The Lakeville City Council conducted its annual organizational meeting Monday, administering oaths of office to council members and approving a new liquor license for a local business.

Council members Dan Walter and another member were sworn in during the ceremony. The council also designated Council Member Vul as acting mayor for 2025, a position that serves when the mayor is absent.

The council approved an on-sale liquor license for Farmers Grants on Eatery at 8333 210th Street, currently the Amico Gas Station location. Tony Donatell, representing applicant Paul Donatell, told the council the business is remodeling the convenience store and building out an adjacent bar area. The establishment expects to open in March.

Public Works Director presented the department's fourth-quarter report, highlighting several major infrastructure projects. The I-35 and County Road 50 interchange improvement project held a neighborhood meeting in December with about 40 property owners attending. The $50 million project is moving toward finalizing alignment plans for submission to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, with potential construction beginning in 2028 if funding is secured.

The 185th Street project from Kenwood Trail to Ipava Avenue will begin bidding in early February for summer construction. The project will expand the two-lane rural roadway to a four-lane divided highway with trail improvements and turn lanes. Environmental Services reported managing over 100 acres of vegetation throughout the city and completing ash tree surveys, with second compliance letters scheduled for January.