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Empire, MN

Empire public meetings in 2024

40 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 31, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider parcel split in DNH Empire Addition

The Empire Planning Commission will discuss solar electric system zoning and review information on the Parks Master Plan and Dakota County Greenways. The body will also consider recommending approval for a property parcel split in the DNH Empire Addition.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommends no change to solar ordinance

The Empire Planning Commission recommended no change to the zoning ordinance that prohibits wholesale solar electric systems, following a request from property owners. The Commission also received updates on the Parks Master Plan, Dakota County Greenways, a property inspection, and tabled a parcel split application until it is complete.

Tue Dec 31, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council to consider 2024 tax levy and final city budget

The City Council will consider adopting the 2024 tax levy, the final 2024 city budget, and the Capital Improvement Plan. The body will also review ordinances regarding cannabis businesses and consumption, as well as a new fee schedule.

budgettax-levycannabiszoningparksordinances
✓ Decided: Council adopts 2024 tax levy, budget, and cannabis ordinances

The Empire City Council unanimously approved the 2024 tax levy, final 2024 budget and Capital Improvement Plan, and adopted three cannabis-related ordinances (zoning, possession/sale/consumption, and nuisance amendments). It also adopted a public utility ordinance with new availability charges and a revised fee schedule effective January 1, 2025.

Wed Dec 11, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider cannabis-related zoning and nuisance ordinance changes

The Empire Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting with the City Council to discuss a proposed AUAR and future development plans. It will also consider recommending approval of several ordinance amendments, including changes to zoning for cannabis businesses, a new ordinance regulating possession, sale and consumption of cannabis, and an amendment to the Nuisance & Abatement Ordinance.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommends proceeding with $393,000 AUAR for Northwest Empire

The Empire Planning Commission recommended that the City Council proceed with developing an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for the Northwest area, estimated to cost $393,000 and to be repaid through per-acre development charges. The commission also recommended adoption of zoning ordinance amendments related to cannabis businesses, including provisions for retail locations and noise regulations. Both recommendations passed unanimously.

Wed Dec 11, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council to hold public comment meeting on 2025 budget

The City Council will present the 2025 draft budget for public comment. The body is also considering a liquor license for Kwik Trip and a nuisance ordinance violation at 3702 Upper 204th St. W.

budgetliquor-licenseordinancesinfrastructurezoning
✓ Decided: Council approves 2025 budget levy with 5.88% increase

The Empire City Council approved the 2025 budget and tax levy, which represents a 5.88% increase from the 2024 levy (1.96% after estimated tax capacity increase). The council also approved a three-year agreement with Safe Assure for employee safety training and OSHA compliance, and voted to proceed with the AUAR for the Northwest area of Empire.

Wed Nov 27, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council to update snow removal policy and election results

The Empire City Council will meet on November 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM to consider adopting a resolution updating the snow removal policy, canvassing election results, and discussing other local issues. The meeting includes committee reports, public comments, and approval of routine agenda items.

snow-removalelectionslaw-enforcementtrailstraffic
✓ Decided: Council approves prosecution services agreement with 3% annual fee increase

The Empire City Council approved a three-year prosecution services agreement with Campbell Knutson, including a 3% annual cost-of-living adjustment. The council also adopted resolutions updating the snow removal policy and canvassing the 2024 election results, and approved a trail master plan agreement with Bolton & Menk funded by a $35,000 grant.

Wed Nov 27, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Public hearing to amend zoning ordinance for cannabis businesses

The Empire Planning Commission will hold two public hearings to consider a zoning amendment for cannabis businesses and an ordinance regulating cannabis possession, sale, and consumption. The commission will also review a draft amendment to the Public Utility Ordinance (Ordinance No. 510‑I), discuss the definition of “Farm” in the zoning ordinance, and address zoning violations at 210th Street and Clayton Ave. Additional items include reviewing Rosemount comprehensive‑plan amendments and discussing a moratorium on data centers and water‑tower/well siting.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission tables cannabis ordinances, recommends utility fee changes

The Empire Planning Commission tabled recommendations on two cannabis-related ordinances (zoning amendment and possession/sale/consumption regulation) until the next meeting, pending attorney-recommended updates. It recommended adoption of amendments to the Public Utility Ordinance, including new availability charges for water and sewer infrastructure. The commission also discussed but kept the existing definition of 'farm' and noted zoning violations on a property at 210th Street and Clayton Ave.

