Pine Island — Transcript
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Large-Scale Data Center (Project Skyway/Sky View)
Infrastructure and Public Safety Improvements
Community Development and Planning
Library Operations and Funding
Votes (14)
Approval of Consent Agenda
Moved by Unknown [0:01:21] · Seconded by Unknown [0:01:23]
The consent agenda included various routine items such as approval of previous meeting minutes and several permit applications. No significant debate or questions arose during this segment.
Approve Purchase of Outdoor LCD and AV for the Cheese Factory (AED)
Moved by Unknown [0:28:06] · Seconded by Unknown [0:28:18]
A staff-proposed initiative, the purchase of a climate-controlled AED cabinet for the Creamery, was discussed. It would be centrally located for Trailhead Park, pickleball courts, and Douglas Trail users. Quotes were compared, with Advanced First Aid offering a more cost-effective bundle. Funding would come from Fund 280 (charitable gambling proceeds), with the Fire Chief's consent. Signage to notify users and emergency services linkage were also noted.
Resolution 26-12: New Business Tobacco License for Island Tobacco
Moved by Unknown [0:31:07] · Seconded by Unknown [0:31:18]
The application for a new tobacco license was due to an ownership change for Island Tobacco, as licenses are specific to owners. Approval was made pending the submission of a certificate of liability.
Resolution 26-13: Mobile Food License Renewal for Two Cavemen Grill'n
Moved by Unknown [0:32:51] · Seconded by Unknown [0:33:02]
Renewal of a mobile food license for Two Cavemen Grill'n, which typically operates on public property, specifically the parking lot across from City Hall. The vendor is known for good communication with city staff.
Resolution 26-14: Approve Cooperative Purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs) for Fire Department
Moved by Unknown [0:37:05] · Seconded by Unknown [0:37:16]
The Fire Department's SCBAs had expired, necessitating replacement. Efforts to secure federal grants over three years were unsuccessful. A cooperative agreement allowed for a significant discount ($37,000 off $246,000), contingent on approval by April 1st. The Rural Fire Board committed to covering 50% of the cost, with the city's portion funded from charitable gambling (Fund 280) and capital savings (Fund 250). New SCBAs have a 15-year lifespan.
Approve Quote for Graffiti Coating on Community Mural
Moved by Unknown [0:40:20] · Seconded by Unknown [0:40:27]
A quote from Nick Slavik for $3,181.26 to apply a clear graffiti-resistant coating to the upcoming community mural was presented. This coating would allow for easy cleaning of any potential graffiti, protecting the mural's integrity. Funding for the coating would come from a $10,000 budget set aside by the park board for mural-related expenses. The mural is planned for completion by Cheese Fest.
Detour Discussion for Cheese Fest
Following issues with last year's Cheese Fest detour, staff recommended a revised plan for this year. Instead of closing Second Street, it would remain open, but the north side would be designated 'no parking' to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and access for local businesses. The detour would still guide traffic to a third street, aiming to alleviate congestion, particularly for semis around Lano Lakes.
Approve Quotes for New Boiler for the Library
Moved by Unknown [0:48:38] · Seconded by Unknown [0:48:48]
The library's existing boiler, estimated to be from the 1950s, was highly inefficient and caused overheating. The council considered quotes for a new energy-efficient 200,000 BTU model. Hawk Services' quote was unanimously recommended by the library board due to cost and customer service, with installation planned for April. The project involves redoing pipes and creating a new exterior vent.
Ordinance 182: Approving a Rezone of Pine Prairie III
Moved by Unknown [0:52:16] · Seconded by Unknown [0:52:19]
Bigelow Homes requested a rezone for the northern portion of the Pine Prairie III residential subdivision from agricultural to R1 (suburban residential). This larger rezone area was intended to accommodate future phases without repeated applications, saving time and money. The Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval on March 10th.
Resolution 2615: Approving the Final Plat for Pine Prairie III
Moved by Unknown [0:58:36] · Seconded by Unknown [0:58:39]
Following the preliminary plat, the final plat for Pine Prairie III was submitted for 15 acres and 28 residential lots. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Key conditions included accommodating a 40-foot wide outlot for a potential trail link from the school to Elk Run Drive and addressing resident drainage concerns. A development agreement and title work review were prerequisites for plat recording.
