Sauk Rapids public meetings in 2025
25 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council will consider approving plans and specifications for the 2026 2nd Avenue South Improvements project and authorizing advertising for bids. The estimated total project cost is $6,510,000, funded by federal, state, and local sources. Approval is contingent upon the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
- Approve resolution for 2026 2nd Avenue South Improvements project, estimated at $6,510,000
- Project includes reconstructing 2nd Ave S from 10th St S to Searle St NE, including a roundabout, sidewalk, lighting, and utility upgrades
- Funding sources include Federal Aid (STBGP), Municipal State Aid Street funds, Franchise Fees, and Minnesota Public Facilities Authority Grant
- Advertising for bids authorized, with bids to be opened at a future council meeting
- Project contingent on Minnesota Department of Transportation approval
City Council
The City Council will hold public hearings and consider adopting five special assessment rolls for unpaid utility bills, property violations, and street/utility improvements. The assessments total $546,339.50 and cover properties across the city, including the Highview Area and multiple streets for overlay improvements. The council will also consider a variance request for a non-conforming structure at 508 2nd Street South and approve several consent agenda items including a land purchase in Bob Cross Park and a Cellebrite software purchase.
- Public hearing on assessment rolls: #448 ($25,818.84 unpaid utilities), #449 ($5,298.75 property violations), #450 ($71,469.42 Highview Area improvements), #451 ($433,493.01 overlay improvements), #452 ($10,259.48 senior deferred assessment at 209 1st St S)
- Public hearing on variance request by David and Tammy Peck for an addition to a non-conforming structure at 508 2nd Street South
- Consent agenda includes approving 2026 SEH MS4 contract, land purchase in Bob Cross Park, and purchase of Cellebrite software
- Discussion of December 6th Jingle & Mingle Celebration and Parade
City Council
The City Council is reviewing proposed plans for several new structures at the Independent School District #47 high school campus. These projects include an Early Childhood Center, an Outdoor Activity Complex, and a garage/transportation building.
- Early Childhood Center: 87,854 square foot facility with 224 parking stalls
- Outdoor Activities Complex: includes turf fields, track, bleachers, and concession buildings
- Transportation Building: 5,040 square foot garage for district vehicles
- Site plan approval conditions regarding engineering comments and an ongoing traffic study
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council will consider several consent agenda items, including the promotion of Adam Thene to Director of Public Works, the purchase of a police vehicle, and agreements for a school fire access road and water main. No public hearings or regular agenda items are scheduled.
- Approve promotion of Adam Thene to Director of Public Works at grade 18, step 2
- Approve purchase of a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor SUV for $44,436.44
- Approve amended Fire Access Road Agreement with ISD #47 for water main and fire hydrants
- Approve $4,000 estimate from JR Masonry & Concrete, Inc. for Mayhew Creek Park storage building
- Approve auctioning off a 2002 F-350 and a 1994 Ford L9000 plow truck
City Council
The City Council will vote on a consent agenda that includes approving a Tax Increment Financing district for a 76-unit workforce housing apartment building, purchasing a drone for the police department, and replacing liquor store signage. No public hearings are scheduled.
- Approve Tax Increment Financing District No. 26 for a 76-unit apartment building at Mayhew Lake Road and 18th Street NE
- Approve purchase of a drone for the Sauk Rapids Police Department
- Approve combining and renewing Axon contracts for body-worn and in-car cameras
- Approve hiring Rice Companies to build a new concession stand
- Approve replacement/repair of liquor store signage (quote from Scenic Sign)
City Council
The City Council will consider approving a preliminary 2026 tax levy of $6,956,600, an increase of $569,600 (8.9%) over 2025. The proposed General Fund budget for 2026 is $9,681,100, up $692,200 (7.7%). The preliminary levy must be set by September 30 and can only be reduced, not increased, before the final levy is adopted in December.
