Newport City Council — Transcript
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Public Transportation Expansion
Infrastructure Funding for Roads and Bridges
Environmental Programs and Recycling
Community Support and Indigenous Engagement
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Contract Discussion
Water Infrastructure and Funding
Local Development and Street Improvements
Threatened Litigation
Votes (8)
Update from Washington County Commissioner Carla Bigum
Commissioner Bigum provided updates on new transit services, including a new east-west bus route (345) to the airport and expanded DARTs circulator service to Newport. She also discussed the critical need for significant investment in county roads (Bailey, County Rd 19, Manning Ave) due to growth, suggesting a re-evaluation of sales tax allocation. Environmental programs like food scrap recycling and proper battery disposal were promoted, along with news of increased funding for local food shelves and a holiday train event.
Public Comments
Public speakers Stephanie Schroeder, Barry Hand, and Maria Bonia addressed the council. Stephanie Schroeder, the South Washington County Indigenous Education Coordinator, announced programming in Newport and invited council members to show support. Barry Hand spoke about a well-attended indigenous cultural event at the Newport Library, lamenting the absence of elected officials and inviting them to future events. Maria Bonia echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of council investment and presence in community-building initiatives.
2025 Street Utility Improvements Project - Partial Payment Application #5
Moved by Council Member Sumar [14:00] · Seconded by Council Member Ingamman [14:02]
City Engineer John Herdigan reported Meyer Contracting has completed most work on Second Avenue for the season, with minor storm sewer installation potentially in December. He requested approval for partial payment number five for completed work.
Water System Interconnect Project - Partial Payment Application #3
Moved by Council Member Ingamman [16:40] · Seconded by Council Member Sumner [16:41]
City Engineer John Herdigan updated the council that A1 Excavating has installed key components like the pressure reducing valve and metering manhole, and stabilized disturbed areas. Final installation of the flow meter is pending electrical service from Excel, with project startup anticipated for March. Approval for the third partial payment was requested.
Loveland Sport Court Reconstruction - Partial Payment Application #4 (Retainage Reduction)
Moved by Council Member Taylor [17:34] · Seconded by Council Member Ingamman [17:36]
The City Engineer recommended reducing the retainage held for the Loveland Sport Court reconstruction project from 5% ($15,000) to 1% (over $3,000). The remaining work is minor area restoration in the spring. Council Member Sumar questioned if 1% retainage would be sufficient to ensure the contractor returns, but supported the decision given the engineer's assurance and the availability of bonds.
Superintendent of Public Works Report - Resolution 2025-79 for Private I/I Grant
Moved by Mayor Elliott [19:54] · Seconded by Council Member Sumar [20:00]
Public Works Superintendent Matt requested a resolution of support (Resolution 2025-79) to apply for a Met Council private Inflow & Infiltration (I/I) grant. The city is applying for $642,000, which would be used for private property improvements related to I/I in projects like Third Avenue and 12th Street.
Mayor and Council Comments - EMS Contract
Mayor Elliott provided a detailed update on the contentious negotiations with Cottage Grove regarding their EMS/ambulance service contract. She outlined the requested significant rate increases and a 'blank check' clause for future rates, highlighting that Newport's budget for 2025 was already approved. She discussed the limited options for Cottage Grove and assured the public of continued ambulance service, with initial response likely from the Sheriff's Office and Fire Department.
Motion to Close Session for Threatened Litigation
Moved by Council Member Sumar [24:59] · Seconded by Council Member Ingamman [25:01]
The Mayor read a statement detailing the legal justification for closing the meeting pursuant to Minnesota Statute section 13D.05 05 subdivision 3B. The closed session was for discussing threatened litigation by Isa Clingb regarding a property at 1657 2nd Avenue, allowing for candid legal strategy discussions without compromising the city's position.
Notable Quotes (11)
this is a big deal for the residents of the east metro to be able to have public transportation access to the airport. We've never had that and so it's um amazing and I'm just very proud of the um collaboration that we had to get that done.
we need to have a very earnest discussion to maybe weigh that sales tax dedication higher to roads and bridges so that we can meet the needs of um the growth on the infrastructure.
I'd encourage you to come. I'd encourage you to come as our electeds. Our young people didn't see anyone there. If you can't make it there, maybe a letter of support.
I just wanted to kind of put it in your ear like the importance of um investment. It doesn't have to be vast um but a little goes a long way.
To date, the contractor has completed just over $2,330,000 worth of improvements, less than 5% uh retainage that we're holding on the project and the previously paid amount.
So, we're a little bit at their uh at their mercy for schedule, but uh we anticipate that coming in hopefully in the latter part of December here or early January. Uh so, looking at likely a startup sometime in that in that March time frame when we can get the meter up and running and then start providing uh providing that water from the interconnect.
do you think that that amount of retanges is enough to get them to come back if they have a problem?
I believe that they that's enough retainage to to bring them back. We have we have uh bonds as well for the project. um and uh payment bonds and performance bonds that we have as levers if we need to. But I I think our experience with this contractor is is good.
this year we are applying for 642,000 for the private INI portion um which could be applied to both Third Avenue uh 12th Street and any other private improvements that we do through construction.
After 2026, the contract states that Cottage Grove has the sole discretion to set rates and that we agree to pay whatever amount they request. So essentially a blank check is what they were asking for.
Absolute confidentiality is necessary so that the city council and legal council can have a candid and open discussion to determine the um available legal options to handle threatened litigation including strategy and any possible areas of resolution.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Resolution of support for Met Council private INI grant application
Historical treaty referenced as the founding of Newport in 1837
Statute cited for closing session due to threatened litigation
Ongoing infrastructure project for street and utility upgrades
Project to connect water systems and install new metering infrastructure
Project for reconstructing a sport court at Loveland Park
Upcoming design and construction project for road improvements