Based on the context provided and the internal evidence within the transcript (specifically roll calls and self-identifications), here is the formatted transcript with speaker names. **Note on Mayor Identification:** While the provided context list (dated 2026) lists Nick Lien as Mayor, the transcript from April 2025 explicitly identifies **Joshua Hoyt** as the Mayor at that time. Nick Lien appears in this transcript as a Councilmember. [0:52] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: We'll call the City Council a regular meeting to order for Monday, April 21st, 2025. But everyone, please stand for the pledge of allegiance. [1:04] All: 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. [1:22] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Call the role, please? [1:22] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Wilson. [1:22] Councilmember Steve Wilson: Here. [1:22] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Cordes. [1:22] Councilmember Jake Cordes: Here. [1:22] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Mayor Hoyt. [1:22] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Here. [1:22] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Bernatz. [1:22] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Here. [1:22] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Lien. [1:22] Councilmember Nick Lien: Here. [1:22] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: All right. any changes to the agenda? No Nick? [1:22] Councilmember Nick Lien: No. [1:22] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Holly? [1:22] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: No. [1:22] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Steve? [1:38] Councilmember Steve Wilson: None. [1:38] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: All right. Seeing no changes to the agenda, we'd seek a motion to approve? [1:38] Councilmember Steve Wilson: Motion. [1:38] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Motion by Steve. [1:38] Councilmember Jake Cordes: Second. [1:38] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Second by Jake, in favor say aye... All right. Item 51, under announcements, is our Arbor Day proclamation. John. [2:00] Public Works Director John Powell: Thank you, Mayor. On an annual basis, I think this is our 23rd year being a Tree City USA. We took there an Arbor Day this year's events will include tree planting at Distad Park. Both Parks and Recreation and our natural resource specialist has been pretty involved in getting ready for Arbor Day, and we're happy to make that declaration again this year. [2:24] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: All right. Thank you, sir. I would seek a motion to proclaim Friday, April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day in Farmington and the month of May 2025 as Arbor Month in Farmington. [2:40] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Motion. [2:40] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Motion by Holly. [2:40] Councilmember Nick Lien: Second. [2:40] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Second by Nick. In favor say aye. All right, we'll go through and read the proclamation, then. Whereas the health and longevity of Minnesota's trees and forests are being affected by increased pressure from pest and diseases, changing temperature and precipitation, and other extreme weather events due to climate change, and whereas Arbor Day provides people in Minnesota the opportunity to celebrate the importance of trees and forests to our economy, culture, history, and future of the state, and whereas Minnesota's forests are at risk from invasive species such as emerald ash borer, that impact carbon storage, habitat, and air and water quality, and... [3:21] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Whereas trees are of great value as they provide cleaner air and water, shade and energy savings, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, wood products, and jobs while capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere, thereby offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, and whereas trees that are resilient to pests, diseases, and the impacts of climate change can live longer, thereby capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, and whereas properly planting and caring for a diverse mix of trees makes community forests more resilient by minimizing the impacts of diseases, insects, and other stressors, such as climate change and providing long term community and environmental benefits, and whereas a healthy, resilient tree canopy decreases... [4:07] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Summertime temperatures in neighborhoods, enhances property values, improves air quality, and reduces stormwater runoff, and whereas thoughtfully choosing, planting, and caring for a diverse mix of trees now supports resilient communities into the future. Now, therefore, I, Joshua Hoyt, Mayor on behalf of the Farmington City Council, do hereby proclaim Friday, April 25th, 2025, as Arbor Day, and the month of May 2025 as Arbor Month in Farmington. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Farmington, Minnesota to be affixed on this 21st day of April, 2025. [4:48] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Our next item under announcements is 5.2, which is the Fair Housing Month Proclamation. Deanna. [4:48] Deanna Kuennen: Thank you, Mayor and Council. Back in 1968, the Fair Housing Act was enacted. And this act prohibits discrimination and housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability, providing equal opportunity housing for all. And so the month of April is considered Fair Housing Month, and we're asking for the City Council to consider passing the proclamation as such. [5:27] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Thank you, ma'am. I would seek a motion to proclaim April 2025 as Fair Housing Month. [5:27] Councilmember Steve Wilson: Motion. [5:27] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Motion by Steve. [5:27] Councilmember Jake Cordes: Second. [5:27] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Second by Jake, all in favor, say aye. And we'll go ahead and read this proclamation. Nick. [5:44] Councilmember Nick Lien: Whereas the Fair Housing Act enacted on April 11, 1968, enshrined into federal law the goal of eliminating racial segregation and ending housing discrimination in the United States. Whereas the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination and housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability, and commits recipients of federal funding to affirmatively further fair housing in their communities and... [6:10] Councilmember Nick Lien: Whereas the City of Farmington is committed to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all, and whereas our social fabric, the economy, health, and environments are strengthened in diverse, inclusive communities, and whereas more than 50 years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act discrimination persists and many communities remain segregated and, whereas acts of housing discrimination and barriers to equal housing opportunity are repugnant to a common sense of decency and fairness. [6:43] Councilmember Nick Lien: Now therefore, I Joshua Hoyt, Mayor on behalf of the Farmington City Council, do hereby proclaim the City of Farmington as an inclusive community committed to fair housing and promoting appropriate activities by private and public entities to provide and advocate for equal housing opportunities for all by proclaiming April 2025 as Fair Housing Month. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Farmington, Minnesota to be affixed on this 21st day of April 2025. [7:17] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: We'll move on to our next item on the agenda, which is citizen comments. If there's anyone in attendance wishing to speak, please come up and do so at this time. Citizen comments is a time for anyone to address the City Council on matters not on the agenda, though speakers shall limit their comments to five minutes, and please state your name and address for the record. We will not engage in discussion on your topic, but those issues requiring a response will be responded to by the next City Council meeting. You may begin. [7:44] Jeff Schotler: My name is Jeff Schotler. I live at 22420 Calico Court, Farmington, Minnesota. Not sure after last meeting if I'm considered a Farmington resident, the way you talked about municipal boundaries in our neighborhood and things like that... [continues technical and project-based criticism]. I'll come in this week and ask for a permit for a second asphalt driveway in my yard; I guarantee that won't be issued. That's you saying what we can and can't do. You can tell Tract what they can and can't do. You do have the power. Thanks for your time. [14:07] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Anyone else wishing to speak? [14:15] Ryan May: Ryan May, Cambrian Way. Mayor and Council. I find it particularly interesting in that, again, you guys don't even understand what you're doing. So you just did a proclamation for fair housing. In Minnesota, we have 11 protected classes, not seven. You only listed off seven... You took an oath to protect citizens of Farmington. You didn't take an oath to be a puppet at what these people tell you to say. You took an oath to protect my family. You are not protecting my family. [20:30] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: I'll have you wrap it up. Your time's expired. [20:30] Ryan May: Government can tell me that my time's expired. Government can sit here and tell me that, but you can't defend me... I want to show my kids exactly what a terrible council you all are, especially you, Mr. Mayor. [21:04] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Your time has expired now. [21:55] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Anyone else wishing to speak? Last call. Seeing no more, we will move on to item 7, which is our consent agenda. I'd seek a motion to approve the consent agenda. [22:04] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Motion to approve. [22:04] Councilmember Nick Lien: Second. [22:04] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Motion by Holly, second by Nick. All in favor say aye. [22:21] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: All right. Item 10.1 under petitions, requests, and communications is adopt Resolution 2025-029, approving the preliminary plat and preliminary planned unit development for Dakota Meadows. Tony. [22:41] Tony (Planning Staff): Good evening, Mayor, Council members. Yes, before you this evening is the Preliminary Planned Unit Development and Preliminary Plat for Dakota Meadows. Distinctive Land Development, LLC is the applicant... [provides