This transcript features Mayor Wayne Boucher leading the meeting, with City Administrator John Mulder and Community Development Director Eric Johnson providing the bulk of the staff reports. **Note on Speaker Names:** The original transcript mentions a "Councilor Jones." Based on the provided list of officials, this is almost certainly **Joe Peterson**. "Councilor jelly" is a phonetic transcription of **Councilor Andy Hjelle**. I have used the correct names from your provided list below. *** [0:00] **Wayne Boucher:** …for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right, roll call please. [0:15] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [0:17] **Andy Hjelle:** Here. [0:18] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [0:19] **John Geissler:** Here. [0:20] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [0:21] **Joe Peterson:** Here. [0:22] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [0:23] **Wayne Boucher:** Here. Uh, announcements? Do any council members have announcements they'd like to make for the good of the order? [0:30] **John Geissler:** I'd just like to remind everyone that Summerfest is on the way in a few short weeks. It'll be coming back after three years off. Please try and participate and attend as much as possible, support this community event, and help out the organizers. [0:46] **Wayne Boucher:** We have no public hearings tonight. Communications are all placed on file. Mr. Mulder, could you shortly summarize the two presentations we had at pre-agenda on the 2024 budget? [1:00] **John Mulder:** And we started with um, the projected personnel costs for 2024, which included um, the fire department um, and potentially an economic development position. Um, again, also looked at the Capital Improvement Plan um, noting that um in the general fund in 2024, we're not in too bad a shape, but we are—average over the five years—as we should have been higher. Part of that is because of the fire truck um, and um comparison is worth that. But those are just kind of preliminary numbers for you to look at in terms of as we start to put that budget process together um, in the next month or so. We'll present the expenditures, you'll get a sense about each one of those um, parts as we go through the process until we finally presented the whole budget to some kind of—thank you. [2:20] **Wayne Boucher:** And we were going to have a presentation from the Hockey Association on their fundraising efforts, and that is delayed until our next council meeting on the 17th. Next on our agenda is public discussion. This is a time that individuals can address the Council about any item not on the agenda. We ask that you limit your time to three minutes per person. Is there anyone either present or are we online tonight, Mr. Mulder, that wishes to speak to the Council? If so, start with your name and address. [2:53] **Wayne Boucher:** Is there anyone that wishes to participate in public discussion? [3:03] **Wayne Boucher:** Last opportunity for open public discussion. There will be time during each agenda item that's voted on for discussion during that item. Is there any public discussion? Hearing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda, which is the approval or correction of the June 20th, 2023, continuation minutes and general city warrants from June 15th through June 30th of 2023. Do we have a motion for the consent agenda? [3:35] **Andy Hjelle:** Motion to approve. [3:37] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Hjelle. Do I have a second? [3:39] **Joe Peterson:** Second. [3:40] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor Peterson. Roll call please. [3:43] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [3:50] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [3:51] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [3:52] **John Geissler:** Aye. [3:53] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [3:54] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [3:55] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [3:56] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [3:57] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [3:58] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. We have no ordinances this evening. Under resolutions, we have Resolution 2023-85: Resolution approving amendments to planned unit development for Red Tail Hawk Townhomes. Do we have a motion? [4:15] **John Geissler:** A motion to approve. [4:16] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Geissler. Do I have a second? [4:18] **Joe Peterson:** Second. [4:19] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor Peterson. Mr. Mulder, should we have Mr. Johnson address this? [4:25] **John Mulder:** Eric. [4:26] **Eric Johnson:** Great, thank you very much, Mr. Mayor and members of the Council. Uh, before us is an amendment to the PUD associated with the Red Tail Hawk Townhome division. Uh, this was originally approved back in the summer of 2021. At that time, the approval was for two twin home buildings for a total of four units total—actually let me make a correction, calling them actually two-family homes is what it was, with the four units total with the associated driveway and stormwater pond. Uh, what the applicant has been encountering in his conversations with uh, people looking at these units is they're looking for additional storage. Uh, these buildings have a two-car garage associated with each one, and what the applicant is looking for is the construction of a 1,792 square foot accessory structure. This would be for the purposes of basically four garage stalls associated with that, so each