This transcript has been formatted with the correct names of the officials and staff members based on the provided context. Note that some phonetic spellings in the original transcript (like "Jelly" for Hjelle and "Lebla" for LeBlanc) have been corrected for accuracy. [0:02] **Audience:** 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. [0:24] **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Peterson? **Joe Peterson:** Here. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Geissler? **John Geissler:** Here. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Hjelle? **Andy Hjelle:** Here. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor LeBlanc? **Brian LeBlanc:** Here. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Mayor Boucher? [0:40] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Announcements. Any councilors have announcements? Um, I have one. As of the 21st of the month, it will be Mary Murphy day at the House of Representatives in St. Paul. They're honoring her with that. We are not able to have anyone there to represent the city due to our city council meeting that evening. Uh, also we talked at the beginning of the meeting about possibly moving an agenda item up forward. We are not going to do that. We'll just stick with the timing that we have. Um, no public hearings; communications are on file. Mr. Mulder, could you give us a few short words about the presentation that were at pre-agenda? [1:10] **John Mulder (City Administrator):** Yeah, we talked about a number of items and I'll go through those fairly quickly. Uh first Eric talked a little bit about accessory dwelling units and just kind of identified like what are some of the issues that various cities have dealt with and or how they have dealt with them. Um general direction from the city council was to kind of start proceeding with some kind of draft of how we might um allow those and regulate those. Um so we will start that process um and have something back to the council in the near future. Um Paul Senst gave an update on water testing. The city of Duluth um has provided water testing services forever. Um but as of May 1st that's going to discontinue. We'll have to um do water testing for um in Hermantown um on our own and we are contracting with uh Pace Analytics to um review those results of the water collected. Um Eric gave just a brief update on a FEMA flood plane ordinance. We had drafted, we had approved um a flood plane ordinance um last month. Um in our conversations with the DNR, they pointed out that um they had made a reference to one of the planes or one of the maps um and it was the wrong reference. So, we're just going to correct that administratively. Um I talked briefly about THC licensing. Um we currently have um back in 2019 we permitted a uh medical dispensary um under the state law at that point in time. Um one was there was two allowed in each congressional district. There had been one in Hibbing. There's now one there. So then the one opened up in Hermantown. Um so there's been some discussion about um the adult use recreational use um and retail sales and how those two might interact. And so we talked about the idea is does one mean one or does um is it medical dispensary and um uh adult recreational use uh retail place. And we've talked about the possibility of that we would just combine that and it would leave it at just um potentially the medical dispensary would also be the adult recreational use retail outlet as well. And with the idea that the council always has the ability to um relax those rules um in the future. Um Eric Johnson talked about uh trail amenities. Um we are planning on doing some um amenities along the existing trail what would include um some garbage cans, park benches, things like that. Um we have had people interested in donating to that. So we just talked a little bit with the city council about what that might look like. Um Eric will draft up some guidelines for your consideration at a later date. Water infrastructure surcharge. The city of Duluth is um having to come up with um $30 million to upgrade their uh plant and and and under order from the environmental protection agency. So they're passing on some of those um infrastructure repair costs to all of the users including the city of Hermantown, city of Proctor and city of Rice Lake. Uh previously the city council had approved a flat fee of $7.50 per month per meter. Um we went back and looked at that and make sure how did that compared with the city of Duluth. We had a further discussion with utility commission um consensus of the utility commission and the city council was that we should proceed with that flat um $7.50 per month. So those were the um six presentations that we had under our pre-agenda meeting. [4:52] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Um you can take a breath now. Now we have time for public discussion. Uh we have different areas of public discussion this evening. This time ahead of us right now is for items not on the agenda tonight. We will have public discussion for each item on the agenda during the uh consideration of that item or when we broach that item on the agenda. But if anyone wishes to speak to us about general public discussion, please step forward to the podium and start with your name and address. [5:37] **Pam Benson (Public):** Good evening. My name is Pam Benson. My address