Rochester, MN

Ethical Practices Board

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission will meet to discuss the organization of its Inventory List and the structure of its preservation awards. The body will also introduce a new commissioner and review previous meeting minutes.

• Proposal by Commissioner Koestler to establish a process for prioritizing and organizing the Historic Preservation Inventory List
• Outline for the Heritage Preservation Awards
• Introduction of new commissioner Andrew Knauff
• Approval of September 22, 2026, meeting minutes

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a recommendation for a 25-lot residential subdivision. The body will also hold public hearings regarding parking and setback modifications for a project by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.

• Major Land Subdivision No. CD2026-026PLAT (Shannon Oaks Eighth) for 25 single-family lots on 10.73 acres
• Travel Demand Management Plan No. CD2026-015CUP to reduce minimum parking by eight stalls
• Major Modification No. CD2026-014MOD to reduce rear and front setbacks and Level 4 Bufferyard width

City Council

The City Council will review a wide range of consent items including infrastructure contracts and grant applications. The body is also holding public hearings on 2027 service charges and federal grant allocations, and considering several zoning changes.

• Approval of $65,176,428.94 in total disbursements for November 2, 2026
• Adoption of the 2027 Master Fee Schedule
• Proposed $425,893 in service charges for the Downtown Special Service District for 2027
• Contract amendment of $445,883 for the 6th St Bridge, Neighborhood Safety & Riverfront Improvements Project
• Zone changes for 75th AZ, LLC (15.75 acres) and Stencil Group (3.83 acres)

Public Utility Board

The Rochester Public Utility Board is considering the 2027 supplemental budgets for electric and water utilities. The board will also review proposed rate tariffs for 2027 and the selection of an underwriter for proposed revenue bonds.

• 2027 Electric and Water Utilities Rate Tariff for January 1, 2027
• 2026-2027 insurance renewals totaling $1,834,526.12
• Accounts payable review for transactions totaling $20,939,657.80
• Tree trimming services contract extension with Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC
• Acceptance of up to $27,000 in grant funds for Climate-Smart Counties and Communities

The Board unanimously approved the 2027 supplemental operating and capital budgets for both electric and water utilities. It also recommended that the City Council approve new rate tariffs for both utilities effective January 1, 2027.

• Approved 2027 Electric Utility capital and operating budgets (Unanimous)
• Approved 2027 Supplemental Water Utility operating and capital budgets (Unanimous)
• Approved and recommended City Council approval of 2027 Electric Utility rate tariffs (Unanimous)
• Approved and recommended City Council approval of 2027 Water Utility rate tariffs (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,834,526.12 for 2026-2027 annual insurance renewals (Unanimous)
• Approved solicitation of proposals for 2027A Electric Utility Revenue and Refunding Bonds underwriter (Unanimous)
• Approved extension of hourly tree trimming contract with Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC for 2027 (Unanimous)
• Approved Amendment No. 2 to USIC Contract for underground locating services (Unanimous)

Public Utility Board

The Rochester Public Utility Board will vote on the 2027 supplemental budgets for electric and water utilities, which include a previously approved 9.0% water rate adjustment. The board will also approve 2027 rate tariffs effective January 1, 2027, and authorize $1,834,526.12 in annual insurance renewals. Additionally, members will review contracts for tree trimming and underground locating services, and discuss a proposal to solicit underwriters for future electric utility bonds.

• Approve 2027 Electric and Water Utility budgets and rate tariffs effective Jan 1, 2027
• Approve 2026-2027 insurance renewals totaling $1,834,526.12
• Extend tree trimming contract with Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC through 2027
• Ratify Amendment No. 2 to USIC Contract 21-49 for underground locating services
• Solicit proposals for underwriting services for proposed 2027A Electric Utility Revenue Bonds

City Council - Study Session

The City Council will hold a study session to discuss strategic management of Tax Increment Financing and the Downtown Employee Parking Program. The meeting includes presentations on prevailing wages and parkland dedication.

• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) strategic management and policy
• Downtown Employee Parking Program
• Prevailing Wage background and overview
• Parkland Dedication
• Executive Session for City Attorney Performance Review

Joint Airport Zoning Board

The Joint Airport Zoning Board will hold a public hearing regarding the adoption of the State Model Zoning Ordinance for Rochester International Airport.

• Public hearing for the adoption of the State Model Zoning Ordinance for Rochester International Airport
• Approval of April 1, 2026, meeting minutes

The Joint Airport Zoning Board held a public hearing and voted to adopt the State Model Zoning Ordinance for the Rochester International Airport. The board also approved the minutes from the April 1, 2026, meeting.

• Adopted State Model Zoning Ordinance for Rochester International Airport (Unanimous)
• Approved April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and video (Unanimous)

Library Board

The Library Board will vote on updated bylaws for the Rochester Public Library Foundation and a revised budget estimation for satellite libraries. The board will also review a parking pilot initiative and approve October disbursements.

• Approval of $223,077.93 in disbursements for October 15, 2026, including $196,269.89 for SirsiDynix
• Approval of Rochester Public Library Foundation bylaws changes
• Approval of revised budget estimation for satellite libraries to set fundraising goals
• Review of the parking pilot initiative
• Acceptance of contracts signed by the Library Director

The Library Board approved revised budget estimations for satellite libraries to set fundraising goals. The board also approved changes to the Rochester Public Library Foundation bylaws and its slate of officers. Additionally, the board authorized over $223,000 in disbursements.

• Approved $223,077.93 in total disbursements for October 15, 2026 (Unanimous)
• Approved revised budget estimation for satellite libraries to establish fundraising goals (Unanimous)
• Approved Rochester Public Library Foundation bylaws changes and slate of officers (Unanimous)
• Approved slate of officers to be voted on at a future board meeting (Unanimous)
• Accepted September 16, 2026 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Accepted September 2026 monthly reports (Unanimous)
• Accepted contracts signed by the Library Director (Unanimous)

City Council - Study Session

The City Council will hold a study session to discuss strategic management of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and the Downtown Employee Parking Program. The meeting includes presentations on prevailing wages and parkland dedication.

• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) strategic management and policy
• Prevailing Wage background and overview
• Downtown Employee Parking Program
• Parkland Dedication
• Executive Session for City Attorney Performance Review

City Council

The City Council will vote on four major land subdivisions for residential lots and one zone change. The body is also reviewing multiple infrastructure contracts and setting public hearings for unpaid city charges.

• Approval of Graham Acres subdivision for 580 single-family residential lots
• Contract with Elcor Construction, Inc. for $3,270,774.55 for 37th St NE Stormwater Management Facility
• Professional design services contract with Bolton & Menk, Inc. for $1,194,370 for Central Loop at 3rd and 4th Avenues
• Public hearings set for Nov 16, 2026, regarding unpaid utility charges and special charges for weed, snow, and rubbish removal
• Zone change for a 15,000-square-foot lot from R-1 to R-2 requested by Joseph Sveen

Library Board

The Library Board will consider approving revised budget estimations for satellite libraries to set fundraising goals and changes to the Rochester Public Library Foundation bylaws. The board will also review a parking pilot initiative and approve monthly disbursements.

• Approval of $223,077.93 in disbursements for October 15, 2026, including $196,269.89 for SirsiDynix
• Approval of Rochester Public Library Foundation bylaws changes
• Approval of revised budget estimation for satellite libraries for fundraising goals
• Review of the parking pilot initiative
• Acceptance of contracts signed by the Library Director

Citizens Advisory on Transit

The committee will review the August 2026 Transit Report and receive an update on ZIPS. Members will also discuss the trade-off between transit frequency and coverage.

