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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Rochester City Council Regular Session - October 21, 2024

City Council — Monday, October 21, 2024

BodyRochester, Minnesota

SessionCity Council

DateMonday, October 21, 2024

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:17:18

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:00

Recording in progress.

0:03

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

0:09

I pledge allegiance to deploy public, which it stands.

0:16

One nation under God, individual with liberty and justice for the welcome everyone to our city council meeting for October 21st.

0:32

Glad to have so many faces in the audience today.

0:36

Just note that we do take breaks every 90 to 120 minutes as we can between items.

0:41

We do have a lot of public hearings tonight, so we'll just keep plotting along, but we may take a break along the way.

0:46

With that, we begin every meeting with an open comment period.

0:49

This is a time for anyone who would like to speak on an item which is will not be taking public testimony on later in the agenda to have a chance to speak.

0:58

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

1:01

I'll be keeping track of time with this little stoplight here and the wall clock.

1:05

Uh so just know that if I am cutting you off, it's not because I don't want to hear what you have to say.

1:09

We just want to be respectful of everybody's time and make sure others have a chance to speak as well.

1:14

As always, I'd note that you address me as the presiding officer over the meeting and that we welcome your feedback and comments, but we ask that you deliver them respectfully.

1:23

I will use the use the list that the clerk has given me.

1:27

Um, but we may have additional time.

1:29

So if you didn't have a chance to sign up, then I will ask if any others would like to speak.

1:34

If you have materials to share with the council, the clerk is right over here, and she will take those and make sure that we receive them.

1:41

And if you would like, we don't follow up in real time with your comments, but if you'd like anyone to follow up, either from staff or council, please make sure that the clerk has your information.

1:50

Uh, just generally note that we um we do encourage you to speak to items that the council can specifically affect policy on.

2:00

All right, so I will go ahead and start with Rachel LaForge.

2:08

Please introduce yourself.

2:10

You have two minutes, and I think you know the drill.

2:12

Good evening, Council members, council president.

2:14

My name is Rachel LaForge.

2:16

Uh, my husband Joe is unable to attend tonight.

2:18

But we both want to extend our appreciation to the parks department.

2:22

They're quick to fix trail lights that are out.

2:24

They've responded quickly to downed trees during this past year's storm season.

2:28

The repathing of the eight and a half street southeast trails in the homestead park area has really improved the bicycle ride ability and the ongoing slatterly park improvements look great.

2:37

We look forward to more bike lanes and trails throughout Rochester, particularly north-south routes through downtown.

2:42

Also, we extend our appreciation to the adaptive recreation department.

2:46

Our son has really enjoyed the events, including swimming lessons like are going on right now.

2:50

I'd also like you to give a shout out to public works.

2:53

The protected left turn at 4th Street and 11th Avenue Southeast has improved traffic flow immensely.

2:58

I look forward to the roundabout near the OMC hospital and the mini roundabout that is coming to the Center Street and 11th Avenue Northeast intersection.

3:06

Perhaps both public works and parks could consider converting the current traffic light at 7th Street and 11th Avenue Northeast near Silver Lake Park into a roundabout as well, as they do improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

3:18

Thank you for all you do.

3:20

Thank you, Ms.

3:20

LaForge.

3:22

And that is actually after that long introduction.

3:24

That is actually all I have signed up.

3:26

Are there others who would like to speak this evening?

3:31

All right.

3:32

Well, we will close the open comment and officially call the meeting to order.

3:36

Clerk Geisler, please call the roll.

3:41

Councilmember Keene.

3:43

Here.

3:43

Councilmember Brandsford.

3:45

Here.

3:46

Councilmember Wall.

3:47

Councilmember Kirkpatrick.

3:50

Here.

3:50

Councilmember Palmer.

3:52

Here.

3:52

Councilmember Dennis.

3:54

Here.

3:54

Council President Carlson.

3:56

Here.

3:56

And Mayor Norton is absent.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Works███████████████████19%

Special Service District████████8%

Public Engagement████████8%

Public Hearings██████6%

Procedural█████5%

Zoning Regulations█████5%

Affordable Housing█████5%

Public Comment████4%

Urban Design████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Rochester City Council Regular Session - October 21, 2024

On October 21, 2024, the Rochester City Council met for a regular session at 6:00 PM in the Government Center Council Chamber. The council approved a consent agenda covering routine items, conducted nine public hearings, debated several reports and recommendations, and gave first readings to proposed ordinances on cannabis regulation and a medical overlay district. Key votes included approval of the 2025 Master Fee Schedule, $394,256 in Downtown Special Service District charges, two annexations totaling 86.74 acres, and a $3.445 million design contract for the Regional Sports & Recreation Complex.

