just a drop in the bucket. Some days it feels a little long but hard to stand next to that. So thank you to everyone again for that part of it. [53:45] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Holly? [53:46] **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Um, yeah. So we had some cool things happen on uh, last Friday night. Farmington High School Theater uh, did their one-act, and this weekend they are performing in the one-act competition. So if anybody wants to go see the theater compete, um, it is a one-act that was actually written by a high school senior from Farmington High School. And just best of luck to them as they go out and compete and hopefully make it to the next level. [54:14] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thank you. Jake? [54:15] **Councilmember Jake Cordes:** Um, kind of along with that last item on the agenda appointing uh, reappointing existing members and appointing new members, I just want to thank uh, outgoing commission members um, who recently had their their last meeting. Um, so thank you to Leann Leo and Cody Fishman for their service on the Planning Commission and the Parks and Rec Board. Um, I think Leann started in October of 2019 and Cody in August of 2023. So thank them for their service uh, to our community and wish them the best of luck moving forward. [55:01] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Absolutely. Steve? [55:02] **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Yeah, I've got two items. On Friday, Matt and his team put on a fantastic banquet honoring our amazing Fire Department, and congratulations Mary for being our firefighter of the year! It was great to be there. Um, the other comment I wanted to make this kind of stems actually from something the Mayor made mention of uh, at our last meeting and I do want to say that I think it it this actually bears worth noting and appreciating even three years later. So back in, I think, February of 2022—Holly, this is going to be about you so I'm not trying to embarrass you—but I believe it was February of '22 the team of Hollys came to the community uh, wanting to you know kind of reimagine and reinvigorate a community celebration that really had kind of essentially fallen apart without volunteers, lacked a lot of energy. And the dynamic duo created probably one of the best community events um, that we've seen in recent years, and that continues to be so appreciated. Holly, and I'm I'm sure Holly Shear's not watching even though I still believe this is the highest rated television broadcast in the community... I don't think everybody always watches. Um, but I think the reason I'm pointing that out is because you know, the team of Hollys—I think Holly... our Holly sitting next to us here up at the dais was very instrumental um, after that time period, but there's also been a passing of the torch of leadership and of course we have a brand new exciting sponsor this year. Um, and you know, the sponsor name may not be the same that we've been used to, but I think the community celebration is going to be even more impactful with so many more ways to get involved. So I'm extending my appreciation again to Holly and Holly and Holly Shear for the work they did to get us to the point. So long way of saying: get involved! Be part of the group, be part of a group that wants to take on an event, be part of the team that's coordinating the whole thing. There's so many different ways to get involved. I'm guessing that if you raise your hand and say "I want to be involved" that there's going to be a job for you and you'll feel great about it because you found a great way to get back to the community. So uh, long way of saying we appreciated you three years ago before you were up here, Holly, and continue to appreciate the work and foundation that you set. So thank you. [57:24] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thanks. David? [Lynn] **Assistant City Administrator David Chanski:** Nothing tonight. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Shirley? [57:28] **Shirley Buecksler:** Um, just want to call out two items that were approved on the consent agenda tonight. One is a gambling license for the VFW to conduct bingo in the back room. The other is a new tobacco license for Farmington Smoke Shop at 115 Elm Street. That's all, thank you. [57:43] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Deanna? [57:44] **Community and Economic Development Director Deanna Kuennen:** Thank you Mayor and Council. I wanted to take just a moment to publicly thank Aerospace Fabrication and Materials for opening their doors and giving us a fantastic tour tonight. There is um, some amazing things that happen in this community or are being built or being manufactured, and Aerospace Fabrication is a shining example of the creativity, the um, intelligence, all of those things that happen here in our community. So thank you to them for opening their doors and letting us peek inside for an hour. [58:20] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thank you. John? [58:21] **Public Works Director John Powell:** Thank you Mayor and City Council members. Uh, next week—the 27th through the 31st—is Winter Salt Week 2025. Uh, salt is a very important part of our snow and ice safety and and clean-up efforts, but we always want to use just enough to be safe, not too much, because that chloride ends up in our lakes, water bodies, rivers and whatnot. Uh, just one teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes five gallons of water. So think about it that way. And that chloride collects in the water bodies and it does not go away. It doesn't dilute, it doesn't... it stays there. Uh, so there's a a wide variety of webinars that all folks can uh, take advantage of at www.wintersaltweek.org about safe salting and uh, ways to uh, use just enough and not too much to take care of our water bodies too. Thank you. [59:16] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thank you. Kelly? [59:17] **Kelly Griffith (Parks & Rec Staff):** Good evening Mayor and Council. I want to congratulate Doug on his appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission. He he attended the January meeting and got to meet the team and then he was was in last week and we met for about an hour, so he'll hit the ground running. So congratulations Doug, welcome to the commission. Uh, even though we have great outdoor ice for skating, we're thinking about spring. Um, now is the time to register for recreation programs. We have a Pint-Size Prom, we have Breakfast with the Bunnies, we have some golf lessons, clay classes with Muddy Waters. So get on the city's website, www.farmingtonmn.gov, and register for spring programs. Thank you, ma'am. [59:53] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Chief? [59:54] **Fire Chief Matthew Price:** Uh, like I said last time, our excuse me... our paid-on-call had opened up on January 13th. Our first informational meeting will be February 17th on President's Day. Um, but it gives us an opportunity to maybe get a few individuals in there that may not have been able to do that. I don't have all of the dates, but we do have a daytime uh, informational meeting and then two other evening-time informational meetings. Uh, it closes in March and then we will begin the process of bringing new firefighters on board. [1:00:21] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Thank you, sir. I don't have anything to add, so seek a motion to adjourn. [1:00:28] **Councilmember Steve Wilson:** Motion. **Councilmember Holly Bernatz:** Second. [1:00:30] **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** Motion by Steve, second by Holly. All in favor say aye. **Councilmembers:** Aye. **Mayor Joshua Hoy:** We're adjourned at 7:59. [1:00:49] [Music]