Columbus, MN

Council

Planning Commission

Park Board

Council

The Columbus City Council held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to restrict rifle deer hunting, but took no action and directed staff to draft a narrower discharge ordinance for a future workshop. The Council also approved the early redemption of $950,000 in 2018A bonds, approved a memorandum of understanding with Forest Lake for the Hornsby/Eureka Street project, and continued preliminary 2027 budget discussions.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 26-08 (rifle deer hunting) – no action; revised discharge ordinance to be drafted
• Approved Resolution 26-20 to redeem $950,000 of 2018A bonds, saving ~$105,890
• Approved MOU with Forest Lake for Hornsby/Eureka Street project; Columbus to reimburse $67,209.32 for engineering
• 2027 budget discussion: projected General Fund levy increase reduced from 4.9% to 3.9%
• Petition for cartway on seven-acre landlocked parcel received; City Attorney to review

Planning Commission

The Columbus Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a Conditional Use Permit for Roseville Auto & Marine to relocate to 9541 152nd Ave NE and on an ordinance amendment clarifying that nonconforming uses survive ownership changes. The commission will also review a sketch plan for the Thurbeck Preserve Fourth Addition, a 196.5-acre PUD with 39 single-family lots. No formal action was taken on the sketch plan, which was for conceptual feedback only.

• Conditional Use Permit for automotive and marine repair with outdoor boat storage at 9541 152nd Ave NE
• Ordinance amendment to Section 7A-440(C) allowing nonconforming uses to continue after property transfer
• Sketch plan for Thurbeck Preserve Fourth Addition: 196.5 acres, 39 single-family lots, PUD
• City Hall replacement project report with funding strategy and bonding timeline
• Training on variances, CUPs, PUDs, and environmental review

Council

The Columbus City Council approved Resolution 26-18, authorizing up to $5.3 million in general obligation bonds for a new City Hall, after a public hearing with no comments. The council also approved the LaMeyer Estates final plat, supported the Sunrise River WMO rejoining a partnership, and heard the 2025 audit report. The meeting was largely procedural, with unanimous votes on most items.

• Approved Resolution 26-18 for $5.3M Capital Improvement Plan bonds for City Hall project
• Approved LaMeyer Estates final plat at 14561 Furman St NE (4-1 vote)
• Endorsed Sunrise River WMO rejoining Lower St. Croix Partnership
• Heard 2025 audit: unmodified opinion, fund balance at 172% of operations
• Set August 3 work meeting agenda including deer hunting ordinance and data center zoning

Council

The City Council will discuss two main items. First, they will consider Ordinance 26-08, which would restrict rifles for deer hunting within city limits for the 2026 season, following a state law change. A memo from the City Attorney raises legal concerns about the city's authority to pass such an ordinance. Second, the Council will receive an update on the MN Tech Corridor Infrastructure Needs Assessment, including the selection of consultant WSB and a discussion of project funding from the city's HRA fund.

• Discussion of Ordinance 26-08 to restrict rifles for deer hunting within city limits for the 2026 season
• City Attorney memo raises legal risk that the city may not have authority to regulate hunting firearms
• Update on MN Tech Corridor Infrastructure Needs Assessment and Strategic Development Plan
• Consultant WSB selected unanimously by the Selection Committee for the corridor study
• Potential funding for Columbus's participation from the HRA fund (current balance $735,296.32)

Meeting

The Columbus Economic Development Authority discussed a proposal from Anna Tanski Consulting to provide a tourism strategic planning process for a fee of $15,000, plus mileage and lodging. The board also received updates from the Columbus Tourism Committee and a recap of the Minnesota Tourism Association summit. A conceptual tourism attraction involving Dambo Troll sculptures was presented with estimated costs of $300,000 to $600,000, but no funding decision was made. No formal actions were taken on any item.

• Tourism Strategic Planning Consultant Proposal – $15,000 fee – Anna Tanski Consulting
• Conceptual Dambo Troll sculpture attraction – estimated cost $300,000‑$600,000
• Columbus Tourism Committee update
• MNTA Summit recap – identified potential tourism consultants
• Old business – comprehensive bylaw amendments and business surveys

Council

The City Council approved a variance and preliminary plat for the LaMeyer Estates subdivision at 14561 Furman Street NE. The body also extended a professional services agreement for the new City Hall project and tabled an ordinance regarding deer season rifle restrictions.

