Based on the context of the meeting, the location (White Bear Lake, MN), and the names mentioned within the dialogue, here is the formatted transcript with speaker identifications. **Note:** Timestamps are estimated based on the progression of the text to provide the requested format. *** **[00:00] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Oh, these are good tools. [Music] German coal snake, German band action. All right, we’re going to call the meeting to order. The clerk will call the roll. It will be noted, thank you. Will you please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. **[00:20] All:** [Music] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America... **[00:35] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Okay, moving on to Item 2: Approval of the Minutes. Did everyone on the council get a chance to review the minutes from last meeting? I’ll take a motion to approve the minutes. **[00:45] Councilmember:** So moved. **[00:47] Councilmember:** Second. **[00:48] Mayor Dan Leusman:** I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. **[00:52] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[00:53] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Any opposed? Minutes are approved, one extension. Moving on to the adoption of the agenda. I understand we have one or two little notations with regards to items 4g, h, and i. In the original agenda packet, it said "accept bids and awarding contract." That should be corrected to "authorizing advertisements for bids." So with that correction, does anyone else have any additions or amendments? **[01:15] Staff Member:** Yep, we're going to add to new business Item 8e, which is a resolution authorizing Big Wood Brewery use of the public parking lot for a special event. **[01:25] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Any other additions or amendments to the agenda? **[01:28] Councilmember:** Move approval. **[01:30] Councilmember:** Second. **[01:31] Mayor Dan Leusman:** I have a motion and a second. All those in favor of adopting the agenda say aye. **[01:35] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[01:36] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Any opposed? We have an agenda. Moving on to Item 4: Consent Agenda. With the corrected consent agenda with the proper verbiage, I’d entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. **[01:45] Councilmember:** So moved. **[01:46] Councilmember:** Second. **[01:47] Mayor Dan Leusman:** I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. **[01:50] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[01:51] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Any opposed? Consent agenda is approved. All right, moving on to Item 5a: Law Enforcement Memorial Proclamation. This is a first for me, so I get to read the proclamation. Whereas there are approximately 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States... [Reads remainder of proclamation] ...Now therefore be it resolved that the City of White Bear Lake Council formally designates May 11th through the 17th as Police Week in the City of White Bear Lake and publicly salutes the service of law enforcement officers in our community and the communities across the nation. Chief, if you'll accept this? **[03:45] Police Chief:** All right, very cool. Thank you. Mayor, members of the Council, I did not have anything prepared, but I do want to thank you for the proclamation. It’s a little bit early, but with the timing of council meetings, we want to always make sure that we put it on the agenda first. 2022 is a good year for us because we finally get to have this again in person. We haven’t had it for two years. It’s very important... [Remarks on Washington D.C. memorial and Ramsey County ceremony]. We thank you for your ongoing support that you give to us. So thank you for this. **[05:10] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Thank you, Chief. And on behalf of the Council, I’ll echo the proclamation and extend our thanks for your hard work and all of our officers' duty and sacrifice to serve the community and keep us all safe. So we thank you. **[05:25] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Okay, moving on to Item 5b: The Arbor Day Proclamation. Our second proclamation of the evening. Whereas the City of White Bear Lake has historically been committed to maintaining the urban forest... [Reads proclamation] ...Now therefore, I, Dan Leusman, Mayor of the City of White Bear Lake, do hereby proclaim May 19, 2022, as Arbor Day in White Bear Lake. **[06:45] Paul Kauppi (Public Works Director):** Mr. Mayor, just a quick note. So this year in observance of Arbor Day, like we did last year, we haven’t been doing the very large events. This year again we will be doing it with the Parks Advisory Commission. I’ll be planting some trees in Weyerhaeuser Park to replace trees that were removed... [Remarks on urban forest and Rotary Club project]. Thank you. **[07:35] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Thank you. Moving on to Item 5c. We get to present a bear this evening, which is always fun. First for me. Robert "Bob" Winkler—where’s Bob? Why don't you come forward. Bob has submitted his resignation as a volunteer member of the Environmental Advisory Commission. Mr. Winkler has served since 2018, and I understand Ms. Talon has a few words to share. **[08:00] Ms. Talon (Staff):** I do. Thank you, Mayor and Council. As you're saying, he’s been on the commission since 2018 and during that time he supported numerous environmental initiatives such as city membership in Watershed Partners... [Highlights Bob's contributions and shows slides]. Bob, it’s been a pleasure having you on the Environmental Advisory Commission and thank you for your volunteer service. The Mayor and Council want to recognize you, and with that, I will turn it over to Mayor Leusman. **[09:15] Mayor Dan Leusman:** I understand Councilmember Jones would like to say a few words. **[09:18] Councilmember Bill