Rosemount City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Aerospace Testing Facility Development
Indoor Ice Rink Project Management
Infrastructure Projects Update
Community Engagement and Upcoming Meetings
Votes (5)
North Wind Test Aerospace Testing Facility Development Approvals
Moved by Weisenell [00:00] · Seconded by Esler [00:00]
The council considered requests from North Wind Test for the development of a hypersonic aerospace testing facility. This encompassed preliminary and final plats for subdividing the site, approval of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Master Development Plan, and a zoning map amendment from B2 Employment to B2 PUD. Extensive discussion focused on six requested deviations from the zoning ordinance regarding building height, parking, fencing, landscaping, lighting, and architectural standards, all of which staff and the planning commission supported, citing mitigation measures. Environmental remediation of asbestos on the site, conducted jointly by Northwind and the University of Minnesota, was clarified, alongside a noise analysis demonstrating compliance with MPCA limits and minimal impact on residential areas. The applicant also confirmed funding sources for key infrastructure like the Excel substation and remediation efforts would not be passed to residents.
North Wind Test Preliminary and Final Plat Approval
Moved by Fresky [00:00] · Seconded by Climple [00:00]
Following the approval of the zoning amendment, the council proceeded to formally approve the preliminary and final plat for the North Wind Addition. This action subdivides the site into three parcels, two buildable lots and one outlot, and dedicates right-of-way for the new 151st Street.
North Wind Test Planned Unit Development Master Development Plan Approval
Moved by Esler [00:00] · Seconded by Weisenell [00:00]
The council granted approval for the Planned Unit Development Master Development Plan for North Wind Test, encompassing the specific design and operational deviations discussed, such as building height, parking, and architectural standards. This approval is foundational for the project's specialized nature.
North Wind Test Planned Unit Development Master Development Plan Agreement Approval
Moved by Climple [00:00] · Seconded by Fresky [00:00]
The final action for the North Wind project involved approving the formal Planned Unit Development Master Development Plan Agreement. This agreement legally binds the applicant to the approved plan and its conditions, and authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the document.
Selection of Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for Indoor Ice Rink Project
Moved by Fresky [00:00] · Seconded by Esler [00:00]
The city council evaluated a staff recommendation to hire RJM Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the indoor ice rink project, to be formalized with a standard AIA agreement. Staff explained that the CMAR method, newly authorized by state statutes, allows for earlier contractor involvement in design and project oversight, leading to better control over quality, schedule, and budget. RJM Construction was favored due to their recent and relevant experience with similar ice rink projects in other cities, such as Northfield and Maple Grove, which is expected to provide up-to-date pricing and reliable subcontractors. The decision highlighted the city's adoption of this alternative project delivery method.
Notable Quotes (6)
this planned unit development approval includes a reszoning of the site from B2 employment to B2PUD planned unit development.
the remediation on the land is also a cost is borne by us... We expect that when the foundations for the buildings are are finally put in... we will be able to then fully remove that site from the environmental watch list.
the analysis does show that the noise generator will fall within limits well before it reaches residential properties.
the construction manager at risk delivery method is something that we have not used here before at the city of Rosemount... we feel that you know when you select a construction manager at risk firm early they are involved with design they are involved with pricing they are involved with delivery quality control scheduling and things like that.
JLG and the architect team that 80% of their last several ice rank projects since 2023 have been Semar projects. They just find that it's it's the right way to get things done.
RJM Construction... they are coming off a series of of very fresh rink projects. They just got done building the rink down in Northfield. So we feel like they're going to have really good upto-date pricing.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Applicant's plan to construct the first phase of the aerospace testing facility, including certain deviations from city code.
City regulations governing land use, from which deviations were requested for the PUD.
City's guiding document for development, specifying business park development for the North Wind site.
Change in zoning designation for the aerospace testing facility site.
Subdivision plan for the aerospace testing facility site into three parcels.
Official contract formalizing the PUD approval and conditions for the North Wind project.
Document sent by the city to firms for Construction Manager at Risk services for the indoor ice rink.
Standard American Institute of Architects agreement to be used for the Construction Manager at Risk services.
Minnesota laws authorizing municipalities to use the CMAR process for projects over $175,000 since August 1, 2023.