Consent Calendar

Minutes of October 7, 2024 – Accepted as official record.
Appointments – Approved appointment of Gabriella Santos to the Sustainability and Resiliency Commission.
Parking Restriction Changes – Adopted Resolution 203-24 amending parking restrictions on various streets.
Accounts Payable – Approved total disbursements of $25,532,655.60.
2024 Third Quarter Budget Performance – Received and filed.
2024 Third Quarter Investment Performance – Received and filed.
Off-Site Gambling Permit – Authorized Rochester Elks Lodge 1091 to operate at Mayo Civic Center on November 22, 2024.
Public Hearings Set – Set November 18, 2024, for unpaid special charges, administrative citations, and utility charges.
Appointment of Fire Chief – Approved Mason Pooler as Fire Chief effective January 6, 2025.
2025 State Transit Funding – Adopted resolutions approving $14,342,100 in agreements with the State of Minnesota for public transit operations.
Bid Advertisement – Rochester Civic Theatre Roof Replacement – Authorized bids with opening November 15, 2024.
Contract Award – Bus Stop Improvements – Awarded $1,855,380.42 to Ti-Zack Concrete, LLC.
Amendment to Exclusive Negotiating Rights Agreement – Extended agreement with Sherman Associates by one year.
Rental Car Concession Agreements – Approved non-exclusive agreements with Avis Budget and Enterprise at RST Airport for 2025-2027.
Revocable Permits and Agreements – Approved permits for retaining wall (Reid) and Mayo Clinic stoop.
Septic/Sewer Connection Agreement – Authorized agreement with Jerris Prochazka Estate.
Development Agreement – Cassidy Farms First – Authorized with CF Development, LLC.
Storm Water Pond Agreement – Authorized conversion with Epic Hosting, LLC.
Design Contracts for Street Reconstruction – Authorized two contracts with WHKS ($57,060 and $76,510).
Contamination Cleanup Grant – Authorized application to Minnesota DEED.

Public Comments & Testimony

Open Comment Period – Rachel LaForge praised the Parks Department, Public Works for trail lights, repaving, and traffic improvements; expressed support for bike lanes and roundabouts.
Public Hearing G.2 (2025 Special Service District Charges) – Dan Litzinger (Riverfront Building owner) opposed the 4% increase, stating his property sees no benefit from the Downtown Special Service District and requested removal. He noted the building is for sale and has no tenants.
Public Hearing G.4 (Woodcrest Addition Final Plat) – Rob Sanborn asked about septic systems and stormwater drainage; the developer responded that infiltration basins direct water to 24th Avenue and that septic will be handled during grading.
Public Hearing G.7 (Prairie Ridge Major Land Subdivision) – Richard Cordie (Hathaway Tree Service owner) requested a vegetative or sound barrier between his commercial operation and proposed residential lots to mitigate noise and smoke from his incinerator.

Discussion Items

F.13 / H.3 (Bid Advertisement – ADA Improvements) – Councilmember Dennis pulled the item to discuss community engagement and transparency. City Engineer Dombrovski explained the project includes 23 ramp replacements funded by a state grant; a blind resident’s feedback led to inclusion of ramps on 9th St NW. Councilmember Dennis urged better outreach to disability communities. Approved unanimously.
F.19 / H.4 and F.20 / H.5 (Boulevard Tree Agreements for Woodcrest and Harvest West) – Councilmember Dennis asked about tree planting options. Staff explained the Unified Development Code requires boulevard trees; developers may install over time or pay the city. Councilmember Kirkpatrick expressed interest in a future “caliper-for-caliper” replacement policy for mature trees. Both agreements approved.
F.26 / H.6 (Design Contract – Regional Sports & Recreation Complex) – Councilmember Dennis pulled the item, requesting the bid amounts and rationale for selecting TSP + Kahler Slater ($3,445,400) over lower bids. Deputy Administrator Parrish noted four firms interviewed; the range was $3–4 million; the chosen firm was mid-range and best value. Councilmember Wall supported transparency; Councilmember Keene trusted staff. Approved 6-1 (Kirkpatrick nay).
H.1 (Objection to Inclusion in Downtown Special Service District) – Owner of 620 1st Ave SW sought removal, asserting no benefit. Josh Johnsen explained exemption would create a “donut hole” and shift costs to other properties. Council denied the objection 6-1 (Dennis nay), citing long-term development potential and collective benefit.
H.2 (Homestead Village Land Use Restrictive Covenants) – Amendment to allow 13 units at 80% AMI and 13 units at 100% AMI while keeping rents at 60% AMI levels, to address vacancy issues. Approved unanimously after council discussion about mixed-income housing.

