Public Meetings - Eagan, Minnesota

The Eagan Advisory Planning Commission (APC) met on December 19, 2024, at 6:30 PM at the Eagan Municipal Center. The commission unanimously approved a preliminary subdivision to create two lots for a data center at 550 Opperman Drive and approved a variance and conditional use permit for Great River Energy's substation expansion at 4380 Pilot Knob Road. Both items are scheduled for City Council consideration in January 2025. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the agenda (6-0) and the minutes from the November APC meeting (6-0). Discussion Items Item A: YMCA 4th Addition – Preliminary Subdivision for Data Center - Staff planner Sarah Thomas presented the request to subdivide approximately 22 acres of the former YMCA property (550 Opperman Drive) into two lots: 7.6 acres (north, retaining YMCA) and 14.5 acres (south, for a data center). The southern lot is zoned Limited Industrial (I1). The subdivision is the only action requested; the data center development plans were provided for informational purposes. - Key details: The data center would include an 8-foot anti-climb security fence, 71 parking stalls (12 standard, 59 proof of parking), three 19-foot emergency cooling water tanks (total 50,000 gallons), and generators for emergency use. Stormwater, grading, landscaping (over 200 new trees), and utility plans were reviewed. A pending assessment for the Argenta Trail reconstruction will be apportioned after subdivision. - Applicant Pete Carbonneau (CLOP Eagan MN, LLC) expressed excitement about the project, confirming generators are for emergency use only and that a tenant is secured but undisclosed. - No public comments were received. The commission had no further questions. Item B: Great River Energy – Substation Expansion and Setback Variance - Staff planner Pam Duziak presented requests for a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow expansion of a substation in the Public Facilities (PF) zoning district and a variance of 10 feet from the required 30-foot setback for a new electrical control house on Wilderness Run Road. - Great River Energy proposes to rebuild and upgrade the existing 69 kV substation to 115 kV, including new towers (up to 67 feet with lightning rod), equipment, and an 8.5-mile transmission line to Burnsville. The project aims to improve reliability and accommodate growth. The control house (24x36 ft) would be placed 20 feet from the right-of-way, necessitating the variance. - Applicant Anson Belcourt (Great River Energy) noted the substation is one of their poorest performing and needs rebuilding regardless of the expansion. The transformers will be quieter and eventually replaced with smaller units when the voltage is increased. Screening with arborvitae was proposed for the east side. - Staff confirmed public notices were mailed and two open houses were held in 2023. No public comments were made at the hearing. - Commission members questioned the need for the variance and visual impact on neighbors. Staff and applicant explained operational requirements and planned screening. Key Outcomes - Motion for YMCA 4th Addition Preliminary Subdivision: Approved unanimously (6-0) with 25 conditions. Scheduled for Eagan City Council on January 21, 2025. - Motion for Variance (Great River Energy): Approved unanimously (6-0) with 3 conditions. Scheduled for City Council on January 7, 2025. - Motion for Conditional Use Permit (Great River Energy): Approved unanimously (6-0) with 8 conditions. Same council date. - The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time after a motion passed 6-0.