• Transit August 2026 Report
• ZIPS Update
• Discussion on Transit Priorities (Frequency vs Coverage Trade-off)

The committee met to approve the minutes from the September 11, 2026, meeting and the order of the agenda. The remainder of the meeting consisted of information items and discussions without formal votes.

• Approved September 11, 2026, minutes and video as official record (Unanimous)
• Approved order of agenda (Unanimous)

Sustainability and Resiliency Commission

The Sustainability and Resiliency Commission will review the 2026 Sustainability Data Update. Members will also provide feedback on a proposed community-led tactics reporting process and identify volunteers for research updates.

• 2026 Sustainability Data Update
• SRCWP Community-Led Tactics Reporting Process feedback

The commission approved the minutes from the September meeting. Members provided feedback on a proposed community-led tactics reporting process and identified volunteers to submit updates by November 10.

• Approved September meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Provided feedback on proposed community-led tactics reporting process

City Council

The City Council will review multiple land subdivision requests and infrastructure contracts. The meeting includes decisions on residential developments and the scheduling of public hearings for unpaid city charges.

• Approval of Graham Acres subdivision for 580 single-family lots on 185 acres
• Contract with Elcor Construction, Inc. for $3,270,774.55 for 37th St NE Stormwater Management Facility
• Professional design contract with Bolton & Menk, Inc. for $1,194,370 for Central Loop at 3rd and 4th Avenues
• Public hearings set for Nov 16, 2026, regarding unpaid utility charges and special charges
• Approval of Westbury Second (115 lots), Danielson Farm, and Pebble Creek Seventh (100 lots) subdivisions

Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission

The commission will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and receive informational updates. Discussions include the Public Work's ADA Transition Plan and winter maintenance for city trails.

• Approval of September 14, 2026 meeting minutes
• Informational item: Place and Flow Streets - How to Design for Cars in People-Centered Places
• Public Work's ADA Transition Plan Update
• Winter City Trail Maintenance Update

The commission met to receive staff updates and approve previous records. No substantive new business or policy decisions were made during the meeting.

• Approved minutes and video of September 14, 2026 meeting (Unanimous)

City Council - Study Session

The City Council will hold a study session featuring several presentations. The meeting includes reports on a youth council trip and parks marketing, as well as a discussion on council rules and the study session schedule.

• Report from Rochester Olmsted Youth Council (ROYC) Member's Trip to Germany
• Parks & Recreation Marketing and Awareness Efforts
• Council Rules and Policy Items
• Study Session Schedule

Sustainability and Resiliency Commission

The Sustainability and Resiliency Commission will review the 2026 Sustainability Data Update. Members will also provide feedback on a proposed reporting process for community-led tactics and identify volunteers for research updates.

• 2026 Sustainability Data Update
• SRCWP Community-Led Tactics Reporting Process feedback
• Selection of volunteers to review responses and research updates by November 10

City Council - Study Session

The City Council will hold a study session featuring several presentations. The meeting includes a report on a youth council trip and a discussion on parks and recreation marketing.

• Report from Rochester Olmsted Youth Council (ROYC) Member's Trip to Germany
• Parks & Recreation Marketing and Awareness Efforts
• Council Rules and Policy Items
• Study Session Schedule

City Council

The City Council will vote on several high-value infrastructure contracts and two zone changes. The meeting includes approval of over $102 million in accounts payable and amendments to the water utility capital budget.

• Contract award to Rachel Contracting, LLC for $18,937,132.74 for Silver Lake Sediment Removal and Dam Modification
• Contract award to Carl Bolander & Sons Co. for $8,241,235.20 for Zumbro River Siphon upgrade and sewer extension
• Zone change for 15.75-acre site from Holding Zone to Mixed Use General by 75th AZ, LLC
• Zone change for 3.83 acres from Mixed Use Street-Oriented to Medium Density Residential by Stencil Group
• Water Utility Capital Budget amendments totaling $1,573,300 for Country Club Road and Kalmar Booster Station

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Rochester Planning & Zoning Commission meets on October 1, 2026, to forward recommendations to the City Council on five subdivision and vacation requests, including a 580-lot subdivision by DR Horton, Inc - Minnesota known as Graham Acres. The commission will also hold public hearings on a zone change and a conditional use permit for a 230-bed memory care facility. Most items are recommendations to the City Council, which makes the final decision.

