Public Meetings - Rochester, Minnesota

The Park Board met to discuss multiple items including a concession agreement for Soldiers Field Golf Course, funding for the Rochester Outdoor Tennis Center court reconstruction, and a joint informational presentation with Olmsted County Parks. The meeting also included an open comment period and approval of routine items. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the consent agenda item (8A), which may have included the appeal of a fine for illegal pruning of a boulevard tree, as listed on the agenda but not discussed separately. (Note: The agenda listed an appeal of fine as 3.B, but the transcript does not address it; it may have been part of the consent agenda.) Public Comments & Testimony - Tim Neela, general manager of Townies, expressed support for continuing their concession operations at Soldiers Field Clubhouse. He noted their five-year lease is ending and they hope to remain, citing positive community feedback and growth. City staff indicated that negotiation with Townies is an option. Discussion Items Soldiers Field Golf Course Concession Agreement - Staff recommended initiating an informal Request for Proposals (RFP) for concession services at the clubhouse to ensure transparency and market value. The current agreement, established in 2022, included below-market rent in exchange for capital investment ($35,500 from vendor, $13,300 from city). Staff highlighted changes in park activity and utility costs. - Board members debated between going to RFP immediately or first negotiating an extension with Townies. A motion to authorize negotiation with Townies for an extension was made and seconded. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to first attempt negotiation with Townies before proceeding to an informal RFP. Rochester Outdoor Tennis Center Court Reconstruction Project - The project involves reconstructing courts 9-14 at Kutzky Park. Low bid came in at $630,227.40, exceeding the $570,000 estimate. Funding sources include $250,000 from the Raise the Net organization, up to $200,000 USTA grant (decision pending in two weeks), $100,000 from Park Board Community Impact Funds, and $100,000 from Court Renovation Funds (from voter-approved tax levy). A gap of $55,000-$80,000 remained. - Staff proposed using Park Board reserve funds (approximately $30,000 per year available) and/or Community Impact Funds to cover the gap. Board members expressed concerns about cost overruns and impacts on other projects, but acknowledged the poor condition of the courts and the community support. - The board unanimously approved the use of $100,000 from Park Board Community Impact Funds and $100,000 from Court Renovation Funds to complete funding, with the understanding that the USTA grant amount will determine final gap and that staff will return in September for formal bid acceptance. Joint Meeting with Olmsted County Parks and Trails - Park Board and County Parks Commission held a joint informational session. City Parks and Forestry Director Paul Widman presented city park projects including Soldiers Field, Silver Lake, skate park, MLK Park, and the upcoming park system plan update (RFP in November 2026). County Parks Director Carlin Ziegler presented county projects including Oxbow campground relocation, Chester Woods amphitheater and playground, Lake Zumbro boat launch improvements, and a countywide trail master plan (12-18 months). Both emphasized collaboration and avoiding duplication of services. - No action was taken; the meeting was for information and future coordination. Key Outcomes - Soldiers Field Concession: Board directed staff to negotiate a concession extension with Townies before issuing an informal RFP. If negotiations fail, staff will proceed with RFP. - Tennis Center Construction: Approved use of $100,000 from Park Board Community Impact Funds and $100,000 from Court Renovation Funds. Staff will return in September 2026 with final bid award pending USTA grant decision. - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (item 8A). - Monthly Reports and Bills: Approved unanimously. Note: The appeal of the fine for illegal pruning (Agenda Item 3.B) was not discussed during the meeting; it may have been included in the consent agenda or omitted.