is 5146 Cedar Ridge Drive, Hermantown, Minnesota. Um I come to talk to you. My husband and I have been residents of Hermantown for 35 years. His extended family have been residents of Hermantown. They—three of his extended family—were the first recipients of the Jackson project homes. Um so we have a long history of family um and roots here in this area. And what I come to ask is that you support the trail and the benches, the memorial benches um because we definitely would like to do that. [6:09] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to speak to the council? Please start with your name and address. [6:26] **Shannon Tansky (Public):** Um Shannon Tansky, 5249 West Arrowhead Road in Hermantown. Um so I've come to just throw my uh uh support for the ADUs. I understand that it's been a bit of a conversation. Didn't realize it was a bit of a conversation. Um because we have a need to do that. And so uh my parents built a house here 50 years ago. I have a house here. Been a lifelong Hermantown resident for those who don't know me. Um, and so as the aging population in Hermantown, we've discussed this for 10 years with various friends, family that have had builders. You walk a mile where my house is and I can name you 8 to 10 people that they're at the the age where they don't know what to do. They don't know where to go. They don't know what to do. They can't afford this. Um, they're they're original Hermantown people. And we know that probably the the new people coming into Hermantown are maybe a different demographic, but the original Hermantown people um you know they're your blue-collar people. And so I wanted to build a little—I kept calling it casita but it's an ADU in the back in order to take care of my property and be within walking distance. They're two doors away from my parents. So it would solve that problem until they can't be in their house and then they could be in there and we could take care of them as a family. So, it just would solve an immediate problem. And the other issue is I know you're looking through all the ordinances. Um, my house and my parents house is in a trust. So, even though we've been there our entire lives, we built those houses, we live there, it's in a trust. So, technically it's not homesteaded. So, I think you've got some unique situations. So, I just would really really encourage you please because there's a lot of them. The the Gruendorfs, the Bangs, the Whites, the Bennetts, the Hansens just moved out. I mean, they're all right there. and talking to all the kids that are all of our age. We all want to stay in Hermantown. We all want to take care of our parents. We're trying to figure out how to do it. And we want to keep our parents either in their house or on their property or in a familiar neighborhood because if we start moving them somewhere else and they're driving, it's unfamiliar territory. They've been here their entire life. It's just muscle memory driving. It's way safer. So, I just think there's a lot more to consider than just, you know, you always go to worst case scenario, which I get. I understand. But there's an immediate need right now. So, I'd really encourage you to find some way to pass this ordinance. Um, because I need—we're probably three years behind on this. I really for me, I need to get this done this year if possible. And I don't want to be knocking down garages and I mean, I don't know how else to do it because my Hermantown house is the one that makes revenue to pay for my parents to even stay in their house. So, that's my situation. I know I'm not the only situation. So, I just wanted to share that. Um, and whenever it comes on the official agenda, if you can let me know, I'd love to be part of that conversation because that's not on official agenda tonight, correct? [9:06] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** It's not anywhere on any agenda, but it will be first going to planning and zoning for their consideration. [9:11] **Shannon Tansky (Public):** Yeah. So, just I mean, there's a handful of us and I mean, Wayne, you've been here forever, too, and you're um there's just some unique situations that I just wanted to bring to light, that's all. and like I have an immediate need. So, um don't really want to put a camper on my property. So, all right, that's it. Thanks, guys. [9:33] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Uh for the benefit of people who walked in late, this is general public discussion about items that are not on the agenda. We will have uh time for public discussion about agenda items as they come up. If anyone wishes to speak to the council about general public discussion, please step forward to the podium and start with your name and address. Okay, we'll have a last opportunity for general public discussion at this time. Hearing none, we'll move on to motions. Motion to approve or deny the following tobacco license application effective April 18th, 2025 through December 31st, 2025. Contingent upon complete application being received, successful background checks and license fees being paid in full. Dollar General, 4678 Vox Road. Do we have a motion? [10:44] **Councilor Brian LeBlanc:** Move to approve. [10:45] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Is there a second? [10:46] **Councilor John Geissler:** Second. [10:47] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Um I guess we could