Newport City Council — Transcript
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Pedestrian and Trail Network Planning Award
Washington County Sheriff's Office Report
Fire Chief's Report
City Engineer's Infrastructure Project Updates
Public Works Updates
Bailey Business Park Grading Agreement
Ambulance Service Transition and Community Events
Food Scrap Program and Historic Preservation Efforts
Votes (3)
Authorization for Storm Sewer Structures Fabrication and 17th Street Force Main Replacement (Advance Approval)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Schmidt [18:00] · Seconded by Council Member Sumner [18:20]
The Council was asked to grant advance approval for ordering storm sewer structures and replacing a force main on 17th Street. This was requested to circumvent a 3-4 week lead time for materials and to efficiently utilize existing pipe crews from the Third Avenue project, allowing critical work to begin before a formal change order is presented at a later council meeting.
Resolution Approving Bailey Business Park Grading Agreement
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Sumner [40:40] · Seconded by Council member Schmidt [40:55]
The Council considered a resolution to approve a grading agreement for the Bailey Business Park. This agreement allows the developer to undertake initial site preparation, including tree removal and grading, across its multi-city footprint before receiving final development approvals. The developer has provided a letter of credit to mitigate city risk. The project is a substantial undertaking, encompassing over 200 acres in Newport/Woodbury and 80 acres in Maplewood, expected to continue until the end of the year to prepare for future infrastructure and building construction starting in 2027. Traffic impact on Bailey Road is anticipated to be minimal due to permit requirements.
Motion to Enter Closed Session for Property Sale and Administrator Review
Dissent: None
Moved by Councilmember Schmidt [51:55] · Seconded by Councilmember Ingeman [52:00]
The Council moved to enter a closed session to address two matters: first, to consider offers or counteroffers for the sale of real property located at 155 21st Street, also known as Wilson Lines, under Minnesota Statute Section 13D.05 Subdivision 3C; and second, to conduct a performance review of the City Administrator, Joe Hatch, under Minnesota Statute Section 13D.05 Subdivision 3A.
Notable Quotes (4)
There are five precast concrete storm sewer structures that will be installed as part of the improvements and the material cost of these structures is about 25K. There is about a 3-4 week lead time on this, so we're hoping to get a jump on that.
There is 580 ft of force main to be installed on 17th Street along with the removal of the existing structures... The cost for this improvement is about 94,000 and Geislinger proposes to use some of the pipe crews they have right now out on site on 3rd Avenue uh to begin the work uh the week of August 10th.
it permits the developer to begin work on site. So, tree removal, some site grading, making sure the site's ready for development, um, prior to their pri- final approvals.
I believe the total acres it's well over 200 that I believe. Uh that's the Woodbury and Newport area and then there's another significant maybe 80 acres in Maplewood... It's a much bigger than Eastridge. It's It's way bigger than than what we're seeing at Sterling and Bailey. So, it's it it'll take uh more time there.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Winning project for the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Award of Excellence, calling for a doubling of trail miles in the city.
Fire department's plan being updated with Washington County dispatch.
Information resource available on the city website regarding the water connection with Cottage Grove.
Resource for updates on County Road 38 improvements, including project stages, scope, and contacts.
Resolution approving the Bailey Business Park Grading Agreement.
Legal basis for closing session to consider offers for sale of real property.
Legal basis for closing session for performance review of an employee.
Provided by the developer for the Bailey Business Park grading agreement to cover costs if final approvals are not secured.
29 permits issued for the Cherrywood development to date.