• Approved variance for shared-driveway easement at 14561 Furman Street NE
• Approved preliminary plat for LaMeyer Estates (two rural residential lots)
• Approved $4,500 agreement extension with Wold Architects for City Hall Project
• Tabled Ordinance 26-08 regarding 2026 deer season rifle restrictions
• Approved payment #1 for Notre Dame Street Mill and Overlay Project

The Council unanimously approved Resolution 26-18, authorizing up to $5,300,000 in general obligation bonds for the City Hall project, subject to a 30-day reverse referendum petition period. It also approved the LaMeyer Estates final plat (4-1), supported the Sunrise River WMO rejoining the Lower St. Croix Partnership, and approved the BARE Homes MIF grant agreement. The Council set the August 3 work meeting agenda and approved the City Administrator's compensation resolution.

• Approved Resolution 26-18 authorizing up to $5,300,000 in bonds for the City Hall project (unanimous).
• Approved the LaMeyer Estates final plat at 14561 Furman St NE, creating two rural residential lots (4-1).
• Authorized support for the Sunrise River WMO rejoining the Lower St. Croix Partnership (unanimous).
• Approved the BARE Homes MIF Grant Fund Agreement, with staff authorized to correct and complete items (unanimous).
• Approved Resolution 2026-19 for City Administrator compensation adjustments and severance benefits (unanimous).
• Approved the agenda for the August 3, 2026 work meeting, including City Hall, deer hunting ordinance, data centers, and ADUs.
• Approved the consent agenda, including bill payments and July 8, 2026 minutes (unanimous).
• Adopted the meeting agenda as amended, switching items C.7 and C.8 (unanimous).

Park Board

The Park Board is reviewing an agreement with the Forest Lake Area Fastpitch Association for dugout construction. The meeting also includes a draft of the Columbus Parks and Trails Master Plan to establish long-term goals for maintenance, recreation, and natural area preservation.

• Agreement with Forest Lake Area Fastpitch Association for dugouts on Fields 2, 3, and 4
• FLAFA contribution of $10,000 per field in exchange for 3-year exclusive rental rights
• Draft Columbus Parks and Trails Master Plan outlining goals for funding and infrastructure
• Proposed expansion of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the freeway district
• Granting of concession rights to FLAFA from 2026-2028 with Columbus Lions right of first refusal

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission recommended approval of an ordinance to increase mailed notice requirements to 1,250 feet for Conditional Use Permit applications in the Rural Residential (RR) District. The body also reviewed a conceptual plan for a 39-lot residential development and conducted staff training on zoning authority.

• Recommended approval of Ordinance Amendment 26-XX to expand public hearing notice requirements to 1,250 feet in the RR District
• Recommended approval of Driveway Design and Access Standards ordinance amendment
• Discussion of Thurnbeck Construction 4th Addition concept plan for 39 single-family lots near Furman Street NE and 165th Avenue NE
• City Council report on approval of Fishing for Life Conditional Use Permit with a required Severe Weather Response Plan
• Planning and Zoning 101 training presentation from the MN DNR

The Planning Commission held a conceptual review of the proposed Thurbeck Preserve Fourth Addition, a 196.5-acre Planned Unit Development with 39 single-family lots. No formal action was taken; the commission provided feedback and encouraged the applicant to refine the plan before submitting a preliminary plat application. The meeting also included a City Hall project report and training on land-use topics.

• Approved consent agenda including July 15 agenda and June 17 minutes (5-0)
• Reviewed Thurbeck Preserve Fourth Addition sketch plan; no action taken
• Heard City Hall replacement project report; no action taken
• Continued DNR Planning & Zoning 101 training; no action taken

Council

The Columbus City Council will approve a consent agenda that includes bill payments totaling $129,950.03 and a supplemental payment list. Council members will also consider a conditional use permit application from Jusczak Companies to construct a trucking maintenance facility with office space and controlled‑access parking at 14925 Hornsby Street NE. No public comments were received during the public forum.