• Major Land Subdivision No. CD2026-021PLAT by DR Horton, Inc - Minnesota, known as Graham Acres: 580 single-family lots on 185 acres in an R-2 zone, with two conditions
• Major Land Subdivision No. CD2026-022PLAT by Bigelow Homes, known as Westbury Second: 24.6 acres into 115 residential lots and one outlot
• Major Land Subdivision No. CD2026-023PLAT by Anthony Properties, known as Danielson Farm: 26.56 acres at 55th St NW and 18th Ave NW into 1 lot, 2 outlots, and right-of-way, with four conditions
• Major Land Subdivision No. CD2026-024PLAT by DRP MN 3, LLC, known as Pebble Creek Seventh: 100 single-family lots on 14.98 acres in R-2 and MXS zones, with two conditions
• Public hearings: Zone Change No. CD2026-003ZC by Joseph Sveen (15,000 sq ft from R-1 to R-2) and Conditional Use Permit No. CD2026-014CUP by Widseth for a 230-bed memory care facility

The Rochester Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously on October 1, 2026 (minutes dated September 30, 2026) to forward recommendations to the City Council on four major land subdivisions, one right-of-way vacation petition, one zone change, and one conditional use permit. All items passed 6-0, with Commissioners Ahmed, Cline, and Ross absent. The recommendations are not final decisions; the City Council must still act on them.

• Forwarded approval recommendation for Major Land Subdivision CD2026-021PLAT (Graham Acres by DR Horton, Inc - Minnesota), with conditions (6-0)
• Forwarded approval recommendation for Major Land Subdivision CD2026-022PLAT (Westbury Second by Bigelow Homes): 24.6 acres into 115 residential lots and one outlot, with five conditions (6-0)
• Forwarded approval recommendation for Major Land Subdivision CD2026-023PLAT (Danielson Farm by Anthony Properties), with four conditions (6-0)
• Forwarded approval recommendation for Major Land Subdivision CD2026-024PLAT (Pebble Creek Seventh by DRP MN 3, LLC), with two conditions (6-0)
• Forwarded approval recommendation for Vacation Petition CD2026-006VAC (Pebble Creek 7th right-of-way, by DRP MN 3, LLC) (6-0)
• Forwarded approval recommendation for Zone Change CD2026-003ZC (Joseph Sveen): rezone ~15,000 sq ft from R-1 to R-2 for Eastwood Townhomes (6-0)
• Adopted resolution approving Conditional Use Permit CD2026-014CUP (Widseth) for a 230-bed memory care facility in the R-2 district (6-0)
• Approved Order of Agenda and September 16, 2026 minutes as the official record (6-0)

City Council

The Rochester City Council is meeting on September 30, 2026, to work through a large consent agenda and two public hearings. The consent agenda includes approving $102,812,920.24 in disbursements, water utility budget amendments, and several construction and engineering contracts. Public hearings cover two rezoning requests, and later items award major contracts for Silver Lake sediment removal and dam modification and for a Zumbro River siphon replacement. The council will also receive a first reading of the 2027 Master Fee Schedule.

