Afton meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Afton roundup: Remus Park grant accepted, heritage reviews, and 2027 budget preview

The Afton City Council has accepted a natural vegetation restoration grant for Remus Park, with annual maintenance costs estimated at $3,400 to $5,500. The Parks Committee reviewed the grant and related park items at its Aug. 10 meeting, though minutes have not yet been published. The Park Dedication Fund balance stood at $394,271 as of June 30, 2026.

Parks Committee

The Parks Committee met Aug. 10 with an agenda that included the Remus Park grant, a draft parks mission/strategy statement, a park bench donation policy, and a presentation on forming a Friends of Afton/Parks 501(c)(3). The Herreid Park draft remains on hold pending historical building information. No formal decisions were reported.

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission held two meetings Aug. 12, both agenda-only with minutes not yet published.

At the first, the commission discussed old business including the Snake Mound Project, the Valley Creek Tour Project (including a tour research grant and a Township Hall nomination), and the 45th Street Park/Farmhouse Project. The agenda also included approval of revised May minutes and regular July minutes, plus reports on a Town Hall Yard Sale, an AABA meeting, and the FORUM National Preservation Conference.

At the second meeting, the commission conducted a conceptual design review for a proposed addition to the south side of the house at 15945 35th Street. Architect Tom Vermeland sought initial feedback on the design's appropriateness for the village historic district. No formal decision was expected at this stage, and the agenda noted a concern about quorum due to a commissioner recusal.

City Council discussion

The City Council met Aug. 18 to discuss a proposed joint study of Manning Avenue with Washington County and MnDOT. Mayor Palmquist and City Administrator Moorse had met with County Commissioners Bethany Cox and Karla Bigham to discuss pros and cons of conducting the study now. No formal action was required.

Coming up

• **Communications Task Force** (Aug. 24): Review of the St. Croix Riverway Boundary Map for a possible new cell tower location, and discussion of the path forward on cell connectivity. The agenda includes a recap of a July 27 meeting with an AT&T RF engineer who acknowledged coverage gaps in Afton. Potential tower height up to 150 feet, or stealth antenna up to 200 feet; typical minimum monthly rent to landlord is $1,500.
• **City Council work session** (Aug. 26): Discussion of amending the bed and breakfast ordinance to allow cooking in guest rooms (current ordinance § 153.108 prohibits cooking), new land uses for agricultural land including agri-tourism (farm kitchens, wineries), and the preliminary 2027 budget. The proposed tax levy is $3,105,674, up $190,226 (6.52%) from 2026; total budget $3,594,619, up 5.24%. Proposed monthly sewer fee increase from $65 to $70 per unit. Fire and ambulance costs rise 15.5% to $431,687; police services rise 5.2% to $302,235. Street Improvement Capital Fund levy increases 5% to $581,385; 2014 Road Bonds debt service levy up $10,000 to $361,000. A one-time transfer of $37,595 from the 2020A Disposal System Debt Service Fund to the General Fund would offset levy impact. Also on the agenda: a deer hunting task force report and communications task force update.

Afton council weighs 15.5% fire levy increase; recent meetings were agenda-only

No decisions were made at Afton's recent city meetings, as all were agenda-only with minutes not yet published. The most significant item under discussion was a proposed 15.46% increase in the city's share of the 2027 fire district levy, along with several other planning and communications items.

City Council reviews fire budget and park requests

At its July 27 meeting, the City Council discussed the proposed 2027 Lower St. Croix Valley Fire District budget. Afton's share would rise by $57,813 (15.46%) to $431,687. The overall district operating budget would increase 16.4% to $922,855, driven largely by a new 24/7 duty crew pay program and catch-up spending after years of 5% caps. No vote was taken.

The council also reviewed a draft trail system plan for the new park at the east end of 45th Street, a request from the Afton Wood neighborhood for a small playground at Afton Wood Park, a request for an on-street private parking space on 32nd Street, and a discussion on forming a deer population management task force.

