c\'TY o^. ## CITY OF SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA ## AGENDA AND NOTICE OF MEETING Regular City Council Meeting of Monday, August 10, 2026 - 7:00 p.m. ## Community Center - Governor's Room (600 South Fifth Street) ## I. CALL TO ORDER ## II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ## III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - p. 4-6 ## IV. VISITORS ## A. Scheduling of Visitor Comments on Agenda Items ## B. General Visitor Comments ## i. MNRPA Award Presentation ## V. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS - p. 7-9 ## VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS ## None Scheduled ## VII. NEW BUSINESS ## A. McKinstry MOD Acceptance - p. 10-29 B. City Assistance Request - Rock Bend Folk Festival - p. 30-35 C. New License - p. 36-37 ## VIII. REPORTS ## A. MAYOR ## B. COUNCILMEMBERS ## C. CITY ADMINISTRATOR ## IX. ADJOURNMENT ## Todd Prafke ## City Administrator ## CITY OF SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA ## OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS ## MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ## JULY 27, 2026 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Saint Peter was conducted in the Governors’ Room of the Community Center. A quorum present, Mayor Nowell called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The following Councilmembers were present: Keri Johnson, Darrell Pettis, Ben Ranft. Josh Weisenfeld, Dustin Sharstrom and Brad DeVos. The following officials w ere also present: City Administrator Todd Prafke, Assistant City Attorney Steven Winkler, Community Development Director Ben Baker, ## Finance Director Perry Solheim, Sustainability and Communication Coordinator Corree Johnson, and City Engineer Jeffrey Domras. Approval of Agenda – A motion was made by Ranft, seconded by Pettis, to approve the agenda. With all in favor, the agenda was approved. Approval of Minutes – Mayor Nowel requested correcting Mayor Nowell to Mayor pro tem Johnson in the attendance portion of the minutes. A motion was made by Johnson, seconded by Ranft, to approve the m inutes of the July 13, 2026 regular City Council meeting. With all in favor, the minutes were approved. A complete copy of the minutes of the July 13, 2026 regular City Council meeting is contained in the City Administrator’s book entitled Council Proceedings 20. Public Hearing – A Public Hearing regarding the Property Tax Abatement and Issuance of Bonds for 2026A General Obligation Bonds was called to order at 7:04 p.m. Shannon Sweeney of David Drown Associates reviewed the process and explained that the abatement would partially finance the Gorman Park Splash Pad. With no questions or comments, the hearing was adjourned at 7:06 p.m. Visitors – Luke Fischer, Executive Director of the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) and Courtney Johnson, LMC President visited to present the 2026 LMC City of Excellence Award for Accessibility Enhancement Grant Program to the City of Saint Peter. The meeting was recessed due to technical difficulties at 7:14 p.m. and returned at 7:16 p.m. At that time a video highlighting the Grant Program was shown. Kristin Mroz-Risse, GreenStep Cities & Tribal Nations Co-Director visited to present the City with their Step 3 Award. Consent Agenda – In motion by Ranft, seconded by Weisenfeld, Resolution No. 2026–126 entitled “Resolution Approving Consent Agenda”, was introduced. Upon roll call, with all in favor, the Resolution was declared passed and adopted. A complete copy of Resolution No. 2026-126 is contained in the City Administrator’s book entitled Council Resolutions 26. 2026A General Obligation Bonds – Property Tax Abatement and Issuance of Bonds– Shannon Sweeney of David Drown Associates quickly reviewed what was covered in the Public Hearing earlier in the meeting. Sweeney also shared the bond sale was recommended to be awarded to Piper Sandler and Company. 4 In motion by Pettis, seconded by Sharstrom, Resolution No. 2026-127 entitled “Resolution Approving Property Tax Abatement for Certain Property Located in the City of Saint Peter“ was introduced. Upon roll call, with all in favor, the Resolution was declared passed and adopted. A complete copy of Resolution No. 2026-127 is contained in the City Administrator’s book entitled Council Resolutions 26. In motion by Pettis, seconded by Ranft, Resolution No. 2026-128 entitled “Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Awarding the Sale of $6,320,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A, Pledging for the Security Thereof Special Assessments, Net Revenues, and Tax Abatements and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof“ was introduced. Upon roll call, with all in favor, the Resolution was declared passed and