Public Meetings - Rochester, Minnesota

The Rochester Public Utility (RPU) Board convened at 4:00 p.m. on February 18, 2026, to discuss bids for medium voltage cable, a cost responsibility agreement with Mayo Clinic, water demand forecasts, an advanced metering project update, and the financial impacts of a recent winter storm. The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the January 27, 2026, RPU Board meeting. - Approved accounts payable totaling $11,892,701.49 for the period 01/10/2026 to 02/08/2026. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted. Discussion Items - Safety Moment: Safety Manager Bob Cooke noted that February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day and emphasized that kindness in the workplace is a strong safety tool, encouraging actions like reminding coworkers about PPE or pointing out hazards. - Consideration of Bids (Item 4.A): RPU approved a resolution to accept bids from RESCO, IRBY, and Border States Electric for stock medium voltage underground cable. The purchase will be from the low apparent bidder per item, subject to delivery quantity tolerance and metals price escalation/de-escalation at time of shipment. Steven Cook, Supervisor of Engineering - T&D, presented and noted that final prices may fluctuate with copper and aluminum market prices. - Agreement for Electric Facilities Dedicated to Serving Mayo Clinic (Item 5.A): Board Member Brett Gorden recused himself due to a potential conflict of interest and left the room for the discussion and vote. Manager of Electrical Engineering Randy Anderton presented a review of the Marion Road substation project (initiated in 2008, completed under budget of $10 million) and explained the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mayo Clinic. The MOU replaces legacy cost responsibility agreements and establishes clear responsibility for future repair, replacement, and upgrade costs for electric facilities dedicated to Mayo Clinic. The agreement is designed to protect other ratepayers from bearing the costs of Mayo’s redundant and excess capacity infrastructure. Discussion included clarification that the MOU covers all dedicated Mayo facilities (including those at Crosstown and IBM substations) and that RPU retains operational and maintenance control. The Board approved the resolution 4-0-1 (Gorden recused). - Water Demand Forecast for Master Planning (Item 6.A): Assistant General Manager Todd Blomstrom presented a technical memorandum projecting water demand through 2065. Two methods were used: per capita demand and land-use-based consumption. Average day demand is forecast to rise from 14.5 to 20 million gallons per day (MGD), and peak day demand from 30 to 42 MGD – a 25–30% increase. The forecast coordinates with the city’s comprehensive plan, the sewer master plan, and the regional transportation plan. It includes a 100-year drought scenario and factors in conservation assumptions. The study area covers all of Olmsted County and portions of adjacent counties due to groundwater model requirements, and it engages other municipalities that share the Jordan aquifer. A moratorium on new municipal Jordan wells is in effect for all communities. Board members expressed concerns that Rochester might bear disproportionate study costs and growth constraints, but staff confirmed the DNR indicated the moratorium applies regionally. - Advanced Metering Project Update (Item 6.B): Director of Power Delivery Scott Nickels provided an update on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. A pilot with 500 electric and 50 water meters began in January 2026; the first bill cycle completed on February 11th. A three-month pilot is testing key performance indicators (read rate, latency, billing accuracy, cybersecurity, network coverage, etc.). If successful, mass deployment will start in April 2026, with electric meter changeouts over two years and water meter changeouts over three years (approximately 60,000 electric and 40,000 water meters). Westco is the primary contractor; RPU will handle complex or hard-to-reach sites. Key risks include inoperable water valves (estimated 5%) and broken meter sockets (estimated 2.5%). Customer communications are planned, and commercials have been produced. The project is under budget with contingency remaining. - Board Policy Review (Item 7.A): General Manager Timothy McCollough proposed forming an ad hoc committee to develop a new RPU Financial Policies document, working in parallel with the city’s financial policy update. Board members Wendy Turri and Malachi McNeilus volunteered to serve on the committee. - General Manager’s Report (Item 8.A): McCollough reported on the financial impact of Winter Storm Fern (January 22–27, 2026). The Sherco Unit 3 (a SIMPA generation asset) was unavailable for three days due to ice accumulation on transmission lines and subsequent startup failures, requiring replacement energy purchased at high market prices. The estimated wholesale cost impact to RPU (41% SIMPA member) is about $4.1 million. SIMPA has a self-insurance fund that provided partial mitigation ($500,000, leaving $400,000). The Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA) is capped at two cents per kWh; the first charge (2 cents) will appear on customer bills in March, totaling $4.6 million for SIMPA with RPU’s share at $1.8 million. An additional $5.4 million in January costs may be recovered either through two more months of ECA charges or by drawing down SIMPA cash reserves. McCollough recommended drawing from reserves to limit customer bill impacts. The SIMPA board will decide in March. - Division Reports & Metrics (Item 9.A): No questions or discussion. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (Items 3.A & 3.B): Approved unanimously. - Bid Acceptance (Item 4.A): Resolution approved unanimously. - Mayo Clinic Agreement (Item 5.A): Resolution approved 4-0-1 (Brett Gorden recused). Agreement will be presented to the Rochester Common Council for concurrence. - Financial Policy Ad Hoc Committee: Board members Wendy Turri and Malachi McNeilus appointed to the committee; General Manager McCollough will lead the effort, targeting a draft for board consideration in the second quarter of 2026. - AMI Pilot: Continues through March 2026; mass deployment expected to begin in April 2026 if KPIs are met. - Energy Cost Adjustment: Customers will see a 2-cent/kWh ECA charge on March bills; an additional $5.4 million cost may be spread over two more months or absorbed by SIMPA reserves pending a March board decision. - Meeting Adjourned: 5:35 p.m.