• Approval of bill payments totaling $129,950.03
• Approval of supplemental bill payment list
• Conditional Use Permit for Jusczak Trucking at 14925 Hornsby Street NE
• Payment to LARKIN HOFFMAN for city retainer $6,000.00
• Payment to Metropolitan Council Waste Water Service $6,088.51

The City Council approved a variance for a shared-access easement and the preliminary plat for the LaMeyer Estates subdivision. A proposed ordinance regarding rifle restrictions for the 2026 deer season was tabled for further revision. The Council also extended a professional services agreement for the City Hall project.

• Approved variance for shared-access easement at 14561 Furman Street NE (3-2)
• Approved Preliminary Plat for LaMeyer Estates (5-0)
• Tabled Ordinance 26-08 regarding 2026 deer season rifle restrictions (5-0)
• Approved Wold Architects agreement extension for City Hall Project not to exceed $4,500 (5-0)
• Rescheduled November 11, 2026 meeting to November 12, 2026 (5-0)
• Scheduled Special Meeting for November 12, 2026 at 5:45 p.m. for election canvassing (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including bill payments and Resolution 26-15 (5-0)

Council

The council will present a review of the 2027 City Budget and discuss anticipated increases in wages, law enforcement and fire department contracts, insurance costs, and reduced capital funds. Follow‑up budget discussions are scheduled for August 4, September 1, and a final budget presentation is set for December 9, 2026. The meeting also includes a proposal to restrict dogs in City Park and the City Hall campus on September 19, 2026, and a request for direction on the Sunrise River Watershed Management Organization re‑joining the Lower St. Croix Partnership.

• Review of the 2027 City Budget
• Anticipated budget increases: wages and benefits, law enforcement contract, fire department contract, insurance costs, reduced capital funds
• Dog restrictions for the Fall Fest on September 19, 2026 (service dogs exempt)
• SRWMO request to re‑join the Lower St. Croix Partnership, which distributes approx. $1.3 M state grant funds every two years
• Estimated cost of SRWMO staff attendance at partnership meetings: $690 per year

Council

The City Council is meeting to approve two resolutions for the sale of city-owned property to Steven R. and Patricia M. Saunders. The proposed sales involve land located at the intersection of Highway 97 and Interstate 35.

• Resolution 26-16: Sale of approximately 7.71 acres at the northeast quadrant of Highway 97 and Interstate 35
• Resolution 26-17: Sale of land at the northwest quadrant of Highway 97 and Interstate 35

Council

The City Council approved a Conditional Use Permit for a church and religious programming facility at 8220 Lake Drive NE. The approval requires the applicant to develop an Emergency Response and Severe Weather Response Plan. The Council also reviewed a payment summary for city bills and payroll.

• Approval of Conditional Use Permit for Fishing for Life at 8220 Lake Drive NE
• Approval of $250,985.37 in total payments, including $188,528.85 for invoices and $23,312.78 for electronic payroll
• Payment of $136,993.25 to Anoka County Treasury Office for 2nd Qtr 2026 L/E contract
• Payment of $22,123.12 to Goodmanson Construction Inc for tennis court resurfacing project 25-02
• Payment of $9,500.00 to LB Carlson LLP for progress billing through April 2026

The council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Jusczak Trucking’s maintenance facility at 14925 Hornsby Street NE. They also adopted Ordinance 26-06, updating driveway and access standards in the city code. The council directed staff to prepare the required public hearing and notice for a capital improvement bond to fund a new City Hall building. All actions were approved by unanimous voice or roll‑call votes.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Jusczak Trucking at 14925 Hornsby St NE (unanimous roll‑call)
• Approved Ordinance 26-06 amending driveway and access standards (unanimous roll‑call)
• Directed staff to prepare Capital Improvement Bond public hearing for new City Hall (unanimous voice vote)
• Directed staff to publish notice and schedule public hearing for the City Hall bond (unanimous voice vote)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission reviewed a conditional use permit for a truck parking facility and a residential subdivision request. The body voted to recommend approval to the City Council for both the truck facility and the LaMeyer Estates subdivision projects.

• Recommended conditional approval for truck maintenance and parking facility at 14925 Hornsby Street NE
• Recommended approval of a variance for a 66-foot public right-of-way easement at 14561 Furman Street NE
• Recommended approval of the Preliminary Plat for LaMeyer Estates at 14561 Furman Street NE
• Discussion of a draft ordinance amendment to Section 7A-803 regarding driveway design requirements

Council

The council discussed the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office quarterly report and a proposed two‑year crime‑technology pilot. It postponed the Fishing for Life Conditional Use Permit to allow additional neighbor notification. Staff presented cost estimates for a new City Hall ($6.8‑$7.2 M) and a full renovation ($4.8‑$5.6 M) but took no formal action. The council also approved a temporary liquor license for the Lions Club Fall Fest and recognized Public Works Director Jim Windingstad’s 20 years of service.