Jones:** I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. Bob is my former neighbor; more importantly, he’s my friend. We were kitty-corner across from each other... [Remarks on Bob's work]. You’re a good man and we’re lucky to have you. Thank you for your service. **[09:40] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Thanks, Bill. And I will echo my thanks. This is the part where you'd normally get your little bear, but I've just been informed that it’s not quite ready yet. So that’s about par for supply chain issues that we’re dealing with in the world. So you’re going to have to settle for a handshake right now and an IOU for a bear. **[10:05] Bob Winkler:** Shortages and delays! [Laughter/Applause] **[10:15] Mayor Dan Leusman:** All right, moving on to Item 6: Public Hearings. We have nothing scheduled, which brings us to Item 7: Unfinished Business. Resolution approving a request for the Pitlix for a setback variance at 4264 Cottage Park Road. Ms. Crosby. **[10:30] Anne Crosby (Planning):** Mayor and Councilmembers, this item as you may remember was continued from the March 8th City Council meeting... [Explains property details and revised plans for a 29.5-foot variance]. The Planning Commission had recommended denial, but if the Council desires to approve the request, a resolution of approval has been provided for your consideration this evening. Thank you. **[11:50] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Thank you, Ms. Crosby. If Council recalls at our last meeting we tabled this definitely to this meeting. So I'll open up for discussion, unless someone has a motion they’d like to make now. **[12:00] Councilmember Kevin Walsh:** Mayor, I’ll move to approve the motion with probably discussion coming. **[12:05] Councilmember:** Second. **[12:06] Mayor Dan Leusman:** I have a motion and a second. Discussion? Councilmember Walsh. **[12:08] Councilmember Kevin Walsh:** Well, I mean if you remember we were in this room a few weeks ago, right? And I think I was the one that said, "You know, just give us a few more feet and I think I can get to yes." So they’ve come back with two more feet... [Remarks on the unique nature of the Cottage Park neighborhood]. I’m satisfied and comfortable with the re-draft and the two more feet, and I’ll be supporting the resolution. **[13:05] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Anyone else on the council? Seeing none, I have a motion and a second. All those in favor of approving 7a... say aye. **[13:15] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[13:16] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Any opposed? The motion carries and the resolution passes. [Applause] Moving on to Item 8a: New Business. Resolution approving a request by Jeff McDonald, Tice Estates, for a preliminary plat at 1788 Highway 96 East. Ms. Crosby. **[13:30] Anne Crosby (Planning):** Thank you, Mayor and Councilmembers. The subject site 1788 Highway 96 is located on the south side of Highway 96 just east of Columbia Park... [Explains history of the previous denial and the new proposal for two twin homes and two single-family residences]. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. **[15:15] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Thank you, Ms. Crosby. Council? **[15:18] Councilmember Dan Hughes:** Mr. Mayor, I have a question. Ms. Crosby, I think I asked you this before: who pays for the paving of the sidewalk? **[15:25] Anne Crosby (Planning):** Mayor and Councilmember Hughes, the developer is building the project, so the developer's paying for the paving. **[15:32] Councilmember Dan Hughes:** And I know because this is just a plat, obviously we don’t have housing plans. Are there any limits on what can be built in terms of the size of the home on these lots? **[15:40] Anne Crosby (Planning):** Mayor and Councilmember Hughes, there are height limitations and setbacks... but on these single lots, a person could put a four or a five-bedroom house on that, yes. **[16:05] Councilmember Dan Hughes:** I just wanted to make sure I understood that. Thank you. Move to approve, Madam—oh, sorry, Mr. Mayor. You’re getting there, you’re getting there. **[16:15] Mayor Dan Leusman:** It takes some time! All right, I have a motion. Do I have a second? **[16:20] Councilmember:** Second. **[16:21] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Motion and a second. Further discussion? Councilmember Walsh. **[16:23] Councilmember Kevin Walsh:** Well, thank you. Just on tree removal... [Remarks on keeping natural buffers and questions the paved path]. I’m not going to lose sleep over it, but I wouldn’t have done the paved path. **[18:05] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Any further discussion? Seeing none, I have a motion and a second for Item 8a. All those in favor say aye. **[18:12] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[18:13] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Any opposed? Motion carries. **[18:15] Councilmember Kevin Walsh:** If I could just... one thing we haven’t done on this street is the vacation of the right-of-way south of Clarence. We should put that on a future agenda. **[18:45] Mayor Dan Leusman:** That is noted. Moving on to Item 8b: Resolution approving a request by McNeely Music Center for five variances at 4910 Highway 61. Ms. Crosby. **[18:55] Anne Crosby (Planning):** Thank you, Mayor and members of the Council. The subject site is 4910 Highway 61... [Explains proposal for a new two-story music center and the five requested variances]. The Planning Commission, on a five-to-two vote, recommended approval of the project as requested. Since one of the variances was added after notice, staff recommends opening the floor to the public. **[22:00] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Thank you, Ms. Crosby. As a housekeeping matter, I will open it up if there’s anyone that wishes to speak on that? [Pause] Seeing no one, I’ll close that and bring it back to the Council. **[22:15] Councilmember Bill Jones:** The only thing that seems minor is the parking... 