Wed Nov 13, 2024

Empire City Council

City Council to hold public hearing on proposed street vacation

The Empire City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding a street vacation for McNamara Contracting. The council will also consider purchasing new streetlights for 199th Street W and waiving a ballfield concession fee for a September 2025 tournament.

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✓ Decided: Council favors vacating Chippendale Ave. and 164th St. rights-of-way for McNamara mining

The Empire City Council held a public hearing on McNamara Contracting's request to vacate portions of Chippendale Ave. and 164th Street W. rights-of-way for mining operations. The Council expressed favor for approving the vacation but will only adopt a resolution once all required waivers from adjacent property owners and utilities are signed. The Council also approved waiving the ballfield concession fee for the Invisible Wounds Tournament and recommended a joint meeting with the Planning Commission for November 26th.

Wed Oct 23, 2024

Empire City Council

City Council to consider Deer Creek Development preliminary plat and PUD

The Empire City Council will review development proposals and infrastructure updates. Key items include a preliminary plat for the Deer Creek Development and a discussion on emergency access for the Fairhill Development.

zoningdevelopmentinfrastructurelicensingplanning
✓ Decided: Council votes to keep 194th St emergency gate, formalizes response

The Empire City Council voted 4-0 to document its formal response on the 194th Street emergency access gate, recommending it remain in place based on resident input and MN Dot's safety stance. The council also approved the preliminary plat/PUD for the Deer Creek development (107 lots), an Xcel Energy laydown yard timeline extension, and a surety reduction for DNH Empire Addition. All votes were 4-0.

Wed Oct 23, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review Glenhaven Events Center site plan and cannabis ordinances

The Empire Planning Commission will review an updated site plan for the Glenhaven Events Center, a proposed public street vacation, draft cannabis regulations, and a Farmington technology park amendment. It will also discuss food truck ordinance fees and whether to cancel the November 5 meeting.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission backs Glenhaven Events site plan changes, street vacation review

The Empire Planning Commission reviewed and gave consensus support to Glenhaven Events Center's updated site plan, which reduces lot coverage and adds a wedding chapel, solar arrays, and parking, contingent on removing a concrete pad and applying for an amended conditional use permit. They also reviewed a proposal to vacate a portion of Chippendale Ave. for McNamara Contracting, recommending staff explore a private use agreement for adjacent street areas. The commission discussed draft cannabis ordinances, suggesting prohibitions on retail sales and on-site consumption, and reviewed a Farmington comprehensive plan amendment, expressing concerns about utility service details. They also decided to keep food truck fees as-is and voted to cancel the November 5th meeting.

Wed Oct 9, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council to discuss cannabis regulations and mine operations

The City Council will consider several operational approvals, including a liquor license for Southern Hills Golf Course and a 24-hour operation permit for Holcim's Stonex-Nielsen Mine. The body will also discuss proposed cannabis regulations and a draft letter regarding Met Council 2050 Land Use Policy.

cannabisminingliquor-licensezoningpersonnel-policypublic-works
✓ Decided: Council approves 24-hour mining operation continuation at Holcim Stonex-Nielsen

The Empire City Council approved the continuation of 24-hour, six-day-per-week operations at the Holcim Stonex-Nielsen mine after the 50-day probationary period passed without concerns. The council also approved a residential building right transfer, a public hearing for a street vacation, personnel policy amendments, and health insurance renewal. All votes were 5-0.