unit would have an additional garage space or storage space associated with their units that way. As I mentioned, the original PUD had been approved just for the actual uh, living units, and so this would amend that PUD to include the 1,792 square foot accessory structure. [5:23] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Do we have any questions or comments from Council? [5:28] **John Geissler:** You just covered both of those then, shared kind of 85 and 86? [5:48] **Eric Johnson:** Uh, actually I will just briefly discuss the next one at our—our next resolution associated with the special use permit. [6:00] **Wayne Boucher:** Any questions on this resolution? Is there any public input on this resolution? Any public input on Resolution 2023-85? Is there any public input on the resolution approving amendments to the plan unit development for Red Tail Hawk Townhomes? Hearing none, do we have a roll call? [6:40] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [6:42] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [6:43] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [6:44] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [6:45] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [6:46] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [6:47] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [6:48] **John Geissler:** Aye. [6:49] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [6:50] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Resolution 2023-86: Resolution approving a special use permit for the construction of an accessory structure in excess of 1,200 square feet (1,792 square feet) within a recreational Shoreland area. Do we have a motion? [7:05] **John Geissler:** Geissler. [Motion to approve] [7:07] **Wayne Boucher:** Do we have a second? [7:08] **Andy Hjelle:** Second. [7:09] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor Hjelle. Mr. Mulder, is this one for Mr. Johnson again? [7:14] **John Mulder:** Eric. [7:15] **Eric Johnson:** Great, thank you again. Uh, this is now the second part of this Red Tail Hawk uh, project. Uh, the majority of this development is within a recreational Shoreland area; it's associated with a tributary, an unnamed tributary to the Rocky Run. Um, so this proposed 1,792 square foot accessory structure falls within that 300-foot zone of the Shoreland area. However, it is greater than the minimum of 75 feet of building requirements from that unnamed tributary. So, uh, this structure does meet that requirement in the fact that it is greater than 75 feet. And then the—so the SUP will be for the two things: grading and filling in that Shoreland area, as well as that 1,792 square foot accessory structure. [7:55] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Do we have any questions or comments from Council? [8:00] **John Geissler:** Uh, yeah, I got two of them. First, the—the houses are between the garage and the river, right? So they're already building closer for the river then this garage will be constructed? [8:15] **Eric Johnson:** That is correct, yes. And both those structures are greater than that 75 feet. [8:18] **John Geissler:** Okay, so even though they're outside of that, they still need this resolution in order to build? [8:25] **Eric Johnson:** That is correct. As part of our ordinance, as well as our work with the DNR, the city administers Shoreland or overlay areas associated with the DNR, and this is one of the required processes for any work within these Shoreland areas. [8:40] **John Geissler:** Okay. Yeah, less than 300 [feet]. Yeah, I guess the point I'm trying to make is they're already building closer to the tributary than this garage will be. Okay. I guess my second question would have maybe more for you, John [Mulder], is these two resolutions seem to be saying the same thing. I'm just wondering why we need two of them. Because if we would have approved the first one and then said no to this one, they can't build the garage. If we would have said no to the first one and approve this one, they can't build the garage. [9:28] **John Mulder:** So that's kind of why we do it. But I mean, theoretically, you could have had one resolution amending the PUD and approving of SUP, but then you're in the spot like, "Well, you're asking two questions on one resolution." We try to avoid that too, even though the alternative is you ask the question twice. So you still need the same answer. [9:45] **John Geissler:** Sorry, yeah, okay. Just curious. I didn't know if there was something more to it than that or not, but okay. [10:00] **Wayne Boucher:** Any other questions or comments? Is there any public input on this resolution? If so, please state your name and address for the record. Is there any public input on Resolution 2023-86? Any public input on the resolution in front of us? Roll call please. [10:30] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [10:31] **John Geissler:** Aye. [10:32] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [10:33] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [10:34] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [10:35] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [10:36] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [10:37] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [10:38] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [10:39] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Resolution 2023-87: Resolution approving final plat of Payton Acres Phase 2A and imposing conditions on the final plat. Do we have a motion? [10:55] **Brian LeBlanc:** Move to approve. [10:57] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor LeBlanc. Do we have a second? [10:59] **Andy Hjelle:** Second. [11:00] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor Hjelle. Mr. Johnson again. [11:04] **Eric Johnson:** Thank you again. Uh, this is the fourth phase of the Payton Acres development project. Uh, even though it's called Phase 2A, we've had uh, A, B, and C previously as part of Phase 1. Uh, this was heard before the City Council earlier this year in a preliminary format. Uh, it is still the same in the fact it has 13 lots—13 residential lots and two outlots. Of those outlots, one is associated with the stormwater pond, and the other lot, Outlot B, is for the future phases associated with this project. Uh, this project will continue the utilities going from east to west and will also uh, essentially connect the roadways from Stebner Road down to Oak Ridge Drive. So now we have a continual roadway system throughout this development. Uh, there will be an interior sidewalk associated with this just like the previous editions, and then all these lots are a minimum of one-half acre in size. [11:55] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Do we have any questions or comments from Council? [12:00] **Brian LeBlanc:** Just to clarify, the outlot—does that become city property then? [12:05] **Eric Johnson:** Yes, just like in the previous phases. Uh, this is actually its own outlot, so it's a little bit easier to transfer. Uh, where we've had uh, in the other cases where it's more of an interior pond, the city gets an easement associated with that not only for the pond but also for an access road. But in this case, uh, the outlot directly abuts a roadway, so it makes more sense from a straight transfer to the city for our ownership. [12:35] **Brian LeBlanc:** Take care of stormwater maintenance? [12:37] **Eric Johnson:** That is correct, yes. [12:39] **John Geissler:** And there is an easement to a pond as part of this plat as well, right? [12:41] **Eric Johnson:** Uh, not on this phase because it directly abuts a roadway that the pond is totally within that outlot. So we just get the outlot. The other side of the property… I thought there was one of the easement situations on Lot 1, but that might have been a previous—anyway, that’s okay. In previous phases we did have—there's a pond behind this phase that we could access via easement. That was in a previous phase, Phase 1C. Start mixing letters and numbers, it gets confusing. A, B, and three… [13:36] **Wayne Boucher:** Anything else from Council before we move to public discussion? Public input—is there any public input on Resolution 2023-87? Anyone who wishes to speak to the Council about this resolution, please state your name and address. Is there any public input about the resolution approving the final plat of Payton Acres Phase 2A? Roll call please. [14:20] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [14:22] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [14:23] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [14:24] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [14:25] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [14:26] **John Geissler:** Aye. [14:27] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [14:28] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [14:29] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [14:30] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Next is Resolution 2023-88: Resolution approving a special use permit for grading and filling within a recreational environment Shoreland overlay area. This would be at 4307 Ugstad Road. We have a motion? [14:48] **Andy Hjelle:** Motion to approve. [14:50] **John Geissler:** Second. [14:52] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion Councilor Hjelle, second by Councilor Geissler. Mr. Johnson. [14:54] **Eric Johnson:** Uh, thank you again. Uh, this is an existing 11-acre property that currently houses the Hermantown Arena as well as five outdoor rinks. As part of the uh, future new Arena rink construction, uh, two of the rinks—outdoor rinks on the west side of the building—uh, will need to be relocated. Um, the Hermantown Area Hockey Association, or HAHA, is proposing to relocate these two rinks to basically the north portion of this property. It lies between some of the existing rinks north of the building as well as south of Hawk Circle Drive. This is a current area right now that's wooded and uh, has a little bit of a cross slope and some wetlands. The wetland delineation is in process; they're more than likely to be the purchase of wetland credits associated with that. But for right now, we're looking at the Shoreland area associated with this, as approximately half of these proposed rink areas fall within that Shoreland area. There is a grading plan associated uh, with this project in the packet. And basically this allows the um, HAHA area to continue discussions with the contractor for the Ugstad Road project, potentially get some fill from that roadway to help create these two rink pad areas. [16:00] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions or comments from Council? [16:05] **Andy Hjelle:** If we need wetland credits, do those come out of the Arena project budget or who's paying for those? [16:15] **John Mulder:** This project is separate from um—and I spoke with our city engineer during the break and he received the wetland delineation last Friday, and evidently just needs to overlay it on the map before it can be seen by the public and by us. [16:35] **Wayne Boucher:** Any other questions or comments? Is there any public input on this resolution? If there's any public input on