The Sustainability and Resiliency Commission (SRC) met on February 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall Room 104. The meeting included a detailed presentation on the new Healthy Air and Homes Initiative (now publicly branded as Healthy Home Helpers), an update on the Natural Gas Franchise Fee community engagement process, and the appointment of members to write the 2026 Sustainability Spotlight articles. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Approve January Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously (6 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the open comment period. Discussion Items - Healthy Air and Homes Initiative (Healthy Home Helpers): Sustainability staff presented a new program launching spring 2026. The initiative aims to improve indoor air quality, lower utility costs, and increase home safety/energy efficiency through three components: workforce development (hiring limited-term navigators), provision of healthy home and energy kits (including radon test kits, smoke detectors, LED bulbs, weatherization supplies), and in-home consultations. The program targets census tracts 1–3 but is open citywide, including renters. Navigators will be trained and BPI-certified. Up to 300 kits will be distributed. Commission members discussed marketing strategies, safety protocols for navigators, and potential self-assessment tools. No action was taken. - Natural Gas Franchise Fee Engagement: Staff reported on ongoing community engagement, including virtual and in-person listening sessions, business outreach, and presentations to various groups. A commission member shared that feedback at a housing coalition meeting was overwhelmingly negative, citing concerns about cost pass-through to schools, nonprofits, and RPU customers. The commission discussed the need to contextualize the fee (estimated at $2/month per household) and to clarify that revenue use has not yet been determined. The March SRC meeting will focus on drafting a recommendation report to City Council. Members were urged to participate in remaining sessions and the online feedback form. - 2026 Sustainability Spotlight: Staff outlined the quarterly newsletter articles (300–500 words) written by SRC members. Topics are flexible and seasonal. The commission appointed members to write the next three articles: Ace for spring (April issue, related to new growth/planting), Stewart for summer (July issue, related to heat resilience), and Edward for fall (October issue, related to leaves/composting). The motion passed unanimously (6 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent). Key Outcomes - Approved January meeting minutes (6-0). - Appointed Ace, Stewart, and Edward to write spring, summer, and fall 2026 Sustainability Spotlight articles (6-0). - No formal action was taken on the Healthy Air and Homes Initiative or Natural Gas Franchise Fee; these items were for discussion and update only. - Staff announced upcoming events: Earth Fest Expo on May 2, 2026, at St. Mary’s University; and further franchise fee engagement sessions (Feb. 12 virtual, Feb. 26 in-person, and March 3 League of Women Voters). - The March SRC meeting will focus on the Natural Gas Franchise Fee recommendation report and 2026 event planning. Note: The meeting occurred on February 11, 2026, though the required date in the prompt indicated February 17, 2026. The summary uses the actual meeting date from the source material.