Wed Oct 9, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Public hearing on Deer Creek development preliminary plan

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider the preliminary plat and planned unit development for the proposed Deer Creek development. It will review a proposal to demolish and construct a new home at 21112 Blaine Avenue. The meeting also includes Xcel Energy’s request for a timeline on extending the Clayton Avenue laydown yard, updates on draft cannabis ordinances, a letter to the Metropolitan Council about the Imagine 2050 draft land‑use policy plan, and a proposed comprehensive‑plan amendment for the Farmington Technology Park.

developmenthousingenergycannabisland-useplanning
✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommends approval of Deer Creek preliminary plat and PUD

The Empire Planning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary plat and PUD for the Deer Creek development, increasing from 97 to 107 single-family lots to meet Metropolitan Council density requirements. The commission also recommended extending Xcel Energy's laydown yard use through July 2026, and discussed but took no final action on a home demolition/rebuild proposal, cannabis ordinances, and a comprehensive plan amendment.

Wed Sep 25, 2024

Empire City Council

Council will consider adopting the 2024 tax levy to be collected in 2025

The council will consider several consent‑agenda items, including approving minutes and a food‑truck license list. Committee reports will be presented on a street‑improvement project, a conditional‑use‑permit amendment for the Dakota Area Transfer, and an amendment to retail‑sales zoning in the AG district. In new business the council will vote on a proposed 2024 tax levy, set a date for a 2025 budget public‑comment meeting, discuss a street‑light installation at Highway 3 and 205th St. Ct., and receive information on Metro Cities.

zoningtax-levybudgetstreetspermitsplanning
✓ Decided: Empire Council adopts 2024 tax levy with 6.71% increase, collectable in 2025

The Empire City Council approved a conditional use permit amendment for Dakota Area Transfer (NHCC Properties LLC) and adopted Ordinance No. 2024-5 updating AG District retail sales rules. The council adopted Resolution 2024-9A setting the proposed 2024 tax levy collectable in 2025, with a 6.71% levy increase and a projected 2.79% tax burden increase. The council also approved mobile food unit licenses, set the 2025 budget public comment meeting for November 26, directed staff to join Metro Cities effective January 1, 2025, and approved a new street light at Highway 3 and 205th St. Ct.

Wed Sep 25, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Empire Planning Commission to discuss cannabis regulation and zoning requests

The Planning Commission will review requests regarding residential building rights and zoning requirements for the Glenhaven site. The body will also discuss cannabis regulation and a draft letter concerning the Met Council 2050 Comprehensive Plan.

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✓ Decided: Empire Planning Commission recommends approval of building rights transfer

The Empire Planning Commission recommended approval for a residential building rights transfer between two parcels on 210th Street. The Commission also discussed zoning requirements for the Glenhaven Events site, cannabis regulation options, and a draft letter regarding the Met Council 2050 Comprehensive Plan.

Wed Sep 11, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Empire Planning Commission to hold hearings on zoning and CUP amendments

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding a conditional use permit amendment and changes to retail sales provisions in the AG District. The body will also review a parcel split request and residential building rights.

zoningpublic-hearingland-useretailplanning
✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommends CUP amendment for Dakota Area Transfer

The Empire Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) amendment for Dakota Area Transfer at 3358 165th St. E., which includes a turning lane on County Road 81 and requires occupancy only after MPCA and Dakota County permits are obtained. The commission also recommended approval of a zoning ordinance amendment allowing retail sales of agricultural products in the AG District, and recommended assigning two residential building rights to Betzold parcels once combined to 40 acres or more. A parcel split request for 20852 Bentley Ct. was discussed but not approved due to lot size requirements.

Wed Sep 11, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council to review proposed 2025 budget

The City Council will hold a budget workshop to review the proposed 2025 budget. The body is also considering a new ordinance regarding the use of public land and easements.

budgetordinancezoningpublic-works
✓ Decided: Council adopts Ordinance 265-B regulating public land uses

The Empire City Council adopted Ordinance No. 265-B, which updates references from 'township' to 'city' and adds a section on maintenance of stormwater ponds and drainage easements. The council also approved the consent agenda, including food truck licenses and a resolution accepting contributions. No other substantive decisions were made; the 2025 budget was presented for discussion only.

