c\"TY o/> ## CITY OF SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA ## AGENDA AND NOTICE OF MEETING City Council Workshop Session of Monday, August 3, 2026 - 5:30 p.m. ## Community Center - Saint Peter Room (600 South Fifth Street) ## I. CALL TO ORDER ## II. DISCUSSION ## a. Comprehensive Plan Update ## b. Sustainability Task Force Update ## II. ADJOURNMENT ## Todd Prafke ## City Administrator ## PLEASE NOTE LOCATION ## CHANGE: ## SAINT PETER ROOM # 217 ## Memorandum ## TO: Mayor Nowell DATE: 7/31/2026 ## Members of the City Council ## FROM: Todd Prafke ## City Administrator ## RE: Comprehensive Plan Update ## ACTION/RECOMMENDATION For your information and discussion. ## BACKGROUND Community Development Director Ben Baker will attend your meeting to provide an update on the Comprehensive Plan process and current progress. As discussed previously, there will be multiple opportunities for both Councilmembers and community members to participate. Workshops will also be used to share updates on the work being completed by our consultants, staff, and the broader community. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. ## TP/ks ## Comp Plan Timeline (J uly – October) • J uly: Comprehensive Plan drafting, based on community and city leadership feedback • August: City leadership and the Steering Committee team review o Steering Committee – Workshop 2 – August 26 th @ 10 am • September and October: Comprehensive plan draft shared publicly and with Local Agencies for feedback ## DRAFT - Community Profile Chapter ## DRAFT - Economic Development Chapter ## PROJECT OVERVIEW Welcome to the Saint Peter 2050 Comprehensive Plan project website! Learn how we’re shaping the City 's future together. The City of Saint Peter is updating its Comprehensive Plan. The goal of this update is to create a clear and unified vision for the next 20 years, outlining the goals and priorities that will guide Saint Peter's growth, development, and investment for years to come. This plan can’t be created without you! We need your insights to guide our decisions around key topics like housing, transportation, recreation, and economic development. Your participation ensures that the Saint Peter 2050 Comprehensive Plan addresses the needs of our community and builds a future where we can thrive together. Thank you to all that participated in the public survey. We had over 660 respondents! The team is using your insight to begin drafting the plan (see a summary of feedback in the document library ). We anticipate sharing a first draft in September. Watch for updates on ways to get involved ! ## WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN? The City of Saint Peter is updating its Comprehensive Plan. This document will guide city council, committees, and staff’s work for the next 20 years. The goal of this update is to: • Create a clear and unified vision • Prioritize implementable goals and strategies • Shape growth, development, and city investment ## Timeline ## STAGE 1: SPRING 2026 The project team will gather input on existing conditions and identify issues and opportunities in the area. ## STAGE 2: SUMMER/FALL 2026 Informed by stage one, we will craft a vision, goals and draft plan for public feedback. ## STAGE 3: WINTER 2026 We will update the plan based on feedback heard in the second phase, preparing it for the approval process. Learn more about the project and stay informed by scanning the QR code or visiting: https://arcg.is/1qjem52 learn more & stay informed! ## 2050 Comprehensive Plan ## GET INVOLVED! This plan can’t be created without you! As people who live, work, and play in Saint Peter, we need your insights. Help guide decisions for this plan around key topics like housing, transportation, recreation, and economic development. Your participation ensures that the Saint Peter 2050 Comprehensive Plan addresses the needs of our community and builds a future where we can thrive together. ## COMMUNITY PROFILE ## SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA ## POPULATION KEY FACTS: 12,198 ## Total Population 2.25 ## Average ## Household Size 35.6 ## Median Age 19% Residents who have a Disability ## COMMUNITY KEY FACTS: 419 ## Total Businesses 64.9% ## Home Ownership $961 ## Median ## Rental Cost 34.5% ## Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 80.4% ## White/Caucasian ## Alone ## EMPLOYMENT & INCOME KEY FACTS: 15.4 ## Average Commute ## Time (In Minutes) 50.6% ## White Collar ## Jobs 62.2% ## Workforce Participation ## Rate ## MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD ## INCOME $ : 65,122 ## INFLOW 4,823 ## Employees work in Saint Peter but live elsewhere 1,638 Employees live and work ## within Saint Peter ## OUTFLOW 3,433 County residents employed ## outside Saint Peter The data shown was gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau, Esri ArcGIS Business Analyst, and the Minnesota State Demographic Center. ## Saint Peter 2050 Comprehensive Plan ## Public Survey Results There were over 660 participants in the public survey. Responses show strong community pride and a clear desire to protect what makes Saint Peter distinctive while addressing key livability challenges. Residents consistently value the small-town feel, historic