Cold Spring public meetings in 2024
27 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The City Council approved a preliminary design proposal for the wastewater treatment facility and established new ordinances regulating cannabis businesses and registration fees. The council also approved a city-wide wage study and various equipment purchases for fire and police services.
- Approved $698,500 proposal from Stantec for 30% design of Wastewater Treatment Facility
- Passed Ordinances 416, 417, 418, and 419 regarding cannabis business zoning, regulation, and registration fees
- Approved salary and group placement adjustments based on a city wage study effective January 1, 2025
- Approved $14,970.06 for 2025 Ford Interceptor squad car equipment
- Approved $7,000 for two sets of bunker gear from Fire Equipment Specialties
Meeting
The city council held a truth in taxation meeting and approved the final 2025 budget and tax levy at a 10.45% increase, amended from staff's 10.35% recommendation to keep Christmas light repair funds. They also approved water rate increases (Ordinance 420) and a fee schedule amendment (Ordinance 421). The council voted to send a letter of support for a feasibility study to remove the Sauk River dam. Other actions included approving technology and security systems for the new fire station totaling $38,289.90 and a change order for lift station improvements.
- Final 2025 tax levy set at 10.45% increase (Resolution 2024-39) after 4-1 vote, amended to keep Christmas light repairs in budget
- Water utility rates adjusted (Ordinance 420) passed 4-1 after debate over base rate charges
- Fee schedule amended (Ordinance 421) passed 5-0
- Letter of support approved (4-1) for feasibility study to remove Cold Spring dam on Sauk River and replace with rock arch rapids
- Approved $4,793 technology proposal from Windahl Technology and $33,496.90 security system from Safeguard Security for new fire station
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved the revised preliminary plat and PUD for River Links without requiring a conservation easement on shoreland lots. The council entered closed session for threatened litigation and later voted 3-2 to deny a reimbursement request from Rogge Partnership. They also discussed cannabis ordinance details, appointed Marie Lego to the Park Board and Peter Nagel to the Planning Commission, and approved hiring a part-time plow driver.
- Approval of revised preliminary plat and PUD for River Links without conservation easement on shoreland lots
- Closed session on threatened litigation, followed by 3-2 vote to deny Rogge Partnership's reimbursement request
- Council agreed to cannabis dispensary hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and allowed temporary events with designated fenced areas for consumption
- Appointment of Marie Lego to Park Board and Peter Nagel to Planning Commission, both for four-year terms starting January 1, 2025
- Approval of hiring Reggie Fraley as plow truck driver for the 2024-2025 winter at Group 4, Step 0 pay rate
Meeting
The City Council approved a construction change order for the fire station and a revised agreement for Fireside Road. Members also discussed upcoming water and stormwater rate increases and proposed cannabis ordinances for 2025.
- Approved $89,606.00 Change Order No. 2 for granite bedrock removal at the fire station
- Approved revised agreement for Fireside Road connections to Meadow Lane and 2nd Avenue SE
- Approved Resolution No. 2024-38 certifying unpaid delinquent accounts
- Hired five part-time plow truck drivers for the 2024-2025 winter season
- Accepted accounts payable totaling $699,307.10 and a supplemental list of $57,186.16
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council reviewed a wage study proposing pay increases for six employees starting Jan 1, 2025, and will revisit it for possible approval in November. They also discussed a new funding formula for the fire station, including a charge-per-call fee for townships, and agreed to finalize the details in a separate agreement.
- Wage study proposal for six employees with pay increases effective Jan 1, 2025
- Fire department budget discussion with township representatives
- Proposed charge-per-call formula for townships to fund new fire station
- Exemptions from call charges: Assumption Campus, churches, schools, Hwy 23 accidents
- Committee to finalize separate fire protection agreement
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved several items including a fence height variance for Catholic Charities, a $52,485 contract to rehab two wells, and a resolution to join the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan. They tabled the revised preliminary plat for River Links Addition pending review of conservation easement language, and terminated the contract with Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) effective November 30, 2024. The council also entered closed sessions for threatened litigation and to consider allegations against an individual.
- Approved fence height variance for Catholic Charities at 101 10th Ave N, allowing a 6-foot fence in front yard (13 feet from corner)
- Approved $52,485 rehab of Wells 5 and 6 from Thein Well, paid from water department capital expenditures
- Approved joining the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan (Resolution 2024-37)
- Tabled revised preliminary plat of River Links Addition until conservation easement language is finalized
- Terminated contract with CEDA for economic development services effective November 30, 2024
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council met on October 9, 2024, and took action on several items. They approved a draft agreement for deeding the Fireside Road right-of-way to the city, contingent on city attorney approval, with required connections to Meadow Lane and 2nd Ave SE by 2026. They also approved a firefighter pay increase from $14.50 to $15.50 per hour and denied a $7,574.50 reimbursement request from Rogge Family Limited Partnership. Additionally, the council approved a $12,295 noise mitigation request for a resident and multiple contracts for the new fire station construction.