Wed Aug 28, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Empire Planning Commission to discuss zoning amendment for AG Retail Sales

The Planning Commission is meeting to review a proposed zoning ordinance amendment regarding AG Retail Sales. The body will also receive information on maintenance near stormwater ponds and wetlands and general planning and zoning updates.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommends stormwater pond maintenance ordinance changes

The Empire Planning Commission recommended approval of amendments to Ordinance No. 265-A regarding maintenance near stormwater ponds and drainage ways, voting 5-0. The commission also discussed building rights for four parcels, a proposed zoning amendment for AG retail sales, and received updates on upcoming hearings and a draft cannabis ordinance.

Wed Aug 28, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire Council to approve vendor license and support watershed grant

The Empire City Council will consider approving a pro-rated license fee for the Eggroll Queen Inc. and a letter of support for a Vermillion River Watershed culvert improvement project. The meeting also includes consent agenda items such as financial reports and minutes.

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✓ Decided: Council approves footings permit for Nitti Sanitation transfer facility

The Empire City Council approved a building permit for footings and grading at the proposed Dakota Area Transfer site, contingent on a $20,000 letter of credit. They also approved a one-event MFU license for Eggroll Queen Inc. and a letter of support for a watershed grant application. The meeting was largely routine, with no old business.

Thu Aug 15, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Empire Planning Commission to review mining ordinance and parcel split

The Planning Commission will discuss a parcel split and a privacy fence request. Members will also review proposed amendments to the city's mining ordinance and a comprehensive plan amendment for the Lord of Life site in Lakeville.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission approves side-yard fence, discusses farm sales

The Empire Planning Commission approved a privacy fence at 19418 Century Rd. (4-0) and discussed broadening farm product sales in the AG district, with staff to draft ordinance language. They also recommended no comment on Lakeville's comprehensive plan amendment (4-0) and reviewed proposed mining ordinance amendments.

Thu Aug 15, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council to review election judges and local development updates

The City Council will consider approving the list of election judges for the 2024 primary and general elections. The body will also receive updates on the Nitti Sanitation Waste Transfer Station and a proposed comprehensive plan amendment for the Cedar Hills North Development in Lakeville.

electionswaste-managementzoningpublic-workspublic-safety
✓ Decided: Council approves election judges list, addresses trail concerns

The Empire City Council approved the agenda, minutes, treasurer's report, bills totaling $124,450.09, and Resolution No. 2024-7 for election judges. Residents raised concerns about trail restoration and mowing near stormwater ponds; staff explained noxious weed control requirements and the contractor will restore the trail. The council recommended no comment on Lakeville's comprehensive plan amendment and discussed inviting Nitti Sanitation to discuss building permit next steps.

Wed Jul 24, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council to consider tree regulation ordinance

The City Council will meet to discuss local governance items, including the adoption of a new tree ordinance. The body will also review updates to the Capital Improvement Plan and consider a mobile food license.

ordinancesbudgettreescapital-improvement-planlicensing
✓ Decided: Council adopts tree ordinance, approves Kona Ice license

The Empire City Council adopted Ordinance No. 470 regulating trees, with a provision for city-funded removal of boulevard trees originally required by the city. The council also approved the annual mobile food unit license for Kona Ice and reviewed the draft Capital Improvement Plan for 2025-2029.

Wed Jul 24, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Empire Planning Commission discusses mining ordinance and Lakeville development

The Empire Planning Commission will review updates to the city’s mining ordinance, progress on the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, and a proposed amendment for the Lakeville-Cedar Hills North development. The meeting will also include a discussion on allowing sales of goods in the AG zoning district.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission discusses mining ordinance update, no votes taken

The Empire Planning Commission held a discussion-only meeting on July 16, 2024, covering a potential mining ordinance update, the 2050 Comprehensive Plan process, and sales of goods in the agricultural district. No formal decisions or votes were made; staff will prepare draft amendments for the next meeting.

Wed Jul 10, 2024

Empire City Council

Public hearing for a cannabis business moratorium in Empire

The Council will hold a public hearing regarding an interim ordinance to place a moratorium on cannabis businesses and related activity. The agenda also includes reviews of the Deer Creek Subdivision layout and tree regulations.