adopted. A complete copy of Resolution No. 2026-128 is contained in the City Administrator’s book entitled Council Resolutions 26. Safe Routes to School Closeout – City Administrator Prafke reviewed the project and recommended the final acceptance of the project and authorizing final payment to the contractor. In motion by Ranft, seconded by Weisenfeld, the Resolution No. 2026-1 29 entitled “Resolution Accepting the 2024 Safe Routes to School Improvements as Complete and Authorize Final Payment” was introduced. Upon roll call, with all in favor, the Resolution was declared passed and adopted. A complete copy of Resolution No. 2026-129 is contained in the City Administrator’s book entitled Council Resolutions 26. ## Broadway/Washington Intersection Engineering– City Administrator Prafke reminded Council of the Highway 169 project slated to begin in 2028 stating the detour planned goes through the intersection of Broadway and Washington. Prafke shared that MnDOT had stated that the funds that were going to be used to put in a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Broadway and Washington would be provided to the City to put towards a roundabout as a permanent solution for that intersection. Prafke recommended approval of Bolten and Menk to complete Engineering Services for the project. In motion by Ranft, seconded by Pettis, the Resolution No. 2026-130 entitled “Resolution Approving 2026 Broadway and Washington Avenue Intersection Improvements Engineering Services” was introduced. Upon roll call, with all in favor, the Resolution was declared passed and adopted. A complete copy of Resolution No. 2026-130 is contained in the City Administrator’s book entitled Council Resolutions 26. City Assistance Request – City Administrator Prafke shared that organizers of a Fight for the Boundary Waters Benefit requested City assistance noting the request was similar in nature to other City Assistance requests received. Prafke recommended approval of the request. In motion by Johnson, seconded by Weisenfeld, the Resolution No. 2026-1 31 entitled “Resolution Approving Request for City Assistance for Fight for the Boundary Waters Benefit” was introduced. Upon roll call, with all in favor, the Resolution was declared passed and adopted. A complete copy of Resolution No. 2026-1 31 is contained in the City Administrator’s book entitled Council Resolutions 26. ## Reports Mayor’s Report – Mayor Nowell reported on the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) conference held in New Ulm the previous week stating that Councilmember Johnson was recognized as outgoing President as well as Councilmember Pettis for his recognition on transportation advocacy. 5 Councilmember Reports – Councilmembers and Pettis briefly reviewed their thoughts and what was discussed at the CGMC Conference. City Administrator Reports – City Administrator Prafke shared that the City of Saint Peter received a Northern Lights Award from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators for the updates on accessibility of the City website. There being no further business, a motion was made by Ranft, seconded by Sharstrom, to adjourn. With all in favor, the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m. ___________________________________ ## Shanon A. Nowell ## Mayor ## ATTEST: _________________________________ ## Todd Prafke ## City Administrator 6 ## Memorandum ## TO: Todd Prafke DATE: 8/7/2026 ## City Administrator ## FROM: Perry Solheim ## Finance Director ## RE: Disbursements ## ACTION/RECOMMENDATION For your information, review, and approval. ## BACKGROUND Included in the consent agenda is a summary of the fund expenditures for disbursements made from July 24, 2026 to August 6 , 2026 (totaling $1,901,300.64). ## FUND TOTALS ## 101 GENERAL FUND $219,014.63 ## 211 LIBRARY FUND $3,831.43 ## 213 PUBLIC ACCESS $14.44 ## 217 COMMUNITY CENTER $690.40 ## 261 HOUSING REVOLVING LOANS $9,575.00 ## 462 N 3 ## RD ## ST 2021A BOND $27,169.50 ## 471 NEW CITY HALL CIP $34,261.22 ## 473 2026A DEBT FUND CAPEX FUN $20,561.53 ## 601 WATER $1,449,990.21 ## 602 WASTEWATER FUND $8,489.66 ## 603 ENVIRO SERVICES FUND $6,023.71 ## 604 ELECTRIC FUND $113,727.66 ## 606 STORMWATER FUND $226.68 ## 820 RESTRICTED CONTRIBUTIONS $358.44 ## 830 MN RIVER VALLEY TRANSIT $7,366.13 ## GRAND TOTAL: $1,901,300.64 The City Council, department heads and select staff have received a list of the vendor details and amounts of these disbursements that total the amounts included in the main agenda packet. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this agenda item. ## PS 7 ## Memorandum ## TO: Todd Prafke DATE: August 10, 2026 ## City Administrator ## FROM: Hayden Lacher ## Community Development Specialist ## RE: Temporary Gambling and Temporary Liquor ## ACTION/RECOMMENDATION Provide approval of Temporary Gambling and Temporary Liquor licenses. ## BACKGROUND The Church of St. Peter has submitted a Temporary Gambling License application to host raffles and bingo at 1801 W Broadway on September 27 th , 2026. The Church of St. Peter has submitted a Temporary Gambling License application to host raffles at 1801 W Broadway on December 5 th , 2026. The Church of St. Peter has submitted a Temporary On Sale Liquor License application to sell liquor at 1801 W Broadway on September 27 th , 2026. The Church of St. Peter has submitted a Temporary On Sale Liquor License application to sell liquor at 1801 W Broadway on October 3 rd , 2026. The Church of St. Peter has submitted a Temporary On Sale Liquor License application to sell liquor at 1801 W Broadway on February 12 th , 2027. Should you have any questions or concerns on these agenda items, please do not hesitate to contact me. ## HL/ 8 ## CITY OF SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA ## RESOLUTION NO. 2026 - ## STATE OF MINNESOTA) ## COUNTY OF NICOLLET) ## CITY OF SAINT PETER) ## RESOLUTION APPROVING CONSENT AGENDA ## BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT PETER, NICOLLET ## COUNTY, MINNESOTA, THAT: 1. The following licenses and permits are approved: ## Temporary Gambling Church of St. Peter 1801 W Broadway 9/27/2026 Church of St. Peter 1801 W Broadway 12/5/2026 ## Temporary Liquor Church of St. Peter 1801 W Broadway 9/27/2026 Church of St. Peter 1801 W Broadway 10/3/2026 Church of St. Peter 1801 W Broadway 2/12/2027 2. The schedule of disbursements for July 24, 2026 through August 6, 2026 are approved. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Saint Peter, Nicollet County, Minnesota, this 10 th day of August, 2026. ___________________________________ ## Shanon A. Nowell ## Mayor ## ATTEST: _________________________________ ## Todd Prafke ## City Administrator 9 ## Memorandum ## TO: Honorable Mayor Nowell ## Members of the City Council ## DATE: 8/7/2026 FROM: Todd Prafke Corree Johnson City Administrator Sustainability/Communications Coordinator ## RE: Memorandum of Understanding with McKinstry – Preliminary Energy & ## Sustainability Evaluation ## ACTION/RECOMMENDATION Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Saint Peter and McKinstry Essention LLC to conduct a Preliminary Energy & Sustainability Evaluation of City facilities and operations. ## BACKGROUND Over the past several months, the City has been exploring opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce long-term operating costs, and advance sustainability initiatives across municipal facilities and infrastructure. McKinstry is an energy and sustainability consulting firm that partners with local governments to identify and evaluate potential energy efficiency, facility improvement, renewable energy, and resiliency projects. Their approach focuses on developing projects that can leverage energy savings, utility rebates, grants, and other funding opportunities to offset project costs. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding represents the first step in determining whether a larger energy and sustainability project would be beneficial for the City. ## PRELIMINARY ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY EVALUATION Upon approval of the MOU, McKinstry will begin working with City staff to conduct a preliminary evaluation of City facilities and operations. This process is anticipated to take approximately 45 to 60 days and includes: • An initial project kickoff meeting and scoping workshop • Site visits to selected City facilities and locations • Review of facility, utility, and operational information • Identification of potential energy efficiency, sustainability, renewable energy, resiliency, and facility improvement opportunities • Evaluation of available utility rebates, grants, and other funding opportunities 10 • Preliminary cost estimates, energy savings projections, and greenhouse gas reduction potential The evaluation is intended to help the City better understand what opportunities may exist and which projects may warrant further consideration. ## FINAL DELIVERABLES At the conclusion of the evaluation, McKinstry will provide the City with an Executive Summary and Preliminary Energy & Sustainability Evaluation Report that will include: • Recommended project opportunities • Preliminary cost estimates • Estimated energy savings • Greenhouse gas reduction potential • Solar production potential, where applicable • Available rebates, grants, and other funding opportunities • Illustrative sketches or concepts, where appropriate The completed report will be presented to the City Council for review. At that time, the Council may determine whether to proceed with additional engineering, design, or project