Eagan City Council Meeting - September 1, 2026

The Eagan City Council met on September 1, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Eagan Municipal Center. Councilmember Bachen was absent. The meeting covered three public hearings, several new business items including the preliminary 2027 budget and tax levy, an ordinance amendment to rental licensing, and a conditional use permit for a veterinary clinic. All items were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda including minutes, personnel items, check registers, contracts, donations, MediaScribe platform upgrade, draft final assessment reports for five projects (Blackhawk Oaks, Meadowlark Road/Kathryn Circle, Covington Lane/Brittany 7-10 Additions, Grace Drive, Walden Heights/Hillcrest/Lake Park), declaration of surplus property, and scheduling a public hearing for delinquent lodging tax bills.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made on any agenda item.

Discussion Items

Public Hearings

1. Delinquent Nuisance Abatement Bills – Staff reported 15 properties with delinquent false alarm invoices totaling just over $5,800. The council approved the assessment roll for collection with property taxes.
2. Delinquent Utility Bills – Approximately 999 utility billing accounts had delinquent balances totaling just under $415,000. Councilmember Csubak noted two hotels were repeatedly on the list; staff confirmed they routinely wait for certification to pay. The council approved the assessment roll.
3. Variance – Edward Demars – A 6-foot variance to the 30-foot front-yard setback to add a front entry porch at 2071 Opal Drive. The applicant cited age and mobility limitations. Staff noted prior similar variances in the neighborhood. The council approved the variance subject to conditions in the staff report.

New Business

1. Preliminary 2027 General Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy – The proposed 2027 general fund budget is $63,090,300, a 4.7% increase ($2.8 million) over 2026. The tax levy is proposed to increase 4.9% (down from the previously projected 6.8%). The average home value ($425,878) would see a $43 (2.7%) annual tax increase. Staff attributed the reduction to lower-than-expected health insurance costs and a reduction in the police cadet program from six to four cadets. The council set the truth-in-taxation hearing for December 15, 2026. The mayor encouraged early public engagement before the December hearing.
2. Ordinance Amendment – Residential Rental Property Licensing (Section 6.55) – After three years of implementation, staff proposed amendments for clarity, consistency, and enforcement. Key changes include removing the requirement for owner background checks (only two denials in three years, both resolved), updating designated manager requirements (must be within 50 miles), clarifying late renewal fees, and strengthening short-term rental enforcement. The council approved the ordinance.
3. Conditional Use Permit – Mendakota Animal Hospital – Kyle Staples, DVM, proposed operating a veterinary clinic at 2781 Pilot Knob Road. The 3,067 sq ft office building would be renovated with a 600 sq ft addition, including exam rooms, surgery, lab, and kennel (no boarding). The Advisory Planning Commission recommended approval (7-0) with 10 conditions. The council approved the CUP. The applicant expects to open spring 2027.

Key Outcomes

• Approved delinquent nuisance abatement assessment roll (15 properties, $5,800).
• Approved delinquent utility assessment roll (999 accounts, ~$415,000).
• Approved variance for Edward Demars (6-foot front-yard setback reduction) at 2071 Opal Drive.
• Approved preliminary 2027 general fund budget ($63,090,300) and property tax levy (4.9% increase, total $60,381,015), and set the public hearing for December 15, 2026.
• Approved ordinance amendment to City Code Section 6.55 (rental licensing).
• Approved conditional use permit for Mendakota Animal Hospital at 2781 Pilot Knob Road.