- Approved draft agreement for deeding Fireside Road to city, with connections to Meadow Lane and 2nd Ave SE by 2026
- Approved firefighter pay increase from $14.50 to $15.50 per hour, effective December 1, 2023
- Denied Rogge Family Limited Partnership's reimbursement request for $7,574.50 in attorney and engineer fees
- Approved noise mitigation for Patty Czech: trees from Thomsens ($7,680) and window from Lutgens ($4,615)
- Approved contracts for new fire station: staking ($6,000), inspection/testing ($49,299), and builders risk insurance ($5,534)
Meeting
The City Council approved the sale of general obligation bonds and awarded contracts for the construction of a new Fire Hall. The body also adopted a preliminary 2025 tax levy and approved a special use permit for a McDonald's drive-through.
- Authorized $8,405,000 in General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds for the new Fire Hall
- Approved a special use permit for a drive-through at 200 3rd Street South for McDonald's USA, LLC
- Adopted the preliminary 2025 tax levy with a 10.45% increase (passed 4-1)
- Approved a $15,575 proposal from Stantec for Spartan Fields construction services, to be paid by the developer
- Approved Ordinance No. 415 amending zoning for residential units in commercial districts
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved including three alternate bids for the new Fire Hall (fire hydrant, granite rock, concrete curbing) and authorized Donlar Construction to proceed. They reviewed a $8.78 million bond finance plan for the Fire Hall at an estimated 4.38% interest over 30 years. The council discussed transitioning a portion of Fireside Road from private to public, and approved ordering plans for the 2025 Main Street reclaim project. They also awarded a $723,145 contract for a water treatment plant backwash tank.
- Approve including three Fire Hall alternate bids ($25,000 fire hydrant, $1,625 granite rock, $3,510 concrete curbing) and authorize scope reviews of low bidders
- Finance plan for $8,780,000 Capital Improvement Plan General Obligation Bonds for new Fire Hall, 30-year term at 4.38% interest
- Discussion on transitioning a portion of Fireside Road (south of Blue Heron Heights 2nd and 4th Additions) from private to public ownership
- Order plans and specifications for 2025 Main Street reclaim project: from west of Red River Ave to 10th Ave, and ~450 feet east of Sauk River bridge
- Award $723,145 contract to MN Mechanical Solutions for Water Treatment Plant Backwash Tank
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council tabled a decision on the 2025 Main Street Improvements Project feasibility report until after the annual budget meeting. They approved ordinances amending parking regulations in front yards, a $12,000 contract to remove dead downtown trees, and a $19,340 purchase of a K9 police dog. The Council also entered into a wastewater treatment agreement with Rockville and approved additional engineering funds for the new fire station.
- Tabled feasibility report for 2025 Main Street Improvements ($2.9M project, $2.1M city cost) until next meeting
- Approved Ordinance No. 413 and 414 amending front yard parking and zoning ordinances
- Approved $12,000 contract to Andrew Phillipi to remove dead trees and replace granite with concrete downtown
- Approved $19,340 purchase of K9 dog from Performance Kennels, Inc. for police department
- Approved additional $10,450 budget for Stantec for fire station site design changes
Meeting
The City Council approved a five-year law enforcement services agreement with the City of Richmond and updated city code regarding house trailer and camper parking. The body also authorized the demolition of two buildings at the Public Works location and approved hiring for the fire department.
- Ordinance No. 412 amending city code for house trailers and campers
- Five-year Law Enforcement Services Agreement with the City of Richmond
- Demolition of old slaughterhouse and dog kennel by Kraemer Trucking and Excavation for $22,750.00
- Authorization to advertise for the hiring of up to five firefighters
- Resolution No. 2024-23 for Water Treatment Plant Backwash Tank bids
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved a variance for the new Fire Station parking lot, a minor subdivision for the ROCORI Food Shelf, and plans for the Fire Station construction. They also authorized contracts for a wellhead protection plan, soil borings for Main Street improvements, a backwash tank design, and a $232,082.87 change order for the industrial pre-treatment facility. A write-in vote counting resolution and tuition reimbursement were also approved.
