La Crescent public meetings in 2025

City Council

The council will review and approve the 2024 city audit. The council will not act on the Personnel Committee's recommendation regarding a tentative agreement with the AFSCME Union. The council will consider 2026 service agreements with Larry Kirch of Prologue Planning Group LLC and Jason Ludwigson of ECO Thrive, LLC.

• Review and approval of the 2024 audit
• No action on Personnel Committee recommendation regarding AFSCME Union tentative agreement
• Consider 2026 service agreement with Larry Kirch/Prologue Planning Group LLC
• Consider 2026 service agreement with Jason Ludwigson/ECO Thrive, LLC

The council unanimously accepted the 2024 independent auditor’s report. It approved the revised 2026 service agreement with Prologue Planning Group, LLC for economic/community development services at $46.79 per hour, up to ten hours per week. It also approved the revised 2026 service agreement with EcoThrive, LLC for sustainability coordinating services at $41.10 per hour, up to twenty‑eight hours per week. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted 2024 independent auditor’s report (5-0)
• Approved revised 2026 service agreement with Prologue Planning Group, LLC ($46.79/hr, ≤10 hrs/week) (5-0)
• Approved revised 2026 service agreement with EcoThrive, LLC ($41.10/hr, ≤28 hrs/week) (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2026 General Fund Budget and levy. It will also consider the 2026 fee schedule, service agreements, a contract with Morris Electronics for computer support, and an authorization for computer software expenditure. Additional items include a development agreement extension for 270 and 350 Strupp Avenue and a closed‑session review of law‑enforcement personnel misconduct allegations.

• 2026 General Fund Budget/Levy public hearing
• Adoption of the 2026 fee schedule
• Approval of 2026 service agreements
• Morris Electronics contract for computer support
• Development agreement extension request for 270 & 350 Strupp Avenue

The council approved the consent agenda unanimously. It then adopted Ordinance No. 595, amending the master fee schedule for 2026, with a 5‑0 vote. Finally, members approved publishing the ordinance in the official newspaper and filing an official copy, also 5‑0.

• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 595 amending 2026 fee schedule (5-0)
• Approved motion to publish Ordinance 595 in official newspaper and keep official copy (5-0)

Root River Trail Exploratory Committee

The Root River Trail Exploratory Committee is meeting to review the status of a Joint Powers Agreement and various grant opportunities. The body will discuss updates on transportation and park grants and the Active Transportation Action Plan.

• Draft Joint Powers Agreement status from La Crescent City Attorney
• MnDOT IIJA Transportation Technical Assistance Grant update
• USDOT RAISE/BUILD Grant federal debrief results
• MnDNR LCCMR Grant Application for 2026/27
• MnDOT funded La Crescent Active Transportation Action Plan

Heart Safe Committee

The La Crescent Heart Safe Committee will review its business program updates and recent 2025 events and trainings. It will also assess progress on its annual goals, receive an update on the park AED, and discuss the La Crescent Chamber annual banquet and auction.

• Business program updates/review
• Event/trainings from 2025
• Review annual goals
• Park AED update
• La Crescent Chamber annual banquet & auction

The Heart Safe Committee gave updates on its business outreach program, recapped 2025 events, reviewed annual goals, and discussed placing AEDs in parks. Members recommended that Angie submit an agenda request to the City Council to seek funds for additional AEDs in early 2026. No formal approvals, votes, or other decisions were recorded.

• Recommended Angie submit an agenda request for AED funding at a City Council meeting (no vote recorded)

City Council

The City Council will discuss several administrative updates, including the 2026 meeting schedule and the authorization to advertise for a City Administrator. The body is also considering a 2025 budget amendment and fee increases for refuse and drinking water connections.

• 2025 budget amendment
• 2026 Houston County refuse fee increase
• 2026 Mn Department of Health drinking water connection fee increase
• Public Facilities Authority Grant for Lead Service Line Replacement
• Authorization to advertise City Administrator position

The council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda and moved the second December 2025 meeting to Dec 21. They approved a maintenance agreement for the West Channel‑Wagon Wheel Bridge and adopted several changes to the City Administrator hiring documents, including the job description, announcement, scoring sheet, and application. The council also approved fee increases effective Jan 1, 2026: the household solid waste fee to $4.25 per month and the safe drinking water fee to $15.22 per connection per year, and raised City Clerk Angie Boettcher’s salary step.