• ACSO quarterly report on crime‑technology pilot (no decision)
• Tabled Fishing for Life Conditional Use Permit for 8220 Lake Drive NE
• City Hall project cost estimates: $6.8‑$7.2 M for new facility, $4.8‑$5.6 M for renovation
• Resolution 26-10: temporary on‑sale liquor license for Columbus Lions at 16319 Kettle River Blvd NE
• Resolution 26-09 recognizing Jim Windingstad’s 20‑year service

The council approved the Planning Commission’s recommendation to issue a Conditional Use Permit for Fishing for Life’s church at 8220 Lake Drive NE, with required emergency response conditions (4‑1). It also adopted an 18‑day early voting location, amended the Minnesota Investment Fund loan to $850,000 for Bare Homes, and declined to waive municipal tort liability limits, each by unanimous vote.

• Adopt agenda with addition of Item C.5, Resolution 26-13 (5‑0)
• Approve Consent Agenda (5‑0)
• Approve Findings of Fact and Conditional Use Permit for Fishing for Life at 8220 Lake Drive NE (4‑1)
• Approve Resolution 26-12 designating city as 18‑day early voting location (5‑0)
• Approve not waiving municipal tort liability limits (5‑0)
• Approve Resolution 26-13 amending loan to $850,000 for Bare Homes (5‑0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit for a truck maintenance facility at 14925 Hornsby Street NE. The commission also approved a Conditional Use Permit for a nonprofit fishing ministry at 8220 Lake Drive NE. A separate trucking permit request was tabled for further review.

• Approved CUP for nonprofit fishing ministry at 8220 Lake Drive NE
• Approved CUP for truck maintenance facility at 14925 Hornsby Street NE
• Tabled CUP for truck maintenance facility at 14925 Hornsby Street NE
• Approved City Council approval of electrical substation zoning text amendment
• Approved City Council approval of CUP for Asphalt Specialties

The commission unanimously adopted the Findings of Fact and recommended that the City Council conditionally approve the Jusczak Trucking Conditional Use Permit for a secured truck‑parking and office facility at 14925 Hornsby Street NE. It voted 4‑1 to recommend approval of a variance relieving the 66‑foot easement requirement for the LaMeyer Estates subdivision at 14561 Furman Street NE. It also approved a recommendation to approve the preliminary plat for the LaMeyer Estates subdivision, passing 3‑2. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Adopt Findings of Fact & recommend conditional approval of Jusczak Trucking CUP (14925 Hornsby St NE) – vote 5-0
• Adopt Findings of Fact & recommend variance approval for 66‑ft easement at 14561 Furman St NE – vote 4-1
• Adopt Findings of Fact & recommend approval of Preliminary Plat for LaMeyer Estates at 14561 Furman St NE – vote 3-2
• Adjourn meeting – vote 5-0

Council

The City Council is discussing options for City Hall, including a new build, total renovation, or addressing only pressing needs. The body is evaluating a budget-neutral financing plan involving property sales and bond redirections. A decision on the project option is recommended by June 10.

• New City Hall build estimates: $6.8 million to $7.2 million
• City Hall complete renovation estimates: $4.8 million to $5.6 million
• Proposed sale of three city properties to net $1.7 million
• Potential redirection of Bond 2018A, 2020A, and 2021A payments
• Discussion on use of $8,200 in charitable gambling proceeds from Forest Lake Youth Services

Council

The City Council will consider a consent agenda to approve payments for a range of vendors and payroll. The total amount slated for approval is $80,715.01, covering invoices such as Amazon supplies, Anoka County aerial imagery, and legal services. Approval will also release electronic payroll payments of $21,482.41.

