We're going to call the meeting to order. Will the clerk please note those in attendance? >> All will be noted. >> Will you please stand as the honor guard presents the colors? Present arms color city wiper lake the flag of your nation and a pledge to follow 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. Nice. Please be seated. All right. Well, let's jump into my one and only official piece of business on the agenda. Item 2A, uh, minutes of the regular city council meeting on December 9th, 2025. I would entertain a motion to approve those minutes. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. The minutes are approved. I believe we have some recognition. So, I think Council Member Walsh, are you leading things off? >> Sure. Come with me. >> Am I going? >> You mean me? >> Yes. >> You're not returning. >> Grab your stuff. >> So, for those in the audience, we present a bear to outgoing city council people um and also city staff, people that have been here a long time. So, it's kind of a good night to get your bear. So, this is Heidi and Dan's night to get their bear. So, I'm just going to make a really quick remarks. Heidi, so uh Heidi did something, uh I think kind of unusual in politics. Um she saw a problem in the community, a challenge in the community, something that needed to be solved. She stepped forward, put her name on the line, ran for office, knocked on doors, won a really hard-fought election, and then actually followed through on that promise and actually dealt with that problem, that challenge, that that thing in the community and succeeded and uh served her years. And along the way, Heidi was a really really strong voice for taxpayers. You you see it at the dis, but you see it more when we have work sessions. We have these work sessions where we meet as a council and the mayor and we really go into detail on things. just the questions on behalf of you the taxpayers a really good voice in that room and here on the council and then something remarkable these days after four years decided I'm gonna step back and let someone else represent W 2 and she's done that so I think unusual I think uh uh deserves recognition you step forward you put your name on the line it's not easy a great voice for taxpayers so I present you with your bear Oh, wait. There's more. >> I wanted to say a few words, too, but I had to write mine down because I'm not as good as Council Member Walsh. So over the past few few four four years, you have been eager to learn about the city, solve problems creatively, and ask tough questions, even when it wasn't always the easy thing to do. You were responsive to constituents, and maybe even the ones who thought that they lived in White Bear Lake, but actually live in a neighboring community. You were always uh responsive and available when I needed you, too, and I really appreciate that. Lastly, uh you've been staff's eyes and ears in the community while you enjoy our amenities. And that's why we chose um to give you a sign that says no. That says Hughes Trail because you're always on the trail. Yeah. So, >> thank you for your leadership and dedication to the community over the fa past four years. I've enjoyed working with you. >> Thank you very much. >> I'm not a big public speaker despite the fact that I've done this job. It was um speaking at the dis was never something that was um all that fun for me. I tend to stumble and say weird things, but I did get my voice heard at working group meetings and I've always I really enjoyed those with you guys. Um and um and I I enjoyed my time here and uh learned a ton and it was kind of fun coming in at the same time as Dan and Lindy because I got to learn kind of with you guys and I got to ask the stupid questions but you were asking questions too, so I got to hear it all. Um Chief Chief, so glad to work with you two. um I mean just learned so much and I mean I don't even know what to say. you guys just do such a great job at your jobs and um it was so great to come in and hear from you and you'd be like we need this like of course you do whatever you know whatever that made it very easy but it was also like so great to work here and work with you because you are so great I just I don't even have the words again not a good public speaker um but thank you um and to the rest of the staff thank you guys very much um you made the job very easy very easy and Um, you were also part of the reason why I'm leaving, just to see you, you know, not because of that, but that sounded terrible. Um, but you dedicated yourself to it and I know it cost you and um, and there were a lot of things that I am willing to do, but I want to be home with my family and see them play hockey. Um, so again, thank you very much. Um, it has been great. It was a real uh honor to be elected and um and a and a great and a great job. So, thank you and good luck. Mr. Mayor, So the people that all the people watching on TV, thousands. So uh Dan, uh what do I say about you? Uh you became mayor four years ago. You really hit the ground running. Uh I was very pleased, surprised even how naturally you took to the job. uh running a meeting is not easy as Mary's going to find out soon. I mean, it's it's it looks easy maybe, but it's not. And and you just we're very natural at that both here in public and both also running a meeting when we're we're in work sessions when you have to keep things moving. The professionalism, I think that's one of the first things I'd say. I'm going to miss your legal mind on the council. It's a real additive to have a lawyer with experience that you do, the real estate background. We use that a lot. I relied on that. I trusted that uh in the meetings. I really appreciated that. Um, I'm going to say the same thing I said