Afton public meetings in 2025
25 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Afton City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss and vote on the 2026 budget, tax levy, and monthly sanitary sewer fees. The meeting will also include approval of minutes, reports, and consent agenda items.
- Public hearing for 2026 Budget and Tax Levy (Resolutions 2025-45, 2025-46)
- Public hearing for 2026 Monthly Sanitary Sewer Fee (Resolution 2025-47)
- Approval of minutes for November 18, 24, and December 8 meetings
- Engineering report and payment requests for Valley Creek Trail project
- Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Relief Association pension benefit increase request
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved the final 2026 operating budget, the accompanying tax levy, and set the monthly sanitary sewer fee at $65 per residential unit. They also adopted a pension benefit increase for the Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Relief Association and approved major payments for street and trail improvements. Additional items included approvals of several planning variances and a purchase of new utility billing software.
- Resolution 2025-45: adoption of the 2026 city budget
- Resolution 2025-46: adoption of the 2026 tax levy
- Resolution 2025-47: establishment of a $65 monthly sanitary sewer fee
- Resolution 2025-51: increase of fire relief pension benefit to $5,925 per year of service
- Payment of $347,205.99 to OMG Midwest Inc. for Valley Creek Trail and street improvements
Meeting
The Heritage Preservation Commission will discuss design recommendations for window replacements at the Afton House Inn rental cottage and hear updates on historical markers and the Township Hall project.
- Design review of Afton House Inn rental cottage at 15965 32nd St. S.
- Discussion of historical markers for Putnam House/Red House and Asa Tracy House.
- Update on Township Hall federal nomination and potential grants.
- Presentation on Indigenous history in Afton.
- Planning for Village Online Walking Tour Phase 2.
Parks Committee
The Parks Committee will receive an update on the Park Dedication Fund balance, which stands at $386,812 as of October 31, 2025. The meeting will also review a park bench donation, get status reports on electric upgrades to the Town Square Park picnic shelter, discuss grant opportunities for Steamboat Park (including the ReLeaf Grant deadline of Nov 11 and an SFI Urban Forest grant), and consider updates on the Town Square Park skating rink and the 2026 park‑open‑space plan.
- Park Dedication Fund Balance – $386,812 (as of Oct 31, 2025)
- Park Bench Donation (no dollar amount provided)
- Electric Updates to Town Square Park Picnic Shelter – revenue under $2,000 annually, recommendation to consider generator rental
- Grants for Steamboat Park – ReLeaf Grant deadline Nov 11; SFI Urban Forest certification grant under review
- Skating Rink in Town Square Park – discussion of viability, staffing and funding
City Council
The council will discuss priority actions from the Fitch Associates fire department study and select 3‑5 items to pursue. They will review three utility‑billing software proposals and decide which system to adopt for the city’s 87 properties. Additional updates include the U of M Greenway Corridor projects, the upcoming expiration of the Highland Sanitation contract, and information on residential septage land spreading.
- Consider a one‑year extension of the Highland Sanitation solid waste and recycling contract (expires June 2026).
- Review three utility‑billing software options: Banyon UBLite (initial $2,880), Muni‑Link (initial $16,000), Current (initial $2,500).
- Select 3‑5 priority short‑term actions from the Fitch Associates Fire Department Study recommendations.
- Update on University of Minnesota Resilient Communities Project and Capstone Greenway Corridor planning phases.
- Discuss land spreading of residential septage and related PFAS health‑based threshold concerns.
Meeting
The City Council discussed recommendations from the Fitch Associates Fire Department Study and selected a low-cost utility billing software upgrade. Members also reviewed the expiration of the Highland Sanitation contract and expressed concerns regarding the land spreading of septage.
- Prioritized fire department goals including exploring a statutory Fire District and a hybrid ALS ambulance arrangement with Lakeview EMS
- Selected the low-cost option for utility billing software upgrades
- Discussed a one-year extension for the Highland Sanitation solid waste and recycling contract expiring June 2026
- Scheduled a discussion for January 20, 2026, regarding the land spreading of septage and PFAS health thresholds
- Received updates on U of M RCP and Capstone Greenway Corridor Planning Projects
City Council
The Natural Resources and Groundwater Committee will update members on several ongoing projects, including the 2025 Resilient Communities Project, land rehabilitation west of City Hall, and Kelles Creek bank stabilization and floodplain forest restoration in Steamboat and Carver Parks. Petra will present a draft resolution on cell towers in Afton for review at the next meeting. The committee will also discuss regional trail plans and content for its monthly newsletter.