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✓ Decided: Council adopts interim cannabis moratorium and approves Deer Creek subdivision site plan

The Empire City Council adopted an interim ordinance imposing a moratorium on cannabis businesses until January 1, 2025, while staff research the topic. The Council also approved the revised site plan for the Deer Creek Subdivision, which adds 10 lots to meet density requirements. Additionally, the Council approved a pay request for the 2024 street project and bills totaling $339,614.76.

Wed Jun 26, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Empire Planning Commission discusses development fees and subdivision layouts

The commission will hold a joint meeting with the City Council regarding connection charges and area fees for future development. The agenda also includes a review of the revised layout for the Deer Creek Subdivision and a draft tree ordinance.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission approves Deer Creek subdivision layout and draft tree ordinance

The Empire Planning Commission recommended approval of the revised site plan for the Deer Creek Subdivision and a draft tree maintenance ordinance, both by 4-0 votes. The City Council and Planning Commission also discussed financing scenarios for future development in northwest Empire, including potential bond costs and infrastructure assumptions. No final decisions were made on the development financing; further steps like a housing study and budget discussions were recommended.

Wed Jun 26, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council discusses zoning, cannabis moratorium, and development agreements

The City Council will consider several planning items including a site plan for Xcel Energy on Clayton Ave and an amendment to the Empire Zoning Ordinance. The agenda also includes a potential moratorium on cannabis businesses and a development agreement with KT Real Estate Holdings, LLC.

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✓ Decided: Empire City Council approved Xcel Energy laydown yard and Kwik Trip agreement

The Empire City Council approved the site plan for an Xcel Energy laydown yard on Clayton Ave., an amendment to the zoning ordinance and IUP renewal for American Motors, and a development agreement with Kwik Trip. The council also set a public hearing for a cannabis business moratorium and approved bills totaling $105,634.75.

Wed Jun 12, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Empire Planning Commission discusses cannabis moratorium and tree maintenance

The commission will review a site plan for the Xcel Energy Laydown Yard on Clayton Ave. The meeting also includes consideration of a moratorium ordinance for cannabis businesses and a discussion regarding tree maintenance policy.

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✓ Decided: Empire Planning Commission backs Xcel laydown yard and cannabis moratorium

The Planning Commission recommended approval of a site plan for an Xcel Energy laydown yard on Clayton Ave. and recommended adopting a moratorium on cannabis businesses and related activities; both motions carried 5-0. It also recommended that staff draft a tree-maintenance policy making residents responsible for tree removal on their property and in the right of way, prohibiting right-of-way planting, and allowing the city to remove or trim right-of-way trees. A resident reported drainage issues on Biscayne Ave. related to the Met Council WWTP; a joint meeting with the City Council was announced for June 18.

Wed Jun 12, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council to consider zoning amendments and land use permits

The council will review several planning items, including zoning ordinance amendments for auto repair and waste transfer facilities. They will also consider industrial use permits for mineral extraction and American Motors. Additionally, the council will address agricultural reenrollment applications.

zoningplanningland-useagriculturewaste-management
✓ Decided: Empire City Council approves solid waste transfer station and mineral extraction renewal

The City Council approved a Conditional Use Permit for a solid waste transfer station and a zoning amendment for associated outdoor storage. The Council also renewed a mineral extraction permit for Holcim Inc. and tabled two requests regarding American Motors.

Wed May 29, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council discusses park updates, site plans, and seasonal licenses

The City Council will consider several planning items including a Kwik Trip site plan revision and a parcel split for the Glen Haefs property. The agenda also includes discussions on tree maintenance policy and an agreement with Bolton & Menk Inc. for a park plan update.

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✓ Decided: Empire City Council approves Kwik Trip site amendment and parcel split

The City Council approved a site plan amendment for a Kwik Trip trash enclosure and a parcel split for a seasonal produce site. The council also authorized a $20,000 agreement for a park plan update and a grant application for trail infrastructure.

Wed May 29, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Proposed zoning changes for auto repair and solid waste facilities

The commission will hold public hearings on zoning amendments for auto repair and solid waste transfer facilities. The agenda also includes an IUP renewal for mineral extraction and a discussion on tree maintenance policy.