development. Approval of this Memorandum of Understanding does not authorize construction or commit the City to future project expenditures. Rather, it allows McKinstry to complete a no-cost preliminary evaluation and provide recommendations that will help the City assess potential opportunities and make informed decisions regarding future energy and sustainability investments. This evaluation also supports the City's ongoing efforts to improve municipal operations, reduce long-term costs, identify external funding opportunities, and advance the sustainability goals established through the Comprehensive Plan and GreenStep Cities program. ## FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with approval of this Memorandum of Understanding. McKinstry will complete the Preliminary Energy & Sustainability Evaluation, including site visits, facility assessments, and the development of a Preliminary Energy & Sustainability Evaluation Report, at no cost to the City. Should the City choose to pursue any recommended projects following completion of the evaluation, those opportunities, associated costs, funding strategies, and potential financing options would be presented to the City Council for future consideration and approval. ## ALTERNATIVES AND VARIATIONS: Do not act: Staff will wait for further direction from the Council. Negative Vote: Staff will wait for further direction from the Council. Modification of the Resolution: This is always an option for the City Council. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. ## TP/CJ/ks 11 ## Memorandum of Understanding Preliminary Energy / Sustainability Evaluation for the City of St. Peter, ## Minnesota August 10, 2026 ## City of St. Peter, Minnesota ## 1441 Civic Way • St. Peter, MN • 56082 This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to confirm the interest of the City of St. Peter (City) in working with McKinstry Essention LLC (McKinstry) to evaluate the viability of identifying opportunities for implementing Energy, Sustainability and facility improvement measures and to address the below stated building infrastructure initiatives or needs for the City. ## Customer Objectives To receive assistance in evaluating the feasibility of energy, sustainability and facility improvement measures that will allow the City to implement a self-funding project and to identify potential utility, state and federal funding opportunities. ## Customer Deliverables The customer agrees to assist McKinstry in the development of the Preliminary Energy / Sustainability Evaluation by providing: a) Meetings with the McKinstry team b) Confirmation of the City’s E nergy and resiliency / sustainability interests c) Site visit(s) d) Background information - facility and utility information e) City feedback and comments f) City approval to proceed with the potential investigation(s) for the potential for a self-funding Energy / Sustainability Project. ## Preliminary Energy Evaluation Deliverables to be provided by McKinstry Formal deliverables for the Self-funding Energy / Sustainability Opportunities to City R epresentative(s) which will include, at minimum: a) Executive summary (3-6 pages) outlining proposed solutions, potential outcomes, and benefits b) Final report (8- 15+ pages) detailing proposed solutions, potential outcomes, and benefits c) Project cost estimates d) Green House Gas (GHG) and Carbon reduction potential e) Solar production potential (if applicable) f) Energy savings potential g) Job creation impact (Local/MBE/WBE/DBE, etc.) h) Sketches/ pictures of proposed solutions i) Estimates of the appropriate Utility, State and Federal rebates and incentives for the project j) Others as agreed upon by both parties 12 ## Proposed Tasks to Complete the Work ## Task Summary ## 1) PROJECT INITIATION AND PRELIMINARY AUDIT ## a) Project Kick Off Meeting i) Review project goals, objectives, and desired outcomes ii) Review opportunities that align with MN State Statues for Energy Efficiency Projects iii) Establish Decision Schedule outlining key project milestones and timeline iv) Collection/ review of background information ## b) Initial Scoping Workshop i) Work with the City and its team to identify viable project components (sites/ locations/ solutions) such as: (1) Review sites for renewable energy and energy storage (2) Review sites for electric vehicle (EV) charging (3) Review opportunities for energy efficiencies (4) Review ‘unique’/ Net Zero opportunities (5) Review City CIP Budget items that impact energy for potential inclusion (6) Review other potential items for consideration/ evaluation c) Site Visit for 1-3 days (with guidance from the City) i) Visit building/ site locations as identified at the Initial Scoping Workshop ## 2) PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT WORK ## a) Scope Selection i) McKinstry to provide initial scope recommendations for the City’s review and feedback ii) Work with the City to approve final scope selection ## b) Preliminary Development Work i) McKinstry to further develop/ design deliverables for selected sites/ locations/ solutions ## 3) PROJECT DELIVERY a) Meetings / Presentations (to be staggered to allow appropriate completion and advocacy of the ## Work) i) Review the various funding application formats, timelines, requirements and provide recommendations, strategies, and assistance ii) Progress meetings as required for the City’s feedback ## iii) Review Draft Executive Summary Report iv) Presentation(s) to the City and Leadership (subcommittee and/ or Board as appropriate) b) Final Deliverables (as defined above) i) Recommended energy and facility improvement solutions, per funding application(s) requirements ## ii) Preliminary Energy Evaluation for Energy / Sustainability Projects Report 13 ## Proposed Timeline Provide the above proposed work in a timely manner with target delivery within 45-60 days from the signing of this Agreement. ## Compensation Within 60 days after McKinstry’s submission of the final Preliminary Energy Evaluation Report to the customer, and appropriate Representatives, the City shall compensate McKinstry by payment to McKinstry of no more than [$ 0] ( Zero dollars). By signing below, the City of St. Peter, MN and McKinstry agree that this MOU adequately captures the intent of the Preliminary Energy Evaluation for Energy / Sustainability Opportunities as well as both parties’ interest in partnering throughout the process. ## Acceptance: Acceptance: ## City of St. Peter, MN ## McKinstry Essention LLC Signed Title Signed Title Printed Name Date Printed Name Date 14 ## Energy Efficiency & Cost ## Savings Partnership for Sustainability ## City of St. Peter ## City Council Meeting August 10, 2026 15 2 ## Working with McKinstry: The “Community Win-Win–Win” ## Taxpayer ## Cost ## Savings Operations & ## Services ## Benefits ## Sustainability Recognition & ## Achievement ✓Cost Reductions ❑CIP Savings ## ❑Utility Cost Savings ❑Incentive $’s achieved ✓Total Project A-Z by McK. ❑Maintenance Reduced ## ❑Staff Time Saved ## ❑CIP Projects Addressed ## ❑Local Job Creation ✓Sustainability Achievement ❑Efficiency Upgrades ❑Award Recognition ## ❑Green Step City Awards ❑Carbon Reduction ## Guaranteed Savings Project 16 ## Our Project Process 17 4 ## Current Challenges in Managing Your Buildings With so many challenges and decisions facing today, we are a partner that understands your needs and can help navigate the options. Outdated operations and maintenance systems High energy spend Limited infrastructure budget ## Inefficient/outdated lighting Outdated emergency systems Excessive and expensive water use/operations Aging or isolated central utility plant Need for healthy and safe indoor environments Renewable energy, carbon, climate goals, or near-net zero facilities Growing deferred maintenance backlog and staffing availability / workloads We look at the WHOLE Building for opportunities 18 ## Preliminary Report 19 ## Preliminary Assessment Report = $0 20 7 Conduct a Preliminary Assessment = $0 We’ll provide: •Executive summary (8-15 pages) and Presentation (Board) of the selected Energy and Cost savings measures. •Baseline Project Cost and $ Savings estimates •Green House Gas (GHG) / Carbon reduction potential •Align with Local / State/ Federal / Utility rebates / incentives as appropriate •Business case for a Taxpayer Savings / Sustainability project ## •Develop a Self-Funding Project via Guaranteed Savings Goal: Identify a Cost savings/ Energy efficiency leadership project and work jointly towards development and implementation of an award-winning project! 21 8 ## Per Board and City Workshop Recommendations ## We’ll Review: ✓City Hall ## ✓Public Works Facilities ## ▪Water & Wastewater Treatment Facilities ✓Community Center ✓Library ✓Fire / Police Facilities ## ✓River’s Edge Hospital and Clinics ✓HRA Facilities – including Parkview Manor ## ✓Other City – Owned Properties ✓Parks ## ✓Street & Parking Lot Lighting 22 9 ## Per Board and City Workshop Recommendations ## We’ll Analyze for: ## •Indoor, Outdoor, Parking Lot and Street Lighting Upgrades to LED ## •Building Automation / Controls Upgrades / Retro-commissioning •Heating / Ventilating / Air conditioning (HVAC) Upgrades ## •Water Conservation Opportunities •Operation & Maintenance Opportunities for $ / staff time savings ## •Solar Opportunities – Rooftop, Carports, Ground Mounting •Near Net Zero Energy use opportunities for appropriate buildings •EV charging – for City vehicles and Public use 23 10 ## Per Board and City Workshop Recommendations ## We’ll Also: ## ✓Consider City