• Approved 2026 City Council meeting schedule change (5-0)
• Approved maintenance agreement for West Channel‑Wagon Wheel Bridge (5-0)
• Approved City Administrator job description with changes (5-0)
• Approved City Administrator job announcement advertising plan (4-1)
• Approved City Administrator scoring sheet changes (4-1)
• Approved City Administrator job application as presented (5-0)
• Approved increase of household solid waste fee to $4.25 per month (5-0)
• Approved increase of safe drinking water fee to $15.22 per connection per year (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission's regularly scheduled meeting for December 2, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were considered. The next meeting is set for January 6, 2026.

City Council

The La Crescent City Council will review the 2026 general fund budget and levy, the Crescent Hills sanitary sewer report, and stormwater annual meeting materials. The meeting also includes a public hearing, a conditional use permit for a gym addition, and a resolution for holiday road closures.

• Review 2026 General Fund Budget/Levy
• Conditional Use Permit Application/Gym Addition-32 Crescent Ave.
• Review Crescent Hills Sanitary Sewer Report
• Holiday Train/December 12 — Road Closure
• Review Concepts for Main Street Redevelopment

The City Council approved the consent agenda items, including the November 10 minutes and bills payable. It denied the conditional use permit for a gym addition at 32 Crescent Avenue. The council approved the lighting style for the Walnut Street redevelopment that matches the Wagon Wheel bridge. It also approved the memorandum of understanding with Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy program.

• Approved Consent Agenda (minutes & bills payable) (5-0)
• Denied Conditional Use Permit for 32 Crescent Ave gym addition (5-0)
• Approved lighting style for Walnut Street corridor (Wagon Wheel bridge) (5-0)
• Approved MOU with Xcel Energy Partners in Energy program (5-0)

Root River Trail Exploratory Committee

The Root River Trail Extension Exploratory Committee met to review several items related to the trail project. The committee will discuss a revised draft of a Joint Powers Agreement that has been sent to the city attorney. They will also receive updates on grant activities, including a MnDOT IIJA Transportation Technical Assistance Grant to Miller’s Corners, a USDOT RAISE/BUILD grant debrief and upcoming notice of funding opportunity, and a Minnesota Parks and Trails Council partnership opportunity, and will review the MnDOT‑funded Active Transportation Action Plan. Public comment will be taken before adjourning.

• Revised Draft Joint Powers Agreement – sent to City Attorney
• MnDOT IIJA Transportation Technical Assistance Grant – update for City of La Crescent to Miller’s Corners
• USDOT RAISE/BUILD Grant – federal debrief results and upcoming NOFO
• Minnesota Parks and Trails Council partnership opportunity – legislative advocacy
• MnDOT‑funded La Crescent Active Transportation Action Plan

City Council

The La Crescent City Council meeting on November 10, 2025 will address several items for consideration, including a resolution from the La Crescent Fire Department Relief Association, a proposal titled "A.J. Frels – Explore La Crosse," an amendment to the Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy, and a donation resolution. These items will be discussed and may be adopted by the council. The agenda also includes a public hearing, staff correspondence updates, and routine consent agenda items.

• LA CRESCENT FIRE DEPARTMENT RELIEF ASSOCIATION resolution
• A.J. FRELS – EXPLORE LA CROSSE proposal
• Amend Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy
• Donation Resolution

The City Council approved the consent agenda with added wording to reference a prior motion. It voted to raise fire‑relief members’ annual benefit to $5,900 retroactive to February 24, 2025 and to increase the 2026 retirement contribution by 5% to $6,300. The council also adopted amendments to the Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy and accepted a $100 donation to the fire department.

• Approved consent agenda with added wording “provide input” to Item 3.4, #3 of Oct 27, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved increase of fire relief members’ annual benefit to $5,900 retroactive to Feb 24, 2025 (3-0, Mayor abstained)
• Approved 5% increase in 2026 fire department relief retirement contribution to $6,300 (3-0, Mayor abstained)
• Approved amendments to the Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 10-25-33 accepting $100 donation from Dennis and Jody Dorschner to the fire department (4-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on two Conditional Use Permit applications. It recommended approval of an accessory structure at 408 Shore Acres Road, limited to 576 sq ft and using wet flood‑proofing. It also recommended approval of a cannabis cultivation, extraction and manufacturing facility at 190 Main St, limited to 5,000 sq ft with odor mitigation and security requirements and no retail sales. The meeting approved the October 7, 2025 Planning Commission minutes.

