Cold Spring public meetings in 2025
24 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The City Council approved a rezoning and special use permit for a market-rate apartment building at 14th Avenue South and River Links Drive. The council also updated water and sewer utility rates and approved several land plats.
- Rezoning of northeast corner of 14th Avenue South and River Links Drive from C-3 Highway Commercial to R-3 High Density Residential for up to 68 units
- Approval of Ordinance No. 431 amending water and sewer utility rates
- Approval of four change orders for the new fire station totaling a net increase of $549.00
- Decertification of Tax Increment Financing District Number 4 (Granite Ledge Townhomes Project) effective December 31, 2025
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $190,138.48
Meeting
The City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-21, adopting the final 2026 tax levy covering the general fund, water, sewer, EDA, storm water, and pre‑treatment facility budgets. It also passed Ordinance No. 430 to amend the city fee schedule and approved a non‑union labor agreement for municipal employees from January 1 2026 through December 31 2028. Additional actions included authorizing the purchase of 50 tons of salt for $5,394.00 and the replacement of the VFD at Well #7 for $7,879.00.
- Adopted Resolution No. 2025-21, final 2026 tax levy for general fund, water, sewer, EDA, storm water, and pre‑treatment facility budgets
- Ordinance No. 430 amending the city fee schedule
- Approved non‑union labor contract for city employees (Jan 1 2026‑Dec 31 2028)
- Authorized purchase of 50 tons of salt from Cargill for $5,394.00
- Approved replacement of VFD at Well #7 for $7,879.00
Meeting
The council accepted the schematic design for the City Hall and Police Department remodel with an estimated construction cost of $4,273,817. It also approved the replacement of right‑field bleachers at the baseball park for $72,887, and adopted a new labor contract for the police department. Additionally, the council appointed members to the Park Board and Planning Commission and tabled the River Links 7 plat pending further discussion.
- Approved construction of new right‑field bleachers at the baseball park at a cost of $72,887, funded half by the gambling fund and half by Cold Spring Area Baseball Inc.
- Accepted schematic design for the City Hall/Police Department remodel with an estimated construction cost of $4,273,817.
- Approved the labor agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services Inc. (Local #264) for Jan 1 2026 – Dec 31 2028.
- Appointed Chip Jordan to the Park Board for a four‑year term starting Jan 1 2026.
- Appointed Derek Hoium to the Planning Commission for a four‑year term starting Jan 1 2026.
Meeting
The council held a public hearing on the City Hall/Police Department remodel, considered the schematic design with a $4,273,817 estimated construction budget, and after a tied vote the motion to proceed was rejected, leading to a motion to table further discussion. The council also approved a paid family medical leave policy and related resolution, a $21,999 wellhead protection plan, a contract with Flip Cleaning, and purchases of a squad camera ($8,220) and equipment ($7,658.36).
- Public hearing on City Hall/Police Department remodel; motion to accept schematic design with $4,273,817 budget failed 2‑2
- Approved paid family medical leave policy; Resolution 2025-17 splits $712 monthly premium between city and employees
- Approved Part 2 Wellhead Protection Plan contract with Stantec for $21,999
- Approved purchase of Motorola M500 in‑car camera for $8,220, paid over five years from gambling fund
- Approved contract with Flip Cleaning for police department cleaning services
Meeting
The council voted to raise salaries for fire department officers, increasing the fire chief's pay to $6,000 per year and adjusting other officer salaries. It also approved a pay increase for city council members, passing the ordinance 4‑1. Additional actions included approving four change orders for the new fire station with a net $731 decrease, purchasing a sewer camera for $11,390, and contracting a $20,470 soil‑boring and geotechnical report for the wastewater treatment plant expansion.
- Approved fire department officer salary increases (Chief $5,000→$6,000 per year, etc.)
- Approved ordinance raising city council members' pay (vote 4‑1)
- Approved four change orders for the new fire station, net decrease of $731
- Approved purchase of a sewer camera and locator for $11,390
- Approved contract for soil borings and geotechnical report for wastewater plant expansion, $20,470
Meeting
The council approved the meeting agenda and consent items, including the September 24, 2025 minutes and a raffle application for Cold Spring Area Baseball Inc. They accepted payment of city accounts payable totaling $327,129.25 and $420,849.76. Reports were given on public works, engineering projects, fire and police activities, and a draft ordinance to raise salaries for boards, commissions, and council members. The council also discussed a potential temporary library location with Great River Regional Library.
