Public Meetings - Rochester, Minnesota

Note: The agenda and minutes indicate the meeting was held on August 4, 2026, but the instructions specify August 5, 2026. This summary uses the provided date. The Rochester Public Utility Board met on August 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to review the 2027 Supplemental Water and Electric Utility Budgets and to form an ad hoc group for the upcoming power supply RFP. The board approved the consent agenda and adjourned unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda (Items 2.A and 2.B): Approved the minutes of the July 22, 2026, and July 28, 2026, meetings of the RPU Board. Motion by Patrick Keane, seconded by Wendy L Turri, carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the open comment period. Discussion Items - 2027 Supplemental Water Utility Budget (Presented by Judy Anderson, Director of Finance): - Key assumptions: Interest earnings rate dropped from 3% to 1.5% due to conservative inflation outlook; salary expenses increased based on settled union contracts and updated health insurance costs; no change to the previously approved 9% general rate adjustment; CCF sales forecast revised to a slight decrease from 2026 based on normal weather. - Board member Malachi McNeilus expressed concern that assumptions (interest rates vs. salary) moved in different directions, reducing budget rigor. Staff noted salary costs are driven by contractual obligations and position-by-position rigor. - Capital spending: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project ($18M over 5 years) deferred routine water main replacement; lead service line replacement reduced to $1.5M per year due to state grant scaling back; new projects include Kelmar booster station ($1M in 2027, total $2.2M) and Meadow Lake sewer extension ($300K in 2027, total $1.2M). - Operating income forecast: Total revenues increasing due to rate changes; interest expense rising from short-term borrowing (up to $10M authorized previously); Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) methodology shifting from commodity-based to 6.5% of retail revenues, phased in over 2028-2030. - Cash flow: Intentional cash burn in 2026-2027 due to AMI and development costs, with cash rebuilding in 2028-2031 to address deferred water main replacements. - Rate comparison: Rochester water rates remain well below regional averages (e.g., residential average $20/month). Board member Kelsey Vaszily noted that future water treatment could increase costs. - Recommendation: No change to the 9% rate adjustment for 2027; average residential impact $1.78/month. - 2027 Supplemental Electric Utility Budget (Presented by Peter Hogan, Assistant General Manager of Administration): - Key assumptions: Debt issuance reduced from $241M to $141M due to lower capital needs: GT1 rebuild ($16-20M, mostly insurance-covered) vs. $60M placeholder; grid interconnect improvements no longer needed ($20M placeholder removed); no change in full-time equivalent staffing. - Power resource plan: 180 MW of wind delayed from 2028 to 2029 due to permitting; still targeting 100% net renewable electricity by 2030. Remaining third of capacity and energy to be secured via an RFP. Board discussed the uncertainty of 2030 and 2033 projections. - Business risks: Power supply plan is the largest risk; material cost inflation moderating; legislative impacts on tax credits for wind. - Capital spending: ERP project ($3.5M delta approved in 2026); GT1 rebuild; Grid North transmission project ($31M, pulled forward); CapX David Arms project ($2.7M in 2027-2028, recoverable through transmission revenues). - Debt issuance: Refunding of 2017 bonds could save $5.5M; total new debt request expected $141M (plus refunding $225M total). - Rate comparison: RPU electric rates now slightly above Xcel Energy (residential 3% higher, small general service 6.9% higher). Board member Patrick Keane expressed preference to be on the lower side. - Financial projections: 4% effective rate recommended for 2027 (down from previously approved 6%) via power cost adjustment; customer impact reduced from $6.12/month to $5.17/month. Days cash on hand projected at 426 in 2031, providing a buffer for potential wholesale market exposure in 2029-2030. - Board member Keane requested better visibility into transmission investment benefits. Staff agreed to bring back financial cases showing net present value. Keane also suggested improved communication on carbon reduction progress. - Ad Hoc Group for Power Supply RFP: - General Manager Timothy McCollough requested two board members to serve on an ad hoc group to provide input during the RFP process (shortlisting, feedback). Board members Patrick Keane and Kelsey Vaszily volunteered. The group will consult with management without decision-making authority. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Approval of agenda: Unanimous. - Approval of consent agenda (minutes): Unanimous. - Adjournment: Moved by Patrick Keane, seconded by Kelsey Vaszily, unanimous. - Decisions: - No formal action on budgets; the informational item was presented for discussion. The board will consider final approval in September/October 2026. - Ad hoc group formed for power supply RFP: Patrick Keane and Kelsey Vaszily appointed. - Next Steps: - City council study session on RPU budget (summary presented). - Public hearings on proposed supplemental budget. - September 2026: Board to discuss power cost adjustment and tariff changes. - October 2026: Board approval of budget. - December 7, 2026: Council approval. - Power supply RFP: Staff to solicit offers and work with ad hoc group through early 2027.