downtown, local businesses, parks, walkability, and sense of community. The most common concerns focused on housing affordability, property taxes and utility costs, Highway 169 traffic and pedestrian safety, business retention, and growth that remains consistent with community character. ## Key Areas of Consensus • Small-town character is a major strength — Saint Peter is seen as friendly, safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate. • Historic downtown and local businesses matter — respondents want to preserve the city’s unique identity and support local-serving businesses. • Parks, trails, and walkability are highly valued — these were repeatedly identified as major quality-of-life assets. • Community pride is strong — many responses emphasized Saint Peter as a good place for families, neighbors, and future generations. ## Common Areas of Concern • Housing affordability and availability — especially for first-time buyers, seniors, families, and moderate- income households. • High property taxes and utility costs — a recurring concern tied to overall cost of living. • Highway 169 traffic and safety — concerns about speed, noise, trucks, and difficulty crossing for pedestrians. • Business retention and variety — residents want more retail, dining, entertainment, and fewer empty storefronts. • Infrastructure and amenities — continued need for road, sidewalk, and facility maintenance, along with more youth and family activities. ## Mixed Views • Growth is supported, but only if thoughtful and fiscally responsible. • More housing is needed, but there is no clear consensus on type (single-family, townhomes, senior housing, apartments, mixed-density). • Residents want business growth, but generally prefer local, community-scaled development over large corporate or industrial growth. • Transportation priorities are mixed — some emphasize walkability and safer crossings, while others prioritize parking and traffic flow. ## Areas of Disagreement • Strong opposition to data center development due to concerns about water use, energy demand, environmental impacts, and fit with Saint Peter’s identity. • Debate over the city’s future identity — some favor preserving the city’s current form, while others support modernization and sustainability measures if done carefully. • Affordability and inclusivity are shared values, but residents differ on how those goals should be addressed. ## Saint Peter 2050 Comprehensive Plan ## Local Agency Survey Results Agency feedback centered on housing, workforce, and economic development as the most important long-range issues. Respondents also highlighted industrial park development, downtown vitality, transportation coordination, and future land use planning as important opportunities and discussion points. Overall, the responses reflect support for measured growth, strengthening the community’s regional role, and ensuring the city remains attractive to residents, workers, and employers. ## Areas of Consensus • Housing is both a challenge and an opportunity. Multiple respondents identified affordable housing, housing inventory, and broader housing development—including apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes—as key priorities. • Workforce and job growth are important. Several responses emphasized workforce attraction and retention, expanding the employer base, and creating moderate- to high-paying jobs. • The community has strong assets to build on. Respondents pointed to assets such as schools, downtown, public services, the hospital, and the city’s role as county seat. • Future planning should support business and industrial growth. Comments referenced industrial park occupancy, preserving industrial land, and planning for future business expansion. ## Areas of Concern • Housing availability and affordability remain pressing concerns. Respondents noted limited housing inventory and the difficulty of maintaining enough supply to attract and retain residents. • Workforce attraction is a challenge. Agencies identified limited workers and the need to remain competitive in attracting and retaining labor. • Industrial and employment growth need attention. Concerns were raised about industrial park occupancy and the need to grow the employer base. • Infrastructure and transportation issues should be addressed. Specific comments referenced stormwater retention, the 169 bypass settlement, and street design that could better support bike and pedestrian safety. ## Areas of Mixed View • Housing diversity vs. affordability. While respondents agreed more housing is needed, they pointed to both affordable housing and moderate- to upper-end housing as priorities. • Downtown investment vs. industrial expansion. Some responses emphasized mixed-use downtown growth and better river connections, while others focused on preserving industrial land for future job growth. • Regional coordination vs. local focus. One response stressed alignment with broader regional plans and workforce strategies, while others focused more directly on city-level land use and growth needs. ## Areas of Disagreement • No major direct disagreements emerged. Responses were generally aligned around housing, workforce, and economic development, with differences showing