St. Francis City Council — Transcript
Monday, July 6, 2026
Code Enforcement and Resident Concerns
Vista Prairie Development and Tax Abatements
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Financial Planning
Trunk Highway 47 Utility Improvements
City Hall Chambers Rental Policy
Top Tier Automotive Site Plan
Turtle Pond's Sixth Edition Plat
Votes (7)
Public Hearing: 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan
Dissent: Councilwoman Amy expressed a desire for more time to review but ultimately voted in favor.
Moved by Councilman Robinson [00:54:15] · Seconded by Councilman Odvig [00:54:30]
The public hearing for the CIP was opened and closed with no public speakers. Council discussion focused on understanding the CIP as a long-term planning and financial tool, rather than an immediate spending authorization. Questions arose regarding the August 15th approval deadline, the potential for a work session to delve deeper into the 60+ page document, and the allocation of funds from enterprise accounts like the municipal liquor store. Council members emphasized the frugality of department heads and the CIP's role as a 'savings account' for future equipment and infrastructure, distinct from 'use it or lose it' grants. Despite a request for a two-week postponement for further review, the majority opted to vote on the plan tonight.
Ordinance amendment chapter 6 business regulation section 5 gambling. second reading.
Moved by Councilman Fis [00:56:45] · Seconded by Councilman Robinson [00:56:55]
This item was the second reading of Ordinance 358, which amends the city code regarding business regulation and gambling. The City Administrator confirmed that the change would go into effect on August 1st, and there were no further questions from the council.
Resolution 2026-23 authorizing summary publication of ordinance 358
Moved by Councilman Mbower [00:57:40] · Seconded by Unidentified Council Member [00:57:50]
This resolution authorized the summary publication of Ordinance 358, which had just completed its second reading. No discussion occurred on this procedural item.
Plans and specifications for trunk highway 47 utility improvements
Moved by Councilman Joel [01:10:30] · Seconded by Councilman Robinson [01:10:40]
The council reviewed and approved plans for the reconstruction of sewer and water utilities along Trunk Highway 47, anticipating a 2028 MnDOT road construction project. The goal is to replace or rehabilitate 53-year-old trunks. Three alternatives were presented, with Alternative 3, costing $7 million, chosen for its efficiency and minimal disruption by rehabilitating existing sewers and extending a force main. The project has secured $6 million in state and federal funds, with the city's remaining $1 million to come from enterprise funds. It was clarified that this budget is solely for underground infrastructure, separate from future pavement costs.
City Hall chambers rental policy
Moved by Councilman Advig [01:22:20] · Seconded by Councilman Fis [01:22:30]
The council considered and approved an initial rental policy for the City Hall chambers, small kitchen, and conference room. The policy differentiates between professional groups using the space during staffed business hours and residential groups wishing to use it on nights and weekends, which requires a part-time attendant for supervision and access. A key point of discussion was the attendant's compensation and the rental fee structure, with the Mayor proposing a higher rate for rentals ($50/hour, minimum 2 hours) to ensure adequate compensation for the attendant ($30/hour suggested) and cover city costs, making the position attractive and feasible.
Top tier automotive site plan
Moved by Councilman Robinson [01:34:00] · Seconded by Councilman Fis [01:34:10]
The council reviewed a site plan for Top Tier Automotive, proposing a 6,800 square foot minor auto repair and service building with eight bays on a 1-acre vacant parcel. Discussions focused on meeting B2 general business zoning requirements, particularly regarding exterior building materials and architectural standards. The applicant revised the design to include Dakota steel paneling with stone along the bottom and added facade articulation and windows to the street-facing side, satisfying concerns raised by the Planning Commission. Access will be via Aztec Street, with parking and landscaping plans also presented.
Turtle Pond sixth edition preliminary and final plat
Moved by Councilman Bonis [01:43:20] · Seconded by Councilman Joel [01:43:30]
The council considered and approved both the preliminary and final plat for the sixth edition of the Turtle Pond's development, a 2.5-acre parcel for medium-density residential use. The plan includes eight attached townhome units, a private street (229th Lane) managed by an expanded HOA, and the removal of an existing pole shed. The project involves filling approximately 800 square feet of wetland, with the Wetland Conservation Act process underway to secure necessary credits. The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval, deeming it the best design for the site.
Notable Quotes (13)
Again, 60ome pages. It's a lot of money. Uh should we do this for park? Should we not do this? Should do we need a $41,000 lawn mower next year? You know, and why and why not?
So, what happens is is this is what you'd probably you'd consider like a savings account at home. You're saving up to get the next truck. You're saving up to get the radios.
I'm not sure I have an answer for you. I just there's a lot to unpack there and since we don't have to make a decision for five weeks. I didn't think it was unreasonable to ask for two more weeks.
Main goal of this project is to replace or rehabilitate the sewer and water trunks from 1973 when they're currently 53 years old.
All three alternatives meet the project goals. So really it came down to in our opinion the the cost of each one.
The city has secured six million in state and federal funds for this project and the city has been planning for this project since 2022 and funds have been set aside in the city's enterprise funds.
With that, we would need um a staffing person to to manage the door and to supervise the building.
I would rather see a $50 an hour. Plus, that gives us a little leeway if we can't find one of our regular part- timerrs to do it.
The proposed use is a minor auto repair uh and service uh site which is an appropriate use.
Planning commission felt that the Dakota steel that was proposed uh is comparable in grade quality to the high quality materials that are uh required on the front wall of the buildings.
The preliminary plat shows two residential structures, uh with four units in each. So each unit would be on its own separate lot.
Planning commission stated that they felt that this design is the the best design that fits the site um that they've seen with all the different iterations that we've seen over the last few years.
Are these town homes um for sale or for rent? They're for sale.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
City code chapter cited for citation duration.
Federal program administered by MnDOT for EV fast chargers along highways and in communities.
Federal program that helps cities install public EV chargers in parks, downtowns, libraries, and public spaces.
Community program specified for communities in greater Minnesota for EV charging.
A schedule of proposed public projects and purchases over a 5-year period.
Amends city code chapter 6 section 5 subdivision 3 regarding business regulation and gambling.
Authorizes summary publication of Ordinance 358.
Approves a site plan for Top Tier Automotive.
Approves the preliminary and final plat for the sixth edition of Turtle Ponds development.