have public input. Any public input on this? Does anyone from the public wish to address the tobacco license to Dollar General? Is there any public input on the motion in front of the council for a tobacco license? Roll call, please. [11:21] **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Geissler? **John Geissler:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Hjelle? **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor LeBlanc? **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Peterson? **Joe Peterson:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. [11:32] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Next is appointment of Jim Sweeney to the utility commission. Do we have a motion? [11:37] **Councilor Andy Hjelle:** Motion to approve. [11:39] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Is there a second? [11:41] **Councilor Joe Peterson:** I'll second. [11:42] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Councilor Hjelle, who is liaison to utilities, and I interviewed Mr. Sweeney this afternoon and I think both of us recommend his appointment. Is there any discussion amongst council? Hearing none. Is there any public input on this motion? Any public input on the appointment of Jim Sweeney to the utility commission? Do we have any public input on the utility commission appointment? Roll call, please. [12:21] **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Hjelle? **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor LeBlanc? **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Peterson? **Joe Peterson:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Geissler? **John Geissler:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. [12:35] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Next is a consent agenda. Minutes: Approval or correction of the March 17, 2025 city council continuation minutes and accounts payable approved general city warrants from March 15, 2025 through March 31st, 2025 in the amount of $1,351,020. Do we have a motion? [12:56] **Councilor John Geissler:** Motion to approve. [12:57] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Is there a second? [12:58] **Councilor Joe Peterson:** I'll second. [13:00] **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor LeBlanc? **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Peterson? **Joe Peterson:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Geissler? **John Geissler:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Hjelle? **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. [13:17] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Next we have the first reading of ordinance 2025-10, an ordinance amending chapter 2 definitions. Um, Mr. Mulder, should we have Mr. Johnson explain this? [13:25] **John Mulder (City Administrator):** Yes, please. [13:26] **Eric Johnson (Community Development Director):** Thank you, Mr. Mayor and members of the council. Um, before us is an ordinance amendment to chapter 2 definitions to add the communication services to the actual definitions. So, since the city's inception, our zoning code and especially our comprehensive plan have been rather straightforward and had limited basically information districts, etc. That way, as the city's been going through our comprehensive plan process as well as discussions from the staff level and also with our consultant, we realize that there'll be some changes to our zoning ordinance coming up. Uh as we keep on proceeding through this, uh what we like to do is look at different basically trending industries, different things that are going to happen, you know, things that just weren't envisioned 20, 30, 40 years ago. So this is the first one before us adding the communication services to the definitions of our um actual ordinance. Uh furthermore, uh this would be then looked at in individual zoning districts at a different date. [14:48] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions or comments from council? Is there any public input on this ordinance change? We will not be voting on it this evening and any public input could be used to make changes in the final ordinance. Any public input on the first reading of ordinance 2025-10? Is there any public input on the ordinance amending chapter 2 definitions? [15:13] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** And we will move on to ordinance 2025-11, an ordinance amending chapter 5, land use regulations. We've been advised by administration and staff that there needs to be some severe language changes made to this ordinance before it's brought to council and we've been asked to return this ordinance to administration for rewarding and reinsertion on the agenda at a later date. Do we have a motion for that from council? [15:47] **Andy Hjelle:** I'll move to return to administration. [15:49] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Is there a second? [15:50] **Brian LeBlanc:** Second. [15:52] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** All in favor say aye. **Council:** Aye. [15:56] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Next is first reading of ordinance 2025-12, an ordinance amending title two of the Hermantown city code by amending the official zoning map. This is the first reading again. Uh, Mr. Mulder, should we have Mr. Johnson go over this? [16:15] **John Mulder (City Administrator):** Yes, please. [16:16] **Eric