about Dan Jones a few years ago. A native White Bear Laker is is a real key on their council. We still have some, which is great, but I'm not. I didn't grow up here. You grew up here. You understand the community. You kind of got the pulse. Um, it really helps. You know, it's when we some when you can tell me later say, "Yeah, I knew I've known that guy for 20 years." You know, you can trust what he says. Uh, that's really, really helpful. You're just a good leader, Dan. I just want to say that you you have leadership qualities. You're a good leader. You have integrity, which is really important. Um, you're strong when you need to be strong, which was really effective, but you're a good guy. You're a nice guy. And and that comes through. It's nice to go to meetings with somebody who's a nice guy. Keeps things uh friendly and joyful. And I think when people came to speak, very respectful, very good listener, you know, always giving people chance. You know, we're a small town. We can uh we can do that. And you did a really good job with that. I never got sick of hearing you give that high school speech. And for those who don't know, uh uh Wiper Lake uh what was that? that a government class some kind of government class Mr. Malam I know taught one of them another was there's other teachers too sends uh folk high school kids here to watch a meeting they have to sit through one of our meetings and then we sign their paper to say that they made it through the end of the meeting some get lucky and get a 25minute meeting some get a two-hour meeting um but Dan always gave the speech to the to the high school students that you know 20 years ago I sat in that chair I was in that class and 20 years later you can be mayor of Burl Lake too I never you must have made that speech many times in four years I never got tired of you saying that you meant it and it meant a lot to those kids I'm Sure. And I'm sure one of those kids will be mayor someday, too. Uh, last, I just want to have value our friendship. Uh, we've become really good friends over the four years and uh, and that's not going to end, luckily. So, we're going to be friends of you and Molly and the kids uh, really value that part. And when we talked about running again, I talked to you and Molly about, you know, learn, earn, serve, and kind of in that in that order. You've already served, but maybe a little early. So, you're going to go out and earn now. Good luck. Go out and earn, and then come back later and serve again. So, I know I know you will. So, on behalf of Waper Lake, you're bear. All right. You have been the most engaged mayor that I have worked for. just to share with the group in the past four years you have participated in a live fire burn and fire training which I want to say council member Hughes and I also did but clearly we're not cut out for it maybe you are. Um, you wrestled with the cops and then you let them tase you and you climb. >> And lastly, uh, outside of my supervision, you climb to the top of our water tower. >> Yeah. Do you recommend that one? >> I do not recommend the proper safety gear, which I didn't have on. >> Okay. And we're oversharing. Okay. All right. you you um have always fought for public processes and to uh to play out and had the best interests of the community in mind always. You sought to educate yourself on topics before making a decision and you fought for staff and you fought for me. Most importantly, you let up at the dis and you delegated appropriately. We didn't always agree, but I think that's what makes a great team and I'm going to miss you for that. Um because you're the mayor, we chose your sign to say Lewis Met way. There it is. So, thank you for your leadership and your uh friendship and partnership. I've really appreciated you. Wonder if I can convince my wife to let me hang this in the living room. probably not. >> Well, I just have a couple brief remarks. I know there's many things that need to happen tonight. Swearing in some new officers, um, and some new elected officials. So, I'll be brief. Um, you know, in a lot of ways, four years seem to fly by. Some ways seem to drag on. I'm sure if you ask my wife, it probably felt like a decade. There were some some long days. Um, but I feel like I was just kind of started. Um, so what began four and a half years ago was a very simple campaign of preserve the character, charm and history of white. I think we did that as Bill said, I grew up here. This is my hometown, the only place I've ever lived. We have something very special in this community. You can't quite put your finger on it. It's the lake. It's the small town. It's the way we treat people. All the noise going on in the world. We don't see that here and that's not by accident. It's the result of the people. So with that, I I do want to thank a few groups of people starting first with the residents. You put your trust in me four years ago and I can't tell you how that is griv the first council meeting four years ago as you recall I placed the number one priority with the meetings being maintaining civil and order so that we can conduct the city's business. Now, that's a great goal to have, but success relies entirely on buyin from the other five elected officials up here, and I applaud all of you on showing good form at our meetings. We had some spirited debates at times, but never heated. I think we set an example for the residents, for the public at large on how good governance ought to be, and I I sincerely thank all of you for that. You made it easier for me to run the meetings by not talking over each other, by showing respect and again an example of how a local government ought to operate. So, thank you for that. I do want to send a special thank you to our wonderful city