this resolution, please state your name and address. Calling for public input on Resolution 2023-88. Roll call please. [17:25] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [17:26] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [17:27] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [17:28] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [17:29] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [17:30] **John Geissler:** Aye. [17:31] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [17:32] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [17:33] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [17:34] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Next is Resolution 2023-89: Resolution approving a special use permit for the construction of a two-family home in an R3 residential zone district, and that's at 5106 Hermantown Road. We have a motion? [17:55] **John Geissler:** A motion to approve. [17:58] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Geissler. Is there a second? [18:00] **Joe Peterson:** Second. [18:02] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor Peterson. Mr. Johnson. [18:04] **Eric Johnson:** Thank you. Uh, this is an existing 5.62-acre lot at uh, the intersection of Hermantown Road and Lavaque—it's 5106 Hermantown Road is the address. Currently, on this 5.62-acre lot, there's an existing single-family home and two garages. What the applicant is proposing to do is subdivide that property, have the single-family home located in its own parcel, and then the remainder of that parcel uh, the newly created parcel will have the two garages—of which one will be coming down—and then the twin home unit (assuming the two-family structure) built on that. These setbacks all meet the or exceed the city requirements as far as setbacks for um, side yard, front yard, rear yard, etc. that way. Uh, with once again this new lot basically housing that two-family home. This property is greater than 400 feet away from city utilities, so it will be utilizing private water and septic for that two-family building. Uh, the applicant will be required to work with St. Louis County for receiving the permits for those types of uh, private utility systems. [18:54] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Are there any questions or comments from Council? [18:58] **Joe Peterson:** Just clarify that two-family building will be on one parcel? [19:02] **Eric Johnson:** That is correct, on one parcel. And by two-family, we mean duplex. Duplex—there's some discussions, it will have one septic system and one well associated with that. So essentially it's always uh, those two units will always be grouped together. So if there's ever a future sale, the building is sold versus an individual unit. If for some reason uh, somebody wants to split that, they'd have to install a new utility system, but there's also building requirements associated with that. And from discussions with the um, building official, that they're currently building these to duplex standards rather than a twin home standard. [19:41] **Joe Peterson:** So I know we talked about it briefly in the meeting beforehand, if they ever wanted to split that, they'd have to add a septic. Would they have to go back and update the building to meet fire code requirements for a twin home? [19:55] **Eric Johnson:** Uh, that would be my understanding, but I'd have to work with the building official on that. But that is my understanding—is the different fire ratings, walls associated with those things. [20:15] **Wayne Boucher:** Anything else? Or any public input on this resolution? Is there any public input on Resolution 2023-89? If anyone from the public wishes to speak to this resolution, please state your name and address. Roll call please. [20:55] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [20:56] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [20:57] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [20:58] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [20:59] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [21:00] **John Geissler:** Aye. [21:01] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [21:02] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [21:03] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [21:04] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Next, Resolution 2023-90: Resolution awarding contract for play structure materials and installation services to Minnesota Wisconsin Playground in the amount of $150,000 for the Keene's Creek Park. Do we have a motion? [21:23] **Joe Peterson:** Make a motion to approve. [21:25] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Peterson. Is there a second? [21:28] **Brian LeBlanc:** Second. [21:29] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor LeBlanc. Uh, Mr. Johnson. [21:34] **Eric Johnson:** Thank you again. Uh, the city over the past couple years uh, did receive some federal fundings through the American Rescue Plan Act, and as part of that uh, we had set aside $150,000 for park improvements at Keene Creek Park. Given the new trail that's there uh, and the city's desire to have play structures in each one of our parks, uh, staff believes—as well as our concurrence with the Park Board—that a play structure and associated park furniture should be installed at this park. As part of this process, the city contacted two different providers, one being Flagship Recreation, the other Wisconsin—Minnesota Wisconsin Playground, with the criteria that there's $150,000 in funds. We needed to provide a play structure, uh, shade structure, picnic tables, trash receptacles, bike