up more in emphasis than outright opposition. • The main variation was in how growth should be prioritized—for example, whether emphasis should be placed more on downtown mixed-use development, industrial growth, housing mix, or transportation improvements. ## What We Heard: Saint Peter 2050 Comprehensive Plan June 15, 2026 The Comprehensive Plan will guide the city for the next 20 years! Help us: •Create a clear and unified vision •Prioritize implementable goals and strategies •Shape growth, development, and investment ## SAINT PETER 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN About the project ## Stage 1: Issues and Opportunities •Spring 2026 ## Stage 2: Draft Vision, Goals, and Plan •Summer/Fall 2026 ## Stage 3: Adoption •Winter 2026 ## Timeline ## SAINT PETER 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN •Survey Open April 13 – May 15 •Advertised through local media, Community Hot Sheet, social media, utility bills, Steering Committee, and more •660 respondents! What we heard ## PUBLIC SURVEY FEEDBACK •All age brackets (23% ages 35-44) •Majority female respondents (62%) •Majority white/Caucasian respondents (93%) •8% of respondents reported physical disability •All household income brackets (26% $100,000-150,000) Who we heard from ## PUBLIC SURVEY FEEDBACK Residents consistently value Saint Peter’s small-town feel, historic downtown, local businesses, parks, walkability, and sense of community. The most common concerns focused on housing affordability, property taxes and utility costs, Highway 169 traffic and pedestrian safety, business retention, and growth that remains consistent with community character. What we heard ## PUBLIC SURVEY FEEDBACK Agency feedback centered on housing, workforce, and economic development as the most important long-range issues. Overall, the responses reflect support for measured growth, strengthening the community’s regional role, and ensuring the city remains attractive to residents, workers, and employers. What we heard ## LOCAL AGENCY FEEDBACK •Top desired business types include entertainment, restaurants, clothing, health care, and childcare •Strong opposition to data center development •Strong importance to have a hardware store and maintain historic downtown ## Economic Development ## PUBLIC SURVEY FEEDBACK •Maintaining and expanding parks and trails was the top priority overall •Most are interested in more: •kayak/paddle board rental •indoor ice rink •bike rental ## Parks & Natural Resources ## PUBLIC SURVEY FEEDBACK •Insurance and wait times are the top two healthcare barriers ## Community Facilities ## PUBLIC SURVEY FEEDBACK •Some interest in expanded regional transit •Crossing US-169 is more difficult for pedestrians than vehicles •Most would prefer the US-169 route stay in its current location •Top active living priorities are Safe Routes to School and walkability ## Transportation ## PUBLIC SURVEY FEEDBACK •Top enforcement priorities are snow removal and blighted property •Many are interested in real-time utility usage information Public infrastructure ## PUBLIC SURVEY FEEDBACK •Majority support the City’s current housing goals •There’s less clear consensus on what type of housing is preferred ## Housing ## PUBLIC SURVEY FEEDBACK •More moderate or neutral support for expanding city limits into Le Sueur County •Maintaining the character of Saint Peter is important to respondents Land use ## PUBLIC SURVEY FEEDBACK •Most support for ground mounted solar in commercial/industrial areas with native plantings underneath and that are buffered/screened •City composting, recycling expansion, green boulevards, and native plantings are most strongly supported sustainability ## PUBLIC SURVEY FEEDBACK ## Project Website: https://arcg.is/1qjem52 ## Project Contacts: ## Ben Baker Sarah Swedburg benb@saintpetermn.gov sarah.swedburg@bolton-menk.com 507-934-0661 320-470-8551 Thank you! ## WE NEED YOUR CONTINUED INVOLVEMENT ## Memorandum ## TO: Mayor Nowell and Councilmembers DATE: 7/31/2026 ## FROM: Todd Prafke, City Administrator ## RE: Sustainability Task Force Update ## ACTION/RECOMMENDATION For your information and discussion. ## BACKGROUND Sustainability and Communications Coordinator Corree Johnson will attend your meeting to provide an update on the work of the Sustainability Task Force. She will also share information about an upcoming composting‑focused event the group has been developing which is expected to be both educational and enjoyable. In addition, Corree will offer an update on our ongoing conversations with McKinstry, including recent meetings focused on defining the scope of work. A key objective is to help members gain a clearer understanding of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will guide McKinstry’s assessment of City‑owned buildings. The discussion will also touch on opportunities for other community partners to participate in a similar process. Much of this work centers on identifying energy‑efficiency improvements and exploring cost‑effective approaches to energy use and sourcing. The goals for the meeting are to enhance understanding, gather feedback, and position the Council to take action on the MOU in the near future. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. ## TP/ks