- Preliminary 2026 total tax levy of $6,956,600, up 8.9% from $6,387,100 in 2025
- General Fund budget increase of $692,200 (7.7%) driven by wage/benefit costs, 20% health insurance hike, new police officer, and 2026 election costs
- Debt service levy of $282,300 for 2022 street improvement bonds
- Public hearing on final 2026 levy and budget set for December 8, 2025 at 6:00pm
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council will hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance to regulate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), adding specific standards for setbacks, height, and landscaping. The consent agenda includes several routine items, such as liquor license addendum, contractor licenses, and a lead water service line replacement project. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from the August 25 meeting.
- Public hearing on ordinance to regulate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), allowing only in I-1 Industrial District by interim use permit
- Approve addendum to annual on-sale liquor license for Benton Station's special event
- Approve 2025 plumbing and mechanical contractor licenses
- Authorize SEH to prepare plans for 2026 lead water service line replacement project
- Approve Gull Holdings site plan and Pondview Planned Unit Development 2nd amendment
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing on a Conditional Use Permit for Cultivating Knowledge LLC to operate a cannabis retail storefront with curing and storage at 1121 Lincoln Ave S. The Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions including hours of operation from 11am to 7pm, odor control, and annual review. The council will also consider a funding request for PFAS abatement and Mayhew Creek sports complex improvements, and hear a rental property appeal at 110 7th Street South.
- Public hearing on Conditional Use Permit for cannabis retail, curing, and storage facility at 1121 Lincoln Ave S
- Funding request to Minnesota Management and Budget for PFAS abatement and Mayhew Creek Regional Sports Complex Improvements
- Rental property appeal at 110 7th Street South
- Disposal of unclaimed property and police department shotguns
- Rock the Riverside concert series update
City Council
The City Council will discuss the first draft of the 2026 budget, including a proposed preliminary levy of $6,885,400 — a $616,100 (7.8%) increase over 2025. The council will also consider approving plans and specifications for the Mayhew Creek Park Phase 2 project and authorizing advertisement for bids. Other items include approving 2025 plumbing and mechanical contractor licenses and an update on Rock the Riverside.
- 2026 preliminary levy proposed at $6,885,400, a $616,100 increase
- General fund budget increase of $616,100 (6.85%) for 2026
- Approve plans and authorize bids for Mayhew Creek Park Phase 2 (multipurpose fields)
- Approve 2025 plumbing and mechanical contractor licenses
- Rock the Riverside event update
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council will hold three public hearings and consider actions on a conditional use permit for a cannabis cultivation facility at 1101 13th Ave N, a planned unit development to convert two single-family lots into three lots, and a rezoning of two tax parcels near Sauk Rapids-Rice High School to park and school zones.
- Public hearing on conditional use permit for cannabis production at 1101 13th Ave N
- Public hearing on planned unit development to convert two single-family lots into three, with two lots not meeting minimum width standards
- Public hearing on rezoning two tax parcels near Sauk Rapids-Rice High School to park and school zones
- Approval of minutes from July 14 and July 21, 2025 meetings
- Receive and file minutes from April 28, 2025 Special EDA meeting
City Council
The City Council will consider approving the paving of the entire parking lot at Mayhew Creek Baseball Complex. The original bid did not include paving the second half, which is now estimated at $181,419. The council will also discuss using remaining contingency funds and the potential for higher costs if delayed.
- Approve paving the whole parking lot at Mayhew Creek Baseball Complex for $181,419
- Remove 8 concrete median pads and $14,000 worth of trees as part of the work
- Estimated contingency left of about $167,000 for the project
City Council
The City Council will vote on several consent agenda items including hiring a police officer, approving an amusement permit for a block party, appointing a public works position, approving a solar project at Pleasantview Elementary, and buying new countertops. No public hearings or regular agenda items are scheduled. The meeting also includes an update on the Rock the Riverside concert series.
- Approve hiring Matthew Kiffmeyer as police officer at Grade 11, Step 2 salary
- Approve amusement permit for St. Cloud Financial Credit Union's Back-to-School Block Party
- Approve solar project at Pleasantview Elementary
- Approve new countertops for Community Room
- Rock the Riverside update
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council will hold public hearings on a variance for an elevated deck at 131 19th Ave NE and a conditional use permit for Uncle Hippies Cannabis to operate a recreational cannabis production facility at 1260 10th Street N. The council will also consider consent agenda items including a roundabout construction agreement with Benton County and an amusement permit date change.
