[Music] be in the picture. [Music] Council meeting to order. Roll call. Mayor Kelly >> here. Council members Alfred >> here. Coughlin >> here. >> Craigs >> here. Johnson >> here. >> Let's stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> We'll move on to public comments. The mayor and the city council believe public comments are a necessary component to elected governance. With this principle in mind, we welcome individuals to come to the podium to inform us of an issue or provide feedback or concerns about matters in Savage. Please come to the podium, provide your name and address. We ask that you limit your comments to three minutes. And I know we have four public hearings this evening. So, if you're here for one of the public hearings, you don't need to come now. There will be an opportunity to speak during the public hearing. So if there's anyone in the audience who wants to speak at the public comment, please approach the podium. >> Marlo Medland, 15434 Dakota Avenue. I'm here to complain about the way the city has stuffed a fourstory apartment complex directly in front of my house. I'm complaining about the way the city changed the street in front of my house. I'm complaining the way about the way the city moved the address of this building from the street it faces to in front of my house. Now, their driveway is in front of my house. I have three city street lights within 250 ft of my front window that will not give me darkness period at my house anywhere in my front yard or my front entry or any front window on my house. I feel the city owes me a large quantity for that. And also, I was wondering what gave the city permission to put four waters and four sewers onto my less than one acre of property when there already was one water and one sewer that the city made me pay for in 2014 to the tune to $6,000, which I could not connect to my house because it would have required it to run over 200 feet and come in the opposite end of my house from the well. And now I have one directly in front of my house. I have four sewers and none of them go to my house. Who gave the city permission to put the sewers to my property to begin with? That's one of my questions. Why did they lower the street? So I can no longer get my car trailer in or out of my driveway. I can no longer get anything in or out of my property from the street south of my driveway because of the curb. And they in front of my driveway. They lowered the street at the end of my property. They raised the street. It would be nice if I could get some information back. And the way the landscapers came and redid the property after they used it for the road, why they redid the road is terrible. I mean, terrible. I expect the response from the city on all of these questions. It would be really nice. Thank you. I think that's my three minutes. >> Thank you, Brad. Did you want to address that right now or will somebody reach out to Mr. M? I'll reach out to Mr. Medlin after the meeting. >> Okay. Thank you. Is there anyone else in the audience who wants to speak during the public comment period? >> My name is Julie Ry, 13357 Yusede Avenue South. Um, I'd like to start. I just have a brief message that I had sent to all of the city council and the mayor on May 5th, 2025. I received no response. I live at 13357 Yusede Avenue South. We have lived here for about 10 years. We have noticed that frequently the traffic on Yusede Avenue South is moving at a high rate of speed. We have a young daughter. Many of the neighboring homes have small children as well. The speedy traffic has become a safety concern. What can be done to one enforce the current speed limit, two possibly reduce the speed limit or reduce through traffic? Please advise. Since then, about two weeks ago, there was a close call with a 7-year-old child on a bicycle and a vehicle. Thank goodness the car saw him in time and drove off the road to avoid the child on the bicycle. Um, it was terrifying. Uh, I thought for sure somebody had been finally hit by a car. Um, we would, uh, ask for something to be done. speed limit reduced speed bumps, uh whatever whatever the options um are. If you could uh let us know um what uh followup how to expect a response, that would be great. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> So, Chris, could you follow up with Miss Ryan, get her contact information? We'll follow up. Thank you. Is there anyone else in the audience who wants to speak during the public comment period? Seeing no one else, we will move on to number three, additions, modifications, and approval of the agenda. Is there anything from the city council? >> Seeing none from staff. >> None from staff. Um, is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> Motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> Motion by Alford, seconded by Johnson. All in favor say I. I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carried. We'll move on to proclamations. The domestic violence awareness month. Chief, I'm going to turn it over to you. >> Good evening, Mayor and Council members. Thank you for having me here today to speak with you. Um, I am Chief Brady Juul, the Savage Police Department, but I'm also coming to you today as the president of the board of directors for Southern Valley Alliance. Southern Valley Alliance is uh Carver and Scott County's only domestic violence victim advocacy group. Um, as mentioned, October is domestic violence awareness month, and now more than ever is it is imperative that City of Savage recognizes and works to combat domestic violence. Southern Valley Alliance is the only organization to provide services to victims of domestic abuse in Scott and Carver counties. In our last fiscal year, we served 53 victims in Savage alone, answering over 2,000 calls on our crisis line annually. We assist victims and survivors in their greatest time of need, providing crisis intervention, emotional support, resources, and safety planning. SVA is a prevention and solutions focused organization, and we partner with law enforcement, social services, and healthcare to provide, excuse me, providers to make communities of Scott and Carver counties a safer place to live. Southern Valley Alliance was founded in the early 1980s in Bell Plain by a local woman who experienced spousal abuse. SVA moved to Shockby in January of 2024 and since then we have experienced a 20% increase in demand for our services because of the greater accessibility to our advocacy center. Victims and survivors are now able to reach us more than ever before. As community-based and communityf funded organizations, Southern Valley Alliance is facing significant federal, state, and local foundation funding cuts. Amidst these cuts is it it is important that the city of Savage recognizes domestic violence awareness month and does all it can to support victims and survivors today and throughout the year. We also are taking this time to promote our purple patch program. This allows anyone to purchase speciallymade purple police patches from all 10 law enforcement agencies in Scott and Carver counties. 100% of the proceeds go to supporting victims of domestic violence. Patches can be ordered at svamn.org. We encourage community members to follow us on social media and learn more about us on our website. Again, svammen.org. Thank you for your support of Southern Valley Alliance and for helping us assist those in need in our communities. >> Thank you, Chief. Um, I will come down and read the proclamation. I just I I'm going to let folks know this is an organization very near and dear to your heart. In fact, before you were chief here, you came and spoke to all of us about the Southern Valley Alliance and how important it is. So, thank you for your commitment. See if I can do this without crying. Yeah. [Music] The proclamation domestic violence awareness month in the city of Savage. In recognition of the critical work being done by domestic violence advocates in service of the survivors and victims they serve. I encourage all citizens to actively engage in the work and events sponsored by Southern Valley Alliance and other organizations working toward the elimination of domestic violence. Whereas more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence and over 1.5 million high school students are physically abused by dating partners annually in the United States. Whereas more than 23,000 calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide every day. Whereas calls to our local domestic abuse crisis line, Southern Valley Alliance, have significantly increased over the last year. Whereas the impact of domestic violence is felt not only by individuals and families, but communities and the nation as a whole. Whereas Savage joins with others across the state of Minnesota and nationwide in supporting domestic violence victims and survivors, the advocates and organizations who serve them and holding offenders accountable in Savage. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Christine El. PI, mayor of the city of Savage, hereby proclaim October 2025 to be domestic violence awareness month in the city of Savage, Minnesota. Oh, take your glasses off. We'll let you hold the proclamation. [Laughter] All right, we are moving on to the oath of office for police sergeant Alden White. Chief Juel, I'm going to turn it back over to you. >> It's been a while. A while. Mayor and Council. Thank you. I'd like to have Sergeant Alden White join me up here next to me while I say nice things about him. >> Staying here. Tonight, it's my honor to recognize Sergeant Alden White. Alden began his career with the Savage Police Department in January 14th of 2019. Over the years, he has proven himself to be an exceptional and dedicated member of our team. He serves as a use of force instructor and a crime scene investigator processor. And prior to his promotion, he worked as a detective. Since being promolden, promoted promolden, excuse me. Since being promoted, Alden has taken on the additional responsibility of leading our recruitment team, where his professionalism and commitment to excellence continue to make a lasting impact. One of Alden's most defining traits is his positive attitude. He is always in a good mood and brings a smile to every interaction. He has a great sense of humor that helps lift people up around him. Yet, he always knows when it's time to be serious and focused. That balance of professionalism and approachability makes him someone others naturally look to for guidance and support. Sergeant White is dependable, bright, and thoughtful problem solver. Qualities that not only make him an outstanding supervisor, but also a future leader within the department. His colleagues respect him for his clear, excuse me, his colleagues respect for him is clear and he was elected to serve as a union steward, a role that reflects both his integrity and his trust that others place in him. Today, we recognize not only Sergeant White's professionalism and accomplishments, but also his leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe. After Alden takes his oath of office, his badge will be pinned by his wife, Ariel. At this time, I'd like to invite Mayor Christine Kelly to the podium to administer the oath of office. Following the oath, I'd like to welcome up Ariel uh to the front to pin the badge of Sergeant Alden. >> You get the mic. No one needs to hear. >> I state your name. >> I, Alden White, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States >> the Constitution of the United States >> the laws of the state of Minnesota >> the laws of the state of Minnesota >> and the ordinances of the city of Savage >> and the ordinances of the city of Savage. I further affirm >> I further affirm >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> justly and impartially >> justly and impartially >> discharge my duties >> discharge my duties >> as a law enforcement officer >> as a law enforcement officer >> by providing assistance >> by providing assistance >> and service >> and service >> to all that look to me for help >> to all that look for me to me for help >> to the best of my ability >> to the best of my ability >> so help me God >> so help me God >> thank [Applause] [Applause] [Laughter] Thank you. >> Thanks, man. >> Good. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. And I was delinquent. Council member Coughlin, I think you wanted to make a comment after. Are you good? Okay. Okay. All right. We will move on. There are no presentations this evening. Um minutes. Approve the minutes of the regular city council meeting from September 15, 2025. Are there any additions or corrections? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion. >> Approve the minutes. >> Second. >> Motion by Coughlin, seconded by Alford. Um, all in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Public hearings. We have four public hearings this evening. Um, the first one is to hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution to authorize the levy of special assessments for the collection of delinquent utility bills. All right, Lindsay, I think you're up. >> Thank you, mayor and councel. Um, before you is a public hearing to levy special assessments for delinquent 2025 utility bills. Mailed notices were sent out to all the properties that met the criteria for collection of delinquent amounts on 98 of 2025. Um per the city code um it authorizes the city to levy a special assessment for the collection of delinquent utility bills. Um the criteria is active accounts in a rears by at least 60 days or $200 more. Inactive accounts in a rears of $25 or more. There is a $100 administrative fee and a 5.5% interest added when certified to the county. Um, this is collectible in one lump sum on the 2026 pro property taxes. And again, the first letter was mailed out on September 8th. Um, property owners may pay the assessed balance in its entirety before November 15th of 2025 and no interest will be charged and no administrative fee. Anything after that will be certified to Scott County to be collected on the 2026 property taxes. It will be charged interest in the entire amount acrewed from October 6th to December 31st plus that $100 administrative fee. Uh no payments will be accepted between November 16th and December 31st in accordance with the Minnesota state statute. We'd like to let people know that assessment payments must be made by cash or check. do not pay them online to your utility account otherwise it will be um added to your current amount due not your amount that will be assessed. um the historical trend of utility certifications. Um this year in 2025 when we sent out the first letter, we had 498 utility accounts at the amount of 322,16. Um as of October 1st, the number of utility accounts that have been paid off and now will be as certified to taxes is 274. that has gone down um since last year, which is kind of what we were looking for when we up that um penalty. So, the total amount will be 252,696. Um it does look like it is more this year, but that's also because our penalty fees are um significantly higher. So, the amount is actually decreased. And that is all for the utility. if there's any questions. >> All right. Are there any quest questions from council? >> Seeing none, I will open the public hearing. If somebody wants to speak on this particular public hearing about the delinquent utility bills, please come to the podium and give us your name and address. Seeing none, I will close the public hearing and I will entertain a motion. I'll make a motion to adopt a resolution to authorize the levy of special assessments for the collection of delinquent utility bills as presented. >> Second >> motion by Craig, seconded by Coughlin. All in favor say I. I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. We'll move on to the sec oh the second public hearing. Oh no, sorry. Now I touch it and it blows up on me. All right, the second public hearing to hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution to authorize the levy of special assessments for the collection of miscellaneous charges. I will turn it back over to you, Lindsay. >> Thank you again. Um again before you is the public hearing to levy special assessments for miscellaneous charges. Um these notices were sent out to all properties that met the criteria for collection of unpaid service fees. Um per city code um it authorizes the city to levy a special assessment for any service the city is legally entitled to render and for which no payment has been received. Any amounts from October 1st, 2024 through September 30th, 2025. There is a $100 administrative fee added to each delinquent amount plus the 5.5% interest. This is collectible in one lump sum on the 2026 property taxes. And that first letter was mailed out for the public hearing on September 12th. Um payment options. The property owners may pay the delinquent amount in its entirety before November 15th and no interest or administrative fee will be charged. Um, any balance that remains unpaid after November 15th will be certified to Scott County to be collectible on the 2026 property taxes and will be charged interest and the $100 administrative fee. Um, interest is from October 3rd to December 31st. No payments will be accepted after November 16th through December 31st in accordance with the Minnesota state statute. Um this year the number of miscellaneous accounts certified to taxes will be 13 assuming um nothing is paid by November 15th and the amount is $1880 and that is all. Are there any questions from council? Seeing none, I will open the public hearing. Is there anyone who wants to speak um about the um levy of special assessments for the collection of miscellaneous charges? Seeing none, I will close the public hearing and I will entertain a motion. >> I'll make a motion to adopt a resolution to authorize the levy of special assessments for the collection of miscellaneous charges as presented. >> Second. >> Motion by Johnson, seconded by Craigs. All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. We will move on to the third public hearing. will have will hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution and assessment role for the 2025 street improvement project city project number 25-01 Sang I think I'm turning this over to you >> thank you mayor members of the council uh before you tonight is our 2025 street improvement project so uh per statutory requirements all the public hearing notice were sent to those properties proposed to be assessed for the project so what is the purpose of the public hearing um is to give property owners an opportunity to express concerns about the proposed assessments. After the hearing, the city council will make the final decisions on the assessment amount payment period as well as the interest rate charge for that assessment if it spread out over that that certain period period. Uh this is referred to as the assessment hearing whereas council held a public hearing that was more of the improvement hearing for the project to move forward with the construction and kind of the overall project. So we're kind of finally kind of the end of the project which is kind of that this process here. So, um, staff did hold a neighborhood meeting as well on September 24th. Um, so the same presentation tonight was given to to those in attendance, uh, at the meeting. So, they do have the information, uh, to make the appropriate comments, uh, at this hearing tonight. Project location-wise, uh, most of this area is, um, just to the east of Kai Road 27, uh, north of County Road 42, kind of the major roadways within the city. uh Connelly Park uh Connelly Parkway is also within that area. So it split um splits the project there. So roadways included Brunswick uh Alabama Zaran um 137th um etc. So we did also include a couple culde-sacs a little bit further off the site. So one off of Zer uh Vernon Avenue then 147th uh off of kind of further south towards um Boland's Acres area more towards the high school. There you kind of see that map showing the the lower left culde-sac there. The improvements in uh that were completed was a full depth mill and overlay. So essentially reclaiming the existing pavement or what they call the FDR. Um the access material is either removed or used on site and then new section of patuminous pavement uh is paved over that aggregate base that's uh that's there. Curb and gutter we don't replace all the curbon gutter in the area. So anything that's sagged, broken, um drainage issues, uh then if you have sidewalks with ADA compliancy, we replace those areas as well. So generally what you see a lot with curbon gutter is generally areas where services go into homes, you'll have a lot of the trench settlements within those areas. So we do have quite a bit of curbon gutter we do replace. So concrete sidewalk, same thing with that. Uh area areas that do need to replace um we do replace that as well. From a utility perspective, uh, anything within the underground, we did televise the storm sewer, sanitary sewer to to make sure that we're completing all the work that was necessary. So, uh, gate valve bolts on the water man was replaced. A lot of drain tile installation within this area, a lot of sump pump discharges. Um, particularly 147th was a big one. Um, that was a lot more issues with drainage uh, and having to convey that flow into the sewer sanitary sewer not santor storm sewer system. We don't want the clear water into the sanitary system though. Um iod issues as well barriers and the structures making sure clear water is not getting to the the sanitary sewer system as well. Uh restoration wise a lot of top soil uh most of the neighborhoods we do is we saw uh instead of seeding because sod is instantaneous. It doesn't take as much uh care to establish. So we do a lot of soding in those neighborhoods that we do here. Uh and then repair of irrigation systems as well. So they uh impacted irrigation system. The contractor repaired them. Uh we did have some owners that did repair uh the irrigations themselves, not necessarily themselves, but had their own contractor. So, we did reimburse for that type of work if they chose uh to go that route. Uh we still have punch list items within the project area as well as as per typical. Uh council will see that we don't usually close these projects out until probably next year um just because there's one number of punch list items or cleanup items that have to be completed um within the project area. Um just showing here council's seen this before. Um our property owners have seen this operation as before. So this is a reclaiming operation. Um milling off um taking that pavement, picking it up, grinding it down and laying it back down. So uh before paving they do come in and um adjust structures and then kind of um mix kind of blade out that area tolerance thing is what they call it and then pave over top of that. uh for typical presentation that we've done. So before and after pictures um it's kind of what before was on the left and obviously the uh the after on the right hand side there. Um my apologies I did not write down where where I took this picture. So I couldn't uh couldn't uh tell you but I think this is Alabama Avenue I think is where this was. Same thing here. This is one of the eyebrows uh within the project area here more towards south of Brunswick there. So just seeing the before and after picture of that but cost perspective we are saying still estimated cost because obviously the project's not complete yet not all the payments have been made for the project. So we had about $3.1 million. Uh the relief cost the soft cost associated with design testing um finance all admin costs $185,000. So that's how we came to be with that 300 almost 3.4 million total for the project. funding allocation. So, a number of of funding sources do come into play when we do complete these types of project. Uh special assessments at 8 $860,000. Um depth service levy, which is general tax levy, uh 1.4, kie place, uh the default security. Um council noticed we did include the the wear course paving uh of the street that was part of a development project that was not completed. uh TI sat there for about four or five years I think is the minimum time I am thinking. Uh, so we were able to include that as part of the project because it was in the project area to save on cost, but we did use the default escrow cash that the developer had in place with the city um water and sewer fund to complete those uh items uh with the bolt replacements as well as the the sanitary sewer was 286,000 and then storm sewer um storm water fund at 671,000. Again, um that's a larger sum that we've normally have seen for projects like this, but because of the drainage issues, we had to include quite a bit of storm sewer work for the project. So, what are special assessments? So, it is a levy a city uses to finance or at least partially finance a public improvement project. You kind of see those numbers there. They don't cover the whole entire cost. Uh the city levies charge only against those particular parcels of property that receive some special benefit. Um the amount of the charge bears direct relationship to the value of the benefit the property receives. So we cannot assess for more than what the special benefit that the property receives. Essentially what that last saying um if you want more information obviously the state statute chapter 429 is what we have to follow uh for this process. Otherwise