OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Rochester City Council Regular Session – December 9, 2024

City Council — Monday, December 9, 2024
BodyRochester, Minnesota
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, December 9, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:19

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

0:26

I pledge it for the United States of America.

0:31

And to the Republic for which it stands.

0:34

One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty.

0:51

Thank you.

1:21

All right, welcome everyone to our last city council meeting of 2024.

1:25

Great to have you all here with us this evening for December 9th.

1:30

And we are going to start us off with open comment as we always do, but just a reminder before we begin that we take breaks every 90 to 120 minutes between items.

1:41

So for open comment, this is an opportunity for anyone from the public who would like to speak on an item that we will not be taking public testimony on during a public hearing later in the agenda.

1:52

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

1:55

I'll be keeping track of time through a variety of methods.

1:58

This little stoplight here and the clock on the wall.

2:01

Just know that if I interrupt you, it's only because we need to make sure everybody else has a chance to speak.

2:19

But if you would like anyone from staff or council to respond, please make sure that Clerk Geisler has your information.

2:25

Additionally, if you have any materials that you would like council to receive, please do give those to the clerk and she will make sure that we receive them.

2:32

You'll be invited to uh speak in the order that you've signed up.

2:35

I have a list here, and just general reminder that we encourage you to limit comments generally to topics that the city can has an ability to affect policy.

2:45

All right, I will go ahead and get started with open comment and call Rachel LaForge up.

2:52

Welcome.

2:52

You have two minutes.

2:53

Please introduce yourself.

2:55

Thank you.

2:56

I'm Rachel LaFord, it's resident of Rochester.

2:58

Uh Council Presidents, Council members, and city staff.

3:01

Thank you all for your service this past year.

3:03

You have a really difficult job of balancing the competing needs of a lot of different stakeholders.

3:08

This role is demanding of your time, your effort, and your energy, and I appreciate your work.

3:13

I wish those of you who are leaving luck in your future endeavors, and for those of you whose terms can continue, hope for the years ahead.

3:33

If one reviews years of council minutes, as I have done, you will read account after account of how much the local levies for county, city, and school district impact the finances of Rochester residents, and how little has changed as far as the local government aid formula.

3:48

I have spoken to several of my state-level elected officials, and unfortunately, not all of them agree that a formula update is necessary.

4:11

After all, you are the ones who answer most directly to your voters.

4:15

Thank you.

4:16

Thank you, Ms.

4:17

LaForge.

4:19

Adam Busby.

4:29

Good evening.

4:30

Um it's been two years now since I've been coming to City Council this month.

4:35

And um, I've learned some things.

4:37

I've learned that I would never want your jobs.

4:41

It's something I'm not well suited for.

4:44

Um I've learned that uh and I'm working on it to try to temper my deliverance of my message.

4:52

Um I have never intentionally um been harsh.

4:57

I am very passionate about my job.

5:00

Um, I just wanted to let you all know that are leaving us farewell, and I've enjoyed getting to know you all, and I appreciate the work you've done, whether it's um helping us get bathroom access and those kind of things.

5:13

I appreciate the work that you do.

5:15

It's a very tough job.

5:17

I couldn't imagine sitting up there and taking the arrow sometimes, sometimes deserved, maybe sometimes not.

5:24

But I do appreciate you and thank you for your time.

5:26

Thank you, Mr.

5:27

Busby.

5:30

Brad Trahan.

5:40

Council President Carlson, members of the City Council, administrators.

5:43

My name is Brad Tran, residing at 2570 Clean Lean Cleaning Lane Northeast and Ward 5.

5:48

This past Saturday, with the support of community businesses, a group of community members organized the first ever winter lighted parade in Rochester's 170 year history.

5:57

Downtown Dazzlefield, magic of the season.

5:59

We spent the last year in planning.

6:01

Our committee had many ambitions and goals, but we decided to focus on one primary objective a successful parade.

6:07

We define successes, ensuring safety, spreading joy and happiness, and boost and boosting business activity in our downtown.