- Variance request by Gary Posch for elevated deck 6 feet from property line at 131 19th Ave NE
- Conditional use permit for Uncle Hippies Cannabis to grow and prepare recreational cannabis at 1260 10th Street N
- Agreement with Benton County for CSAH 29 and CSAH 1 roundabout construction
- Rescheduled amusement permit for Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation
- Rock the Riverside event update
City Council
The City Council is receiving the 2024 audit report from CliftonLarsonAllen. The auditor identified a significant deficiency in internal control due to limited staff, including insufficient segregation of duties in EFT, payroll, utility billing, and liquor store inventory. No material weaknesses were found, and the audit opinion is unmodified.
- Significant deficiency: lack of segregation of accounting duties due to limited office staff
- Financial Director authorizes and records EFTs; City Administrator reviews and approves
- No required cybersecurity training for employees
- Finance Clerk handles payroll entry, check printing, and distribution without consistent outside review of department head timecards
- Uncorrected misstatements noted for pension in-kind contribution, contracts payable, and subscription liability
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council will consider a project participation agreement with the school district and receive the 2024 audited financial statement. The consent agenda includes approving amusement and liquor licenses for the Benton County Agricultural Society's Fall Festival, change orders for street and water line projects, and 2025 plumbing licenses.
- Consider project participation with School District
- 2024 Audited Financial Statement Presentation
- Amusement permit for Benton County Agricultural Society's Fall Festival (Sept 19-21)
- Temporary on-sale liquor license for Benton County Agricultural Society's Fall Festival
- Change Order No. 3 to the 2024 2nd Avenue South Improvements Project
City Council
The City Council is reviewing the 2025-2043 Capital Improvement Plan, a planning tool for large capital costs across all city operations. The plan details funding sources and projects for 2025, including street reconstruction, PFAS abatement, and park development. The council is expected to discuss and potentially approve the plan.
- PFAS abatement: $5.84M for water main upgrades and well improvements, with $3M in grants and $2.5M in revenue bonds
- Mayhew Creek Park Development Phase I: $4.4M for a baseball complex, Phase II: $1.6M for multi-purpose fields with ISD 47
- 2025 street overlays: $1.966M for Garden Brook, Hillside Meadows, Oak Crest, Stone Ridge, and other neighborhoods
- Lead service line replacement: $1.061M in 2025 and $1.8M in 2026, funded by grants
- 2nd Ave S reconstruction (2026): $5.894M total, with federal and state aid
City Council
This is a joint meeting of the Sauk Rapids and Waite Park city councils, held at The Ledge Amphitheater. The agenda includes a presentation from the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (GSDC) on regional priorities, introductions of new city officials, and brief updates from each participating city. No formal decisions or votes are scheduled; the meeting is primarily informational and social.
- Presentation by GSDC on regional work and upcoming priorities
- Get-to-know-you session for new city officials
- City updates from each area community (5 minutes each)
- Optional tours of The Ledge Amphitheater after the meeting
- Next joint cities meeting scheduled for July 29, 2025 in St. Cloud
City Council
The City Council will review several consent agenda items including a regional beltline transportation agreement and local street improvements. The meeting also includes the swearing-in of Police Officer Cerrano Moore.
- Beltline Transportation Project Cost-Sharing Agreement
- 2025 CSAH 3 (Second Street North) Roundabout Pedestrian Crossing Safety Improvements project award of $271,651.14
- 2025 Overlay and Highview Area Street and Utility Improvements Project
- Amusement Permit for The Great Pages Circus at Sports Arena East
- Temporary On-Sale Liquor Licenses for the Benton County Agricultural Society
City Council
The council will discuss creating a Local Housing Trust Fund and hear a presentation on the Area Planning Organization Beltway. The consent agenda includes approving the promotion of a police officer to sergeant, auctioning off vehicles and equipment, and awarding the 2025 seal coating project.