the legis a very nice uh toolkit that uh explains it in a more u relevant term I call it. So uh easier to follow in terms of that. So staff uses that as well. The city does have a special assessment policy. It was updated in 2017. Um so key points of that is street reconstruction projects may be assessed the maximum amount possible in accordance with state statutes. Obviously council hasn't done that or we haven't done that in the past for most projects. Uh location of the driveway is used to determine the assessment amount. Um so example of this would be if you had a corner lot. uh you had two streets, one in front with a driveway being done and the other ones on the corner side, you wouldn't necessarily be assessed twice. Uh for those streets, you would be assessed just the one time for that driveway location. Uh benefit appraisals were not prepared for this project. Um so one thing to note there is we did complete an appraisal for last year's project. Uh and it the the special benefit was above the assessment being charged. Um so uh we felt it was comfortable comfortable this year's project. We didn't necessarily have to complete that again because it is an additional cost to the project. Uh recommend assessment period be 15 years for the full death mill overlay on interest rate 2% above the interest rate the bond sold. So 5.5% council has seen that previously with the other assessments that was presented here by uh uh Lindseay Ham hammers here and so it's the same um interest amount full death mill overlay the proposed rate is 4136 per unit u we had a total of 28 units within the project area um repayment period 15 years um so total assessment as mentioned previously was $860,000 uh that represents about 26% of the overall project cost. Um the assessment rate determine the fee schedule. So annually the city council does update the fee schedule based on the construction cost index. Um so it will change for next year's project. But for this year it is 4136. Um assessment mile is not based on the project cost. So we do not split the cost up between all the parcels. Uh it is set within the fee schedule and that's what the city council has moved forward generally uh with the assessment amount. payment schedule-wise. Um, just gave an example of how much the payment would be. So, if you were to roll this into your property, taxes uh starting at 2026 uh per year be about $412. Uh, but the first year because of the interest charged to the end of the year uh is about 466. So, a little it is a little bit more um for that first year. Um the property owners that are supposed to be assessed do have 30 days to pay without interest. So from the date of this hearing uh to November the 6th, they have 30 days to pay without interest. They paid in full. Um and then there are hardship deferrals available as well for those folks that do deed um that. So all right, just a notice. I know we had a number of questions in terms of what would that look like uh when or when does that get mailed out? So generally when uh council does uh if the C council does move forward with adopting of the assessment role uh this would be the final assessment uh notice that would be sent out to a property owner. So it kind of gives them an amorization schedule and then a payment stub as well at the end of that letter. So it's a little bit hard to read there on the screen but um give you a general idea was sent out appeal per mail notice. So, um, we did ask property owners that were at the meeting as well that if you do want to object to the assessments to do it in writing, uh, either prior to the meeting or at the meeting presenting officer. So, we have did not receive one at least for this project. Um, in terms of that prior to this meeting, uh, this hearing as far as I know, um, but that was kind of their first step towards objection of that. So they do have to perfect it within district court uh serve notice to the city clerk within 30 days etc. So that kind of information there is put up there for that purpose. Uh project feedback um so at the end of each project uh we do uh request feedback you know what went well uh areas of improvements communication wise what could do uh do better or if you just want to pick on me you could certainly do that. So, um, we did have about five, six property owners at this particular meeting for the 2025 street improvement project. Uh, most of the project, uh, looks great. They really appreciate the responsiveness of the city field staff. Um, as well as our contractor. So, uh, kudos to Cal Milik who was our our city represent out on site. Um, long hours and kind of a lot of work, but he uh, uh, they're very appreciative of his respons to to the needs of the the the the project. So for instance, example was um a garbage was not picked up uh by the garbage hauler. So he was able to just take the garbage can and take it to to public works, dump it and brought the can back to the to the property owner. So easy fix, but they really appreciated that extra mile that uh he was able to to to complete for the project. Um they also appreciated let's talks savage um.com for project information. So, uh, I know it's always tricky to get information out to folks, but we did have a weekly update. Uh, and they said it was good enough. Uh, we asked, "Do you want more? You want less?" Uh, at least for this project, they said, you know, it was good. I mean, we knew that if it rained, they were going to be working. And so, what was kind of put out on an annual on a weekly basis was a really good information, and it kind of helped them kind of keep track of where the the project was. Um and so they kind of thank you for the completed project and uh overall I think they had a pretty positive experience in terms of the overall um project. With that there are a number of folks out in the audience tonight as well. So uh staff is requesting that uh city council hold up public hearing uh for this the 2025 street improvement project. >> All right. I handed to the city clerk um a um an objection letter and I don't remember what the address was if that was this project or the next one. >> 252. The next one. >> The next one. Great. Okay. Thank you. Um any questions from the city council? Seeing none, I will open the public hearing if there's anyone in the audience who wants to uh speak to this first assessment hearing on the 2025 street improvement project, city project number 25-01. You can come to the podium and give your name and address. Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing and I will entertain a motion. Motion to adopt the attached resolution and assessment role for the 2025 street improvement project, city project number 25-01. >> Second. >> Motion by Alford, seconded by Coughlin. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. >> All right, we will now move on to the next one. I'm getting there. All right, our fourth public hearing tonight. Hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution and assessment role for the South Park Drive improvement project, city project number 25-02. Sang, >> thank you very much for the council. Before you tonight is the South Park Drive improvement project. Um, same as the uh project previously, uh, per statuto requirements, all those properties proposed to be assessed were provided public notices um as well. Um with that some redundant information. Um same thing here. Um what is the purpose of a public hearing to give property owners an opportunity to express concerns about proposed special assessments. Uh after the hearing the council will make a final decision on the final assessment amount uh payment period and interest rate as well. So um again this is the assessment hearing. Uh previously held was the approvement hearing for the project. Project location wise, uh, South Park Drive, uh, from Trunk Highway 13 to County Road 27, uh, that whole entire stretch. So, uh, includes we includes Louisiana Avenue, that's that kind of bisects the overall street, but that's a segment of South Park Drive that we did complete, uh, the improvement on this year. um some improvements as shared previously. So road conversions um four lanes to three lanes for the most part essentially from Highway 13 to to the roundabout uh sections of that was already three lanes from Louisiana all the way to County Road 27 that was already three lanes of roadway um but that was u improved as well. Traffic calming um medians aesthetic elements uh and then decorative street lights are not yet installed so that still has to go up yet. um hopefully sometime this week. We're still waiting on a couple brackets um for that, but hopefully this week. And then upgrades to pedestrian crosses as well. So, some of the things we hear a lot with these collector streets is the lack of crossings and how tough it is, particularly in four-lane roadways. Um so, we were able to add a couple of these pedestrian crossings within the project area of pavement. So, full depth mill and overlay. Again, similar to our neighborhood street improvement project, but we did try something a little bit different this uh this year with this project just because of the uh the section of the roadway was going to what they call a stabilized full depth reclamation. So essentially what you do is rec reclaim um and then you come back and actually reclaim again and adding a motion into the the aggregate base and that was supposed to provide some additional structural stability to that. um good or bad, I think, um we learned some lessons there in terms of using that. Uh phase one, we did use that. Uh I know we ended up not using that for phase two, which is from the roundabout to Highway 13 because we had enough pavement section and enough uh roadway section um to make our requirements. So, we did not use that. And so, we already saved a little bit of money uh for the project. Um curbing gutter replace as needed. Um same thing as the other project. Obviously the medians did take more work. Uh that is all new curb and gutter uh for the medians that were installed. Puma trail as well. So reclaim all that place new patuma section for the project area. Um concrete sidewalk um replace as needed. Uh and then a lot of updating the the pedestrian ramps for both the trail and the sidewalk within the project area. Utilities. We had some sanitary sewer repairs particularly just down towards Featherstone there. Um we'll repair those. There's some broken pipe there. Uh drain tile installation. Uh storm sewer. Uh we did some pond work uh that shown here later on. Uh and then restoration work with top soil sad um seed depending on the areas. Uh so irrigation systems. I know there's a number of irrigation systems particular for the Chadwick HOA fee stone and kind of moving towards the the west. Um and then just punch list items left for that um for that project as well. maintenance of the storm water pond sharing here some pictures of the completed um project uh was located south of uh north of South Park Drive and southeast of Featherstone uh Lake there. So, a lot of tree removal, salmon removal, and repair some of the erosion issues uh within that project area. Again, I won't show you this because you've seen that already. So, um we'll head straight to the before and after pictures. U this is the before. um upper leftand corner there and to the and then the after there and this is right by kind of the daycare facility. Dialysis kind of that strip mall area looking towards Target would be a main landmark. This is right in front of Macan Park here. Uh you kind of see the base for the light is still is there with all the light on it. So, four-lane roadway at one time. Uh, essentially reduced down to one lane each direction with dedicated uh turn lanes. And this is in front of the Chadwick uh HOA area. Um, again, that was a threelane roadway previously. So, just updating that. And you kind of see further in the distance there the meeting that was in uh installed uh kind of in front of Featherstone Lake area. All right. All right, I'm going to try to attempt to get a drone footage up here. So, bear with me if it doesn't uh work. Hopefully, it does. So, this is was completed before all the additional crosswalks were installed. So, um, there was just a lot of stuff going on and and stuff we're finishing up, but kind of gives you an idea of the improvements that were completed. My voice is not good enough to narrate. So, I would saying, "Is that one of the new crosswalks there by the park?" >> Yep. Yes, it is. saying, do you recall what types of trees were planted in the medians? >> Yeah, we do have some crab apple, uh, ginko, and then I think there's a what's that flowering one? Magnolia. >> Okay. >> Hopefully, if they survive the winter, we'll get some