Cold Spring public meetings in 2020
30 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The City Council decided on several utility and zoning updates, including a rate adjustment for Cold Spring Brewing Company and a text amendment to allow larger daycare centers downtown. The body also discussed the use of $40,000 in mitigation funds to address neighbor concerns regarding a new warehouse.
- Ordinance No. 382: Raw water rate increased to $1.00 per thousand gallons for Cold Spring Brewing Company
- Resolution No. 2020-69: Variance granted for wall signs (up to 344 sq ft) at 1601 CO RD 2
- Ordinance No. 381: Zoning amendment allowing daycare centers serving 14+ people in C-1 Downtown District
- Police Department purchase of Aladtec scheduling software for $2,995.00
- Resolution No. 2020-72: Sale of real property (well house site) to Cold Spring Brewing Company for $8,000
Meeting
The City Council approved the final 2021 general fund budget and a tax levy rate increase of 3.41%. The body also certified assessments for delinquent utility accounts and renewed a contract for legal services.
- Resolution No. 2020-66: Final 2021 collectible tax levy and general fund budget
- Certification of delinquent utility bills for three parcels totaling $1,954.57
- Contract renewal with JDA Law Firm for civil and criminal legal services
- Approval of accounts payable totaling $447,825.62 and a supplemental list of $21,194.25
- Acceptance of a grant from the Initiative Foundation to match restaurant gift card purchases for the Rocori Area Food Shelf
Meeting
The City Council awarded a water treatment plant contract and adopted assessments for the County Road 158 reconstruction project. The council also approved a building variance for Gold’n Plump and closed City Hall through December 22, 2020, due to COVID-19 infections.
- Awarded Water Treatment Plant project to Eagle Construction Company, Inc. for $5,774,377.00
- Adopted assessments for the County Road 158 Reconstruction Project
- Approved variance for a structure to encroach 12 feet into the right of way setback at 851 Sauk River Road for Gold’n Plump
- Purchased a Konica copier from Marco for $4,800.00 with a $35.00 monthly service contract
- Accepted an easement from the Froehle family for power pole placement
Meeting
The City Council approved a resolution for CARES Act expenditures and an agreement allowing the City of Richmond to use the city's boom truck. The council also reviewed updates on several infrastructure projects and discussed the potential creation of a personnel committee.
- Resolution No. 2020-60 approving eligible CARES Act expenditures
- Agreement with City of Richmond for boom truck use
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $242,887.91 and supplemental list of $66,653.23
- Scheduled Delinquent Utilities Public Hearing for December 8, 2020
- CSAH 158/1st Street South Project assessment hearing set for November 24th
Meeting
The City Council approved a rezoning request for Outlot C of the Cold Spring Business Park and granted two zoning variances. The body also authorized wage increases for part-time city workers and approved requests for proposals for legal and engineering services.
- Rezoned Outlot C, Cold Spring Business Park from R-1 Low Residential to I-1 Light Industrial
- Approved variance for detached garage at 804 1st Street South
- Approved variance for monument sign at 411 Main Street
- Increased part-time plow driver and sludge hauler wages from $16.61 to $17.46 per hour
- Approved accounts payable totaling $105,149.08 and a supplemental list totaling $322,347.21
Meeting
The City Council approved a ten-year tax abatement and business subsidy agreement with Gold’n Plump Poultry, LLC. The council also authorized applying for USDA funding for a new Fire and Police Department building.
- Tax abatement for Gold’n Plump Poultry, LLC not to exceed $272,690
- Authorization to apply for USDA funding for Fire and Police Department building
- Contract with Wendel/Five Bugles for Fire and Police building architectural services
- Bid of $10,066.83 to Rapid Process Equipment Inc to repair a digester agitator
- Resolution No. 2020-55 providing temporary zoning relief for Rocori School District sites
Meeting
The City Council approved a business subsidy for Pilgrim’s Pride and adopted the preliminary 2021 tax levy. The council also authorized the distribution of CARES Act funds for public safety and local business grants.
- Resolution No. 2020-48: Approved a 15-year tax abatement for Pilgrim’s Pride facility expansion
- Resolution No. 2020-49: Adopted preliminary 2021 tax levy, increasing the tax rate from .45 to .47%
- Resolution No. 2020-50: Allocated $316,504 in CARES Act funds for public safety, public works, and business grants up to $15,000 per business
- Approved accounts payable totaling $273,594.47 and a supplemental list totaling $176,820.12
- Agreement with Stearns County for the CARES Act Small Business Relief Program
Meeting
The City Council is coordinating funding for a water treatment plant and reviewing infrastructure projects. The body also approved equipment for a police squad car and a contract for road crack sealing.
