Sauk Rapids public meetings in 2024
30 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council is deciding on a land exchange agreement with Independent School District No. 47. The city would give 10 acres of Mayhew Lake Park to the school for an early childhood facility, and receive 17.5 acres of vacant school land for future park use. The exchange is intended to support collaborative development of school facilities and park land.
- Exchange of 10 acres of Mayhew Lake Park (City Exchange Property) for 17.5 acres of school-owned vacant land (School Exchange Property)
- City Exchange Property currently used for trail, disc golf, and greenspace
- School to use City Exchange Property for early childhood educational facility
- School pays all closing costs and state deed taxes for both properties
- Reverse exchange required if school does not begin development by December 31, 2027
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council is meeting to consider three consent agenda items: purchasing a rifle-rated ballistic shield for the police department, and approving change orders for the 2023 Overlay Improvements and 2023 Division Street Improvements projects. The change orders adjust contract quantities and dates, with the overlay project decreasing by $118,425.04 and the Division Street project increasing by $81,049.87.
- Approve $7,053.65 purchase of a 14-pound rifle-rated ballistic shield for police
- Approve Change Order No. 1 to 2023 Overlay Improvements, net decrease of $118,425.04
- Approve Change Order No. 4 to 2023 Division Street Improvements, net increase of $81,049.87
- Overlay project final cost estimated at $4,030,188, under budget of $4,476,000
- Division Street project final cost estimated at $3,534,812 (excluding overlay-related work), under budget of $3,980,000
City Council
The City Council is asked to authorize staff to apply for and enter an agreement with Minnesota Housing to renew Sauk Rapids' participation in the Minnesota City Participation Program for 2025. This state-run program provides downpayment and closing cost assistance to first-time and step-up homebuyers using state-issued bonds, with no financial risk to the city. In 2024, the program helped fund 9 first-time loans totaling $2,083,042, 4 step-up loans for $1,047,233, and $244,000 in downpayment assistance.
- Authorize application and agreement for 2025 Minnesota City Participation Program
- Program provides downpayment and closing cost assistance to first-time and step-up homebuyers
- 2024 results: 9 first-time loans ($2,083,042), 4 step-up loans ($1,047,233), $244,000 in downpayment assistance
- No financial risk or significant administrative burden to the city
- Applicants must be under 80% of area median income
City Council
The City Council, acting as the canvassing board, will meet to certify the official abstract of votes cast in the November 5, 2024 State General Election for Sauk Rapids. The agenda includes only this single item and adjournment.
- Certification of the abstract of votes for Mayor (Sauk Rapids): Nicholas Sauer 2,760, Jason Ellering 3,730
- Certification of the abstract of votes for Council Member (Sauk Rapids) (elect 2): Dottie Seamans 2,817, Kyle Boron 1,938, David Rixe 2,649, Clinton Holmgren 2,736
- Total number of persons voting: 7,566 out of 8,632 registered as of 7 a.m.
City Council
The City Council holds a special budget workshop to review proposed 2025 enterprise fund budgets and capital plans. Key issues include a $6 million PFAS abatement cost for the water fund, proposed 3% water and sewer rate increases, and a liquor fund budget with $4.1 million in sales. The council will direct staff on final budgets, utility rates, and the levy ahead of a December 9 public hearing.
- Water fund faces $6 million in PFAS abatement work; city applied for $3 million grant
- Proposed 3% water rate increase and 3% sewer rate increase for 2025
- Liquor fund budgets $4.1 million in sales with net income of about $173,400
- Sewer fund debt service costs rising due to St. Cloud wastewater treatment plant projects
- Capital levy projections from 2025-2043 range from $1.14 million to $1.365 million annually
City Council
The council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to authorize plans and specifications for the 2025 Overlay Improvements project. The project includes resurfacing streets and trails in the Garden Brook, Oak Crest, Stone Ridge, Hillside Meadows, and Church Hill Heights developments, plus 15th St NE, 13th St S, and Riverview Court. The estimated cost is partially funded by capital improvement funds and potential special assessments.
- Public hearing on 2025 Overlay Improvements for streets east of Highway 10 and other locations
- Resolution to authorize preparation of plans and specifications for the overlay project
- Project includes resurfacing bituminous trails in Garden Brook Park and Church Hill Heights Park
- Change Order No. 2 for the 2024 2nd Avenue South Improvements Project on consent agenda
- Resolution calling for public hearings on special assessment rolls on consent agenda
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing on a variance request from Tanner Nordlund to remove part of a parking lot at 507 North Benton Drive for landscaping while retaining the ability to add parking later. The consent agenda includes accepting an ARMER grant, approving licenses, appointing a police officer, approving training, selling unused vehicles, appointing a planning commission member, and approving a site plan and grant agreement for St. Cloud Window.
