Buffalo public meetings in 2022
29 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council approved the 2023 budget, fee schedule, and property tax levies. The council also created two new utility director positions and approved a three-year labor agreement for patrol officers.
- Adopted 2023 City Budget, Fee Schedule, and Property Tax Levies (4-0)
- Approved three-year labor agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (4-0)
- Approved creation of Technical Services Director position (4-0)
- Approved creation of Customer Service Director position for utility services (4-0)
- Approved hiring Anastasia Clark as Police Officer (4-0)
- Accepted resignation of Police Officer John Lees (4-0)
- Approved 13 advisory board appointments across five boards (4-0)
- Adopted Resolution 2022-50 accepting donations (4-0)
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
The Housing & Redevelopment Authority approved a grant for signage at Buffalo Books & Coffee and authorized the immediate disbursement of funds. The board also approved several claims totaling $15,998.12 and held a closed session regarding a property acquisition.
- Approved November 8 minutes (4-0)
- Approved claims totaling $15,998.12 (4-0)
- Approved grant funding and disbursement for Buffalo Books & Coffee facade project (4-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission tabled a Conditional Use Permit for a detached garage at 2207 Swallow Lane pending more specific details on size and height. The Commission also noted that the City Council did not approve a variance for 508 8th St NW.
- Tabled Conditional Use Permit for detached garage at 2207 Swallow Lane (6-0)
- Approved November 14th Planning Commission Minutes as corrected (4-0)
- City Council denied variance for 508 8th St NW
Heritage Preservation Advisory Board
The board discussed revisions to the heritage preservation nomination and approval process and guidelines. Members also began discussing potential names for city parking lots based on local history. No final votes were taken on these items.
- Approved November 14, 2022 minutes with correction regarding Delano Historical Society (4-0)
City Council
The Council adopted a new graffiti control ordinance and approved a lease purchase for city equipment. They also supported a TIF extension for senior housing and approved a liquor license for Parisian Corner. A public hearing was held for the 2023 proposed budget and tax levy, which remains open until December 19.
- Adopted Ordinance 2022-9 for Graffiti Control (4-0)
- Approved Resolution 2022-42 for summary publication of graffiti ordinance (4-0)
- Adopted Resolution 2022-46 supporting TIF extension for Creekside Manor senior housing (4-0)
- Approved $658,808.42 lease purchase with Old National Bank at 4.69% interest (4-0)
- Approved On-Sale and Sunday Liquor License for Parisian Corner contingent on health food license (4-0)
- Approved creation of joint full-time position between Parks and Civic Center (4-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda including payroll of $304,271.68 and claims of $1,141,492.77 (4-0)
- Tabled commitment for $350,000 splash pad funding for 2023
Parks Board
The Parks Advisory Board will discuss and potentially recommend a splash pad partnership, review the 2040 Community Plan, and discuss the playground replacement program. The board will also consider cancelling the December 26 meeting.
- Request for approval to recommend splash pad partnership
- Discussion and input of 2040 Buffalo Community Plan
- Playground replacement program discussion
- Approval to cancel December 26 scheduled meeting
The board recommended that the City Council commit a monetary pledge for infrastructure and flatwork for a proposed splash pad. The board also approved the cancellation of the December 26 meeting. Staff provided updates on the 2040 Community Plan and a proposed playground replacement program.
- Recommended City Council commit a monetary pledge for splash pad infrastructure and flatwork (unanimous)
- Approved October 24, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved cancellation of December 26 meeting (unanimous)
City Council
The City Council approved a 10-year contract extension with the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency and appointed an interim administrator following Laureen Bodin's retirement. The council also approved a conditional use permit for an academy and a memorandum of understanding for emergency shelter with Wright County.
- Extended contract with Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) for 10 years (3-2)
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for Jane Goodall Environmental Sciences Academy at 1705 State Hwy 25 N (5-0)
- Denied variance for lot split and twin home at 508 8th Street NW (5-0)
- Approved Memo of Understanding with Wright County for emergency shelter at the Civic Center (5-0)
- Approved first reading of Ordinance 2022-9 for Graffiti Control (5-0)
- Accepted retirement notice of Administrator Laureen Bodin (5-0)
- Appointed Assistant Administrator Gronau as Interim Administrator (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including payroll of $308,965.68 and claims totaling $1,835,111.17 (5-0)
City Council
The City Council held a workshop to review draft 2023 budgets for the Electric and Fiber, Water, and Water Reclamation funds, as well as the city's liquor stores. No formal votes were taken; the items were discussed for future approval in December.