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✓ Decided: Commission recommends approval for auto repair, waste transfer, and mineral extraction permits

The Empire Planning Commission recommended approval of a zoning amendment allowing enclosed auto repair at American Motors, an amended IUP for vehicle sales at the same site, and a Conditional Use Permit for a solid waste transfer station at 3358 165th St. E. The Commission also recommended approval for a zoning amendment regarding outdoor storage at solid waste facilities and the renewal of a mineral extraction permit for Holcim Inc. A discussion on tree maintenance policy was tabled until the next meeting.

Wed May 15, 2024

Empire City Council

Discussion on future development and infrastructure in Northwest Empire

The City Council will discuss future development and infrastructure financing for the Northwest Section of Empire. The agenda also includes a joint session with the Planning Commission to consider land use amendments and plat revisions. Additionally, the Council will review siren maintenance agreements and food truck licenses.

developmentzoninginfrastructureplanningpublic-safetybusiness
✓ Decided: Empire City Council approves siren maintenance agreement with Farmington

The City Council approved a joint agreement with Farmington to split maintenance and insurance costs for two emergency sirens 50/50. The council also approved a CUP amendment for Glenhaven Events and expanded the Recreation Commission to seven members.

Wed May 15, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Empire Planning Commission discusses waste transfer and zoning amendments

The commission will continue a public hearing regarding a solid waste transfer station at 3358 165th St. E. Other items include a zoning amendment for auto repair in the MXR district and several site plan or property requests.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommends approval of Kwik Trip site plan and Glen Haefs parcel split

The Planning Commission recommended approval for a Kwik Trip site plan revision and a parcel split for the Glen Haefs property. Two public hearings were continued to May 21, and the commission discussed outdoor storage requirements for Doyle Storage.

Wed Apr 24, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council to consider street and parking lot improvement bid

The council will consider accepting a bid from McNamara Contracting, Inc. for the 2024 Street and Parking Lot Improvement Project. The agenda also includes reviewing committee reports on sanitary sewer and law enforcement.

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✓ Decided: Empire council awards $946,118.35 street project to McNamara Contracting

The Empire City Council awarded the 2024 Street Improvements Project contract to McNamara Contracting, Inc. at $946,118.35, the lowest of the bids received, all of which came in under the engineer's estimates. The council also approved paying bills totaling $103,538.66 and approved the treasurer's report, which noted a $50,000 transfer from General Savings to General Checking on April 9, 2024. A joint meeting with the Planning Commission on Northwest Empire development was set for April 23 at 6:00 PM at the Public Works Building. The council recommended that the Planning Commission discuss a possible ordinance amendment to expand the Park & Rec Committee to seven members.

Wed Apr 24, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Empire Planning Commission discusses land use and zoning items

The commission will hold public hearings regarding a solid waste transfer station and a chapel addition. The meeting also includes discussions on the Deer Creek development, a residential structure at Watt Munisotaram, and an ordinance amendment.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommends approval for chapel addition and housing lot increase

The Commission recommended approval for a chapel addition at Glenhaven Events and the addition of five residential lots to the Deer Creek development. A conditional use permit for a solid waste transfer station was continued to May 7.

Wed Apr 10, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council discusses mining IUPs and park master plan updates

The City Council will consider several mining IUP renewals and amendments, including those for Holcim-MWR and Dakota Aggregates, LLC. The council is also reviewing proposals to update the Empire Parks Master Plan and a draft contract with the Dakota County CDA.

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✓ Decided: Empire council approves four Holcim and Dakota Aggregates mining permits and IUP changes

The Empire City Council approved a seasonal mining permit for Holcim-MWR at the Hartigan property, an amendment to the Holcim-MWR Brand Mine IUP, and renewals/amendments for the Dakota Aggregates UMore and Brockman mines — all on 5-0 votes. The UMore renewal changes operating hours to 24/7, with mining expected to continue until 2073. Council also approved Bolton & Menk's proposal for the Parks Master Plan update and a related contract with Dakota County CDA, contingent on attorney review. A joint meeting with the Planning Commission on northwest area infrastructure was recommended for April 23 at 6:30 PM.