- Draft resolution on cell towers in Afton – Petra to prepare for next meeting
- Kelles Creek bank stabilization and floodplain forest restoration in Steamboat and Carver Parks
- Land rehabilitation project on City property west of City Hall and City Entryway
- Regional trail updates: Battle Creek to St. Croix River and Stillwater to Afton (Belwin trail)
- 2025 Resilient Communities Project status update
Planning Commission
The commission will hold public hearings on a minor subdivision and variance submitted by Luke Appert for 4558 Trading Post Trail South, and a variance submitted by Shannon Weilandt for 13663 34th Street South. No new business items are on the agenda. The commission will also discuss the draft Agriculture Conservation Development Ordinance and receive an update on recent City Council actions.
- Public hearing – Luke Appert Minor Subdivision and Variance – 4558 Trading Post Trail South
- Public hearing – Shannon Weilandt Variance – 13663 34th Street South
- Draft Agriculture Conservation Development Ordinance – discussion
- Update on City Council actions – summary
- No new business items
Meeting
The Planning Commission held public hearings regarding two variance requests and a minor subdivision. The body recommended approval for a lot split and driveway variance at 4558 Trading Post Tr S, but recommended denial of a variance for an accessory structure at 13663 34th St S.
- Recommended approval of minor subdivision at 4558 Trading Post Tr S to split one lot into two parcels of 23.07 and 9.91 acres
- Recommended approval of driveway variance at 4558 Trading Post Tr S with a condition of at least 250 feet separation from the south driveway
- Recommended denial of variance at 13663 34th St S for a 16’ x 24’ accessory structure
- Discussion of the Draft Ag Conservation Development Ordinance
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved the work session minutes and the agenda for the meeting. Council members received a tutorial on the variance statute from City Attorney Tom Radio. They were briefed on the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Urban Forest Grant, which can provide up to $75,000, and voted to place the grant program on the December 16, 2025 council agenda. The council also discussed priority recommendations from the Fitch Associates Fire Department Study, including a pilot hybrid ALS ambulance arrangement with Lakeview EMS, and received an update on the state‑required paid leave policy effective January 1, 2026.
- Approval of the City Council Work Session minutes
- Variance statute tutorial presented by City Attorney Tom Radio
- SFI Urban Forest Grant program briefing – up to $75,000, added to Dec 16 agenda
- Discussion of fire department study recommendations, including pilot ALS service with Lakeview EMS
- Update on Minnesota paid leave policy to begin Jan 1, 2026
Meeting
The council approved a $1,278,340.96 payment to OMG Midwest Inc. for the Valley Creek Trail and other street improvements. It also extended the Stensland Inspection Services contract and adjusted the building permit fee schedule for 2026‑2028. Additional actions included denying a town‑square skating rink, renewing liquor licenses, and postponing a variance and subdivision application to the January meeting.
- Approved payment of $1,278,340.96 to OMG Midwest Inc. for Valley Creek Trail and other streets improvement project
- Extended Stensland Inspection Services contract (2026‑2028) and increased permit fee share to 41.67% (2026), 43.34% (2027), 45% (2028)
- Approved 2026 liquor license renewals for Afton House Inn and Lumberyard Pub
- Denied installation of a skating rink in Town Square Park (purchase $8,456; annual $6,000)
- Extended 60‑day deadline and tabled Jake Solberg variance and minor subdivision applications to January meeting
City Council
The Agriculture Preservation Committee will discuss the draft Agriculture Conservation Development (ACD) ordinance and solicit feedback from members. The draft builds on the existing PLCD ordinance and proposes subdividing parcels of at least 80 acres with a 50% agricultural conservation easement. The committee will consider Planning Commission comments and potential revisions before the ordinance moves to the Planning Commission and City Council.