The Ethical Practices Board met on February 19, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in City Hall Room 104. The board approved minutes, discussed a public comment about alleged ethics violations, revisited a definition for City Agency in the ethics code, and addressed upcoming term expirations. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes of January 15, 2026 (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received; the open comment period was closed with no attendees. Discussion Items - City Attorney's Report on Public Comment: The city attorney reported that during a city council meeting, a speaker who is on a city board/commission suggested that council members violated their oath of office and ethics by supporting legal action related to immigration enforcement. The attorney clarified that the council's action did not raise an ethics issue, and the speaker appeared to misinterpret the mayor's training. Board members discussed the distinction between the mayor's individual views and official city positions, noting that independently elected officials may hold different views. - Review of City Code 2-16 - Public Ethics: The board revisited a proposed amendment to define "City Agency" in the ethics code. At the previous meeting, they approved language they believed was from Minnesota, but later discovered it was from a municipality in Massachusetts (Orangeville). The board considered three options: the previously approved Massachusetts-derived language, and two versions drafted by member Nedland. After discussion, the board voted to accept the original Massachusetts language as the definition. Key Outcomes - Vote on Definition of City Agency: Motion by Nick Nedland, seconded by Paul Grinde, to accept the definition from Orangeville, Massachusetts (the language approved at the previous meeting). The motion passed unanimously (7 ayes). This recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for approval. - Terms of Office Update: Two board members' terms expire April 30, 2026: the chair (who is term-limited and will leave) and Gloria DeBusman (eligible to reapply). The board will conduct outreach via city website and social media to recruit new members. - Next meeting scheduled for March 19, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

Note: Although the agenda, minutes, and transcript indicate this meeting occurred on March 24, 2026, this summary follows the instruction to use the provided date of February 12, 2026. The Police Civil Service Commission met on February 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM (per the agenda) at the Rochester Police Department North Station and via Microsoft Teams. Commissioners Courtney Dugstad and Brad Trahan were present; Commissioner Jeffery Boyd was absent. The meeting was called to order, the agenda was approved, and all actions were taken unanimously with 2-0 votes. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the December 11, 2025 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present. Discussion Items & Key Outcomes - Police Officer Eligibility List and Authorization for Conditional Offers (Item 5.A): The commission approved the proposed police officer eligibility list and authorized conditional offers for up to eleven police officers. Motion by Commissioner Dugstad, second by Commissioner Trahan; approved unanimously (2-0). - Lieutenant Appointment (Item 5.B): The commission authorized the appointment of two lieutenants from the Lieutenant's Eligibility List. Motion by Commissioner Dugstad, second by Commissioner Trahan; approved unanimously (2-0). - Other Business: None. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:03 PM.

Note: The agenda and minutes indicate the meeting occurred on February 10, 2026, but the instruction specifies using February 11, 2026 as the meeting date. This summary reflects the date provided. The Rochester Park Board met on February 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in City Hall Conference Room 104. Six commissioners were present (Paul P. Marino absent). The board approved consent items, heard public comments, discussed new business including a naming rights agreement, a community impact project, MLK Park improvements, outdoor pool season passes, and received the 2025 golf program annual report. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (January 6, 2026): Unanimously approved. (Motion by Bilderback, second by Cormack; 5-0-2, Ramaker and Marino absent) - Order of Agenda: Unanimously approved. (Motion by Kunz, second by Morgan) - Monthly Reports (January 2026): Received and filed. - Monthly Bills: Unanimously approved. (Motion by Bilderback, second by Cormack; 6-0-1) - Parks and Recreation Financial Performance YTD (January 2026): Received and filed. - Consent Items (8.B, 8.C, 8.D, 8.E, 8.G): Approved en bloc. (Motion by Cormack, second by Ramaker; 6-0-1) Public Comments & Testimony - Jan Throndson, Ruth Benidt, Gil Strand, John Matzke, Jim Kachmarzinski spoke in support of prohibiting political protests at memorial sites, particularly referencing a January 31 incident at Soldiers Field Memorial. They requested the park board create a permit condition or ordinance to keep protests off memorial grounds. - Fred Morck, Glenn Leckband opposed the proposed five-foot concrete sidewalks on the west and south sides of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, citing potential harm to mature trees and budget concerns. Leckband provided a document on tree safe zone calculations. - Tom DeBoer expressed appreciation for golf course improvements and noted a 15.5% decline in play at Soldiers Field, partly due to parking issues with the new pool. He supported continued investment. Discussion Items - 8.A – 2026 Tall Grass and Weed Contract: Commissioner Kunz asked about No Mow May and whether signage about thorny weeds and bees could be placed in parks. Director Widman confirmed No Mow May continues and explained that signs exist in some parks with contact information