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on August 3, 2026, but the provided metadata specifies the date as August 4, 2026. This summary uses the provided date. The City Council met for a regular session on August 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Government Center Council Chamber. The meeting covered a consent calendar of routine approvals, public comments, and two major reports and recommendations: wood debris management relocation and the Willow Creek Regional Trail feasibility study. Several votes were taken, including a 4-2 approval for the wood debris relocation and a 4-2 approval for the Willow Creek trail alignment with a directive to report on property acquisition. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the July 20, 2026 meeting. - Received and filed the 2026 Second Quarter Investment Performance Report and Budget Performance Report. - Approved mayoral appointments: Michelle Rogers-Kull to the Library Board and Karen Rader to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee. - Approved a mileage rate increase from $0.725 to $0.76 per mile, effective July 1, 2026. - Accepted a $261 donation from Montessori at Franklin PTA. - Authorized a Collective Bargaining Agreement with International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49 – Parks and Recreation for 2026-28. - Awarded a $107,500 contract to Asphalt Surface Technologies Corporation for 2026 Pavement Maintenance – Mastic. - Authorized City-Owner contracts for public improvements: Stonebrooke Seventh (J5648), Pebble Creek Seventh (J5684), and amendments for Mayo Clinic BFUiR packages (J5632 and J5653) with professional services contracts. - Authorized a Septic System/Sanitary Sewer Utility Connection Agreement with LDA Homes LLC and Neil and Amanda Cassidy. - Authorized revocable permits for a fence in a drainage easement (Benjamin T. and Alison K. Kor) and a duct bank in the right-of-way (Mayo Clinic). - Approved Annexation Petition No. CD2026-004ANX for approximately 16 acres. - Authorized purchase agreements for four city-owned residential properties to First Homes Properties. - Authorized a development agreement with Pulte Homes of Rochester LLC for Del Webb Solhaus. - Amended the Affordable Housing Agreement for London Brook Ponds, reducing the contribution from $1,000,000 to $880,000 for 44 for-sale homes. - Approved Text Amendment No. CD2026-002TA (UDC amendments) and directed the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance for first reading. - Approved a settlement agreement related to the Transportation Improvement District fee dispute. Public Comments & Testimony - Samantha Loomis (property owner): Opposed the recommended trail route for Segment 1C of the Willow Creek Regional Trail (Alternative 1), which goes through the center of her family's 50-year-old property. She urged the council to choose Alternative 2 (border of property) and questioned the trail's purpose without funded spurs. She also raised concerns about safety and policing of the trail. - Kelly Ray Kirkpatrick (president, East Side Neighborhood Association): Read an open letter from neighborhood leaders asking the city to engage neighborhoods early, recognize them as standing partners, evaluate neighborhood impacts, and establish ongoing communication. He emphasized that neighborhoods are not barriers but foundations of the city's future. - Joe LaForge: Praised the Parks and Recreation adaptive recreation program, especially Sue Miller's work, and described how the program positively impacted his son with special needs. - Molly Dennis (former council member): Criticized the council for reducing opportunities for public comment (e.g., open comment period shortened, lack of virtual