• Conditional Use Permit for accessory structure at 408 Shore Acres Road (max 576 sq ft, wet flood‑proofing)
• Conditional Use Permit for cannabis operation at 190 Main St (max 5,000 sq ft, odor mitigation, no retail sales)
• Approval of October 7, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes
• Public hearing for PC‑2025‑04 “Christopherson Gym Addition”

The commission approved the July 1, 2025 Planning Commission minutes unanimously. It then denied the Conditional Use Permit for a 1,420‑sq‑ft gym addition at 32 Crescent Ave with a 6‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved July 1, 2025 Planning Commission minutes (6-0)
• Denied Conditional Use Permit for 32 Crescent Ave gym addition (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider several expenditures and agreements, including police equipment and a budget review. The body will also discuss grant applications and a maintenance agreement with the City of La Crosse.

• Review of draft 2026 General Fund Budget
• Expenditure authorization for Police Department body worn/squad car cameras
• Phase 1 archaeology agreement with Mississippi Valley Archaeology for the Walnut Street project
• Volunteer Fire Assistance grant application
• Carbon Reduction grant amended lease agreement

The City Council unanimously approved a $182,034.60 purchase of body‑worn and squad‑car cameras for the police department, contingent on final contract language. It also approved the fire chief’s grant application, an amended EV vehicle lease schedule, staffing changes, a salary date amendment, a revised city administrator job description, and a $6,900 archaeological study proposal.

• Authorized $182,034.60 for police body‑worn and squad‑car cameras, contingent on final contract (5‑0)
• Approved fire chief’s application for Volunteer Fire Assistance grant with 50% city match up to $5,000 (5‑0)
• Approved amended lease payment schedule for Chevy Equinox EV city vehicle (5‑0)
• Removed probationary status of Austin Johnson, classifying him as Assistant Clubhouse Manager (5‑0)
• Changed effective date of Kara Tarrence’s step‑5 salary increase to Oct 31 2025 (5‑0)
• Adopted City Administrator job description, deleting “Minnesota” from driver’s license requirement (5‑0)
• Approved $6,900 Phase I archaeological study proposal for Walnut Street corridor (5‑0)

Sustainability/Natural Resources Committee

The Sustainability/Natural Resources Committee will approve minutes from a previous meeting and review several natural resource projects, including Stoney Point forestry restoration and Pine Creek stream restoration. The group will also discuss combining the Natural Resource Advisory Group and the GreenStep Committee into one entity.

• Approval of September 17, 2025 minutes
• Review of Stoney Point phase 1 and 2 forestry projects
• Review of Pine Creek Stream Restoration project
• Discussion on merging Natural Resource Advisory Group and GreenStep Committee
• Review of 2026 MnDOT Landscape Partnership Project

The Sustainability/Natural Resources Committee approved the minutes from the September 17, 2025 meeting. No other actions were formally approved, denied, or tabled; the remaining agenda items were project updates, planning discussions, and scheduling of future activities.

• Approved September 17, 2025 minutes

City Council

The La Crescent City Council will discuss a 2026 transit operating agreement with MnDOT, grant agreements for carbon reduction and solar installations, and two conditional use permits—one for an accessory structure at 408 Shore Acres Road and another for cannabis cultivation, extraction, and manufacturing at 190 Main Street. The council will also review the draft city administrator job description, personnel committee recommendations, and a fair housing discussion. A public hearing and a closed session on litigation matters are also scheduled.

• Conditional Use Permit – Accessory Structure at 408 Shore Acres Road
• Conditional Use Permit – Cannabis cultivation, extraction, and manufacturing at 190 Main Street
• MnDOT 2026 Transit Operating Agreement
• Carbon Reduction Grant – Resolution & Agency Agreement
• Solar on Public Buildings Grant Agreement – Stoney Point Wellhouse

The council approved the consent agenda unanimously. It entered and later ended a closed‑session session, then reconvened the regular meeting. The council approved a Conditional Use Permit for an accessory structure at 408 Shore Acres Road (5‑0) and a Conditional Use Permit for a cannabis cultivation, extraction and manufacturing operation at 190 Main Street (4‑1).

