Waite Park Council Agenda Includes Vegetation Ordinance, Equipment Sales; Upcoming Meetings on Fire Staffing, Public Works Hire
The Waite Park City Council met Aug. 3 for a work session and regular meeting. Minutes have not yet been published, so the following items are from the agendas. The most significant item on the regular agenda was a proposal to replace the city's noxious weeds ordinance with a new vegetation ordinance that would set an 8-inch grass height limit and allow managed natural landscapes with registration.
Work session: Public Safety/City Hall tour
The council conducted a guided tour of the Public Safety/City Hall construction site at 19 13th Avenue. Staff provided updates on the project's budget, timeline, and estimated completion date. Department heads also gave general updates on activities and upcoming initiatives.
Regular meeting: Surplus sales, vegetation ordinance, and more
The regular meeting agenda included several routine items:
- Approval of the sale of surplus equipment from Tower 3.
- Authorization to sell a 1999 Sterling LT9500 Plow Truck via MinnBid.
- A resolution (080326) setting a public hearing on certification of delinquent accounts.
- Approval of a temporary gambling permit for Prairie's Edge Gobblers.
Vegetation ordinance proposal
The council considered a draft ordinance that would repeal and replace Ordinance 92 on noxious weeds. Key provisions include:
- Grass and weeds cannot exceed 8 inches in height, except in cultivated garden rows or exempt areas.
- Managed natural landscapes (rain gardens, meadow vegetation, ornamental plants) would require registration with Public Works.
- Exemptions would apply to A-1 Agricultural/Rural Residential and I-1 Light Industrial zoned properties, county parks, and approved natural areas.
- A first violation would be a petty misdemeanor; a second or subsequent violation would be a misdemeanor.
- Costs of city-ordered weed removal would become a lien on the property and be added to taxes.
No vote totals or dollar amounts were included in the agenda materials.
Coming up
The council will meet again today, Aug. 17, with two sessions:
- **Work session** (agenda): Review of Fire Department staffing and organizational structure for 2027, including recommendations to support service delivery and leadership. Department heads will also provide updates.
- **Regular meeting** (agenda): Consideration of a public works supervisor hiring recommendation, approval of purchases for a brine system and a floor scrubber with trailer, and a resolution and agreement for a 2027 street improvements feasibility study covering 24th Avenue and 2nd Street. The agenda also includes public input, consent agenda, and approval of bills.
Both meetings are open to the public. Agendas are available on the city's website.