The Eagan City Council held its final regular meeting of 2024 on December 17, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Eagan Municipal Center. The meeting began with a moment of silence for longtime city employee Kevin Peterson, who passed away on December 2. The council recognized Brian Thom as APWA Supervisor of the Year, approved a consent agenda with 21 items, conducted two public hearings, and approved a major redevelopment project for veteran housing known as Veterans Village. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved minutes from the November 19 regular meeting, December 2 Finance Committee meeting, and December 3 council meeting. - Personnel Items: Approved personnel changes as presented. - Check Registers: Approved council check registers for weeks ending November 29 and December 6, 2024. - Contracts: Approved multiple contracts (specifics not detailed in transcript). - Donations: Adopted a resolution to accept donations. - Stormwater Resilience Grant: Approved an Implementation Stormwater Resilience Grant Agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). - Sperry Tower Lighting Schedule: Approved the 2025 tower lighting schedule, with a note that lighting repairs are expected in February 2025. - Street Improvement Projects (Feasibility Reports): Received draft feasibility reports for four street improvement projects (1566 Birch Park/Windcrest/Denmark Ave/Deerwood Dr; 1567 Cedar Industrial; 1571 Ridgecliff 1st/Berkshire Ponds/Parkridge/Safari/Covington Ln; 1572 Slater Acres/Whispering Woods 1st & 2nd) and scheduled public hearings for January 21, 2025. - Trail Improvements: Approved a Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County Transportation Department for trail improvements and a resolution amending the 5-year CIP (2025-2029). - Water Quality Improvements: Approved plans and specifications for Contract 25-07 (2025 Water Quality Improvements) and scheduled a bid opening. - Sewer Televising: Approved plans and specifications for Contract 24-19 (Cliff Lake Road Sewer Televising) and scheduled a bid opening. - Easement Vacation Petition: Received a petition to vacate drainage and utility easements (Letendre Addition) and scheduled a public hearing for January 21, 2025. - Final Plat: Approved the final plat for Valhalla Addition. - Final Payment: Approved final payment of $61,250 to Jackson & Associates, LLC for the CMF Metal Roof Project. - Change Orders: Approved Change Order No. 6 for Goat Hill Phase 3 Improvements (Project 1557) and Change Order No. 7 for Eagan Art House (Project 1558). - Bond Issuance: Approved a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of approximately $19,370,000 in General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025A. - Gambling Application: Adopted a resolution approving an off-site gambling application for the Lions Club to conduct bingo during Viking Lakes Winter Skolstice. - Alcohol Licenses: Adopted a resolution directing the City Clerk to issue 2025 alcohol license renewals upon submission of required documents and fees. - Waste Abatement Grant: Approved the 2025 Community Waste Abatement Grant Agreement between Dakota Valley Recycling and Dakota County. - Sky Hill Athletic Courts: Approved plans and specifications for Contract 25-08 (Sky Hill Athletic Courts) and authorized advertisement for bids. Public Comments & Testimony - Vacation Easement (Public Hearing A): No public comments. - Widgeon Woods HIA (Public Hearing B): Jane Tunset, president of the Townhomes of Widgeon Woods board, expressed gratitude and support for the HIA, stating it would be a great enhancement for the community. - Veterans Village (New Business): - Whitaker Salz, a Black Hawk Middle School student, spoke in favor of the project, stating it would help address homelessness and is a step in the right direction. - Paul Hirsch, a 30+ year Eagan resident, asked about safety measures for veterans with PTSD or suicide risk, especially near a park. - Nick Erickson, a lobbyist for Housing First Minnesota and Eagan resident, expressed support for the project, praising MACV and Lennar. - Visitors to Be Heard: An unidentified resident from Cedar Bluff Townhomes raised concerns about illegal dumping (old furniture, toilets) on Lacondra Street, requesting code enforcement or signage. City Council advised contacting code enforcement. Discussion Items - Veterans Village (Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment, Preliminary Subdivision, Rezoning, Preliminary Planned Development): - The proposal by Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), and Lennar Homes would develop 22 townhome units on 2.84 acres at 3920 Rahn Road, changing the land use from Quasi-Public to Medium Density. The 22 units would be permanent supportive housing for veterans, with on-site case management and wraparound services. The project includes 11 units with single-stall garages, 43 off-street parking spaces (exceeding the 33 required), and a density of 7.7 units per acre. Several deviations from city code were requested (minimum lot size, setbacks, parking stall width, etc.), which staff noted were similar to other recent affordable housing projects. The Advisory Planning Commission recommended approval on November 26, 2024. The Metropolitan Council approved the comprehensive plan amendment on October 16, 2024. Council members discussed trash enclosure location (to be moved to meet setbacks), parking, and the need for single-unit trash pickup for residents with disabilities. Council Backen noted the project's consistency with surrounding development and supported deviations. Council Hansen emphasized the importance of welcoming veterans home. Key Outcomes - Approved Consent Agenda (all items A through Y, with item T pulled) – unanimous. - Public Hearing A – Easement Vacation: Motion to close public hearing and approve vacation of drainage and utility easements on Lot 3, Block 1, Sky View (Parkside Circle) – passed unanimously. - Public Hearing B – Widgeon Woods HIA: - Motion to close public hearing, adopt ordinance establishing the Townhomes of Widgeon Woods Housing Improvement Area, and adopt resolution imposing an improvement fee (estimated $6,694–$7,452 per unit annually) – passed unanimously. - Separate motion to authorize publication of a summary ordinance following the 45-day veto period – passed unanimously. - New Business – Veterans Village (four actions): 1. Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment: Motion to change land use from QP to MD on 2.7 acres – passed unanimously (4 votes required; no dissent). 2. Rezoning: Motion to rezone from PF to PD on 2.7 acres, subject to APC conditions – passed unanimously. 3. Preliminary Planned Development: Motion to approve a PD for 22 townhome units, subject to APC conditions – passed unanimously. 4. Preliminary Subdivision: Motion to create 24 lots on approximately 6.7 acres, subject to APC conditions – passed unanimously. - Adjournment: Motion to adjourn the meeting – passed unanimously.