• Approved consent agenda (5‑0)
• Entered closed session to protect attorney‑client privilege (5‑0)
• Ended closed session (5‑0)
• Re‑convened regular meeting (5‑0)
• Approved accessory structure CUP at 408 Shore Acres Rd, max 576 sq ft (5‑0)
• Approved cannabis cultivation CUP at 190 Main St, max 5,000 sq ft (4‑1)

Planning Commission

The La Crescent Planning Commission will hear public input on two Conditional Use Permit applications: PC-25-02 for an accessory structure at 408 Shore Acres Road, and PC-25-03 for the project titled “Carbon MN.” The commission will also consider changing the November 2025 meeting date and discuss future agenda items, including moving the August meeting to August 6 or 7, 2025.

• Public hearing on PC-25-02 CUP “Kulasiewicz Accessory Structure” at 408 Shore Acres Road
• Public hearing on PC-25-03 CUP “Carbon MN" (details not provided in agenda)
• Consideration of a November 2025 meeting date change
• Discussion of future agenda items submitted by commission members
• Motion to move the August 2025 meeting to August 6 or, if unavailable, August 7

The commission unanimously approved the July 1, 2025 meeting minutes. It voted 4‑1 to recommend a Conditional Use Permit for an accessory structure at 408 Shore Acres Road. It also voted 4‑1, with one abstention, to recommend a Conditional Use Permit for a cannabis cultivation, extraction, and manufacturing operation at 190 Main St.

• Approved July 1, 2025 Planning Commission minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit for 408 Shore Acres Rd accessory structure (4-1)
• Recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit for cannabis operation at 190 Main St (4-1, 1 abstention)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the proposed 2026 general fund budget and a preliminary levy resolution. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding a street vacation on Union Street. Members will also consider expenditures for Wieser Park and a service contract renewal.

• Public hearing for street vacation on Union Street
• Review of proposed 2026 General Fund Budget
• 2026 Preliminary Levy Resolution
• Authorization of expenditures for Wieser Park
• Amendment of option agreement with VSC

The council approved the consent agenda with added language to the September 8 minutes. It adopted a resolution vacating a portion of Union Street, approved proclamations for Friends of the Libraries Week and Energy Efficiency Day, and authorized a homecoming parade on Oct 3, 2025. The council also approved two park‑improvement expenditures totaling $341,414.00. Finally, it adopted a preliminary levy of $2,805,527.00 for general purposes and $204,141.00 for library services for 2026.

• Approved Consent Agenda with added language to Sept 8 minutes (5‑0)
• Adopted resolution vacating portion of Union Street (5‑0)
• Adopted proclamation for Friends of the Libraries Week Oct 19‑25, 2025 (5‑0)
• Approved homecoming parade on Oct 3, 2025 (5‑0)
• Approved $157,632.36 expenditure for Landscape Structures playground equipment (5‑0)
• Approved $183,781.64 expenditure for Flagship Recreation playground installation (5‑0)
• Adopted proclamation designating first Wednesday in October as Energy Efficiency Day (5‑0)

Root River Trail Exploratory Committee

The Root River Trail Exploratory Committee will review the status of its draft Joint Powers Agreement and examine legal information on survey parcels and easements. It will receive updates on several grant applications, including a MnDOT IIJA Transportation Technical Assistance Grant and other state and federal funding attempts, most of which were not awarded. The committee will also get an update on Minnesota DNR funding for the Sather Property and on the La Crescent Active Transportation Action Plan.

• Draft Joint Powers Agreement – status review
• Review of survey parcels legal info, NRCS easements, and Wetlands Reserve Program
• City of La Crescent MnDOT IIJA Transportation Technical Assistance Grant – update for Miller’s Corners
• USDOT Federal Grant – BUILD Planning, Environmental and Engineering Design – not awarded
• Minnesota DNR funding source for Sather Property – pending response

Sustainability/Natural Resources Committee

The Natural Resource Advisory Group is reviewing updates on habitat restoration projects and grant applications. The body is discussing trail maintenance, the city tree ordinance, and how to handle residential prairie plantings under the noxious weed ordinance.

• CPL Grant Phase 2 Forestry Habitat Restoration Project awarded approximately $49,000
• CPL Blufflands Grant awarded $50,000 for cutting and treating invasives in bluffland parks
• Discussion of a trail extension from South 7th Street to Stoney Point Road
• Review of 2025 MnDNR ReLeaf Grants with applications due October 28
• Discussion on distinguishing intentional residential prairies from noxious weeds

The Sustainability/Natural Resources Committee approved the minutes from the May 6, 2025 meeting, noting that the June 18 meeting had no quorum. The remainder of the session consisted of updates on ongoing projects, grant applications, and future plans, with no additional actions taken.