The Rochester Park Board met on August 20, 2026, per user instruction, though the agenda and minutes list the date as August 18, 2026. The meeting covered two main new business items: authorizing a contract for the Outdoor Tennis Center court reconstruction and addressing an appeal of a fine for illegal tree pruning. Both items were approved unanimously with specific actions. Discussion Items Rochester Outdoor Tennis Center Court Reconstruction Project - Recreation and Sports Facilities Division Head Ben Boldt reported that the USTA awarded a $200,000 grant for the project within 72 hours of application, reflecting strong support. The total project cost is $630,227.40. Funding includes $250,000 from the Raise the Net fundraising committee, with $50,000 already in hand and confidence to raise the remaining $200,000 over two years. To cover the $180,000 gap, staff recommended $100,000 from the Court Renovation Fund (leaving $75,000 for the planned Young Park resurfacing) and $100,000 from the Park Board Community Impact Fund. Commissioner April Sutor expressed concern about diverting funds from the previously committed Skate Park expansion, but staff clarified that the $70,000 per year for the skate park remains allocated; the $100,000 is from the remaining balance. The motion to authorize the contract and funding was made by Paul Marino, seconded by Martin Cormack, and passed unanimously (5-0, with Ramaker and Morgan absent). Appeal of Fine for Illegal Pruning of a Boulevard Tree - Park Board President Gary Neumann outlined the process for Kevin Patton's appeal of a $3,584 canopy loss fee. A public hearing would require published notice and could not be held at this meeting due to lack of notice. Instead, the board pursued an alternative mitigation option under policy, allowing the Parks and Recreation Director to negotiate a resolution. If no agreement is reached, a public hearing would be scheduled for November 2026, since Patton cannot attend September or October meetings. The board also directed staff to review the Canopy Loss Fee Policy for potential revisions. Parks and Recreation Director Paul Widman stated that any policy changes could be applied retroactively to Patton's case. The motion, made by Paul Marino and seconded by Rebekah Kunz, passed unanimously (6-0, with Morgan absent). Key Outcomes - Tennis Center Project: Approved construction contract with Rochester Sand and Gravel for $630,227.40. Approved use of $100,000 from Park Board Community Impact Funds and $100,000 from Court Renovation Funds. (Vote: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent) - Tree Fine Appeal: Directed staff to pursue alternative mitigation with Kevin Patton and to review the Canopy Loss Fee Policy. (Vote: 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent) - Adjournment: The board also discussed Soldiers Field Golf Course concession proposals (with Commissioner Kunz volunteering to serve on the review committee) and addressed activity at Elmcroft Park causing neighbor conflicts, noting community policing efforts.

Note on date: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as August 14, 2026, but per instruction this summary uses the date August 19, 2026. The meeting lacked a quorum, so no formal votes or official actions were taken; however, informational presentations and discussions occurred. The meeting was called to order but quorum was not achieved. As a result, the approval of minutes from July 10, 2026, was not acted upon, and no decisions were made on any agenda items. The board heard two detailed presentations: an overview of the LINK Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Rochester-Olmsted Council of Governments (ROCOG) planning area. Board members asked questions and raised concerns regarding equity, access, parking, and connections. Consent Calendar None. The lack of quorum prevented the approval of minutes and any routine actions. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were recorded; the open comment period did not take place or was not captured in the transcript. Discussion Items LINK BRT Overview (Information Item 7.B): Project manager Josh DeFrank (MINC) presented an update on the 2.8-mile bus rapid transit corridor along 2nd Street Southwest from Cascade Lake to 6th Street Southeast. Key details included: - 7 stops with 12 platforms (one per side), 12 fully electric 60-foot articulated buses (capacity 40–45 seated + 40–45 standing). - Operating hours: weekdays 5 a.m.–midnight, weekends 8 a.m.–midnight; peak headways of 5–10 minutes (6–9 a.m. and 3–6 p.m.), off-peak 10–15 minutes. - Free fare for all riders; bike racks at stations and bikes allowed on board. - Construction progress: most stations and roadway work to be completed by late October/November 2026; pedestrian tunnel at St. Mary’s Transit Center underway; second street corridor to be operational in fall 2027. - Estimated opening day ridership: 8,000–10,000 per day. - Board members expressed concerns about equity (who the service targets, access for low-income residents), connections to grocery stores (e.g., needing to transfer to reach Hy-Vee or People’s Food Co-op), parking availability for non-Mayo employees, and integration with fixed-route bus system. Member noted traffic projections for 2nd Street were “astronomical” and that the project aims to create a “park once” mentality. - Matt from the Pedestrian Bicycle Advisory Committee noted that a presentation on active transportation connections to transit was given to PBAC and could be shared with the CAT. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 2027–2030 (Information Item 7.C): Matt from ROCOG presented the annual TIP document, which lists federally funded transportation projects in the region over four fiscal years. Highlights: - Total program investment: $270 million; $111 million (41.17%) is transit-specific. - Federal funds make up about one-third of transit funding; local sources cover the majority, especially operational costs. - Projects include bus purchases, station construction, traffic signal priority systems, and bus driver training funding (new for this cycle due to LINK becoming operational in 2027). - Other categories: roadway reconstruction (18%), preservation/resurfacing (33%), and safety studies (HSIP 3%). - Public outreach: virtual and in-person open houses the week of August 17–23; public hearing at ROCOG Policy Board on August 26; final adoption by Policy Board on September 23; submission to MnDOT by October 1. - Board members asked about the timing of federal funds, potential clawback risks for zero-emission bus funding under the current administration, and how obligated funding is defined. Matt noted that projects in the TIP have committed funding. Meeting Schedule Discussion (New Business 7.A): The board discussed but could not approve new meeting dates/times due to no quorum. Key Outcomes No formal actions were taken due to lack of quorum. The board did not approve July minutes, did not approve the meeting schedule, and did not take a position on the LINK BRT or TIP presentations. The information presented will be available in the meeting minutes. The TIP public comment period remains open through the end of August.

The Library Board met on August 19, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the second floor meeting room of the Rochester Public Library. The meeting combined regular board business with a retreat component. Presentations were received from the Library Foundation, the Friends of the Library, SELCO, and the board's executive committee. Votes were taken on the agenda, consent calendar, and adjournment. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved unanimously on a motion and second. - The consent calendar, which included contracts and expenditures (LinkedIn Learning for $1,900 per year, approximately 540 monthly users; a $3,000 all-staff training keynote by Rochelle Yunan on the RESET method), was approved on a motion and second following discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment period was offered; the chair noted there was no time set aside for public comment. Discussion Items - Library Foundation Update (Brandon Product): The executive director reported on the upcoming auction at 32auctions.com/library26, solicited donated items, shared a stewardship story about a gift from the Harris family (books and nameplates for 10 years), and noted positive social media engagement from auction donor Amy Lorenz. - Friends of the Library Update (Val Kaliski): Reported on attending United for Libraries Friends Day, an off-site sale at the history center with Rochester Reeds, and the new study pod purchased entirely with Friends funding. The study pod seats up to four and is reservable at the reference desk. - SELCO Report (board member): Announced a new shared ILS system staff hire, a federal E-rate public comment period (saveourerrate.com, worth $12 million annually to MN libraries), and a delivery study recommending RFID tagging for all shared materials and route adjustments to save time and mileage. - Executive Committee Report: Discussed replacing the term "stakeholder" with terms like "interested community members" due to its colonialist connotations, per guidance from the city's DEI office. Planning for elevator speeches and meaningful messaging will continue in September. - County Funding Update (from board discussion): The director reported presenting the library's annual request to the county board, including a request for an additional $129,000+ for digital access and bookmobile services for rural county residents. The county approved the distribution method for the 1% allocation but the core funding request remains pending. The director noted that without the additional funding, bookmobile stops in the county would be cut. Examples of funding challenges in Winona, Hennepin, and St. Paul were cited. - Teen Library Council: 22 applicants were reviewed; selected teens will serve a one-year term (ending in August 2027) and will be trained on engagement and board processes, providing peer connection reports to the board. Key Outcomes - The agenda was approved unanimously. - The consent calendar was approved unanimously. - The meeting was adjourned on a motion and second without objection.