• Amazon inspection stickers – $31.98
• Anoka County Treasury aerial imagery – $1,000.00
• Faymoville Family Trust escrow refund – $2,426.45
• Larkin Hoffman legal matters (case 02-CV-26-3170) – $2,404.00
• Wage Works HCFSA admin fee (Visa card) – $55.00

The council unanimously adopted the meeting agenda and the consent agenda. It voted to table the Fishing for Life conditional use permit request until the June 10 meeting to allow additional outreach. The council also approved the agenda for the June 2 work meeting and unanimously recognized Public Works Director Jim Windingstad for 20 years of service.

• Adopted May 27 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
• Tabled Fishing for Life conditional use permit until June 10 (unanimous)
• Approved June 2 work meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-09 recognizing Jim Windingstad (unanimous)

City Boards

The City of Columbus is accepting applications for residents to serve on various advisory boards and committees. The agenda provides the application forms and instructions for interested candidates.

• Application forms available for City Planning Commission
• Application forms available for Columbus Fall Fest
• Application forms available for Park Board
• Application forms available for Public Works Advisory Board
• Application forms available for Economic Development Authority

Planning Commission

The Columbus Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of Draft Ordinance 26-XX, adding Electrical Substations and Associated Public Utility Facilities as a Conditional Use in the Commercial/Industrial‑Light district. The commission also heard a concept plan for an 8.78‑acre site at 13472 West Freeway Drive NE, but took no formal action. A public hearing on the Preliminary Plat “LaMeyer Estates” was postponed, and revisions to the driveway access standards ordinance were discussed without a vote.

• Approval of Draft Ordinance 26-XX to allow Electrical Substations and Associated Public Utility Facilities as a Conditional Use in the C/I‑Light zoning district
• Presentation of a concept plan and development proposal for 8.78 acres at 13472 West Freeway Drive NE (no formal action taken)
• Postponement of the public hearing for the Preliminary Plat “LaMeyer Estates” application
• Discussion of revisions to the proposed driveway access and apron standards ordinance amendment (no formal action taken)
• Public hearing on the ordinance amendment received no public comments

The commission approved the Findings of Fact and recommended a conditional use permit for Fishing for Life at 8220 Lake Drive NE, with the recommendation sent to the City Council. The commission also tabled the recommendation on the Jusczak Trucking conditional use permit until the June 3, 2026 meeting, requesting additional operational details. Both actions passed unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved May 6, 2026 Planning Commission minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Findings of Fact and recommended conditional use permit for Fishing for Life (unanimous)
• Tabled recommendation for Jusczak Trucking conditional use permit until June 3, 2026 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Park Board

The Park Board will meet to receive updates on dugout construction schedules and tennis court progress. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding the Columbus Park Cleanup Day and the introduction of an Associate Planner.

• Dugouts construction schedule update
• Tennis court update
• Columbus Park Cleanup Day
• Introduction of Associate Planner

Council

The Columbus City Council is scheduled to approve payments totaling $167,802.67 for the month of May 2026, covering city operations, payroll, and various service contracts.

• Payroll and benefits: $24,307.75 for staff and $4,141.84 for insurance premiums
• Engineering services: $22,100.00 for water tower geotechnical work
• Road and utility projects: $1,800.00 for frost boil repairs and $5,782.00 for Notre Dame Street milling and overlay
• Legal services: $6,000.00 retainer for Larkin Hoffman
• Solid waste and utilities: $107.38 for ACE Solid Waste and $1,199.78 for recycling newsletter printing

The council unanimously approved Ordinance 26-05, which adds electrical substations and related utility facilities as a conditional use in the Commercial Light Industrial district. It also approved a Conditional Use Permit for Asphalt Specialties and authorized the Invisible Wounds Project to conduct raffles at Running Aces. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Ordinance 26-05 (electrical substations as conditional use) – unanimous
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Asphalt Specialties – unanimous
• Approved Resolution 26-08 authorizing Invisible Wounds Project raffles – unanimous

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing a non-binding concept plan to subdivide an 8.78-acre parcel into five lots for Outdoor Innovations Landscaping and other industrial users. Staff noted that landscaping businesses are not currently permitted in the Light Industrial district, meaning the project would require a zoning amendment or rezoning.