racks, etc. for that. Both companies did come in with the $150,000 proposal with very similar items associated in the design that way. The difference being is that Flagship Recreation has identified a 2024 installation, with Minnesota Wisconsin Playground showing a '23 installation. As far as the budgetary standpoint, the city has always identified this as a '23 project. So as a result of that, we're recommending Minnesota Wisconsin Playground with this '23 installation. [22:45] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Are there any questions or comments from Council? [22:50] **John Geissler:** Mr. Mayor, I just have one question I should have asked before, but it seems like in the past we've had some vandalism uh, issues down at that park. Uh, are there cameras there now? [23:10] **Eric Johnson:** Oh, there are no cameras there right now. That there has been some talk though in the Park Board, as particularly over at Stebner as well, about the ability to get some more maybe closer—and a closer but wireless type of cameras that way. And I think that's something that would continue to be discussed in all of our parks that way. [23:35] **John Geissler:** All right, thank you. [23:38] **Brian LeBlanc:** Any other questions or comments from Council? Just make sure we get prompt garbage service down there since it'll limit the uh, Bear temptation in that playground. [23:45] **John Mulder:** We can control that one, yeah. [23:56] **Wayne Boucher:** Is there any public input on this resolution? Anyone wishes to comment on the purchasing and installation of playground equipment, please state your name and address. Last call for public comment on Resolution 2023-90. Roll call please. [24:18] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [24:19] **John Geissler:** Aye. [24:20] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [24:21] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [24:22] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [24:23] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [24:24] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [24:25] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [24:26] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [24:27] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Next is Resolution 2023-91: Resolution authorizing the preparation of the draft Alternative Urban Area-wide Review (AUAR) document for the Hermantown Business Park. Do we have a motion? [24:40] **Andy Hjelle:** Motion to approve. [24:41] **John Geissler:** Second. [24:43] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Hjelle, second by Councilor Geissler. Mr. Mulder, does Mr. Johnson get this one also? [24:50] **John Mulder:** Do you want him to take the rest of the agenda? [24:54] **Eric Johnson:** Stay home! And actually, at this point, I'm starting to lose my voice, so I think I'm kind of maxed out for the evening here. Um, so thank you again. Uh, this is authorizing Braun Intertech to uh, proceed with the draft AUAR document. Uh, the city has been working with Braun since last year, both through HEDA as well as the City Council and various stages associated with the Hermantown Business Park and this AUAR document. One step that we just recently finalized and completed was the draft scoping document, which is associated with this—this land area. Uh, that had been uh, sent out for public notice and public comment. That period ended on June 15th; there were no written comments received from that. Uh, the next step now is to uh, Braun to proceed with this draft AUAR. Much of that information in that scoping document will be included in the AUAR, as well as the recently completed traffic study for this. The draft AUAR is anticipated to be sent to the stakeholders in the city on July 24th, and we're still on track for a completion date of that final AUAR and acceptance in mid to late October of '23. [26:05] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Are there any questions or comments from Council? Is there any public input on this resolution? Is there any public input on Resolution 2023-91? Last opportunity for public input on this resolution. Roll call please. [26:45] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [26:46] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [26:47] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [26:48] **John Geissler:** Aye. [26:49] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [26:50] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [26:51] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [26:52] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [26:53] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [26:54] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Resolution 2023-92: Resolution authorizing and directing Mayor and City Clerk to execute and deliver an agreement for consulting services with Baker Tilly, independent contractor. Do we have a motion? [27:10] **Andy Hjelle:** Motion to approve. [27:12] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Hjelle. Do you have a second? [27:14] **Joe Peterson:** Second. [27:15] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor Peterson. Mr. Mulder. [27:18] **John Mulder:** For our last compensation plan, it was done in 2013 and there's been a number of changes since then, including we've been talking about um, adding the fire department and moving proposed um, safety model and the ability to recruit and retain particularly police officers and all that might change and show the relationship with other positions. So we're asking um, contractors—they were telling the distribution care competition