The Rochester City Council met Monday, August 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Government Center Council Chamber. The agenda included a 15-item consent calendar, four public hearings, two mayoral veto override attempts, a seasonal parking update, and a council-initiated arts study. The meeting ran past midnight. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 3, 2026 meeting minutes and video as the official record. - Approved accounts payable totaling $88,132,287.27, including $20,907,374 in investment purchases. - Appointed Anyna (Romerse) Biddle to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission through December 31, 2027. - Authorized an annual premises gambling permit for Rochester Elks Lodge 1091 at Brothers Bar & Grill. - Accepted a $1,050 donation to the Rochester Fire Department from Toni Erwin and Brian and Alison Poch. - Renewed a three-year contract with Dialect Real Estate Advisors. - Awarded a $242,701 contract to Restoration Services Inc. for Mayo Civic Center Arena tuckpointing. - Authorized a $509,760 contract with WHKS for DMC Downstream Sanitary Sewer Upsizing design through Dec. 31, 2028. - Authorized the Prairie Oaks Subdivision Phase 1 public improvements city-owner contract and an $85,235 WSE Engineering services contract. - Authorized three agreements with Regency Bakery Flats, LLC (cross access/emergency access, sanitary sewer contribution, revocable permit). - Authorized a contribution agreement with Alerus Financial for private sanitary sewer services. - Authorized the airport operation/management agreement with Rochester Airport Company, Inc. - Consented to assignment of an airport land lease from University of Northwestern – St. Paul to Top Flight Investments, LLC. Public Comments & Testimony - Open comment: Jared Lucker, a Rochester resident, asked the council to decline the Broadway addition proposal. Carol Ann Loomis and Jesse Loomis opposed the Willow Creek trail route through their property, arguing alternatives were not studied. Jaclyn Johnson and Stephanie Kylan, representing arts groups, supported the $7,000 arts economic impact study, citing the Minnesota arts and culture industry's $13.8 billion value, Region 10's $86.8 million 2024 economic impact, and average attendee spending of more than $33 beyond admission. Terry Kinsey, chair of the Sustainability and Resiliency Commission, and Amy Cockett of the League of Women Voters supported the H3 sustainability pilot programs. Nels Pearson, a State Senate candidate, thanked the council. Kyle Pike criticized corporate development and urged support for local businesses. - G1 public hearing: Over 40 people signed up. Most speakers urged the council to uphold the Heritage Preservation Commission's denial, describing the block's arts and music community and businesses (Tree Dome, Cafe Steam, Artheads, Threshold Arts, Diatom Books) as essential third places, especially for youth. Several speakers cited national preservation standards and said a seven-story addition would overshadow the historic district. The owners of Tree Dome submitted a letter reporting rent increases of nearly 100% over three years. State Rep. Andy Smith asked the council to deny the appeal. Applicant representatives and property owners argued the revised plan preserves Broadway facades, is economically necessary, and complies with Interior Standards; they called the HPC denial unsupported by factual findings and cited the project as a $23 million investment. - H2 suspension of rules: The council unanimously suspended its rules for Michelle Girlsburger to speak with Jesse Loomis about Willow Creek alternatives. She argued the city engineer did not complete due diligence and that an alternative route along the west side was viable. Discussion Items - G1 – 311 Broadway Historic District Appeal: Staff recommended finding that the revised addition—a seven-story, setback structure—preserves the historic facades and meets Secretary of the Interior standards. The HPC had denied the certificate 6–2. After debate, a motion to uphold HPC failed 3–4, and a motion granting the appeal and overturning the denial passed 4–3 (Councilmembers Keene, Wall, Fredericks, and Palmer in favor; Miller, Doring, and Schubring opposed). - G2 – 2026 Transit Program of Projects: Rachel Faust presented the annual FTA compliance document covering formula funds and operations; no public testimony. Approved unanimously. - G3 – UCI Tower Conditional Use Permit: Staff and applicant described a 125-foot monopole and equipment at 1811 7th St NW to replace an existing 180-foot tower near John Marshall High School. The Planning Commission recommended approval 7–0. Approved 6–1, with Councilmember Palmer opposed. - G4 – 2027 Master Fee Schedule: The city administrator noted 32 fees removed and seven added, including fire department FEMA-based fees and Community Development building division changes. Approved unanimously. - H1 – Wood Debris Management Veto Override: Mayor Norton said she vetoed because contingency funds should be used for unexpected items and this should be in the 2027 budget. Staff explained changes in a county partnership made the relocation cost unexpected. The