City Council
The City Council acting as the Canvassing Board met to review the official abstract and election reports. The Council approved Resolution 2022-41 to certify the results of the November 8, 2022 General Election.
- Adopted Resolution 2022-41 certifying the November 8, 2022 General Election results (3-0)
Airport Board
The Buffalo Airport Advisory Board will vote on the final 2023 Capital Improvement Plan and discuss updates to the Master Plan and board bylaws. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and a manager's report.
- 2023 Capital Improvement Plan – Final Submittal
- Master Plan Update Discussion
- Advisory Board Bylaws and Handbook Updates
- NW Private Hangar Development (old business)
The board approved the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan and adopted new advisory board bylaws. Members discussed a Master Plan Update involving hangar expansion and taxiway safety, and reviewed updates to the board handbook.
- Approved 2023 Capital Improvement Plan (PASSED)
- Approved new airport advisory bylaws (PASSED)
- Approved minutes from August 3, 2022, meeting (PASSED)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission recommended approval for a Conditional Use Permit to establish the Jane Goodall Environmental Sciences Academy. The commission also recommended the denial of a variance request for a lot split at 508 8th Street NW.
- Recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit for Jane Goodall Environmental Sciences Academy at 1705 State Hwy 25 N (5-0)
- Recommended denial of variance for minimum street-frontage at 508 8th Street NW (5-0)
- Approved October 10th Planning Commission minutes (4-0)
Heritage Preservation Advisory Board
The board reviewed a draft application form for heritage preservation eligibility and proposed a six-step routing process for projects impacting designated sites. The board also approved its mission statement and the October 10, 2022, meeting minutes.
- Approved October 10, 2022 minutes (4-0)
- Approved the Mission Statement (4-0)
- Tabled naming of three city parking lots
- Proposed a 6-step review process for development projects in heritage districts
Airport Board
The Buffalo Airport Advisory Board will meet to approve the August 2022 minutes, finalize the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan, discuss the Master Plan update, review the Advisory Board Handbook, and hear the Airport Manager's report. Old business includes NW Private Hangar Development.
- Final submittal of 2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
- Master Plan update discussion
- Advisory Board Handbook updates
- NW Private Hangar Development (old business)
The official meeting was canceled because a quorum was not met. No formal decisions were made, although an unofficial informational discussion regarding the Master Plan/Airport Layout Plan (ALP) update occurred.
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
The HRA extended the TIF term for the Creekside Manor project and approved several initiatives to support downtown businesses during the TH 25 reconstruction. The board also authorized a downtown parking and mobility study and approved various claims.
- Extended TIF term for Creekside Manor from 15 to 25 years (4-0)
- Approved 'Buy Buffalo' Local Spending Campaign (4-0)
- Approved TH 25 Micro-loan Program providing up to $7,500 loans (4-0)
- Approved $19,000 Bolton & Menk Downtown Parking and Mobility Study (4-0)
- Approved claims totaling $39,162.42 (4-0)
- Approved October 11, 2022 minutes (4-0)
City Council
The Council approved a contract extension for the Wright County Assessor and adopted assessment rolls for unpaid special charges. They also passed ordinances to repeal the Wild Marsh Advisory Board and amend brewer's off-sale license rules. Draft budgets for special revenue funds were reviewed for future discussion.
- Approved 2024-2025 Wright County Assessor's contract at $15 per parcel (4-0)
- Adopted Resolution 2022-40 for 2022 Unpaid Special Charges Assessment Rolls (4-0)
- Adopted Ordinance 2022-8 repealing Wild Marsh Advisory Board (4-0)
- Adopted Ordinance 2022-7 amending Brewer's Off-Sale License packaging rules (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda including claims totaling $2,543,782.56 and hiring Corey Sharpe (4-0)
- Approved trade-in of 2014 police vehicle (4-0)
- Approved pay applications for Division Street Improvements and Downtown Fire Station (4-0)
Community Center Board
The Board approved the September 1 meeting minutes and established a $150 suggested donation for public fundraiser events. Members also heard presentations regarding potential designs for a community arts center and a dedicated senior center.
- Approved September 1 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Set $150.00 suggested donation for public fundraiser events
Library Board
The board unanimously approved a new three-point vision statement to guide the library. Members also elected a new slate of officers for 2023 and reviewed the city's ongoing municipal facilities study.