- Approve payment of accounts payable: $327,129.25 and $420,849.76
- Approve September 24, 2025 meeting minutes (consent agenda)
- Approve raffle application for Cold Spring Area Baseball Inc. on Jan 5, 2026 at Side Bar & Grill, 15 Red River Ave N
- Draft ordinances to increase salaries for boards, commissions, and council members
- Discuss potential temporary library space with Great River Regional Library
Meeting
The City Council approved a one‑year extension of the special‑use permit for McDonald’s USA to operate a drive‑through, extending it to September 25, 2026. Council also adopted the preliminary 2026 tax levy (Resolution 2025‑16), which raises the levy rate by 3.32% and will be collectible in 2026. Additional actions included approving payment of $382,754.51 in accounts payable (plus $49,616.95 supplemental) and authorizing the Nicholas P. Koenig HERO Foundation raffle to be held on October 17, 2025 at The Great Blue Heron, 305 5th Ave S.
- One‑year extension of McDonald’s USA special‑use permit for drive‑through to Sep 25, 2026.
- Adoption of preliminary 2026 tax levy (Resolution 2025‑16) – 3.32% levy rate increase.
- Approval of accounts payable payment totaling $382,754.51 and supplemental $49,616.95.
- Authorization of Nicholas P. Koenig HERO Foundation raffle on Oct 17, 2025 at The Great Blue Heron, 305 5th Ave S.
- Planned flushing of water hydrants on Oct 13‑14, 2025 (public works report).
Meeting
The City Council voted to reduce the 2026 levy by $200,000 and use remaining Fire Hall Construction funds to pay down debt. The council also reviewed architectural designs for a City Hall and Police remodel but did not reach a decision on the layout. Several change orders for the new fire station and water treatment plant were approved.
- Reduction of 2026 levy by $200,000 (passed 3-2)
- Water Treatment Plant Backwash Tank paving change order: $6,000.00
- Variable Frequency Drive installation in Well #4: $3,600
- New Fire Station change orders: $3,243.00 for audio/video and $1,418.00 for landscaping
- Approval of accounts payable totaling $267,088.11 and supplemental list of $672,316.65
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council reviewed the 2026 proposed budget, which initially included a 49.93% levy increase. After removing or reducing several capital projects and adjusting department budgets, the levy increase was reduced to 10.54%. The council also discussed department-specific budgets, including requests for new equipment and policy changes.
- Removed $39,800 pickup truck purchase from budget
- Removed $400,000 Pioneer Park shelter construction
- Removed $232,039 3rd Ave SE reconstruction, allocating $100,000 to reserves
- Removed $29,645 electronic sign purchase, allocating $50,000 to reserves
- Proposed annual new squad car purchase policy for Police Department
Meeting
The City Council approved a new managed landscapes ordinance and a construction manager agreement for the City Hall and Police Department remodel. The body also authorized spending for a fire department open house and selected a renewal option for the American Tower rental contract.
- Approved Ordinance No. 427 creating a managed landscapes ordinance with a $100 permit fee
- Approved an agreement with Donlar Construction for City Hall and Police Department remodel services
- Approved a fence height variance for 519 2nd Street South to allow an 8-foot fence
- Approved $3,000 for fire department open house advertising, invitations, and refreshments
- Approved six change orders for the new fire station totaling a net increase of $1,689.00
Meeting
The City Council approved several infrastructure and equipment expenditures, including a new police interceptor and fire station adjustments. The body also discussed updating fire department contracts to include per-call service fees to help fund the new station.
- Purchase of a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle for $43,861
- Five change orders for the new Fire Station totaling a net increase of $15,828.00
- Change Order No. 1 for 2025 Main Street Surface Improvements for $31,589.00
- Approval of up to $16,000 for sandblasting two snow plow trucks
- Street closure of 5th Avenue North on August 28, 2025, for cooling tower relocation
Meeting
The City Council held a special meeting to interview three construction management firms. The body discussed the firms' expertise, experience, and fees regarding the remodeling of City Hall and the Police Department.
- Hired Donlar Construction as Construction Manager at Risk for City Hall and Police Department remodel
Meeting
The City Council approved several infrastructure contracts for road sealing and landscaping. The body also passed a zoning ordinance to allow wider residential driveway curb cuts and granted a variance for a structure at Grafton School, Inc.