- Review of Draft Agriculture Conservation Development Ordinance
- Consideration of Planning Commission feedback on the draft
- Discussion of 80‑acre minimum tract and 50% easement requirements
- Proposal to create an Agriculture Conservation Development Overlay District
- Schedule next committee meeting
City Council
The Natural Resources and Groundwater Committee will review several old‑business updates, including the 2025 Resilient Communities Project, a land‑rehabilitation effort west of City Hall, creek bank stabilization in Steamboat and Carver Parks, and regional trail plans. Members will consider a draft resolution on cell towers in Afton prepared by Petra. The meeting will also cover newsletter items and updates from watershed and water‑management organizations.
- Cell Towers in Afton – Petra will draft a resolution for committee review
- 2025 Resilient Communities Project – university tour and student presentation scheduled
- Land rehabilitation project on city property west of City Hall and City Entryway – clearing and tree health assessment ongoing
- Kelles Creek Bank Stabilization and Floodplain Forest Restoration in Steamboat and Carver Parks – ReLeaf grant application due Nov 11
- Regional Trails – updates on Battle Creek to St. Croix River and Stillwater to Afton (Belwin) trail
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a variance and a minor subdivision for the properties at 3787 St. Croix Trail South and 4010 Penfield Avenue South, each with a recommendation to establish an easement for access. The commission also approved an amendment to correct the June 6, 2022 meeting minutes to show the correct address of 2167 Oakgreen Avenue. Additionally, the 2026 Planning Commission meeting schedule was adopted, and staff provided an update on the draft Agriculture Conservation Development Ordinance.
- Recommend approval of variance for 3787 St. Croix Trail S & 4010 Penfield Ave S with easement recommendation (motion passed 6-2)
- Recommend approval of minor subdivision for the same parcels with easement recommendation (motion passed 8-0)
- Amend June 6, 2022 minutes to replace “1754 Neal Avenue” with “2167 Oakgreen Avenue” (motion passed 8-0)
- Approve the 2026 Planning Commission regular meeting schedule (motion passed 8-0)
- Staff update on draft Agriculture Conservation Development Ordinance (discussion, no vote reported)
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved the consent agenda, including a 4M Fund transfer, and appointed a new Planning Commission member. The council discussed a draft ordinance for agricultural land conservation and voted to table a proposal for a Town Square Park skating rink.
- Approved 4M Fund Transfer Resolution 2025-39
- Appointed Kate McGinn to Planning Commission
- Discussed draft Agriculture Conservation Development Ordinance
- Voted to table Town Square Park skating rink proposal
- Discussed floodplain forest restoration grant application
Meeting
The Afton City Council work session discussed recommendations from a fire department study, including a review of the pension benefit funding ratio. Staff presented the state‑mandated paid‑leave program that will begin Jan 1 2026 and its cost sharing. The Council voted to approve a three‑year extension of the building inspection contract with Stensland Inspections, changing the fee revenue split to 55% City and 45% Stensland.
- Approved three‑year Stensland Inspections contract; fee split changed to 55% City / 45% Stensland
- Discussed fire department study recommendations and potential pension benefit funding ratio adjustments
- Reviewed implementation of the state‑required paid‑leave program effective Jan 1 2026, with costs split 50/50 between city and employee
Parks Committee
The Parks Committee is discussing upgrades to the electrical service at the Town Square Park picnic shelter. The meeting includes a review of year-to-date rental data for the park and shelter to provide background for the project.
- Electrical service upgrades to the Town Square Park picnic shelter
- Review of rental fees ranging from $25 to $300 for Town Square Park
City Council
The Natural Resources and Groundwater Committee is meeting to discuss ongoing environmental projects and regional trail updates. The body will review updates on land rehabilitation and water management organization activities.
- 2025 Resilient Communities Project
- Land rehabilitation project west of City Hall and City Entryway
- Kelles Creek Bank Stabilization and Floodplain Forest Restoration in Steamboat and Carver Parks
- Regional Trails: Battle Creek to St. Croix River and Stillwater to Afton
- Cell Towers in Afton
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission reviewed a draft Agriculture Conservation Development (ACD) ordinance that would allow subdivision of at least 80‑acre parcels in the Agricultural Zone with a higher lot density in exchange for a 50 % conservation easement. Commissioners raised questions about the adequacy of the incentive, proposed density, definition of agriculture, access requirements, and how the conserved land would be restored. They indicated a need for feedback from eligible landowners and suggested a possible survey or small‑group meeting. No formal action on the ordinance was taken at this meeting.
