OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Rochester City Council Regular Session - October 7, 2024

City Council — Monday, October 7, 2024
BodyRochester, Minnesota
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, October 7, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:16

I could break some time.

0:24

Maybe I'll make like a design or something.

0:26

We can wait a minute if you want.

0:33

Please rise as you're able for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:41

I pledge allegiance to the flag.

0:45

And which is one nation under God.

0:50

Indivisible with liberty and justice.

1:03

All right.

1:03

Hello, welcome everyone.

1:05

Good to have many people joining us this evening for a great meeting.

1:10

We are here for City Council October 7th, 2024.

1:14

Just a couple of reminders before we get started that we do take breaks every 90 to 120 minutes between items.

1:20

And we begin every meeting with an open comment period.

1:22

This is an opportunity for for anyone from the public who would like to speak on items that we will not be taking public testimony on later during public hearings and later in the agenda.

1:32

Each person has up to two minutes for a total of 20 minutes.

1:35

I'll be keeping track of time.

1:36

There's a little stoplight clock here and up on the wall.

1:39

So if I do interrupt you, uh please don't be offended.

1:42

It's just so we can make sure others have a chance to speak.

1:48

Just ask that you are respectful and deliver your comments to me as the presiding officer.

1:53

If you have any materials to hand out, please give those to Clerk Geisler over here.

1:58

She will make sure that they are distributed to us.

2:01

And just generally encourage you that you limit comments to topics that are within the scope and jurisdiction of what the city can affect related to policy.

2:12

I think that is about it.

2:18

But if there are items you'd like us to follow up on, either council or staff, please make sure Clerk Geisler has your information.

2:25

Otherwise, I will use the sheet that I have and call those up in order of how you signed up.

2:32

So I will welcome Stephen Draper up.

2:38

Please introduce yourself and you have two minutes.

2:44

So I you should have received a petition, two of them from me and from my new friend over here about the bus route uh uh 412.

2:55

Um just some background on me.

2:57

My wife works four days a week in the morning, so we only have one car.

3:01

And so I drop her off really early in the morning, and then I take all the kids to school and then drive the car back to her, drop it off, make it to my bus stop with minutes to spare uh take it to my job.

3:13

Um I found out recently that they're changing this route.

3:17

I found out from a bus driver.

3:19

Um he handed me a map, a new map, and said, hey, they're changing the route.

3:24

Um go ahead and if you don't like it, try and change it.

3:29

Um the things that were disappointing with this is that this is a public bus route.

3:33

Um, and the public wasn't allowed to weigh in on this decision.

3:37

Um and it affects a lot of our lives.

3:39

Uh you can see that on our petitions uh separately there's 20 plus individual signatures that oppose this decision.

3:48

Um decision is happening really soon.

3:52

It's uh November 4th, it's taking place.

3:54

And we would ask that um our number one priority is that this bus route does not change.

4:00

It's a very busy bus route, and it services a lot of people.

4:04

Oh now the microphone's working.

4:06

Wow.

4:07

Um at the very least, to not get rid of the stops listed on my petition and my friend's petition here.

4:15

Um so that those people can still make it to their jobs on time.

4:20

Uh there is a concern that they're adding a significant amount of driving onto the bus route, and add commuting time to those people, even if they were to change the bus route, but um and keep the keep the existing stops on, but change it to greater length, it would increase commuting time.

4:37

Um so uh yes, please do what you can to to fix this.

4:42

All right, thank you.

4:43

And we did receive your written comments and petition.

4:46

Thanks.

4:47

All right, this uh stop clock is not turning to yellow, just heads up, so it's going straight from green to red.

4:54

All right, Kashik Badarcharaya, please come introduce yourself and and correct how I misspoke your name.

5:01

Good evening, Mayor and honorable members of the city council.

5:05

My name is Kaushik Baracharya.

5:07

I work for Mail as a technical specialist.

5:11

And my wife is a cancer scientist and researcher and professor at uh Mayo Clinic, Department of Hematology.

5:19

We have the same concern as my friend.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Destination Medical Center███████████████15%
Cannabis Regulation██████████████14%
Special Service District███████████11%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Downtown Development█████████9%
Affordable Housing█████████9%
Public Safety██████6%
Public Transportation█████5%
Procedural████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Rochester City Council Regular Session - October 7, 2024