participation, blocking social media feedback). She questioned why H2 (Willow Creek Trail) was not a public hearing and called for greater transparency. Discussion Items H1: Wood Debris Management Operations Update - Staff presented a proposal to relocate commercial wood processing operations from the current site (2555 50th Ave NW) to the northeast portion of the KR3 reservoir site, while keeping residential drop-off services at the current location. The move is driven by encroaching residential development, upcoming 50th Avenue road construction, and the need to mitigate nuisances (noise, smoke). - The proposed budget is $700,000, with staff requesting preliminary approval and $350,000 in contingency funds (50% of project costs). - Council debate centered on timing and use of contingency funds. Councilmember Miller and Mayor Norton argued the project should be budgeted for 2027 rather than using contingency, as it was not an emergency. Councilmember Keene supported the proactive approach to avoid future conflicts with new homeowners. - The motion passed 4-2, with Councilmembers Miller and Doring voting nay. H2: Willow Creek Regional Trail Feasibility Study and Final Design - Staff presented the feasibility study for a trail from 28th Street NW to Game Haven Regional Park, with a total project cost of $5.96 million (including a pedestrian bridge over County Road 47). The budget includes $3.6 million in state bonding and $1.875 million in city tax levy ($5.5 million total). - The key decision point was Segment 1C: Alternative 1 (recommended, $275,000) goes through the Loomis property using an easement; Alternative 2 ($1.6 million) requires a boardwalk along the property boundary. The difference of about $1.3 million would affect the ability to fund the pedestrian bridge over CR 47. - Councilmember Palmer moved to approve Alternative 2 (boardwalk/alternative two). That motion tied 3-3 (Fredericks, Palmer, Doring aye; Keene, Miller, Schuberg nay) and failed. - Councilmember Keene then moved to accept the feasibility study with the recommended route (Alternative 1) and authorize the $418,170 design contract with Alliant Engineering, adding a directive to return with a legal update on any condemnation action. That motion passed 4-2 (Keene, Miller, Doring, Schuberg aye; Fredericks, Palmer nay). - Councilmember Doring attempted to table the original motion to seek funding from the county for the pedestrian bridge, but the tabling motion failed 2-4 (only Palmer and Doring aye). Key Outcomes - Wood Debris Relocation: Approved (4-2) preliminary approval for relocation of commercial operations to KR3 reservoir site, and preliminary support for up to $350,000 in contingency funds. Final construction and permits still required. - Willow Creek Regional Trail: Approved (4-2) acceptance of the feasibility study with the recommended route (Alternative 1, through the Loomis property), authorized the design contract with Alliant Engineering for $418,170, and directed staff to return with a legal update on the property acquisition process (including potential condemnation). - Ordinance First Reading (J1): Unanimously waived the 25-day minimum between first and second readings for Text Amendment CD2026-002TA, setting the second reading for August 17, 2026. - Ordinance Second Reading (K1): Approved the 2026 Amended Master Fee Schedule. Other Business - City Administrator's Report: Announced closing of Civic Center North parking lot on August 15, rescheduled fireworks to September 4, and upcoming events (Aurora Lights presentation, Downtown Art Walk). - Mayor's Report: Announced National Farmers Market Week, Night to Unite, primary election August 11, Safe City Nights, Back to School Day, and a town hall on transit/biking on August 20.