Date: December 10, 2024 Time: 5:15 PM Location: Eagan Municipal Center Building, 3830 Pilot Knob Rd., Eagan, MN 55122 The Sustainable Eagan Advisory Commission (SEAC) convened on December 10, 2024, at 5:15 PM. The meeting was held to address routine administrative items, ongoing subcommittee work, and staff updates. No transcript or minutes were provided for this meeting; the following summary is based solely on the agenda. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were listed on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were scheduled or recorded on the agenda. Discussion Items I. Roll Call - The commission took roll call to establish a quorum. II. Approval of Agenda - The agenda was approved as presented. III. Approval of Minutes - A. SEAC Meeting Minutes – October 8, 2024: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved. IV. Old Business - A. Subcommittee work plan development: The commission discussed developing work plans for subcommittees. No specific outcomes or votes were recorded in the agenda. V. New Business - No new business items were listed. VI. Round Table - Commissioners shared updates or comments in a round-table format. No details are available. VII. Staff Reports - A. 2025 SEAC Calendar: Staff presented a calendar for the upcoming year. Discussion likely covered scheduling and key dates. - B. Eagan Art House Tour: An update on the Eagan Art House Tour was provided. - C. Sustainability Newsletter: Staff reported on the status of the sustainability newsletter. VIII. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were recorded in the agenda. The commission approved the agenda and minutes, and discussed subcommittee work plans and staff reports. Follow-up actions, if any, are not documented.

The Eagan City Council held its regular meeting on December 3, 2024, at 6:30 PM at the Eagan Municipal Center. The agenda included a consent calendar, five public hearings, and a new business item. Key actions included adoption of the 2025 budget and tax levy, adoption of the 2025 fee schedule, approval of a residential variance, vacating utility easements, authorization of conduit bond financing for Great Oaks Academy, and approval of a planned development amendment for Trails End Commons townhomes. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the November 12, 2024 meeting. - Approved personnel items, check registers, contracts, donation resolution, cancellation of December 10 special council meeting, off-sale liquor license for Black Diamond Liquor, 2025-2029 vehicles/equipment/facilities capital improvement plans, 2025 enterprise fund budgets, special revenue fund budgets, Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau budget, resolution calling for a public hearing on a housing improvement area, encroachment agreement at 1454 Kingswood Pond Overlook, maintenance agreement at 1950 Diffley Road, acceptance of Parks and Recreation Commissioner resignation, final subdivision and planned development for West Publishing Company 8th Addition, and change order for Sperry Tower lighting system replacement. All items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - 2025 Budget & Tax Levy: Sherry (20-year resident) expressed appreciation for fiscal responsibility but noted her taxes increased 12%. John Schoog (4945 Pine Lane) reported a 15% increase on his overall bill and sought clarification from staff. - Great Oaks Academy Bond Financing: Corey Johnson (Chair, ISD 196 School Board) opposed the conduit financing, arguing it subsidizes a charter school and could exacerbate racial disparities. Kate Schmidt (Eagan resident, teacher) requested a delay to assess financial impacts on public schools. Anna Williams (ISD 196 board member) asked for a postponement for thorough community engagement. John Vopel (ISD 197 board member) requested more time for deliberation. Additional speakers (Colin O'Neill, Sherry Mishka, and others) supported the school, citing its classical education model and financial stewardship. Discussion Items 1. 