- Draft Agriculture Conservation Development ordinance – proposes subdividing ≥80‑acre agricultural parcels with one additional lot per quarter‑quarter section (4 lots vs 3) and requires 50 % of the subdivided land to be placed in a perpetual conservation easement.
- Commission suggested obtaining feedback from current landowners through a survey or small‑group meeting.
- Commission discussed adjusting the density to 4 lots per 40 acres instead of the proposed 4 per quarter‑quarter section.
- Commission raised the need to define “agriculture,” address access/driveway requirements, and determine restoration responsibilities for conserved land.
Meeting
The Afton City Council work session reviewed applications from Lauren Froelich and Kate McGinn for a vacancy on the Planning Commission, but no appointment was made because formal actions cannot be taken at a work session and only three of five council members were present. Council member Perkins raised concerns about recent tree removals on the St. Croix River bluff near River Road, and staff outlined steps to investigate permits, review aerial imagery, contact property owners, inspect the sites, and determine any violations.
- Review of Lauren Froelich and Kate McGinn applications for the Planning Commission vacancy
- Discussion of tree canopy removal on the St. Croix River bluff near River Road
- Staff to determine if vegetative cutting permits were approved
- Staff to examine aerial photos and drone footage of the bluff
- Staff to contact property owners, inspect properties, and assess violations
Meeting
The City Council adopted a proposed 2026 budget of $3,415,598 and a tax levy of $2,915,448. The body also approved a minor subdivision for Onken Properties, LLC and addressed infrastructure delays on Valley Creek Trail.
- Approved 2026 preliminary budget of $3,415,598 and tax levy of $2,915,448
- Approved minor subdivision of one 38.72-acre lot into three lots for Onken Properties, LLC
- Approved $15,600 contract with CBS Squared for bridge inspection and program administration
- Approved 9.23% increase in residential and commercial trash disposal fees for 2026
- Approved up to $17,000 for Blondo Consulting to conduct an archeological survey of the former Herreid property
Meeting
The Afton City Council reviewed the revised 2026 Preliminary Budget and line‑item spreadsheet. The proposed tax levy increase was adjusted to 4.43%, down from an earlier 5.99% estimate. Council members approved restoring a $2,500 staff reduction and adding a $10,000 wage increase for Public Works personnel, funded partly by $2,500 from a debt service fund balance.
- 2026 Preliminary Budget presented by City Administrator Ronald J. Moorse
- Tax levy increase proposed at 4.43% (down from 5.99%)
- Restoration of $2,500 staff‑proposed reduction for Park Committee
- $10,000 increase in Public Works personnel wages
- $2,500 of debt service fund balance allocated to fund the wage increase
Parks Committee
The Parks Committee will discuss the 2026 budget request for parks maintenance and the current Park Dedication Fund balance. Members will continue developing a detailed inventory and priority list for city parks and open spaces, including maintenance needs and access issues.
- Park Dedication Fund balance reported as $336,970.00 as of July 31, 2025
- Discussion of 2026 Budget Request for Parks Maintenance
- Review of 2025 Park/Open Space Priorities including Remus Park, Steamboat Park, and Carver Park
- Review of City Docks agreement with Afton House
- Update on Bayport Flowers on Main Street
Meeting
The Public Works Committee will discuss updates to road paving and a drainage issue on Mt. Hope Road. The body will also review parking lot resurfacing and speed limit changes.
- Road Paving Projects Update
- Mt. Hope Road drainage issue
- Resurfacing Stagecoach Garage parking lot with lime rock
- Cottonwood tree at 3632 St. Croix Trail (37th Street side)
- Speed limits on 30th Street and Valley Creek Trail
Parks Committee
The Parks Committee will discuss the Park Dedication Fund balance and provide updates on Town Square Park and Meadow Ridge. The committee plans to use a template to identify needs and wants for each park in Afton to create a master priorities list.
- Park Dedication Fund balance reported as $352,547.00 as of June 30, 2025
- Update on Town Square Park sport court and plantings
- Update on Meadow Ridge
- Review of park templates to create a master list of needs and wants
- Discussion on requesting PLCD from private parks or open spaces