- Approved June 30, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved new vision statement regarding information sources, personal interests, and community engagement (unanimous)
- Elected Denise Casey as President (unanimous)
- Elected Jami Goodrum as Vice President (unanimous)
- Elected Sue Mattson as Secretary (unanimous)
- Set next meeting for June 6, 2023
Parks Board
The Parks Advisory Board will consider waiving fees for a tree climbing event, discuss a playground improvement plan, and vote on a park design proposal. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and a maintenance update.
- Approval to waive fees for tree climbing event
- Playground improvement plan discussion
- Approval of park design proposal
The Parks Advisory Board voted to recommend waiving park and event fees for the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture's tree climbing competition, to be held at Sturges Park in May 2023. The board also discussed a playground replacement plan and approved moving forward with a park design proposal for Settler's Brook Development. No final decisions were made on playground improvements or the design proposal, which will require future City Council approval.
- Approved recommending fee waiver for tree climbing competition (unanimous)
- Approved minutes from September 26, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
- Discussed playground replacement plan, no action taken
- Favored moving forward with Settler's Brook park design proposal, pending City Council approval
Parks Board
The Parks Advisory Board will review the dedication of Settlers Brook Park and vote on proposed by-laws. The board will also discuss the West Pulaski Park plan and receive updates on the splash pad.
- Settlers Brook Park dedication review
- Approval of proposed by-laws
- West Pulaski Park plan discussion
- Splash pad update
- Summer boat rental report
Parks Board
The Parks Advisory Board will discuss the dedication of Settlers Brook Park and preview the CivicRec online reservations program. The board is also scheduled to review proposed by-laws.
- Settlers Brook Park dedication
- CivicRec online reservations program preview
- Review of proposed by-laws
Airport Board
The Airport Advisory Board will meet to discuss the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and updates to the Master Plan. The board will also review reports from the airport manager and updates on tree obstructions and static aircraft.
- 2023 CIP discussion
- Master Plan update discussion
- Tree obstructions update
- Fly-In Breakfast & GMAG
- Static aircraft update
Parks Board
The Parks Advisory Board will meet to discuss park project submissions and a new online reservations program. The meeting also includes an update from the Park Maintenance Supervisor.
- Project submission for Avid Adapted Playground
- Project submission for Waterball
- Preview of CivicRec online reservations program
Parks Board
The Parks Advisory Board will discuss the discovery of zebra mussels in Lake Pulaski and review a concept for park dedication at the Bjorklund property. The board is also considering an updated trail plan for Serenity Hills Park.
- Updated trail plan at Serenity Hills Park
- Bjorklund property park dedication concept review
- Discovery of zebra mussels in Lake Pulaski
- CivicRec online reservations program preview
- 2022 Concerts in the Park schedule
Airport Board
The Airport Advisory Board will review updates to the airport Master Plan and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) with consultant Bolton & Menk. The board will also discuss the Fly-In Breakfast & Car Show and the Great Minnesota Aviation & Gathering.
- Master Plan update with consultant Bolton & Menk
- Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) update
- Fly-In Breakfast & Car Show
- Great Minnesota Aviation & Gathering (GMAG)
- Static display from the National Museum of the United States Air Force
Parks Board
The Parks Advisory Board will review several items including park dedications for Buffalo Point Development Park and Settlers Commons Park. The board is also scheduled to approve the 2023 Capital Improvement Budget.
- Buffalo Point Development Park dedication
- Settlers Commons Park dedication discussion
- Serenity Hills Park bike trail
- Approval of 2023 Capital Improvement Budget
- Park Maintenance Supervisor update
Parks Board
The board will review a presentation regarding a water ball idea and receive an update on the splash pad project. Members will also discuss plans for Arbor Day 2022 and park selection.
- Water ball idea presentation
- Splash pad update and sponsorship discussion
- Arbor Day 2022 discussion and park selection
Parks Board
The Parks Advisory Board will discuss a request from Buffalo Trail Builders regarding an additional bike trail. The board will also seek public input on a tentative splash pad project.
- Buffalo Trail Builders request for additional bike trail
- Discussion and public input of tentative splash pad project
Airport Board
The board will review airport operation manuals and receive updates on tree obstructions. Discussion includes information regarding FAA grants and a request for qualification for a Master Plan Update.
- FAA Airport Rescue Grant info
- Bipartisan Infrastructure Law info
- Request for Qualification (RFQ) – Master Plan Update
- Tree Obstructions update
Parks Board
The board will elect a chair and vice-chair person for the year. Members will also review 2022 park assignments and a site plan for a potential splash pad.
- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
- Introduction of Ryan Gustafson, Sarina Siljander, and Council Liaison Jameson Wakefield
- Review of site plan for potential splash pad