graduation for the Green Step Cities Program ▪Also, the New “Gold Leaf” Certification / Award ✓Review the City’s “Climate Action Plan” via McKinstry’s - ## Strategic Facility Planning Service ✓Align Activities with the City’s Sustainability Goals and ## Long-Term Objectives 24 11 ## How this Works ## This Preliminary Study is a Joint effort McKinstry will: ✓Review the Utility Usage Data – before the Building Tours •Helps to ID issues / concerns and areas for focus ✓Total the Energy use for the Total City Facilities ✓Our Preliminary Assessment Team will need 2-3 days to visit review all facilities ✓Start the Process with a “Kick-off” meeting to discuss our Process and do Introductions •Develop a “Joint” Schedule for the Tour – for time efficiency The City will assist with: ✓2-3 Years of Utility Bills / usage for each Building (Electric, gas, water, sewer) •We can assist with “Utility Data Request applications” ✓Square Footage of each Building •We’ll use to determine Energy Use Index (EUI) ✓Facility / City Rep who’s knowledgeable about the building for a Tour •What problems / issues / concerns are need to be addressed 25 ## Timeline / Process 26 13 ## Action Plan: Timeline ## Preliminary ## Assessment ## MOU ## Council ## Approval ## Directed ## Engineering ## Study ## Council ## Approval ## Construction & Savings ## Site Visits and Report ~45-60 days ## Aug – Oct ## No Cost ## Approvals ~30 days ## Oct / Nov ## Engineering Report ~90+ days ## Nov – Jan / Feb No Cost = applied to Project ## Approvals ~30 Days ## Feb / Mar ~1 yr or Less ## Installation Measure and ## Verify ## Performance 27 ## Questions / Comments 28 ## CITY OF SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA ## RESOLUTION NO. 2026 - ## STATE OF MINNESOTA) ## COUNTY OF NICOLLET) ## CITY OF SAINT PETER) ## RESOLUTION APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY ## OF SAINT PETER AND MCKINSTRY ESSENTION LLS TO CONDUCT A PRELIMINARY ## ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY EVALUATION WHEREAS, over the past several months, the City has been exploring opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce long-term operating costs, and advance sustainability initiatives across municipal facilities and infrastructure; and WHEREAS, McKinstry is an energy and sustainability consulting firm that partners with local governments to identify and evaluate potential efficiency, facility improvement, renewable energy, and resiliency projects; and WHEREAS, City Staff have worked with McKinstry to create a Memorandum of Understanding. ## NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT ## PETER, NICOLLET COUNTY, MINNESOTA, THAT: McKinstry Essention LLC is approved to conduct a Preliminary Energy & Sustainability Evaluation of City facilities and operations. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Saint Peter, Nicollet County, Minnesota, this 10th day of August, 2026. ___________________________________ ## Shanon A. Nowell ## Mayor ## ATTEST: _________________________________ ## Todd Prafke ## City Administrator 29 ## Memorandum ## TO: Honorable Mayor Nowell DATE: 8/7/2026 ## Members of the City Council ## FROM: Todd Prafke ## City Administrator ## RE: Request for Assistance: Rock Bend Folk Festival ## ACTION/RECOMMENDATION Approve a request for City assistance for the Rock Bend Folk Festival in Minnesota Square Park. ## BACKGROUND Organizers of the Rock Bend Folk Festival have requested City assistance for their annual event to be held in Minnesota Square Park on September 12th and 13th. The request is similar to that made in previous years and is outlined on the attached request letter. I have visited with Staff to review City concerns regarding the number of vehicles being allowed access into the park. Organizers have provided preliminary information as to their plans for restricting vehicle access. As this is a community event, staff recommends the request for assistance be approved contingent upon the following: o Rock Bend Folk Festival shall notify all drink and food vendors of the need to obtain the appropriate City, County and/or State licensure prior to the festival. The festival organizers have already or will apply for the required show license. o Rock Bend Folk Festival officials will be responsible to ensure that vendors have no more than one vehicle in the park and other vehicles in the park shall be limited as directed by City staff in the in-park parking area. The public shall not be allowed to park inside the park. o Access to the Public Works site shall be limited to normal business hours only. Should Rock Bend officials need access to the site during non-business hours, Rock Bend will be required to pay all call-out charges for City staff. o Prior to the event Rock Bend must provide a certificate of