Communications Task Force explores cellular and satellite options

The Communications Task Force met July 27 to discuss meeting with AT&T Cellular, contacting other cellular providers, and possibly contacting Starlink. The group also reviewed city objectives for improving connectivity. All items were for discussion only; no votes or decisions were scheduled.

Planning Commission to hold hearings on subdivisions and ordinance changes

On August 3, the Planning Commission scheduled public hearings on several minor subdivision and variance applications, including:

• Variance and minor subdivision at 3403 Pennington Avenue South
• Minor subdivision at 2005 Oakgreen Avenue South
• Minor subdivision north of 2005 Oakgreen Avenue South (PID# 09.028.20.33.0001)
• Front yard setback variance at 14265 50th Street South

The commission also considered ordinance amendments regarding sports training centers, accessory building sizes, and aircraft take-offs and landings.

Natural Resources Committee reviews conservation projects

The Natural Resources and Groundwater Committee met August 4 to discuss ongoing environmental work, including Kelle's Creek Bank Stabilization and Floodplain Forest Restoration in Steamboat and Carver Parks, 2026 well testing for nitrates and coliform bacteria, a land rehabilitation project on city property west of City Hall, a policy on clear cutting of vegetation, and a deer hunt in Afton.

Coming up

• **Parks Committee** – August 10: Will review the Remus Park natural vegetation restoration grant (accepted by the City Council, with annual maintenance costs of $3,400–$5,500), a draft parks mission statement, a park bench donation policy, and a presentation on forming a Friends of Afton/Parks 501(c)(3). The Park Dedication Fund balance is $394,271 as of June 30, 2026. The Herreid Park draft remains on hold pending historical building information.
• **Heritage Preservation Commission** – August 12: Will discuss the Snake Mound Project, Valley Creek Tour Project (including a tour research grant and Township Hall nomination), and the 45th Street Park/Farmhouse Project. The agenda also includes approval of revised minutes from May and regular minutes from July, plus reports on a Town Hall Yard Sale, AABA meeting, and FORUM National Preservation Conference.

Afton Council to Weigh Fire Budget Increase, Vegetation Grant, and Development Items

Afton's City Council has a packed agenda this week, with the proposed 2027 Fire Department budget calling for a $57,813 (15.46%) increase in funding from the city. Because minutes from the July meetings have not yet been published, all items below reflect what was scheduled on the agendas — not confirmed outcomes.

Fire Department Budget and Park Proposals

The July 27 City Council agenda included discussion of the proposed 2027 Fire Department budget, which would require a $57,813 increase from Afton, representing a 15.46% levy increase. Also on the agenda: a draft trail system plan for a new park at the east end of 45th Street, a request from the Afton Wood Neighborhood for a small playground at Afton Wood Park, a request for an on-street private parking space on 32nd Street, and formation of a deer hunting and population management task force.

Remus Park Vegetation Restoration Grant

The Council was asked to vote on accepting a grant from the Washington Conservation District for the Remus Park Vegetation Restoration Project, which would convert Brome grass to native vegetation. The grant requires a city match of $3,400 to $5,500 per year for maintenance. Public comments submitted to the Council requested lowering the speed limit on Valley Creek Trail to 35 mph due to safety concerns.

Bed & Breakfast Permit and Zoning Items

The July 21 agenda included a Conditional Use Permit for a Bed and Breakfast at 13885 44th Street South (Resolution 2026-34). The Council was also scheduled to continue discussion of a variance and minor subdivision for 3403 Pennington Avenue South, with continuation noted to August 18. Draft ordinance amendments on accessory building size and aircraft take-offs and landings were listed, along with the Afton Farms/Longview Farms Final Plat (Resolution 2026-35).

June Financial Review

The Council was scheduled to review June 2026 financial reports, including the Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2026, the Statement of Changes in Fund Balances year-to-date, and the Revenue and Expenditures summary for the General Fund. No significant transactions were reported for June.

