Empire, Minnesota

Empire City Council

The Empire City Council will consider a proposed moratorium on data center permitting and set a new date for its August meeting. The agenda also includes approval of minutes, bills, and a letter of support for a Farmington fire department grant.

• Consider Letter of Support for Farmington Fire Department SAFER Grant Application
• Request for Discussion on Proposed Interim Ordinance for Moratorium on Data Center Permitting
• Consider Setting August 11, 2026 City Council Meeting to new Date and Time
• Engineering Report
• Statistics Reports for May 2026

Empire City Council

The City Council will receive reports on infrastructure projects and planning updates. Members will also hold a discussion regarding safety at City Hall and during council meetings.

• Information on existing water tower rehabilitation
• Proposed animal crossing signs on 197th Street
• Update on Vertical Bridge cell tower
• Discussion on safety at City Hall and City Council meetings

The Council directed staff to develop a draft sign policy, a safety policy, a code of conduct, and a vision statement. Discussions also covered water tower rehabilitation, animal crossing signs, and cell tower RF testing.

• Approved May 26, 2026 agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and financial reports (5-0)
• Directed staff to develop a draft sign placement policy
• Directed staff to contact OWL Engineering regarding RF testing at a resident property
• Directed staff to draft a safety policy, code of conduct, and vision statement

Empire Planning Commission

The Empire Planning Commission is meeting to receive updates on operations and applications for three specific properties. The session focuses on operational status and permit applications for local businesses.

• Operations update for Brand Farms at 18605 Biscayne Ave.
• CUP items update for Glenhaven Events (George Maverick) at 1595 220th Street East
• IUP application status for Mecam Auto Sales at 20485 Chippendale Ave.

The Commission requested staff research on large gathering permits for Brand Farms. It determined that the Glenhaven Events Center project remains active if a building permit is issued before December. The Commission recommended legal referral if no IUP application is received from Mecam Auto Sales by June's end.

• Requested staff report on how other jurisdictions handle regular large gatherings
• Determined Glenhaven Events Center project remains active if building permit is issued prior to December
• Recommended turning Mecam Auto Sales matter over to city attorney if IUP application is not received by end of June

Empire City Council

The Empire City Council will review mining operation expansion applications and a new reasonable accommodation ordinance. Members will also discuss a water tower timeline and a proposed housing market study.

• IUP renewal and expansion application from McNamara Contracting (Berg West Mining Operation)
• IUP expansion application from Fischer Mining, LLC
• Adoption of Ordinance No. 170 regarding Fair Housing Act reasonable accommodation process
• Proposed water tower timeline and housing market study discussions
• Appointment of Shannon Coyne as Deputy Clerk

The council voted 5-0 to approve the amended Intergovernmental Use Permits for both McNamara Berg West Mining and Fischer Mining. They also adopted Ordinance No. 170 establishing a reasonable accommodation process, and appointed Shannon Coyne as Deputy Clerk. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved amended IUP for McNamara Berg West Mining (5-0)
• Approved amended IUP for Fischer Mining (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 170 on reasonable accommodations (5-0)
• Appointed Shannon Coyne as Deputy Clerk (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (5-0)

Empire Planning Commission

The Empire Planning Commission will hold public hearings on IUP renewal and expansion applications from McNamara (Berg West Mining Operation) and Fischer Mining, LLC (Fischer Mining Operation). It will also review a proposed home at 3265 220th St. E and discuss an amendment update to the 2040 MUSA Comprehensive Plan for the AUAR area. Finally, the commission will examine a site plan for a salt storage shed at the Empire Maintenance Facility.

• Public Hearing #1 – IUP renewal and expansion application from McNamara (Berg West Mining Operation)
• Public Hearing #2 – IUP renewal and expansion application from Fischer Mining, LLC (Fischer Mining Operation)
• Proposed home at 3265 220th St. E
• Discussion on 2040 MUSA Comprehensive Plan amendment update for AUAR area
• Review of site plan for salt storage shed at Empire Maintenance Facility

The Planning Commission voted 4‑0 to recommend approval of the IUP amendment and renewal for the McNamara Berg mining operation and 4‑0 to recommend approval of the IUP amendment for the Fischer Mining expansion. The commission also directed staff to update the building‑right database for the Oakwood Knoll subdivision and recommended that the Siewert parcel be placed in the 2040+ category of the Comprehensive Plan amendment. Additionally, the commission recommended a tan canopy for the new salt storage shed and other site‑specific conditions.