- Resolution 2020-46: Public hearing set for Sept 22 on tax abatement for a $75 million Pilgrim’s Pride expansion
- Resolution 2020-47: $2,293,639.00 interfund loan from Sewer Fund to Water Fund for treatment plant construction
- Contract awarded to Astech for crack sealing at a total bid of $10,000.00
- Approved $10,544 purchase for a squad camera and equipment for a 2020 squad car
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $1,074,062.69 and a supplemental list of $35,552.34
Meeting
The City Council approved the final plat and development agreement for Blue Heron Heights 4th Addition, including a 100% waiver of outstanding assessments. The body also authorized several infrastructure contracts and public park updates.
- Approved final plat and development agreement for Blue Heron Heights 4th Addition (22 lots)
- Awarded $293,080.00 contract to Highline Construction, Inc. for Wells 8 & 9 overhead power
- Approved purchase agreement with MacQueen Emergency for a 2021 Pierce Enforcer PUC Pumper fire truck
- Approved rules and the opening of the splash pad at Alexander Park
- Selected Five Bugels as architect for the fire hall design
Meeting
The City Council held a special meeting to interview representatives from Wendel/Five Bugles Design. The firm provided an overview of their proposed process for project execution and construction management options.
- Interview with Wendel/Five Bugles Design regarding a project contract
Meeting
The City Council approved Resolution No. 2020-41 to authorize expenditures for COVID-19 responses and established a process for business grants using a Stearns County application form. The council also discussed immediate even/odd watering restrictions due to high well pumping volumes.
- Resolution No. 2020-41 approving allowable COVID-19 expenditures
- Approval of Stearns County online grant application for CARES Act business funding
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $235,789.54 and supplemental list of $88,662.35
- Implementation of even/odd watering restrictions
- Project updates for Co Rd 158/1st Street South and Blue Heron Heights 4th Addition
Meeting
The City Council decided on several infrastructure and public safety matters, including increasing fire department retirement benefits and approving a landscaping variance for Rocori High School. The council also authorized new liquor licenses and various public works contracts.
- Increased fire department retirement benefits from $2,200.00 to $2,400.00 per year of service
- Approved variance for Rocori High School to omit landscape islands in a 139-space parking lot expansion
- Approved $19,065.00 for 11 bunker jackets and 4 bunker pants from the Fire Department Donation Fund
- Awarded seal coating project to Astech at $1.13 per square yard for Business Park and River Oaks
- Approved $4,000.00 for a home plate shaped landscape garden at the baseball park entry
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council held a special meeting to interview architectural firms. BKV Group and Wendel/Five Bugles Design presented their experience and reviewed similar projects.
- Interview with BKV Group
- Interview with Wendel/Five Bugles Design
- Discussion regarding the Sartell complex
Meeting
The City Council approved the preliminary and final plat for Kwik Trip 1120 and awarded a contract for the Wells 8 & 9 Pumping Facilities project. Members also discussed a potential assessment waiver for Blue Heron Heights Outlot A and reviewed CARES Act funding for COVID-19 response.
- Approved Resolution 2020-35 for the Kwik Trip 1120 preliminary and final plat
- Awarded the Wells 8 & 9 Pumping Facilities contract to C & L Excavating
- Approved Resolution 2020-37 for intermittent closure of 5th Avenue North the week of July 27, 2020
- Adopted Ordinance No. 379 rescinding the adoption of the Minnesota Electrical Code
- Reported $316,504 in CARES Act funding for COVID-19 response
Meeting
The City Council approved several public works contracts and a land plat for the Maple Ridge 1st Addition. Members also granted a fence height variance and discussed the future use of the Alexander Park performance stage.
- Approved preliminary and final plat of Maple Ridge 1st Addition and a related 66-foot easement
- Awarded $26,845 to Kramer Trucking and Excavation for 8th Avenue South reconstruction
- Awarded $22,450 to Kramer Trucking and Excavation to replace a collapsed storm sewer pipe at Alexander Park
- Approved a variance for a six-foot fence at 607 Emma Drive
- Tabled Resolution 2020-35 regarding the Kwik Trip 1120 plat until July 14, 2020
Meeting
The City Council held a special meeting to conduct a performance review of the City Administrator in a closed session. The council later reported that the review was satisfactory.