6:13

After the parade, I checked my watch to see how how long the parade last it was one hour.

6:17

I also noticed on my phone that I had 87 text messages based on everything I've seen, read and direct messages from community members.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement████████████████████20%
Legislative Advocacy████████████████████20%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Community Development Block Grant████████8%
Affordable Housing██████6%
Airport Operations██████6%
Tax Increment Financing████4%
Public Works████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Rochester City Council Regular Session – December 9, 2024

This was the final City Council meeting of 2024, held on December 9, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Government Center Council Chamber. The council acted on a large consent agenda, conducted five public hearings, adopted 2025 legislative priorities and a bonding resolution, and approved a memorandum opposing a proposed Olmsted County land-use plan amendment. The meeting also included appreciations for outgoing council members and open comment from residents.

Open Comment Period

  • Rachel LaForge thanked the council for their service and urged stronger advocacy for updating the Local Government Aid formula, noting that state-level officials do not all agree a change is needed.
  • Adam Buzbee thanked outgoing council members and expressed appreciation for city efforts such as improved bathroom access.
  • Brad Traman (Downtown Dazzle) reported on the first-ever winter lighted parade on December 7, 2024, describing it as a huge success with packed streets and positive community feedback. He thanked the city, police, fire, and volunteers.
  • Wes Lund called for lower property taxes, citing increases from city levy, school bonding, and sales tax, and requested a report on Mayor Norton’s travel expenses related to the World Economic Forum and National League of Cities.
  • Casey McGregor urged the council not to remove Councilmember Dennis, questioned the 3% merit increase for the City Administrator, and criticized the ranking of electric vehicle charging stations as the top legislative priority.
  • Loring Stead (resident, 217 14th Ave SW) asked for gradual tax increases (5–6% instead of a possible 10%) and highlighted the burden on fixed-income residents.
  • Jeff Derby argued for fiscal conservatism, questioned the city’s debt approach, and urged that city projects reflect the will of the people.

Consent Calendar

  • Accounts Payable (Dec. 9, 2024): Approved total disbursements of $10,601,650.19 (no investment purchases).
  • Minutes (Nov. 13, 2024 Canvassing Board): Accepted as official record.
  • 2025 Election Polling Locations: Adopted Resolution No. 245-24 designating polling places.
  • Premises Permit – Rochester Juvenile Hockey Association at Lucky’s Bar and Grill: Adopted Resolution No. 246-24.
  • Parking Time Limit Changes: Adopted Resolution No. 247-24 amending the Comprehensive Traffic and Parking Resolution Book based on the Parking System Evaluation and Rate Study.
  • Parking Agreement with GH Holdings, LLC for 318 Commons: Adopted Resolution No. 248-24.
  • 2025-27 Non-Exempt/Non-Contract Meet & Confer Terms: Adopted Resolution No. 249-24.
  • 2025-27 Department Head Meet & Confer Terms: Adopted Resolution No. 250-24.
  • Preliminary Approval for Conduit Revenue Bonds for Affordable Housing: Adopted Resolutions No. 251-24 (DevCo Preservation), 252-24 (Onward Civic Center Drive Phase I), 253-24 (Onward Civic Center Drive Phase II), and 254-24 (Lincoln Avenue Communities).
  • Rochester Technology Campus AUAR Scoping Document: Adopted Final Order and Record of Decision.
  • Service Agreement with Eagleview/Pictometry (Aerial Photography 2025–2030): Authorized $97,350 per year and a cost-sharing MOU with Olmsted County.
  • Fire Department SCBA Air Paks: Authorized $613,084.50 for 90 new Scott SCBA units.
  • Revocable Permits with Mayo Clinic (North Parking Ramp): Authorized two permits for an overhead canopy, pedestrian tunnel, and private improvements in the right-of-way.
  • 2025 DMCC Capital Budget Amendment: Adopted Resolution No. 255-24 adding $1.6 million for Bold. Forward. Unbound. infrastructure.
  • Coordination Agreement with Mayo Clinic for Infrastructure Improvements: Authorized.
  • VOTER Account Agreement (2024 Election): Adopted Resolution No. 256-24 to receive $21,698.86 from the Secretary of State.
  • DBET Phase 2 Budget Amendment & CMAR Contract: Authorized a budget increase from $22,900,000 to $25,528,810 and a $6,862,071 GMP amendment with Kraus Anderson Construction.
  • Items Pulled for Discussion: F.9 (City Administrator Merit Adjustment), F.12 (City-Owner Contract for 15kV Distribution/Tunnels – moved to Reports), and F.21 (Memorandum Opposing County GLUP Amendment – moved to Reports).