- Contract with Astech Corporation for seal coat and fog sealing project: $51,250.00
- Contract with Bertram Asphalt Company for 2025 crack sealing: $20,250.00
- Contract with Kraemer Trucking and Excavating for fire station landscaping: $7,500
- Ordinance No. 426 increasing maximum driveway curb widths to 18, 22, or 30 feet based on garage size
- Approval of a variance for Grafton School, Inc. to build a 12’ x 24’ detached structure in a side yard
Meeting
The City Council approved accounts payable totaling $2,999,433.13 and a street closure for a neighborhood event. Members also discussed utility rebates, sewer fee exemptions, and a new state mandate for paid family and medical leave.
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $2,925,996.40 and supplemental list of $73,436.73
- Street closure approved on 11th Street North from 4th Avenue North, East for one block
- Decision not to charge Eric Leither a monthly base fee for sewer service with no connection
- Discussion of potential six-figure rebates from Centerpoint and Xcel Energy for building improvements
- Police Department participation in a Department of Public Safety AI pilot program for crash prediction
Meeting
The City Council approved an architectural agreement for the City Hall and Police Department remodel and discussed financing options for the project. The council also approved equipment purchases for the new fire hall and a lot consolidation for Xcel Energy.
- Agreement with HMA Architects for City Hall and Police Department remodel
- Resolution 2025-12 approving lot consolidation for Northern States Power Co. (Xcel Energy) in Westwind Development
- Purchase of gear lockers from Alex Air Apparatus for $13,145.00
- Purchase of 20 tables and 40 chairs from Fluid Interiors for $23,643.74
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $87,461.23 and supplemental list totaling $31,132.95
Meeting
The City Council approved a resolution to request state bonding funds for wastewater treatment facility improvements. The council also approved bingo applications and processed city payments. Staff provided updates on several infrastructure projects and nuisance abatement.
- Resolution No. 2025-13 requesting state bonding funds for wastewater treatment facility improvements
- Payment of accounts payable totaling $1,427,707.00 and a supplemental list totaling $49,000.92
- Approval of excluded bingo applications for Cold Spring Area Historical Society and Cold Spring Home Pride Lions
- Project updates for Backwash Tank, Lift Station #1, River Links 5 & 6th Addition, and Main Street Improvement
- Discussion of nuisance abatement attorney fees and alleyway improvement assessment petitions
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council met on May 28, 2025, to approve routine items including a $3,219 net increase for fire station change orders, the 2024 audited financial statements, and a $96,675 construction services proposal for Spartan Fields contingent on a payment agreement. The Council also approved a wastewater treatment facility cost-share agreement with Rockville, a nuisance abatement resolution for 406 3rd Ave S, and a policy allowing staff to purchase items up to $5,000 without Council approval. Additionally, surplus vehicles were authorized for sale by June 13, 2025.
- Approved $3,219 net increase for fire station change orders
- Approved $96,675 Stantec proposal for Spartan Fields construction services
- Approved wastewater treatment facility upgrade cost-share agreement with Rockville
- Approved resolution ordering correction of public nuisance conditions at 406 3rd Ave S
- Changed purchase policy to allow staff purchases up to $5,000 without Council approval
Meeting
The City Council approved temporary and permanent easements for utility and roadway construction on 9th Street North. The body also adopted new computer use, cybersecurity, and electronic payment policies following a financial audit. Additionally, the council authorized biogas testing and increased pay for election judges.
- Approved temporary easements to Spartan Fields LLC for 9th Street North extension
- Approved $3,655.00 for biogas testing at the pre-treatment facility via Pace Analytical Services
- Increased election judge pay to $15.00 per hour and head judges to $16.00 per hour
- Hired Jeff Illies and Blake Ludwig as seasonal parks employees at $16.00 per hour
- Approved accounts payable totaling $973,008.69 and a supplemental list of $30,698.56
Meeting
The City Council held a special meeting to interview four architectural firms for the remodeling of City Hall and the Police Department. The Council decided to hire HMA Architects and will advertise for one citizen representative to join the project committee.
