Rochester City Council Regular Session - May 19, 2025
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Rochester City Council Regular Session - May 19, 2025
The Rochester City Council convened on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. for a regular session. The meeting included a consent calendar, three public hearings, a discussion on potential 2026 state bonding priorities, several pulled consent items, and concluded with an executive session on threatened litigation. Key actions included approval of a major land subdivision and annexation (Badger Heights), a contentious vote to approve municipal consent for the Broadway Avenue South/Trunk Highway 14 intersection improvement project (4-3), and approval of travel budget overages for two council members.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the minutes of the May 5, 2025, meeting.
- Approved accounts payable for May 19, 2025, totaling $19,747,264.52, including $10,147,309.18 in investment purchases and $9,599,955.34 in accounts payable.
- Approved annual gambling permits for Rochester Elks Lodge at Lucky's M & J LLC and Rochester Elks Lodge 1091.
- Approved the forWARD Neighborhood Park Concert Series as a community festival.
- Approved Mayoral appointments of Valerie Wassmer to the Heritage Preservation Commission and Lisa Ross to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Approved out-of-state travel and training for Mayor Norton to attend the Harvard-Kennedy School Executive Education Series.
- Approved the award of a $7,500 USPCA / AKC K9 Cop Grant.
- Approved the Fire Service Contract with Cascade, Haverhill, Marion, and Rochester Townships.
- Approved a state grant of $18,528 for airport snow removal equipment.
- Approved several city-owner contracts and professional technical services agreements for Hadley Creek Estates, Hadley Creek Bridge, Marion Bus 10/11 Feeder Extension, Link BRT rebar procurement (ABC Coating, Inc., $113,650), reconstruction of 17 1/2 St NW (S L Contracting, Inc.), 2025 Stormwater Catch Basin Rehabilitation (Alcon Excavating, Inc., $389,966.38), Mayo Civic Center volleyball court replacement (Gerflor USA, $155,628), and the 2026 Joint Powers Agreement with Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.
- Authorized a revocable permit with Mayo Clinic for electrical duct bank and pedestrian tunnel within city right-of-way.
- Authorized resubmission of the 2024 DMC Certification of Contributions.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Tom Schmidt opposed agenda item F8 (Councilmember travel budget overage), urging council to stay within budget as a leadership example.
- Larissa Mortonson (member of 319 union) spoke in support of part-time library workers, stating projected budget overruns in part-time hours threaten jobs and disproportionately affect people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color.
- Linda Smith expressed frustration with parking meter changes (from 30 minutes to 3 hours), construction downtown, and parking challenges for customers and businesses.
- Michael Woj (Med City Meander organizer) thanked city staff (Kelly Peterson and Ben Bolt) for assistance with event routing amid construction, noting 800 participants expected.
- Audrey Gomez (ATU) read a statement from a bus driver who quit, describing a crash incident and calling for the return of the union representative to improve driver safety and morale.
Public Hearing: Major Land Subdivision (G1) & Annexation (G2) – Badger Heights
Staff presented a request by North Rock Real Estate to subdivide 33.56 acres into 84 residential lots and two outlots (Badger Heights), with access from 50th Avenue and Valley High Drive. The property is proposed for annexation and zoning R2/R3 consistent with the land use plan. The Planning Commission recommended approval with 10 conditions. Applicant Jeff Brown (North Rock Real Estate) agreed with the conditions. No public testimony was offered.
- Councilmember Keene clarified the procedural distinction between the major land subdivision (conceptual step) and the final plat (requires annexation).
- Councilmember Wall commended the developer for community trust, noting only one resident attended the neighborhood information meeting.
Key Outcome:
- G1 (Major Land Subdivision) approved unanimously with 10 conditions.
- G2 (Annexation) approved unanimously.
Public Hearing: Municipal Consent for Broadway/Highway 14 Intersection Improvement (G3)
City staff and MnDOT presented the $19.5 million project to reconstruct the intersection of Broadway Avenue South and US Highway 14 (12th St SE/SW). The project includes smart channels, raised crosswalks, a 10-foot shared-use path, and addition of dual left-turn lanes on Highway 14 (increasing crossing distance by 4 feet). The city's share is approximately $5.7 million plus engineering and potential contaminated material costs. The municipal consent hearing was required due to a change in access at First Avenue SE (converting to one-way northbound).