council voted 5–2 to override (Miller and Doring opposed), authorizing preliminary approval for relocation to the northeast portion of the KR3 reservoir site and up to $350,000 in contingency funds. - H2 – Willow Creek Regional Trail Veto Override: Mayor Norton said she could not support a recreational trail through the Loomis property when alternatives existed. The city engineer detailed why the recommended route was preferred, citing safety, cost, bonding deadlines, and ADA constraints. The override motion for accepting the feasibility study and a $418,170 Alliant Engineering final-design supplemental agreement received only three votes (Keene, Miller, Schubring), so the veto was sustained. Councilmembers Doring and Palmer said they changed positions due to the property impact and alternative route. - H3 – Sustainability Pilot Programs: Staff recommended $100,000 in contingency funds: $75,000 for residential rebates (balcony solar, battery storage, electric panel upgrades, air sealing and insulation) and $25,000 to expand the Building Community Grant program. They estimated potential reach (e.g., 75–220 households for balcony solar and 100 for air sealing) and noted partnerships with RPU and state incentives. The resolution passed 5–2 (Fredericks and Palmer opposed). - H4 – Seasonal Parking Restriction Update: Public Works presented data showing 41% of winter parking tickets were issued in 11% of city area (15% of population), disproportionately in justice tracks, likely due to older housing stock, less off-street parking, and rental turnover. They proposed a possible sliding start date and a warning period lasting until 48 hours before a forecasted plowable snow. No formal action was taken; council feedback was mixed. - I1 – Arts Economic Impact Analysis: Councilmember Miller and Keene sponsored a $7,000 allocation from 2026 contingency funds for the University of Minnesota Extension to study the economic impact of Rochester arts organizations. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmembers added suggestions to include volunteer hours and to consult the former Greater Rochester Arts and Cultural Trust. - K1 – Ordinance Second Reading: The council approved Text Amendment No. CD2026-002TA amending UDC floodplain overlay definitions. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Granted the 311 Broadway appeal, overturning the Heritage Preservation Commission's denial of the certificate of appropriateness (4–3). - Overrode Mayor Norton's veto of the Wood Debris Management resolution (5–2), authorizing $350,000 in contingency funds. - Failed to override Mayor Norton's veto of the Willow Creek Trail feasibility study and design contract (3–4), sustaining the veto. - Approved $100,000 for sustainability pilot programs (5–2). - Approved the 2026 Transit Program of Projects, UCI Tower conditional use permit, 2027 Master Fee Schedule, and arts economic impact study. - Approved the UDC floodplain ordinance second reading.

The Rochester City Council convened as the Canvassing Board on August 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. to officially certify the results of the August 11, 2026 Primary Election. The board unanimously approved a resolution declaring the election results and executing the election abstracts. Discussion Items - Canvass of the August 11, 2026 Primary Election Results – City Clerk Ann and Deputy Clerk Christian Case Cartwright presented the certified results. Key statistics: 80 precincts across 6 wards used 39 polling locations, staffed by 586 election judges. At 7:00 a.m. on election day, there were 79,712 registered voters; 725 people registered via same-day registration, a significant increase from fewer than 200 in the 2024 primary. - Turnout comparison – State of Minnesota primary turnout was approximately 25%, Olmsted County was 29%, and Rochester achieved 31%, exceeding the state average. - November general election contests – Mayoral candidates: Jess Garcia and Joe Powers advanced. In Ward 5, Rushi Gupta and Sean Palmer will appear on the ballot. - Operational details – One party observer was present at a polling location (prescribed by statute) and no issues were reported. No anomalies or challenges occurred at any polling place. - Voter registration cleanup – Councilmember King asked how voters who move out of Rochester are removed; the Clerk explained that registration is transferred when a voter registers elsewhere in the state. The 725 same-day registrations include both new voters and those updating existing registrations after moving. - County canvassing process – Councilmember King noted that the morning’s Olmsted County canvassing did not include city results, but all county and state races were verified. The city abstract will be signed and submitted to the state. Key Outcomes - Motion to adopt the resolution – Councilmember King moved to adopt a resolution declaring the results of the August 11, 2026 Primary Election and execution of the election abstracts. Seconded by Councilmember Miller. Approved unanimously by voice vote. - Adjournment – Motion made by Councilmember Fredericks, seconded by Councilmember Wall. Meeting adjourned after signatures on the abstract.

Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as August 12, 2026, but the instructions required using August 14, 2026. This summary follows the instructed date and notes the discrepancy. The Rochester Sustainability and Resiliency Commission met to discuss transportation data reporting, sustainability pilot programs, and public comments on native plantings and energy rebates. The meeting included updates from city staff and public testimony from community organizations. Consent Calendar - Approval of July Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously with 7 ayes, 2 absent (Casey McQuade, Brian M Morgan). Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Degerstrom, Zumbro Valley Audubon Society: Advocated for the city to adopt native plant standards on city-owned land (roadsides, building grounds, parks), citing examples from other cities and noting potential reductions in water use and maintenance costs. - Kristoffer Acuna, Sierra Club: Expressed support for the sustainability pilot programs stemming from the natural gas franchise fee discussions, encouraged continued advocacy, and suggested exploring a green bank model for clean energy financing. Discussion Items - Mode Shift and TDM (Transportation Demand Management) Data and Reporting Update: Matt Lynch, city mode shift coordinator, presented a proposed annual multimodal report using observed data from counters and shared micromobility. He distinguished between mode shift (outcome) and TDM (strategies). Commission feedback included: - Need to align reporting years with other city departments. - Importance of qualitative data (focus groups, storytelling) alongside quantitative metrics. - Considerations for weather, shade, bike parking, and workplace policies as barriers to active transportation. - Coordination with other commissions and a city council study session scheduled for September 28. - Sustainability Pilot Programs Update: Staff reviewed the development of two pilot programs using $100,000 in council contingency funding: $75,000 for RPU residential rebates (plug-in solar, battery storage, air sealing/insulation, electric panel upgrade) and $25,000 to enhance the existing Building Community Grant (environmental stewardship focus). The funding request will go to city council on August 17. Commissioners discussed the challenge of spreading limited funds across multiple categories and suggested emphasizing potential to be the first city ready for plug-in solar rebates in the state. Key Outcomes - The commission approved the consent calendar and modified the agenda order to hear new business first. - No formal votes were taken on the mode shift report or pilot programs (information items only). - Staff noted that a Green Corps member starting in September will address native planting and stormwater issues, partially responding to public comments. - Future meetings will include a dedicated session on RPU's resource plan update (September). Commissioner Comments - Members discussed the impact of the upcoming mayoral election on commission appointments and expressed interest in drafting a formal recommendation on native plant standards based on public testimony.

The Rochester Planning & Zoning Commission met on August 13, 2026 (note: the official agenda and minutes list the meeting as August 12, 2026; the provided timestamp indicates August 13). The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. with six commissioners present. The commission received one public comment, approved the consent agenda, and forwarded recommendations to the City Council on two items: a major land subdivision and a text amendment to the Unified Development Code. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Degerstrom, representing the Zumbro Valley Audubon Society, spoke during the open public comment period. He advocated for the commission to treat native plantings as a standing consideration in zoning and site plan review. He referenced recent news articles about Rochester's water supply challenges and housing goals, and described what native habitat could look like on both public and private land. He urged the commission to consider the ecological impact of the 4,000 acres identified for new housing. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the July 22, 2026, meeting as presented. Discussion Items - Major Land Subdivision No. CD2026-015PLAT (Cassidy Heights): Staff presented a proposal by RJR Land Development LLC to subdivide 12.77 acres into 18 single-family residential lots and one outlot, located south of 48th Street and 22nd Avenue Northeast. The applicant, Dan Horsch of SEH, answered questions about an intermittent stream on the property, drainage easements, and bank stabilization. The commission discussed conditions including stormwater management, parkland dedication fees, a temporary easement for the cul-de-sac, and determination of the outlot's purpose. After discussion, the commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council, subject to four conditions as outlined in the staff memo. - Text Amendment No. CD2026-002TA: Staff presented a city-initiated amendment to update Sections 60.200.040E and 60.600.030 of the Unified Development Code to incorporate updated FEMA floodplain maps. The amendment includes minor language cleanup and new definitions for "new construction" and "start of construction." The update is required by August 21, 2026, to avoid a delay in the city's flood insurance. The commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda (minutes) unanimously. - Forwarded recommendation of approval for Cassidy Heights subdivision (CD2026-015PLAT) to City Council, subject to four conditions. Motion carried 6-0. - Forwarded recommendation of approval for Text Amendment CD2026-002TA to City Council. Motion carried 6-0. - The meeting adjourned.