• Approved minutes from 5/6/2025 (no vote tally recorded)

Heart Safe Committee

The Heart Safe Committee will give a business program update and share flyers. It will announce two upcoming community events: the Applefest and Gravel Bike Event on September 18‑21, 2025, and a Fire Station Open House on October 14, 2025. The meeting is held at the La Crescent Community Building at 4:00 p.m.

• Applefest and Gravel Bike Event – September 18‑21, 2025
• Fire Station Open House Event – October 14, 2025
• Business program update – flyer distribution

City Council

The City Council unanimously approved the FY26 Outdoor Recreation Grant agreement with the Minnesota DNR, funding new playgrounds, expanded pickleball courts, a walking path, and bike parking at Wieser Park. It also adopted Ordinance 594 amending the pet‑licensing fee schedule and approved publishing the ordinance in the official newspaper. The council accepted City Administrator Bill Waller’s retirement notice and designated key officials to prepare the 2026 budgets and negotiate union contracts. Additional approvals included a street‑project change order for Shore Acres Road and an amended cannabis development agreement for 350 Strupp Avenue.

• Approved consent agenda with added cannabis denial address (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 594 amending pet licensing fees (unanimous)
• Approved publishing Ordinance 594 in the official newspaper (unanimous)
• Approved FY26 outdoor recreation grant for Wieser Park improvements (unanimous)
• Approved amended development agreement for 350 Strupp Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved $48,682.50 street project change order for Shore Acres Road (unanimous)
• Accepted City Administrator Bill Waller’s retirement effective Jan 31 2026 (unanimous)
• Designated finance, public works, police chief, and city attorney to prepare 2026 budgets and negotiate union contracts (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting for September 2, 2025, has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2025.

City Council

The council denied the Fire Department Relief Association's request to raise member benefits (4‑0). It approved a two‑year bike‑share sponsorship, an EV‑charging owner‑operations agreement, a pet‑licensing fee change, the 2026 transit operating agreement, and a 2026 motor‑vehicle lease (each 5‑0). The carbon‑reduction fund grant was tabled for future discussion (5‑0). Finally, the council approved the 270 Strupp Avenue development agreement with amended dates by a 4‑1 vote.

• Denied Fire Department Relief Association benefit increase (4-0)
• Approved two‑year bike‑share program sponsorship agreement (5-0)
• Approved EV‑charging Owner and Operations Agreement and capital equipment amendment (5-0)
• Tabled Carbon Reduction Fund Grant Agreement (5-0)
• Approved posting of proposed pet‑licensing fee change to $12 per pet (5-0)
• Approved 2026 transit operating agreement with La Crosse MTU (5-0)
• Approved 2026 motor‑vehicle lease agreement with La Crosse MTU (5-0)
• Approved development agreement for 270 Strupp Avenue with revised timeline (4-1)

City Council

The council approved the Consent Agenda unanimously. It then adopted Ordinance No. 593, establishing safety, noise, candy, permit and insurance rules for city parades. The council also approved publishing the ordinance in the official newspaper, the 7th Annual Thriller Dance parade permit, and the solar PV agreement for the Stoney Point Well House.

• Approved Consent Agenda (5‑0)
• Adopted Parade Safety and Conduct Ordinance No. 593 (5‑0)
• Approved publishing Ordinance 593 in official newspaper and filing copy (5‑0)
• Approved Thriller Dance parade permit with street closure (5‑0)
• Approved Solar Connection agreement for Stoney Point Well House solar PV project (5‑0)

City Council

The council promoted Brent Thesing to fire captain and approved the internal posting of the Assistant Training Officer vacancy. It also approved hiring five new firefighters—Jaden George, Brad Northrup, Jacine Johanningmeier, Brandon Welke, and Joe Sandvik. A motion to proceed with the public‑safety portion of the City Hall/Public Library/Police Department project was adopted.