Public Testimony (six speakers, all opposed to the design with dual left-turn lanes):
- Laurel Podulke Smith (Olmsted County Commissioner, District 1) urged denial, stating the dual left-turn lane adds 10 feet to crossing distance and prioritizes vehicle speed over pedestrian safety.
- Adam Busby (ATU 105) expressed concern about traffic being dumped into future dedicated transit lanes.
- Lee Schneider said the extra turn lanes make the intersection less safe for people walking or rolling.
- Aaron Meadow argued the design creates a less safe, more obstructive intersection inconsistent with transit-oriented development and MnDOT's safe systems approach.
- Luke Doske noted the intersection is already poor for pedestrians and the added lanes increase crossing time.
- Michael Wojcik (Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota) requested denial, stating the design is inconsistent with city policies, induces demand, and prioritizes speed over safety. He noted the city's design speed would be 30 mph, but MnDOT's design does not achieve safe speeds for pedestrians.
- Greg Wright (Olmsted County Commissioner) warned the project would divide the city north-south and hinder pedestrian access to Graham Park.
- Marty Cormac opposed the extra turn lane and urged rejection, advocating for eventual rerouting of Highway 14 out of South Rochester.
Discussion:
- Tom Austin (MnDOT) defended the dual left-turn lanes as necessary for intersection efficiency, allowing more green time for pedestrians and eliminating conflicts with left-turning vehicles. He stated the design is for 30 mph but state statute requires a post-project speed study to change the speed limit. He emphasized the extra 4 feet of crossing is offset by reduced crossing distance on Broadway and phasing that gives pedestrians longer crossing time.
- City Engineer Dylan Dombrowski confirmed the city supports the design, believing it will be safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. He noted the signal will prohibit left turns when pedestrians are crossing.
- Councilmember Keene questioned the basis for traffic projections, noting the traffic model did not account for potential mode shift or the city's VMT reduction goals.
- Councilmember Miller expressed concern that the project prioritizes efficiency (peak-hour volume) over safety and long-term compatibility with transit-oriented development. He noted that if delayed two years, a different, safer design might emerge under updated statewide policies.
- Councilmember Palmer argued the project is a significant improvement over the current dangerous intersection and trusted staff's recommendation.
- Councilmember Wall stated the project improves safety for all users based on city engineer testimony.
Vote: The resolution to approve the geometric layout was adopted 4-3. Ayes: Keene, Wall, Fredericks, Palmer. Nays: Miller, Doring, Schuberg.
Discussion Item: Potential 2026 State Bonding Priorities (H1)
Deputy Administrator Aaron Parrish presented a list of potential bonding priorities for the 2026 state capital investment bill. Projects included:
- Airport infrastructure and solar/covered parking (top priority, reliant on bonding)
- Sewer infrastructure for housing opportunities (received receptivity)
- Riverfront redevelopment (design phase)
- Third Avenue SE street and sewer upgrades
- South Broadway/Civic Center Drive gateway design
- Law enforcement training facilities
Councilmembers provided feedback:
- Support for sewer infrastructure for housing (multiple members)
- Interest in riverfront planning but noted challenges with DMC perception and competition
- Councilmember Palmer proposed a mental health facility; staff noted state has funded similar projects
- Councilmember Wall suggested bonding for downtown revitalization; staff cited existing models (historic district)
- Councilmember Schuberg raised the Chateau Theater (100th anniversary) as a potential project
- Councilmember Fredericks emphasized needs for housing and law enforcement training
- Councilmember Keene highlighted the need for readiness and 50% local match; favored airport parking and sewer infrastructure
- Councilmember Miller suggested regional trail connections and coordination with the county
- Councilmember Doring proposed library facilities as a bonding opportunity
No formal action was taken; feedback will be incorporated for a resolution at the June 2, 2025 meeting.
Pulled Consent Items: Travel and Training (F7, F8)
F7 (Mayor Norton out-of-state travel): Approved unanimously after discussion.