staff. a broken record going to the uh annual lunches where we do staff appreciation and talking to residents, but I sincerely I've been so impressed time and time again with from department heads on down all the departments whether you're wearing a badge police or fire or you're behind the plow truck or you're fixing the streets. Our city staff does more than just a job for a paycheck. There is a sense of pride in this community that that transcends the job and I have been impressed by that. I have been benefactor of lots and lots of compliments from residents that some of which I've extended to you. But I want to share publicly tonight just how often residents just say, "Wow, I couldn't believe it. We had a snowstorm last night and I woke up at 5 a.m. 5 a.m. the streets were a good interaction with the police officer." You hear those stories. So, um, I want to I want to extend my sincere thanks for all of your good work. That was in place before I was mayor, so I can't take credit for it and it'll be in place, I'm sure, long after I'm done under leadership. So, keep up the good work. Continue to make us proud. Your hard work does not go on. So, I thank you for that. And lastly, I want to thank my my beautiful wife Molly and my two girls Francis and there is something that maybe isn't as known as you might think but there is a sacrifice made and a price paid by the spouses of elected officials police officers those that serve and the children my my girls so there have been a lot of 15our days where the mans in my day job don't get me home until after the girls go to bed I'm sure times my wife has felt like a single Um, all I can say is thank you my wife and my kids for sticking with me. This decision not to run again was almost entirely because of our family, the importance of me being around and I'm looking forward to that extra time with family. But thank you for appreciate that. I want to welcome our incoming mayor and council member. I wish you nothing but success. I hope you get out of this and enjoy the experience as much as I have. So, wish you the best of luck with that. So, finally, again, I want to thank all of our residents, our city staff, my colleagues on the council, my family for sticking with me and supporting me all these years. It has been truly my honor. Thank you. Thank you very much. Okay. Well, I guess in lie of the mayor and our chair being sworn in, maybe I'll take this one over. I'm gonna uh we're going to turn it over to uh the city clerk to conduct the oath of office for um incoming mayor Mary Niklosski first, Ellen Gerola next, and then Kevin Edberg after that. Ready. >> I >> I >> state my name. Mary Nikklosski, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States >> the Constitution of the United States >> and the State of Minnesota >> and the State of Minnesota >> and will discharge >> and will discharge >> and faithfully execute >> and faithfully execute >> the duties devolving upon me >> the duties devolving upon me >> as the mayor for the city of White Bear Lake >> as the mayor for the city of White Bear Lake. Without fear or favor. >> without fear or favor. >> To the best of my judgment and ability. >> to the best of my judgment and ability. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. Please join me. I >> I >> state your name. Ellen Gerola, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States >> the Constitution of the United States >> and the state of Minnesota >> and the state of Minnesota >> and will discharge >> and will discharge >> and faithfully execute >> and faithfully execute >> the duties devolving upon me >> the duties devolving upon me >> as a council member for the city of White Bear Lake. as a council member for the city of White Bear Lake. >> Without fear or favor. >> Without fear or favor. >> To the best of my judgment and ability. >> To the best of my judgment and ability. >> Congratulations. Raise your right hand. Repeat after me. >> I >> Please state your name. >> Kevin Lee Edber. do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States >> the Constitution of the United States >> and the state of Minnesota >> and the state of Minnesota >> and will discharge >> and will discharge >> and faithfully execute >> and faithfully execute >> the duties devolving upon me >> the duties devolving upon me >> as a council member for the city of White Bear Lake >> as a council member for the city of White Bear Lake. Without fear or favor. >> without fear or favor. >> To the best of my judgment and ability. >> to the best of my judgment and ability. >> Congratulations. >> Well, welcome everyone. I just want to take a moment to thank you for entrusting me with this position. Um, I'm humbled and very honored and I look forward to working alongside this incredible city staff, this council, and the residents of White Bear Lake. Today, I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, the Minnesota Constitution, and the White Bear Lake City Charter. I've reviewed and studied these documents thoroughly and I encourage all White Bear Lake residents, city staff, and council members to do the same. We share a common understanding of these guiding principles. We strengthen our democracy and our community. Copies of all these documents are available online, at the library, and in most bookstores. We have a really great community here in White Bear Lake. Let's all continue to work together to find common ground and to continue to keep our city a safe, welcoming, and wonderful place to live for each and every one of us. So, let's get started with the meeting. Item three, the agenda. Does anyone have any changes or corrections to the agenda? >> Seeing none, I'd entertain a motion to adopt the agenda. All >> moved. Second. Is there any further discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> Motion changes. Motion carries. Item number four, the consent agenda. Does anyone have any changes? >> Seeing none, >> I entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. So move. >> Second. >> We have a second. All those in favor say I. I. I. >> Any opposed? The motion carries. The consent agenda is adopted. Item five, visitors and presentations. We're swearing in three public officers today, police officers today, and one sergeant. Chief Haggar. >> Madame Mayor, thank you very much for uh allowing us to have part of this council meeting in this historic night and allowing me to kind of carry on and brag about our officers and uh our new supervisor. Um, I also appreciate um that we get to show off our honor guard again. I think they do such a fantastic job. So, thank you for that, Madame Mayor. U tonight I'm going to talk about three officers and one um new sergeant. And so, um I'll kick it off. Our first employee that I'd like to speak about is Officer Paul Johnson, who again is one of our several recent hometown heroes that uh we've convinced to stay stay here and serve his own community. Uh Paul was uh raised right here in White Bear Lake with his father Matt, his mother Joanie, and with his older sister Ella. He attended a variety of schools in White Bear Lake, including Magnus Christian School where he experienced the DARE program taught to him by our very own recently retired Tracy Manarek. Sorry, Tracy. Sorry. He also delivered the White Bear Lake Press newspapers and he worked at Fredalones Hardware downtown here in White Bear Lake. He ultimately graduated from the White Bear Lake High School in the spring of 2022. In the fall of that year, he continued his education journey at the North Dakota State University in Fargo. There he worked as a community service officer for the West Fargo Police Department. He served his fellow students in a leadership position on the board of criminal justice club and he ultimately graduated on the deans list. During the summer before his final year at NDSU, Paul did a ride along with then Sergeant uh uh Tuma, now Captain Tuma. And before you knew it, he was an intern with our department during the summer of 2024. That summer and for the entire next senior year, Paul came home often to serve as one of our police reserve officers. He quickly, we quickly learned that Paul was a giving person with his time and he had a great work work ethic and a high drive. After his senior year, Paul completed skills training at Alexandria Technical College, and he started with his fellow officers being sworn in tonight um in our department's two-week academy uh and then on to field training. Due to his preparation, he put in the West Fargo PD uh as our intern and as our reserve officer, Paul made quick work of FTO and he finished early, starting a few weeks ago on his own on a night shift. After I introduce the others, Paul will be sworn in tonight and will have his uh badge pinned on by his father. The next officer I'd like to talk about is Dacoin Simon. We're so happy this young man decided to choose our department and to have him on board with us. Daquin, although born and spending his younger childhood in Mississippi, uh he spent his formidable teenage years in Mano, Minnesota. There he was a student athlete and a very hard-working young man. Tasked at an early age with playing a major role in bringing home income into his very large household. He worked a great deal while attending and ultimately graduating from Mano East High School in 2020. Decoin worked for a few security related jobs uh and companies in the in the metro while attending Century College uh which is where I was fortunate enough to uh meet him as one of my students and where he graduated on the deans list. He then attended Henipin Technical College where he obtained his skills uh certificate. Not trying to embarrass you here, but uh Daycoin oftentimes as my on my second job, I'm uh requested to be a reference for future police officers in other departments. Daycoin called me one time and said, "Can you be a reference for me with some other department?" Uh, >> I said I could and I would be honored to, but uh, remembering his demeanor and his work ethic from class and I recognize his potential, I kind of gently nudged him away from that department and convinced him to fly with the White BL Police Department instead. He did and it's been an incredible addition. Daycoin credits his focus and positive trajectory of his life to his fiance Olivia who was his high school sweetheart and the person who will pin his badge on in just a few minutes and also to his beautiful little girl Laya. I'm looking forward to watching Daycoin's professional career progress as I think he has big things in his future. The next officer I'd like to speak about is Tiffany Tiffany Shed. Tiffany grew up in Yankton, South Dakota, a close-knit community along the state southeastern border. She was raised by her parents, Patricia, uh, and Robert, alongside her three siblings, Tina, Brian, and Alicia. She was and maybe still is an accomplished and well-rounded athlete and was active in her high school participating in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track. Her passion for soccer carried into college where she com competed while attending Southwest State University in Marshall and later in University of Nebraska. She went on to earn both a bachelor of science degree and a chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College. Driven by her desire to serve others, Tiffany began her professional career by opening her own chiropractic clinic in Omaha, Nebraska. Over the next six years, she built a successful practice and had meaningful