for safety concerns. Motion to approve by Morgan, second by Cormack; passed unanimously (6-0-1). - 8.F – Rochester Recreation Center North Rink Naming Rights Agreement (Penz Automotive Group): Commissioner Cormack expressed concern that the naming had already been implemented before board approval. Recreation and Sports Facilities Division Head Ben Boldt explained it was mistakenly processed as a micro-contract under $50,000, but because it spanned multiple years it required board approval. Discussion followed on corporate naming rights policy, precedent, and potential confusion for the public. Motion to approve by Bilderback, second by Ramaker; passed 5-1 (Cormack dissenting, Marino absent). - 9.A – Leadership Greater Rochester (LGR) 2026 Community Impact Project: LGR team members Adam Pleschourt, Adam Giannini, and Ashley Braem proposed purchasing two adaptive tandem bikes and installing a secure shipping container storage unit at Cascade Lake Park. Fundraising goal of $45,000 was outlined. The container would be beautified with metal panels and a mural by the same artist who painted the adjacent building. Commissioners asked about maintenance, marketing, and charging of e-assist bikes. Director Widman noted volunteers maintain current bikes. AccessAble Recreation Coordinator Sue Miller praised the project. Unanimously approved (6-0-1). - 9.B – Update on Plans for Improvements at Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park: Park Planner Jeff Feece presented the 60% plans. Scope includes expanded basketball courts, new playground, splash pad (subject to new MN Department of Health requirements adding $200,000 in costs), renovated shelter, food truck plaza, community garden expansion, and new sidewalks/bike path connections. The project is 6.5% over budget ($200,000) with a 10% contingency. Commissioners discussed sidewalk necessity (Commissioner Bilderback questioned five-foot width; Commissioner Cormack called sidewalks essential), tree removal (two trees on west side, none on south side), and preserving the robust basketball community (Commissioner Morgan emphasized protecting existing courts; Division Head Nigbur said the existing courts would not be reduced). City Forester Jeff Haberman was consulted and had no major concerns. The project will return with final bids and options for budget reductions at the April meeting. No vote taken; informational. - 9.C – 2026 Outdoor Pools Season Pass Review: Ben Boldt presented a recommendation for an individual season pass ($150, valid at both Soldiers Field and Silver Lake) with discounted additional family members living at the same address. A lap swim/water walking pass ($100) was also proposed. Commissioner Kunz opposed the structure, arguing a family pass should include at least two adults and one child; she estimated family cost at $500 for a family of five would be prohibitive. She also raised concerns about purchasing passes only during business hours at City Hall. Commissioners Bilderback and Morgan supported the recommendation as a starting point, noting the need to balance affordability with cost recovery. Director Widman emphasized protecting revenue and using data to adjust in future years. Motion to approve by Cormack, second by Bilderback; passed 5-1 (Kunz dissenting, Marino absent). Commissioners noted staff may bring back adjustments during the year if needed. - 9.D – Municipal Golf Financial and Participation Report 2025: Director Widman reviewed the history leading to the 2022 City Council/Park Board golf plan, which set a goal of $250,000 net profit by 2026. Revenue from user fees reached $2.2 million in 2025 (up from $1.5 million in 2020) despite 20 fewer golfable days than 2024. Total revenue including levy was $2.5 million, but expenses rose due to filling a vacant position, wage increases, and inflation. The result was a deficit of approximately $41,000–$60,000 (preliminary). Golf Professional Jeff Gorman highlighted capital projects prioritized for 2026-2028, including clubhouse renovations and bunker work at Eastwood, and potential green reconstruction at Northern Hills. Cheers for the team’s performance were shared. Commissioner Cormack asked whether an average weather year would have eliminated the deficit; Director Widman indicated it would have helped but expenses outpaced projections. Report received and filed; informational. - 10.A – Sanitary Sewer in Kutzky Park: Director Nigbur reported that Public Works Environmental Services will modify an existing sanitary sewer line across the park to improve drainage for planned development on the former Whistle Binkie property. The sewer will run east-west across the park. Commissioner Cormack asked about disruption to baseball/softball; Nigbur said current use is low and impact will be minimal. Informational. - 10.B – Park Board Meeting Agenda Planner: Commissioners considered future agenda items. Commissioner Ramaker praised the golf team and supporters. Commissioner Cormack inquired about curling; Director Widman and Nigbur reported ongoing discussions with the curling group, which will return to the board if they wish to use park facilities. Adjourned unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved the 2026 Tall Grass and Weed Contract with option to extend up to three years. (6-0-1) - Approved the Naming Rights Agreement with Penz Automotive Group for the Recreation Center North Rink. (5-1, Cormack dissenting) - Approved the LGR Community Impact Project for adaptive tandem bikes and storage at Cascade Lake Park. (6-0-1) - Approved the 2026 Outdoor Pool Season Pass recommendation (individual $150, family discounts, lap swim $100). (5-1, Kunz dissenting) - Received and filed the 2025 Municipal Golf Financial and Participation Report. - Received information on sanitary sewer work in Kutzky Park and future agenda planning. - Next steps: MLK Park improvements will return with final bids and options in April 2026. Staff may adjust pool season pass implementation details during the season.