plan—to make sure that it matches up in the market and we have good internal relationships as well. [27:55] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions from Council? Comments? Hearing none, is there any public input on this resolution? If anyone wishes to comment to Council, please start with your name and address. Is there any public input on Resolution 2023-92? Roll call please. [28:30] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [28:31] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [28:32] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [28:33] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [28:34] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [28:35] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [28:36] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [28:37] **John Geissler:** Aye. [28:38] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [28:39] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Resolution 2023-93: Resolution authorizing and directing Mayor and City Clerk to execute and deliver an agreement for survey services for City of Hermantown Connector Trail with Alta Land Survey Company. Do we have a motion? [28:58] **John Geissler:** I'll motion to approve. [29:00] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Geissler. Do we have a second? [29:02] **Brian LeBlanc:** Second. [29:03] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor LeBlanc. Mr. Mulder. [29:05] **John Mulder:** So this contract would be with Alta Land Survey to prepare um, all of the legal descriptions um, and exhibits for the easements that we'll need as part of the building of the trail. Then we will then hand those over to SRF who will work with and negotiate with the landowners to acquire those. [29:30] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions or comments? Is there any public input on this resolution? Is there any public input on Resolution 2023-93? Do we have any public input on the current resolution? Roll call please. [30:05] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [30:06] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [30:07] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [30:08] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [30:09] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [30:10] **John Geissler:** Aye. [30:11] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [30:12] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [30:13] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [30:14] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Resolution 2023-94: Resolution approving insurance coverage for the City of Hermantown. Do we have a motion? [30:20] **John Geissler:** I might lose my job. I'll motion to approve. [30:23] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Geissler. Is there a second? [30:25] **Joe Peterson:** Second. [30:27] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor Peterson. Mr. Mulder, should we have our Finance Director, Mr. Orme, address this? [30:33] **John Mulder:** Yes. [30:34] **Kevin Orme:** Thank you, Mr. Mayor and members of the Council. The city's insurance year goes from July 21st through June 20th, and so we're up for renewal. The city went out for a bid from Travelers, who is our current provider, the League of Minnesota Cities who we have used in the past, and just for uh, workers' comp, a company called BITCO. We evaluated all those options and we found that combining BITCO for workers' comp and the League of Minnesota Cities for the other lines of insurance would save the city money in the next insurance year. The renewal premium would be $248,305 versus the expiring premium—this year's payment is $265,052. So this resolution would approve switching the city's insurance from Travelers to a combination of League of Minnesota Cities and BITCO for workers' comp, effective July 21st, 2023. [31:30] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Do we have any comments or questions from Council? Is there any public input on this resolution? Anyone wishes to comment on this resolution, please state your name and address. Is there any public input on Resolution 2023-94? Roll call please. [32:15] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [32:16] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [32:17] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [32:18] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [32:19] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [32:20] **John Geissler:** Aye. [32:21] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [32:22] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [32:23] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [32:24] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Resolution 2023-95: Resolution approving authorization for professional services for design bidding and construction administration services by Braun Intertech Corporation. Do we have a motion? [32:43] **Joe Peterson:** Motion to approve. [32:45] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Peterson. Do we have a second? [32:47] **Brian LeBlanc:** Second. [32:48] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor LeBlanc. Mr. Mulder. [32:50] **John Mulder:** So as we've discussed um, for a number of months, the um, insulation... we've had that looked at by—by Braun and some powers and a few other ages um, individuals. Um, and what we really need here is Braun to be prepared to design what that insulation would look like in the world then go off and get frustrated goods and to make sure that um, the construction is done further with this um, perfect design. So