Johnson (Community Development Director):** Thank you again, Mr. Mayor and Council members. Uh, as I'd mentioned previously, the city is finalizing our comprehensive plan. And as part of that comprehensive plan process, we've looked quite a bit in the southwest corner of the city, uh, basically that Highway 2 corridor and basically west of Midway Road. Uh we've looked at that as far as the um the presence of rail and public utilities as well as basically roadway infrastructure associated with it. And in the comprehensive plan, we're identifying this portion of the city be guided towards light industrial or business light manufacturing type of use. So we're taking the first step and looking at properties that are essentially controlled right now by public utilities. There are 14 parcels that are owned by either Elite Power or Renfield Land Development. Those are associated with the power station that is down in the cities right now. So, what we're looking at and proposing this evening along with concurrence from those two agencies is to rezone these properties from S1 to BLM. This is more suited towards that type of use that they're currently uh utilizing the property for. Basically, the power transmission. So, we're looking to make this change to our land use plan. Thank you. [17:40] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Are there any questions or comments from council? Is there any public input on the first reading of this ordinance? Uh it could happen that public input could change the wording of the final ordinance um and be considered. If anyone wishes to comment, please step forward to the podium and start with your name and address. Any public input on ordinance 2025-12 for the first reading? Any public input on the first reading of an ordinance amending title two of the Hermantown city code by amending the official zoning map? With no public comment, we will move on to resolutions. [18:38] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** The highlight of the evening is resolution 2025-58. Resolution designating April 8th, 2025 as Steve Overom Day in Hermantown. Do we have a motion? [18:52] **Andy Hjelle:** Motion to approve. [18:54] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Is there a second? [18:55] **John Geissler:** Second. [18:56] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Uh this gives us the opportunity to recognize our long-term city attorney who started with the city before we were a city. Um I would like to read the resolution into the record. [Reads resolution honoring Steve Overom's 50 years of service and designating April 8th as Steve Overom Day]. And uh we're going to have a vote on this and we can have public input too in just a moment. Sir, any questions or comments from council? Any public input on this? Mr. Overom? This would be your chance. Step—please step forward to the podium, please. [21:13] **Steve Overom (City Attorney):** Please... and so so mom told me that transition would occur over time and it just took a lot of time to get to this point. But you know, so—but here's what happens. This is kind of a moment that just happened with me last Thursday. I was supposed to be at a permanent AIA meeting. I had two grandkids coming up that I had to take care of because my wife was gone. My daughter wasn't going to be around. I had to take care of these two monsters, a 9-year-old and a 12-year-old. And you know what? We watched Princess Bride the movie and I cooked for them. We had Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. But—better than that—with chocolate milk in it instead of regular milk. Okay. And but having said that, I was happier there. I love doing deals. Okay. I've always loved doing deals, but I was—and I talked, you know, about all those things that you guys have going on and it would just make me I'd love to do that, but I like doing what I did last Thursday better. So, I know I appreciate all the nice words and stuff like that, but I'm ready to not be at evening meetings anymore. So, thank you so much. Appreciate it. And I've loved doing everything I've done for Hermantown. I'm still working with the Hermantown Legacy Fund to try to raise money to try to do stuff. So, thank you so much. [23:31] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you, Steve. Yeah. Thank you for everything you've done. Now we have to give another opportunity for public input before we can vote on it. So if there's anybody that doesn't agree with this, please definitely look at the rush. Okay, last opportunity for public input. Roll... [23:55] **Andy Hjelle:** Well, I just I just have a question. You know, whenever we would um uh be at a meeting and we would tell Steve like, "Well, I can't do that tomorrow. I've got vacation." He would look at me like, "Well, what's vacation?" So, I mean, in light of that, I'm just wondering: do city employees get tomorrow off? Just kidding. [24:14] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** We get Saturday off. And uh I'd like to thank Steve for bowing out now. He's leaving me as the longest-tenured person connected to the city. So, but I may be calling you. Can we have a roll call, please? [24:18] **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor LeBlanc? **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Peterson? **Joe Peterson:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Geissler? **John