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission (PBAC) met on August 11, 2026 (agenda listed as August 10, 2026 due to time zone differences) to receive updates on mode shift and transportation demand management, and a project update on the Reimage 6th Avenue West corridor. Seven commissioners were present; two were absent. One public comment was heard. Consent Calendar - Minutes of June 8, 2026: Approved as official record. - Bike to Work Day 2026 Recap: Received as information; no action taken. - Multimodal Parking Inventory Update and Routine Audits: Received as information; no action taken. The consent agenda was approved unanimously by a voice vote (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Barry Skolnick, a frequent attendee of commission meetings for over eight years, raised three concerns: (1) Meeting agendas should be posted earlier (ideally Wednesday or Thursday before Monday meetings) to allow time for corrections; (2) Mode shift presentations should use plain language rather than trade jargon to be accessible to the public and committee members; (3) New construction projects (e.g., the planned reconstruction around Charterhouse) disproportionately burden disabled residents and the committee should be cautious about adding construction. He also reiterated a long-standing request for enforcement of no-motor-vehicle rules on trails. Discussion Items 6.A Mode Shift and Transportation Demand Management: From Plans to Practical Choice - Matt Lynch, Mode Shift Coordinator, presented a non-policy proposal focused on making existing transportation choices safer and more reliable. - Key data shared: - Commute mode share (American Community Survey 5-year estimates): Driving alone dropped 10 percentage points since 2013, but this was largely due to an increase in remote work, not actual mode shift. Walking grew slightly; transit commuting declined since 2019. - The city now has 12 multimodal counters (85% walking, 12% cycling, 2% scooters in spring 2026). Four more counters are planned, including at school crossings and a rec center. - Low counts at a location may indicate a barrier (e.g., unsafe crossing) rather than lack of demand. - Commissioners provided input on blind spots for counters: - Sarah Stevens suggested a location on West Circle Drive, where the trail is poorly maintained and intersections are busy. - Mike Zhu proposed placing counters to measure before/after impacts of infrastructure projects (e.g., new bike lanes). - Paige Burgess raised data privacy concerns about the counters; staff clarified that devices only tally counts and do not store images. - Matt Lynch committed to bringing a quarterly multimodal count report to the September 14 meeting, and will also present a TDM framework scope to City Council on September 28. 6.B Reimage 6th Avenue W. - Project Update - Steve Sampson Brown (Public Works) and Mitzi Alex (Toole Design) presented the design update. - The $38 million city-led project will upgrade underground utilities and reconstruct the street with a two-way protected bikeway, raised intersection crossings, wider sidewalks, green space, and seating. - Design has reached 30%; 60% milestone expected by October 1, 2026. Construction is planned to start March 15, 2027, with completion by early August 2027. - Key design features: - Signalized intersections at 2nd Street NW and Center Street (previously considered for roundabouts). - Mixed-use path on the south side of 2nd Street NW to implement the active transportation plan. - Pocket park extended through 7th Avenue West intersection. - Public art and visual interest points are being considered. - Coordination with Mayo Clinic projects, including the North Arrival ramp and logistics site. - Commissioners asked about: - Integration with Link BRT (platform at 2nd Street SW, which will be temporary relocated during Osmond building construction). - Pedestrian/bike crossing at Civic Center Drive (not part of this project, but city plans a future reconstruction of Civic Center). - Impact of parking garage access patterns and anticipated BRT ridership (projected 11,000 daily riders). Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on the two new business items (information only). - Future discussion items were identified for the September 14 meeting: - Motorbikes on trails (illegal motorized vehicles on paths) – staff will bring information. - Pedestrian data privacy related to automated license plate readers (flock cameras) and their placement. - 311 maintenance reporting – commissioners will be provided with the city’s reporting tool details. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026 at City Hall (Room 320), with location subject to change. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 p.m. (unanimous vote).