- Public hearing on variance request for parking lot removal at 507 North Benton Drive
- Accept ARMER Grant Award by Resolution
- Approve appointment to Police Officer position
- Approve sale of unused city vehicles
- Approve St. Cloud Window Minnesota Investment Fund Grant Agreement
City Council
The City Council will consider awarding a $3,608,706 contract to Northern Lines Contracting for Phase 1 of Mayhew Creek Park, which includes a four-field baseball complex, parking, trails, and utilities. The council will also vote on a memorandum of understanding with the Sauk Rapids-Rice Youth Baseball Association to formalize donation procedures for the complex. Other consent items include approving an assessment agreement for private service lines on Second Avenue South and a land collaboration with ISD 47.
- Award $3,608,706 contract to Northern Lines Contracting for Mayhew Creek Park Phase 1 (baseball complex, parking, trails, utilities)
- Approve memorandum of understanding with Sauk Rapids-Rice Youth Baseball Association for baseball complex donations
- Approve use of assessment agreement for private service lines on Second Avenue South project
- Approve land collaboration with ISD 47
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council and Sauk Rapids-Rice Board of Education are holding a joint meeting to discuss updates on Mayhew Creek Park, results of a school district community survey, and development topics including housing and downtown. No formal decisions are scheduled; the agenda is primarily informational and procedural.
- Mayhew Creek Park update presented by City Engineer Scott Hedlund
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District community survey results presented by Bergstrom
- Development update covering housing and downtown areas by Olson
City Council
The City Council will review a feasibility report for the 2025 Overlay Improvements project, which includes resurfacing streets and trails, repairing curb and gutter, and fixing storm sewer issues in the Church Hill Heights, Stone Ridge, Garden Brook, Oak Crest, Hillside Meadows areas, plus 15th Street Northeast, 13th Street South, and River Avenue South. The total estimated project cost is $2,282,993.32, with $490,752.94 proposed to be funded through special assessments on benefiting properties. The council is deciding whether to proceed with the project and consider levying those assessments.
- Total project cost: $2,282,993.32
- Proposed special assessments: $490,752.94
- Street resurfacing on 4.04 miles of residential streets in six neighborhoods
- Trail replacement in Church Hill Heights, Stone Ridge, Garden Brook, and Hillside Meadows
- Storm sewer repairs at isolated locations shown on Figure 1
City Council
The City Council will hold a regular meeting with several consent agenda items and one regular agenda item. Key decisions include approving an election judge schedule, authorizing plans for a lead water service line replacement project, and discussing the Mayhew Park Phase II project. The agenda also includes a resolution for a moratorium on new residential rental licenses.
- Approve election judge schedule for 2024 General Election
- Authorize SEH to prepare plans for 2025 Lead Water Service Line Replacement Project
- Approve summary of publication resolution for interim moratorium on new residential rental licenses
- Mayhew Park Phase II discussion
- Rock the Riverside update
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council held a special budget meeting to review the first draft of the 2025 General Fund budget and proposed preliminary levy. The total proposed levy is $6,377,600, a 9.0% increase over 2024, driven largely by wage and benefit costs, new police and park maintenance hires, and street improvements. The council directed staff on the budget and preliminary levy; formal adoption is set for September 23, 2024.
- Proposed 2025 total levy of $6,377,600, up $528,200 (9.0%) from 2024
- General Fund budget increase of $572,600 (6.83%) for 2025
- New hires: one police officer (replacement, 4 months), one additional police officer (August 2025), one additional park maintenance employee (July 2025)
- Capital improvement levy increase of $20,000; street improvement bond levy decrease of $600
- Public hearing on final 2025 levy and budget scheduled for December 9, 2024
City Council
The City Council, acting as the canvassing board, will meet to certify the official vote tally from the August 13, 2024 State Primary. The agenda contains only this single item plus procedural call to order and adjournment.
- Canvass of votes cast in the 2024 State Primary for the City of Sauk Rapids
- Total of 861 ballots counted from 6 precincts
- Mayor race results: Jason Ellering 403 votes, Nicholas Sauer 366, Andrew Neussendorfer 57
City Council
The City Council will hold two public hearings on a conditional use permit and variance for Share House Coffee LLC to build a Scooter's Coffee drive-thru at the former potato warehouse site across from Burger King. The Planning Commission has unanimously recommended approval. The council will also consider approving plans for Mayhew Creek Park Phase I and authorizing bids.
- Public hearing on a conditional use permit for a drive-thru window at 101 S. Benton Drive (Scooter's Coffee)
- Public hearing on a variance for a single-story building on a corner lot, reduced glazing, and reduced setback from property line
- Approve plans and specifications for Mayhew Creek Park Phase I and authorize advertisement for bids
- Approve Change Order No. 1 to the 2024 Lead Water Service Line Replacement Project
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council will hold a special meeting to consider approving the appointment of Ryan Meyer as the new Assistant Finance Director. The Personnel & Finance Committee has recommended approval, and the appointment is contingent on a background check.