Geissler:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Hjelle? **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. [24:34] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Now we're going to present you with—we should get somebody with a camera. [24:54] **Joe Peterson:** So, we should take a picture of Joe taking a picture. [25:00] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** All right, maybe. Thanks, Steve. Look at that. We could have moved to the res. Steve has promised to stay through the end of the meeting, so he's reminded eternally of what he will be missing. Awesome. [25:22] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Next, we're going to move on to resolution 2025-59, a resolution authorizing and directing mayor and city clerk to execute and deliver agreement for the use of the city of Hermantown athletic fields with Hermantown youth baseball. Do we have a motion? [25:39] **Brian LeBlanc:** Move to approve. [25:41] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** A second? [25:42] **John Geissler:** Second. [25:44] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Mr. Mulder. Should we have Mr. Wicklund address this? [25:49] **Joe Wicklund (Assistant City Administrator):** Thank you, mayor and council. Uh this is yet another use agreement, but again the changes we've made have been related to the new enhancements at Fichtner Park, specifically at Centricity Park at Fichtner Fields, our new turf surface. So, this outlines how Hermantown Youth Baseball will use that, the responsibilities they have in caring for it, the things that they'll do in the concession stand where they've taken a big leadership role. So, very exciting changes and they're excited to have a different type of partnership with the city on it. Thank you. [26:24] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions or comments from council? Is there any public input on this resolution? If anyone from the public wishes to comment, please step forward to the podium and state your name and address. Is there any public input on the resolution authorizing the agreement for the use of the Hermantown Athletic Fields with Hermantown Youth Baseball? Roll call, please. [26:54] **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Peterson? **Joe Peterson:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Geissler? **John Geissler:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Hjelle? **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor LeBlanc? **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. [27:08] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Next is Resolution 2025-60. Resolution approving preliminary planned unit development with KTJ 360 LLC for the Hermantown Cottages development. Do we have a motion relating to this? [27:18] **John Geissler:** I'll move to approve. [27:20] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Is there a second? [27:21] **Joe Peterson:** I'll second. [27:23] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Mr. Mulder. Should we have Mr. Johnson address? [27:26] **Eric Johnson (Community Development Director):** Great. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and members of the council. Uh this is a property located essentially adjacent to city hall over at 4110 Levake Road. It's an existing 10-acre parcel that was developed back in 2020/2021 for the Pillars of Hermantown which is an existing 103-unit senior building. So, um, the property is currently and continues to be owned by the applicant and what they're looking at is a second phase of this project now, looking to propose 10 twin homes, basically 20 units total on the periphery of the site as it abuts Levake Road as well as Maple Grove Road. Uh, what these units are are two-bedroom units, approximately 1,400 square feet in size. Uh, that's not inclusive of the 400-foot garage or any exterior patios that they have. Uh as you go into the site right now, access is taken from both Maple Grove as well as Levake Road. Uh what the applicant is proposing is creating a new interior driveway that connects to those two touchdown points interior of the site which would contain a 22-foot wide private drive that would service these proposed homes that way. Uh parking would be handled either in the driveways or associated with the two-car garage with each one of the units. Uh the one piece of public infrastructure that would happen would be the city utilities. There would be city sewer and city water basically built and provided by the developer which would then be turned over to the city similar to what has happened on the Pillars project as well. There'd be a 30-foot easement on top of that so the city is able to maintain those utilities should they need to in the future. Uh the storm water associated with this development is going to be utilized with the existing storm water pond that they have. Uh the applicant's engineer is looking to expand the size of that storm water pond to account for any new impervious surface that's created as part of this development. Uh as I had mentioned these properties are approximately 1,400 square feet in size. Uh these are rental products that are geared towards people that essentially are not currently living at the Pillars but could be living at the Pillars. They have the abilities to take services from the Pillars building as well as use all the