The Rochester City Council convened on October 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. for a regular session that included an open comment period, consent agenda, two public hearings, and several reports and recommendations. The council addressed a wide range of topics including the renewal of the Downtown Special Services District, adoption of a Medical Overlay District, delegation of cannabis regulation to Olmsted County, approval of the 2025 Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) budget, a third amendment to low-income housing covenants at Homestead Village, and contingency funding for demolitions at Bob's Trailer Park. During the meeting, Council President Carlson expelled Council Member Molly Dennis for violating Rule 3C of the council's rules of procedure.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of September 23, 2024, as official record. (Unanimous)
  • Approved appointments of Habibo Haji and Collin Kauth-Fisher to the Police Policy Oversight Commission. (Unanimous)
  • Approved accounts payable totaling $18,251,049.31, including investment purchases of $10,006,206.67 and accounts payable of $8,244,842.64. (Unanimous)
  • Adopted Resolution No. 192-24 approving election judges for the November 5, 2024, General Election. (Unanimous)
  • Adopted Resolution No. 193-24 approving an On-Sale 2:00 a.m. liquor license for Tollso LLC DBA Lumi Restaurant and Bar. (Unanimous)
  • Adopted Resolution No. 194-24 accepting a $250 donation from Dr. Ashok Patel to the International Relations Committee. (Unanimous)
  • Authorized bid advertisements for intersection improvements (4th St SE & 19th Ave SE), flood control trail system improvements, and 2025 water reclamation plant chemical supply. (Unanimous)
  • Awarded a snow removal contract to Better Lawns LLC (Project No. 2024-28). (Unanimous)
  • Approved a $67,951.10 contract with Evans Companies for Bandel Hills drainage improvements. (Unanimous)
  • Authorized a $81,700 contract amendment with WSB for North Broadway reconstruction design services. (Unanimous)
  • Authorized a development agreement with Commercial Property Management LLC for Woodcrest Addition residential subdivision. (Unanimous)
  • Approved installation of traffic control devices on 22nd Ave NW under the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. (Unanimous)
  • Authorized a septic system/sanitary sewer utility connection agreement with Thomas O. and Carol L. Parker. (Unanimous)
  • Authorized a revocable permit for Spectrum Communications to install fiber optic cable in the 1st Ave skyway bridge. (Unanimous)
  • Authorized pedestrian facilities and driveway approach access agreement with Miguel Angel & Bertha Alicia Guevara. (Unanimous)
  • Authorized a City-Owner contract and professional technical services contract for Mayo Unbound Enabling Works - Bus 6 Demolition. (Unanimous)
  • Adopted Resolution No. 198-24 accepting a $72,000,000 loan and grants from Minnesota Public Facilities Authority for the Water Reclamation Plant upgrade. (Unanimous)
  • Adopted Resolution No. 199-24 authorizing Downtown Property Preservation Program funding for 216 1st Ave SW. (Unanimous)
  • Items F.21 (Homestead Village) and F.22 (Bob's Trailer Park) were pulled for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

Open Comment Period:

  • Stephen Draper and Kaushik Bhattacharya expressed opposition to planned changes to the RPT bus route 412, citing lack of public input and increased commuting times for riders. They presented petitions with over 20 signatures each.
  • Barry Skolnick urged the council not to approve the DMC budget, calling for more detailed negotiation and community involvement, especially regarding the Chateau Theater feasibility study and Peace Plaza safety issues.
  • John Kruesel advocated for the Chateau Theater as a performing arts center and recommended involving Miller Dunwoody for historical preservation standards.
  • Adam Buzbee, executive board member of ATU 105, thanked the council for a new parking facility but emphasized the need for driver and passenger voices in transit decisions, noting he had been advocating for two years.

Public Hearing G.1 - Downtown Special Services District Renewal:

  • Walter Hanson, co-founder of the downtown business association, provided historical context and supported renewal.
  • Rick Matson (RJMJ Properties, 620 1st Ave SW) objected, stating his property (NAPA Auto Parts) does not benefit from the district and requested exclusion.
  • John Kruesel and Barry Skolnick spoke in favor of renewal but emphasized the need for more amenities and community input.
  • Kathleen Harrington, interim RDA director, shared that petition signatures were secured only after demonstrating a turnaround in focus towards marketing and activation; she asked for council support.

Public Hearing G.2 - Medical Overlay District:

  • Barry Skolnick asked for clarification on changes in review authority; staff confirmed no substantive change in process.
  • Erin Sexton (Mayo Clinic) expressed support for the overlay, citing collaborative work with city staff.

Discussion Items

G.1 Downtown Special Services District Renewal: Staff and RDA leadership presented. The district received 48% landowner signatures and 61% net tax capacity support, well above the 25% statutory threshold. The renewal period is 10 years (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2034). Council discussed the objection from Mr. Matson; the city attorney explained that the council has 30 days to decide. Council opted to approve the renewal and will consider the objection separately with staff recommendation at a future meeting. Motion carried 7-0.

G.2 Medical Overlay District (CD2024-001TA): Planning Supervisor Ed Caples presented. The overlay consolidates four ordinances into one, updates references to the Unified Development Code, and establishes new requirements for a five-year planning document. No boundary changes. Council approved the amendment and directed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance for first reading. Motion carried 7-0.

H.1 Cannabis Regulation Amendments: Deputy City Clerk Christiaan Cartwright presented. The council considered a resolution delegating retail cannabis registration and enforcement authority to Olmsted County and a corresponding ordinance amendment. Key points: the state lottery system for 160 initial licenses (fixed until 2026) disregards geographic distribution; Olmsted County plans 14 licenses; delegation reduces city staffing and enforcement burden; the city can reclaim authority later. Council Member Dennis expressed concerns about losing local control and safety. Motion to approve carried 6-1 (Dennis dissenting).