Approve Payment to Global Specialty Contractors for Water Slide Project (Pay Estimate #1)
Moved by Unknown [1:00:54] · Seconded by Unknown [1:01:03]
The first payment estimate of $77,500 was approved for Global Specialty Contractors, the winning bidder for the water slide project. This payment covered engineering costs and the fabrication of the slide, with delivery expected in early April. Funds were allocated from the swimming pool capital fund (250) and the unrestricted capital fund. A 5% retainage was noted, making the actual payment due $73,620.
Approve Purchase of Lawn Mower for Public Works
Moved by Unknown [1:04:15] · Seconded by Unknown [1:04:25]
Public Works sought to replace its 2016 Ferris zero-turn finish mower, which had nearly 1,000 hours of operation. After reviewing three quotes, the Loder Myers bid for a Ferris mower with a Vanguard 44 engine was recommended. Operators preferred Ferris mowers for their full suspension and existing spare parts inventory. The purchase would be funded from the 250 parks capital outlay account.
Request to Pay City County Public Works Invoice for Bridge Inspection (511th Street Bridge)
Moved by Unknown [1:07:07] · Seconded by Unknown [1:07:16]
An invoice for $72,420 from Goodhue County Public Works for the 511th Street bridge inspection was presented. While state and federal aid covered most construction and engineering costs, the city was responsible for 100% of the inspection fees. The payment was approved to be split 50/50 between the general fund capital outlay account and the general fund 250 capital account. The bridge project is complete and was complimented for its design.
Approval of Claims
Moved by Unknown [1:08:46] · Seconded by Unknown [1:08:48]
Standard approval of claims for payment.
Notable Quotes (7)
So one of the groups presented the idea of purchasing an outdoor AED for Trailhead Park. This was pitched to you in a work session and you asked staff to get some folks together so we can present it to you here at this council meeting. And so this AED would be climate controlled. It's a climate controlled cabinet. We're suggesting fixing it to the creamery. That way it's centrally located to the Douglas Trail, the pickleball courts and park itself.
So we'll order signage that AED is located here. We'll probably put it on all sides of the creamery so that people know where the AED is located. But then by the AED people will have a big sign that says emergency services will be called and an alarm will sound if cabinet is opened.
So the SCBAs at the fire hall most of them are expired. They have a 10 15 15 year lifespan.
This quote does have a discounted price of $37,000 and that's because the statute allows um cities and government entities to come together and do joint cooperative agreements.
Um again, that would be to put that clear coating over top of the mural once it's complete and essentially it makes it so that if somebody does do some graffiti on it that we can clean it off fairly easily with some warm soapy water essentially. Um it's just a way to help protect the integrity of that over time.
So, the um the one condition that we had in the preliminary plat was to accommodate a uh trail, a possible trail uh link from the school um over to Elk Run Drive. Um and so, the there was currently or there was a a 30-ft wide outlot. Uh we asked for a 40-ft wide outlot just to allow for a little more room um in between the homes there and then also just to accommodate any grading.
The only thing I'll add is the monetary portion. And so council has already approved when we ordered the slide that um the majority of the funds would be coming from the swimming pool capital fund 250 and then um what's not covered um will be coming out of the unrestricted capital fund.
Ordinances & Resolutions (13)
Minutes from a previous council meeting, approved as part of the consent agenda.
Application approved as part of the consent agenda.
Request approved as part of the consent agenda.
Request approved as part of the consent agenda.
Request approved as part of the consent agenda.
Alternative Urban Area-wide Review for the data center, criticized by residents as insufficient.
New business tobacco license for Island Tobacco.
Mobile food license renewal for Two Cavemen Grill'n.
Cooperative purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) for the Fire Department.
Approving a rezone of Pine Prairie III from agricultural to R1 (suburban residential).
Approving the final plat for Pine Prairie III.
Environmental Impact Statement, suggested by a resident as a more appropriate environmental review for the data center than an AUAR.
Legislative bill discussed in relation to funding for the regional treatment plant and North Memorial Cemetery District.