insurance naming the City as an additional insured in the amount of $1,500,000 for a single occurrence. o Rock Bend must provide for refuse disposal, additional restroom facilities as required and disposal of any and all waste and debris resulting from the event. o Rock Bend officials must return the park to pre-event condition. o Steven Guse will be the only authorized key holder for the restroom and gate keys. Staff will work with the organizers to coordinate use of the north pavilion for vendors and access to the in-park parking area. 30 ## FISCAL IMPACT: The expected cost for the requested assistance will be $9,500 including staff time, materials, and ongoing fiscal assistance. ## ALTERNATIVES/VARIATIONS: No vote: No further action will be provided without City Council approval. Denial: No City assistance will be provided without additional direction from the Council. Modification of the Resolution: This is always an option of the Council. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns on this agenda item. ## TP/ks 31 July 29, 2026 ## Todd Prafke, City Administrator ## City of St. Peter ## 227 South Front St ## St. Peter, MN 56082 ## Hi Todd, The Rock Bend Committee is planning to return to MN Square Park for our 35th festival on September 12th and 13th, 2026. We are writing to ask the City for support and approval in this endeavor. Our park use application has been completed, with intent to use the stage. We have also completed the show license application and the Minnesota Square Park Banner Application. We have secured the needed insurance for our Festival as well. Steve Guse will pick up the key for the park on September 8th and return on September 14th. We plan to move items from the Public Works storage garage on September 10th. If the stage can be set up on Thursday, September 10th, that assists us greatly with storing items at the Pavilion. Teardown will occur on September 14th with items returning to the Public Works storage garage. Our committee requests a couple of items to support our success: - City staff will check various outlets in the park in the days before the Festival to verify working order for the weekend. - A City liaison (Park Ranger) will be available on Sept 12 & 13 in the park to reasonably assist with concerns in the park. This is greatly appreciated and has been very helpful in the past! - Picnic tables are spread around the park for use including 8 under the pavilion, 10 along College Avenue near the smaller pavilion, and the rest scattered app. 100 feet from the pavilion. - Park sprayed for mosquito control. - Auto lighting features at the pavilion adjusted to after 10:30pm on Saturday, 6pm on Sunday. - Rock Bend has arranged for garbage capacity and disposal with LJP. They will drop off a dumpster on the North side Elm street in the morning of September 11. Rock Bend will disperse containers throughout the park and return them to Elm Street for pick up on September 14th. - The City supports Rock Bend by providing toilet paper and a plunger in the restroom supply room. Soap dispensers for those restrooms are filled before the weekend. Rock Bend has arranged for additional toileting capacity. Satellite toilets and handwashing stations will be distributed around the park on Sept. 11th. 32 - Rock Bend is requesting 2 parking spots be blocked off on the South side of College Ave, immediately to the West of the plaza, for loading and unloading at the small pavilion. We are requesting all other parking spots on the South side of College Avenue be designated as Accessible Parking Only. - Vehicle access to the park will be limited and controlled. Vendors may use the park entrance on the East side of Elm street to load and unload. We will utilize and manage the Elm Street parking lot for our Pavilion Stage performers. We request a moveable barrier at the lot entrance and a dozen orange cones be provided by the City. - Rock Bend requests that volunteers be allowed to stay in the park overnight Sept. 11 and 12 to provide a presence that discourages theft and vandalism. We plan on having one trailer on-site and 2-3 other volunteers walkthrough during the overnight hours. During the week prior and days of the Festival, the following committee members are available if City personnel need to reach us: Steven Guse 507-317-9257, Ron Arsenault 507-420-3755, and Dawn Devens 612-414-9020. We anticipate another wonderful two days of fun, music, food, and crafts for our community in the best park in the area! Please let us know if you or members of the City council would like to meet with representatives from the Festival. If you or any member of the City Council or the St. Peter Chamber would like to introduce any act(s) and/or promote St. Peter in person from the stage, please let us know. ## Respectfully, ## Steven