• Approved consent agenda with correction to Item 3.6;4 (5-0)
• Failed motion to call a meeting to review cannabis retail licenses (2-3)
• Approved promotion of Brent Thesing to fire captain (5-0)
• Approved internal posting of Assistant Training Officer vacancy (5-0)
• Approved hiring of five firefighters Jaden George, Brad Northrup, Jacine Johanningmeier, Brandon Welke, Joe Sandvik (5-0)
• Approved public safety portion of the project mentioned in Item 10 (4-1)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda. It also unanimously approved rezoning Blocks 10, 87 and part of 86 from C‑1 Highway Commercial to Central Business District. Requests to reconsider cannabis license denials for suites 101 and 102 at 270 Strupp Avenue were denied unanimously. A 4‑1 vote approved a master‑plan waiver and a retail cannabis license for Mango Cannabis/Twin Pines Ventures at 350 Strupp Avenue. The 2026 Transit Operating Grant resolution was adopted.

• Consent agenda approved unanimously (5-0)
• Rezoning of Blocks 10, 87, part of 86 to Central Business District approved unanimously (5-0)
• Denied reconsideration of Duki Holdings cannabis license (suite 101) (5-0)
• Denied reconsideration of Happy Multiverse cannabis license (suite 102) (5-0)
• Approved master‑plan waiver for 350 Strupp Avenue (4-1)
• Approved retail cannabis license for 350 Strupp Avenue (4-1)
• Adopted 2026 Transit Operating Grant resolution

Planning Commission

The commission accepted the May 6th meeting minutes. It recommended rezoning sections 10, 87 and part of 86 to Central Business District and forwarded the recommendation to the City Council. It approved a waiver for the Mango Cannabis project at 350 Strupp Ave., with eight conditions, and sent the recommendation to the City Council. The commission also moved the August meeting to August 6th (or 7th if needed).

• Approved May 6, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Recommended rezoning of sections 10, 87, part of 86 to CBD (6-0)
• Recommended waiver for 350 Strupp Ave. cannabis dispensary with conditions (6-0)
• Scheduled group viewing of League of Minnesota Cities webinar (informational)
• Moved August meeting to Aug 6, 2025 (or Aug 7 if room unavailable) (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:46 PM (unanimous)

Heart Safe Committee

The Heart Safe Committee reviewed the business award program and set next steps. Angie BoeƩcher was tasked with posting program details online and in the newsletter, asking the City Administrator about a dedicated email address, and creating a tracking spreadsheet. Cheri Olson will develop a checklist for determining award levels. The next meeting is scheduled for September 10.

• Assign Angie BoeƩcher to post program info on City Facebook, website, and newsletter
• Assign Angie BoeƩcher to ask City Administrator if a city email address can be used for program questions
• Assign Angie BoeƩcher to create a spreadsheet to identify businesses and track award levels and dates
• Assign Angie BoeƩcher to be notified when a business receives an award for spreadsheet entry
• Assign Cheri Olson to develop a checklist/tool for committee members to determine business award levels

City Council

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda items. It then adopted Resolution 06-25-21, approving the modification of the Development Program for Municipal Development District No. 1, establishing Tax Increment Financing District No. 1‑10 within it, and adopting the associated TIF plan. A second resolution (06-25-22) authorized an interfund loan of up to $30,000 to cover administrative costs of the TIF district, with repayment from future tax increments.

• Approved Consent Agenda (minutes June 9, 2025 and bills payable through June 20, 2025) – vote 5‑0
• Approved modification of Development Program for Municipal Development District No. 1 – vote 5‑0
• Established Tax Increment Financing District No. 1‑10 within Development District – vote 5‑0
• Adopted the Tax Increment Financing Plan for the new TIF district – vote 5‑0
• Authorized interfund loan up to $30,000 for TIF administrative costs – vote 5‑0

City Council

The La Crescent City Council approved its consent agenda and reaffirmed the March 2023 ATV/UTV/golf‑cart ordinance, directing staff to revisit it after the Walnut Street project. The council continued the review of conditional cannabis license applications to the June 23 meeting and kept the retail cannabis license limit at three. It accepted a list of May donations and adopted a resolution supporting the 2026 capital budget request for a new Public Safety/EOC building before adjourning.