- Approved variance to waive parking lot island at new Fire Station (109 Main St)
- Approved minor subdivision and reattachment for ROCORI Area Food Shelf addition
- Approved Resolution 2024-21: plans and advertisement for bids for Cold Spring Fire Station
- Approved $232,082.87 change order for industrial pre-treatment facility
- Approved $95,650 design contract for water treatment plant backwash tank
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved a contract for maintenance building construction totaling $1,229,397.87. The council also authorized crack sealing and seal coating projects and referred parking regulation amendments to the Planning Commission.
- Maintenance Building Construction contract awarded for $1,229,397.87
- Crack sealing project with Bargen approved for $24,982.81
- Seal coating project with Astech Corporation approved for $35,900.95
- Appointment of Brittany Harrington to the Economic Development Authority (EDA)
- Referral of parking regulation amendments to the Planning Commission
Meeting
The City Council updated rules to allow campers to park on streets for up to 72 hours in front of their own property. This change affects how long residents can keep recreational vehicles on the street. The Council also approved soil testing at the Fire Hall site and addressed several zoning requests.
- Approved 72-hour limit for street parking of campers in front of owner's property
- Hired Braun Intertec for soil vapor sampling at 109 Main Street for $8,540.00
- Denied several variances for a proposed water and ice station business
- Approved conditional use permit for placing fill in the floodway for Lift Station #1
- Accepted accounts payable totaling $72,374.80 and $41,858.83
Meeting
The City Council discussed development plans for Spartan Field and formed a committee for the City Hall/Police Department remodel. Members approved a $20,800 proposal for wastewater treatment facility planning and directed staff to seek proposals for building renovations. During a re-opened session, the Council voted to offer $1,000,000 for part of a specific property parcel.
- Approved $3,800 contract with HMA Architects for library rendering
- Approved $20,800 proposal from Stantec for wastewater treatment planning
- Offered $1,000,000 to purchase two eastern quadrants of parcel 36.23617.0010
- Directed staff to send requests for proposals for the City Hall/Police Department remodel
- Approved hiring Landon Winkelman as a full-time Water/Wastewater Operator
Meeting
The City Council approved amendments to sewer utility rates for industrial users and a developer agreement for River Links 5th and 6th Additions. The council also authorized a partial street closure on Red River Avenue North for brewery equipment delivery. Additionally, members discussed a proposed environmental study for a potential future library site.
- Approved Ordinance No. 411 amending sewer utility rates for industrial users
- Approved developer agreement with DJP Properties, Inc. for River Links 5th and 6th Additions
- Approved a variation request to allow the fire station to be built 28 feet from the front property line
- Authorized Red River Avenue North closure on June 12, 2024, for brewery equipment delivery
- Approved Stantec proposal for construction services estimated at $42,500
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved an updated budget for the Fire Hall construction project and authorized the architect to begin documentation. The council also approved a temporary license agreement with Cold Spring Co-Op and a purchase of 200 tons of salt. Additionally, the council approved street closures for local events and parade route changes.
- Approved $8,587,681 budget update for Fire Hall construction
- Authorized temporary license agreement with Cold Spring Co-Op for right-of-way use
- Approved purchase of 200 tons of salt from Compass for $18,910.00
- Authorized a letter to BNSF Railroad Company regarding property purchase and eminent domain
- Approved street closures on 2nd Avenue South for EMS Night on May 16, 2024
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved the final plat for River Links 6th Addition. The council also authorized several equipment purchases for public works and police departments. Additionally, staff discussed plans for a new library and remodeling of City Hall.
- Approved final plat of River Links 6th Addition
- Authorized $8,152.00 purchase of RAS Pump Impeller from WW Goetsch
- Approved $5,914.99 utility locator purchase from Utility Logic
- Hired Mark Mix as a temporary part-time parks employee at $18.00 per hour
- Declared 2016 and 2017 Ford Interceptors as surplus property for sale
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council held a public hearing and passed Resolution No. 2024-08 for the $52 million Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan, which replaces aging plant equipment and seeks state revolving fund grants. Members discussed cost-sharing with the City of Rockville, contingency amounts, and facility layout changes that impact local utility operations. The council also reviewed public works vehicle purchases, approved a $5,375 engineering report for 2025 Main Street improvements, and accepted an accounts payable list totaling nearly $900,000.
- Approved Resolution No. 2024-08 for the $52 million Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan after a public hearing
- Passed a 3-2 vote to purchase a 2023 replacement Gator utility vehicle for $9,400
- Approved Stearns County Abstract to prepare an owners and encumbrances report for the 2025 Main Street Improvements at $5,375
- Accepted accounts payable totaling $877,330.78 and a supplemental list of $22,122.82
- Discussed applying for up to $25,000 in MnDOT grant funding for traffic enforcement speed equipment
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council tabled approval of a residential plat pending planning commission review of utility easement locations that affect lot access and water main routing. Members approved a letter supporting state legislation to shift local television channel costs from cable subscribers to all broadband providers, which could change monthly subscriber fees. The council also authorized park equipment purchases totaling up to $13,105 to maintain public spaces and accepted accounts payable exceeding $167,000 for city operations. Staff provided updates on wastewater rehabilitation, trail realignments, and road agreements with local developers.