• Concept review for 13472 W. Freeway Drive NE involving a 5-lot subdivision
• Proposed use of a landscaping business, excavating company, cabinet shop, and general contractor operations
• Discussion of required access improvements including a SB right turn lane and NB left turn lane on W. Freeway Drive NE
• Proposed zoning text amendment to allow electrical substations as a Conditional Use in the C/I-Light District
• Discussion of updated driveway apron and access standards to reduce gravel migration and safety hazards

Council

The City Council will discuss remodeling or new construction options for City Hall and decide whether to allow rifles for deer hunting in 2026. The body will also discuss the strategic use of $471,600 in Hotel & Lodging Tax revenues.

• City Hall project presentation by Wold Architects regarding remodeling vs. new construction
• Proposed ordinance to either allow or restrict rifles for the 2026 deer season
• Discussion on using $23,580 (5% administrative portion) of Hotel & Lodging Tax for a tourism consultant
• Review of $448,020 (95% portion) of Hotel & Lodging Tax for tourism and marketing
• Water system facility tour for City Council

Council

The Columbus City Council approved a payment summary totaling $154,660.42 for invoices and payroll. The body also approved the City acting as the applicant for a Minnesota Investment Fund loan for the Bare Home expansion project.

• Approval of $154,660.42 in bills and payroll
• Approval of Bare Home expansion MIF loan
• Hiring Simon Johnson as seasonal public works employee at $18/hour
• Acceptance of $535,000 LRIP grant for North Hornsby Street
• Termination of Forest Lake Area Cable Commission accounting services

The council unanimously approved Resolution 26-06, allowing the city to act as applicant for a $1.6 million MIF loan for Bare Home, Inc., and Resolution 26-07 supporting a job‑creation fund application. It also adopted Ordinance 26-04 extending commercial‑vehicle restrictions on Camp 3 Road, and approved the award of the Notre Dame Street project to North Valley, Inc. for $558,886.70. Additional actions included setting the May 5 work‑meeting agenda, entering closed session to consider a property sale, and directing the administrator to negotiate that sale.

• Approved Resolution 26-06 for $1.6M MIF loan for Bare Home, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-07 supporting job‑creation fund application (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 26-04 extending road restrictions on Camp 3 Road (unanimous)
• Approved award of Notre Dame Street Project to North Valley, Inc. for $558,886.70 (unanimous)
• Approved work‑meeting agenda for May 5, 2026 (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to consider sale of city‑owned property (unanimous)
• Directed City Administrator to negotiate property sale per closed‑session limits (unanimous)

Council

The Local Board of Appeals and Equalization will meet on April 20, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. to hear resident concerns about property valuations and classifications for the 2026 assessment, which affect 2027 tax payments. Staff will present a report, followed by the City Assessor’s report, after which the board will decide whether to uphold or adjust each valuation or classification. The meeting may be reconvened if additional time is needed, but must conclude by May 31.

• Call to Order and adoption of agenda
• Staff Report presentation
• City Assessor Report presentation
• Board of Appeals and Equalization hearing on property valuations
• Adjournment

The Board of Appeal and Equalization approved its agenda after a motion by Councilmember Lattin‑Anglin and a second by Fleming, with all five members voting aye. No formal appeals were filed, and the board heard the assessor’s report on three parcels. The meeting was then adjourned by a motion from Fleming, seconded by Lattin‑Anglin, with unanimous approval.

• Approved agenda (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Meeting

The Columbus Economic Development Authority will review a proposal to allocate the 5% administrative portion of the city’s $471,600 hotel and lodging tax—about $23,580—for hiring a consultant to develop a tourism and promotions strategy. The board will also receive updates on the upcoming ColumBiz “After Hours” event at Running Aces Casino, Hotel and Racetrack scheduled for April 23, 2026. Additional old‑business items include comprehensive bylaw amendments, a business survey, and tourism board formation.

• ColumBiz “After Hours” event on April 23, 2026, 4‑6 pm at Running Aces Casino, Hotel and Racetrack
• Hotel & Lodging Tax revenue totals approximately $471,600; 5% ($23,580) may be used for administrative purposes
• Proposal to use the $23,580 admin allocation for a tourism‑focused consulting contract
• Formation of a Columbus Tourism Board with initial members Aaron Bedessem and Lynn Carver‑Quinn
• Old business: comprehensive bylaw amendments, business survey, and tourism updates

Planning Commission

The Columbus Planning Commission approved its consent agenda, including the meeting agenda and prior minutes. It voted to recommend conditional approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Asphalt Specialties Co. to operate a contractor shop with an accessory yard at XXXX 137th Ave NE (PID 33-32-22-24-0016). The commission also held a concept presentation by Jusczack Trucking for a proposed trucking office, parts counter, and repair facility on a 20‑acre parcel at 14925 Hornsby St NE, but took no formal action. A City Council liaison provided an update on recent council actions.