The Park Board convened on August 4, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. at the Government Center. The meeting covered consent items, public comment, and several new business items including golf course concessions, tennis court reconstruction, and a joint presentation with Olmsted County. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the June 2, 2026 meeting. - Approved monthly bills (July 2026) as presented. - Authorized an agreement with the Rochester Active Sports Community to provide financial assistance for mountain biking amenities at Gamehaven Regional Park. Public Comments & Testimony - Tim Neela, General Manager of Townies, requested that the city negotiate an extension of the current concession agreement at Soldiers Field Golf Course clubhouse rather than issuing a new RFP. He cited five years of community service and expressed a desire to remain at that location. Discussion Items Soldiers Field Golf Course Concession Agreement (Item 9A) - Staff (Paul) recommended initiating an informal Request for Proposals (RFP) for concession services at the Soldiers Field clubhouse, citing changed conditions since 2021 and a need to assess market value. Staff had begun discussions with the current vendor (Townies) in June but did not reach a conclusion. - Board Member Becky moved to first try negotiating an extension with Townies and, if that failed, then issue an RFP. After discussion, the board voted on the original motion to authorize the informal RFP. - Board Member Gary argued for a fully open and transparent process given the subsidized (below‑market) nature of the concession. - Outcome: The board unanimously approved authorizing staff to initiate an informal RFP for concession services and to return with a recommendation. The board also noted that Townies would be invited to participate. Rochester Outdoor Tennis Center Court Reconstruction (Item 9B – reordered as new 9B) - Staff presented the project to reconstruct courts 9–14 at Kutzky Park. Total project cost is $630,000. Funding sources: $250,000 from the community group Raise the Net, up to $200,000 pending from a USTA grant, and $180,000 from the city’s court resurfacing fund (part of the voter‑approved tax levy). A gap of $55,000–$80,000 remained after bids exceeded estimates. - Staff proposed covering the gap from the Park Board reserve fund (discretionary funds) and/or Park Board community funds. - Several board members expressed concerns about cost overruns and impacts on other park needs, but others noted the poor condition of courts 12‑14 and the strong community fundraising effort. - Outcome: The board unanimously approved the use of Parks and Recreation Reserves and Park Board Community Funds to cover the funding gap for the court reconstruction project. Staff will return in September with a formal bid acceptance pending the USTA grant decision. Joint Meeting with Olmsted County Parks and Trails Commission (Item 9C – reordered) - City Parks and Recreation Director Paul and County Parks Director Carlin presented overviews of their respective departments and capital projects. - City highlights: Soldiers Field, Silver Lake improvements, MLK Park construction, new maintenance facility, CAPRA reaccreditation, and upcoming park system plan update. - County highlights: Oxbow Park campground relocation and camper cabins, Chester Woods amphitheater and playground, boat launch improvements at Lake Zumbro, and development of a countywide trails master plan. - Both emphasized collaboration and non‑duplication of services. No action was taken; the meeting was informational. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved all consent items and monthly bills. - Unanimously approved (8A) the agreement with Rochester Active Sports Community for mountain biking amenities. - Unanimously approved (9A) authorizing an informal RFP for Soldiers Field Golf Course concession services. - Unanimously approved (9B) using Parks and Recreation Reserves and Park Board Community Funds for the tennis court reconstruction project. - No action on the joint meeting (9C); board directed staff to schedule future joint meetings. Meeting adjourned.

The Rochester Airport Commission met on August 3, 2026, at 2:01 p.m. in the City Hall Administration Conference Room. The meeting was called to order with four members present (Mayor Norton, Mr. Reed, President Schubert, Ms. Zones) and two absent (Mr. Donbowski, Mr. Hulton). The open comment period had no speakers. The agenda was approved unanimously, and the commission proceeded through reports and new business items. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the Airport Commission meetings on June 2, 2026, and July 7, 2026, as official records. Motion passed unanimously. Reports - Airport Operational and Marketing Data – June 2026: John reported that the first quarter was exceptionally strong (+15% year-over-year), but the second quarter showed a slackening reflecting national trends (conflicts in the Middle East, fuel prices, high ticket pricing). June was +1% year-over-year, with American Airlines down about 7% due to operational issues (weather in Chicago). Load factors: Delta Minneapolis 81%, American 73%. Parking and rental car activity are steadily climbing, cargo recovered slightly (annual down 2%, June up 7%). Overall traffic slightly down due to fuel prices and runway construction. - Airport Financials – June 2026: Year-to-date the airport is positive $535,000, compared to $1.2 million last year—the difference largely due to COVID grants that ended. The $1.2 million administrative decrease is reflected in that shift. - Marketing Update (presented by Mary after arriving late): Digital spend was reduced from $12,000 to $6,000 per month, resulting in only a 7% loss in web traffic (not one-to-one). The new “Go version” video and song by Corey launched this week and is expected to boost engagement. The Fly My Air Court tool has seen nearly 8,000 searches per month, a significant increase from a few hundred. Destination marketing is shifting to retargeting ads for other routes. Quarry project (2800 feet from runway) is off the council agenda until September 9, 2026. Discussion Items - Consent to Assignment of Land Lease (7A): A land lease adjacent to the airfield (no airfield access) from University of Northwestern – St. Paul to Top Flight Investments, LLC (affiliated with Superior Quality Rides, the current tenant). There were no questions, and the motion passed unanimously after correcting typographical errors in the document. - Agreement for Operation and Management of Rochester International Airport (7B): A comprehensive 10-year operating agreement (January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2035) with two five-year renewal options. The agreement modernizes the previous document, clarifies terms (definitions, FA contract provisions, insurance requirements including cyber and pollution/environmental insurance), adds a dispute resolution process, formalizes the budget process, and includes an option for a proprietary exclusive FBO operation (allowing the city to retain fuel revenue). Financial terms remain: the city pays utilities (except natural gas) and customs (approximately $600,000 annually); the airport company pays $5,000 annually for taxes; revenue over $5,000 above expenses returns to the city for airport capital reinvestment. A commissioner requested a highlight document comparing old and new agreements for the City Council. The commission approved the agreement unanimously, sending it to the City Council for final approval. - Capital Planning and Capital Fund Budgeting (7C) – Discussion only: Staff presented a long-term capital plan from 2026 to 2031. The current fund balance is approximately $15 million, but after committed projects (CAT II allocation $1.2M, GA ramp local share $3.75M, exit lane $225,000, ARFF truck $110,000, parking lot placeholder $5M, roads repaving $500,000, terminal upgrades $500,000, generator $1.2M, FBO prep $1.2M, and annual contributions of $500,000), the reserve is projected to fall to approximately $2 million by 2031. The parking lot project, a major upcoming capital item, will be delayed to spring 2027. Covered parking with solar panels was discussed but faces funding challenges (federal solar funding windows closed). Staff aims to make the lot retrofittable for future covers. The commission expressed appreciation for the long-term view. Additionally, United Airlines has delayed its launch to October 2027 due to a DOT capacity cap at Chicago O’Hare. A $500,000 MnDOT grant for an automated exit lane at the airport was announced. Key Outcomes - Consent to Assignment of Land Lease: Approved unanimously. - Airport Operating Agreement: Approved unanimously and referred to the City Council. Staff will prepare a highlight document comparing the old and new agreements for council review. - Capital Plan: Forwarded for future discussion; parking lot options will be presented at the next meeting. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 2:46 p.m.

The Heritage Preservation Commission met on July 29, 2026, to consider two certificates of appropriateness. The Commission approved window replacements at 510 SW 9th Avenue and approved alterations to Silver Lake Park and Dam after hearing public comments and deliberation. Public comments included opposition to the Silver Lake project and a call to table action. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the June 23, 2026, Heritage Preservation Commission meeting by unanimous consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Dave Morrill, representing Friends of Silver Lake, requested that the Commission table action on item 5B (Silver Lake Park & Dam alterations), arguing the process for a major alteration was not followed and that changes to a landmark park deserved more discussion. He later received an additional four minutes (by unanimous vote to suspend rules) to speak on historic aspects of Silver Lake, emphasizing the 1930s overlook and the reduction of the lake area by 4–5 acres. - Greg Munson echoed concerns, stating that the city staff had misled the public and that the open comment period language conflicted with the chair’s instructions, limiting citizens’ ability