Discussion Items

  • City Administrator Merit Adjustment (F.9): After suspending rules to protect confidentiality (Minnesota Data Practices Act), the council approved the summary of performance review and authorized a 3% merit increase. Vote: 6-1 (Molly Dennis dissenting).
  • City-Owner Contract (H.2, previously F.12): Authorized a City-Owner contract for Project No. J5625 (15kV distribution, tunnels, pedestrian tunnel) and a professional technical services contract with WSB LLC for $271,377. Councilmember Palmer clarified that the pedestrian tunnel runs from the future Osman hospital site north to the former Lueard site, and electrical duct banks are separate. The project is coordinated with future BRT construction.
  • Memorandum Opposing Olmsted County GLUP Text Amendment (H.3, previously F.21): Unanimously adopted Resolution No. 257-24 opposing the county’s proposed amendment that would eliminate the requirement for city approval of county land-use plan amendments within the Urban Service Area. The city’s resolution calls for delegation of authority, clear process, evaluation criteria, and continued collaboration. Councilmembers emphasized that the change would undermine long-term infrastructure planning and housing affordability.

Public Hearings

  • G.1 – Growth Management Map Amendment (Danielson Farms/Stark Enterprises): Approved Resolution No. 258-24 to amend 27.1 acres from “Urban Expansion Beyond 2050” to “Near Term Urban Expansion.” The applicant described plans for low-density rental housing (330 units). Public comment raised concerns about traffic on 18th Ave NW. The council noted the need for owner-occupied housing as well. Vote: unanimous.
  • G.2 – Annexation Petition (Danielson Family Farms): Approved annexation of 67.77 acres and zoning change to Low-Density Residential (R-2), directing the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance for first reading. Vote: unanimous.
  • G.3 – Vacation Petition (City of Rochester): Adopted Resolution No. 259-24 vacating right-of-way and utility easements for Morris Rd NE to support a future parks and forestry facility. Vote: unanimous.
  • G.4 – Final Plat (Pennington Business Park 9th Subdivision): Adopted Resolution No. 260-24 approving resubdivision of five lots into one 11.58-acre parcel. Vote: unanimous.
  • G.5 – Second Amendment to 2024 CDBG Action Plan: Approved reallocation of funds for three activities: affordable housing planning (position at Housing Coalition), $120,000 for demolition at Bob’s Trailer Park (recoverable), and tree removal assistance for income-qualified property owners. Vote: unanimous.

Reports and Recommendations

  • 2025 Legislative Priorities and Bonding Resolution (H.1): Unanimously adopted the 2025 City of Rochester Legislative Priorities and Resolution No. 261-24 supporting state capital investment priorities in ranked order: 1) Airport Solar Covered Parking and EV Charging Stations, 2) Sewer Infrastructure Investments for Housing Opportunities, 3) Riverfront Redevelopment Planning. Councilmember Dennis’s motion to reorder (sewer first, then riverfront, then airport) failed for lack of a second. The council discussed feasibility, urgency, and the need to maintain momentum for the airport project while also advancing housing infrastructure.

Ordinance Readings

  • First Reading (J.1): Text Amendment No. CD2024-002TA to amend various areas of the Unified Development Code was received and filed.
  • Second Reading (K.1): Ordinance amending Sections 2-18-1 and 2-18-4 (Downtown Special Service District) was adopted as Ordinance No. 4551. Vote: unanimous.