- Performance review of the City Administrator
Meeting
The City Council approved a $951,000 grant for water infrastructure to serve Cold Spring Brewing Company. Members also voted to rescind the local emergency declaration, allowing City Hall to reopen with specific cleaning protocols.
- $951,000 construction grant for water infrastructure at Cold Spring Brewing Company
- Rescission of local emergency declaration and daily 3:30 p.m. closure of City Hall
- Interfund loan authorization for TIF District No. 6-1 administrative costs
- $8,486.80 purchase of membrane disc diffusers from Xylem Water Solutions
- Disposal of excess property including a 1992 Ford truck and a 2015 Chevy Impala
Meeting
The City Council decided to support local bars and restaurants by reducing 2020-2021 license fees to $1.00 and providing partial refunds for the previous period. The council also approved a preparedness plan and several infrastructure and equipment purchases.
- Resolution No. 2020-28 approving expanded outdoor seating and liquor sales for bars and restaurants
- Reduction of 2020-2021 liquor license fees to $1.00 and 2.5-month refund for 2019-2020 fees
- Purchase of a John Deere Gator from Minnesota Equipment for $6,100
- Award of $11,644.50 to ITT for soil borings for the Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Infrastructure Project
- Temporary no parking on 5th Avenue North from 5th Street North to 6th Street North (June 3 to August 31)
Meeting
The City Council met to authorize the sale of general obligation improvement bonds and an interfund loan for a watermain project. The council also approved funding for utility additions at Alexander Park.
- Resolution No. 2020-26: Issuance of $2,860,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2020A
- Resolution No. 2020-27: Interfund loan of $1,239,670.00 from the sewer fund to the water fund for the Cold Spring Brewing Co. watermain project
- Approval of payment for water heater and sprinkler system additions for Alexander Park
Meeting
The City Council decided on several infrastructure projects, including financing for Alexander Park and water/sewer agreements for Cold Spring Brewing Company. The body also heard presentations regarding COVID-19 mitigation and employee concerns at Pilgrims Pride.
- Approved $150,000 to cover remaining construction costs for Alexander Park
- Approved Resolution No. 2020-23 and 2020-25 for Cold Spring Brewing Company development and utility agreements
- Approved $13,425.44 for a replacement 20 HP lift station pump from MN Pump Works
- Approved $15,633.00 for decorative metal fishing pier fencing from Cervin Metalworks
- Approved hiring Ryan Schaefer as a part-time police officer at $21.22 per hour
Meeting
The City Council established a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district to support the Cold Spring Brewing Company project. The council also approved the issuance of bonds to finance a road project on CSAH 158/1st Street South.
- Resolution No. 2020-21: Established TIF District No. 6-1 for Cold Spring Brewing Company with up to $4,273,717 in reimbursements
- Resolution No. 2020-22: Approved notice of sale for $3,005,000 in General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2020A
- Approved municipal advisory service agreement with Northland Securities, Inc. for the CSAH 158/1st Street South project
Meeting
The City Council approved a $40,000 escrow agreement for nuisance mitigation related to a warehouse project following resident concerns about noise and light. The council also approved a building height variance and several infrastructure contracts.
- Approved $40,000 escrow account for warehouse nuisance mitigation for five years after occupancy
- Approved construction of a 39-foot-high building in the I-2 General Industrial District
- Awarded $21,500 bid to DRSC Concrete Co. Inc. for the Promenade Fishing Pier
- Approved Resolution 2020-19 for the DM Dingmann Plat with a $45,080 parkland dedication fee
- Approved 2020 liquor and tobacco licenses for multiple local businesses
Meeting
The City Council decided on land annexation, awarded water main contracts, and approved several personnel hires. The body also discussed COVID-19 era adjustments for the library and farmer's market.
- Approved annexation of DM Dingmann farm property via the March 23, 2020 resolution
- Awarded Wells Concrete $15,977.00 to repair precast joints at the wastewater building
- Awarded C&L Excavating the contract for the Wells 8 & 9 water main project
- Extended the closure of 5th Avenue North to April 25, 2020
- Approved accounts payable totaling $320,299.51 and a supplemental list of $2,011.30
Meeting
The City Council decided on several items regarding the Cold Spring Brewing Company, including a lease for business park parcels and support for a state job creation fund application. The council also scheduled a public hearing for April 30, 2020, to consider a TIF request for the brewery's warehouse project.