different amenities associated with that building. Um what the applicant is looking to do as part of their site work is to create or to keep as much existing tree cover on the perimeter as possible. And where trees are removed, they're looking to infill with some new plantings to provide screening as best they can that currently as they see today. So these units are going to be approximately 25 feet in height. The materials would be very similar to existing Pillars building. Uh so it essentially would look like one continual type of property or development that way. What they're also proposing is an internal sidewalk system that not only connects these units but also connects it to the Pillars building as well. Uh lastly, as part of the 2020 project, uh there was a traffic study that was done. At that time it was approximately once again 103-unit building. It was 20 small lot single family homes as well as two quad units. So this project is coming in a little bit smaller than that. Uh what staff did is reviewed that traffic memo again, interpolated some numbers out of that. So they're looking to create approximately 14 new AM trips and 19 PM trips. What they—basically traffic engineers—look at are AM and PM peak hours associated with it, and they're looking at approximately about 180 new trips that would be generated by these 20 twin homes, 20 units total. Uh should this receive a favorable um vote at tonight's council, the next step would be for the applicant to move on to the final PUD process. At that point, there would be a new application made. Uh it would also go back to planning and zoning for a public hearing and then ultimately back to city council for their review and action at that point. Thank you. [31:24] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Do we have any questions or comments from the council? [31:26] **John Geissler:** I just have one comment. Uh we talked about it a little bit at pre-agenda, but knowing that this is preliminary and we're moving to—there'll be another round of approvals for the final PUD—I'm just wondering if the developer can somehow... part of the PUD is going to be a public benefit. And we've talked about that those pickleball courts would be open for any members of the community and is just to develop a protocol of how anybody that might not live there use those pickleball courts. Is there a means of a sign up or do you reserve them or what have you? So just if you could as you move this forward in the final PUD maybe talk to them about that to how the public can engage and use those so that there's some clear direction. [32:20] **Eric Johnson (Community Development Director):** Great. Staff will do so and the applicant's representative is here this evening as well to hear these comments. [32:28] **John Geissler:** Okay. Thank you. [32:29] **Andy Hjelle:** Will you guys humor me for a second? We'll give you longer than that. I think I've spent plenty of time railing against projects like this. Um, I just kind of want to expand on my thoughts behind this. I know I've expressed this to city staff on multiple occasions. Um, I pretty much said I would be voting no for anything west of Stebner Road that's not on Maple Grove Road, Highway 2, or Highway 53. Those are county roads maintained by other bodies that are already developed enough to handle increased traffic. So, I will be voting yes for this one tonight. [33:04] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Anything else from council? Is there any public input on this motion? If anyone wishes to comment, please step forward to the podium and start with your name and address. [33:22] **Matt Burak (Public):** My name is Matt Burak, 4089 Maple Grove Road. Um, when the Pillars was originally built, there was quite a bit of conversation about both the location of the original building and the density—housing density in there. Eventually they moved the building to the back corner of the lot instead of right on the corner of Levake and Maple Grove and they got rid of these single family homes and the quad homes and that finally got by eventually um and now we're back with adding more density and adding things right back on Maple Grove and Levake Road. Um the issue I see is you're talking about a setback of 20 feet from the county road both on Levake and Maple Grove and that's not a whole lot of setback for the house sitting 20 feet from the right-of-way and you're talking about screening. Well, that only leaves at best 20 feet of screening from those houses, those duplexes to the road. And I just don't feel that that's something we should be doing in the town. Um, if you look at most of the rest of Maple Grove Road, if you look at the residential development, the apartment buildings and the assisted livings and stuff down further down towards [unintelligible], they're set back a lot further than that. Our houses out here are set back further than that. And I just don't think 20 feet from the right-of-way is—I understand they're trying to maximize what they can do there and that's what they're trying to do. I don't know that we need to approve that. If they want to set back houses, they should either stay at the setback that's supposedly for the R3 zoning or remove those houses. The comprehensive plan has that area identified as being um corridor residential like it is. There's no plan at this point. I didn't—I couldn't find any