overview of the 134-lot single-family development near Denmark Ave and 220th St]. [29:20] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Thank you, sir. Steve, any questions? [29:20] Councilmember Steve Wilson: I do. This is kind of more of a broader question/comment. We're seeing a trend towards smaller lot sizes, Tony. How much discussion are we having internally? Because there just isn't a lot of public right-of-way there, and presumably homeowners want to plant a tree. [30:15] Tony (Planning Staff): Well, as far as the landscaping, right now we don't allow for boulevard trees. We allow for lot frontage trees, which are typically eight feet from the property line in. [32:06] Councilmember Steve Wilson: The other question I have, which is more for the developer. On the eastern side, we are abutting that train track. Was there any discussion about requiring decorative fencing or disclosures to potential buyers? [33:45] Tony (Planning Staff): I know they're proposing some plantings along the backside there. I don't know if John is here? [34:05] John Anderson (Developer): Good evening. My name is John Anderson. I represent Distinctive Land Development. We did have discussion on that... we are looking at this as an alternative to an attached townhome. We do have trees and landscaping going behind these homes adjacent to the railway. [35:59] Steve Bono (Capstone Homes): Good evening Mayor, members of the council. My name is Steve Bono with Capstone Homes. We've built this product in about six cities right now. The key, the most important factor here is price point. We do trees and try to do our best with that type of buffer. [38:35] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Jake? [38:35] Councilmember Jake Cordes: My only question was relative to the railroad tracks from a safety perspective. In the other developments, have you heard any concerns from families? [38:55] Steve Bono (Capstone Homes): We haven't had any feedback that became an issue. [39:26] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Anything else? Holly? [39:26] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: My questions were actually asked and answered, so I'm good. [39:46] Public Works Director John Powell: Mayor and Council, primarily from a tree standpoint, you're just reducing the amount of space you have. Right-of-way is basically the same size either way. [40:26] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Real quick here, Tony... is the general thinking this is phase one of more to come? [40:43] John Anderson (Developer): Yes, of the 134 lots, we are looking to do that in three phases. [42:44] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Tony, what's the street width? [42:44] Tony (Planning Staff): It's a 60-foot-wide right-of-way with a 29-foot roadway. [42:57] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Do we have... I immediately think of East Farmington Park Place. Are we backing ourselves into a logistical nightmare when it comes to the November through April no-on-street parking? [45:38] Public Works Director John Powell: Mayor, with regard to East Farmington, I confirmed with the Chief; he doesn't recall a disproportionate high number of snowbirds or vehicles parked in the roadway. One issue there is tree placement on the narrow boulevard causing sidewalk heaving. [46:30] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: The other question... public safety, ladder trucks, and turnarounds. Street C has two dead ends. [47:22] Tony (Planning Staff): If you look at Outlot B, there's a half cul-de-sac. [47:49] Public Works Director John Powell: Mr. Mayor, keep in mind that temporary cul-de-sacs have to meet full turnaround requirements for emergency vehicles. [48:30] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Thank you. I would seek a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-029... [49:11] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Motion to approve. [49:11] Councilmember Jake Cordes: Second. [49:11] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Lien? [49:11] Councilmember Nick Lien: Yes. [49:11] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Wilson? [49:11] Councilmember Steve Wilson: Yes. [49:11] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Cordes? [49:11] Councilmember Jake Cordes: Yes. [49:11] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Mayor Hoyt? [49:11] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Yes. [49:11] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Bernatz? [49:11] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Yes. [49:31] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Item 10.2, which is the amendment to a Planned Unit Development Agreement for Meadowview Preserve. Jared. [49:31] Jared (Planning Staff): City Council members, thank you. Summergate Development is requesting an amendment to increase allowable lot coverage to 40%... The Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended denial on a 3-1 vote. However, staff is still recommending approval. [55:50] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Does it give permission to the two-story developer to then also increase the footprint? [55:50] Jared (Planning Staff): Correct. [56:05] John Anderson (Developer): I also work with Brando Anderson Homes... in this case, the property is zoned R1. The lots got smaller to be more like R2, but we're still using the R1 lot coverage. We're