like to call. All right. Go ahead and call the meeting to order. We'll start with a roll. Whoa. Won't drop that. Start with a roll call. McKe here. Lantern >> here. Friedrich >> present. >> Baron camp. >> I am here. >> Councelor Nichols is out of town. If you like to stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, we'll go on to agenda approval. Um staff looks like we had a couple uh modified items or moved around items and one addition at 6 I is the addition and I have 4C moving to a staff report as well as uh 10 which was a closed session moving to 9C. >> That's correct, ma'am. >> Okay. Any other changes from council? If not, I will entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda or I'm sorry to approve the agenda as >> uh >> so moved >> amended. >> Second. >> All right. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> On to presentations. >> That was pretty funny. >> Should should we be excited? >> Um presentation. So, we have two and I will toss it over to Jay. >> Yes, sir. Uh, Mr. Mayor, we are always happy when we're able to retain good talent and uh we're happy that Natalie has been with us five years this week. Uh, her first day with Corkran was on the 11th of February in 2021. Uh, she became our community development director on the 5th of July in 2024. She received her AICP certification this past year, which is a significant professional achievement. Uh she received the city's changemaker award uh this past year 2025 which is presented to the employee that has the most significant impact on the city and she has been the leadership behind creating a new development or a new development department and just dozens and dozens of planning initiatives. Her fingerprints are all over the city of Corkran and we are so grateful for her. Natalie, where is she? GOOD POINT. >> Blue steel. >> We We've spared no expense for the photography group here. >> Wait, wait, wait, wait. >> Y got to jump in. When we celebrate an anniversary for your retirement, don't break it already. >> We usually find some fun facts. Now, five years being 2021 is not anything too too crazy, but I found a couple good ones. Um, or just interesting ones. Uh, in 2021, the average price per gallon is about $31. The average new home cost was about $374,000. Uh, inflation began accelerating about 7%, the highest in decades. >> That's That's Natalie's fault. >> No, it's better since she joined. >> Okay, that's >> that's hot girls movie was Spider-Man No Way Home with over 1.9 billion at the box office globally. quite a bit. Um, top I'm not a big like up to date on music guy, but top song of the year was Levitating by Duala. >> Okay. >> No idea. >> Almost all of the Minnesota teams were terrible. >> Normal. >> The Wild were decent, but they lost in the first round of playoffs. for men's basketball made it to the tournament lost in the first round and um Bitcoin hit an alltime high,000 Tik Tok became the most visited website in the world. >> A comment >> very much appreciated here. Um when I accepted the job in 2021, I was very excited to accept my dream job as a city planner. Um, and very quickly I wanted to become the community development director uh for city and it was um honor to have been able to accept that role here and growth. >> Go 16th birthday. You don't look that old. >> All righty. And then next we have a presentation. >> The man, the myth, the legend, >> Mr. Tom Anderson. Uh, so while there's so many things that we could recognize Tom for and how he's contributed this evening, we're recognizing him for his contribution to the wershed. Uh, so he has served served the Elm Creek wershed as a commissioner uh since 2017. So the resolution that he's being presented with says, "Whereas Tom Anderson was appointed to the El Creek Wershed Management Commission beginning December 14th, 2017. And whereas Tom Anderson supported the South Fork Rush Creek subwhed assessment project that was completed in 2024 and will have very long lasting benefits to the water quality and the natural resources of the Corkran community. And whereas Tom Anderson approved revisions to the Elm Creek Wershed Commission's cost share policy. And whereas Tom Anderson advocated for the cost share of a street sweeper under the Elm Creek Wershed Commission's cost share policy and helped obtain this is just a few things. We could be here for the rest of the night, but we're just talking watershed here. Uh grant funding for the downtown Corkran storm water improvements. Whereas Tom Anderson advocated for and has maintained a small rain garden at city hall with the garden club and worked with maintenance staff to alter maintenance practices to help with water quality adjacent to wetlands by creating a wetland buffer on our city-owned properties. And whereas Tom Anderson has championed and supported the city of Corkran's relationship as a member of the Elm Creek Wershed Management Commission. And whereas Tom Anderson has chosen to end his time as a commissioner with a term that ended on December 31st, 2025. Whereas the city of Corkran recognizes the investment of time, energy, and his dedication provided to the Elm Creek Wershed Management Commission. We now therefore be it resolved the city of Corkran honors Tom Anderson for his distinguished service to the city of Corkran as one of our Elm Creek wershed commissioners. I didn't ever intend to be a member of the water commission. Um when when Ken Gner moved the only way to let him off the commission, somebody needs to do it. >> And and so You know, you have two choices when somebody says, "Who can do that?" You can look at your shoes or you can say, "I'll do." And and I I don't really have much of a background in water. I'm not a water engineer or a pollution engineer or any sort of engineer. I like math. You know, I can figure the surface area. But, you know, Kevin and Lauren kind of brought me along and showed me the ropes. The wershed meetings are really technical, but they're if the water shed screws up the city and the residents of the city hate it for the next hundred years, the potential for making mistakes that really extract a huge price from the city is really large. It's really important work and and the wershed commission works really hard to do a good job. Sharon Meister was on the wershed commission. John B was on the water commission and govern was where everyone is now commissioner John Ryan are back all you know it's a great I understand there's been some turnover in the water commission but but the council is ready partner and supports the watershed commission and doing that important work because they've treated me very well that's that's why why managed years Thank you. It's been it's been a real pleasure and a real honor to serve. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> The power of being voluntto. >> I like that word. >> All righty. And we'll move on to uh open forum. Jay, I think has some cards. And >> uh yes, uh mayor and councel and uh attendees, uh the rules for the open forum are to fill out a form, turn it into us. Uh when you're called upon, please approach the podium, state your name and your address. Uh and then this needs to be a discussion for the open form of an item that is not on the agenda. There will be opportunities for items on the agenda to speak on those. So for an item not on the agenda, uh limit your remarks to three to five minutes. Uh the mayor keeps track of that and I will uh if there are no questions. Um >> some batteries. >> Batteries maybe. >> Yeah, we literally just >> really got >> Okay. Well, maybe turn that down a little bit. >> Okay, that's going to be some air. >> Oh, there we go. >> All right. Now that we have the sound figured out, uh, if I could please invite Charlie Rojos, uh, to the podium. Please state your name and your address for record. >> Hello guys, my name is Charlie Rojos. I live on 7800 Maple Hill Road, right down the street. and I'm here to talk about all the ice stuff that has been going on in the community. Uh, most important over here at Maple Hill and the area surrounding. Um, so as some of you guys may know, I'm pretty sure everybody knows, there's been a lot of ice activity around the community. Uh, particularly in Maple Hill, there's a lot of Hispanics that live there, including myself. Um, we've dealt with everything. uh talking about drones at the house, people taking pictures of cars, a lot of agents, uh bounty hunters disrespecting people. Um even like the property manager of where we live, he's gotten harassed by them and you know he's the owner and they just tell him to piss off. So just want to come out here and just basically, you know, talk on everybody on behalf of everybody that can't speak up for themselves. Thankfully, I'm able to speak for them. Um, you know, a lot of the people there, they're really good people. They're just scared to go out. Uh, even myself. I mean, I have a two-year-old at home and I don't feel comfortable taking him out anywhere right now cuz I don't want to get pulled over by one of the agents and get, you know, racially profiled with my son being in the car. So, um, according to the news today though, thankfully it looks like it's going to calm down a little bit, but it's because of, you know, a lot of people here that are with us and myself included. We've been patrolling the area and, you know, adding some pressure to the agents themselves and not letting them, you know, take advantage of the people. Um, I had two I had an incident with two of the patrollers that we got chased down right out right out here. Um, they tried to lure us into a dead end passing this little bridge right here. I told the people that were in the chase not to go there because I know it's a dead end. Lured back around. I they basically made me go back to Maple Hill, but two of the patrollers there got chased all the way down to 610 and 169 basically got boxed in. They were thankfully able to get out of the situation, but it's just a little bit of the experiences that we've been dealing with. Um, you know, and they're not Hispanic themselves and they're dealing with that and you know, just put it to imagination of what us Hispanics have to deal with. um it just you know sucks but I guess it's what we kind of have to live with but yeah that's just kind of what I wanted to bring out and talk about today >> and yeah >> thank you >> thank you for SHARING >> M Mr. Mayor just to expound on what Mr. Roas said it was announced today. Tom Hullman made an announcement and and uh the governor has responded that they ICE agents are pulling out of Minnesota. They've already begun the draw down. But for those who are watching and those who are present that aren't clear on what Mr. Roas was referencing. Uh there was a press conference earlier today and uh there's there's been a lot of discussion about that. The exact timeline when there will be the complete draw down is unclear but the draw down has begun. Uh, the next uh person to call up is Miss Heidi Highland. Please state your name and address for the record. >> You want my business address? I'm