White Bear Lake City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Community Development Biannual Report
2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project Assessment Roll
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Ordinance Amendment
Real Property Discussion in Closed Session
Votes (4)
Community Development Biannual Report
Mr. Lindahl presented the first-half 2026 report, highlighting a 2% increase in total permit activity (White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi) and a 28% increase in valuation for White Bear Lake permits. Code enforcement was evenly distributed, with refuse/exterior storage being the largest category. Planning department activity saw a 7% decline, attributed partly to zoning ordinance updates. Rental licenses remained stable at 366. Councilmember Ekberg inquired about the drivers for increased permit valuation, and Councilmember Gerlach asked about proactive code enforcement methods. An update on short-term rentals was also provided, noting a package of zoning and licensing recommendations is expected late 2026 or early 2027.
Resolution Adopting the Assessment Roll for the 2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Process
Moved by Council Member Engstrand [0:29:16] · Seconded by Council Member West [0:29:17]
Mr. Coffee presented the background for the 2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, outlining the scope which includes mill and overlay on Banning Avenue, full reconstruction on Second, Third, and Cook, and one alley segment. The project involved storm sewer, utility work, and sidewalk extensions. The public process included neighborhood meetings and a public improvement hearing. The assessment policy was detailed, based on front footage, with homeowners paying approximately 30% of assessable costs, and 90% for alleys. There were no written appeals. Councilmember West asked for clarification on assessment calculation and the city/homeowner split. Councilmember Edberg inquired about the alley assessment policy. Councilmember Gerlach asked for an update on project progress and anticipated completion.
Second Reading of the Ordinance Amending Chapter 406 of the Municipal Code Regarding Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Moved by Council Member Engstrand [0:30:57] · Seconded by Council Member West [0:30:58]
Ms. Talent presented the second reading of the ordinance to amend Chapter 406. The amendment adds language concerning proper salt storage at commercial, institutional, and non-state permitted industrial facilities. Specific requirements include covered or indoor storage, impervious surfaces, and practices to reduce exposure during material transfer. No changes were directed to staff since the first reading.
Closed Session for Real Property Discussion
Moved by Council Member Engstrand [0:32:32] · Seconded by Council Member West [0:32:37]
The Mayor requested a motion to go into a closed session to discuss offers and counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real property located at 1890 Whitaker Street, citing Minnesota Statute 13D.5 subdivision 3C3.
Notable Quotes (5)
In White Bear Lake just itself, the valuation of permits was up 28% and total permit fees were up 10%. So, the valuation is the value of all those permits in general. And um the way the formula works to generate what kind of revenue comes from those permits is primarily based on the value of the project.
So, um your timing your question is and your timing is good because just in a staff meeting with my staff today, we were talking about timing of the zoning uh revisions kind of edits update. And kind of looking at that for the fall of this year to wrap it up by the end of the year.
Um the alleys are actually uh very good question. Uh the alleys are actually assessed. Um we assess 90% of the cost of the alley cuz really what it's acting as is a driveway, kind of a private driveway for homeowners.
Um Mayor members of the council, uh we're sitting there. I'm going to guess mid-October and they should be substantially complete, meaning they have the curb down, the layers of asphalt down.
designate salt storage areas that must be covered or indoors, designated salt storage areas must be located on an impervious surface, and implementation of practices to reduce exposure when transferring material in designated salt storage areas.
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
Approved meeting minutes.
Approved meeting minutes.
Approved meeting minutes.
Resolution concerning property assessments for the pavement rehabilitation project.
Municipal code chapter amended regarding illicit discharge detection and elimination.
Statute authorizing closed session for real property purchase/sale discussions.
Statute requiring a public hearing for assessment roll consideration.
Previous update that included zoning standards for short-term rentals, with a planned future revision.