- Approve appointment of Ryan Meyer as Assistant Finance Director at Step 6 of the wage scale with three weeks vacation, contingent on background check
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council is meeting to handle routine business, including approving personnel policy updates related to Minnesota's Earned Sick and Safe Time law, disposing of surplus and abandoned property via auction, and hiring three probationary firefighters. No public hearings or regular agenda items are scheduled. The meeting also includes updates on Rock the Riverside and an invitation to a joint township/city/county meeting.
- Approve personnel policy updates aligning with 2023/2024 Earned Sick and Safe Time law changes, effective 7/1/2024
- Approve disposing of surplus city equipment, abandoned property, and seized vehicles via Keith Sharer Auctions
- Approve hiring 3 new probationary employees for the Fire Department
- Rock the Riverside update
- Invitation to joint meeting of townships, cities, and the county
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council is meeting to approve a consent agenda that includes several public works projects and contracts, such as the 2024 seal coating project, the lead water service line replacement project, and a change order for the 2nd Avenue South improvements. The regular agenda includes discussions on the 2026 Second Avenue South pedestrian railroad crossing improvements and the 2025 Highview area street and utility improvements project. The meeting also includes an update on the Rock the Riverside concert series.
- Approve 2024 Seal Coating Project
- Approve Change Order No. 1 to the 2024 2nd Avenue South Improvements Project
- Approve Awarding the 2024 Lead Water Service Line Replacement Project
- 2026 Second Avenue South Pedestrian Railroad Crossing Improvements
- 2025 Highview Area Street and Utility Improvements Project
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council is reviewing the city's audited basic financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. The audit received an unmodified opinion, and total net position for the city and Economic Development Authority increased by $5,296,925 to $117,811,915. The council is also considering the auditor's reports on internal control and legal compliance.
- Total net position increased $5,296,925 to $117,811,915
- Governmental funds ending fund balance decreased $828,213 to $20,704,087
- General Fund unassigned fund balance $4,402,008, 56% of 2023 expenditures
- Long-term bonds, loans, and notes payable decreased $1,180,092
- Auditor's report dated May 15, 2024, includes internal control and legal compliance findings
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council is holding a special meeting to consider approving a new job description and evaluation for an Assistant Finance Director position, which would replace the retiring Finance Clerk. The council will also decide whether to authorize staff to post and advertise the position. The recommendation comes from the Personnel & Finance Committee and is based on a Baker Tilly review.
- Approve Assistant Finance Director job description and evaluation
- Authorize staff to post and advertise the position
- Position replaces retiring Finance Clerk (effective June 7, 2024)
- Baker Tilly recommends reclassification from Grade 8 to Grade 13 (185 to 350 SAFE points)
City Council
The regularly scheduled City Council meeting for May 28, 2024, has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2024.
- Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items
- Next meeting scheduled for June 10, 2024
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council is considering approval of a list of bills and claims, including payroll, reimbursements, and accounts payable checks totaling $73,863.23. The agenda is primarily procedural, with no policy decisions or public hearings listed.
- Approval of checks #118350-118442, electronic checks #11584-11609, and direct deposits #525024-525098
- Payments to vendors for liquor, beer, wine, and supplies (e.g., Bernicks Pepsi, Johnson Bros, Southern Wine)
- Utility payments to Xcel Energy and BHE Berkshire for water, sewer, and street lighting
- Equipment purchases: Dell laptop ($2,000), Ferguson water meters ($4,500), and police vehicle maintenance ($1,752)
- Professional services: Kelm Law Office ($4,271.32) and S.E.H. Inc for PFAS abatement ($7,864.96)
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council is holding a special meeting with a public hearing on a request by Oltz Properties, LLC to vacate an alleyway in the Town of Sauk Rapids Plat at 22 2nd Ave North. The council will also consider approving an amended wastewater treatment use agreement, an alternate design for pickleball courts, and a youth baseball agreement with Sauk Rapids-Rice.
- Public hearing on alleyway vacation request by Oltz Properties, LLC at 22 2nd Ave North
- Approve amended wastewater treatment use agreement
- Approve pickleball courts alternate design
- Sauk Rapids-Rice youth baseball agreement
- List of bills and claims
City Council
The City Council will consider declaring the house at 2626 Ocarina Drive a hazardous building based on the Building Official's report and photographs, and may adopt an order requiring the owner to repair or demolish it. The property has unresolved code violations since 2022, and the owner, Jerod Dubuque, has not complied with prior orders.