F8 (Councilmember travel budget overages for Doering and Miller): Councilmember Palmer opposed, arguing council should stay within budget as a leadership example. Councilmember Fredericks offered to contribute unused training funds to support newer members. Councilmember Keene noted the overall $15,000 budget (adopted in 2024) is not exceeded by these overages. The motion passed 5-1-1 (Palmer nay, Doring abstain).
Ordinance First and Second Readings
- J1: First reading of a zoning map amendment (LI to SI) for 55.48 acres near Broadway Ave N and East River Rd NE. Received and filed.
- K1: Second reading of an annexation ordinance for 28.84 acres (Bigelow Homes, LLC) – adopted.
Other Business
- Recessed to Rochester EDA meeting; subsequently adopted the EDA findings.
Executive Session
- The council moved into closed session (13D.05 Subd. 3(b)) to discuss threatened litigation related to transportation infrastructure fees. The session was limited to legal consultation; no action was taken.
Key Outcomes
- Approved Badger Heights major land subdivision and annexation (both unanimous).
- Approved municipal consent for Broadway/Highway 14 intersection improvement (4-3).
- Approved out-of-state travel for Mayor Norton (unanimous) and travel budget overages for two council members (5-1-1).
- Received and filed zoning map amendment first reading; adopted annexation ordinance second reading.
- Adjourned to closed session for threatened litigation discussion.
Meeting Transcript
Please rise as you're able for the Pledge of Allegiance. I plead allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, indivisible liberty, and justice for all. Welcome everybody to the May 19th, 2025 City Council meeting. We begin every meeting with the open comment period. This is an opportunity for anyone from the public to speak on items on which we will not be taking public testimony during a public hearing later this in the agenda. Each person has up to two minutes to speak for a total of 20 minutes. I will be keeping track of time through a few methods. First the timer clock up here, the one in red, and then the stoplight here. And so please know that I may need to cut you off. Because of the limited time, we want to be sure that others have an opportunity to speak. And I'd also request that each speaker be concise to allow more people to speak during the designated time. Participants are further encouraged to limit comments generally to topics that are within the scope and jurisdiction of the council's ability to affect policy. Council members and staff do not respond to your comments during public comment, but will instead follow up on any specific requests separately. If you have any materials to share with the council, you may give them to the city clerk clerk's office over here to distribute. And at this time you will be invited up to speak in the order of which you signed up. First on our list is Tom Schmidt. Welcome, and you have two minutes. There you go. Okay. All right. Specifically like to reference uh agenda item number F eight, which is a request for an extension of travel budget from by some of the council members. Um would uh ask that uh this item be given um next uh consideration. Uh the council uh council members are given a budget for the travel and asking for an extension is going over the budget and city uh city departments and all of us, you know, we can't go over budget, so uh ask the council kind of as a leadership role, so uh keep themselves within the budget. And as such, uh poll F8 discussion, uh hopefully denial, and as a way as a way of kind of uh enforcing uh discipline uh in terms of budget manager by the something the council members can do personally. All right, thank you for your time. Thank you. Uh next up we have uh Loris Mortonson. I probably messed up your first name there. Larissa. Larissa. Uh okay. I think it's already on. All right. All right. Good evening, City Council. Um I'm a member of 319, um, and I'm here in support of uh my part-time library co-workers as well as the community uh who relies on these services that the same co-workers uh work hard to provide. Um as a reminder from the last open comment period, um it has been projected that the library will be over budget in their part-time hours, which jeopardizes these city workers' total hours and their jobs as a whole. Um these are people who every day are working hard to get the books and other materials in the hands of library users, uh community members, and your constituents. Um we are uh and um they are integral to uh library operations and losing them uh would be felt. Uh we are a community with many diverse backgrounds. Uh the city workforce should also reflect this diversity. Many folks who are most at risk of their hours being disrupted are people with disabilities, people with 2S LGBTQIA plus identities, and people of color. Many folks who are most at risk of their hours being disrupted are people with disabilities, people with 2S LGBTQIA plus identities, and people of color, losing their perspectives and labor will not help make the city more welcoming to all. Finally, at a time when our community wants more from the library, and when the city considers itself a community forget focused organization, I feel strongly that allowing these hours to be cut is not the solution. Uh part-time hours are vital, and I want solutions that allow the city to help the community more and not less. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Next up, we have Linda Smith. Hello.
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