The Faribault City Council met on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of routine items, canvassing of the November 3 general election results, and awarding a bid for sanitary sewer improvements. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Items 6A–6N were approved as a single block after a brief discussion. Councilmember Ross pulled two items for clarification: - 6E – Tobacco Licenses: Ross suggested phasing out tobacco licenses as businesses leave, citing a similar policy in Bloomington. No formal action was taken on the suggestion; the resolution approving 2027 tobacco licenses (Resolution 2026-267) passed as part of the consent agenda. - 6J – Hiring Administrative Coordinators: Ross questioned whether two new hires aligned with budget tightening. It was confirmed the positions were already budgeted. Resolution 2026-325 approving the hires passed. The consent agenda also included the claims list, minutes from boards and commissions, a hold harmless agreement for Winterfest, a fireworks permit, write-off of uncollectable accounts, an anonymous donation to Parks and Recreation, a service agreement with Life Safety Inspection Vault LLC, a one-year extension of preliminary plat approval for Ramsey Addition and Ivy Hill Senior Care, approval of 2027 MNPEA police and general unit CBAs, a change order for the lead service line replacement project, and street closures for Winter Fest. Discussion Items - Canvassing General Election Results (Resolution 2026-331): City Clerk Heather Slecta presented the election abstract from the November 3 general election. The top three vote-getters for three City Council seats were Natalie Halverson, Lexi Temple, and Katie Howard, with terms beginning January 4, 2027. Councilmembers thanked election judges, volunteers, and Clerk Slecta for a well‑organized election. The resolution was approved. - Award of Bid – Riverside Court Sanitary Sewer Improvements (Resolution 2026-327): Public Works Director Mark Duchesne explained that three bids were received, all above the engineer’s estimate due to recent material cost increases and a tight timeline. The low bidder is ready to proceed, and staff plans value engineering to reduce project costs by $30,000–$50,000. The project will serve three properties (Heartland Vet Clinic, Carriage Cleaning Services, and a single‑family home) that currently lack city sewer. One property has a failing septic system requiring immediate attention. Approximately 40% of the cost will be funded through special assessments to the benefiting properties, with the city covering the remainder. Construction is expected to be substantially complete before January 1, 2027, with final restoration continuing into 2027. The resolution was approved. Key Outcomes - Approved: Consent agenda (items 6A–6N) by voice vote. - Approved: Resolution 2026-331 canvassing general election results. - Approved: Resolution 2026-327 awarding the bid for Riverside Court sanitary sewer improvements to the low bidder. - Announcements: Parks and Recreation acknowledged an anonymous $10,000 donation for swimming lessons. The Paradise Center for the Arts holiday sale will be held November 19, 2026, 4–7 PM. A joint Rice County Commissioners vs. City Council Red Kettle bell‑ringing event was also mentioned. - Next Meeting: A council chat is scheduled for November 18, 2026, to discuss a forthcoming proposal.