2025 Budget and Tax Levy Adoption Finance Director Josh Veldman presented the proposed general fund budget of $55,135,900 (a 5.3% increase over 2024) and a property tax levy of $52,862,155 (an 8.2% increase, including 3% for park facility improvements). The average residential property tax increase was estimated at 6%, driven by the levy increase and near-flat taxable market values. The city added 12 public safety positions over two years. The council discussed the need to fund rising costs and capital equipment. The public hearing was closed, and the budget and levy were adopted. 2. 2025 Fee Schedule Adoption Assistant Finance Director Brent Wiles reviewed notable fee changes, including a new cannabis registration fee, rental licensing late penalties (10-100% based on delinquency), 4% parkland/trail dedication increase, 5% athletic field increase, 10% shelter rental increase (with a one-renter-per-day structure), new refrigerated ice rink rates, 5% increase for Cascade Bay season tickets, $5 increase for Civic Arena rentals, no increase at Community Center due to upcoming remodel, utility rate increases (water 2.9%, sewer 5.9%, street light 1.5%, storm drainage 13%) resulting in a $4.30/month average increase, and a 0.9% increase for street/trail assessments. Police overtime rates were split: $105/hour in Eagan, $110/hour for mutual aid. The fee schedule was adopted. 3. Variance – 1574 Rustic Hills Drive City Planner Schultz presented a variance request to exceed the 20% building coverage limit to construct a 700 sq ft three-stall garage and 106 sq ft entry foyer, facilitating aging in place. The lot is 12,000 sq ft, existing home 1,786 sq ft. Neighboring properties have three- and four-car garages. No public comment. The variance was approved. 4. Vacate Drainage & Utility Easements Public Works Director Mathis explained the vacation of existing drainage and utility easements on the former Thomson Reuters property (610 Opperman Drive) to allow replatting as part of the new West Publishing 8th Addition. No objections were received. The vacation was approved. 5. Great Oaks Academy Private Activity Bonds The council considered a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $14 million in charter school lease revenue bonds to finance Great Oaks Academy’s acquisition and renovation of 3560 Blue Cross Road. Bond counsel Jennifer Hanson (Dorsey & Whitney) and underwriter Jay Romotka (Piper Sandler) explained that bonds are not a liability of the city, and the school would repay via state lease aid ($1,314/student). The city would receive approximately $100,000 in fees. Public comment raised concerns about competition with public schools, demographics, and precedent. Council debate centered on whether the public benefit justified active involvement. The resolution passed 4-1 (Councilmember Sabina opposed). 6. Planned Development Amendment & Preliminary Subdivision – Trails End Commons Planner Schultz presented Lennar’s proposal for 104 townhomes (24 buildings) on 22 acres at the southeast corner of Yankee Doodle and Al Reen Roads. Gross density 4.7 units/acre. Deviations requested for cul-de-sac length, reduced setbacks (25 ft vs 30 ft exterior, 15 ft on corner lots), on-site recreation (20,800 sq ft vs 31,200 required), and tree removal (81.2% vs 30% limit). Staff and applicant confirmed roads would be 32 ft curb-to-curb to meet city standards. A condition was added to require 32 ft width or private streets. The amendment and preliminary subdivision were approved. Key Outcomes - Adopted 2025 General Fund Budget of $55,135,900 and 2025 Tax Levy of $52,862,155 (motion carried). - Adopted 2025 Fee Schedule resolution. - Approved Variance for 1574 Rustic Hills Drive. - Approved Vacation of drainage/utility easements on Thomson Reuters property. - Approved Resolution for Great Oaks Academy private activity bonds (4-1). - Approved Planned Development Amendment and Preliminary Subdivision for Trails End Commons with modified conditions on street width.