• Approved Consent Agenda (5-0)
• Reaffirmed March 2023 ATV/UTV/Golf Cart ordinance postponement and directed attorney to revisit after Walnut Street project (5-0)
• Continued review of conditional cannabis license applications to June 23 meeting (5-0)
• Accepted listed May 2025 donations (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved 2026 Capital Budget Application for Public Safety/EOC building (5-0)
• Maintained retail cannabis license limit at three (consensus, no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

At the May 27, 2025 regular meeting, the La Crescent City Council approved several items by unanimous vote, including the consent agenda, a fire safety partnership, a solid waste contract amendment, and a $201,000 MnDOT Active Transportation grant agreement. The council also approved two conditional cannabis business registrations, each passing 4‑1 with one dissenting vote. Personnel actions were adopted, removing a police officer’s probation, amending the earned sick‑time policy, and approving a five‑month leave for a firefighter, all unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved Home Fire Campaign partnership agreement (5-0)
• Approved amendment to solid waste contract (5-0)
• Approved Active Transportation Program Grant Agreement for South 6th Street project ($201,000) (5-0)
• Approved Do Be Kind retail cannabis business registration (4-1)
• Approved High Hopes Ventures retail cannabis business registration with conditions (4-1)
• Removed probationary status of Officer Josh DeBoer, making him regular employee (5-0)
• Amended Earned Sick and Safe Time policy to prevent carry‑over for temporary/seasonal staff (5-0)

Park & Recreation Commission

The La Crescent Park & Recreation Commission unanimously approved the March 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It also voted by consensus to revert to pre‑COVID programming fee and registration language for non‑residents. The commission recommended the tan sign with green lettering as the preferred park‑sign design. Members agreed the next meeting will be in September 2025, with the exact date to be set later.

• Approved March 18, 2025 meeting minutes (consensus)
• Reverted to pre‑COVID programming fee language for non‑residents (consensus)
• Recommended tan sign with green lettering for park signs (consensus)
• Set next meeting for September 2025, date to be determined (consensus)

Heart Safe Committee

The committee reviewed an AED checklist and recommended adding a column for the responsible person and a hang tag on each AED case; Angie will work with city staff to make those updates. They discussed posting the PulsePoint map and decided Angie and Darin will coordinate with the City and Police Department Facebook managers to promote the app. The group planned staffing for upcoming events, with Darin attending the June 11 farmers market, Cassie attending the July 9 market, and Linsie contacting additional Houston County events. The next meeting is scheduled for September 10 at 4:00 p.m.

• Add responsible‑person column and hang tag to AED checklist (assigned to Angie)
• Post PulsePoint app information on City and Police Facebook pages (assigned to Angie and Darin)
• Staff Heart Safe table at La Crescent Live Farmers Market on June 11 (Darin)
• Staff Heart Safe table at La Crescent Live Farmers Market on July 9 (Cassie)
• Linsie to contact other Houston County events for committee presence

City Council

The council approved its consent agenda and authorized several community events, including a library concert, the Memorial Day Parade, and city services for the Applefest 5K. It awarded the 2025 street improvement project to Griffin Construction for $735,788.27 and approved a rain‑garden agreement with Root River SWCD, matching $2,875. The council rejected a $209,836 alley‑repaving bid and approved plans for the Pine Creek Stream Restoration project, authorizing it to be put out for bids. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved Library use of green space for July 17 concert (unanimous 5‑0)
• Awarded 2025 street improvement contract to Griffin Construction for $735,788.27 (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved rain‑garden agreement with Root River SWCD, city match $2,875 (unanimous 5‑0)
• Rejected BKC Construction bid of $209,836.00 for alley repaving (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved Pine Creek improvement plans and authorized bidding (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved Memorial Day Parade on May 26, 2025 and closure of part of Veterans Park parking lot (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved city services for Applefest 5K event on Sep 20, 2025 (unanimous 5‑0)

Sustainability/Natural Resources Committee

The Sustainability/Natural Resources Committee approved the minutes from the April 2, 2025 meeting. No other actions were formally adopted; the committee received updates on forestry restoration, tree trimming, invasive‑plant removal, grant awards, and upcoming projects. Several items were noted for future work or discussion.

• Approved minutes from 4/2/2025

City Council

The council approved a one‑year lease of the 333 Main Street house to the Healthy Community Partnership, authorized $975 for Mississippi River buoys, and entered into two DNR grant agreements totaling $99,875 for forest restoration and invasive‑species removal. It also approved moving forward with a solar grant application, proclaimed May 2025 as National Bike Month, and took several fire‑department personnel actions, including confirming four firefighters, accepting a retirement, and endorsing a newspaper‑legislation support letter.