assuming for >> No, actually your home address. >> Okay. Heidi Highland, 405 Commtock Lane North in Plymouth. >> Mr. Mayor, council members, business owners, and residents of the community, thank you for hearing my comments. I am here tonight because I believe that grassroots grows results. This country was founded on free speech and the expectation of human rights for its citizens. I will not be silent out of fear of retribution. It is important to use our voice and influence in the US in Minnesota in this moment. We can do better. We need ICE out of Minnesota. Now, I do not believe the draw down is occurring the way that Holman says and am operating as if it isn't until I experience proof otherwise. I was born and raised in Excelsier. I live in Plymouth and I've been a business business owner in Corkran for 30 years. Our business employs roughly 50 people when fully staffed. At one point, we were the largest employer in Corkran. Staffing is one of the toughest challenges for any business, especially for us when we're seasonal, so far out from the cities, not on a bus route, and now with a fear of ice in our community. Many of this council make purchases from our independent business. I thank you for supporting our family and hope to get your support on this grave issue, too. Nature requires diversity, and so does a company to thrive. Our team members are all unique and have their own strengths. They are part-time and full-time. Some are students. Others are semi-retired. Many are the next generation who want to make sure that we take care of our planet and one another. Out of those 50 strong, diverse souls, we employ three dedicated, hard-working, loyal Spanish-sp speakaking team members. Two of our Hispanic staff have worked for me for 16 years and one for 22. They are the backbone of my business and have helped me grow this company for years. They are employed full-time, are the best employees we have. They pay taxes. They're not a flight risk. They've never committed a crime and sacrifice so much to live here. They work hard so they can send money home to their families. They miss birthdays and anniversaries. They miss school concerts and even funerals, all in an effort to make a better life in America. These Latino team members are not the worst of the worst. They are the best of the best and this is who ICE is regularly detaining. Over the years, I've helped them keep their documentation in order so that they can continue to work legally in this country. I've experienced firsthand that this system is broken. It's an arduous, expensive, and complicated process that requires an attorney to explain and navigate. Many times our team members would be eager for a court date to complete their paperwork only to be told that their date was postponed again four months. What we really need is comprehensive immigration reform. And I know that's not something that the city can assist with. Congress needs to do their job. But what can the city of Corkran do? I trust you as council members would be better able to answer that than I. But how about for starters enact a temporary emergency order that ICE cannot congregate similar to what the cities of Shakipi, Rosedale or Richfield have adopted? Or you could provide resources to support your residents and businesses by placing information on your website or holding working groups to learn and grow together. Our local community is being affected and we can do better than remain neutral. We are called to use our voices and platforms when others don't have one. The Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association, the MNLA, of which I'm past president, has created an immigration policy. This has been in place since 2004. Every March, the MNLA participates in our industry day on the hill to meet with our legislators. You can bet this long winter of ice presence will be one of our talking points. In the US, in Minnesota, in this moment, we can do better. Oh, makes me emotional. My company's most recent incident with immigration had a successful outcome, but many companies, families, and individuals are not as fortunate. One of our Hispanic team members was taken from his regularly scheduled immigration appointment. They took his phone, driver's license, passport, and his employment authorization document, his EAD. by the grace of God and with the primary focus by our company, by his family, by his attorneys, and with the wisdom of one district court judge who ordered his immediate release. And for so many others just like him, too, that were detained unlawfully, we were able to get him back home. After another concerted effort, all of his assets were finally recovered. His well-being is not recovered, however. Neither is that of our team who continue to be traumatized by what they experience and witness on a daily basis. >> Can I get a motion to >> so move, please? >> Second. >> Thank you so much. Just if you would indulge me just for a minute or two, I've just got a couple more remarks. Thank you. >> As our retail doors open for the season, we need to be focusing on running our company versus how to keep our team safe. Instead of our primary focus, we are carpooling, delivering aid, supporting financially, meeting with attorneys, and attending seminars to learn more about how to operate during this unique time. It is timeconsuming work, and it deserves our attention. And it deserves your attention, too. As our local government, we are making contingency plans with signs on the buildings that state private. We worry about new customers or salespeople that we may not recognize and wonder if they're friendly or foe. Especially as ICE is now trying to blend in. We are strategizing, coordinating, and communicating a plan for when our crews mobilize to work on our clients properties. We've been advised by our attorney to have our documented Hispanic staff stay back on the retail grounds as they would be at risk driving around in our company trucks. This driving to job sites not only puts our Latino staff at risk, but also the white employees that are driving with them. When my brother died of lung cancer, I did not quit smoking. Only when I experienced my own health incident did I change a bad habit. The same could apply here. You too can change your mind and not remain neutral. Hopefully our testimonies tonight give you new ideas of how to better support your businesses and residences in Corkran. Grassroots grows results and we are coming to you for help. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh Rob Woodworth, please state your name and address for the record. My name is Rob Woodworth. Uh, my address is 2911 Gerard Avenue North. I'd like to thank you, Mr. Mayor and council members. I'd also like to thank everyone showing up, standing up, and speaking out. You may not recognize me, but I've long been one of your constituents. I grew up down the road in Plymouth, graduated from Wisetta High School, and earned my first paycheck in this district. I remember when County Road 116 was just corn fields and legacy oaks. And as a proud resident of North Minneapolis, I also remember how our state responded when communities demanded justice after neighbors were killed by those sworn to protect them. The current zeitgeist reveals a pattern older than this crisis. Overpolicing and undernourishing our most vulnerable communities, treating instability as a threat rather than a signal for repair. If you thought the fractures in our civic fabric were visible before, I'm here to tell you that they are widening and they are getting closer to home. What we are witnessing under Operation Metro Surge is not new. It is the same pattern, scaled up, more coordinated, and laced with loyalty to hatred. I stand here tonight as a neighbor, a business owner, and by necessity, a legal advocate navigating an autocratic maze of terror. Let's be honest, this occupation is not about immigration reform or public safety. It is about fear and intimidation. Across Minnesota, communities are bearing witness to a villainous assault on basic freedoms. Freedoms we are told remain protected by the Constitution. We the people will not reject the evidence of our eyes and ears. So, let me tell you what I have seen. Earlier this month, my friend and colleague, a cherished part of our community for over a decade, was detained by detained at a routine check-in required by the state. The kind of appointment you keep when you believe in the process and you're trying to build a stable life for your family. They showed up and they were taken. No explanation, no due process, no roads to recourse. They're a spouse, a parent, a foundational part of the work we do. If you've ever admired the gardens we tend, you've seen their character at work. The patience, the intention, the belief that things grow stronger together. They're woven into this place. When someone like that is forcibly removed, it's not a political abstraction. It's an attack on human decency. And this is only one story among thousands. This morning, federal officials called their campaign here a success and suggested operations would conclude while in the same breath making clear they would simply relocate and continue elsewhere. That is not a draw down. That is a continuation. When enforcement expands in funding personnel and detention capacity, those are structural investments. Structural investments signal permanence. Responsible governance plans for permanence. It doesn't hope for retreat. At best, this awful system is overwhelmed, undertrained, and disorganized. But at its worst, it's malevolent, oppressive, and deliberately opaque. When documentation is confiscated without explanation, when legal processes are confusing by design, the burden of proof shifts onto those least equipped to carry it. And that shift is causing measurable harm. We've been told this is about public safety, but what we're witnessing is a sinister and deliberate disruption of daily life. Students and essential workers are in hiding. Families are being torn apart. Honest people are hesitating before calling for help because they don't know who they can trust. This horror is not hyperbolic or imagined. It's a lived reality for people here tonight and many others across our state. More than 4,000 arrests have been reported since ICE arrived in Minnesota. 74% involving people with no criminal record. In response, more than 30,000 Americans have trained 30,000 motans have trained as constitutional observers across 77 of our 87 counties. 14 attorneys have left Minnesota US's Minnesota's US Attorney's General office, citing mounting case loads and enforcement concerns. None of that is business as usual. When the entire state is organizing to document government overreach and abuse of power, local leadership should not be the last to acknowledge the reality. This destruction demands accountability. Where I come from, accountability means showing up even when it's hard. If this moment feels uncomfortable to name publicly publicly that discomfort is the measure of your duty. So I ask you plainly if this continues and all indicators suggest it will >> one moment here get a motion. >> So move >> second. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> I please continue. >> If this continues and all indicators suggest it will what is the plan? What is the plan to protect schools, businesses, and families from sustained disruption? What is the plan to safeguard constitutional protections within your jurisdiction? And who is accountable if those protections erode? Planning without accountability is just performance. Aren't we all tired of political theater? It was not my choice to shift from a gardener in the war to a warrior in the garden. I simply could not stand by as my neighbors were gassed, abducted, and killed. But there are still exit ramps on this highway. Our communities need immediate aid, rent relief, eviction moratoriums, legal support, and healing. If enforcement escalates, relief must escalate faster. Our governments must enact swift reform. At minimum, we need to remove local complicit complicity, demand transparency, and audit cooperation moving forward. And if the structure continues to cause harm, we must have the courage to dismantle it. Perhaps most importantly, our people demand effective followthrough. Justice cannot be selective. Accountability cannot stop at the headlines. Every person harmed deserved deserves acknowledgement. Truth and reconciliation are not luxuries. They are prerequisites to repair. While our elected leaders have failed to protect the communities they serve, something remarkable is happening at the grassroots. Neighbors are organizing. Churches and schools are coordinating mutual aid. People who never sought power once in their life are stepping into it with discipline and grace. It's truly powerful to witness and it's shameful that it has come to this. When suburban mothers and social security recipients are organizing encrypted messaging groups to safely administer community aid, the system is broken. These are not agitators. They did not ask for a revolution. All they wanted was stability. When governance fails, grassroots rises. But grassroots cannot replace structural responsibility. It can hold the line. It cannot hold the entire system. That is your job. Some of us have long known a wolf was at the door. And from lived experience, I'm telling you that it has crossed the threshold. Pretending otherwise will not keep it out. What will protect us and what is already protecting us is community. Real community. Brave, organized, and woven together. When we stand together, diversity is our power. The question is whether leadership will rise alongside the people it represents because history will remember those who chose comfort and those who chose each other. Thank you. >> I have uh one more Kendall Aro. Please state your name and address for the record. >> Hi, I'm Kendall Arrow. Uh 3435 Elm Creek Drive in Hamill, Minnesota. Um mayor, council, I appreciate you guys letting me join you here tonight. I'm a resident of Madina um but have been actively supporting the Corkran community um over the last month and a half. Uh so for the last month and a half I have been volunteering as a community patroller in the west metro suburbs including Corkran helping monitor neighborhoods and work site of work sites of vulnerable residents and employees. Many of those directly impacted in Corkran are unable to be here tonight or don't feel safe to be here tonight. So I felt a responsibility to show up and ensure you are aware of what is happening within your city limits. First, there have been several ICE raids at local construction sites. Uh, I showed up right after one of those raids and spoke with the foreman and he shared that his crew was likely not going to complete the project or come back to work because they have been harassed on a daily basis and workers have been detained. This has both a human and economic consequences for the city of Corkran. In another Corker neighborhood, residents have been repeatedly harassed and intimidated by federal ICE agents. A few examples, some have already been mentioned, but some more include residents were stopped by ICE as they came and left their home community and were demanded to show residency papers. One resident was followed from her home to her work, which happens to be a daycare center, by eight agents in tactical gear, fully armed. Several of them approached her vehicle as she arrived and banged on her window, yelling at her. She was able to show her ID and they left. There is security footage of ICE agents walking through this neighborhood in the early morning and late night hours, peeking into windows and taking pictures of people's personal property. Finally, there are reports of three to four vehicles. I've actually seen this myself. Staking out this exact same neighborhood for hours at a time with multiple agents in full tactical gear with weapons. Not to mention the intimidation factor of that. If you lived in that neighborhood, think of what that is costing taxpayers. Often this president's co or this presence coincides with school bus drop off times when children are present. If they have a known criminal target, why are they harassing the entire neighborhood week after week when children are present? As a patroller, my role has been to serve as a legal observer to ensure residents feel supported and that all actions remain within what is legally permitted. I do want to say that in doing so, I've had several interactions with the Corkran Police Department and I want to publicly thank them. They have been respectful, professional, and understanding and supported what the community observers have been doing. Um, I cannot say the same for neighboring police departments. Um, my own in fact. Um, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much. I'm sharing this not necessarily to inflame, though I think that is necessary right now, but to inform. The activity has a direct impact on Corkran residents and businesses. THANK YOU. WE HAVE WE have one more submission at the last minute. Sound good? Mr. John Bottom. >> Do we have >> Please state your name and address for the record. >> Do we? >> Yeah. >> My name is John Botma, one000 Trail Haven Road, um Corkran. And I want to address two I want came here to address two things, but I do want to address the ICE thing. Um I was on city coun this is my first time speaking before city council having not been having not ran um one cycle ago and I we as a community dealt with illegal immigrants who were committing crimes and being arrested and brought down to jail and being released and being arrested and brought to down to jail. We had illegal immigrants hiding in our barns. We would have noticed that somebody is in Corkran, but they don't know where. So, we'd have to check our out buildings. Um, and so I don't know if I think there's agreement that illegal immigrants who commit crimes need to be deported. And I don't know um if hyperbole and being anti-ICE without a solution is doing our country any good. Uh we had 20 years of inaction by both parties that didn't do a thing and this is where we've got uh and where we've become. So, I would not limit I would I would be careful on actions that describe people in hyperbolic terms as evil and bad and um who are trying to maybe do something like um deport illegals who are committing crimes in Corkran that have that the state, the county, and the city haven't done anything about for 20 years and understand maybe the frustration of what it's like to deal with that from a city's perspective. So, I would encourage cooperation and hearing other people's stories and paying attention. Um, I think cooperation is going to be something that leads to be a leads to a a better result and I'm hopeful of that and I don't think both parties are evil. I don't think either one of them are. But painting one side as evil is not going to do a a bit of good. Um and but that's not why I came tonight, but I felt like I needed to address it because I dealt with it from city council chair for so long. Uh the more upbeat part is that uh I had an opportunity to serve with Tom and I wanted to address that by myself and um Tom is a gem still here. >> Tom is a gem of our community and I working with him on city council for all these years. There are people in your town that make your town better and don't get any accolades for it ever. Tom Bled um the watershed with with no award except for tonight. He get he leads a tree giveaway. He's at everything. And um I always tried to one one bit of wisdom that always stuck with me from Tom is that uh nobody's no not nobody's going to know your name today or nobody's going to know your name 100 years from now but they're going to know what you did. And Tom did a really good job of that. I think Tom personally has played a part in planting uh 50,000 trees in Corkran with the tree giveaway. So, whatever accolades we give to him tonight, people will not know who did it, but uh Corkran is a better spot and will be 100 years from now. So, I I appreciate what Tom has done and I'm on the I'm on the commission now and those are impossible shoes to fill. So, thank you. Um, >> need to grow some hair, too, by the way. >> Me? >> Yeah. Got to get a big beard like Tom. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Tom's just going to dissolve into the earth someday. >> Um, the third the third thing, and this is um I'm asking council um a friend. I'm I'm speaking on behalf of a friend and uh it's a land owner in Corkran and a renter in Corkran and they've run ran a fowl of home of a homebased business in a pretty profound way and they have asked me to help. I'm not being paid but I said I would because I kind of understand and can help. >> Motion to extend the commit. >> I have a motion. >> Have a second. second. >> All those members say I >> I >> uh he asked me to inter intercede um and I can talk about why later, but they I said I would help and we're trying to get him an home occupancy license and those are hard to get and uh when I was on council I always ask people if you have an idea for a business or something you wanted to do come speak to council first. That way, if council thinks it's a terrible idea that you don't have to go through the bother of applying and it's thousands of dollars to apply for a home occupancy uh permit and what we've prepared is sort of some of the answers to the questions on the permit and we wanted to run it by council to just get a flavor of whether it's a good idea or not. And if and I I don't have a horse or I don't have a horse in the race. We just need honest feedback and then if the council thinks it's a bad idea, then um we just won't do it. But what I'm asking for is time in two weeks on the council agenda to speak with you about that what he's trying to do in basic layman's terms and get a read of the room as to whether we should submit a formal application or not. Thank you. >> Appreciate it. >> And mayor, we received one last card. Michelle Tyson. >> Uh, please state your name and address for the record. >> Hello. Uh, Michelle