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission (PBAC) met on February 10, 2026, to discuss and vote on the Elton Hills Drive corridor redesign and a new mini roundabout at 7th Street and 11th Avenue NE. The meeting included public comments, a procedural training, and unanimous votes on all agenda items. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the January 12, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously following an amendment by Commissioner Aaron Buckley to clarify street designations. - Commissioners and staff introduced themselves. Public Comments & Testimony - Barry Skolnick expressed concern over the city's snow enforcement policy on sidewalks, particularly the reliance on call-in reports and the postponement of enforcement due to minor subsequent snowfall. He also raised concerns about the impact of roundabouts on pedestrians navigating diagonally. - Michael Wojcik, Executive Director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, generally supported roundabouts for pedestrian safety. He strongly advocated for a four-to-three lane conversion and a bidirectional cycle track on Elton Hills Drive, emphasizing the corridor's low traffic volumes (15,000 vehicles per day or less, a volume that has held steady or declined for 40 years) and the presence of three elementary schools. He noted the corridor has not seen significant safety improvements since the City Council opted not to act in 2019. Discussion Items Informational Item 6.A: Robert's Rules Overview - Deputy City Attorney Brent Carlson presented an overview of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Open Meeting Law requirements, Robert's Rules of Order procedures (motions, seconds, debate, voting), and conflict of interest/recusal protocols. New Business 7.A: Elton Hills Drive NW Corridor - City Traffic Engineer Sam Budzyna presented the staff report, detailing the project history (denied in 2016, studied in 2019), existing conditions (four-lane undivided, 30 mph speed limit), and the upcoming 2027 mill and overlay project. - The corridor was identified as the 3 Tier 1 priority corridor in Rochester's Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan and a top-10 near-term gap in the Active Transportation Plan. - Commissioners discussed design alternatives 6A (on-street buffered bike lanes) and 6B (a two-way cycle track median on the north side with parking on the south side), budget constraints, and the importance of neighborhood connectivity across the corridor. - The commission unanimously voted to: 1. Endorse the overall project goals of improved pavement and increased safety for all users, as amended to include "increasing neighborhood connectivity" and "increased safety on crossing Elton Hills Drive." 2. Select cross-section 6B as the preferred design for the full extent of the corridor, with 6A recommended as an interim alternative if budget constraints prevent full 6B implementation. New Business 7.B: Intersection Improvements at 7th St NE and 11th Ave NE - City Traffic Engineer Sam Budzyna presented the proposal to replace the aging traffic signal with a mini roundabout, as the signal is at the end of its useful life and will be removed to accommodate a planned sewer project (Silver Lake Siphon). - The draft layout included a 10-foot shared-use path on the west side of 11th Avenue and slip ramps for bicyclists. - Discussion focused on refining the angles of the slip ramps and sidewalks to maximize safety and functionality for pedestrians and cyclists. - The commission unanimously voted to support the draft mini roundabout layout, recommending that staff consider minor adjustments to the angles of sidewalks and bicycle facilities to ensure maximum functionality. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Unanimously approved the January 12 minutes with a clarifying amendment. - Elton Hills Drive NW: Commission unanimously endorsed the project goals (amended to include neighborhood connectivity and safe crossing) and recommended cross-section 6B for the full corridor, with 6A as a budget-dependant alternate. - 7th St NE & 11th Ave NE Intersection: Commission unanimously supported the draft mini roundabout layout with minor adjustments to pedestrian and bicycle facilities. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for March 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM CST. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned.

This study session covered two main agenda items: an update on the Better Public Meetings initiative and a review of the City Council's rules of procedure and code of conduct. The meeting was held on February 10, 2026, at 9:30 AM. No formal votes were taken; the session was largely deliberative, with council members sharing perspectives and identifying areas for potential changes. Better Public Meetings Update Consultant Nick presented findings from the community engagement process, which included 25 interviews, a community survey (58 responses), a civic engagement scorecard piloted at council meetings, and a public forum on December 4, 2024, with 41 attendees. Key findings highlighted: - Strong civic pride and volunteer culture. - Tensions: perceived low influence of public input, limited dialogue during meetings, and fragmented pathways between boards/commissions and council. - Nine community-generated actions to strengthen engagement, including improving timing and accessibility of information, engaging earlier in decision cycles, evolving meeting formats (e.g., roundtables), reinforcing safety and belonging, making public input visible, closing the feedback loop, partnering with youth/newcomers, strengthening pathways to council, establishing council visibility in the community, and sustaining co-design. Council members discussed: - Remote participation: Councilmember Miller raised the barrier of requiring physical presence for public comment. Nick noted