• Approved 2025 lease with Healthy Community Partnership for 333 Main St (expires 4/30/26)
• Authorized $975 2025 expenditure for Mississippi River buoys (budget amendment)
• Approved $49,875 DNR grant for Phase II forest restoration at Stoney Point
• Approved $50,000 DNR grant for invasive‑species removal in bluffland parks
• Approved Solar Connection proposal to pursue full solar grant for Stoney Point Wellhouse
• Proclaimed May 2025 as National Bike Month
• Removed probationary status and classified four firefighters as regular firefighters effective 4/18/25
• Accepted retirement of Firefighter Shawn Wetterlin effective 4/30/25

City Council

The council voted 5‑0 to close the meeting for a confidential discussion, then 5‑0 to end the closed session and reconvene. Members approved a motion directing the city attorney to join La Crescent Township in requesting dismissal of the lawsuit and authorized hiring Iverson Reuvers at $277 per hour for partner time and $245 per hour for associate time. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Motion to close meeting for attorney‑client privilege (5-0) carried
• Motion to end closed session and reconvene (5-0) carried
• Motion to direct city attorney to join township in dismissal request (5-0) carried
• Motion to authorize hiring Iverson Reuvers at $277/hr partner, $245/hr associate (5-0) carried
• Motion to adjourn meeting (5-0) carried

City Council

The council approved the use of city spaces for the library's Summer Reading Program and authorized multiple Applefest activities, including three parades, park facilities, and temporary liquor licenses. It also approved the administrative subdivision for 609 Royal Court and moved forward with a tax increment financing district by adopting a financial planning agreement, amending the discretionary budget, and scheduling a public hearing for June 23, 2025. All motions passed with unanimous Yes votes.

• Approved use of city green space, parking lot, and community building for library Summer Reading Program (unanimous)
• Approved three Applefest parades with corrected dates, times, and routes (unanimous)
• Approved use of city parks and facilities for Applefest events (unanimous)
• Approved three temporary liquor licenses for Applefest activities (unanimous)
• Approved administrative subdivision application for 609 Royal Court with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved financial planning agreement with Northland Securities to establish tax increment financing district, with developer reimbursement of $6,187 (unanimous)
• Amended 2025 discretionary budget to include the city’s share of costs for the tax increment financing project (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution calling a public hearing on June 23, 2025, to consider the tax increment financing district (unanimous)

Active Transportation Action Committee

The meeting provided updates on school zone speed limit implementation, a new active‑transportation planning assistance grant, and awarded funding for a shared‑use path on Highway 16. It also announced upcoming events such as Bike to School Day on May 7 and the 2025 Bike Rodeo on May 31. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Sustainability/Natural Resources Committee

The Sustainability/Natural Resources Committee approved the minutes from the February 18, 2025 meeting. They provided updates on the Stoney Point Forestry Habitat Restoration Project, tree trimming, buckthorn and bittersweet removal, and garlic mustard pulling. New business included discussion of boulevard tree applications, SHIP grant park entrance signs, a $103 million LCCMR funds request, and the Arbor Day tree planting scheduled for April 25. No other formal actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved minutes from 2/18/2025

Planning Commission

The commission voted unanimously to accept the January 7th, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved the administrative subdivision application for 609 Royal Court with five listed conditions. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved January 7th, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Approved AD Subdivision for 609 Royal Court with conditions (6-0)
• Meeting adjourned (motion carried)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, moved forward with the solar PV project at the City Aquatic Center using 2022 Capital Equipment Certificate funds despite uncertainty about the federal tax credit, and entered into a cooperative agreement for the 2025 Community Roadside Landscape Partnership. Additional actions included adopting a proclamation for National Bike to School Day, approving purchases of a tree auger, a police network storage system and a laptop, and authorizing the submission of a DNR local trail connections grant application.

• Approved Consent Agenda (5-0)
• Approved moving forward with solar PV project at Aquatic Center using capital funds (5-0)
• Approved entering cooperative agreement for 2025 Community Roadside Landscape Partnership (5-0)
• Approved proclamation recognizing May 7, 2025 as National Bike to School Day (5-0)
• Approved purchase of $4,500 tree auger with ReLeaf grant funds (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved $2,068.79 NAS backup system and $1,441.84 laptop purchase for police department (5-0)
• Approved resolution authorizing submission of DNR Local Trail Connections grant application (unanimous)
• Tabled further action on Tree Care Ordinance