numbers for what the setbacks would be there, but I bet they're not going to be 20 feet from the right-of-way. Those are the two big concerns I have at this point. Thank you. [35:54] **Trudy Burak (Public):** Same address, 4089 Maple Grove Road. Um, at the zoning committee, I did bring up the fact that the traffic has hiked since the 2020s. And as I mentioned before, I cannot say it's the Pillars, but I really feel that there should be a fresh study. Um, as I referenced myself before, I am the pinata lead that's tried to get her mail. I've almost been rear-ended many times going into my driveway. I mean, I'm getting horns constantly and it's like there's got to be—I mean, and I can—anybody that lives right around here on this corner, anybody can tell you from a personal standpoint the traffic numbers have increased. I don't know why, but they have. And then you're adding more congestion. And and the other thing is I think again they are putting way too many people into one little area and scale it back, get it back up over you know into their—where you don't have to be looking at it because when I look out my door I'm seeing this and I just feel like development, yes, is good for all, but what about the the residents that have been here for many many years. I mean, are we second-class citizens now? And I think there needs to be a balance. You really need to look at how do you basket-weave growth and development with current residents. Um, and then I know they said that they were going to make them the facade similar to what the Pillars is. I think that's—it's very harsh. Um, it screams at you, that color. You know, it needs to be more of a neutral, warm color so it doesn't—you know, when you're driving it's not catching your eyes constantly. We have enough here on that corner as it is right now. I think I mean it's almost a daily event hearing the horns and the screaming and you know crazy stuff but I really hope they really think about not only the future growth but look back at who's living here. I mean it needs to blend. It can't be... you know, I pretty soon... I left downtown Duluth because of this because there was more rental, because there was more retail and pretty soon one little residential house amongst all of this. It just doesn't balance well. So, I hope people really do think about this. You know, is this what you want in your backyard or front yard? Thank you very much. [39:17] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. On resolution 2025-60. Step forward to the podium and start with your name and address. [39:27] **Eric Martin (Public):** Hi, my name is Eric Martin, 8402 Golden Lane North, Maple Grove, Minnesota. Uh I'm here on behalf of Oppidan Investment Company, uh owner of the KTJ 360 and appreciate the time. Um we we are excited about this proposed development um and the opportunity it gives us to to serve the residents at the Pillars and the future residents. Um, from a public benefit standpoint, it's our belief that the addition and approval of this project adds a unique living option that is currently not available today within the Hermantown market, adds the ability um to move into a single-family-like home experience with minimal maintenance um with access to the amenities. Um, but for folks who aren't quite ready for uh more apartment-style living, it provides a lower barrier of entry. Um, we we we believe this supports the Hermantown comprehensive plan to add new and diverse housing options. Um, additionally, as community members have the ability or the option to transition from their legacy homes to these new cottages, additional single family homes will become available. Um, continuing to support Hermantown substantial growth. Um, and I just wanted to come up and introduce myself to put a name and a face uh to the project and just be available if there's any questions um that I can answer. Thank you. [41:16] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Any other public input on this resolution? We'll have the last call for public input on resolution 2025-60. Roll call, please. [41:48] **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Peterson? **Joe Peterson:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Geissler? **John Geissler:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Hjelle? **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor LeBlanc? **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Nay. [42:12] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Move on to resolution 2025-61. Resolution requesting advanced funding for the city of Hermantown from municipal state aid funds for SP 202-101-014 and SP 202-104-012 in the amount of $800,000. Do we have a motion for this? [42:23] **Brian LeBlanc:** Move to approve. [42:25] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Is there a second? [42:26] **Andy Hjelle:** Second. [42:27] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Mr. Mulder, I would—should we have Mr. Holmes explain this? [42:33] **Brandon Holmes (Building Official):** Thank you mayor and council. So this resolution before you is for the advancement of some state aid dollars associated with our Ugstad Road federal aid project. So, we had a similar resolution last year and um what we learned is the funding that we applied for last year had a sunset. It expires at the end of the year. We were not able to finalize and close out the