digital/async participation was touched on in the larger report. - Earlier engagement: Mayor and Councilmembers Keen and Palmer stressed the difficulty of getting input at the policy level vs. project level. Councilmember Wall suggested ward-based dialogues. Councilmember Keen noted that co-design implies collaboration, but input does not mean ceding control. - Council visibility: Several members supported having a city council tent at community events (Rochester Fest, Safe City Nights) and using city communication tools to invite residents. Councilmember Miller advocated for closing the feedback loop on public comments. Councilmember Dorring emphasized flexibility in the glide path to decision-making. - Digital tools: Mayor mentioned a digital platform to target invitations by ward, age, etc. Councilmember Miller noted that communication support would require budget. - Board and commission alignment: Councilmember Keen cautioned that council sometimes overrides board recommendations, creating frustration. City Council Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct Review Administrator Zelms facilitated a discussion on the purpose and specifics of the rules. Key topics: - Council Initiated Actions (CIAs): There was broad agreement that CIAs should be used to direct staff to bring back a report, not to take immediate action or spend money, unless an emergency is declared by suspending the rules (requiring 5 votes). Councilmembers Palmer, Keen, and Mayor supported this two-step process. Councilmember Miller suggested adding a requested motion to the CIA form. Mayor noted that CIAs have been overused. - Other Business: Councilmembers expressed discomfort with voting on substantive items under other business due to lack of notice. Councilmember Palmer and Fredericks emphasized the need for well-vetted decisions. Councilmember Keen noted that suspending rules could allow emergency votes. - Remote Participation for Council: The state law changed in May 2024, allowing unlimited remote participation. Council discussed two options: fully aligning with state law (Councilmember Keen) or a narrow tweak allowing remote participation for official city travel (Councilmember Miller). Councilmember Palmer supported aligning with state law. There was also discussion of allowing more flexibility for study sessions (no votes). Administrator indicated they would bring back a proposal. For boards and commissions, consensus was to limit remote participation to a few times per year. - Travel and Training: The budget increased back to pre-2024 levels. Councilmembers generally felt the current process worked, with Councilmember Keen noting that it can make city representation look like personal spending. Councilmember Dorring suggested renaming to include professional development. - Legislative Advocacy Letters: Councilmember Palmer and Keen emphasized that letters should align with council-adopted priorities to avoid confusion. Mayor noted that letters for national league events follow a different process. Administrator suggested clarifying that letters of support for grants should be reviewed by council. - Council Presence in City Hall: Council President Schubring proposed a more visible council space for drop-in meetings. Councilmembers Wall and Keen felt ward meetings outside City Hall were more effective. Councilmember Keen noted existing third-floor space is rarely used. Councilmember Miller supported the idea for safety and visibility. No strong consensus, but interest in piloting a first-floor space. - Voting Order: Councilmember Miller proposed rotating the voting order every six months to share the advantage of voting later. Councilmember Fredericks preferred the current system; Councilmember Keen was open to rotation. No decision. - Public Comments at Study Sessions: Council President Schubring suggested adding a public comment period at the end of study sessions. Mayor preferred a roundtable format to allow dialogue. Councilmember Keen noted it could be a listening session and suggested using public hearings more often. Councilmember Palmer opposed, citing potential for extended meetings. - Agenda Process: Council President Schubring requested a longer glide path (10 days) and oversight of the agenda. Councilmember Palmer opposed sharing draft agendas publicly. Councilmember Keen suggested training council members on how to find information rather than sending drafts. Administrator noted the challenge of forecasting less predictable items. - Mayor's Proposed Changes to Board and Commission Rules: Mayor proposed minor technical changes: (1) attendance reporting should be done by staff/chair, not each member; (2) term limits should be “two full consecutive terms” to avoid ambiguity; (3) align public comment time from 4 minutes to 2 minutes to parallel council rules. Councilmembers Keen and others supported the two-minute change. Mayor will bring the package to a consent agenda. - Parliamentary Training: Councilmember Keen suggested training on motions, points of order, and other procedural rules to improve meeting conduct. Key Outcomes - The Better Public Meetings consultant will digest the council's feedback and bring back a refined set of recommendations and a work plan for piloting engagement strategies. - The city administrator will draft an updated council remote participation policy aligning with state law, likely with a limited number of exceptions, and bring it back for a vote. - Council-initiated actions will be encouraged to request staff analysis rather than immediate action, with a potential form adjustment to include a requested motion. - The mayor will bring forward a consent agenda item with minor technical changes to board and commission rules (attendance reporting, term limits, public comment time reduced to 2 minutes). - No formal votes were taken; all outcomes are consensus-based directions for staff to prepare future proposals.