- Hiring of HMA Architects for City Hall and Police Department remodel
- Interviews conducted with HMA Architects, BKV Group, EAPC Architects Engineers, and Bray Architects
- Decision to advertise for one open citizen representative position for the committee
Meeting
The City Council approved the final plat of Spartan Fields, rezoned Cold Spring Brewing Company from R-1 to C-1, and approved change orders for the maintenance building totaling $49,450. They also set a $4 million budget for the city hall complex remodel and appointed two council members to police union negotiations. A hiring for a temporary park employee passed 3-2, and the council discussed fire contracts and purchasing policy without final action.
- Final plat of Spartan Fields approved
- Rezoning of Cold Spring Brewing from R-1 Low Density Residential to C-1 Downtown Commercial (Ordinance No. 425)
- Change Order No. 1 for maintenance building bituminous paving: $34,100 (3-2 vote)
- Change Order No. 2 for employee parking lot: $15,350 (5-0 vote)
- $4 million budget established for City Hall complex remodel project
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved the purchase of a RAS pump from MN Pump Works for $8,638 and the conversion of lighting at Public Works, Parks, and Cold Storage buildings for $4,909.79 (net $3,089.72 after Xcel rebate). The council heard updates on a sewer line replacement rerouted to 2nd Avenue NE and a temporary easement for Spartan Fields. They also noted plans for City Hall complex remodeling interviews and agreed to hold a workshop on fire contracts with townships.
- Approved $8,638 RAS pump purchase from MN Pump Works for wastewater department
- Approved $4,909.79 lighting conversion (net $3,089.72 after $1,820.07 rebate) for public works buildings
- Heard update on sewer line replacement re‑routed to 2nd Avenue NE to switch from forcemain to gravity
- Noted temporary construction easement for Spartan Fields
- Planned April 23 workshop to discuss fire contracts with townships
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved several actions at its March 26 meeting, including a rezoning and preliminary plat for the Spartan Fields residential development, a conditional use permit for Xcel Energy to rebuild a substation, and a cost share agreement with Rockville for a wastewater treatment upgrade. They also authorized hiring three seasonal parks workers and approved a change order for the water treatment plant backwash tank.
- Approved Resolution No. 2025-6 granting a conditional use permit for Xcel Energy's substation with a 10-foot fence in C-3 district.
- Approved Resolution No. 2025-3 for preliminary plat of Spartan Fields.
- Approved Ordinance No. 424 rezoning part of Spartan Fields from R-1 to R-3 and R-1 PUD, and approved PUD plan.
- Approved a cost share agreement with Rockville for wastewater treatment facility upgrade capacity allocation.
- Approved Change Order No. 1 for water treatment plant backwash tank in amount of $9,536.30.
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved several equipment purchases and a charitable gambling permit. They also heard updates on the Main Street project, police report on wrong-way drivers, and introduced the new CEO of Coldspring. A resolution granting a gambling premises permit to Cold Spring Fire at River Oaks Golf Course passed 4-1.
- Approved Resolution 2025-05 granting a gambling premises permit to Cold Spring Fire at River Oaks Golf Course (4-1 vote)
- Approved $62,308 purchase of air exchange system for new fire station from Manegrip
- Approved $26,299 purchase of make-up unit for digester building from Weidner’s Mechanical
- Approved $12,275 purchase of cooling unit at UV building at wastewater treatment plant from Weidner’s Mechanical
- Approved $11,279 purchase of Ex-Mark lawnmower from Powerhouse Outdoor Equipment (4-1 vote)
Meeting
The Cold Spring City Council approved several items including a zoning ordinance updating parking requirements for multi-family housing based on bedroom count. They also accepted a donated electronic scoreboard for Pioneer Park, approved change orders for the new fire station totaling $9,146, and authorized $21,100 for construction services on the 2025 Main Street surface improvements. Additionally, the council approved the purchase of SCBA equipment for the fire station for $63,020 and paid bills totaling $249,319.44.
- Ordinance No. 423: parking for multi-family housing now requires 1.5 spaces per one-bedroom unit plus 0.5 per additional bedroom
- Donation of electronic scoreboard for Little League Field in Pioneer Park by Cold Spring Area Youth Sports Association; city pays only electric costs
- Approved seven change orders for new fire station with net increase of $9,146 from contingency fund (remaining balance $460,963)
- Approved $21,100 proposal from Stantec for construction services on 2025 Main Street surface improvements
- Approved $63,020 purchase of SCBA equipment from Alex Air Apparatus for fire station