project last calendar year. So, we have another resolution to advance some dollars here of $800,000 to pay our state aid account back. And this resolution is necessary for the project close out both the state and federal documents that myself and the consultant are working on. [43:27] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions or comments from council? Hearing none. Is there any public input on this resolution? Any public input on resolution 2025-61? Any public input on the resolution advancing state aid funds in the amount of $800,000? Roll call, please. [44:00] **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Geissler? **John Geissler:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Hjelle? **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor LeBlanc? **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Peterson? **Joe Peterson:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. [44:19] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Next is resolution 2025-62, resolution approving change order numbers 19 and 20, aka change order number six, for the Northstar Ford Arena in the amount of $223,169. Do we have a motion relating to this resolution? [44:36] **Joe Peterson:** I'll make a motion to approve. [44:38] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Is there a second? [44:39] **John Geissler:** Second. [44:40] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Mr. Mulder. [44:41] **John Mulder (City Administrator):** So there are two change orders that been reviewed by the advisory committee. Um one of them is to provide some additional rough-ins for enhanced lighting and the audio-visual equipment for the new arena and lobby. Um then the second one was for some additional uh work in the existing arena um for kind of a conference room that will overlook the existing arena. There'll be um some remodeling. Uh a window will be put in. Um so they'll redo that. Um and this was within the budget. Um it does reduce our contingency. Um but the Arena Legacy Fund has said that um for these the audio-visual um equipment they would backstop um the payment if for some reason we did not have contingency left over. [45:33] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions or comments from council? [45:35] **John Geissler:** Uh just as a point of clarification that Mr. Mulder hit on it but just for the public input that—or understanding—that this amount, it's a significant amount but it is as Mr. Mulder said within the contingency and it's for added scope within the project. So we've added some additional work therefore costs more money. So that's all. Thank you. [46:04] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any other comments or questions? Is there any public input on this resolution? Any public input on the resolution approving change orders number 19 and 20 for the Northstar Ford Arena? Any public input on resolution 2025-62? Hearing none, I'd ask for a roll call. [46:39] **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Hjelle? **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor LeBlanc? **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Peterson? **Joe Peterson:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Geissler? **John Geissler:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. [46:50] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Next is resolution 2025-63, resolution approving pay request number 10 for the Northstar Ford Arena to Krauss Anderson Construction Company in the amount of $2,093,981. Do we have a motion? [46:57] **John Geissler:** Move to approve. [46:59] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Is there a second? [47:00] **Brian LeBlanc:** Second. [47:01] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Mr. Mulder. [47:03] **John Mulder (City Administrator):** This is for the work that's been done through uh March 31st. Thank you. [47:06] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any questions or comments from council? [47:08] **John Geissler:** Just a comment from me that it was reported that the project is still on budget and on schedule. [47:19] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Any other comments or questions? Is there any public input on this resolution? Any public input on resolution 2025-63? Is there any public input on the resolution approving pay request number 10 for the Northstar Ford Arena to Krauss Anderson? Roll call, please. [47:47] **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor LeBlanc? **Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Peterson? **Joe Peterson:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Geissler? **John Geissler:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Councilor Hjelle? **Andy Hjelle:** Aye. **Alissa McClure (City Clerk):** Mayor Boucher? **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Aye. [47:56] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Next is item number 13, closed session. We don't have one of those this evening, so we'll move on to 14. Do we have a motion to recess? [48:08] **John Geissler:** Motion to recess. [48:10] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Is there a second? [48:11] **Joe Peterson:** I'll second. [48:13] **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** All in favor say aye. **Council:** Aye. **Mayor Wayne Boucher:** Opposed? Same sign. [Meeting recessed]