blossoms in the spring, right? All right. So, from a cost summary standpoint wise, um estimated construction cost again was almost $4 million for the project. Um the leaf almost $200,000. We were looking at $4.1 uh million for the overall project. Bunny allocation. Um again, we are assessing for the project. So special make up some portions of the project at $81,396. Uh depth service levy $329,000. Uh the largest contributor for sources of funding was is the state aid fund or MSA fund at $3.2 million uh from that account. Uh street light fund at 15323,000 for the um the decorative street lights. water and sewer fund for that work 121 and then storm water fund um at $252,000 that was for the pond work and additional storm water work in the project. What are special assessments? As previous said before, it's a levy the city uses to finance or at least partially finance a particular public program. Uh city levies the charge only against those particular parcels of property that receive some special benefit. uh the amount of the charge bears a direct relationship to the value of the benefits and the property receives. Again, chapter 429 is what we follow and the legal cities uh for that uh special assessment toolkit. Oops, apologies for that. Special assessment policy updated in 2017. Street reconstruction projects uh may be assessed the maximum amount possible in accordance with state statute. Uh again um to be equation of driveway is used to determine the assessment. Uh special benefits again we're not completed for this project uh as we completed for last year's uh project already. Um same as the um neighborhood project, we are uh proposing a 15-year assessment uh with interest rate of 5.5%. The unit proposed unit amount of the assessment is going to be the same for both projects. So, $4,136 per unit. There are 12 residential units within the project area. Um, all those are located in the Chadwick HOA area. Uh, commercial industrial units, there is 7.68 units. So, that includes the the the daycare and then that strip mall across, they do have direct driveways that come off onto South Park Drive. Um that $81,396 for assessment represents about 1.96% of the overall project costs for the again same thing here. Same information as the previous project. Um first year payment at $412 uh per year with the first year being 466 uh and then 30 years 30 days pay without interest uh from the date of this um hearing. same there. All the notices will be sent out will look similar or very same. Um and then the appeal is the same. We do have I believe last count was four or five. Uh maybe the city clerk can clarify. Uh we did have five written objections to the to the assessment. Um so that is kind of the first step in terms of uh moving forward with that that appeal process feedback. Um, again, we did have a number of folks with at the neighborhood meeting as well. Uh, I think there was over a little bit over 20 property owners if I counted correctly. Um, so concerns, uh, things that are brought up, concerns with assessment, how it was determined. Uh, questions, why weren't other areas assessed? Uh, we did cover through that with with location driveways. Um, why assess? Uh, that's generally the questions we do get a lot. Uh, is why are we assessing if we do already pay property taxes, anything like that. So why are we assessing uh um again um another comment was street used by the public why are we only assessing a few um it is difficult um I know it's hard to explain um to justify sometimes when you have a collector street there's only a few driveways that come on to those and you know it's serving a larger public purpose u but similar to other collector streets that we've that has been completed in the past um where we do assess just that one time for driveways to try to be equitable so that everybody does get assessed uh the one time that their road is being improved. Um we also had comments going duration of the the project. Um obviously it was a very wet year. It was interesting when seems to be it was always raining when they were ready to work. Um and so that kind of always plays with schedule-wise because there's other projects going on and so if you get delayed one day it potentially could push contractors back on other projects. So it kind of was a domino effect throughout the summer. Uh we did have some utility conflict as well that took about two weeks to relocate um small utilities particularly that last phase that was kind of the longer duration uh the area kind of in front of the the commercial areas had um utility conflicts that we had to move or wait for relocation of utilities and that took about two weeks. So otherwise from an improvement standpoint a number of positive feedback uh regarding the medians um traffic calming hopefully uh it does help in terms of controlling some of the speed. I know that was some of the issues along South Park was young drivers heading to Pri Lake Savage High School. Uh hopefully that would uh alleviate some of those um the speeding issues that happened on that. With that there is a number of folks out in the audience as well for this project. Uh so staff is requesting that uh city council hold the public hearing for the project. >> Thank you. Are there any questions from council? >> Seeing none, I'm just going to um first make a comment that um the mayor and the council did receive objection letters. I got those from the clerk um before uh tonight's meeting. Um and I'm just going to read the names, not addresses, just um so that you know that we did receive yours if you're in the audience. So we did receive it. And then I also got one this evening as well. Um, Naen Mayor, Jan L. Llair, Dorothy Danisuchich, and uh, Steven Derula. So, we have received your objection letters. You don't need to worry about making sure we get anything this evening. And with that, I will open the public hearing. If anybody has anything that they want to say with regard to the assessments for this project, you can go ahead and approach the podium and give us your name and address. Hello, I'm Nadine Mayor. I'm at 6446 South Park Drive and I strenuously object to the assessment. As Sang pointed out, there are only 12 properties that are being assessed on this. Minnesota statute 421051 appropriation of costs is permissive. It's a may. It's not a requirement. It may be assessed if there's any benefit. According to Sang, they did not do a special benefits assessment for this and I really have a hard time to see how my property is receiving any special benefit. Uh as Sang pointed out, it's South Park is a municipal state aid road. These roads are designated as crucial for ensuring access to essential services and economic activities. These routes are essential for movement of people, goods and services. While this is state aid, there are only 12 properties and they should not bear the burden of any assessment that benefits the entire community. There are key businesses that are not being assessed that many travelers use South Park to get toana whiskey department are not being assessed and they get a big portion of the traffic that comes down um between Dakota and Highway 13. Um, as I mentioned, the benefits study was not completed this year. They used a prior year study of other neighborhoods. So, I don't necessarily think that you get the full flavor of this. I'm really glad that you showed the drone footage because there are many multi-unit housing properties that dot that are all along South Park Drive. And as pointed out, there are only 12 properties that actually have driveways. Now, Chadwick Homes, which I'm in, Chadwick Park, there are 225 units in the entire development, 213 of those units can only get into their homes by one entrance or a couple entrances on and off of South Park Drive. But the rest of us are being assessed for that. So, I'm not exactly sure how I'm being benefited from everybody else using that drive. In last week's neighborhood meeting, Sang talked about how other home own home town home associations might have other entrances in Nexus, which is true, and that those home owners associations are assessed in their homeowner fees for things like private street maintenance and snow removal. Well, guess what? Chadwick Park has the same thing. and us 12 properties, our homeowners associations are not reduced because we don't have private streets and things to maintain. So, I feel like we're getting double dinged on this. Um, there are many other people who are using it. For example, if you put in any of these addresses into GPS, which I spent the weekend doing, they all route you to South Park Drive rather than some of the other streets that might get you in and out of some of those neighborhoods. So, I don't think that just 12 driveways should be assessed on this given that in your own study for this project from Dakota 27 to Louisiana, the average daily traffic is 32 3,264 trips. The report stated with the improvement, you're anticipated to add another 1,8 to that total. So there is no feasible way that 12 properties are going to make 42 over 4,200 trips a day. Um we will in fact we will be actually receive negative impact from this. We already have more traffic. The traffic that's coming through is speeding. They come out of that chute and they put the pedal to the metal. We will have uh more noise. We already have more noise than what we had before, partly because you took out so many trees on Featherstone Park. Um it's going to be less safe for us to enter and exit our driveways. It's going to be less safe for us to cross the streets. Even though you put in a a crosswalk, there's going to be more traffic. There's going to be more heavy trucks on this road, more emergency vehicles, and potentially more accidents. I know I'm over my three minutes, but I'm almost done. >> This this is not the public comment time. You you have >> you have your time that you get to speak. >> I also object to the city collecting interest on any payment plans if you do approve the assessment. While this is allowed by law and I know it's intended to cover some of the administrative burden on this, it seems like it's a money maker for the city. And I don't think that you should be assessing property owners such a high interest rate for an assessment that most of us don't even want. That's all I have. Do you have any questions for me? >> Um, usually we don't. I didn't. Um, all right. But just offering it. >> No, no, it was a good question. So, um, thank you. Is there anyone else who wants to address the city council, please? My name's, uh, Anjenga and that's my son right there, Masharia Jenga. We reside on the south side of South Park Drive and, uh, um, we are the second house from Dakota and South Park Drive and We are the second home from Dakota and South Park Drive on the right. And yes, I agree with Nadine with everything she said. Of course, for me, getting out of my driveway takes quite a bit of time and having the increased uh traffic is a big deal. Um, of course, it's not also safe for my child um out there with the speeding cars. Um, I would appreciate if we could at least share the cost out with all the other town homes that have to use South Park Drive to get in and out of their homes. I think that's the fairest thing we could do with this. We do appreciate having a great road, a new road. Um, and we also have a lot of um, emergency services that utilize that road. and you know he's always a fan checking out the sirens and every I mean he can tell you how many is counted. So I would appreciate if you guys could consider that. >> Thank you. >> Good evening and thank you for your service. My name is Janlair and I'm at 6315. I am the first house on the corner of Dakota and South Park Drive. So, yes, we have a front row seat to uh thousands of cars and all the um emergency vehicles that our neighbors need and that you all provide. So, we are thankful for all that you do, but we don't feel it's fair, equitable to ask the 12 driveways to assume the homeowner cost of hundreds. I don't know how many town homes are down by the park, but it we must be nearing a thousand residences of people that the only way to get to their dwelling is to use South Park Drive. Yet, there's only 12 of us that need South Park Drive to get to our homes who are being assessed. So either an area assessment or perhaps for the 1.96% of the cost the city might reduce that assessment for WI12. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? Well, contrary to everybody else, I'm going to go on the other side of things again. I'm going to advocate for the less fortunate, the elderly that are on fixed incomes within the within the development. If you're going to do that type of a proposal, then you would have to do that to all the other associations further down the roadway. So, the the roads are plowed by the city on that road. So to say that our maintenance fees and don't your your driveways are plowed, but the city is now plowing that that roadway for those 12 homeowners. So you're you're getting a city plow versus the our our maintenance plow is doing it from the association. So that's not really that's kind of a cancels itself out. Um so again my frustration is for myself and other owners within the development who didn't are not going to see our property values increased because of this road where those people are going to receive property increases not increases increases to the value of their properties because of this new road. And they probably knew this when they were buying these homes anyway because of how bad the road was before that this was coming because I I I actually reached out when my mother still was living about this roadway and I was told it's about 10 15 years out. So thank you very much. >> Thank you. Good evening. My name is Kendall Larson. I am part of the association board of Chadwick. And by the way, thanks for all of your service and especially say uh I think this was a real challenge of a project for him and his staff. Uh John the engineer uh city of Savage, he had his hands full. Uh the subcontractors were very well um handling the project. You had some surprises on the project down by Wings Bank uh that the utilities weren't quite where they were scheduled to be. So I think they adjusted very well. Uh a few things I just want to point out. It's interesting, Brad, you bring up the trees in the boulevard. Um, a little bit of a concern with um the magnolia growing there. The other ones are great species. They'll grow very well. Uh, those are northern uh bred magnolia trees. So, they should adapt. And I think all the lower story planting shrubs, ground covers, and that are excellent also. But they really need projects like this one. they have the center areas in plantings really need a special attention almost almost for the continued maintenance uh of those. So that's just one thing I want to point out. Um the other species in the pond I think um were chosen very well and great great job on that. the lane changes. I'm really hoping when they went from four to three, I'm hoping that might reduce speeds, but as I've seen in the month or so that the I'll say two to four weeks that speeds are still high in there. We've talked about and suggested lowering those speeds from 35 to something else. I think that's what engineering really needs to look seriously. New road, smooth road, fast cars. That's just the way it is. Um, plowing of those areas are a challenge, too. I think say brought up a couple of of samples on neighborhoods like this that have a public road amongst the private roads in townhouse count uh condominiums whatever they are but they're public road private road so the people who do our maintenance now um myself and the other people on our HOA board have tried to attempt a new board, I should say, a new board this last year have really tried to reduce the difficulties when you have city plow versus our commercial plowing. And both PE both people do well, but their timing is not the same time obviously and that's never going to happen. That's not what I'm asking. But it just requires special attention for both parties because when we do the plowing of those 12 homes, we can't just leave it on the road. They're going to come in there and they'll blow it back on the road, the city plows. So, it's just going to take some special attention and we're going to work with that. And I think, as I said, with this project, Se had his hands full and his staff had really their hands full um trying to figure out what they're going to do. The assessments are the assessments. I'm not going to speak about those, but um it was a challenge project. Things will we will try and do our best as as things go on. And again, thank you for all your help. >> Thank you. >> Is there anyone else who wants to speak? Going once. Going twice. All right. I will close the public hearing. And are there any uh comments or questions from the city council? Um otherwise, I think I'm going to let uh the city administrator maybe address some of the questions that we had. >> Yeah. Um first, oh, I think Mr. Coughlin has >> Oh, I'm sorry, >> Bob. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um I I appreciate uh we don't actually get a lot of people come up and uh talk about uh the assessments too much. Uh uh so I I appreciate uh you reaching out and voicing your concerns and understand that uh there is an appeal process to go through it and uh at tonight's hearing we won't be doing the appeal process to make uh major changes at this time but uh individually uh we can look at the uh request for your assessments uh during an appeal process. So, um I don't want to get too deep into uh some of the reasons why we have this assessment and how it's determined. Uh that's going to be handled during the appeal process. >> That's it. >> That's okay. Anyone else? >> All right. >> So, yes. Thank you, mayor, council members. Um I think I'll start uh by asking Sang to talk about the appeal process just uh as a reminder for city council and people at home and then folks in the audience too about how that works. >> So the appeal process, you know, obviously tonight is critical uh that preserves your right to to the appeal. So anything written um we kind of heard that we had about five uh we had five that came in today. So, um that preserves your right to an appeal. Um but you do have to take district court uh to serve the clerk with that uh within 30 days of that. So um information there on the bottom this one uh any owner may appeal an assessment to the district court pursuit of miss state statute 429 uh by serving notice of appeal upon the mayor or city clerk within 30 days um after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the district court within 10 days after service upon the mayor or clerk. So that's all the media information we have. Um if our city attorney would want to add to that, but um at least that's what we share with our our property owner. Those supposed to be assessed uh that process. >> So those do you have anything to add, Dan? >> Uh no, nothing particularly. The appeals process is laid out in the statute. It's also in the um handbook that Sang's referred to a number of times and has been up there tonight. The purpose for the council is to decide whether to go ahead and move forward with the assessment role. If it's adopted tonight, then those who have submitted their appeals in writing, your next step would be to then uh within 30 days after the adoption tonight, serve the mayor clerk with your official notice of appeal and then file that within 10 days with the district court uh to preserve that. Really the only thing that's at issue on an appeal of a special assessment is whether the benefit exceeds the assessment amount. And so there what's called the special benefit test. A court will look at whether the benefit to any one property exceeds the amount of the appraisal. Um there was a comment earlier tonight made about well you don't have uh an appraisal uh done for this project. It is it is not required. Um it's not uncommon for cities to do them every now and then, but if they're doing them every year, then it does become a little costly. So, it's not required. Um I know that sounds maybe a little counterintuitive. Um but ultimately then if you do move forward with your appeal, the onus is on the city to establish that the benefit exceeds the amount. >> Thank you, Dan. Um, the other thing that I heard that I'll just point out is that we don't charge uh there was a question about the the value and I think Dan uh kind of pointed that out and then I'd just like to just kind of add that that's why we do the flat rate amount. It's not like a percentage of the project. So everybody whether it's a 100 homes on a street or 12 homes on a street, it's just the flat amount. Um, and then there was some questions about plantings. I don't know if you had anything to add to that saying or just maybe also just speak to our process because whenever we do a project like this, we do have trees that inevitably don't make it and what's our process to replace those. >> Um, thank you Brad for that. U, so I forgot to touch on that. The one thing we did differently with this project as well because of the the establishment of the medians and making sure that thrives uh we include a three-year maintenance agreement uh within the project itself. So um the contractor is actually for responsible for mowing uh for the next three years as well as a warranty on the plants and the trees. So essentially watering making sure the plants are alive and as well as replacement when that time does come uh for that for the project. um we did do that um to put less pressure within staff itself um and as well as try to get the meetings established. So that's one of the critical things is uh as as these projects are is making sure that looks the way it's supposed to look um as we move forward with this uh with the the median areas. >> Thank you. >> I think that's all I had unless you heard other questions. Yeah, if you could clarify. Um, there was a comment about the development target it's in not being assessed. I don't think that's true. I see two larger assessment pieces that Sav savage office development. is 2 n units and the other one which is the here which is S3A holdings which I'm not sure what that is is being assessed 4 78 units they're a larger share but could you confirm >> yeah let me Mayor members council let me pull up a map here quick to kind of show um how that was determined Um I think council tomorrow Johnson you were kind of asking some of the larger ones. Um the two parcels that are supposed to be assessed as part of the project is the the daycare facility here to the south and then to the north of it is that u I think we say diosis there's a more of a strip mall area there. So they do have direct driveways that come onto the south park drive. We are not assessing the the the larger commercial areas. Um I know there was mentioned Whiskey Inferno. um as well as Pana. You kind of see Pu Aana, their driveway is actually coming off of a frontage road on Highway 13 there. Um and so when that time does come for those improvements, they would be assessed as part of that. Um the one thing too is our assessment policy section 10 does state that properties that abut or have access to private streets, we don't assess because they are responsible for 100% of the upkeep in that and there is no um public dollars uh as part of that. So, uh you kind of see the commercial sites there. They have a number of roadways and everything else associated with their um their area. So, um our kind of our assessment policy says driveways is a short road that kind of butts kind of gets into that whereas um a lot of that is more of roadways, interior roadways um as part of that. So, um similar to I think it was another question in terms of Oops, my apologies here. Um some of these other town homes within this area, you kind of see a bigger town home here is just to the north of Macccan Park. Um they have interior private roads within the the assessment of the HOA as well. Um and so they were not assessed as part of the project. So there are a lot of properties that do abut that come onto South Park Drive, but there are so much uh private streets. uh you can kind of see a lot of the town home developments um all are within private streets uh within the area. So even if you move further to the to the east uh that way as well, although their access is just coming off South Park Drive, their interior is all private streets with their own private driveways that come off those private streets. Uh so similar to um Chadwick, I can bring up Chadwick here as well since we're kind of looking this area. So you kind of see the 12 homes are directly off South Park Drive and then you kind of have your uh or have the private streets that kind of serve this area as well. So we didn't go through the area assessment our assessment policy um actually section 10 C portion of it actually calls out full depth melon overlay. Um and it what it does is actually wants us to use a unit method assessment and not necessarily area assessment uh for these types of improvements because um it's easier to approve to to be equitable and kind of stay consistent is that driveway access kind of determines that. So if we start to get in the area assessment then you kind of have to kind of start looking at areas and how much would the benefit be towards those areas and I think kind of get cumbersome. I think council's always kind of kept it pretty um as straightforward as possible, I would say. Um I know it's not perfect, uh but it's a system we've kind of use or kind of following the policy uh to try to stay as consistent and uh equitable as possible. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions from council? >> All right, I have um just a couple of things. Um, uh, there was a comment that was made about, uh, the continued maintenance and plowing. And I want my public works people to know that that, um, we we do appreciate them and we do know that this now is adding to what they're dealing with. So, um, what I think we found with Glendale was when we changed things up and added those medians, there really did seem to be some traffic calming there. Um, and I think there was a lot of um, residents who were really happy with what that project looked like um, after it was done. So, I'm really hopeful that there's going to be some combing. If not, then I need to make sure that my police chief knows that this is an area that our folks need to be watching and um, I I've got a nod back there. So, um I'm going to put it on his radar that that we need to make sure that this is happening because that that was part of the whole purpose of adding the medians in is is that traffic calming. Um, but with that said, I also understand that that makes this more challenging for our public works folks when the they are plowing the roads and um I was fortunate to ride in one of those plows uh last winter and um I'm not going to say it was terrifying, but there there it is a different view from the top of that plow and seeing what they um have to do and what they go through. And so, um, I'm just going to do a shout out to them for, um, taking care of the streets as as they are. Um, so I mentioned that we got the nod from the chief about the speeding traffic. Um, and then I ju I just want to, um, mention because I have gotten some phone calls. Um, why is this not being covered by our taxes? And, um, I think it's a fair question. I really do. I think it's a fair question. Um, the way our assessment policy has worked is we kind of have got that flat rate that we're charging everybody with their driveways. And I understand with this one, there just is that thing that this doesn't feel fair for those for those homeowners that the um in the town home development. I hear you. I really do that. It doesn't seem fair that you're getting the assessment and all of the people who are coming off onto that road using that road, they're not being assessed. It doesn't seem fair. I'm just going to tell you it doesn't seem fair. Um we have to make a policy. Um this one it's not perfect. It is not perfect. Um but it does seem to be as I I want to say equitable um over the long run. Um I I I do hear you that it doesn't feel equitable here. I I really do hear you. Um, but we we've tried to create a policy um that seems like it works throughout the community and what we're assessing is one less than 2% of what the total project is is costing. And so the rest of that amount is being picked up by the rest of the community. >> So through our debt levy and um and and actually this project most of it's being picked up by the municipal state aid dollars. Um which was going to be my other question. Where are we at with that balance after this project? Do we know? You know, >> mayor, members of the council, we are going to take about a year here to get it kind of get up to to where we are at the balance. Um Okay. So, with with large projects like this, um you know, we do have allocate about $1.6 million within our state into the state aid fund um account. Um with these types of projects, uh obviously 1.6 plus another 1.6 will get us to that 3 point pretty close. So the intent here is to use this year's and next year's to pay it back um so we can advance um state a dollars and then hopefully after next year we would be back into a positive uh count balance. So, I know we can we can dip negative on those, but I also know that you've did doing a really good job of trying to make sure that we um work both the municipal state aid projects in with the other um prop the other residential projects so that we're um not dipping too much into that uh not letting that get too negative um when we need those dollars for other projects. Um so, I will once again ask if there are any Yeah, Stacy, questions. Well, maybe I'll just echo what you said and I was going to say, you know, if the rest of the homes are all off of private roads and they're all part of the same homeowners association, I would hope that the homeowners association would not be assessing the houses that are on the public road when they have to redo their internal internal roads. And I would say that you should go to your homeowners association and talk to them to at the board to plead that case because they are the ones who are receiving the benefit from those roads being done whereas your home is coming off of a a public road and you're paying for it right now. So I don't know how we as a city would do anything differently um as far as being equitable as far as how we approach this. So that's all I wanted to add. >> Right. Was there anything else that? >> No. >> Okay. Um seeing seeing no further comments, I will entertain a motion. >> I'll make a motion to adopt the attached resolution and assessment role for the South Park Drive improvement project, city project number 25-02. Second >> motion by Craig, seconded by Coughlin. All in favor say I. >> I opposed. Motion carries. >> Um that is the end of our public hearings. We will move on and you can absolutely stay with for the meeting or you can leave. It's up to you. Um we'll move on to the consent agenda. These are routine items of business that are collectively presented for approval through a single motion. A council member may request that an item be pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion and action. Under personnel, adopt a resolution authorizing personnel actions for the city of Savage. Under engineering utilities, adopt a resolution approving change order number one in the not to exceed amount of $27,355.77 for the water treatment plant 3 filter media rehabilitation project city project 25-05. Under planning, adopt a resolution authorizing execution of a professional services agreement with Stantech Consulting Services, Inc. in the amount not to exceed 49,456 for the economic development strategic plan. Under police and fire, adopt a resolution approving four forfeited vehicles to be declared surplus equipment and to be disposed of in a manner that complies with state law. Under finance, adopt a resolution to appro to to approve claims listing. Under general, adopt a resolution authorizing the city of Savage to enter into an an agreement with Simantra to administer the private plan option for Minnesota's paid leave program. Is there any item that anybody wants to pull for further discussion andor action? Seeing none, I will entertain a motion. Make a motion to approve the consent agenda as read. >> Second. >> Motion by Johnson, seconded by Alford. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Under general business, consider adopting a resolution authorizing the sale of lowd dose hemp derived THC edibles for retail sale at the city of Savage municipal liquor stores. James. Good evening, mayor, council, audience. Uh we're following up on a workshop discussion we had uh that would allow the liquor stores to sell lowd dose hemp edibles in the stores. Uh just a quick recap of some of the things that we talked about at that work session. Uh we have several municipal liquor stores throughout the state. um some very prominent ones as well that are currently selling edibles and have done quite well with them. Uh we think it would be a great addition to what we sell currently here in the Savage liquor stores, which is the lowd dose hemp uh beverages. So this would be the edibles that we'd be uh adding on to that. Um this is by far our most successful segment of the business uh is THC sales. Uh we've seen the largest amount of growth in the last year and a half in that and we seeing that echoed throughout the entire uh municipal liquor system. So our our uh request would that be would be that we can move forward and sell lowd dose hemp edibles in the stores. Uh there's no change that council or anybody else would have to do. We already have the license. Uh we already know the laws and how we would sell them in the stores. So there's really nothing additional. It's just looking for your approval that we can do that. Brad, >> mayor, council, thank you. Uh, if you recall, we had this conversation at the work session um just because of scheduling. We only had uh three of the five council members there. And so, uh, just to make sure that we have this the direction we needed from city council, we put this on the agenda. What we have for recommended action is a resolution authorizing the sale of lowdosese uh edibles. We could also we say the second option is to deny the request if the council wanted to. We could also have a resolution to direct staff not to resolutions act as the you know the the formal decision direction of the city council. So, that's I just wanted to point out that's an option, too, is that there could be a resolution to um direct staff not to sell edibles. And that's all I had. >> Okay. Um we talked about it at the work session. Not everybody was there or was able to be there, but the work session, you know, this is where we make that policy decision is here when we're at the public hearing or when we're at a public meeting that's televised. So, um I just thought it was really important that we have the conversation here. um yeah in front of our constituents. So >> yeah, I'm happy weigh in since I I unfortunately missed the work session. Um I am not in favor of the editables. I think it's one of the things we talked about when we talked about THC beverages that focusing on just on on the the consumption of drinks is what our liquor store is all about. It's not about selling all other types of hemp products. Um I also have a challenge with just small businesses in their community that is part of their business that a city to be competitive or to be uh yeah competitive against them I don't think feels right. But liquor we we quarter the market on that and that is the only option in town. So there's no small business that can benefit from liquor sales other than us anyways. But with the edibles that's not true. Um, so I have a problem with that fundamentally that we're trying to encourage small growth business that this doesn't feel right. Um, plus it just we don't sell cigarettes, we don't sell nicotine, tobacco at our liquor stores either and they're all a similar line item in a lot of ways that people think of it in that way. So I think I just keep our liquor store focused on on beverages is what my preference would be. [Music] next. And there isn't an order here. Who wants to jump in? >> I'll jump in. Do you want to jump in first, Bob? >> I don't I don't always have to. >> Okay. >> Make the most noise. >> Um, and I hear what you're saying. I think what my my stance was at the workshop was that I feel like by entering into the market for THC drinks, we kind of opened that door to see how it went. It's been successful so far. I think that having the option of purchasing the edibles at the same place as where people are buying their THC drinks made sense to me. And I don't feel that it would necessarily cut into the private market maybe as much as you might think it would because I think the other locations are very specialized and that's their business. This would be kind of I don't want to equate it to like a candy bar, but it's it's just another opportunity for people to buy something while they're already shopping at our liquor stores. And as we've seen, you know, that's really where our growth is happening in sales. And I would hate to have the city miss miss out on on that revenue. Bob, >> we are all also a business within the city and uh industry is moving towards the not differentiating between a beverage or an edible. It's it's lowdose THC sales. We only have one license where you can sell both. We don't have separate split on that. And uh it to try to split hairs and saying one's different than the other. Um I I think that's hypocritical. And so uh we have people coming in asking for the product and uh we've seen the success uh across the industry. Uh it's not going against we're not being special. We're not the first ones to do it. Uh but it's actually strange that if we choose not to do it, that that would be kind of against the norm, against uh our own opportunities. We