Tyson, 7283 Weston Lane North, uh, Maple Grove, Minnesota. Um, I didn't plan to speak. I felt compelled to think of how to say it nicely. Um, I've personally been patrolling again with some other people in this room in vulnerable communities in Corkran, Madina, Plymouth, Maple Grove, all over the place. And I'm really sick of the word illegal because a lot of these people have been here for 20 plus years, have built families, have citizenship and or are working towards it. And when we say evil, it is because the targeting of individuals just because the way they look is exactly what we're seeing. It's not. We've had multiple people coming to different communities and not having warrants or ICE. Sorry. Ice comes knocking at your door. They sometimes try to break it down. They break windows. They have tried to pull me out of my vehicle. Um just for simply saying, "I'm here to observe." They don't care. Um they've said they've literally told us, they've mocked us. They've taken our pictures. They've um surrounded us in vehicles and laugh at you. Um I don't even know if they for sure know why they're here, but I just want you to be aware that a lot of what they're doing is a target of the color of your skin. It is not merely a legal status. Um they've been asked multiple times to show warrants signed by anybody and they cannot produce them. Yet they will still try to take people. Um that is all. >> One last >> uh Sarah Campbell. >> Uh please state your name and address for the record. Hi. Uh, my name is Sarah Gamble. I promise I will make this quick. I live at 6604 Olive Lane, Maple Grove, right on the border um of here. I also was not planning to speak. Um, the reason I was compelled to get up here is I'm not going to rehash pretty much everything that you've already heard. I'm also one of the patrollers that has dedicated um a lot of my time to specifically the Maple Hill community that has had a lot of visits um a lot of eyes on it and what struck me is I know today especially you've heard of you know the draw down being announced so I know the thought process is hey you know what maybe this is ending what can we do there's really you know the time for us to really take any action as a city is kind of done, you know, and I do really want to call out we've had some amazingly positive experiences with the Corkran Police Department in particular. So, I really want to call out that as something that we were not necessarily expecting that and that has been a really huge um really uplifting experience for a lot of us. Um, and really really a nice change because a lot of us have had really negative experiences with other police departments and that's been really valuable for us. And I just wanted to ask you guys to consider just going forward a lot of your community residents even if this draw down a lot of us are very skeptical whether that will actually happen whether it's going to happen the way that they say it's going to happen when it's going to happen what that's going to look like. Um, and to just consider how your res, even if it does happen, how your residents are going to be left feeling after this, how they're going to be left feeling supported by their community structure. And um, whether anything here was enacted or not, um, you know, Corkran is is a small is a small community. And I think there are ways that it would be wonderful if you could brainstorm of how you could send messages to them that they are welcome, that they that they are cared for. Um that this will not, you know, that you can preemptively protect them in the future from things like this happening. Um that this may not be the last time that something like this comes to attack them and to target them as communities as vulnerable communities and to just show your support at a community level for them as vulnerable populations I think would go miles to let them know that they haven't been forgotten. they've been seen and that their their suffering for what they've gone through here is acknowledged and that they are they're going to be protected and part of your community going forward because a big part of what has happened here is that they feel forgotten by the people that are supposed to be protecting them. And we have seen so the people in their own communities, those of us in what I have to just call out and say, white people that have stood up and put our bodies, our resources, and energy into protecting them just as their neighbors. They are so grateful and so honestly shocked that we have done this. And for us, it just feels like something we need to do because it's the right thing to do. And it's it's really disappointing to feel like your government isn't doing that. And it would be a beautiful thing to say even if this is ending now, protect them in the future. Don't let this happen again. take steps now to make them feel like they are valued parts, valued members of this community. Watch out for them. So that's all I have to say. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Mayor. Before we continue, if I if I could just say something. One one of the things uh um it it hits these situations has hit everybody differently. You wouldn't know this, but I'm I'm the father of four adopted children. Three are minorities. And so, uh, hits hits me on a personal level, not just on a professional level. Uh, and so the discussions and the thoughts, I've had lots of discussions with you. And so, what I want to assure the public, the reason that you've had different experiences with Corkran Police is a reflection of the leadership that you have up here. So, I don't want that to be lost. Actions speak louder than words. And so in a landscape that is very challenging and and that can become unhelpful sometimes rather than rhetoric our community has led with action and in our community policing policy is the way that those actions become personto person. So I just wanted to reassure you don't be confused rather than words it has been actions that these leaders up here have have given direction for the police department and how they do their jobs. And that's why it's different in court. So I I just don't want that to be lost. >> Mr. Mayor, >> yeah, >> you can't have anybody more motan than the guy sitting in this chair right here. >> I've left Minnesota maybe four times in my 64 years of whatever. I want each and every one of our community members safe. I I don't want I'm not a very I'm not very articulate. I'm a matterof fact kind of guy. The illegals, the whatever I have always believed, the criminals should not be allowed here. Um John brought it up. We've got our our our police force take people down. They're released. They take them down, they're released. I don't know how I can fix anything more than our officers and our staff and our police doing what they're doing right now. You guys have vented very, very well and I appreciate that very much. But in my business and in my work habits and stuff, I need help. I need solutions. not tell me you got to do this better. Not tell me this is wrong. You all did very very well and I appreciate it very much. My phone that's published is my personal cell phone. If you call me, if I don't answer, leave a message. I hate people that call and don't leave a message. I don't know if I can solve anything. I will reply. That's my promise. Even if you're not a citizen of Corkran, okay, you have a concern. That is my belief to you all. Thank you very much. So many names tonight. I forgot yours. I didn't write down. Thank you for coming. And I'm not thanking Tom. I'm thanking the gentleman behind you. >> Thank you so much. >> Charlie, >> thank you guys. If you see my truck go through your neighborhood, I'm not ICE. I'm watching. My last statement, everybody that's an observer, everybody that's going on, I mean this with the most respect, stay out of the way and be safe. Don't be confrontational cuz I don't want to see anymore. I didn't want to see the two that happened. please. Okay, that's a big deal. And the residents in Maple Hill, while it's been an issue even before I started some of the things that are happening there, it is a place that people call home. I respect that. They're participating. They're wanting to get back into the mainstream. They're wanting to do what right. They want to make up for mistakes they've made in the past. some of that, but there's also people there that haven't ever had any issues because that's all they can afford. I respect each and every one of them. I respect each and every one of your guys' comments tonight and I want to thank each and every one of you for being very respectful and uh appreciate it very very much. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you all. And uh just to clarify as we move on to the agenda, if you want to stay, you're more than welcome to. If you want to leave, we won't be offended. Have a little time. >> I was going to make a motion. They hauled that table. We had to listen to everything they said. Now they got to listen to everything. >> Are you saying you don't normally have >> depends on the issue sometimes, not >> is maybe two of them are regular customers. Otherwise, we we appreciate what you've done tonight. Thank you so much. It's recorded. It's public record. Appreciate you all. If I can say, Mr. Mayor, let's give him a few minutes to clear out. >> Appreciate you all very, very much. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. He's our planning commissioner. >> Thank you, Mr. very much. >> I'm going to leave when it gets boring. >> Well, you might want to go now. >> Grab a snack. >> Grab a sandwich, John. I bought that one just for you. >> Okay. Um, on to consent agenda. We have a consent agenda consisting of items 6A through uh six >> L. Thank you. I couldn't tell if there's an L and an I. and I can't start the alphabet in the middle. Uh, my disability, I guess. Um, does anyone want to pull anything? >> If I could just real quick, 6C. I don't want to speak a lot, but uh >> 6C. >> I think it's pretty pretty cool stuff. >> I'd like to pull 6 L just very briefly. >> That's Yeah, I forgot about that one. And then I normally we'd pull uh D, but we kind of read it and acknowledge that at the time of the presentation. >> Yeah, he doesn't need any more recognition. >> All right. So, >> he's gone by the way. >> There you go. With that, I will enter Oh, you got one. >> No. >> Oh, sorry. Um, I will entertain a motion to approve consent agenda items six, A, B, D, and D through K. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. I >> that's not counted. Um, let's see here. Uh, C. >> C. No. E. >> Oh, it already got approved. >> Already got approved. >> Oh, no. Did I say C? >> You said. >> Um, everything's fine with C. Make a motion to approve. C. >> Second. >> Uh, all those in favor say I. >> I. Okay. Am I okay? Did you want to comment on it? >> If I may, if I can, if I'm not out of order and stuff. The AED grant and the acceptance. Thank you so much. Those AEDs end up with our police department. The only question I had is how many of our a how many AEDs do we have? Number two, how many are up for expiration? >> So, we have one in every squad and we also have them in our city facilities. So, I don't have off the top of my head, but we just recently got new ones under this new grant program within the last uh in the last two years here. So, we're sitting pretty well on them for the program that allows us to have the opportunity to get them through grants. So, very helpful for our community. They are used regularly by our officers and they're one of the best one of the best life saving tools that we have. So, very important for our question. >> Outstanding. Thank you. Just curious, will we have one of those in our new building at at Heritage Park? >> I am not. I would assume that we would at some point, but I don't know. >> Is that direction? That would be >> I would second that motion of direction. >> So So direction to have one. >> I think it's a good idea. >> Then the answer is yes. >> Feel the power. >> I think we should. >> And that's heritage part. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. All right. Um, and with that, we'll go on to I I just wanted to recognize uh kind of last minute, we got the email that um uh Lindsay, our one of our planning commissioners, is uh ending her time on the commission as of February 28th, so end of the month. Uh she's been on for three years and uh done a lot of great work on the commission and so just wanted to thank her for that. Um, logistically, I believe Michelle and I are the next nominating committee. Unless we have a couple things up. So, unless uh charter applicants come in first or do we have anything else up besides planning? Do we have a thought we had one other regardless likely for planning and then I did speak to Chair Brumman about joining us for those calls if she's able to make it and she more than happy to. So, Hopefully um we'll get some good applicants and hopefully the word will get out. Please apply if you're interested in being on the planning commission. Um and yeah, so we'll hopefully get that set and going for someone new to be on there hopefully by the April meeting. >> Just FYI, too, we had some really good applicants last time. I hope we still have their application. >> Yes, I believe we do. >> Yep. We'll look at all of those. Um, all right. And with that, I'll entertain a motion to approve consent agenda item 6L. >> We'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Perfect. Planning business. No planning. No unfinished business. On to new business. 9A. We have 2026 state bonding request. Jay. >> Kevin. Kevin. >> That would make more sense. >> Oh, you're right. Not water planning. I want to do water planning. Disregard. Hold on. I I I am I was thinking water planning. That's what we're going to do. So, pay no attention but to the man behind the screen. Uh so, uh we we have the civic campus planning that's been going on and we're looking for ways in order to lower our our costs. Uh not to exceed 50 million is what we've committed as as kind of a social contract. And so, how do we lower that 50 million? So we we do geo bonding for less than 50 50 million. Uh we are going out with a $10 million state bonding request uh specifically uh for police department related training facilities and operational uh components. Uh we've had some very good conversations what that have shaped the uh shaped the conversation for what we're requesting. We looked at historical data in terms of what has made it through and where potential gaps are. We've spoken to electeds on what could receive or support and we've spoken to our neighboring agencies and partners on what they'd be willing to help us support. So what we're hearing is this next legislative session they don't don't actually expect a lot of bills to make it through. They do expect to have a bonding bill make it through. Currently 1.2 uh billion is what they have potentially available uh to to do. last conversation I had on Monday, that's been whittleled down as they've done more work to probably closer to about 900 million. So, what we're asking for in our 10 million, can you please bring that up? Uh, specifically um to to walk through it, these this is the scope of what our ask is. So important to note that that in the design and the discussions that we're having for the building, uh regardless of whether we get this bonding money or not, these are components that we're planning on having in our facility. uh the the the degree that that we're able to fully realize those components today uh and the degree to which we're willing and able to partner with other agencies. If if we're able to get this, this becomes a lot more accessible to our neighboring partners. If we have to fully fit the bill, then we're probably not going to be h have as open a facility. Uh and so uh the first thing is recognizing that uh a regional emergency operations and and command center would be very beneficial for things like mass casualty events. Uh or um during COVID our EOC got activated and was utilized as a regional center trying to work with the emergency management center in in for the county. Uh so it's beneficial to partner with the county to have a regional center here uh that that meets that kind of need. And we've also experienced operationally when we've had emergencies like the hostage situation and then some other scenarios that have come up in the last 24 months in which having the ability to activate an emergency operation center in which we can partner not only with other agencies but other layers of agencies federal, county, state, uh and other types of agencies. that capability requires some infrastructure that costs a lot of money. And and so uh that that is probably one of the most compelling components that we're asking for uh because it also allows us to partner with neighbors that do not have police departments. While the training center might not be appealing to them, a command center is appealing to them because it help meets their need if we have a natural disaster uh or or the other types of emergency we discussed. the the other four components are really uh related to training and it's leveraging technology. So when I went to the international chiefs of police conference back in uh October, um what I learned was wow the ways that we can leverage toys for people and and by that I mean leveraging technology means if if we go to Maple Grove, they have a regional training center. It has uh a membership fee. So it's like lifetime fitness. >> Yeah. It's hard to get into because larger agencies that have a lot large volume, they book the calendar up and then what's available on the calendar, those who are not members then can get, but it's at a premium price and and then uh for us as a small agency, it's hard for us to shut the whole department down and run the whole department over there to do that. So when they're doing some of these training events with 15 to 20 30 people, when you have Plymouth, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, those large agencies, that's not their whole agency. When we have 15 uh licensed police officers in order to get the maximize of a of a facility like that, we have to bring all of our part- timers in in order to get all of our full-timers over there to do that. That's not the best way to do it. the type of facility that we're talking about uh promotes both team collaborative uh and then individual skill development. So, an indoor training range uh if you've ever been to an indoor training range that has these lanes, they're prohibitive and and they restrict you to just the lane that you're on. A new modern modular training uh allows you to move where your targets are. It's incredibly uh and and and change to a scenario-based training module or regimen so that you can uh you're never going to encounter a scenario in which the target is right there at exactly 25 m and uh you're going to hear the bell. That's not how the real world works. And so being able exit exit a vehicle because it's large enough that we can actually bring a vehicle into the range, exit your vehicle, respond to a scenario and then and then uh respond appropriately on a live fire range uh is extremely helpful. Uh the other component uh scenario based training spaces, think giant Legos that are that can take ballistics. So they can take a uh we're not going to we're not planning on using them in our live fire range. uh but being able to set up uh real spaces so that you have muscle memory and now you can combine that with virtual training so it becomes augmented reality. So you get not just the muscle memory of a scenario based. We have our officers going into uh a a situation in which they're responding to a call about domestic and then through the virtual reality they're having to respond and then the scenario date changes based on their response and then now they've got the muscle memory of walking through a space, how do I get good cover? Those sorts of types of things. And then it can change the next week. We break that building down and we build a new building with these giant Legos and they get a new scenario experience. Uh and then that that's the scenario-based training space and the virtual uh training systems working collaborative for an augmented reality training scenario. We don't need somebody uh to manage a facility to do that. You can get there, hit the scenario and do it. It doesn't require the same amount of overhead that they have for the facility at Maple Grove because the way that these are driven, it doesn't require as much uh um personnel, but it does require the technology. Um and then lastly, uh there is not a training uh facility for canines um that's that's accessible to the public. They take them out to the out to the airport and that's where they do a lot of their collective training for canines. Um, we have this as a need because we have a K-9 uh team within our department and we have some space available. Uh, we can activate these spaces that aren't going to inhibit our other operations. And so, if we're going to spend money activating spaces to benefit not just our department, but but the overall safety of our region makes a lot of sense. And what would be added is some potential outdoor spaces for exercise and and some of the other scenario-based training that they have to do. Otherwise, it isn't really uh changing the indoor spaces. It's just inviting partners who have K9 teams or who train K9 teams to partner with us collaboratively in this. Jay, if we uh get the the bonding uh amount we're seeking for this, will you commit to doing the suit again? >> Absolutely. >> I'll do the suit again on the record at at Cork because that was super fun. >> It freaked my mom. My mom and my wife were not happy when they watched the video. >> I'll do it, too. >> And they heard me scream myself >> and and they're like, "Is is the dog hurting you?" No, I was doing that for effect. >> Can you? >> But for the record, I >> No, he was hurting you. He was I ended up see I have black marks from my elbow to my shoulder. >> Instead of just sitting