• Recommended approval of McNamara Berg IUP amendment and renewal (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Fischer Mining IUP amendment (4-0)
• Directed staff to update building‑right database for Oakwood Knoll subdivision
• Recommended inclusion of Siewert parcel in 2040+ Comprehensive Plan category
• Recommended tan canopy and site conditions for salt storage shed at maintenance facility

Empire City Council

The council approved a budget amendment that replaces a $25,000 woodchipper purchase with a $28,000 salt storage shed at the maintenance shop. The amendment also adjusts employee wages based on the Position Classification & Compensation Study and increases the Deputy Clerk’s hours to 40 per week. All motions passed unanimously with a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved consent agenda items: minutes, bill list, cash balance report (3-0)
• Approved mobile food unit licenses (3-0)
• Approved Position Classification & Compensation Study Report and implementation plan (3-0)
• Approved amendments to Personnel Policy and job descriptions (3-0)
• Approved 2026 budget amendment adding $28,000 salt storage shed, wage adjustments, and Deputy Clerk hour increase (3-0)
• Approved consideration of Flint Hills Community Advisory Council information (no vote recorded, noted as discussed)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Empire City Council

The Empire City Council will consider adopting two ordinances amending communication tower and sign regulations, along with a resolution accepting a resignation. The body will also review a draft compensation study and approve a permit for a 5K event.

• Adopt Ordinance 2026-7 amending communication tower rules
• Adopt Ordinance 2026-8 amending sign regulations
• Accept resignation of Melanie McCracken (Resolution 2026-4A)
• Consider adopting compensation and classification study
• Permit use of City Hall parking lot for 5K event

The council approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, which included accepting the resignation of Melanie McCracken and permitting use of City Hall parking for a 5K event. It also approved the application for a large assembly at Watt Munisotaram on April 18, 2026. The meeting was then adjourned. No final action was taken on the draft compensation study.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda, including acceptance of Melanie McCracken's resignation (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda, permitting City Hall parking lot for 5K event (5-0)
• Approved large assembly application for Watt Munisotaram (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Empire Planning Commission

The Empire Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding wireless communication towers and sign regulations. The meeting will also include information on a draft ordinance for reasonable accommodations and updates on other agenda items.

• Public hearing on wireless communication tower and sign regulation amendments
• Information on draft reasonable accommodations ordinance
• Updates on other agenda items

The commission voted 5‑0 to recommend amending Section 6.17 of the Zoning Ordinance to limit towers to one per parcel, require setbacks referencing dwelling units, and prohibit equipment storage exceptions. It also voted 5‑0 to recommend amending Section 6.21 to set specific wall‑sign coverage limits by district. Both recommendations were adopted without dissent.

• Approved recommendation to amend Section 6.17 (communication towers) – motion carried 5-0
• Approved recommendation to amend Section 6.21 (signs) – motion carried 5-0
• Closed public hearing on zoning amendments – motion carried 5-0

Empire City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on an amended fee schedule ordinance. The body is also deciding on site plan applications for a road construction business and a communications tower, as well as the 2025 financial audit.

• Public hearing for Ordinance No. 515-2026A (Amended Fee Schedule Ordinance)
• Site plan review for McNamara Contracting (Road Construction Business)
• Site plan review for Vertical Bridge (170th Street Communications Tower Site)
• Adoption of Ordinance No. 375 (Amended Right-of-Way Ordinance)
• Resolution 2026-3A to transfer Road & Bridge Fund balance to the General Fund

The council approved Ordinance No. 375, updating the Right‑of‑Way rules, and adopted Resolution 2026‑3A to move the remaining Road & Bridge Fund balance into the General Fund, closing that fund. Both actions passed unanimously. The council also approved the 2025 financial audit, several site‑plan applications, and a revised lease for farming land.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 375 (Amended Right‑of‑Way Ordinance) (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026‑3A to transfer Road & Bridge Fund balance to General Fund (5-0)
• Approved 2025 Financial Audit and Statements (5-0)
• Approved Site Plan Review for McNamara Contracting (5-0)
• Approved Site Plan Review for Vertical Bridge communications tower (5-0)
• Approved amended 3‑year lease for farming on public works property at $120 per acre (5-0)
• Approved Mobile Food Unit licenses and Stelzel Field agreements in consent agenda (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 515‑2026A (Amended Fee Schedule) (5-0)

Empire City Council

The Empire City Council will review the 2025 financial audit and consider a lease agreement for farming operations on the Public Works Building property. The body will also receive updates on street maintenance, water tower financing, and a proposed housing market study.