- Tabled Resolution No. 2024-07 approving the final plat for River Links 6th Addition (11 residential lots) until April 24 after planning commission review of utility easement locations.
- Approved a letter supporting state legislation to shift local access channel funding from cable subscribers to all broadband providers.
- Authorized purchase of five composite picnic tables for $5,605.00 and a John Deere Gator up to $7,500.00 from Park Department Line Item #6311.
- Scheduled public hearing on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Plan for April 10.
- Accepted accounts payable totaling $125,461.09 and a supplemental list of $42,017.64.
Meeting
The City Council approved a five-year Capital Improvement Plan and authorized a feasibility report for 2025 Main Street improvements. The Council also approved street closures for the Cold Spring Creamery construction project. Additionally, residents discussed potential development of the Schmitt property.
- Approved $19,961.00 for CSAH 158 seal coating shoulders
- Authorized street closures for Cold Spring Creamery construction through March 2025
- Ordered a 2024 Ford Interceptor police vehicle for $43,883.94
- Approved purchase of 60 hanging baskets for $5,635.00
- Scheduled wastewater treatment facility plan public hearing for April 10, 2024
Meeting
The City Council reviewed the design and estimated budget for a new fire station. Members discussed sharing construction costs among participating entities using existing annual billing percentages. A committee of representatives from each entity will be formed to rewrite the current contract.
- Review of proposed fire station designs and estimated budget
- Discussion on cost-sharing based on 2023 billing percentages (Cold Spring 67.7%, Wakefield 21%, Collegeville 9.4%, Luxemburg 2%)
- Formation of a committee to rewrite the contract for cost participation
- Review of Capital Expenditure Fund balance of $578,844.22
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved a change order for the Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and hired a permanent part-time Public Works Technician. The council also discussed upcoming seasonal hiring for parks and potential traffic signal changes on Highway 23.
- Approved $24,084.11 change order for Well No. 4 rehabilitation
- Hired Bob Kilmer as part-time Public Works Technician at $18.00 per hour
- Approved $4,772 first-year cost for online fire and medical training subscription
- Approved materials testing for Lift Station No. 1 rehabilitation estimated at $3,510.00
- Approved advertising for two seasonal parks positions
Meeting
The City Council declined a $17,500 proposal for a formal compensation study in favor of forming a committee to conduct surveys. The council also approved several capital expenditures including a new baseball park sign and two police squad cars.
- Approved purchase of replacement sign and cabinet for Baseball Park from Scenic Sign for $13,325.00
- Approved purchase of two 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles from Tenvoorde Ford for $85,075.76
- Approved appraisal of Arnold Schmitt’s property quadrants via Guggenberger Appraisal for $1,200.00
- Accepted accounts payable and supplemental list totaling $532,973.40
Meeting
The City Council reviewed the planning timeline, schematic designs, and estimated budget for a proposed fire station. Members discussed potential cost-saving measures and the inclusion of a fifth bay, but ultimately decided against making cuts to the existing plans.
- Approval to have architects continue with the next phase of fire station design
- Review of schematic designs and estimated budget for the new fire station
- Discussion regarding the inclusion of a 5th bay in the construction plan
Meeting
The City Council reopened the public hearing for the five-year Capital Improvement Plan to allow for more time and a future workshop. The Council also voted to delay the reconstruction of 3rd Avenue SE until MNDOT turnback issues are resolved.
- Reopened public hearing for Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan; continued to March 13, 2024
- Approved $14,500 proposal from Stantec for maintenance building civil design
- Approved Resolution No. 2024-04 regarding Joint Powers Agreements with the State of Minnesota
- Voted to postpone 3rd Avenue SE reconstruction project design and construction
- Approved payment of accounts payable totaling $117,981.67
Meeting
The City Council approved an agreement for preliminary engineering at Spartan Fields LLC using $30,000 in escrow. The Council also moved forward with construction management services for the maintenance shed project.
- Approved Spartan Fields agreement for Stantec engineering work via $30,000 escrow
- Approved Jerry Haus as construction manager for maintenance shed at $40,000 plus $8,500 fee
- Approved $49,812.74 change order for 2022 Brewery Sanitary Improvements project
- Approved $17,249.00 purchase of equipment for two new police squad cars from North Central
- Approved demolition of the log cabin at Pioneer Park