to speak. He urged the Commission to table the item. - Barry Skolnick, a former HPC member, noted that the dam, though not historic itself, is a character-defining feature that maintains the lake’s shape. He asked the Commission to decide if the proposed alteration substantially changes the lake’s historic configuration. - Barb Hudson spoke about Indian Heights, urging the Commission to consider both Dakota and European immigrant histories when designating the park as a landmark. Discussion Items 5.A - Certificate of Appropriateness: Window Replacement at 510 SW 9th Avenue - Staff presented a request to replace all windows (except a third-floor window) in a 1927 Tudor Revival home in the Pill Hill Historic District with new double-hung inserts matching the existing grid pattern. Staff recommended approval, finding minimal changes in materials, features, spaces, and spatial relationships, meeting the Secretary of the Interior Standards and local design guidelines. The Commission approved the motion unanimously. 5.B - Certificate of Appropriateness: Silver Lake Park & Dam Alterations - Staff presented the project, which includes replacing the current dam with a rock-arch rapids structure (reducing the lake area by about 5 acres), modifying the east shoreline (adding about 1 acre of lake area), and extending the bicycle trail. The project had undergone a federal Section 106 review with the State Historic Preservation Office, which issued a no-adverse-effect determination. Staff recommended approval, finding the project meets the Secretary of the Interior Standards and local design principles. - The Commission suspended rules to allow Deputy Public Works Director Aaron Luckstein and Project Manager Matt Crawford to answer technical questions. They clarified: lake elevation would be slightly reduced (from 974.1 to 973.5 ft) but still above the original 1937 level; the new dam improves fish passage (13 miles of new habitat), water quality (aeration and cooling), and public safety (passive, low-maintenance design); maintenance costs are lower than repairing the aging concrete dam; and the project preserves the lake’s historic character and viewshed, while adding recreational access. Commissioners acknowledged the significant change to the lake footprint but cited restoration of original shoreline, removal of the concrete dam structure, improved accessibility, and overall compatibility with historic use. - After deliberation, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness. 7.A - Other Business: Updates - Staff reported on Indian Heights: a meeting was held with Valerie Gomeres (Greater Rochester Area Dakota Supporters) regarding the Dakota perspective, and the park department has issued an RFP for oral history and signage. No progress on a landmark designation study yet. - The awards committee update was postponed to the next meeting due to Commissioner Boeddeker’s absence. - Commissioner Wassmer provided a history fact about Silver Lake, noting its origins in Rochester’s milling era and the 1937 dedication. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of June 23, 2026 (unanimous consent). - Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacement at 510 SW 9th Avenue (motion by Anthony Poirier, second by Veena Gandhi; vote 7-0). - Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for Silver Lake Park & Dam alterations (motion by Aleida Koestler, second by Melissa Mutchler; vote 7-0). - Next meeting will include updates on Indian Heights, the awards committee, and a proposal from Commissioner Kessler.

The Rochester Public Utility Board met on July 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at RPU Community Room, 4000 E River Rd NE. All five board members were present (Brett Gorden, Patrick Keane, Malachi McNeilus, Wendy L Turri, Kelsey Vaszily). The meeting included informational updates on the Power Supply Plan, Water System Master Plan, and Water Division Operations, a consent agenda with routine approvals, public comment, a vote to authorize short-term water utility revenue bonds, and a closed executive session for the General Manager's performance review. Consent Calendar - Minutes of June 23, 2026 – Approved unanimously. - Review of Accounts Payable – Approved the list of transactions from 06/12/2026 to 07/13/2026 totaling $14,385,130.71. - Board Policy 32: Financial Policies – Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Kris Acuna (Sierra Club Rochester Organizer) thanked the board for progress on renewable energy and water quality, expressed support for expanding energy efficiency programs and decarbonization, and urged creation of a public dashboard to track community goals. He noted that climate change impacts hit low-income residents hardest and asked RPU to continue expanding rebates and demand-response rates. Discussion Items - Power Supply Plan Update (Item 4.A) – Bill Bullock, Director of Power Resources, reported the utility is about two-thirds of the way to its 100% net renewable goal. He highlighted challenges: tariffs, inflation, permitting delays (e.g., Mount Simon interconnection cost reduced from $20M