• Consent agenda includes accounts payable of $102,812,920.24 for October 5, 2026
• Zone change CD2026-002ZC by 75th AZ, LLC: 15.75 acres from H (Holding Zone) to MXC (Mixed Use General)
• Zone change CD2026-001ZC by Stencil Group: about 3.83 acres from MX-S to R-3 (Medium Density Residential)
• Contract award to Rachel Contracting, LLC for $18,937,132.74 for Silver Lake Sediment Removal and Dam Modification, Project No. J4889
• Contract award to Carl Bolander & Sons Co. for $8,241,235.20 for Zumbro River Siphon replacement and sewer extension, Project No. J7829

Public Utility Board

The Rochester Public Utility Board meets on September 29, 2026, to work through a consent agenda and one bid award. The consent agenda includes a $16,596,835.56 accounts payable review, a $836,000 purchase of five submersible switchgear units from Border States Electric, a $488,000 increase for the Country Club Road Water Main Extension Project (City Project J7862), and a $158,958.80 fuel nozzle expenditure for Gas Turbine #2. Under consideration of bids, the Board will vote on awarding a $2,540,300 construction contract for the Kalmar Booster Station to Rice Lake Construction Group. The Board will also authorize public notification of proposed 2027 supplemental electric and water utility rate changes, and hear informational items on 2027 legislative priorities and Board Policy 11.

• Award $2,540,300 Kalmar Booster Station construction contract to Rice Lake Construction Group of Deerwood, Minnesota
• Purchase five submersible switchgear units from Border States Electric for $836,000
• Additional $488,000 for Country Club Road Water Main Extension Project (City Project J7862), raising total authorization from $1,200,000 to $1,688,000
• Additional $158,958.80 for fuel nozzle replacement on Gas Turbine #2
• Authorize public notification of the 2027 Supplemental Electric and Water Utility Rate Adjustment

The Public Utility Board unanimously approved a $2,540,300 construction contract for the Kalmar Booster Station, contingent on City Council approval of the budget. The board also authorized an additional $488,000 expenditure for the Country Club Road Water Main Extension Project and initiated public notification for proposed 2027 electric and water rate adjustments.

• Approved $2,540,300 construction contract for Kalmar Booster Station (unanimous)
• Approved $488,000 additional expenditure for Country Club Road Water Main Extension (unanimous)
• Authorized public notification for 2027 Supplemental Electric and Water Rate Adjustment (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of five submersible switchgear units for $836,000 (unanimous)
• Approved engagement with Baker Tilly US, LLP for financial audit services (unanimous)

Public Utility Board

The Rochester Public Utilities Board will review several large expenditures, including a construction contract for the Kalmar Booster Station and funding for the Country Club Road Water Main Extension Project. The Board will also discuss proposed 2027 utility rate adjustments and authorize various equipment purchases and service engagements.

• Award construction contract to Rice Lake Construction Group for $2,540,300 for Kalmar Booster Station
• Authorize $488,000 additional expenditure for Country Club Road Water Main Extension Project
• Authorize $836,000 purchase of five submersible switchgear units from Border States Electric
• Approve $158,958.80 for Gas Turbine #2 fuel nozzle replacement
• Review accounts payable totaling $16,596,835.56 for 08/12/2026 to 09/10/2026

City Council - Study Session

The Rochester City Council holds a study session with three presentations and a schedule review. Topics include a Housing Access Update, a transportation mode shift and demand management overview, and an update on the Stormwater Water Quality Treatment Credit Transfer Policy. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda; the session is informational.

• Housing Access Update (3:30-5:00 p.m.)
• From Plans to Practical Choice: Mode Shift and Transportation Demand Management Overview (5:00-6:15 p.m.)
• Stormwater Water Quality Treatment Credit Transfer Policy Update (6:15-6:30 p.m.)
• Study Session Schedule (6:30 p.m.)

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission will consider approving a Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations to the Stopple Farm House. The commission will also review a proposal from Commissioner Koestler regarding a process for prioritizing the Historic Preservation Inventory List.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations to the Stopple Farm House
• Commissioner Koestler proposal for Historic Preservation Inventory Strategy
• Review of Public Engagement & Education program outline

The Heritage Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the historic rehabilitation of the Stopple Farm House. The commission also reviewed a proposal for an inventory strategy and an outline for public engagement.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for Stopple Farm House alterations (Unanimous)
• Approved August 25, 2026 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved order of agenda (Unanimous)

Citizens Advisory on Transit

The Citizens Advisory on Transit will meet to discuss meeting schedules and review current polling places. The body will also receive reports on the July 2026 Transit report and the financial outlook, performance, and strategic direction of Rochester Public Transit.