• Presentation of 2025 Financial Audit and Draft Financial Statements
• Proposed lease agreement for farming operations on Empire Public Works Building property
• Financing for proposed North End Water Tower
• Financing for proposed 2029 Street Reconstruction Project
• Cambodian Temple Large Gathering Permit Application

The council approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, which included three mobile food unit licenses, each by a 4‑0 vote. It also approved the proposed lease agreement for farming operations on the Public Works Building parcel by a 5‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda, including three mobile food unit licenses (4-0)
• Approved lease agreement for farming operations on Public Works property (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Empire Planning Commission

The Empire Planning Commission will consider site plan applications and a landscaping plan amendment. The body will also review a proposed comprehensive plan amendment from the City of Farmington regarding the Sawyer Glenn Development.

• Site Plan Review application from McNamara Contracting
• Landscaping Plan Amendment to Site Plan Review application from Vertical Bridge
• City of Farmington Proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Sawyer Glenn Development)
• Minnesota Legislative and Met Council Updates

The Planning Commission voted 5‑0 to recommend approval of the Site Plan Review application submitted by McNamara Contracting. It also voted 5‑0 to recommend approval of the landscaping plan attached to Vertical Bridge’s communications tower site plan. The Commission voted 5‑0 to take no comment on Farmington’s proposed comprehensive‑plan amendment. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved McNamara Contracting site plan review (5-0)
• Approved Vertical Bridge landscaping plan amendment (5-0)
• Recommended no comment on Farmington comprehensive‑plan amendment (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting per motion

Empire City Council

The Empire City Council will consider adopting an ordinance regulating large assemblies and a garbage services agreement. The meeting also includes approving a telecommunications site plan and reviewing committee reports.

• Adopt Ordinance No. 230 regulating large assemblies
• Consider agreement with Highland Sanitation for garbage services
• Approve site plan for telecommunications tower at 4272 170th St. W
• Review Clerk-Administrator 2025 performance
• Information on zoning updates for telecommunications towers and battery energy storage systems

The council adopted Ordinance 230, which updates regulations for large public assemblies, by a 4‑0 vote. It approved the site‑plan review application for the co‑location on the telecommunications tower at 4272 170th St. W with conditions, voting 3‑1. The council also approved a three‑year garbage service agreement with Highland Sanitation by a 4‑0 vote. The meeting agenda and consent agenda were approved unanimously.

• Adopted Ordinance 230 regulating large assemblies (4-0)
• Approved Site Plan Review Application for 4272 170th St. W telecom tower (3-1)
• Approved Highland Sanitation garbage services agreement (4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (4-0)

Empire City Council

The Empire City Council will consider and vote on three ordinances that set franchise fees for Minnesota Energy Resources, Dakota Electric Association, and Northern States Power Company (Xcel Energy). The council will also appoint a new planning commission member and discuss a garbage service agreement with Highland Sanitation. Additional agenda items include routine consent items, committee reports, and a visitors forum.

• Adopt Ordinance 2026-4: Gas service franchise fee on Minnesota Energy Resources
• Adopt Ordinance 2026-5: Electric service franchise fee on Dakota Electric Association
• Adopt Ordinance 2026-6: Electric service franchise fee on Northern States Power Company (Xcel Energy)
• Consider appointing Jared Sachs to a new term on the Planning Commission
• Consider agreement with Highland Sanitation for garbage services

The council approved Ordinance 2026-4, adding a $3 per account gas service franchise fee, and Ordinances 2026-5 and 2026-6, adding the same fee for electric service from Dakota Electric Association and Xcel Energy. The council also appointed Jared Sachs to a new term on the Planning Commission, accepted updates to the 2023 Pavement Management Plan, and removed item H.6 from the agenda. All motions carried unanimously (5-0).

• Removed item H.6, Highland Sanitation Service Agreement, from agenda (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Accepted updates to the Pavement Management Plan (5-0)
• Appointed Jared Sachs to a new Planning Commission term (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-4, $3 gas service franchise fee (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-5, $3 electric service franchise fee for Dakota Electric (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-6, $3 electric service franchise fee for Xcel Energy (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Empire Planning Commission

The Empire Planning Commission will review a site plan for a telecommunications tower co-location. The body will also review draft amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding towers and battery energy storage systems.

• Site plan review for telecommunications tower co-location at 4272 170th St W
• Draft zoning ordinance amendments for towers and battery energy storage systems

The commission voted 5‑0 to recommend approval of the site plan for the co‑location on the existing telecommunications tower at 4272 170th St W, with conditions on color, landscaping, and lighting. It also decided to keep the draft zoning‑ordinance amendments for towers and battery energy storage systems on file for future use. The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 PM.