- Approved Resolution No. 2020-13 finding a negative determination of need for an EIS for Inventure Properties, LLC
- Approved Resolution No. 2020-14 calling for a public hearing on April 30, 2020, regarding TIF financing for Cold Spring Brewing warehouse project
- Approved Resolution No. 2020-15 supporting a job creation fund application for Cold Spring Brewing Company to add 34 jobs
- Approved a lease agreement with Cold Spring Brewing Company for two parcels in the Cold Spring Business Park at $1,000 per month for four months
- Approved EDA recommendation to allow deferments of up to 90 days for existing revolving loan accounts
Meeting
The City Council ratified a local emergency declaration and approved several infrastructure projects related to the Cold Spring Brewing Company. The body also awarded a contract for the County Road 158 project and approved a new hire for the Public Works Department.
- Resolution No. 2020-09 declaring a local emergency
- Contract awarded to C & L Excavating for the County Road 158 Improvement Project
- Intermittent street closure of 5th Avenue from 2nd Street North and 4th Street North (April 7-19, 2020)
- Hiring of Connor Tomsche as Maintenance Tech IV at $23.19 per hour
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $134,623.01 and supplemental list totaling $30,554.41
Meeting
The City Council held a public improvement hearing and approved plans for the County Road 158 reconstruction project. The body also authorized several equipment purchases and water utility easements.
- Approved Resolution No. 2020-08 for County Road 158 reconstruction plans and specifications
- Approved $33,154.50 for battery-operated fire department extraction tools
- Approved water line easements from DM Dingmann Farms, LLC ($7,413.50) and Joseph E. Froehle Trust et al. ($7,278.00)
- Approved $7,650.00 for a dump/skid loader trailer and $5,000.00 for a skid loader bucket and grapple
- Approved the scope of work and fees for the watermain from Wells 8 & 9
Meeting
The City Council decided on a temporary street closure for construction and approved several infrastructure and equipment expenditures. The body also amended the city's fund balance policy to optimize bond ratings.
- Resolution 2020-06: Closure of 5th Avenue North from 2nd Street North to 4th Street North
- Tree clearing for County Road 158/1st Street South project: $37,435.00
- Police evidence tracking system and hardware from PMI: $4,685.00
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $60,346.69 and supplemental list of $8,721.58
- Amendment to fund balance policy changing committed fund balance from 25% to 10%
Meeting
The City Council authorized the submission of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed 644,000 square foot distribution facility. The council also approved several infrastructure repairs, equipment purchases, and a cost-share agreement for road improvements.
- Authorized Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Cold Spring Brewing Company's 82-acre project
- Approved Ordinance No. 476 to increase maximum fire department membership from 30 to 35
- Approved $110,400.00 bid from Traut Companies for drilling Wells No. 8 & 9
- Approved $24,085.08 for wastewater plant generator repairs and $31,060.25 for a wastewater work truck
- Approved cost-share agreement with Stearns County for County Road 158/1st Street South
Meeting
The City Council approved several equipment purchases for the police and water departments and authorized plans for the 1st Street South reconstruction project. The body also addressed a DNR pumping capacity reduction for Cold Spring Brewing Company and approved a future pay raise for council members.
- Approved $69,306.30 for 254 Kamstrup water meters and installation
- Approved Resolution No. 2020-05 for 1st Street South reconstruction plans and bids
- Approved purchase of a 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility for $32,994.00
- Approved a $25.00 per month pay raise for City Council effective December 1, 2020
- Approved a $100.00 drainage and utility easement with KB Company, LLC on Greystone Road
Meeting
The City Council approved several operational expenditures, including road salt and police software. The body also authorized plans for new city wells and a temporary access agreement for Northern Natural Gas Company.
- Purchase of 50 tons of road salt from Holicky Brothers for $5,850.00
- Purchase of Aladtec scheduling software for $2,995.00
- Approval of plans and specifications for well drilling on City of Cold Spring property
- Temporary access road agreement with Northern Natural Gas Company for six months
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $517,582.48 and supplemental list of $8,592.12