Communications Task Force

The Communications Task Force met July 27 to discuss meeting with AT&T Cellular, contacting other cellular providers, and possibly contacting Starlink. Members also reviewed city objectives for improving connectivity in Afton. No votes or decisions were scheduled; all items were for discussion only.

Coming Up

• **August 3 — Planning Commission:** Public hearings on variance and minor subdivision applications for 3403 Pennington Avenue South, 2005 Oakgreen Avenue South, and property north of 2005 Oakgreen Avenue South (PID# 09.028.20.33.0001); a variance for front yard setback at 14265 50th Street South; and ordinance amendments on sports training centers, accessory building size, and aircraft take-offs/landings.
• **August 4 — Natural Resources and Groundwater Committee:** Discussion of Kelle's Creek Bank Stabilization and Floodplain Forest Restoration in Steamboat and Carver Parks, 2026 well testing for nitrates and coliform bacteria, a land rehabilitation project on city property west of City Hall, the Afton policy on clear cutting of vegetation, and the deer hunt in Afton.

Afton committees weigh parks nonprofit, telecom expansion; Council set to review B&B permit and final plat

Afton's advisory bodies spent the past two weeks discussing a possible nonprofit to support parks and the status of broadband expansion, but no decisions are on record yet — all three recent meetings have agendas published but minutes not yet available. The most consequential items on the horizon come July 21, when the City Council is scheduled to act on a Bed and Breakfast permit and a final plat for Afton Farms/Longview Farms.

Heritage Preservation/Design Review Commission — July 8

The commission was scheduled to receive updates on the Township Hall Project, covering its federal nomination, grant status, and the clean-out of the Town Hall. Also on the agenda: a status update on the MNHS Legacy Grant application and an update on the HPC Scavenger Hunt planned for Strawberry Fest. Minutes have not been published, so no actions or votes are confirmed.

Parks Committee — July 13

The committee reviewed a proposal to create a separate 501(c)(3) public charity that would solicit private donations for the city's parks department. The memorandum outlined the legal structure, required IRS classifications, and potential concerns including organizational independence, conflicts of interest, and compliance with disqualified-person rules. Specific discussion items included IRS classification under Section 509(a)(3) Type I relationship, potential conflicts of interest for city-appointed board members, compliance with Section 4946 disqualified-person rules, and governance and oversight requirements. The committee was to consider whether to proceed with forming the supporting organization. No minutes are available, so no recommendation or vote is confirmed.

Communications Task Force — July 13

The task force discussed Comcast's Minnesota BEAD funding and Afton's build-out plan, a Washington County monopine tower, and potential future fiber-to-the-home providers. Agenda items noted that the Washington County monopine tower height is incompatible with cellular build-out, and that Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile were contacted by Washington County regarding the tower. The task force also discussed bringing in two fiber-to-the-home providers for the next meeting, with Meghan Shea from Comcast named as liaison. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up — City Council, July 21

The Afton City Council will consider several items with direct effects on property owners:

• **Conditional Use Permit for a Bed and Breakfast at 13885 44th Street South** — Resolution 2026-34.
• **Afton Farms/Longview Farms Final Plat** — Resolution 2026-35.
• **Variance and Minor Subdivision Application for 3403 Pennington Avenue South** — a continuation scheduled to run to August 18.
• **Draft Ordinance Amendment on Accessory Building Size.**
• **Draft Ordinance Amendment on Aircraft Take-Offs and Landings.**

Additional items on the agenda include engineering updates, a tree donation for Town Square Park, and renewal of a retirement compensation plan.

Note on the record

All three recent meetings listed above are classified as agenda-only — minutes have not been published. The descriptions reflect what was scheduled for discussion, not confirmed actions or votes. Readers seeking verified outcomes should consult the official meeting minutes once posted on the city's website.