relationships in that community. During the time, she met the love of her life, Stevie. Later, uh, Tiffany later relocated to Minnesota with Stevie along with their daughter, Harley, and their dog, Charlie. With a lifelong commitment to service and helping others, it wasn't difficult for Stevie, who was pursuing a career in law enforcement at Century College, also one of my students, to influ influence Tiffany. Inspired by that calling, Tiffany uh gave up her previous career and enrolled in Sentry College. again, one of my students, and then on to Henipin Technical College to receive her skills certificate, all while continuing continuing her career as service uh as a community service officer with the University of Minnesota. A short time later, Stevie began her career with the North St. Paul Police Department, and we were able to convince Tiffany to leave again, leave another department for ours and join uh leave the U of M and join the White Bear Lake Police Department. We're proud to have her and she started in the summer of 25. Tiffany's life experience, her warm personality, and her teamwork potential makes me grateful I have had a chance to bring her to our department. Tiffany tonight will have will when she's sworn in a bit, she'll have her wife Stevie pin on her badge. And finally, I have the pleasure of reintroducing our newest sergeant, Matt Bushko, to the council. He was first introduced to a mostly different council, I think, in 2012. Um, Matt is joined tonight by his many family members, including his wife Laura, his young daughters, Louisa, Amelia, and Isabella, as well as other family and f, excuse me, family and friends. Matt was raised in the Forest Lake area and graduated from Forest Lake High School way back in 2025, excuse me, 2005. He attended college at the U of M duth where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminology in 2009. Matt attended skills and earned his certificate from the Henipin Tech uh from Henipin Tech and as I said he became a White Bear Lake police officer in 2012. Over the last 13 years, Matt has served our department as a field training officer for many years helping to shape the future and the culture of our department one new officer at a time. He also has been instrumental in standing up our ser program starting in 2015. He works regularly as a facilitator and trainer with the citizens police academy and he's a member of our awards committee. Sergeant Butchko has been a natural unofficial leader with this department for over a decade helping us navigate through three different chiefs through COVID and through the protest times we had and through new policies and procedures and through um whatever time we're going through right now. His ability has always been obvious to those he works with. Um, I can say that Matt is unequivocally everybody in the department's favorite uh officer. He's uh he works well with supervisors and it was an easy choice to make uh him the next sergeant. It was an obvious decision to whoever worked with Matt. Tonight we are officially recognizing his transition from being an unofficial leader to being an official leader. and he has accepted his stripes and started working as one of our night sergeants in mid December. Since taking this role on, Sergeant Butchko has moved back to night shift. He has continued serving on the awards committee and he manages the White Bear Lake Police Reserve Unit. Among Matt's family here tonight, a big thank you goes out to his parents, John and Cuadet, and also Laura's parents, Bill and Lynn, for all the support. In just a couple minutes, Laura will be pinning on Matt's badge. So, enough of me talking. If I can get Day Daquin, Tiffany, Paul, and Matt all up here so they can take their oath of office from the city clerk and repeat after me. I >> I >> state your name. do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States >> the Constitution of the United States >> and the state of Minnesota >> and the state of Minnesota >> and will discharge >> and will discharge >> and faithfully execute >> and faithfully execute >> the duties devolving upon me >> the duties devolving upon me >> as a police sergeant for the city of White Bear Lake >> as a police sergeant for the city of White Bear Lake >> as a police officer for the city of White Bear Lake. >> as as a police officer for the city of White Lake. >> Without fear or favor. >> Without fear or favor. >> To the best of my judgment and ability. >> To the best of my judgment and ability. >> Congratulations. That's great. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Congratulations. So much. Congratulations. Congratulations. >> I want to take a moment to congratulate and thank our newly sworn in police officers. Thank you for choosing to serve White Bear Lake and for choosing to serve. I know that choosing to serve comes with a great responsibility and sacrifice for you and your families. Your commitment to protecting our community does not go unnoticed. Um we appreciate it and we are so grateful that you will stand up for the safety and well-being of everyone in White Bear Lake. Congratulations and thanks again and thank you chief for these wonderful officers. Thank you for all the officers that are here with us today. We really appreciate you and uh the White Ber Lake community knows that um you do a fantastic job. Thank you so much, >> Madame Mayor. Thank you so much. And members of the council, thank you again for letting us be here tonight. And I think we'll just take the next couple minutes to all exit and we're going to have some refreshments and whatnot over at the police department. So, thank you all for coming for this. >> Thank you. All right. I'll figure two, right? Good boy. >> Couple high school kids. I have