Eagan City Council Special Meeting – June 9, 2026

The Eagan City Council held a special meeting on June 9, 2026, starting at 5:30 PM in the Eagan Municipal Center. The meeting featured a joint session with the Sustainable Eagan Advisory Commission (SEAC) to present the commission's proposed goals and an update on the city's Climate Action Plan. Council also reviewed two informal concept plans for potential land-use changes (1360 Lone Oak Road and Hwy 55/Courthouse Lane) and received the results of the 2025 Business Survey. No public comments were heard, and no binding votes were taken on the concept plans; the meeting ended with adjournment.

Joint Meeting with SEAC & Climate Action Plan Update

• The SEAC introduced its membership (six commissioners, mostly new) and presented proposed goals for the coming year: (1) continue and expand the Sustainable Eagan Academy (which averaged 43 attendees per session in 2026, with 17 certificates awarded out of about 235 participants); (2) research water and noise impacts of data centers in collaboration with city staff (aligned with the city's moratorium and ordinance deadline of February 17, 2027); and (3) increase community engagement and action supporting Climate Action Plan goals, such as native plantings and invasive species removal. Council members expressed strong support for all three goals, noting the value of the Academy and the timeliness of data center research. The goals are to be formally approved at the next regular meeting.
• Sustainability Program staff (Jillian) provided an update on the Climate Action Plan, a 10-year plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 55% by 2035. Of the 35 actions in the first two-year phase (2025–2027), 2 are implemented, 28 are in progress, and 5 have not yet started. Staff noted that some actions are deferred by design (e.g., dependent on prior actions) and that a full evaluation of the first phase will occur in August 2026. The Sustainability Fund investments for 2026 show a shift toward fleet electrification and professional services for climate plan implementation, with a smaller allocation to emergency response (emerald ash borer) as that program winds down.

Concept Plan – 1360 Lone Oak Road (Matt Katzenmaier)

• The applicant presented a concept to re-guide the 17-acre property from low-density residential to medium-density residential to allow 34 townhome units (reduced from an earlier 100-unit apartment proposal that was withdrawn after community opposition). The plan shows 10 three- and four-unit buildings, with access from Lone Oak Road. Staff noted significant site constraints: wetlands, steep topography (up to 50-foot elevation changes), shoreland regulations, and a needed Dakota County right-of-way clarification. The DNR's preliminary estimate allows a maximum of 30 units due to density transfer rules. Council members offered mixed feedback: some supported the townhome concept as a better transition from agriculture, while others expressed concerns about density, compatibility with surrounding single-family homes, and the lack of affordable housing. The mayor clarified this is an informal concept meeting; a formal application would require public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Key points from council: Councilmember Bakken felt the density was too high and raised concerns about flooding and basement homes near the lake. Councilmember Subpoena supported the single-level, walkout townhome concept as a needed housing type for seniors. Councilmember Hansen opposed the land-use change without an affordable housing component. The applicant indicated willingness to consider reorienting buildings to reduce units to 30 and to explore single-family options on the southern "tail" portion.

Concept Plan – Hwy 55/Courthouse Lane (Endeavor Development)

• Endeavor Development presented a plan to re-guide 24.5 acres from office service to business park to construct two 130,000-square-foot industrial business park buildings. The site, heavily wooded with up to 100 feet of grade change, would require significant retaining walls and below-grade stormwater management. Access would be from Hope Drive and a future extension of Courthouse Lane; a connection to Lone Oak Road to the north was deemed infeasible due to topography and the landowner's refusal of an easement. Council members expressed general support for the proposal, noting it aligns with the long-term vision for the Northeast Special Area and would provide employment and tax base. They acknowledged potential challenges (drainage, wetland delineation, and coordinating with adjacent property owners) but saw no major obstacles. The applicant noted that the law firm owning the office building to the west may oppose the project, but council advised addressing concerns through legitimate issues like drainage.

2025 Business Survey Results

• Sarah presented results from the National Business Survey conducted in 2025, with 157 Eagan business owners/managers responding (margin of error ±8%, 95% confidence). Key findings:
  • 86% rated Eagan as a good place to do business; 92% would recommend it.
  • Top amenities: proximity to MSP airport, to Minneapolis/St. Paul, and highway access.
  • Workforce challenges: affordable child care and underqualified applicants remain top concerns; access to training resources improved.
  • Governance ratings: Fire services 98% positive, police 93%, customer service 94%. Code enforcement declined to 59%, and land use/zoning to 71% – staff will monitor these and consider adding custom survey questions.
  • Business growth outlook softened: fewer businesses reported recent growth, and expectations for future revenue and hiring decreased.
  • Awareness of city programs is low: 80% of businesses unaware of the Open-to-Business program. The city plans to improve communication via website and email, which are the primary information sources for businesses.
• Council noted that the survey was conducted before Operation Metro Surge, so public safety perceptions may have shifted. They encouraged sharing survey results with the Chamber of Commerce and using them to guide outreach.

Key Outcomes

• The Council expressed support for SEAC's proposed goals (Academy, data center research, community engagement) and instructed staff to prepare for formal approval at the next regular meeting.
• No formal action was taken on either concept plan; developers were given informal feedback to refine their proposals before submitting formal applications, which would trigger public hearings and a full review process.
• The City Council accepted the 2025 Business Survey results and directed staff to enhance communication about available programs, particularly to businesses unaware of resources like Open-to-Business. Staff will also explore follow-up questions on code enforcement for future surveys.