Other Business

  • EDA Actions: The council recessed for the Rochester Economic Development Authority meeting, then adopted the EDA’s actions (Resolutions No. 262-24 through 265-24).
  • Councilmember Farewells: Councilmembers Molly Dennis, Mark Bransford, Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick, and Council President Brooke Carlson were recognized for their service. Each offered closing remarks, and Councilmember Patrick Keane thanked them for their contributions.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved (items F.1–F.8, F.10–F.11, F.13–F.20) with F.9, F.12, and F.21 handled separately.
  • City Administrator merit increase approved 6-1.
  • Growth Management Map Amendment approved (27.1 acres reclassified).
  • Annexation of 67.77 acres approved (R-2 zoning).
  • Right-of-way vacation approved (Morris Rd NE).
  • Final plat approved (Pennington Business Park 9th Subdivision).
  • CDBG Action Plan amendment approved.
  • 2025 Legislative Priorities and Bonding Resolution adopted (ranked order as presented).
  • City-Owner contract for 15kV/tunnel project authorized.
  • Memorandum opposing Olmsted County GLUP amendment adopted (Resolution No. 257-24).
  • Downtown Special Service District ordinance adopted (second reading).
  • Text amendment (UDC) received and filed (first reading).

Meeting Transcript

Please rise as you're able for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge it for the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty. Thank you. All right, welcome everyone to our last city council meeting of 2024. Great to have you all here with us this evening for December 9th. And we are going to start us off with open comment as we always do, but just a reminder before we begin that we take breaks every 90 to 120 minutes between items. So for open comment, this is an opportunity for anyone from the public who would like to speak on an item that we will not be taking public testimony on during a public hearing later in the agenda. Each person has up to two minutes to speak for a total of 20 minutes. I'll be keeping track of time through a variety of methods. This little stoplight here and the clock on the wall. Just know that if I interrupt you, it's only because we need to make sure everybody else has a chance to speak. But if you would like anyone from staff or council to respond, please make sure that Clerk Geisler has your information. Additionally, if you have any materials that you would like council to receive, please do give those to the clerk and she will make sure that we receive them. You'll be invited to uh speak in the order that you've signed up. I have a list here, and just general reminder that we encourage you to limit comments generally to topics that the city can has an ability to affect policy. All right, I will go ahead and get started with open comment and call Rachel LaForge up. Welcome. You have two minutes. Please introduce yourself. Thank you. I'm Rachel LaFord, it's resident of Rochester. Uh Council Presidents, Council members, and city staff. Thank you all for your service this past year. You have a really difficult job of balancing the competing needs of a lot of different stakeholders. This role is demanding of your time, your effort, and your energy, and I appreciate your work. I wish those of you who are leaving luck in your future endeavors, and for those of you whose terms can continue, hope for the years ahead. If one reviews years of council minutes, as I have done, you will read account after account of how much the local levies for county, city, and school district impact the finances of Rochester residents, and how little has changed as far as the local government aid formula. I have spoken to several of my state-level elected officials, and unfortunately, not all of them agree that a formula update is necessary. After all, you are the ones who answer most directly to your voters. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. LaForge. Adam Busby. Good evening. Um it's been two years now since I've been coming to City Council this month. And um, I've learned some things. I've learned that I would never want your jobs. It's something I'm not well suited for. Um I've learned that uh and I'm working on it to try to temper my deliverance of my message. Um I have never intentionally um been harsh. I am very passionate about my job. Um, I just wanted to let you all know that are leaving us farewell, and I've enjoyed getting to know you all, and I appreciate the work you've done, whether it's um helping us get bathroom access and those kind of things. I appreciate the work that you do. It's a very tough job. I couldn't imagine sitting up there and taking the arrow sometimes, sometimes deserved, maybe sometimes not. But I do appreciate you and thank you for your time. Thank you, Mr. Busby.

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