Eagan City Council Meeting - January 20, 2026

The Eagan City Council held its regular meeting on January 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Eagan Municipal Center. The meeting included adoption of the consent agenda, annual organizational business, six public hearings for street improvement projects, a decision on a massage establishment license denial, an Economic Development Authority (EDA) organizational meeting, and public comments on immigration enforcement and street safety.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the January 6, 2026 regular meeting.
• Approved personnel items, check registers, contracts, resolution to accept donations, a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for the 2026 Building Official Training Municipal Grant, final payment for Contract 25-03 (2025 Citywide Trail & Parking Lot Improvements), award of Contract 26-07 (2026 Water Quality Improvements), amendment of the Public Works 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan 2026-2030 and approval of plans/specifications for Contract 26-10 (Sanitary Sewer Lining), and approval of plans/specifications for Contract 26-06 (2026 Well Rehabilitation Project). All items were adopted unanimously.

Organizational Business

• Acting Mayor: Councilmember Subpoena was appointed acting mayor for 2026, as requested by Mayor McGuire. (Unanimous)
• Official Legal Newspaper: The St. Paul Pioneer Press was designated as the city's official legal newspaper for 2026 after receiving two proposals. (Unanimous)
• City Depositories: Old National Bank and U.S. Bank Trust were designated as city depositories for 2026. (Unanimous)
• City Council Meeting Dates: Approved the proposed 2026 meeting schedule with adjustments for precinct caucuses (Feb. 2), National Night Out (Aug. 3), primary election (Aug. 3), and general election (Nov. 2). (Unanimous)
• Meeting Procedures: (1) Acknowledged Robert's Rules of Order and approved public participation guidelines; (2) Ratified the practice that at least two council members must request to place an item on the agenda. Both passed unanimously.
• Committee Appointments: Approved appointments to council standing committees, advisory commissions, intergovernmental committees, and other committees for 2026, including a new addition of Councilmember Hansen to the Minnesota Climate Coalition. (Unanimous)

Public Hearings & Testimony

• Street Improvement Projects (1627-1633): Assistant City Engineer presented the annual street revitalization program. Over the past 35 years, 336 miles of roads have been improved at a cost of $109 million. For 2026, eight miles of roads and 1,099 properties are included, with total project costs estimated at $6.25 million (including $4.6 million in street improvement costs). Assessments range from $2,000-$2,700 for low-density residential properties. Construction is anticipated from May through fall 2026, with a final assessment hearing in October. One public commenter asked about assessment ratios for park properties; staff clarified that the city pays the assessed share for park land. A resident living on Blackhawk Road expressed safety concerns about cyclists and pedestrians on that busy road and requested improvements; staff agreed to evaluate options during design.

• Other Business – Massage License Denial: The council considered adopting or overturning the hearing officer's decision denying a massage establishment license application by Linlan Lee for ELM Aromatherapy Eagan LLC at 1095 Diffley Road. The administrative hearing took place on January 5, 2026. Councilmember Bacon moved to adopt the hearing officer's decision, noting the administrative record was clear and the applicant had not met licensing requirements. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Visitors to Be Heard: Cameron, a member of the Eagan figure skating community, spoke about concerns regarding ICE enforcement, urging the council to pass a separation ordinance barring local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities, prohibit ICE/CBP use of city property, and issue a public statement. Mayor McGuire responded that the city has engaged directly with affected communities, including a meeting with about 40 Somali community members on January 18. He stated that the police chief has affirmed that Eagan police do not participate in immigration enforcement, only responding to public safety calls. He noted the council discussed separation ordinances but has questions about enforceability and prefers not to inflame rhetoric. He added that the city is considering a formal public statement but has prioritized one-on-one relationship-building. Councilmember Hansen added that the Somali community meeting included many who were afraid to come out, highlighting the need for trust. Another resident, Tom, asked about EDA officer positions (unpaid) and whether the public can serve on committees. Staff explained EDA powers under state statute. A second resident praised staff for help and reiterated safety concerns on Blackhawk Road, mentioning past near-misses with cyclists and vehicles; staff confirmed they will consider improvements in the project design.

Key Outcomes

• Street Improvement Projects: Approved all six projects (1627-1633) as presented and authorized preparation of detailed plans and specifications. (Unanimous)
• Massage License Denial: Adopted the hearing officer's decision to deny the massage establishment license. (Unanimous)
• Organizational Items: All annual organizational business items approved individually without opposition.

Economic Development Authority (EDA) Meeting

• The council reconvened as the EDA. Adopted the EDA agenda and consent agenda (including minutes from January 21, 2025).
• EDA Officers: Elected President Mike McGuire, Vice President Mike Subpoena, Treasurer Gary Hanson, Executive Director Diane Miller, and Secretary/Deputy Executive Director Jill Hootmacher. (Unanimous)
• Noted that the 2026 meeting schedule aligns with city council meetings and that the single-action process for combined EDA/Council resolutions will continue. No action required on those items.
• Adjourned the EDA meeting.