to $5M, but other projects face MISO accreditation issues and wind-project node access problems). Two 10 MW/40 MWh battery projects are on track for Q3 2027. A new all-of-the-above RFP will be issued to procure additional capacity and renewables, with recommendations expected by end of 2026. Board members discussed accreditation rates for wind (only 20% of nameplate for capacity) and batteries (55% accreditation), and the need to balance seasonal renewable production. - Water System Master Plan Update (Item 4.B) – Todd Blomstrom, Assistant GM of Operations, reviewed the long-term study. The DNR has restricted new Jordan aquifer wells and requires evaluation of alternatives (Mount Simon sandstone, intermediate aquifers, surface water from Zumbro River or Mississippi). A groundwater model covering 1,500 square miles is being built; water quality issues (radium, PFAS, iron/manganese) are driving the need for potential treatment. Modeling results are expected by late October 2026, with capital cost estimates in Q4 2026/Q1 2027. Short-term needs (e.g., water main expansion, AMI replacement) are pushing the utility toward short-term debt. - 2025 Water Division Engineering and Operations Report (Item 4.C) – Todd Blomstrom presented 28 KPIs across five service levels. Positives: 100% compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act primary standards, 1,200 coliform tests all negative, system pressure maintained. Concerns: water main breaks hit 11.7 per 100 miles (one of the highest in 35 years); iron/manganese complaints (4.5 per 1,000 accounts) are above national average; preventive maintenance on hydrants fell short due to staff resource constraints (AMI project, lead service line replacement, high construction workload). Staff propose contracting water utility locates to a third party to free up crew for maintenance. - Short-Term Water Utility Revenue Bonds (Item 5.A) – Peter Hogan, Assistant GM of Administration, requested approval of a resolution authorizing up to $10 million in short-term borrowing (private placement, similar to a line of credit) to fund expansion projects (Calmar booster station, 18th Avenue SW water improvements, AMI replacement) while the master plan is finalized. The bonds will likely be rolled into long-term financing in 2028-2029. The resolution also establishes a Pricing Committee and recommends Common Council approval. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (items 3.A–3.C). - Resolution for Short-Term Water Utility Revenue Bonds (up to $10 million) approved unanimously. - Executive Session convened at 5:33 p.m. closed per Minn. Stat. §13D.05 subd. 3(a) for General Manager Timothy McCollough's performance review; ended at 6:11 p.m. - General Manager Performance Evaluation – After closed session, the board unanimously approved the performance evaluation and a 3% lump sum merit adjustment for Timothy McCollough. - Meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on July 7, 2026, but the provided meeting date is July 28, 2026. This summary uses the specified date. Item 7D (Facility Lease with Great Planes Aviation) was removed from the agenda. The Airport Commission met on July 28, 2026, to review May 2026 financial and operational reports, and to act on several grant acceptances and contracts related to the Corporate Hangar Area Site Development Project. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Norton with a quorum present. Reports - Airport Financials – May 2026: Staff reported that financial comparisons to the prior year were affected by the cessation of COVID-19 grants and timing of marketing grants and property tax payments. Winter operating costs were higher this year. The report was received and filed without questions. - Airport Operational and Marketing Data – May 2026: Overall employment is up 9% year-to-date. Available seats increased despite daily flights still below desired levels. Delta load factor reached 79% (approaching 80%), while American Airlines load factor dropped to 72% from 80%. Rental car activity increased; parking lot revenue slightly down. International passenger traffic is recovering to seasonal averages. Jet fuel sales are up; avgas sales down. Uber/Lyft usage increased. Marketing reported strong performance from the Penny Plot Party event and ground party painting for GA implementation. Audience numbers grew 2-3% month-over-month, with TikTok growth due to content sharing. Search volumes for the airport widget exceed 8,000 per month. Marketing spend will be reduced in late June through July to reallocate budget to late summer/early fall campaigns. Report received and filed. Discussion Items - 7A – Grant Acceptance and Bid Award for Corporate Hangar Area Site Development Project: Two bids were received for the $6.7 million project. The low bidder (L4 Construction) was deemed non-responsive for failing to meet specification requirements. The only responsive bid was from Mathiowetz Construction Company at $6,689,440.47, about 1% below the engineer's estimate. Funding: $1.525 million from MnDOT Aeronautics grants, $4.6 million from United Therapeutics, and over $500,000 