in the car taking it easy. How about if you run across a field? Let's >> chase him across the field next time. >> I'll do that. >> I'm going to let >> Is that commit? Is that a commitment? >> The mayor wants to run. >> Uh so so with with this uh we the mayor and I met with uh Representative Kristen Robbins earlier this week. Um and and there's a couple realities. So, Maple Grove uh had their their bonding dollars for their regional facility recently. We talked through the concerns about that and we are differentiating because we're partnering with small agencies that don't get the same training effect out of the larger facility in Maple Grove. Uh a lot of these agencies we're already partnering with. They come and they use our outdoor range and so it's just an extension of existing partnerships and inviting them to collaborate with us. Uh the the chief is working with our partners to get letters of support uh it for this regional facility. Uh and then I'm working with city administrators who don't have police departments to get their support uh for the regional command center emergency operations center. Uh so best case scenario uh we received $10 million and and we're able to activate these spaces with collaborative partners and it it increases the quality of our training not just for our department uh but for all of our partnering agencies in which we have um uh what is that called aid mutual aid agreements already um uh worst case scenario uh we get low dollar value. We don't get a full 10 million, but we get something which helps reduce our bonding requirement. Uh, but these spaces are spaces that we're planning for uh and have been talking about anyway as a need for the police department. So, finding collaborative partners and reducing our costs uh seems to make a lot of sense. We have a meeting with uh Senator Liur next week uh two two weeks two weeks from now. Um I I met with handover this morning uh and and and their city administrator is taking something to their council mayors the other night and have been doing some followup meetings um and we'll be speaking um a couple others I can tell you offline but that would be good to try to get on the same >> so so in talking with uh League of Minnesota city reps who who monitor the legislature In talking with Senator Limer's office and and uh Representative Robin's office, they've all affirmed that because of the landscape with limited dollars and competing projects, it's in the city's best interest, everybody is hiring lobbyists. This time we did not have a lobbyist last time. Uh previous projects that I had when I was in Shakape, uh we had a noticeable difference of experience when we went forward without a lobbyist versus when we had a lobbyist. So when our bill goes forward before committees, uh we will have representatives that go to testify, but when they're having conversations in other committees, uh where we might not be called, having those lobbyists who are hearing concerns so that we can be called to address them or are are advocating on our behalf uh is is tremendously beneficial. the um cost of this uh when when we bonded for our 2025A bond, if you recall, we earmarked $300,000 for the city uh the civic campus planning. Uh we had significant savings because I was thinking it was going to be uh a hundred to $150,000 for our space needs and that was $29,000. And so we have money that was projected for the project uh that that could be used from the bond dollars. uh to go and my my request would be uh to authorize staff uh to contract with a lobbyist. The session begins the 16th of February. So, their advocation would begin immediately as the session begins on the 16th. My request would be to authorize staff uh not to exceed $50,000 contract. I have one proposal in so far. I'm still waiting on others. The current proposal that I have was for $44,000. Uh, and I'm confident that we'll be able to get someone for less than 50. >> Do you need a motion for that? >> Yeah, I'll I'll make a motion um to authorize the staff and mayor to pursue the 2026 uh state bonding dollars to support the civic campus and regional uh police training center. >> Second >> and leveraging a lobbyist to hire those to help accomplish those. Second. >> Second. >> Uh any discussion? If I may, I was part of pups when it started in Maple Grove. It was supposed to be this, no more. I believe there was four police departments bought into this, but it was supposed to be a regional training facility. It has been remodeled number of times and now it's turned into and morphed into what it is today. Whatever we end up doing, I would like to keep it from morphing into do something like that. >> It was the perfect idea, the perfect place, just as you all are talking right now. That's why I supported it when I was there. It It's hard for me because I wanted it to stay that way for communities like Corkern and other communities outside to be able to freely go and stuff and do things, do training, those kind of things. just if there's something we could do to keep it this way. >> The benefit of >> and not morph to not morph. >> The benefit of it having morphed to being what it is now a little bit is that it would make even less sense for us if we if we built this to also have ours morph because we don't want to compete. >> I agree. >> I agree. I just I while I'm proud of what happened over there, it's hard to accept what it has changed to. I love this very very much. So very much in support. And uh I ran in the Senator Leur at Home Depot on Sunday and we had a conversation about this and he said he was excited to help and meet with this. So >> standing next to refrigerator in Home Depot. So it's kind of cool. >> All right. With that, uh all those in favor say I. >> I. I. Hi. >> On to 9B. I think I got mine out of order here. One second. >> Water supply planning and >> All right. Thank you, Mayor and Council. So, uh, really before you tonight is an update of of kind of our strategic plan and priority list, uh, as it relates to, uh, state bonding dollars that we received from the state of Minnesota in the 23 cycle. Um, we've been doing strategic planning, kind of ongoing strategic planning with everything that's going on. And we're wrapping up our significant improvement projects up in Northeast, our first water tower and treatment plant and well, municipal well. Uh, So now we're we're really focusing on this this project and how to implement it and begin design and construction. U with that we we really put more in kind of a a grouping like a mass of certain projects just more or less generally described for wall water supply improvement. So tonight we're asking for kind of concurrence or direction with what staff put together as as far as our priorities for projects that we want to uh meet with putting for put forward in front of the state. Uh we will meet with the public facilities authority there, the agency that is designated and administering the state bond. So we'll meet with them and present this. Our intention is to break it out into individual projects. um uh and we need to go through a process to do that, but we need your direction and concurrence before we approach them. Um on the screen here, it was in the packet is really a project location map of our priority areas. Uh priority number one is our second municipal well up in northeast. So we have one municipal well today. Uh we have done a test well for number two. It's in Belleather Park. uh the northern uh green dot up on the screen. Uh and we we plumbed the pipes there. The raw water means there were basically set up for the permanent well pump house controls and whatnot. So that's priority one. Priority now we have two. We have 2 A. Priority 2 A and priority 2B are really related to um storage uh in southeast Corkran. So the southeast corker is still serviced. Our water is purchased from Maple Grove. So it's a it's an independent from the northeast system. Um but there are still some needs down there. Uh and those needs are really a water tower and with the water tower will be a required booster station. So we're labeling they're really they need to go hand in hand or they don't function appropriately. Uh so 2A is a 1 million gallon elevated tower. Uh uh the red dot in the map on the top of the yellow rectangle is basically the north side of our parking lot here. Um that is our target area for now. Uh there is a possibility if we engage with the PFA and they allow some flexibility to potentially continue a search area. Beyond that, if there is limited or no flexibility, we would pursue the location here in the north end of city uh hall property. So that's what you see there in yellow. And then just southeast today. I think you're familiar with it, the Cook Lake Highlands development on the border um by Cork and Lions Park. Uh we with that development we uh if they acquired a property there where we would we had a plan booster station. So that's where we get our water from Maple Grove. So we boost it right there into our system, apply pressure, and that booster would help fill the water tower. So without the booster, we wouldn't get full use and operational use of the water tower. We have a pretty good sense of what the municipal well will cost. So again, we have $10 million in the state. We have pretty good sense of the municipal well cost. We have pretty good sense of the water tower. It's basically a match of the current water tower that we just built. What we don't have a good sense on at this point is the overall cost of the booster station. There's a little bit of customization of the pumps and that's where variability in the cost is. So as we move forward, we'll we'll know if we can do other projects beyond first two uh really three but priorities one and two. Um if we do have any remaining money and we are able to leverage that uh we we we find the highest and best use next would be really investing in some sort of facility for staff and equipment. Um and that's identified is I believe orange if I'm seeing that correctly or is that pink which is uh kind of north of north of the existing pin wheel uh at Heritage Park. So on the north side of the creek. Um that's an area we've kind of been targeting as a potential um utility area due the proximity of sewer water. Uh maybe we pair that with park maintenance and some larger project. That's a little bit more unknown, but we would kind of pursue flexibility over the course of this bond if allowed. Uh and if there's remain dollars, we would come back to you and look to potentially project there. Um that does kind of exchange out one of the items we had earmarked in the original language which was you know implementing the third treatment cell and then new water treatment plant. We just with the with the new information over the last couple years that's a lower priority for us. Uh we can action that probably more quickly if there's that demand for it right now. It's but we feel staffing and equipment storage is a lot higher priority for our utility customers both And there's some other things we can talk about