The Eagan Advisory Planning Commission met on November 26, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. to consider three development proposals. After public hearings and deliberation, the commission voted unanimously (7‑0) to recommend approval of all items, which will now advance to the City Council on various dates. Public Comments & Testimony - Item B (Metcalf Park): - Brianna Reinsberg (2220 Liberty Lane, Eagan) expressed concern about increased traffic from a new full‑access intersection on Diffley Road. - Austin Peterson (adjacent property owner) spoke in support, noting that similar housing already exists in the area, that trees along the southern boundary are dying ash, and that traffic would be more spread out than school traffic. - Nick Erickson (Housing First Minnesota) disclosed a relationship with the developer but urged support, stating the development fills a gap in housing for first‑time buyers and empty nesters. - Teresa Battle, Superintendent of Burnsville‑Eagan‑Savage School District 191, spoke in favor, noting the district’s need to be responsible with taxpayer money and the developer’s responsiveness. - Item C (Trails End Commons): - Sherry Richie (3418 Eagan Oaks Court) voiced concern over added traffic on L Reen Road, noting recent signal changes and the existing congestion. Discussion Items A. Veterans Village – 3920 Rahn Road - Staff presented a proposal by Lenar and Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) to rezone from PF to PD, allow 22 townhome units on 2.84 acres, and create 24 lots. The development will serve veterans in permanent supportive housing; 15% of residents are expected to have vehicles. Several deviations from code (e.g., lot size, parking stall width, recreation space) were noted but justified by the project’s mission. The city engineer estimated peak‐hour traffic from the site at only 5–8 vehicles (based on 15% vehicle ownership). The commission unanimously recommended approval with conditions. B. Metcalf Park – 2250 Diffley Road - Staff and the developer (Pulte Homes, partnering with Lifestyle Communities and Enclave) presented a plan to rezone 34.5 acres (former Metcalf Middle School) and develop 450 units: 245 apartments, 66 senior cooperative units, 97 townhomes, and 42 villa‑style twin homes. The plan includes shared amenities, a 0.82‑acre city park, and extensive landscaping. Deviations (lot area, parking stall size, setbacks, building coverage) were explained as necessary to fit a master‑planned community and meet modern standards. The traffic study showed no degradation in level of service along Diffley Road. The commission voted 7‑0 to recommend approval. C. Trails End Commons – SE corner of Yankee Doodle and L Reen Roads - Staff reviewed an amended plan by Ryan Companies/Lenar for 104 townhome units on a triangular 22‑acre site constrained by topography and a gas pipeline. The number of units was reduced from 134 to 104 to preserve more trees. Tree removal is 81.2% (mitigation required). The developer agreed to a 32‑foot public street width. Traffic from the development is estimated at 750 trips per day (peak hour about 60 vehicles). The commission voted 7‑0 to recommend approval. Key Outcomes - Veterans Village (Item A): Unanimous recommendation (7‑0) for rezoning, preliminary PD, and preliminary subdivision with conditions. Scheduled for City Council on December 17, 2024. - Metcalf Park (Item B): Unanimous recommendation (7‑0) for rezoning, preliminary PD, and preliminary subdivision with 48 conditions. City Council review expected in January‑February 2025, pending completion of the environmental assessment worksheet and Metropolitan Council action on the land use amendment. - Trails End Commons (Item C): Unanimous recommendation (7‑0) for PD amendment and preliminary subdivision with conditions. Scheduled for City Council on December 3, 2024.