Wed Mar 27, 2024

Empire Planning Commission

Empire Planning Commission reviews mining permits and connection fees

The commission will hold public hearings regarding mineral extraction permits for Holcim-MWR, Inc. and Dakota Aggregates, Inc. The meeting also includes a discussion on connection fees and availability charges.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommends approval for three mining permit requests

The Planning Commission recommended approval for IUP amendments and permits for Holcim-MWR and Dakota Aggregates. The commission also recommended that American Motors apply for a zoning ordinance amendment to allow auto repair services.

Wed Mar 27, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council discusses zoning, audit reports, and public works requests

The City Council will review the 2023 financial statement audit and consider approving it. The agenda includes a proposed amendment to the Empire Zoning Ordinance and a request for an outdoor pizza oven at the Public Works Building.

zoningfinancegovernment-operationspublic-works
✓ Decided: Empire City Council amends zoning to allow schools in AG District

The City Council adopted an ordinance allowing middle, secondary, and high schools as conditional use permits in the AG District. The council also approved the 2023 financial audit and authorized over $380,000 in bill payments.

Wed Mar 13, 2024

Empire City Council

Council considers 2024 street improvements and 2040 Comprehensive Plan update

The Empire City Council will review plans for the 2024 Street Improvement Project and consider adopting the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. The agenda also includes a fire service contract with Farmington and an out-of-state travel policy.

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✓ Decided: Empire City Council approves 2024 street improvement plans and 2040 Comprehensive Plan

The City Council approved plans and bid authorization for a $1.5 million street and parking lot project. The council also adopted the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update and a fire service contract with the City of Farmington.

Wed Feb 28, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council discusses zoning changes and fire service contracts

The City Council will consider amending the zoning ordinance regarding schools in the AG District and reviewing a contract for fire service with the City of Farmington. The agenda also includes a sketch plan review for the Del Webb development on 170th Street.

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✓ Decided: Empire City Council directs zoning amendment for middle and high schools

The City Council approved a motion to draft a zoning amendment allowing middle and high schools as conditional uses in the AG District. The council also approved over $126,000 in bills and the 2024 PNP election judge list. A proposed fire service contract with Farmington was reviewed but not yet adopted.

Wed Feb 14, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council discusses street improvements and accessory structure variances

The Council will consider a resolution for an accessory structure variance at 1623 210th Street. The meeting includes discussion on the future trash transfer station EAW and a report on $240,000 transferred between city accounts.

zoningfinanceinfrastructurepublic-worksgovernment-administration
✓ Decided: Empire City Council approves variance for pole barn at 1623 210th Street

The City Council approved a variance for accessory structures at 1623 210th Street to allow for a commercial berry farm. The council also approved January bills and established the disbursement of ARPA revenue. Discussions were held regarding traffic studies for a proposed Nitti Sanitation waste transfer facility.

Wed Jan 24, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council considers Kwik Trip car wash and gas station plans

The council will consider several planning requests, including a car wash and gas station for Kwik Trip. They will also consider closing 194th Street West at the border of Empire and Farmington. Other items include city appointments and an audit engagement.

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✓ Decided: Empire City Council approves Kwik Trip convenience store and car wash

The City Council approved the site plan, plat, and conditional use permit for a Kwik Trip convenience store and car wash. The council also authorized a subdivision extension and the purchase of a city pickup truck.

Wed Jan 10, 2024

Empire City Council

Empire City Council to consider 2024 budget, tax levy, and fee schedule

The City Council will review the 2023 tax settlement receipt and cash balance report. Action items include adopting the 2024 city budget, tax levy, and a new fee schedule via ordinance.

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✓ Decided: Empire City Council adopts 2024 budget and tax levy

The City Council approved the 2024 City Budget, Capital Improvement Plan, and the 2023 tax levy. Other key actions included updating the city personnel policy and adopting a new fee schedule for water, sewer, and rentals.