Columbus City Council Meeting April 8th, 2026

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Forest Lake Cable Commission accounting services termination

Bear Homes expansion Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) loan application

March 2026 financial report

Resolution 26-05: Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant acceptance for North Hornsby Street project

City Engineer report regarding water tower soil testing and Notre Dame Mill and Overlay project bids

City Attorney report on April 14th City of Columbus Day on the Hill

Public works seasonal employee recruitment

Votes (5)

Approve the agenda for April 8th, 2026

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Jenny · Seconded by Scott

Approve the consent agenda

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Mayor · Seconded by Karen

Terminate accounting services for the Forest Lake Area Cable Commission effective April 8th, 2026

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Scott Wendell · Seconded by Jenny

Approve city participation as the applicant for the Minnesota Investment Fund loan for Bear Homes

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Karen Fleming · Seconded by Scott

Approve Resolution 26-05 accepting an LRIP grant for the North Hornsby Street project

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Ron Hanigraph · Seconded by Scott

Notable Quotes (3)

Our city staff in particular our finance director have a high level of integrity here and I think the citizens of Columbus should be aware of that.

Scott Wendell
Cable Commission TerminationDiscussion on why the city is terminating accounting services for the Forest Lake Cable Commission.

We're just a pass through and we take the requests each month for their loan payment and their reports they submit to back that up.

Jack Davis
MIF Loan RiskExplaining the city's role in the MIF loan program to mitigate liability concerns.

If this shenanigans, for lack of a better word, happens again, we can back out and we have no financial loss in the matter.

Scott Wendell
MIF Loan RiskDiscussing the safety of the MIF loan structure compared to prior TIFF agreements.

People (8)

Myron AngelResident

Raised concerns regarding ADA compliance for new buildings and preventive maintenance planning.

Paul PetersonAccess Coordinator

Initiated talks regarding accounting service changes for the Cable Commission.

Scott WendellCity Council Member

Advocated for financial integrity and city accountability in cable commission service termination.

Jack DavisCity Staff

Managed communications with cable commission and clarified MIF loan pass-through financial structure.

Megan RogersCity Attorney

Prepared legal responses for service termination and provided legislative meeting guidance.

JennyCity Council Member

Inquired about financial risks and oversight regarding the MIF loan program.

Karen FlemingCity Council Member

Asked clarifying questions about the escrow process for financial consulting fees.

Brian BachmConsulting City Engineer

Reported on Notre Dame project bids and water tower site soil boring delays.

Places Mentioned

14048 Ferman StreetNorth Hornsby StreetHornsby Street and Lake DriveNotre DameColumbus City ParkSt. Paul, Minnesota

Events & Meetings (5)

  • April 8, 2026: Regular City Council Meeting
  • March 2, 2026: Meeting between city staff and Renee Figan
  • March 26, 2026: Meeting with Paul Peterson regarding service termination
  • April 22, 2026: Public hearing for Bear Homes MIF loan
  • April 14, 2026: City of Columbus Day on the Hill in St. Paul

Ordinances & Resolutions (1)

26-05

Resolution accepting a Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant from MnDOT for the North Hornsby Street project.

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Columbus City Council Meeting April 8th, 2026 - Scandia Recorder