The Eagan City Council convened on November 19, 2024, at 6:30 PM CT at the Eagan Municipal Center. The meeting included the swearing-in of new firefighters, approval of the consent agenda, a public hearing on property tax abatement bonds, discussion and approval of the Thomson Reuters campus redevelopment, variances and a conditional use permit for a nitrogen silo at Rich Product Corp, and an ordinance amendment for Viking Lakes on-sale liquor licensing. No public comments were made during any agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes for October 8, 2024 (special) and November 4, 2024 (regular). - Accepted personnel items, including the resignation of Assistant Fire Chief Kip Springer. - Approved check registers for weeks ending November 1 and November 8, 2024. - Approved contracts as presented. - Adopted a resolution to accept donations. - Appointed Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer, P.A. as civil attorneys for the City of Eagan. - Approved the updated City of Eagan Brand Guide. - Approved a contract for financial management services for the Dakota County Drug Task Force. - Approved final payment for Contract 24-03, Lexington Storm LS Rehab. - Acknowledged completion of Project 21-P Metro Storage. - Received a petition to vacate a drainage and utility easement at Parkside Circle and scheduled a public hearing for December 17, 2024. - Approved a Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County for native restoration at Caponi Art Park. - Approved a resolution designating the Dakota County Community Development Agency to administer Eagan Local Affordable Housing Aid Funds. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on any agenda item. Discussion Items - Swearing-In of New Firefighters: The council officiated the swearing-in of firefighters Russell Barry, Josue Dimas, Ashlee Dehn, Lucas Pitra, and Kayla Kennedy. Chief Hugo Searle led the badge-pinning ceremony. Mayor also acknowledged the service of retiring Assistant Chief Kip Springer, who received a round of applause. - Public Hearing – Property Tax Abatement Bonds: City financial advisor Tammy Omdahl (Northland Securities) explained that the term "tax abatement" is misleading; the action authorizes up to $16.5 million in general obligation tax abatement bonds for improvements to the Eagan Community Center, supported by a property tax levy. The council approved the resolution unanimously. - Old Business – Thomson Reuters Campus Redevelopment: City Planner Schultz presented minor updates to conditions of approval following Metropolitan Council approval of the Comprehensive Guide Plan amendment (changing land use from Major Office to Industrial, Low and Medium Density Residential). The council approved three separate motions: the Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment, the Preliminary Planned Development (for a multi-phase, mixed-use development on 179 acres including industrial, townhomes, and single-family homes), and the Preliminary Subdivision. Mayor noted that a future public hearing on the residential component would occur on December 4, 2024. - New Business – Rich Product Corp Variances and Conditional Use Permit: Justin Panka (Rich Products) proposed a 13,000-gallon nitrogen silo at 1000 Apollo Road. The silo would be 41 feet tall (exceeding the 40-foot height limit by one foot) and taller than the building. Revised plans moved the silo 25 feet from the building for safety. Conditions included a planting plan and matching building color. The council approved the Conditional Use Permit and two variances (for exceeding building height and maximum 40-foot height) unanimously. - New Business – Viking Lakes Liquor License Ordinance Amendment: City staff presented an ordinance amendment to City Code Chapter 5, allowing on-sale liquor licensing at Viking Lakes (south of the Omni Hotel). The amendment is required by state special legislation approved May 8, 2024, and must be adopted before the 2025 legislative session. The council approved the ordinance and directed publication of a summary. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously. - Resolution for Tax Abatement Bonds approved (not to exceed $16.5 million principal) for Community Center improvements. - Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment approved: land use change from Major Office to Industrial, Low and Medium Density Residential. - Preliminary Planned Development approved for Thomson Reuters campus redevelopment. - Preliminary Subdivision approved for the same development. - Conditional Use Permit approved for outdoor storage of a nitrogen silo at Rich Product Corp. - Variance approved for structure to exceed building height. - Variance approved for structure to exceed maximum 40-foot height limit. - Ordinance Amendment approved for Viking Lakes on-sale liquor licensing. - Meeting adjourned at an unspecified time.