Public Hearings

G.1 (2025 Master Fee Schedule) – Approved with minor adjustments; first reading set for November 4.
G.2 (2025 Special Service District Charges) – Adopted Resolution 213-24 authorizing $394,256 in charges for the Downtown SSD.
G.3 (Annual Rural Service District Review) – Adopted Resolution 214-24 removing two parcels that no longer qualify.
G.4 (Woodcrest Addition Final Plat) – Approved 3.15 acres into 8 residential lots (unanimous).
G.5 (Scenic Oaks West Third Final Plat) – Approved 60.06 acres into 46 lots and 3 outlots, 6-1 (Kirkpatrick nay).
G.6 (Highland Hills Townhomes Final Plat) – Approved 1.82 acres into 12 townhome lots (unanimous).
G.7 (Prairie Ridge Major Land Subdivision) – Approved 75.04 acres with 7 conditions, including 51 single-family lots, 250 townhome lots, and 3 multi-family parcels (unanimous).
G.8 (Annexation by Olmsted County – 36.84 acres) – Approved 6-1 (Dennis nay).
G.9 (Annexation by City of Rochester – 49.90 acres) – Approved 6-1 (Dennis nay).

Key Outcomes

Consent Agenda (block) – Approved F.1–F.12, F.14–F.18, F.21–F.25, F.27–F.29 (unanimous).
2025 Master Fee Schedule – Ordinance approved; first reading ordered for November 4.
2025 Special Service District Charges – $394,256 imposed (unanimous).
Rural Service District – Two parcels removed (unanimous).
Woodcrest Addition Final Plat – Approved with 3 conditions (unanimous).
Scenic Oaks West Third Final Plat – Approved with 1 condition (6-1).
Highland Hills Townhomes Final Plat – Approved with 1 condition (unanimous).
Prairie Ridge Major Land Subdivision – Approved with 7 conditions (unanimous).
Annexation CD2024-004ANX (Olmsted County) – Approved 6-1.
Annexation CD2024-005ANX (City of Rochester) – Approved 6-1.
Objection 620 1st Ave SW – Denied (6-1).
Homestead Village Covenant Amendment – Approved (unanimous).
ADA Improvements Bid Advertisement – Authorized (unanimous).
Boulevard Tree Agreements – Approved for Woodcrest and Harvest West (unanimous).
Regional Sports & Recreation Complex Design Contract – Approved with TSP + Kahler Slater for $3,445,400 (6-1).
First Readings – Received and filed proposed cannabis ordinance amendments and Medical Overlay District text amendments.
Adjournment – Approved 6-1 (Dennis nay) at approximately 8:30 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Recording in progress. Please please rise as you're able for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to deploy public, which it stands. One nation under God, individual with liberty and justice for the welcome everyone to our city council meeting for October 21st. Glad to have so many faces in the audience today. Just note that we do take breaks every 90 to 120 minutes as we can between items. We do have a lot of public hearings tonight, so we'll just keep plotting along, but we may take a break along the way. With that, we begin every meeting with an open comment period. This is a time for anyone who would like to speak on an item which is will not be taking public testimony on later in the agenda to have a chance to speak. Each person has up to two minutes for a total of up to 20 minutes. I'll be keeping track of time with this little stoplight here and the wall clock. Uh so just know that if I am cutting you off, it's not because I don't want to hear what you have to say. We just want to be respectful of everybody's time and make sure others have a chance to speak as well. As always, I'd note that you address me as the presiding officer over the meeting and that we welcome your feedback and comments, but we ask that you deliver them respectfully. I will use the use the list that the clerk has given me. Um, but we may have additional time. So if you didn't have a chance to sign up, then I will ask if any others would like to speak. If you have materials to share with the council, the clerk is right over here, and she will take those and make sure that we receive them. And if you would like, we don't follow up in real time with your comments, but if you'd like anyone to follow up, either from staff or council, please make sure that the clerk has your information. Uh, just generally note that we um we do encourage you to speak to items that the council can specifically affect policy on. All right, so I will go ahead and start with Rachel LaForge. Please introduce yourself. You have two minutes, and I think you know the drill. Good evening, Council members, council president. My name is Rachel LaForge. Uh, my husband Joe is unable to attend tonight. But we both want to extend our appreciation to the parks department. They're quick to fix trail lights that are out. They've responded quickly to downed trees during this past year's storm season. The repathing of the eight and a half street southeast trails in the homestead park area has really improved the bicycle ride ability and the ongoing slatterly park improvements look great. We look forward to more bike lanes and trails throughout Rochester, particularly north-south routes through downtown. Also, we extend our appreciation to the adaptive recreation department. Our son has really enjoyed the events, including swimming lessons like are going on right now. I'd also like you to give a shout out to public works. The protected left turn at 4th Street and 11th Avenue Southeast has improved traffic flow immensely. I look forward to the roundabout near the OMC hospital and the mini roundabout that is coming to the Center Street and 11th Avenue Northeast intersection. Perhaps both public works and parks could consider converting the current traffic light at 7th Street and 11th Avenue Northeast near Silver Lake Park into a roundabout as well, as they do improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Thank you for all you do. Thank you, Ms. LaForge. And that is actually after that long introduction. That is actually all I have signed up. Are there others who would like to speak this evening? All right. Well, we will close the open comment and officially call the meeting to order. Clerk Geisler, please call the roll. Councilmember Keene. Here. Councilmember Brandsford. Here.

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