- Creation of Local Housing Trust Fund discussion
- Promotion of Police Officer Dustin Berthiaume to Police Sergeant at $95,697/year
- Auction of six vehicles and equipment including a 2014 Ferris mower and 2005 Ford F250
- Awarding 2025 Seal Coating Project to Allied Blacktop Company
- Accepting $2,775 cash donation from Sauk Rapids VFW to Fire Department
City Council
The City Council will consider approving an amusement permit for a special event hosted by the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation. The event, scheduled for June 12 at the Benton County Fairgrounds, honors police, fire, and ambulance personnel. Staff recommends approval with a condition that fire sprinkler connections remain unobstructed.
- Amusement permit for Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation event on June 12, 4-8pm at Benton County Fairgrounds
- Condition: fire sprinkler connections must remain unobstructed
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council will consider approving the 2025 Lead Water Service Line Replacement Project as its main regular agenda item. The consent agenda includes 12 items such as purchasing a zero-turn lawn mower, approving amusement permits, and setting legal rates. No public hearings are scheduled for this meeting.
- 2025 Lead Water Service Line Replacement Project (Regular Agenda item)
- Purchase of Ferris ISX3300 zero-turn lawn mower with bagger for $22,338
- Resolution Governing Write-In Vote Counting for local elections
- Amusement permit for St. Cloud Antique Auto Club's August 17 car show
- Cost share for new sound system at Bob Cross Baseball Field
City Council
The Sauk Rapids City Council will consider modified plans for the 2025 Highview Area Street and Utility Improvements Project and the 2025 Overlay Improvements. The agenda also includes a liquor operations update and a reminder about Citizen of the Year nominations. No public hearings are scheduled.
- Modified Plans and Specifications for 2025 Highview Area Street and Utility Improvements Project
- 2025 Overlay Improvements
- Sauk Rapids Liquor Update by Tom Boulton, Liquor Operations Manager
- 2025 Citizen of the Year nominations due April 14
City Council
The City Council is reviewing construction plans for the 2025 Highview Area Street & Utility Improvements project. The plans include street reconstruction, water main loop installation, and storm water treatment in the Highview Drive area. The agenda consists of detailed engineering drawings and specifications for the project.
- Street reconstruction on W Highview Dr, E Highview Dr, N Highview Dr, Oak Dr, High Dr, and High Ct
- Installation of 8-inch water main loop
- Storm sewer improvements and ditch grading
- Traffic control and phasing plan to maintain access for residents during construction
- Removal of existing pavement, curb and gutter, and storm sewer pipe
City Council
The City Council is being asked to approve plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for bids for the 2025 CSAH 3 (Second Street North) Roundabout Pedestrian Crossing Safety Improvements project. The project, estimated at $357,000, is contingent upon approval from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Benton County. The city received $302,500 in Active Transportation Infrastructure Program funding administered by MnDOT.
- Approve plans and authorize bids for pedestrian crosswalk flasher systems at 2nd Street North and Summit Avenue, and 2nd Street North and 6th Avenue North
- Project total estimated at $357,000 (construction $280,000, contingency $21,000, engineering $50,000, testing $6,000)
- $302,500 in Active Transportation Infrastructure Program grant funding from MnDOT
- Bidding anticipated in March/April 2025, construction planned for fall 2025
City Council
The City Council will hear an appeal of the Flores rental matter and receive an update from the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District on a community referendum. The consent agenda includes hiring a firefighter, replacing an outdoor warning siren, and supporting a trail grant application for Mayhew Lake Road NE.
- Flores Rental Appeal — public hearing on a rental-related decision
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District Community Referendum Update from Superintendent Brad Bergstrom
- Authorize replacement of one outdoor warning siren and update components of another
- Resolution in support of an Active Transportation Infrastructure Program Grant for the Mayhew Lake Road NE (CSAH 1) Trail Extension Project
- Approve hiring one new probationary employee for the Fire Department