- Resolution to declare 2626 Ocarina Drive a hazardous property and order abatement
- Owner Jerod Dubuque must remove personal property within 20 days of order service
- Required repairs include installing a front window, stabilizing beams/trusses, and repairing weather damage
- City may demolish the house if beyond repair and recover costs via lien or judgment
- Building Official deemed home uninhabitable under Minn. Admin. Rule 1300.0180
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council is asked to approve a list of claims and bills, including checks, electronic payments, direct deposits, and payroll. The agenda is purely administrative, with no policy decisions or public hearings.
- $116,736.69 to Short Elliott Hendrickson for 2024 overlay improvements
- $51,228.31 to City of St. Cloud for sewer construction
- $35,442.00 federal tax payment and $37,040.48 PERA payment
- $10,340.00 to Nelson Sanitation for sewer equipment
- $5,800.00 to ON2 Solutions for streetscaping
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council will hold its regular meeting with a consent agenda covering infrastructure projects, equipment sales, and administrative approvals. No public hearings are scheduled. The most consequential items include awarding contracts for the 2024 North Lift Station rehabilitation and the Railway Avenue sewer extension, as well as affirming a zoning decision on a property's legal non-conformity status.
- Award 2024 North Lift Station (LS #3) Rehabilitation contract
- Award 2024 Railway Avenue Sewer Extension contract
- Approve Swanberg Zoning Resolution affirming Zoning Administrator's decision on legal non-conformity status
- Approve and authorize selling city equipment
- Approve purchase of a utility trailer with accepted donations
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council will hold a public hearing to decide whether to grant an on-sale liquor license with Sunday sales to House of BBQ Ribs LLC at 319 North Benton Drive. The hearing was continued from February 26 because property taxes on the building remain delinquent. The council may approve the license conditionally, deny it, or continue the hearing again. Other agenda items include consent agenda approvals and a zoning decision appeal.
- Public hearing on on-sale liquor license with Sunday sales for House of BBQ Ribs LLC at 319 North Benton Drive; property taxes delinquent
- Approve amusement permit for Sauk Rapids Farmers Market at Coborn's
- Approve transfer of city property to the EDA
- Approve temporary on-sale liquor license for Church of the Sacred Heart
- Hearing on Swanberg zoning decision appeal
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council will hold a public hearing to consider an on-sale liquor license with Sunday sales for The House of BBQ Ribs LLC at 319 North Benton Drive. The property has delinquent taxes, which may block approval unless paid before the hearing. The council may approve, continue, or deny the license. Other items include consent agenda approvals for engineering studies, contracts, and licenses.
- Public hearing on on-sale liquor license with Sunday sales for House of BBQ Ribs LLC, 319 North Benton Drive
- Authorize SEH feasibility study for 2025 Overlay Improvements Project
- Authorize SEH feasibility study for 2025 Highview Area Street and Utility Improvements Project
- Approve SEH design contract for Mayhew Creek Park
- Approve awarding Ground Storage Tank Yard Piping Project
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council is holding a hearing to review the Cummings Care Center Planned Unit Development, which permits 33 beds at the former Sacred Heart convent. The council will decide whether additional reviews are needed and set a timeframe. The Planning Commission also recommends approving the annual review of Meridian Behavioral Health's conditional use permit, noting improved police communication despite a record 71 calls for service.
- Cummings Care Center PUD review: 33-bed assisted living facility at 213 2nd Ave. North
- Police calls for Cummings in 2023: 23, one more than last year
- Meridian Behavioral Health (Bridge Recovery) annual CUP review: 71 police calls in past year
- Meridian's condition for regular police communication has been met per Chief Beise
- Planning Commission recommends continuing annual reviews for Meridian
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council is asked to approve a list of bills and claims totaling $334,115.79, covering checks, electronic payments, and direct deposits. The agenda is routine financial approval with no policy decisions or public hearings.
- Axon Enterprise $24,191.38 for body-worn cameras
- Short Elliott Hendrickson $101,574.30 for streets & traffic
- C&L Distributing $25,581.39 for liquor purchases
- MN Dept of Transportation $26,814.52 for street improvements
- Game One $9,784.99 for baseball foul poles
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council is considering adoption of the new Comprehensive Plan, Vision Next 2040, which has been in development for two years. The plan updates land use to allow more flexibility in mixing uses in undeveloped and annexation areas, and includes housing data showing a shift toward multi-family and rental housing. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval after a public hearing with no comments. The council will take final action on the attached resolution.
- Adoption of resolution naming Vision Next 2040 as the city's new Comprehensive Plan
- Land use plan allows more flexibility for mixing uses in undeveloped areas and orderly annexation areas
- Housing stock: 65% single-family detached, 32% multi-family, 3% single-family attached
- Rental housing has increased steadily since 2010
- Public open house held Dec. 19; no significant concerns raised