18 stalls and you hear "recital." It's in the B4 zone, but the Comp Plan guides it as downtown. We own that lot adjacent to the east, correct? I don't think there's a parking problem. **[22:50] Councilmember Dan Hughes:** Well, Mr. Mayor, if anybody would have a parking issue, it would be the hotel. I was relieved to see they are in favor of this. **[23:05] Councilmember Steven Edberg:** Mr. Mayor, with regard to parking and use, is the use restricted to private lessons? I’m trying to get my head around ensembles or fundraisers. **[23:25] Anne Crosby (Planning):** Mayor and Councilmember Edberg, the practice rooms are relatively small... [Explains potential for larger use in the lobby and parking conditions]. **[23:55] Councilmember Bill Jones:** I'm in favor. Great addition to the arts district. **[24:10] Mayor Dan Leusman:** I would echo Councilmember Jones' comments. A state-of-the-art music center would be a great addition. I’d entertain a motion to approve the resolution as it passed the Planning Commission. **[24:25] Councilmember:** Move approval. **[24:26] Councilmember:** Second. **[24:27] Mayor Dan Leusman:** I have a motion and a second on 8b. All those in favor say aye. **[24:32] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[24:33] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Any opposed? Motion carries. Moving on to Item 8c: Resolution accepting bids and awarding contract for the 2022 Pavement Rehabilitation Project. Mr. Kauppi. **[24:45] Paul Kauppi (Public Works Director):** Mayor, members of the Council. As you recall, the 2022 project is located west of Highway 61 and north of County Road 96... [Explains low bid from Park Construction and project timeline]. Staff would recommend Council adopt the resolution. **[25:50] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Council, any questions? Seeing none, I’d entertain a motion. **[25:55] Councilmember:** Move to approve. **[25:56] Councilmember:** Second. **[25:57] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. **[26:00] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[26:01] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Any opposed? Motion carries. Item 8d: Resolution approving the sale of general obligation bonds. Ms. Kindsvater. **[26:10] Kerri Kindsvater (Finance Director):** Good evening, Mr. Mayor and members of the Council. With the approval of that project, we're talking financing... [Explains bond issuance for $3,025,000, interest rates, and debt service]. Staff recommends the Council adopt the resolution. **[27:45] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Council, any questions? Seeing none, I’d entertain a motion to approve. **[27:50] Councilmember:** Move to approve. **[27:51] Councilmember:** Second. **[27:52] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. **[27:55] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[27:56] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Any opposed? Motion carries. Item 8e: Resolution authorizing use of a public parking lot behind Big Wood Brewery for a special event. Ms. Crawford. **[28:05] Lindy Crawford (City Manager):** Thank you, Mayor, members of the Council. Big Wood Brewery has requested to use part of the public parking lot for six picnic tables for "German Kohl’s Night" on Saturday, April 23rd. Staff recommends approval. **[28:30] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Sounds straightforward. Council? **[28:35] Councilmember Kevin Walsh:** I’ll move approval. I want to propose an amendment that requires them to keep their business in White Bear Lake... but maybe not. It’s a bummer they’re leaving. **[29:05] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Motion without the amendment? **[29:08] Councilmember Kevin Walsh:** Yes. **[29:09] Councilmember:** Second. **[29:10] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. **[29:13] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[29:14] Mayor Dan Leusman:** Motion carries. Moving on to Item 9a: Seating in public right-of-ways. Ms. Schimmeck. **[29:20] Tracy Shimek (Staff):** Good evening, Mayor, members of Council. As a discussion item, we're bringing up use of the public right-of-way... [Discusses pandemic-era outdoor dining, current requests, and the need for a codified review process]. We have basically three questions for Council: Are you amenable? Should it be limited to sidewalks (no parking impact)? Should staff research a codified process? **[32:30] Mayor Dan Leusman:** I think we owe it to all business owners to have a fair and transparent process. The accommodations during COVID were temporary... but the circumstances have changed. I think we should have an evaluative process that is fair. Council, what do we think? **[33:45] Councilmember Dan Hughes:** Mr. Mayor, I’m a little confused. Are we talking only about parking spaces or also sidewalks? **[33:55] Tracy Shimek (Staff):** Mayor, Councilmember Hughes, staff's recommendation is that requests be limited to spaces that don't impact traffic or parking—essentially sidewalks. **[34:10] Councilmember Bill Jones:** Parking is a show-stopper. Nope. I’m reading Main Street on this. As far as the sidewalk, we need to formalize these "side deals." It’s a question of fairness to businesses that invest in rooftops or patios vs. those who just use a public sidewalk for free. **[35:45] Councilmember Kevin Walsh:** Well, I don't know if I see it the same way as Councilmember Jones... maybe they pay through property taxes because the location is more valuable. I’m with staff on the parking—let's get those spaces back—but I'm totally open on sidewalk uses and a formal process. **[36:30] Councilmember Steven Edberg:** Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’m in agreement on parking spaces. I’m of mixed mind on sidewalks; I think they add street value and create a friendly feel. The piece I would ask is: are we talking only downtown or other areas like Bald Eagle? *** *Transcript ends as discussion continues.*