H.2 2025 DMCC Budget: Deputy City Administrator Cindy Steinhauser presented the $4,675,650 operating budget and $161,530,036 five-year capital improvement plan (including $38,486,389 for 2025). The budget supports prior approved projects (e.g., Link BRT, Sixth Street) and new assessments for Mayo Unbound and West Transit Village infrastructure. Discussion included Peace Plaza repairs (outstanding issue, no cost yet), Chateau Theater feasibility, and overall project success. Council Member Kirkpatrick expressed skepticism and voted no; Council Member Dennis was expelled during discussion. Motion carried 5-1-1 (Kirkpatrick nay, Dennis absent).

H.3 (formerly F.21) Third Amendment – Homestead Village: Community Development Director Terry Eidens presented. The property has 102 units at 60% AMI; currently 30% vacancy. Owner requested that 25% of units be allowed to rent up to 110% AMI for the remaining two years of compliance. Council debated equity concerns versus filling units. Motion to approve failed 3-3 (Keane, Bransford, Palmer ayes; Wall, Kirkpatrick, Carlson nays). Council directed staff to work with the owner and bring back a revised proposal with potentially different income tiers.

H.4 (formerly F.22) Contingency Funding – Bob's Trailer Park Demolition: Council authorized up to $60,000 in contingency funds to front the cost of demolishing 18 manufactured homes at 1915 Marion Rd SE. Staff assured that the city will recoup costs. Motion carried 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Downtown Special Services District: Renewed for 10 years effective January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2034. The objection from Rick Matson will be addressed within 30 days. (Unanimous)
  • Medical Overlay District: Approved text amendment to establish the overlay and repeal/replace existing special districts; ordinance to be prepared for first reading. (Unanimous)
  • Cannabis Regulation: Delegated authority to Olmsted County via Resolution No. 201-24; ordinance amendments approved; first reading scheduled for October 21, 2024. (6-1)
  • DMCC 2025 Budget: Approved Resolution No. 202-24 adopting the operating budget and capital plan. (5-1-1)
  • Homestead Village Amendment: Denied (3-3). Staff to return with revised proposal at a future meeting.
  • Bob's Trailer Park Demolition: Approved up to $60,000 in contingency funding. (Unanimous)
  • Expulsion: Council Member Molly Dennis was expelled from the meeting at 9:21 p.m. during the DMCC budget discussion for violating Rule 3C.

Meeting Transcript

I could break some time. Maybe I'll make like a design or something. We can wait a minute if you want. Please rise as you're able for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag. And which is one nation under God. Indivisible with liberty and justice. All right. Hello, welcome everyone. Good to have many people joining us this evening for a great meeting. We are here for City Council October 7th, 2024. Just a couple of reminders before we get started that we do take breaks every 90 to 120 minutes between items. And we begin every meeting with an open comment period. This is an opportunity for for anyone from the public who would like to speak on items that we will not be taking public testimony on later during public hearings and later in the agenda. Each person has up to two minutes for a total of 20 minutes. I'll be keeping track of time. There's a little stoplight clock here and up on the wall. So if I do interrupt you, uh please don't be offended. It's just so we can make sure others have a chance to speak. Just ask that you are respectful and deliver your comments to me as the presiding officer. If you have any materials to hand out, please give those to Clerk Geisler over here. She will make sure that they are distributed to us. And just generally encourage you that you limit comments to topics that are within the scope and jurisdiction of what the city can affect related to policy. I think that is about it. But if there are items you'd like us to follow up on, either council or staff, please make sure Clerk Geisler has your information. Otherwise, I will use the sheet that I have and call those up in order of how you signed up. So I will welcome Stephen Draper up. Please introduce yourself and you have two minutes. So I you should have received a petition, two of them from me and from my new friend over here about the bus route uh uh 412. Um just some background on me. My wife works four days a week in the morning, so we only have one car. And so I drop her off really early in the morning, and then I take all the kids to school and then drive the car back to her, drop it off, make it to my bus stop with minutes to spare uh take it to my job. Um I found out recently that they're changing this route. I found out from a bus driver. Um he handed me a map, a new map, and said, hey, they're changing the route. Um go ahead and if you don't like it, try and change it. Um the things that were disappointing with this is that this is a public bus route. Um, and the public wasn't allowed to weigh in on this decision. Um and it affects a lot of our lives. Uh you can see that on our petitions uh separately there's 20 plus individual signatures that oppose this decision. Um decision is happening really soon. It's uh November 4th, it's taking place. And we would ask that um our number one priority is that this bus route does not change. It's a very busy bus route, and it services a lot of people. Oh now the microphone's working. Wow. Um at the very least, to not get rid of the stops listed on my petition and my friend's petition here. Um so that those people can still make it to their jobs on time. Uh there is a concern that they're adding a significant amount of driving onto the bus route, and add commuting time to those people, even if they were to change the bus route, but um and keep the keep the existing stops on, but change it to greater length, it would increase commuting time. Um so uh yes, please do what you can to to fix this.

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