we're asking uh, to contribute to a contract at Braun to do that work for us. The plan would be that um, they'll do the design for their spike with two or three-week process for um, going out for bid, and hopefully the work could start um, sometime until September to get—get this done before the policies in this fall. [33:42] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Are there any questions or comments from Council? Is there any public input on this resolution? If anyone wishes to comment on this resolution, please state your name and address. Any public input on Resolution 2023-95? Roll call please. [34:25] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [34:26] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [34:27] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [34:28] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [34:29] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [34:30] **John Geissler:** Aye. [34:31] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [34:32] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [34:33] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [34:34] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Resolution 2023-96: Resolution approving the employment of Trish Crego as the Utility and Infrastructure Director. We have a motion? [34:50] **Joe Peterson:** Motion to approve. [34:52] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Peterson. Is there a second? [34:54] **Andy Hjelle:** Second. [34:56] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor Hjelle. [34:58] **John Mulder:** We interviewed her two weeks ago and then again this past Friday. It feels like it should be a good addition... contributions um, to the organization. So we're recommending for hiring. If approved, she would start on July 24th. [35:15] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Are there any questions or comments from Council? Is there any public input on this resolution? Is there any public input on Resolution 2023-96? Any public input on the hiring of Utilities and Infrastructure Director? Roll call please. [35:50] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [35:51] **John Geissler:** Aye. [35:52] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [35:53] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [35:54] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [35:55] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [35:56] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [35:57] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [35:58] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [35:59] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. And uh, the last open item on our agenda, 2023-97: Resolution calling a public hearing on the establishment of a Tax Increment Financing District Number 1-2 (The Greenhouse), and that would be for August 21st. Is there a motion? [36:20] **Andy Hjelle:** Motion to approve. [36:22] **Wayne Boucher:** Is there a second? [36:24] **John Geissler:** Second. [36:26] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor Geissler. Mr. Mulder. [36:30] **John Mulder:** Well um, district for the apartment complex on the Inwell site. This is the first step in that process. So we would notify um, the public of this public hearing, would also notify the school district and uh, the County Board um, before we start this process. So we'll have a public hearing on um, August 21st um, where they're then going to consider created with the district. [37:05] **Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions or comments from Council? [37:10] **Andy Hjelle:** Just one clarification: if this were to get voted down, that doesn't stop the TIF district from being created, right? [37:20] **John Mulder:** If you do not approve the authorization of an advertising—in order to follow that process, this is the first step that we need to um… [He explains the procedural step]. [37:38] **Wayne Boucher:** Anything else from Council? Is there any public input on this resolution? Anyone wishes to comment on this resolution, please state your name and address. Is there any public input on Resolution 2023-97? Roll call please. [38:15] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? [38:16] **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. [38:17] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? [38:18] **John Geissler:** Aye. [38:19] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? [38:20] **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. [38:21] **Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? [38:22] **Joe Peterson:** Aye. [38:23] **Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? [38:24] **Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Next is closed session. A motion to close the meeting of the Hermantown City Council pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 13D.05 subdivision 3(c)(1) and 13D.05 subdivision 3(c)(3) to evaluate the asking price of naming rights and to consider the acquisition of property rights associated with the proposed hockey arena located on the property adjacent to the existing hockey arena in the city of Hermantown and develop offers and counteroffers. Following this closed session, the Council will reconvene in open session. Do we have a motion to go into closed session? [38:58] **John Geissler:** Motion to move the closed session. [39:00] **Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Geissler. Is there a second? [39:02] **Brian LeBlanc:** Second. [39:04] **Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor LeBlanc. All in favor say aye. [39:06] **Council:** Aye!