• Approval of consent agenda (agenda and March 25th minutes)
• Conditional Use Permit recommendation for Asphalt Specialties Co. at XXXX 137th Ave NE (PID 33-32-22-24-0016)
• Concept presentation – Jusczack Trucking on 20‑acre parcel at 14925 Hornsby St NE (no action)
• City Council liaison report on recent council actions
• Public open forum received no comments

The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the April 15, 2026 agenda and the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes. No formal actions were taken on the presented development concepts or ordinance amendments. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved Consent Agenda (including April 15 agenda) – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved April 1, 2026 Planning Commission minutes – unanimous (5-0)
• No formal action on Jusczack Trucking concept presentation
• No formal action on zoning text amendment for electrical substations
• No formal action on driveway apron and access standards amendment discussion
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous (5-0)

Council

The City Council is meeting to approve payments for 2025 and 2026 invoices, as well as city staff payroll. The agenda consists of payment summaries and minutes from a previous meeting.

• Approval of 2025 invoices totaling $240,242.37, including $188,760.87 for City of Forest Lake Fire Department operating expenses
• Approval of 2026 invoices totaling $108,836.20
• Approval of electronic payroll payments totaling $20,041.53
• Payment of $38,858.50 to Bolton & Menk Inc for Notre Dame Street mill and overlay
• Payment of $13,568.97 to MNSpect for contract services

The council unanimously approved several actions, including terminating accounting services for the Forest Lake Area Cable Commission, authorizing the city to apply for a Minnesota Investment Fund loan for the Bare Home expansion, accepting a $535,000 Local Road Improvement Program grant for North Hornsby Street, and hiring seasonal public works employee Simon Johnson at $18 per hour. All votes were 4‑0 in favor. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Terminated Forest Lake Area Cable Commission accounting services effective April 8, 2026 (4‑0)
• Approved city participation as applicant for Minnesota Investment Fund loan for Bare Home expansion (4‑0)
• Accepted $535,000 LRIP grant for North Hornsby Street improvements (4‑0)
• Hired Simon Johnson as seasonal public works employee at $18/hour (4‑0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4‑0)
• Approved consent agenda items (bill payments, minutes, corrections) (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Council

The council will consider concept plans and cost estimates for renovating or rebuilding City Hall, with total project costs ranging from $4.1 million to $6.6 million. Staff will present the timeline for the 2027 budget process and discuss financing options for upcoming capital projects. An update on the proposed Connexus Substation location and its zoning implications will be reviewed. Council will also discuss Bare Home’s request for a $1.6 million Minnesota Investment Fund loan and related conditions.

• City Hall renovation concepts with total project costs from $4,116,000 to $6,574,000
• 2027 budget timeline presentation and financing options for 2027‑2028 capital projects
• Update on proposed Connexus Substation location and associated zoning considerations
• Bare Home request for a $1.6 million interest‑free MIF loan, plus $100,000 city RLF contribution and $12,000 escrow fee
• Discussion of conditions for city to act as sponsor/applicant for the Bare Home loan

Planning Commission

The Columbus Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Conditional Use Permit for Asphalt Specialties Company to operate a contractor shop with a yard on 137th Ave NE. The application includes a 48' x 48' office and a 50' x 64' shop on a vacant 3.18-acre lot.

• Conditional Use Permit for Asphalt Specialties Company at 137th Ave NE
• Public hearing scheduled for April 1, 2026
• Proposed 23 parking spaces and 24 trees
• Review by Rice Creek Watershed District and Fire Marshal
• Site to be served by private well and SSTS

The commission approved its consent agenda, including the meeting agenda and the March 25, 2026 minutes, by unanimous vote. In a public hearing, no comments were received. The commission approved the Findings of Fact and unanimously recommended a conditional use permit for Asphalt Specialties Co. at XXXX 137th Ave NE, subject to stated conditions. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved March 25, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended conditional use permit for Asphalt Specialties Co. (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)