Guse ## Rock Bend Folk Festival and Committee 507-317-9257 steven.guse@gmail.com 33 ## CITY OF SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA ## RESOLUTION NO. 2026 - ## STATE OF MINNESOTA) ## COUNTY OF NICOLLET) ## CITY OF SAINT PETER) ## RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY ASSISTANCE FOR ROCK BEND FOLK FESTIVAL WHEREAS, Rock Bend Folk Festival is a community event; and WHEREAS, the organizers have requested City assistance; and WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the community benefit this event provides. ## NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT ## PETER, NICOLLET COUNTY, MINNESOTA, THAT: 1. The request submitted by Rock Bend Folk Festival organizers for City assistance for the 2026 festival is hereby approved and shall include: • Use of Minnesota Square Park on September 10-14, 2026 for the festival, setup of festival equipment, etc... and takedown of equipment. • Use of City electricity during the event. • Use of picnic tables. • City set up of stage. • Installation of a tent in the park contingent upon following Gopher State One Call regulations. • Use of the park restroom facilities, including supplies and use of a restroom key and use of a gate key with the authorized key holder being Steven Guse. • Access to the Public Works site where Rock Bend items are stored with the contingency stated below. 2. Said assistance shall be provided contingent upon the following: • Rock Bend Folk Festival shall notify all drink and food vendors of the need to obtain the appropriate City, County and/or State licensure by no later than September 7th. • Rock Bend Folk Festival officials will be responsible to ensure that vendors have no more than one vehicle in the park and other event related vehicles in the park shall be limited as directed by City staff. The public shall not be allowed to park within the park. • Access to the Public Works site shall be limited to normal business hours only and must be arranged through the City’s Maintenance Superintendent. Should Rock Bend officials need access to the site during non-business hours, Rock Bend will be required to pay all call-out charges for City staff. • Rock Bend providing for refuse disposal, additional restroom facilities as required and disposal of any and all waste and debris resulting from the event. • Rock Bend providing for return of the park to pre-event condition. 34 • Prior to the event Rock Bend Folk Festival shall provide to the City a certificate of insurance naming the City of Saint Peter as an additional insured in an amount not less than $1,500,000 per occurrence. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Saint Peter, Nicollet County, Minnesota, this 10th day of August, 2026. ___________________________________ ## Shanon A. Nowell ## Mayor ## ATTEST: _________________________________ ## Todd Prafke ## City Administrator 35 ## Memorandum ## TO: Todd Prafke DATE: August 10, 2026 ## City Administrator ## FROM: Hayden Lacher ## Community Development Specialist ## RE: New Licenses ## ACTION/RECOMMENDATION Provide approval of new On-Sale, Sunday and Off-Sale Liquor L icenses. ## BACKGROUND Jonathan Rubischko dba Chuckday LLC, owner of the Flame Bar at 225 West Nassau Street, has assumed business operations for the American Legion located at 229 West Nassau Street. Now that Rubischko is taking over the business operations of the Legion (229 Nassau), they have a second LLC called Chuckday II LLC. He has submitted an application for a new On-Sale, Sunday, and Off-Sale Liquor License to permit the sale of liquor at 229 West Nassau Street. Because Rubischko already held a business license of this type in Saint Peter, a background check was not required. Should you have any questions or concerns on this agenda item, please do not hesitate to contact me. ## HL/ 36 ## CITY OF SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA ## RESOLUTION NO. ## STATE OF MINNESOTA) ## COUNTY OF NICOLLET) ## CITY OF SAINT PETER) ## RESOLUTION APPROVING NEW LICENSE ## BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT PETER, NICOLLET COUNTY, MINNESOTA, That the following license application be approved subject to compliance with all requirements of the City Code and payment of the licensing fee: ## On-Sale Liquor License Chuckday II LLC 229 West Nassau St. 8/11/2026 – 6/30/2027 ## Sunday On-Sale Liquor License Chuckday II LLC 229 West Nassau St. 8/11/2026 – 6/30/2027 ## Off-Sale Liquor License Chuckday II LLC 229 West Nassau St. 8/11/2026 – 6/30/2027 Adopted by the City Council of the City of Saint Peter, Nicollet County, Minnesota, this 10 th day of August, 2026. ___________________________ ## Shanon A. Nowell ## Mayor ## ATTEST: ____________________________________ ## Todd Prafke ## City Administrator 37