• Recommended approval of site plan for 4272 170th St W tower with conditions (5‑0)
• Recommended retaining draft tower and BESS zoning‑ordinance amendments on file for future use

Empire City Council

The Empire City Council will review a business IUP for McNamara Contracting Inc. and a subdivision application for a parcel at 3095 170th Street East. The body will also discuss private wells on Chippendale Ave. and a donation of AED units from the Farmington Fire Dept.

• IUP for McNamara Contracting Inc. Road Construction Business
• Metes and Bounds Subdivision Application for Parcel at 3095 170th Street East
• Liability Coverage Waiver Form for Liability Coverage from LMCIT
• Donation of AED Units from Farmington Fire Dept.
• Update on Franchise Fee Ordinances

The council approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda by unanimous vote. It then approved a 10‑year IUP for McNamara Contracting’s road construction project near Highway 3 and 170th Street (5‑0). The council also approved a metes‑and‑bounds subdivision application for parcel 3095 170th Street East (5‑0). The meeting was adjourned after a unanimous vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved IUP for McNamara road construction (5-0)
• Approved subdivision at 3095 170th Street East (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Empire Planning Commission

The Empire Planning Commission will continue a public hearing regarding a business permit for McNamara Contracting. The commission will also review a subdivision application for a parcel located at 3095 170th Street East.

• Public hearing for IUP for McNamara Contracting road construction business
• Metes and Bounds Subdivision Application for 3095 170th Street East

The Planning Commission closed the public hearing on the McNamara IUP request. It then voted to recommend approval of a new IUP for McNamara Contracting’s road construction business. The commission also recommended approval of the metes‑and‑bounds subdivision application for the parcel at 3095 170th Street East. The meeting was adjourned.

• Motion to close public hearing carried 4-0
• Motion to recommend approval of McNamara IUP carried 4-0
• Motion to recommend approval of subdivision at 3095 170th St East carried 4-0
• Motion to adjourn carried

Empire City Council

The council approved three nonexclusive franchise ordinances for Minnesota Energy Resources, Dakota Electric Association, and Xcel Energy, each passing with a 5‑0 vote. It also adopted Resolution 2026‑1D authorizing the city’s participation in the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund, also approved 5‑0.

• Approved Ordinance No. 2026-1 (Minnesota Energy Resources) (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2026-2 (Dakota Electric Association) (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2026-3 (Xcel Energy) (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-1D authorizing membership in the 4M Fund (5-0)
• Approved Letter of Credit reduction for Deer Creek Phase 1 (5-0)
• Approved Development contract and PUD agreement for Deer Creek 2nd Addition (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-1B (Northwest Empire AUAR) (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 210 (Animal Control Ordinance) (5-0)

Empire Planning Commission

The commission voted 5‑0 to postpone the public hearing on the McNamara Contracting IUP renewal to the Jan 20, 2026 meeting. It also voted 5‑0 to cancel the scheduled Jan 6, 2026 Planning Commission meeting. The commission recommended expanding the animal‑control ordinance’s “under restraint” definition to exempt hunting dogs used by licensed hunters. Staff will draft a letter for Retrofit Environmental regarding its proposed use in the Light‑Industrial district.

• Continued public hearing on McNamara IUP renewal to Jan 20, 2026 (5‑0)
• Cancelled Jan 6, 2026 Planning Commission meeting (5‑0)

Empire City Council

The Empire City Council will consider adopting the 2026 budget and tax levy, approving a fee schedule, and renewing terms for park and planning commissions. The meeting also includes a special session with Farmington regarding fire service.

• Adopt 2026 budget and tax levy
• Approve 2026 Animal Control Ordinance
• Approve Deer Creek 2nd Addition plat and development contract
• Renew Park & Rec. Commission terms
• Hire Paul LaCroix as Maintenance Worker

The Empire City Council unanimously adopted the 2025 tax levy that will be collected in 2026 and approved the final 2026 city budget and capital improvement plan. The council also amended and adopted Resolution 2025-12C, approving the Deer Creek 2nd Addition final plat and setting a recording deadline. Ordinance 515-2026, updating the city fee schedule, was adopted with a 5‑0 vote.

• Adopted Resolution 2025-12A, 2025 Tax Levy collectable in 2026 (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-12B, Final 2026 City Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (5-0)
• Amended Resolution 2025-12C, item 2.h. to require final plat recorded by April 30, 2026 (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-12C, approving Deer Creek 2nd Addition Final Plat (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 515-2026, Empire Fee Schedule Ordinance (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items (minutes, bill list, cash balance, commission term renewals) (5-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Recommended tabling the Deer Creek development contract until the Jan 13 meeting (no vote recorded)