The Rochester Economic Development Authority (EDA) convened on February 2, 2026, to conduct organizational business, approve routine items, and deliberate on the 2026 financial plans and depositories. The meeting consisted of officer reappointments, a consent agenda, and the adoption of resolutions regarding bank depositories and the annual budget before returning to the city council. Consent Calendar - Council approved a motion by Councilmember Keene, seconded by Councilmember Doring, to approve all three items on the consent agenda without discussion. Discussion Items - 2026 Appointment of EDA Officers: In accordance with previous terms, Councilmember Miller made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Wall, to reappoint the 2025 officers to their respective positions for 2026: - President: Council President Schuebring (referred to as Schubert in remarks) - Vice President: Palmer - Treasurer: Keene - Assistant Treasurer: City Finance Director - Secretary: City Clerk - Result: Motion passed unanimously. - 2026 Designation of Depositories: Mr. Brian Anderson reported on the annual designation of depositories per Minnesota State Statute 118A.02. He noted that because the City of Rochester acts as the EDA's fiscal agent, the same depositories must be utilized. The recommendation included designating U.S. Bank of Rochester and Wells Fargo Bank of Rochester as the depositories. - Project Context: U.S. Bank of Rochester holds the EDA debt issuances from 2007, 2008, and 2020, while Wells Fargo Bank of Rochester serves as the primary checking institution for both the City and the EDA. - Position: Staff recommended adopting the resolution. A motion by Councilmember Keene, seconded by Councilmember Palmer, was made to adopt the resolution. The motion passed unanimously. - 2026 Rochester EDA Budget: Mr. Anderson presented the 2026 proposed budget of $3,049,753. - Financial Details: Top revenue generators were identified as City of Rochester Bioscience Payments, tax increment payments, and the D69th Station lease. - Expenditures: The main expenditures involve principal payments for Series 2007, 2008, and 2028 debt issuances (totaling $1,488,000). The Series 2029 debt was noted as matured in 2025 and removed from the current debt schedule. - Debt Service & Allocations: After debt service and repayments of the parking enterprise escrow ($629,064), the net flow post-debt service is $172,034, designated for the Bioscience Building. Additionally, the Minnesota Bioscience Building Center has a net available for debt service of $3,064,860, with a total annual debt service of $2,238,000. - Future Actions: Staff noted they are working with a bond attorney to potentially decertify the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) now that Series 2029 is paid off and to explore call options for the 2007 and 2008 issuances. - Position: Staff presented the budget for approval. A motion by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Doring, was made to adopt the resolution approving the 2026 budget. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Officer Appointments: The 2025 EDA officers were unanimously reappointed for the 2026 term. - Depository Resolutions: U.S. Bank of Rochester and Wells Fargo Bank of Rochester were officially designated as public fund depositories for the EDA for 2026 (Motion passed unanimously). - Budget Approval: The 2026 Rochester EDA budget of $3,049,753 was unanimously approved. - Adjournment: A motion by Councilmember Wall, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to adjourn the EDA meeting passed unanimously, and the body returned to the city council. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded during this meeting segment.

The Rochester City Council convened for a session focused on reaffirming the city's status as a compassionate city in response to significant concerns regarding federal immigration enforcement actions, alongside routine zoning approvals and community development updates. The meeting featured an extensive public comment period where residents expressed deep fear, documented specific incidents of perceived civil rights violations, and called for immediate protective measures against federal agents. The Council subsequently voted unanimously to reaffirm Rochester as a compassionate city and passed a motion directing the City Attorney to explore joining an amicus curiae brief in ongoing federal litigation. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda as a whole without any items pulled, including routine business and administrative reports. Public Comments & Testimony - Jan Thorenson (Retired federal law enforcement officer, president of Bell of Honor): Expressed full support for veterans and law enforcement but condemned the presence of a political rally at Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial as "outrageous and disrespectful," calling for public action to prevent future occurrences. - Three Rivers Restorative Justice (Jeff Stilwell and Tony K. Megs): Expressed full support for the Mayor and Council's November proclamation, highlighting that restorative justice affirms accountability, repairing harm, and community trust. - Virginia Wright Peterson: Expressed strong opposition to the "indiscriminate sweeping" of streets by federal agents, arguing that U.S. citizens are being arrested without authorization and that inaction makes the city complicit. - Kelly Klein: Described personal trauma regarding ICE agents in military gear using force in residential areas, expressing opposition to their tactics and fear of future violence. - Amy Cockett: Condemned the abduction of a U.S. citizen near the government center as a failure of local police to protect residents, expressing opposition to the lack of accountability. - Representative Tina Liebling: Expressed full support for joining the federal lawsuit (Minnesota v. Noah) and urged the Council to join as a plaintiff or file an amicus brief, characterizing current federal actions as an "invasion" rather than law enforcement. - Brendan Nielsen: Called for specific prohibitions on ICE operations, including banning public property for staging, detaining without warrants, and using facial recognition, expressing opposition to "authoritarian actions." - Jeff Almer: Expressed fear and opposition to the current environment, stating that immigrants feel unsafe and that federal agents should be held to the same standards as local police. - Heather Leonard: Expressed strong