that's that's just kind of forecasting. We don't know if we'll be able to do that or not, but that's how we're going to approach the conversation with the PFA. In terms of timelines, we're probably looking at a two to three year uh timeline before actually operating any of this. Some of them can go faster than others, but really the request of the PFAS is to separate these out, get approval to separate them out, make sure we're on the same page with their approvals and then start design uh and implementation. Uh once we get to that point, any paperwork or authorizations, design proposals, we come forward through you basis for approvals like any other infrastructure project. So, you're not really approving anything tonight. You're just approving priority list so that we can go talk to the PFA. So Kevin, what do you need from us? >> Just just concurrence that you agree with these these support staff >> good. >> Good. Thank you. >> Y if I could ask a couple of questions. >> Go for it. >> Uh the well in Belleather >> that is a location or are we going to be thrown out and asked to go someplace else? >> That is it has to be the location. >> We will not move that. >> It's a well people won't even know what it is. Go ahead. There will be uh if you're if you the water treatment at the very north end of it there's that small >> I understand that will be located in the park that's what you will see possibly a small parking lot >> many of those residents I know signed the document understanding it would be going there so on and so forth the well or the the water tower location and stuff that water is filled by our >> it would be in southeast so it would be filled by >> Maple Grove Now, we need that lift station to put the water up there. Okay, good. And all in favor of number three >> priority there. We >> if we can do that after the others, I'm all in favor. So, yes. >> Can I ask just one quick question? >> Um, is there a a point where we'd ever look at doing a southeast? Well, >> we Yes, we would do that after we would have to have a treatment plan or we should have a treatment plan just like northeast. We are planning with our TAC charges that you updated approved tonight that were updated. We are planning for a treatment plant at some point if we want to. We don't we still have an agreement with Maple Grove. Some of the Southeast improvements we coordinate with Maple Girls, but we are planning the option of doing something ourselves if we need to. In the last 10, 15, 20 years, you know, who knows what that looks like. That's a long time in our community. But we are planning for option to be able to do that. We we currently have an agreement with Maple Grove. So, we're well positioned to work with them on on our needs, but there'll be, you know, this will trigger conversations about that. Maple Grove is doing some of their own water planning. >> You know, there'll be ongoing conversations when you share water supply like that and there strategic conversations that play out over time. cuz just I was wondering like with our new water treatment facility and tower if we're able to offer water at a cheaper rate than what we purchase it for. >> We so we're in the process of doing a rate study which will really uh shape those conversations and we'll be able to answer those questions. Right now we don't charge separate. We don't want to create an us versus them situation. So we you know we we're in that evaluation process of our own kind of business enterprise model. So the goal will be set two or three Q this year to wrap that up. Uh we slowed it down a little bit to allow our new finance director Matt uh Silent G to catch up a little bit and be part of the process. So um we do anticipate having a a better snapshot of our rates and cost and really our M portion. I think we're really sound on our upfront with our Tag development, but now that we're operating on a dial in our own maintenance plan that will then set trend lines and other things for our rates. >> Thanks, Kevin. >> We have three thumbs up. Dean, you good? >> Great. Thank you. >> All right. >> And for the record, they some of them call silent G. I call them G money. >> That works, too. I like that. >> All right. On to 9C, which is police personnel discussion. Matt. >> All right. Thank you, Mayor and Council. Uh you should have seen the copy in the uh in the packet. So again, we're talking about police staffing. It's always at the front of conversation police departments. Um as you know, we're constantly working to find new candidates, not just any candidates. Um to that end, we have an excellent uh police officer candidate u in our process currently to replace uh the officer that retired last year in February. we continue to move forward with uh bringing him on board. So, we're hoping for a start date beginning the end of the month. Um what we're talking about tonight is the two additional officers for this year, one of them was a traditional police officer hire and the other one was planned as an ICO candidate. Um what we learned um in running the the police officer candidate or continuing with our police officer, as you know, it's been open for a couple of years now. we had a candidate um that was capable of doing the job but also would require a lot of development and continued work um by our staff and I think as we evaluate our candidates we saw tremendous talent come through the ICO candidate pool um and as we kind of assessed what our options were I think we as we looked into the candidates I think were two conversations uh we elected not to move forward with the one candidate that was in our process based on the investment it would take to get them up to up to speed and as we were looking at the ICO POA candidates found at least two very good candidates and thought we'd bring the opportunity to you that maybe we should consider looking at two ICO candidates with the second being uh city funding them in the program I think there's a few benefits to that the one downside obvious downside is that that police officer was we were hoping for them to start January 1 we haven't been able to make that happen person goes through the IC IC program, they would not be starting until September. Um so what we'd be looking at is um the good and bad of that is that delay start does save the city some money that we could use to fund that program. So if the city were to elect to go with two ICO candidates uh self fully selfunding the second one using grant funding on the first one um that would be a uh a net savings to the city of about $23,000. The cost to us is the cost of a late start but I think we have candidates that we are excited about. So I think the recommendation from staff would be for the council to consider uh proceeding with self-unding a second ICO candidate. We have reach out to the school. They do have space. They do allow cities to selfund that. And in talking with other agencies, I've learned the same thing that their their ICO candidate candidates this year were exceptionally strong. So I think um we know that this is our first experience with this type of program. I think it could also be helpful for the candidates if there are potentially two people from incorporating that program together as uh as they're going through that training and uh to help kind of encourage and support each other. So interested in hearing your your thoughts or what ideas on that. >> I think it's a fantastic idea. I think if we're very everything I've heard about the candidates is that they're really really strong. Um, I agree with what you just said about them going together, I think would be a benefit. Um, and that other position that we'd be changing from, it's been open for a while and we haven't had the right fit. I think this in addition to saving some money that we could use to fund that, it's a win-win. I'm all on board for that. Chief, the um officer who didn't work out or is not working out, uh is this uh pre-employment or is this currently an employee of the city? >> They are in prehire process. >> Prehire. Okay. Thank you. >> So, they're in the process. They not had a first day of work. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Anyone else? My biggest concern is I was here with the stress that our police officers went through being short-handed. One short-handed isn't causing any undue stress on our current officers and our current department. So our officers are part of our hiring process. They so they're a big part of the first round interviews are with our patrol officers and so having these conversations with them and some of them are even our field training officers are on the interview panel. >> I understand that. I'm just saying nobody stressed being the one person short-handed. Right now >> they are the shortage is not noticeable and they have all said we want it's more important to us to have the right person good >> than to just have someone for the sake of being there. So it does make them it's not a it's not a comfortable spot and they said we'll choose discomfort to make sure that we get the right teammate. >> It's the only reason I'm asking. I came on when you were when we were three or four officers short. I don't ever want to get to that again. So chief, what do you need from us? Just >> authorization to move forward with a second fully where the city is funding the second IC. >> Does that require a motion? Yeah, I'll I'll make that motion. >> Second or mayor, I don't care. >> You get to pick it. >> Did you get it? >> I did. >> God, nobody appreciates anything I do or say. >> Stop it. All right. Uh and with that, uh any further discussion? >> All those in favor say >> I just have one question. Sorry. >> Oh, no worries. >> If if we do the two Matt, how chief, how how many more police officers do we still need? >> Those would that would fill us up. >> That would Okay, that's great news. >> Once they get through the one once they get through the >> education, everything else, how long are they committed to be on our police force? >> Um we went they talked about agreements. That was something that Darren worked on with HR. Do you remember where that agreement landed >> the the IC agreements? Did we have an obligation? There was conversations, but I think there wasn't >> I didn't hear question. >> No, the question was >> Yeah, there is a there's a term in there. >> Do you remember what that term length was question? I just don't want to do this and then all of a sudden, hey, thanks for training me. I'm going back home. >> So, what was unique about this process? Um, I wasn't able I something happened. So, I I actually was supposed to be on the interview panel and I wasn't able to be there. Uh, and then what was great is the department set it up and and the candidates came back and I got to spend significant one-on-one time with each of them. And uh I believe in spending time with both of them, corporate is what they're looking for. >> Understand? I just I want to make sure I'm not throwing our money to somebody that we're going to train and then they're going to walk away two months. >> So