actually Okay, we'll continue on with our meeting. Um, item six are public hearings and we have nothing scheduled tonight for that. Item seven, unfinished business. um going over item A, conditional use permit request at 4496 Lake Avenue South. Mr. Lindell is going to provide information on what has happened with that so far. >> Sorry, I've got to find a microphone here. Mayor, members of the council, uh yes, the item before you tonight is consideration of a conditional use permit for the VFW. Um uh for the uh proposed addition of 14 additional uh bolt slips. Uh so the subject property is located at 4496 Lake Avenue South. And again, they're requesting conditional use permit for additional bolt slips at their site. Their application originally included a uh excuse me, a parking variance. Uh that application has been withdrawn and I'll provide some more context for that uh here in a moment. Um the city council first reviewed this application at their December 9th meeting. Um after some discussion and some direction to staff, they uh asked staff to bring this item back at tonight's meeting. So, uh, the planning commission and city council when they reviewed this item both generally supported the idea of the VFW adding boat slips and approval of that conditional use permit amendment um, but agreed that the parking uh, needs associated with the conditional use permit and the additional boat slips uh, should be addressed. The the city council then voted three to two um to uh elect to credit uh four additional parking stalls that abut the VFW adjacent to um uh Veterans Park as parking credit uh for their site. Um it's important to note that um any on street parking that's granted as a credit is not assigned specifically to that business. Um it's still open in public parking. Um but it's an attempt to acknowledge um the practical application of what happens in most situations is that patrons of businesses that have parking close to them um take advantage of that on street parking. um with the direction from the council to apply this credit um that those four stalls meet the parking requirement for the 14 additional boat stalls. So, it eliminated the need for the variance. Um with that direction and staff talking with the applicant after the December 9th meeting, the applicant um saw no further need for the variance and have has withdrawn that application. So the only application before the council tonight is the conditional use permit amendment. Um and so there is in now in your packet as directed by the council in December um a resolution uh approving the conditional use permit. Um there are um more details in your staff report about how staff analyzes a conditional use permit. Um but the most notable portion of that analysis is the conditional use permit. uh requires staff um to analyze and the applicant to demonstrate that they meet all of the zoning standards. And in this case, the primary zoning standard that uh relates to this application for expanding their uh boat slips is parking stalls that support that that expanded use. And with satisfying the requirement of now having parking to meet that goal, they meet the standards of the conditional use permit. Um there there is additional detail in the staff report that we staff is happy to talk about, but that's the most important takeaway I would uh emphasize for the council at this point. Um the design you see on the screen here shows an aerial photo of their existing setup and uh their proposed design for the expansion of their boat stalls. Um during the discussion back in December, um council uh raised the question about if uh we choose to um acknowledge on street parking that's across the street from a res uh from a business, which the the ordinance does allow for. Um, it sets a standard that the property that the parking stalls across the street from a business, the standard for them is that the property that's next to them um is not um eligible for future development. And so that was the primary discussion that council had back in December. their um interpretation of the ordinance and direction to staff was that uh since these four stalls are adjacent to a public park, they do it's it's not eligible for future development in some other more intense fashion. So, um the council had a question about where under that interpretation, where else in the community could this standard apply? And so uh provided to you tonight at the dis is a copy of some maps. Um the map is shown on the screen here. And um in order to make it fit on there, it's tilted to its side. So the the title you see on the right side of the map for everyone looking at the screen is north and up. Um but staff's analysis found that there are only three locations in the entire community where this could apply. one of which is the VFW site. The other two are um uh next to Stallmacher Park and with the adjacent uh business on the west side of the street being the Buick and GMC dealer. And then uh further south, you can see on this map next to McCarthy Park along Commerce Drive um where that business or that park is adjacent to um a business park use. So, um, in the event that those businesses needed to intensify their use in some way that, um, necessitated additional parking, um, this it's it's conceivable that this standard could then the council could consider this same standard for those locations. Um, so, uh, sorry with that as I should have been showing you that these other maps are included in your packet as well. Sorry, as I was talking. So you can see again Stonemacher Park here again um and the and how the parking across the street could be uh potentially used for that business. And then along McCarthy Park here, a limited portion of the park is adjacent to that business. The