opposition to federal agent misconduct, citing reports of excessive force and violations of the 10th Amendment, and urged the Mayor and Council to emulate Chicago's protective measures. - Kowtar Regal: Expressed deep concern for the safety of children and the community, calling for compassion to prioritize safety and demand accountability for deaths caused by federal agents. - Mande Gauss: Expressly stated that immigrants are not "garbage" and expressed fear and opposition to the uncertainty of immigration enforcement, urging the Council to protect residents' dignity. - Mohad Abdul Halali: Expressed opposition to "aggressive" federal actions that create fear, calling for judicial warrants and body-worn cameras as mandatory conditions for federal presence. - Jan Wersma: Demanded that the Council direct the Police Department to enforce laws ICE is violating (traffic laws, warrants) and forbid mask-wearing by federal agents. - Becca Herbst: Expressed opposition to the economic and emotional harm caused by ICE presence, urging the city to support local businesses affected by the fear. - Wes Lund: Expressed full support for the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and opposition to protests held there, emphasizing the need to respect the site. - Lucianne Kronig: Expressed support for the compassionate city resolution but argued it must be paired with action; strongly opposed the normalization of fear and called for joining the amicus brief. - Andrew Sibley: Wrote that he is unable to operate his business due to the presence of ICE, expressed opposition to their tactics (masks, lack of ID), and requested the creation of an "ICE observational committee." - Melissa Thompson: Expressed a desire to have ICE out of the city and called for specific actions to hold federal agents accountable and enforce local laws. - Valerie Fernandez: Expressed fear of masked federal agents, arguing they are endangering citizens and questioning their authority, calling for an end to their presence. - Jason Baelbach: Expressed strong opposition to the local government's perceived inaction, accusing officials of dereliction of duty and financial fraud related to the crisis. - Abdi Shaid Farah: Described the traumatic impact on his family (including a child with special needs) regarding ICE surrounding their home, expressing urgent need for safety and compassion. - Kyle Pike: Expressed strong opposition to the lack of action, labeling federal agents as "Nazi thugs" and demanding the Council join the lawsuit immediately. - Salah Muhammad: Expressed conflict between love for the community and anger at the administration, urging the Council to use all available authority to act. Discussion Items - Zone Change (CD 2025-007 ZC) by INH Properties: Staff and Planning Commission recommended re-zoning 1.2 acres from R2X to R3 to facilitate multifamily infill. Councilmember Palmer noted the area is currently R2X; Councilmember Keene inquired about existing structures. Councilmember Miller expressed support for the process. - Zone Change (CD 2025-008 ZC) by Sunshine Behavioral Health Group: Re-zoning 2.71 acres from Light Industrial to MXG General to convert a hotel into a substance abuse rehab home. Councilmember Palmer questioned the relevance of the specific use case in a zoning hearing, but staff clarified it is permitted. The motion passed 6-1, with Councilmember Palmer voting nay. - Final Plat (CD 2026-002 PLAT) by West 34 Partners LLC: Approval of the final plat for "Badger Heights" (32 residential lots). Motion passed unanimously. - Compassionate City Resolution: Councilmember Doring introduced a resolution reaffirming Rochester as a compassionate city. Councilmember Wall expressed concern that the resolution might deepen community division and emphasized trust in local police, but ultimately noted the resolution breaks no new ground. Councilmember Palmer questioned the City Attorney's ability to mandate conditions on federal agents (e.g., masks, IDs). Councilmember Keene advocated for joining the federal lawsuit via an amicus brief. Councilmember Palmer argued the state lawsuit is partisan and moving without more facts was risky. The resolution reaffirming the city as compassionate passed unanimously. - Amicus Brief Motion: Councilmember Keene moved to direct the City Attorney to coordinate an amicus brief to document local impacts. Councilmember Wall opposed the motion on grounds of partisanship. Councilmember Palmer moved to delay; the motion failed. The motion to direct the City Attorney passed 4-3 (Councilmember Wall, Councilmember Palmer, and Councilmember Doring were present for the vote; Doring voted aye, Wall and Palmer voted nay; Keene and Miller voted aye). The Mayor noted he signed an individual amicus brief through the U.S. Conference of Mayors. - Rental Assistance Letter: Councilmember Miller proposed the Mayor write to the Governor requesting an eviction moratorium. Councilmember Fredericks opposed a blanket moratorium noting other eviction causes. Councilmember Keene expressed hesitation due to a lack of data. The Council did not take a formal vote, and the discussion concluded without action. - Soldiers Field Memorial Permits: Councilmember Palmer requested clarification on enforcing permits for the memorial. Staff clarified that public spaces generally allow freedom of assembly, and penalties for address discrepancies are difficult to enforce without specific regulatory authority. Staff agreed to report back on the specific status of the memorial. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Vote: Adopted a resolution reaffirming Rochester as a compassionate city. - Vote (4-3): Directed the City Attorney to coordinate amicus curiae participation in the federal lawsuit (Minnesota v. Noah) to document local impacts, with approval contingent on scope and cost estimates ($10,000-$15,000). - Approved Zone Changes: - Rezoned 1.2 acres in the downtown core (INH Properties) to R3 (Medium Density). - Rezoned 2.71 acres in Wood Lake Business Center (Sunshine Behavioral Health) from Light Industrial to MXG (Mixed Use). - Approved Final Plat: Badger Heights subdivision (West 34 Partners) approved with five conditions. - Strategic Directives: The Council directed the administration to continue monitoring the situation, maintain transparency with the community, and consider future actions regarding rental assistance and eviction protections. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following these decisions.