tout all the time about how sales from this u business that the city runs uh helps support the city. And so to deny ourselves the opportunity to do that, I think would be very shortsighted. And I am in favor of approving this. >> All right, Megan. >> All right, close it out. Um, do we know if there are businesses that that do sell the products now in edible form if they have an issue with a competitor coming in like the liquor store and selling it or if they've raised concerns about that? or do we know how many stores are around the liquor store that sell edibles as well that may be impacted by another James? I'll I think I'll handle this unless you have specific information. We know that there are companies, businesses around us that are selling. I don't believe we've asked the question, are you in favor or not in favor of the city selling? I I have heard from businesses and um I not specifically with this, but they would like us to just leave the >> leave it alone, >> these products to them and stay out of it. >> I guess so. The pro of what I think of it is that yes, we would be missing out on the potential for sales and for another opportunity within the city. Um, I guess my other concern a concern would be as Matt had talked about of, you know, leaving it to and the mayor leaving it to the the stores that are specializing in it. Um, and not hindering their sales. Um, I guess I would I would be in favor of the edibles as long as it doesn't get to where the liquor store becomes THC only and not a liquor store anymore. I think it's it should stay liquor store. I think that's our business. That's what people go to it for mainly. Um, so I would hesitate getting more than just the edibles in there and the drinks at this point until more than those two. Anybody else have anything else they want to add? All right, I'll chime in. Um, I don't think I've kept it a secret. I'm not in support of the liquor store liquor operations doing this. Um I have said to people since I first got on the council um if the decision came to me about getting into the liquor business, would I support it? And I don't know that I would. Um but we're in it and um getting out of it at this point. We've had these conversations is challenging. um whether we're relying on these funds to do some other things in the community, um we've certainly benefited and we've been able to do some things we um would not have done or would have had to find a different um means of funding and um so we've certainly benefited from it and I'm not making a motion to get out of the liquor operations at the moment. Um but I agree with Matt. I I don't think we need to be in the business of competing with other local businesses, especially the stores that we have in town. Um I just don't um I do see a I would like to get not have any of it personally. Um so um I would not be in favor of the edibles. I'm not in favor of the edibles. Um but with that >> Yes. >> Can I can I ask you a question on that? Because by selling the THC drinks, we're already competing with the businesses. >> I know. I don't want to sell the drinks either. >> Well, we are. >> I know. Yeah. and and depending on how the vote comes out, which I think I know how the vote is going to come out. We're going to start selling edibles, too, which I'm not in favor of, but it is what it is. So, yeah, I'll I'll just add one more thing. Like, these conversations have been a long time in the process, even leading up to where the states involved and everything else. And I know I initially was very much against having any of it in our city at all. I feel like now it's here. I don't know if we're having a lot of problems with it because I haven't necessarily heard we are or are not. And I just think, you know, our the fact that we have the city-owned liquor stores does so much can offer so much opportunity and gives back to our community in a way that we wouldn't otherwise have if we did not have that business. And so I uh I just want to recognize the fact that I also did not want it at one point in time, but at this point in time, I am willing to support it. >> Okay. Got one more thing. >> Go ahead. Now that we bring out the issue of police and um that maybe being another layer to them too. I guess I would that would be my other concern is that we're adding to their workload and if people are not going to be responsible with it is that going to be a hindrance to come to the community to our community and be here and live here and work here and have kids here. I personally, as having a 13-year-old daughter, don't want it. Didn't want the drinks either because it's too much. It's a pull. And it's it's as a parent, I'm trying I struggle and as a city council member, I struggle, too. I guess my concern would be that people make bad decisions and we're putting police officers and our fire departments in bad situations that we don't need to. Um I just look at alcohol that way too sometimes that and and not even getting into the driving aspect of it. Um that's a concern that puts everybody's lives on the line. Um, so I don't know. That's just my two cents as far as that goes. >> I I will echo Stacy's comment. We have had these conversations for a long time. We started having the conversations before the legislature actually even adopted um the statute. Um just trying to anticipate what was what was happening. So um we we have been having these conversations for a long time and the discussion up here is a small microcosm of those larger conversations and so um I don't want to dismiss those conversations because um they have been important. So with that I will entertain a motion. I'll make a motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the sale of lowd dose hemp derived THC edibles for retail sale at the city of Savage municipal liquor store. >> And I'll second. >> Motion by Coughlin, seconded by Craigs. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed say nay. >> Nay. >> Nay. >> Motion does not carry. Um do we need to >> We can bring I was talking to Dan about this. Um there's two ways that the council can approach this. Um if the if the council wants there to be clear direction to count to staff not to sell it and then we wouldn't we wouldn't be able to sell it unless we brought the question back to council. We will bring a resolution to the next um council meeting. If you just want to take no action on the resolution and then staff, if this came up, we would just be tasked to remember to bring this up to council at the time. >> I think it would be appropriate to bring it back to do a resolution. >> Yeah. All right. We will put a resolution on the next city council agenda. >> Not the work session, the next regular meeting. >> Sorry. Yes. Next regular meeting. >> Yes. Stacy, >> can we have any further conversation at that time or >> We absolutely can talk more about it next time. >> So, can we can we request additional information in the meantime like from our police department >> and we we can have more conversations if it's appropriate at the work session andor the next meeting. I I'm open to either. >> Okay. I say mayor and council, I was going to say um if there's additional information you want us to pull together between now and that next meeting um if you can send it to us, we can start working with our public safety partners on that on pulling anything else that will help you make that next decision. >> But I thank you. >> Yes. And I I think it would be helpful to know also knowing that we can't control what's being sold at other places and that will continue to happen regardless of whether or not we start to sell. >> And yet to have an idea of what that landscape looks like would be helpful, I think. Um because I think a lot of what we've talked about before too is the safety elements of the trained staff here at the city and what they bring to the sale of the product as well. So, I guess before we completely just go in the opposite direction, if there's a chance for more conversation, I would like to have it. >> I'm absolutely in support of more conversation. I >> say, "Madame Mayor, it looks like the chief of police is stepping up." Chief, >> if I may make a comment, um, the number one thing that causes harm in our society by far, and it'll never come close, is alcohol. Mhm. >> ruins the most lives, has the most addicted persons to it, causes the most carnage on the roadway, >> and we sell that. Um, I don't want to give a false impression that I'm going to be able to tell you our societyy's going to be worse in the community of Savage if we sell it. I'm not going to be able to show you numbers. It's too new. You're right. Other communities sell it. So, I will not say our community will be placed in danger more by this. Um, but I will say that we're already selling the number one thing that harms the most people in our community. Um, I'm not nor my department is going to be able to show have a lot of numbers that we've had a ton of calls about low dose. We haven't um in the Twin Cities, the I think the biggest harm is the children eating these. >> Uh the two most famous that we heard about right away are um Woodberry and Egan that had uh four children in each. I think one was five and one was four because they found their parents' edibles and gave them away >> to the other kids in the house and they all overdosed and came very close to dying from that. They all recovered. Um, edibles look like candy. Um, you don't puke them up like you do alcohol. It's not a big It's just different. So, I can't say our community will be harmed greater by us selling it our at our municipalities. It's already out. So is alcohol. Um, but that's a decision you have to make. I support the decision that was made here because I think you're piling on, you're adding more stuff to it. Um, so I think if you don't have it, it's very easy to say it's not going to be a problem, right? Um, but there's already illegal sales of drugs as well, but the edibles are dangerous to children because no matter how you package them, they're sugarcoated. They look like candy, and that's where the danger is. I don't know what the answer is, but that's the danger. And it it's very easy for children to overdose on it because it looks like candy. So, I don't know what the answer is, but I honestly don't think we're going to be able to provide you numbers to sway either way that it's great for the community or it's bad for the community. I can just tell you in my experience, the more illegal things that are mind-altering and intoxicating that we're selling, the more people that are going to use them, the more people that are going to abuse them, the more people that are going to become addicted to them. And that's the harm to society. Mhm. >> So, I I just want to set I'm not trying to create less work for me, but we don't have numbers to support either way really other than what's gone on in the public and general public safety concerns. Um, most of the calls we get are alcoholrelated for overdoses, intoxication, falls, can't get up, drunk driving crashes. Those things are happening with THC. I can tell you that for sure. But where they buy them, how they're ingesting the THC, whether they're smoking or edibles, I'm just not going to be able to provide those numbers. So, I think it is really a decision with yours knowing that I can't say we're going to be worse off either way or better off if we don't. I just wanted to add that comment because quite frankly you all individually have asked me but no one's asked officially for our opinion on it or my opinion on it. So >> yep >> any questions regards to that? >> No. No. I and I'll just say I primarily asked because we had concerns that seem to stem from what the impacts are to your department. And so to me it comes back to it being more of a business decision. We're selling what we're selling already. Does this fit into that or does it not? It and to me it seems like it does fit into that and it continues to benefit our community in that way. But I also see I can see the other side of it too. >> This is why we get the big bucks. >> That's just me. The fire chief might have different opinions on the sale of it, but just from the law enforcement side, I won't have numbers to we shouldn't sell it or we should sell it. It's it's really as elected officials your opinion. We stand by whatever you decide. You're our community. You speak for our community. We're a community valuesbased police department. That's what we'll do. or take direction from you guys whether we like it or not. >> Wow. Thanks, Chief. >> Um I I think this conversation is really good because like I said, it is just that small microcosm of these broader conversations that we've had and um we have to make a decision and we