just looking to allow for some additional villa styles. [1:00:29] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Nick. [1:00:29] Councilmember Nick Lien: I'm mulling this because I don't think I can have the discussion we just had about the previous topic and then say the same thing here. My Planning Commission recommended denial to me. Why did they deny it? [1:02:31] Jared (Planning Staff): I wouldn't foresee any more specific zoning deviations. [1:04:40] Councilmember Jake Cordes: After hearing those three items, I'm more inclined to support this amendment. [1:04:40] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Steve? [1:04:58] Councilmember Steve Wilson: I have zero concerns about this. The builders listed here have a high reputation for quality homes. [1:06:31] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Tony, I'm going to lean on you for some dates. We said no to density changes previously because of location. My primary concern is we're not even through phase one and we're already wanting to change it. [1:08:12] Councilmember Steve Wilson: I will make a motion to approve. [1:08:12] Councilmember Jake Cordes: Second. [1:08:28] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Mayor Hoyt? [1:08:28] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: No. [1:08:44] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Bernatz? [1:08:44] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Yes. [1:08:44] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Lien? [1:08:44] Councilmember Nick Lien: No. [1:08:44] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Wilson? [1:08:44] Councilmember Steve Wilson: Yes. [1:08:44] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Cordes? [1:08:44] Councilmember Jake Cordes: Yes. [1:08:54] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Item 12.1 is Repeal of Title 7, Chapter 3 regarding septic systems. Josh. [1:09:11] Josh (Building Official): Good evening. I recommend the adoption of Ordinance 2025-01. Future administration and inspections will be performed by Dakota County. We have 81 dwelling units served by septic. Currently, less than 10% appear to be in compliance. [1:14:41] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: I have no questions. Smart government. [1:15:16] Councilmember Steve Wilson: I'm good. [1:15:16] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Work smarter, not harder. [1:15:16] Councilmember Nick Lien: No questions. [1:15:35] Councilmember Nick Lien: Motion. [1:15:35] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Second. [1:15:55] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: Council member Cordes? [Member responds Aye] Mayor Hoyt? [1:15:55] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Yes. [1:16:11] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Table time. [1:16:11] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Apologies for being late. My favorite holiday is coming up, Kentucky Derby Day. I challenge you all to wear a hat to the next meeting. [1:17:00] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Nick. [1:17:00] Councilmember Nick Lien: It's warm out; children are on their bikes. Be safe. [1:17:16] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Guys and Dolls opens Thursday night. Free senior preview tomorrow at 4 PM. [1:17:55] Councilmember Jake Cordes: I'm going to echo Holly's comments. Last year's "Joseph" was better than Broadway. [1:18:54] Councilmember Steve Wilson: I, too, am going to the show. [1:19:11] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Shirley? [1:19:11] City Clerk Shirley Buecksler: I don't have anything. [1:19:11] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: David. [1:19:31] David Chanski: We had 109 applications for the front desk position, which is a testament to the city. Also, we are looking at Paid Family Medical Leave plans which go into effect in 2026. [1:20:35] Deanna Kuennen: Tonight at the EDA meeting, we had "Open to Business" present. They provide free business counseling to our local businesses. [1:22:24] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: John. [1:22:43] John Powell: A reminder that we are doing spring hydrant flushing. If you have discolored water, check the city website. [1:23:02] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Eric. [1:23:20] Eric Whitmer: May 3rd is the Rambling River Center Arts and Craft Fair. The center itself is nearing completion—May 15th is the date. Also, Saturday is Park Cleanup Day. [1:24:18] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: Chief. [1:24:35] Police Chief Nate Siem: This past Tuesday morning, we had an attempted homicide arising from a domestic incident. I want to point out the fantastic work by your police and fire personnel in providing life-saving aid. [1:25:37] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: I appreciate you bringing that up, Chief. We often take for granted how safe the community is. That world is protected by men and women with guns and fires are put out by specialists. On another note, my State of the City is postponed to May 23rd. We need growth desperately because without it, the future is bleak. [1:31:29] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: I would seek a motion to adjourn. [1:31:29] Councilmember Jake Cordes: Motion to adjourn. [1:31:29] Councilmember Holly Bernatz: Second. [1:31:29] Mayor Joshua Hoyt: In favor, say aye. Adjourned at 8:30.