the reality uh council is we invest in anybody and it's always a risk. Uh and and I think we've grown um through having risked and it hasn't worked out. We're we're scrutinizing the reason it took us so so so Steve Warren retired last February. >> Yep. >> The reason it's taken a year uh we've interviewed I' I think I've interviewed 32 candidates >> and until we found the right one. >> Uh and and and we also interviewed other police candidates for the 2026. What I'm telling you is is we believe this is the best candidate. And then life happens. Somebody might live, they might win the lottery and then they say, "I'm I'm tired of this." We can't forecast those lottery. They're not showing up tomorrow. So, >> I love you guys. >> But but a couple things that I think are interesting about this is both of these people are successful in other careers. These aren't people that are unemployed seeking an opportunity to get a paycheck. They're successful in other vocations, but they've wanted to get into the policing. And this program is a bridging strategy for them to realize a dream. One of them was a four-year D1 athlete >> totally. They have really cool back >> and they want to come work in corporate. >> So, so the experiences and perspective that they they bring from that and then they're successful in in the in the business world right now. >> Not a Wisconsin team was it? >> Yeah. They're not from Wisconsin, are they? >> If they are, I say we hire them immediately. >> So, they're from they're from Minnesota. Uh but they did not play in Minnesota. >> Okay. >> North Dakota. >> They were not. We can all agree on North. >> At least it's the right side of the state. Yes. It was a basketball play. >> All right. >> No, I just I I want them to know and understand we'll support them and we'd really appreciate if they hang around. >> I'm excited too about so so having in my military career gone through a lot of different assessment and selection programs. When you go through with somebody else, there's something special and a bond that happens. And the fact that that bond is going to come back to our department, that's that's exciting to me. >> Uh because they're they're going to have a special relationship throughout their career that that doesn't happen when you don't have those types of training experiences with someone else. >> Thank you for your entertainment. >> We did have a motion and a second. So we will call the vote here. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Perfect. >> All righty. On to that. Uh staff reports. I think we have one from Nicia that >> presentation. What's that? >> Uh, Mr. Mayor and members of the council. So, staff has been working with the new website vendor revised and I do have a sneak peek of what the upcoming new website will look like. Um, you know, we're just in the initial parts of the design, but hope we're hoping the website will go live early summer. So, this is just kind of the first look. >> That's exciting. Latin. >> Cool. >> That looks really nice. >> All right. And then Kevin, did you have one? >> I did. I wanted to council. I did want to give an update on some of our conversations with Henipin County Transportation really related to some projects. So, uh, we I guess to cut to the short story is our efforts across the board at the staff level all the way up through our uh your conversations with electeds uh are starting to make some inrows and investments in court. So uh in December we or in December we were recently notified that in December the county uh adopted uh county road 10 which you know this concept level on the screen uh basically an improvement project in their 5year CIP. So that's a big deal. I don't think we've ever had a county transportation project in the CIP. They're making some changes. They're looking at some other roads in Corkran that are you know they publish a 5year CIP. probably have some other potentials on the 10-year CIP. They don't have one, but you know, in the coming years. So, we're definitely making inroads and getting attention to some of our problems. So, it's a good story. Um, wanted to give you an update that we're working with them on the RFP process. It's probably not a real project in terms of construction until 2030 and that could change on a bunch of variables, but they have allocated significant funds. assigned a project design uh representative and they are committed to hiring, you know, a consultant to help through this process. So, this is just a concept level figure showing uh where the project's located. essentially counter road 10 from our eastern border at Brockton uh to Maple Grove through uh through the Maple Hill intersection there in the middle uh with adjustments there at 116 and then all the way through the intersection of County Road 50 um kind of by Domino. So they're looking at that corridor. There's some vast differences in that corridor in terms of development, you know, working with developers and land owners and even the existing stretch there's a whole different level of conversation what that looks like. So we have some runway here to figure out what makes sense and work with everyone. That's our goal. Um we haven't met with any of these landowners individually. So we're just giving you a snapshot tonight. Um so that will be kind of a conversation plan as things progress. Um a couple other things here. It's the project's estimated at this time which is way early 38 million. uh the cost share for that under the current cost share and maintenance policy cork would be at 6.7 million. Uh there's some opportunity there. That's >> I had a meeting with um our mayor's meeting with uh commissioner Anderson joined us and he did say that they are making he's really making a strong push for the county to review and make some pretty significant changes to their cost share formula and policy going forward. So hopefully >> so so a fun addendum to that Kevin is too humble to say this but Kevin is actually on the committee that is helping >> nice >> influence >> stakeholder group y I was invited to that and so that's starting here in the middle of February and we'll probably have like a one-year timeline to make that. So there's a lot of unknowns uh in this project. There's options to leverage that commitment uh and maybe they'll change or hopefully get reduced some or some maintenance commitment will get reduced. We'll see where that lands and we'll update you along the way, but it's a a big deal. We wanted to kind of highlight that to >> and and the planner from the county who's on this project is a Corkran resident. >> I like it. So, I finally getting the county to pay a little attention. So, >> it's cute. It's funny, but it's also huge. >> Yeah. It it's really helpful as we're having the conversation to have somebody who understands because they drive the road every day as opposed to somebody who lives in Minneapolis and has never been out here and isn't interested in having the conversation. It's been fantastic change. >> Well, thanks everyone for your help and behind the scenes to get their attention. But yeah, and it's it's exciting. I think we have some opportunities to keep the ball rolling or make some improvements that are outside of our influence. >> Can I ask you a quick question? >> Do you think they'd ever straighten out that road instead of going up going straight? >> You know that the Yeah, the strong curve, you know, that it kind of comes around that one corner. They'll keep that curve. >> It's pretty early. Are are you talking about like >> 10 and 50? >> 10 and 50. Are you talking about more by Maple Hill? >> More by Maple Hill where you come around that sharp corner. >> Yeah, I think that they would geometrics. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Uh, you know, it all depends on land. I mean, there's we didn't start to design, but I think that that's one of the curves that scores on kind of the safety factor. >> That was my point. >> You know, they're looking I mean, in that example, there's, you know, roundabouts or, you know, re realignments of some roads. Again, that's early, but those are some of the projections of where they're going. But, um, I don't think they're moving lines significantly without support from an adjacent land owner, but they would like they would look at some of those geometrics andor speed limits. Uh, some of that's dictated by the state obviously, not just the county, but all of that would be evaluated. So, this is really an opportunity with all the development. Part of our pitch is there's so much development going, if you guys don't come and start working with us, you're going to miss opportunities that both benefit the county, us, and even the adjacent land owners. So, I think they heard that message and that's the exciting part is we actually have an opportunity to make this work. And it might even look different on the east side, 116 than the west side because of that downtown area and there's some options that we'll get into over the next two, three, four years before it's >> constructed. But it's exciting. We're on the radar and they're making significant investments. I think they have hundreds of thousands committed or allocated 426 to spend towards this just funding. It's a real project. >> Thank you. >> The last thing from staff, mayor and council is uh on the dis you had a picture of some chairs that we're looking at for our new facility. I would ask uh before you leave today if you have an opportunity if you'd come back to the staff room and just test them out. Uh they're right there by the kitchen uh so that we can get your feedback. But uh they're they're right back by our offices. Okay. Uh if you could just test them out and give us some feedback on those. Uh we've all tested them. We have some opinions. Having managed multiple facilities, I have pretty strong opinions. Uh but um look forward to hearing what you think about that. That's all we have for staff for today. >> Sounds good. Anything from council? >> This isn't like the real color. This is just a sample, right? >> It actually is the real color back there. Wish it wasn't. That would be the color that we want to get. Uh, but that would be an example of uh we don't want CL. >> Okay. >> People throw up on CL and you can't get it out. >> Sounds good. Go to that. >> I have one thing. I do have the answer to Council Member Varam's question about the cadets. Looks like it'd be um 24 months. We'd expect that. >> Wow. >> After going from a cadet to police officer. >> They'll never want to leave though. >> I hope they never want to. But again, if I win a lottery, I'm financing all kinds of stuff through the city. >> Dean, >> excuse me. I'm donating without >> Dean Bar can without the indoor ice arena. >> No, we're going to name something after you if you win the lottery. >> What's that? >> We'll name something after you lottery. >> No. Mayor will decree. >> Just saying. >> Okay. Anything else? >> No, sir. >> All right. Uh, with that, uh, >> I'll make a motion to adjourn. That works. All those in favor say I. >> We're ajourned.