from airport reserves. Motion to award to Mathiowetz and adopt the resolution accepting the grant passed unanimously. - 7B – Professional Services Agreement with Mead & Hunt for Construction Administration: The $672,510.50 fee will be funded by United Therapeutics (approximately $522,510.50) and airport reserves ($150,000). No state grant is involved. The commission authorized the professional services agreement; the grant acceptance action was not needed. Motion passed unanimously. - 7C – MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Air Service Marketing Grant: Annual grant of $69,263 requiring a 30% local match. Funds marketing expenses including graphic design, video production, the Fly My Airport widget, CRM software, and consultant fees. Rochester is currently second among Minnesota airports in grant allocation. Motion to adopt the resolution accepting the grant passed unanimously. Other Business - JASB Update: Staff reported that the Joint Airport Zoning Board needs one more meeting to approve minor map and ordinance wording changes identified by MnDOT. The JASB has final authority; after approval, the submission will undergo a 90-day MnDOT review. The additional JASB meeting is expected within the next couple of months. - Proposed Quarry North of Airport: Staff alerted the commission to a proposed quarry approximately 2,800 feet north of Runway 21 that would use explosives. The City Council will discuss a conditional use permit on July 20. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial (7-0). Staff expressed concern about potential impact on airspace and grant assurances due to the FAA's lack of comment. Aircraft on approach are at 150-250 feet. The commission noted the issue for awareness. Key Outcomes - Approved award of contract to Mathiowetz Construction Company for $6,689,440.47 for the Corporate Hangar Area Site Development Project, and adopted resolution accepting MnDOT grant (7A). - Approved professional services agreement with Mead & Hunt for construction administration in the amount of $672,510.50 (7B). - Approved resolution accepting the MnDOT Air Service Marketing Grant of $69,263 with required local match (7C). - Received and filed May 2026 financial and operational/marketing reports. - Noted removal of item 7D from the agenda. - Scheduled an additional JASB meeting to finalize zoning code amendments.

This study session focused on two major updates from Rochester Public Utilities: the Water System Master Plan and the Power Supply Plan. No minutes or transcript were provided; the summary is based solely on the agenda. Presentation Items - A.1 – Rochester Public Utilities Water System Master Plan Update (3:30–4:15 p.m.): Scheduled presentation on the water system master plan. No details on content or discussion available. - A.2 – Rochester Public Utilities Power Supply Plan Update (4:15–5:00 p.m.): Scheduled presentation on the power supply plan. No details on content or discussion available. - A.3 – Study Session Schedule (5:00 p.m.): Scheduled discussion of future study session dates. No further information. Key Outcomes No decisions or votes were recorded in the agenda. The session was informational, with no action items noted.

The Rochester Planning & Zoning Commission met on July 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council/Board Chambers. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a recommendation on a conditional use permit for a wireless telecommunications tower, and the introduction of a new Planning Supervisor. Seven commissioners were present, two were absent (Commissioner Ahmed arrived later during the meeting). Consent Calendar - Minutes of July 8, 2026: Approved unanimously (7 ayes) as the official record. Discussion Items - Conditional Use Permit No. CD2026-011CUP by UCI Tower: Staff presented a request for a 125-foot monopole tower and ancillary equipment in a Light Industrial (LI) zoning district. The applicant, Matthew Kundert (UCI Tower), explained the tower would replace an existing multi-carrier tower (to be decommissioned) and maintain coverage. Discussion included height restrictions (base allowance 75 ft, plus 50 ft sought), co-location feasibility (no structures within half a mile), and coverage performance. The commission asked about antenna gain and coverage patterns; the applicant noted the location was the best option and performance should be adequate. Staff recommended approval subject to two conditions. Other Business - Introduction of New Planning Supervisor: Taryn Edens, Assistant Director, introduced Anthony Cicchi as the new Planning Supervisor. The commission welcomed him. Key Outcomes - Conditional Use Permit CD2026-011CUP: Motion to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council for the construction of a 125-foot Commercial Wireless Telecommunication Service Tower with ancillary equipment in an LI zoning district, as supported by the Community Development Memo dated July 23, 2026, subject to two conditions of approval. The motion passed unanimously (7 ayes, 2 absent). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following a unanimous motion.