the southern portion you see here um is adjacent to residential and that would not be eligible. Um there are a few other locations in town where there are parks um that are across the street from some sort of um non-residential or commercial type use. The one that might come most notably to mine and you can probably see here on your map is uh Podan Park and the industrial uses across there. But the other locations that that are in town like that are um either already marked as no parking or along county roads. And so the ordinance would specifically say that those sites aren't eligible. So, um, that's, uh, staff's analysis. And with that, I'd stand for questions with a recommendation again from, uh, uh, and and a resolution for your consideration for approval of both slips at the VFW. >> Thank you. Uh, does the council have any questions for Mr. Linda? No. Seeing none, uh, I'd entertain a motion to adopt the conditional use permit at 4496 Lake Avenue South. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any more discussion? >> Nope. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> All right. The motion carries. >> Okay, moving on. Item eight, new business. Um we're going to go over the 2026 annual appointments. Miss Crawford. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um so council, just bear with me here. This is we have a lot of appointments uh that we always go through at this time of the year and it's always a little bit cumbersome, but um each year the council u must approve annual appointments for various uh city government or areas in government to support operations of the city. There are several organizations uh that include the Ramsey County League of Local Governments, uh Vlamo, Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee, NYFS, U M uh Metro Purple Line Corridor Management Committee, and Century Avenue Coalition. Um in your council packet is a description of each of those um uh organizations. So, I'm not going to go over them um in depth tonight, but I do just want to maybe discuss when they meet so everyone's aware. So the Ramsey County League of Local Governments is a virtual board meeting uh that occurs quarterly in the mornings. Uh Vlamo uh consists of one elected official from each of the six cities within that uh water management organization and that board meets in person the fourth Wednesday of every other month. Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee, those are scheduled approximately two months in advance um based on availability of the group. NYFS board meetings are typically held at 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month. I do want to note that the NYFS appointment is a three-year term, which currently runs through June 2027. So, um that appointment is filled by Council Member West, and we're we're not looking for the council to make any uh appointment to NYFS tonight, but just wanted to note that it is a three-year appointment. um the Metro Purple Line Corridor Management Committee. That appointment has been made by the mayor in the past uh because it's uh kind of a temporary um uh commitment. Um the city of White Bear Lakes involvement in that committee concluded December 2025. So there is no need to make an appointment to that committee in 2026, but just to be transparent that that is one that we had in 25. And then the Century Avenue Coalition, uh, Council Member Edberg serves as the city's representative since that corridor is located in Ward 4. The cor coalition meets on an asneeded basis, uh, with the construction along the corridor anticipated in 2027 in White Bear Lake. It is likely that the city's involvement in that coalition will conclude by 2029. Uh, that appointment also has been made by the mayor in the past. So, those are the organizations. There are several other appointments. Um, I can I can either pause right there or I can keep going through. Maybe I'll pause right there for the sake of conversation and then pick it back up after um those appointments have been made. So, mayor, I'll pause there. >> Okay. So, I did uh I did reach out to uh council members um earlier in um in December just to inquire about their uh their desires and and maybe we can just go through the list um for RAM and and anyone can say what they want to do or help me out here. So, the first one is Ramsey County League of Local Governments. Well, so Madame Mayor, if I could, uh, we we've been discussing this among ourselves and so, uh, Council Member Agorola would be interested in that and, uh, I have been a poor representative of Wiper Lake on that committee, so perhaps she can do a better job and, uh, go to more meetings. So, if that's all right, I mean, she could take that. I could I could be alternate if it needed it or Steve can stay as alternate. >> Um, and and I'm also willing to be alternate on that one. >> Oh, good. So, um, if if everybody's okay with that, I or Steve, do you still want to be the alternate on that one? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, I'm going to put down Gerola and uh, Nlowski as the alternate. Okay. The second one uh, is Vlamo. >> Uh, Madame Mayor, I'm um interested in continuing that. >> Thank you, Council Member West. you. >> So, I'm the alternate. I don't need to be the alternate. I mean, we we discussed this. Do we decide on this? I mean, Council Member Gorilla has some particularly set of skill sets that meet that fit uh Volamo. She actually has experience with Volamo. I'm not pressuring her or anything, but if you want if you want to take it, I it's actually a really interesting I've learned a lot. I've gone to a few meetings when the the either either Dan Jones or Andrea couldn't go. Uh but but it's yours if you want it, I guess, is my thing. I will I will >> comfortable being the alternate. >> Thank you, Council Member Girl. >> See what's happening here? I'm getting myself off all of these >> yet. >> Okay, the next one is Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee. Uh that was filled by Council Member Hughes. Um and alternate was council member Angstran. So we do for sure need a new rep for this one. >> I'll do that one. Thank you, Council Member Walsh. >> I can stay there. >> Okay. Thank you, Council Member Angstrand. >> All right. Uh and then Century Avenue Coalition. Uh as I said, Council Member Edward was the rep and there was no appointment uh to uh alternate for that. >> I'm willing to continue >> and I'm willing to be the alternate on that. Okay. >> Youth and family services. >> Nope. Um, we're not making that. We're not making the appointment for NYFS at this point. >> Thank you. >> Uh, next we have the chair of the city council. Council member Edberg was elected to serve as chair on of the city council for 24 and 25. This is a two-year appointment. Uh, you have served in that position since 2014. And the city council must uh elect a chair of the council for the next two-year term. So for 26 and 27. There are any takers? Council. >> So if you're looking for a motion, Madame Mayor, I would I think we motion would be in order, right? >> I'd entertain a motion to adopt. >> I would not quite yet. Oh, nope. Just >> it's part of the resolution. >> Oh, okay. So it's just >> looking for a name. Yeah. Well, I I would I would nominate Kevin to continue serving as council chair of the city council. >> I'm willing to do that. >> We can have someone else run and have an election, but you know, it's easier this way. >> Right. Okay. I'm going to put your name down, Council Member Edenberg. >> Thank you. >> Appointment of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Um W 2 Council Member um Gerola should formally be appointed to the HR by the mo by the mayor, excuse me. um the HA board will have a separate meeting and they elect their own um their own officers but by default I think when you when you want your election you were appointed to the H. So uh that's how that one goes. >> Um administrative hearing officer staff recommends Jim Wthburn be appointed for another year as our administrative hearing officer uh with a 3% increase for the hourly rate of $40.56 in 2026. Um in your packet it shows the last five years of the year um of the hours that he spent. It's been very minimal um but certainly helpful when we need him. So we do recommend um that be or he be reappointed to that designation of the official newspaper press publication um submitted uh their bid and they meet all the legal requirements for legal publications and they are the only uh one which that that we know of that has an office uh of issue within White Bear Lake. So therefore according to state statutes, the White Bear Press is the newspaper which takes first priority to be the designated uh newspaper for the city. So again in in your packet is a it shows um just about a 6% or 6.85% increase for for their rates over the past year, but they do meet the qualifications. So it is in the um resolution that we have them listed in there. And then uh note we are not looking for appointment of city attorneys uh tonight, but I did want to just put it in here. The next appointment for uh city attorney prosecutor as well as city attorney counselor will be in January 2027. Um, so I will just note, you know, probably halfway through 2026, I will check in with with the uh city council and the mayor to inquire if if an RFP is necessary for those or if you would like to uh reappoint our existing um counselors or counselor and prosecutor. So, just a heads up. Um we'll be I'll I'll circle back with you halfway through the year, but we're not looking for that appointment tonight either. So, uh, mayor, members of the council, staff does recommend, uh, the council adopt the attached resolutions with those representatives and alternate representatives that we have just discussed. >> Thank you. >> I'd entertain the motion to adopt the resolution confirming the annual appointments of 2026. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor? >> I >> I opposed. Okay. The resolution carries. All right. Item uh number nine uh there's discussion and discussion and nothing is scheduled today. Item 10 uh communications from our city manager, Miss Crawford. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um so tomorrow, just a reminder for those on council uh who have registered, the White Bear Area Chamber legislative reception is tomorrow evening um from five at 5:00 p.m. at Tria Restaurant. It's usually a great uh great time for uh local and state elected officials to meet with the business community. So, if you're interested in going and you haven't uh registered, please just let me know. City non-emergency city offices are closed on January 19th um to observe Martin Luther King uh Junior Day. I know some of us are planning to attend um that event at the high school. So, that would be nice. And then a reminder that there is a joint city council and boards and commissions work session. This is our annual check-in with our boards and commissions. Uh, next Tuesday. Um, at 6 p.m. we will meet in the public safety training room. Also on that work session agenda after that is our legislative priorities. So, we will discuss that. The legislative priority agenda, the uh proposed agenda will be brought back to the January 27th uh council meeting for uh adoption. And that's what I have tonight. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you so much, Miss Crawford. Um, I think that's it for tonight. I'd entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> Any opposed? >> We're