• Approval of July 10th, 2026 minutes and video
• Transit July 2026 Report
• Review of Current Polling Places
• Rochester Public Transit: Financial Outlook, Performance, and Strategic Direction

The Citizens Advisory on Transit approved the minutes from their July 10th, 2026 meeting and voted to change their regular meeting schedule to the second Thursday of each month from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The committee also received information items regarding the July 2026 transit report, polling places, and the Rochester Public Transit financial outlook.

• Approved July 10th, 2026 meeting minutes and video (Approved [Unanimous])
• Approved order of agenda (Approved [Unanimous])
• Approved moving meetings to the second Thursday of each month from 3:30pm to 4:30pm (Approved [Unanimous])
• Adjourned meeting (Approved [Unanimous])

City Council - Study Session

This is a study session where the City Council will receive presentations and discuss updates on housing access, transportation demand management, and a stormwater water quality treatment credit transfer policy. No formal votes are scheduled; the session is for information and discussion.

• Housing Access Update presentation
• Mode Shift and Transportation Demand Management overview
• Stormwater Water Quality Treatment Credit Transfer Policy update
• Study Session Schedule review

City Council

The City Council will consider certifying the 2027 preliminary tax levy of $124,901,338 and a preliminary budget of $799,283,832, with a public hearing set for December 7, 2026. The consent agenda includes contracts, agreements, and policy approvals. Public hearings include a conditional use permit for a quarry and the 2027 CDBG action plan.

• Certify 2027 preliminary tax levy of $124,901,338 and budget of $799,283,832
• Award $623,280.55 in contracts for Public Safety Training Center remodel
• Contract with EOR, Inc. for $235,035 (Pond 40) and $376,322.50 (Kings Run)
• Approve naming rights agreements for Rochester Sportsplex with Altra Credit Union and Knutson Construction
• Public hearing on denial of conditional use permit for limestone quarry by MGK, LLC

City Council

The Rochester City Council will consider certifying the 2027 preliminary tax levy of $124,901,338 and setting a $799,283,832 operating and capital budget, with a public hearing scheduled for December 7, 2026. The consent agenda includes multiple contracts, agreements, and policy approvals, including a $623,280.55 remodel of the Public Safety Training Center and a recommendation to deny a conditional use permit for a limestone quarry. The meeting also includes public hearings on the quarry permit and the 2027 Community Development Block Grant allocations.

• Certify 2027 preliminary tax levy of $124,901,338 and budget of $799,283,832
• Award $623,280.55 in contracts for Public Safety Training Center remodel
• Recommend denial of Conditional Use Permit for limestone quarry by MGK LLC
• Approve naming rights agreements for Rochester Sportsplex with Altra Credit Union and Knutson Construction
• Approve $235,035 contract with EOR, Inc. for Pond 40 Concept Plan design

Police Civil Service Commission

The Rochester Police Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve the agenda, hear public comments, and consider a request to authorize the appointment of one temporary Sergeant. The meeting is largely procedural, with the temporary sergeant appointment being the only substantive item.

• Approve minutes from last meeting
• Authorize appointment of one temporary Sergeant

The Police Civil Service Commission approved a request to authorize the appointment of one temporary Sergeant, with all three members present voting yes. The commission also approved its agenda and the minutes from its last meeting, both unanimously. No public comment was recorded, and no other business was taken up. All votes were 3-0, with Bradley D Trahan, Courtney Dugstad and Angela Halbert present.

• Approved appointment of one temporary Sergeant (3-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved minutes from the last meeting (3-0)
• Adjourned (3-0)