The Eagan Advisory Parks Commission met on November 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Moonshine Park. The meeting covered a recreation division presentation, updates on Goat Hill Park and the Eagan Community Center construction, a commissioner resignation, approval of the 2025 fee schedule, and development reviews for Metcalf Park and Trail End Commons. The commission voted on several items, including park and trail dedications. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved unanimously. - Minutes from August 19, 2024, approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No visitors to be heard. Presentations - Recreation Division Overview: Recreation Superintendent Tanya Mozingo presented highlights from 2024, including new teen programs (Leaders in Training, Teen Planning Committee), CDBG-funded outreach, preschool drop-in programs, and early summer camp registration (moved to February). She noted over 550 preschoolers annually, 1,700 kids in Summer in the Park (6% growth from 2023), over 3,000 attendees at Destination All Play, 1,000+ pickleball players, and 1,800 weekly visitors to Eagan Market Fest. The Eagan Food Truck Festival hosted 13,000 people. Sustainability efforts included 1,500 reusable produce bags and 4,600 cups diverted from landfill. The Eagan Art House expansion is on track for completion in spring 2025, with a grand opening planned for September 13, 2025. Discussion Items - Recreational Facilities Update: Jared Flewellen and Tanya Mozingo presented updates on Goat Hill Park (new shelter building with two team rooms, renovated north rink, improved parking and stormwater management, 79 trees planted, light and noise mitigation), and the Eagan Community Center (phase one fitness center addition of 5,000–6,000 sq ft, cold storage, construction to begin November 2024 through May 2025). - Commissioner Resignation: Commissioner Richard Costine resigned effective October 15, 2024. The commission accepted the resignation and moved Commissioner Means from alternate to regular position. Motion passed unanimously. - 2025 Fee Schedule: Jared Flewellen presented proposed increases ranging from 2% to 10% across most fees (park/trail dedication +4%, tree mitigation 0%, park pavilions +10%, ice time +$5, Cascade Bay season passes +$5, ECC no increase during construction). Discussion included concerns about the fee options program (scholarships) for low-income families, with commissioners noting issues with cancelled classes and reallocation of funds. Staff acknowledged challenges and stated they are reviewing the program. Motion to recommend approval passed unanimously. - Metcalf Park Development Review: Applicant Pulte Homes proposed rezoning and preliminary plan for 245 multifamily apartments, 66 senior cooperative units, 97 townhomes, and 42 villa twin homes on 35 acres at 2250 Diffley Road. Park dedication of 0.82 acres (valued at $283,000) and trail dedication via installation. Commissioner questions about access, parking, and maintenance. Staff noted the park is a neighborhood pocket park, not a destination. Motion to approve park and trail dedication passed unanimously. - Trail End Commons Development Review: Amendment to allow 104 townhomes on 22 acres at southeast corner of Yankee Doodle and Laredo Road. Park dedication previously satisfied; trail dedication via installation of public trails. Motion to accept trail dedication passed unanimously. - Round Table: Commissioners thanked staff for park maintenance during challenging weather, noted flexibility of art house staff in reopening a cancelled pottery class, and reminded of the Holtz Farm holiday event on December 8. Welcome to Commissioner Means as full-time commissioner. - Staff Reports: Jared Flewellen reported on seasonal transitions, park projects (new playgrounds at O'Leary and Lexington Diffley Park, Blackhawk fishing pier rebuild, Moonshine maintenance), hockey season, Cascade Bay LED lighting retrofit ($130,000 federal grant), senior programming, and ECC construction. Key Outcomes - Accepted Commissioner Costine's resignation and moved Commissioner Means to regular position. - Approved recommendation for 2025 fee schedule increases. - Approved park and trail dedication for Metcalf Park development. - Approved trail dedication for Trail End Commons development. - Meeting adjourned.

The Eagan City Council held a special meeting on November 12, 2024, at 5:30 PM at the Eagan Municipal Center. The meeting covered the canvassing of election results, discussions on Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) programs, approval of the 2025 Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau (ECVB) budget, and a review of enterprise and special revenue budgets. Canvas Election Results City Clerk Beth Van Hoose presented the results of the November 5, 2024, general election. Two council seats were uncontested: Councilmember Sibena and Councilmember Fields ran unopposed. Out of 46,453 registered voters, 41,236 cast ballots (83.2% turnout). Sibena received 21,849 votes (49.57%) and Fields received 22,230 votes (50.43%). There were 38,383 undervotes. The council unanimously approved a motion to certify the results. Van Hoose thanked election staff and judges for a smooth election with no significant issues. Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) Programs Community Development Director Jill Hoopmacher, joined by representatives from the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA), presented three potential programs funded by state LAHA dollars (approved in 2023). - Expanded Home Improvement Loan Program: Based on the existing CDBG program, the CDA proposes to use $175,000 annually from LAHA to expand no-interest, no-payment loans (up to $35,000) for homeowners up to 115% Area Median Income (AMI), prioritizing those at or below 80% AMI. The program addresses basic home repairs (roofs, siding, windows, etc.) and includes radon testing/mitigation (average cost $2,000–$3,000). A 3–5 year Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the CDA is proposed, with funds held in a separate Eagan account. The council expressed support for entering into the agreement and directed staff to prepare a resolution for the December 3, 2024, meeting. - Radon Mitigation Grant Program: Integrated into the home improvement loans, this would cover radon testing and mitigation for eligible households, with an estimated five additional homes per year. - HOA Gap Financing (Policy Discussion): Staff proposed exploring a program to assist low- and moderate-income owner-occupants in townhome HOAs with bearing the cost of special assessments for common-area improvements (e.g., roofs, driveways). An example was given of a townhome association where assessments could reach $800 per month. The council unanimously supported directing staff to research and develop a program, likely using LAHA funds. Councilmembers voiced strong support for preserving affordable housing stock and noted the necessity of these investments. 2025 Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau Budget Brent, CEO of the ECVB, along with Marketing Director Shana Keon, presented the proposed 2025 budget with a 3.7% increase. Key highlights included: record investment of over $500,000 in marketing; new partnership with Placer AI for data analytics; a new website; and planned events such as the Vikings Training Camp (generated $5.6 million in economic activity, 41% of attendees from outside the Twin Cities) and the Minnesota Ice Festival (expected 200,000 visitors). The ECVB plans to use data to target markets like Duluth and possibly Saskatoon. The council praised the efforts and indicated the budget would be forwarded as a consent agenda item for the December 3, 2024, meeting. Enterprise and Special Revenue Budgets Review Finance Director Josh Feldman reviewed several funds. Council provided feedback on policy questions. - Public Utilities Fund: Proposed rate increases were accepted as necessary due to aging infrastructure. The FY2025 budget includes $6.7 million in bond issuance for capital projects. The city remains the sixth lowest among 29 metro area for average water rates. Council supported the proposed rates and budget. - Recreation Enterprise Funds: - Civic Arena: Facing financial challenges with low reserves. Council supported the continued practice of using general fund support for capital expenses, noting that covering operations with fees is realistic but capital requires city investment. Fee increases of $5 per hour (prime/non-prime) were noted. - Cascade Bay: Attendance decreased 13.9% in 2024 due to rainy start, but 2025 budget projects conservative revenue. Council supported fee increases for season passes and programming. - Eagan Community Center: Performing well with surpluses. No planned rate increases. Council supported the budgets. - Eagan Television (ETV): Franchise fee revenue is declining (9% decrease from cable subscribers). The fund is stabilized by transfers from other funds. Council acknowledged ongoing funding challenges and requested further analysis on franchise fee impacts. - Sustainability Fund: Funded by franchise fees from utility customers. Proposed expenses include a part-time (30 hours/week) position to implement the Climate Action Plan, conduct fleet studies, facility audits, EV conversions, and develop an energy incentive program. Council discussed whether a full-time position might be needed but agreed to start with the part-time position as proposed. They expressed support for the overall sustainability initiatives. - Tree Mitigation Fund: Used for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) treatment (6th year of 7-year program). Revenues are declining as development slows, resulting in a projected decrease in cash reserves. Council acknowledged the sustainability challenge and supported the budget. - Opioid Prevention Fund: Receiving settlement payments from pharmaceutical companies, totaling approximately $81,000 annually (variable). Funds have not yet been spent; staff is coordinating with Dakota County and the health department to develop allowable uses. Council expressed a need for clarity but supported continued coordination. Key Outcomes - Election Canvass: Unanimously certified the results (Sibena and Fields elected). - LAHA Programs: Council supported entering into a JPA with the CDA for the expanded home improvement loan program and radon mitigation program, with a resolution expected December 3. Council also directed staff to develop a program to assist low-income HOA homeowners with special assessments using LAHA funds. - ECVB Budget: Approved in principle; will be placed on the December3 consent agenda. - Utility Rate Increases: Accepted; budgets for public utilities and recreation enterprise funds were supported. - Sustainability Fund Staffing: Council supported the proposed part-time position (30 hours/week). - Opioid Funds: Council acknowledged receipt and ongoing coordination with the county for future programming.