just have to, you know, make that decision and then we'll move forward. So, um, >> mayor and council, I'd like to add, too, um, liquor store, we feel the same way. We feel like this is a great opportunity to, you know, expand what we're carrying, offset some of the sort of the flatness we're seeing in our sales, but we also recognize if you as policy makers want to not sell this product, we support that, too. Um, so kind of same thing as the chief mentioned is we're just providing options. So, whatever you feel, don't feel pressured from staff on that decision. So, >> thank you. Thanks James for the presentation and all of the information and you've continued to provide us more and more information and and it's very much appreciated. Um yeah so I think we'll that will come back. Um so we'll move on to city council reports. Did anybody have any meetings? Girl shaking your head. You can't have nose. Are you serious? I have a list. >> Stacy, you raised your hand, Stacy. >> Well, I I am trying to pull up what our packet was from our MVTA meeting that was at the end of September. Um I know there was information shared on um wrership for the state fair and the Renaissance Festival, both of which broke records again this year. So that was exciting for them. Um we had a discussion on a compensation study decision that was made about a year ago and is continuing to be looked at at this point in time. Um and then we talked about some updates. Let me see on um the South Metro Transit Coalition, which I think Regina is working with MVTA on trying to identify some businesses within Savage who might be interested in being part of this coalition. um which is essentially a way of MBTA connecting with businesses to try and improve transit access for employees and and potentially, you know, people who can take advantage of their businesses. So, those were kind of the highlights from that meeting. >> Great. >> Any other meetings? >> Things must be quiet in the summer. All right. Um so uh after our last uh televised meeting um that next Tuesday was the final treats and tunes um and uh it was at Creek Hill Park. Um I just want to give special kudos to our staff who really um did a fantastic job I think putting this on. I had a lot of uh public comments about how excited they were about it moving from park to park. They really thought this was really cool. Um especially when it was highlighting their own park. They thought that was really, really cool. Um, but I had other people saying, "I never knew this park was here and this is kind of cool and I'm, you know, and well, that was kind of the whole purpose of it, right?" You know, so, um, I just thought it really was done well and and thanks to staff for for doing that. Um, moving those freezers couldn't have been easy, but, uh, everybody really appreciated the the ice cream treats and and it was great. It just really was great. That night, we also had the ribbon cutting, um, which was fantastic. Um, other than I couldn't get the ribbon cut, but it was fine. Lots of help. It was It went better. Um, let's see. Other meetings. Um, after the treats and tunes that next Wednesday, we had the bonding tour. So, the Minnesota Senate, um, the legislators, the senators who were on the bonding committee, um, were doing a tour around, I think it was Scott County or south >> of the region. Um and they stopped here in Savage. Um and we strongly encouraged them to invest in our Highway 13 project which um talk about a regional corridor, a transit. Um it doesn't get much bigger than Highway 13. Um and the project has been started. We've seen the tremendous improvements that Dakota and some of the other things that we've done, the impact that it has made. We just need to get it finished. So, um I wasn't above begging um for bonding money, but you know, whatever. Um Brad and I also had an opportunity to meet with both Jess Hansen and Lindsyport um in the last couple of weeks. Um had, I thought, really great conversations with both about our legislative priorities um and where they're at. And both of them are absolutely in favor of supporting these bonding requests. We have the um house bonding tour coming up soon. Um so I'll beg again. Um but um I I thought our if you had anything to add, I thought our conversations with Lindsay and Jess were were just really great. Um so um that was was wonderful. Um and I think uh you attended the um Savage Fire Relief Association meeting that night while I was at the ribbon cutting. Yeah, they continue to march towards disillusion. They're hoping to have their payouts uh by the end of October. We have uh one last relief association, but they may have one other. They would like to do something special since they're ending it. Um maybe just like a barbecue or a dinner for everybody that's been involved, but they're 99% of the way there. um financed. Uh there's a clause in the state law that allows um when you dissolve there allows to be a special payment for qualifying members. All of our members qualify. We get reimbursed by the state for that. So just a clarification there. We do you know if we have done that yet, Lindsay? The special payout payment to the relief association members? If we haven't, it's coming. Um, and so we're hoping to have everything done for I I'm saying disillusion. It's really the the ending of their benefit plan and then disillusion of the organization or the entity itself will be in 2026. They're reserving I think it's about 60,000 of their special fund to pay for the 2025 audit and once that is complete then they can be dissolved. Um, I also, um, went to the Scott County, Minnesota broker development day and a special shout out to Regina. Um, it was at, uh, Canterbury Downs and she did a fantastic job. Um, I thought it was very creative. Um, because her whole presentation was all around the horse racing and everything about Savage was, you know, the had all of the horse racing language and, um, I just really thought she did a fantastic job. Um, with that, um, I didn't have a lot of other developers come up and approach me, but you know, whatever. It was fine. Maybe Regina did. I don't know. Um, but I've been attending the police academy um, the last couple of weeks, and if you haven't done that, I would strongly encourage you. Um, excellent program. Um, and I think the people who are attending are just getting a lot out of it and um, are just learning a lot. And I now told them that they now are all spokespersons in the community about our police force and our fire department as well because uh that will also be coming up. Um they'll get a a little window into our our fire personnel as well. Um I also attended a Camp Savage meeting. Um these are the folks who are um really we're still holding out hope that we will get that designation and uh we haven't heard anything yet. Um, so we're uh just waiting. But um >> and the government shut down by the way. >> I didn't put that together that of course we're not going to hear from them at all because they're not even in the office anyway. So um but um still a lot of enthusiasm from these folks about doing something and um I'm kind of excited to see where it goes. So, um, and then the last I've been invited to a couple of different meetings with, uh, residents, um, and their concerns have been, uh, rental property conditions, um, which I was happy to say is something that the council has also been concerned about. So much so that we've now, um, made personnel changes for next year, um, to try and get on top of some of that. Um, and then other things, uh, the EMR ashbor tree, and I again, we are aware we we have a plan. We had a plan. It was a great plan and now the plan just got a little delayed and you know now we have to hire somebody to come up with a plan again. Um and then uh the trail along county 16 um some conversations um about whether or not um it has to follow 16 or whether we can um have that more along the bluff and uh near the residents um so that they don't have to go to all the way down that hill and all the way back up the hill and really come out of their neighborhood. So, um, those were some of the conversations I have had with with them. Um, all right. Written communication, general information, and followup. Any from council? >> I got something unless you have things. >> I have things. >> I just wanted to uh point out to council that we sent the quarterly liquor report. Uh, we sent that an email. Moving forward, this will be like our uh quarterly investment reports or financial reports. We'll just put that into the packet as information that you guys can read and if you have questions, ask uh reach out to staff and we can try to answer those for you. And then um I also wanted to point out that uh we had a development tour last week, I think it was. You have it all at >> No, no, no. I wasn't there. I have to get an update on the city bus tour. >> Yep. So, I just wanted to give kudos uh to all our staff that were there. Um, Regina put it together. Mr. Bowen was there, Mr. Tongvan was there. Uh, then we also had our planners were present as well. And so we went around the community and we looked at um, development that's happening, uh, potential development. And then we also talked about some of the public improvement projects that we're doing. So, we stopped at South Park and we took a look at that. We also stopped at downtown and looked talked about the downtown vision. Um we had about 20ish people maybe there from mostly our EDC well maybe it was about 12 or 15. Uh we had most of our uh EDC commission members were there and then we had several people from our planning commission there so they participated. >> Terrific. All right. I have um absentee voting um early voting is now um open um for those residents who live in ISD 719 which is the Prior Lake Savage um school district. Voting can be done at Prior Lake City Hall which is 4646 Dakota Street in Prior Lake. And the only thing on that ballot is uh I think it's one school board position. Um and then the other one is ISD 720 um which is the Shakby school district. Um and um early voting can be done at the Shakpi school district office which is 1,200 Shaki town square. Um and that issue is a levy issue. So u make sure to get out and vote. Um if you are not able to on that first Tuesday in November, go early. You have that opportunity. Um, then I have I have more. Um, the Oh, nope. We're going to do this one first. Um, this Saturday we have uh our fire station uh open house is going on from 10:00 a.m. to 100 p.m. So, everybody show up and check out all of the changes to the fire station um on Okonnell. Um I am excited to to see it um and everything that got done. Um then also on Saturday, October 11th, the Savage Area Arts Festival is happening from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and that is at uh Community Park, I believe. Um so, uh make sure to to go there. Um the city connection, the newsletter that came in your water bill, there is so much stuff that I have highlighted. Um I'm not going to go through all of it, but um I will do the Halloween bash is coming up. Make sure you get registered for it. The registration deadline is October 10th. Um, and then the other thing is, I don't know if everybody knows, but trick-or-treaters are welcome in city hall. And so on Friday, October 31st, come and to either the police department, city hall, community development, or the fire station and or all and public works and public works and or all and trick-or- treat here uh at city hall. Um, but check your city connection because the times are different for the different buildings. Um, and then I'm just going to do a special plug for the Friends of the Savage Library book sale is also happening. So, uh, read your connection. There's a lot of good stuff in there. Um, and now, oops, I have my little thing I have to read. Sorry. Um, we will now go into a close session pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, 05 subdivision 3A for the city administrator's annual performance evaluation. Is there a motion to go into close session? >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Craig, seconded by Johnson. All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carried. Thank you. We will now go into close session. >> Thank you everybody. We're on. >> All right, we are coming out of the closed session where we discuss the city administrator annual performance evaluation. There is no action that the city council um took or needs to take. And I will entertain a motion for adjournment. >> Motion to adjurnn. Second. >> Motion by Alford. Seconded by Craigs. All in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion carried. The meeting is adjourned. >> Thank you everybody. >> Thank you. [Music]