Falcon Heights meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Falcon Heights council weighs 12.21% levy increase, noise and parking ordinances

Falcon Heights city boards and commissions held several agenda-only meetings over the past two weeks, with no final votes taken. The most consequential item was a City Council workshop reviewing a draft 2027 budget that proposes a 12.21% property tax levy increase, from $2,882,408 to $3,234,420. The council also reviewed three ordinances on noise and parking, and two advisory bodies continued work on the Les Bolstad Golf Course redevelopment.

Budget and finances

At an Aug. 12 workshop, the council reviewed the draft 2027 General Fund budget. Key drivers include a proposed 12.21% levy increase and a roughly 10% rise in police costs as the St. Anthony Village contract reaches full capacity (30 full-time equivalents). General Fund compensation costs may increase about 13% due to step increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and new part-time/intern positions.

Staff also presented the 2026 second-quarter financial report. Revenues are projected over budget: $170,000 in permit revenue (budgeted at $60,000) and $160,000 in investment interest (budgeted at $30,000). A budget amendment was completed for a $325,000 transfer to purchase 1407 Larpenteur Avenue.

Council ordinances

At the same Aug. 12 regular meeting, the council considered three ordinances:

• Ordinance 26-09 amending Chapter 46 on traffic and vehicle noise
• Ordinance 26-10 amending Chapter 22 on unnecessary noise
• Ordinance 26-11 modifying parking fines and establishing a commercial parking lot license fee

The council also considered Resolution 26-71 authorizing a budget amendment for part-time employees. The consent agenda included general disbursements through Aug. 6 totaling $659,611.22, payroll of $24,679.80, and wire payments of $17,506.11.

Les Bolstad redevelopment

The Environment Commission met Aug. 10 to receive an update on the Les Bolstad Golf Course redevelopment, including a preliminary assessment of the developer's RFP plan against the city's Climate Action Plan. The commission also introduced Greenlee Dahle of Bolton & Menk as interim staff liaison and recapped the July 18 Lawn & Garden Tours.

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) met Aug. 19 to continue its work. Members recapped reactions to Rachel Development's preliminary RFP plan, discussed community engagement, and heard presentations on a natural resources inventory (Barr Engineering), the AUAR process (Swanson Haskamp Consulting), and an environmental overview (Braun Intertec).

Community Engagement Commission

The Community Engagement Commission met Aug. 17 to finalize its mission statement as part of a council-directed reimagining. They discussed how to gather resident feedback after a May pilot listening session was canceled due to low sign-ups (three total). They also planned a volunteer opportunity at Every Meal (2723 Patton Road, Roseville) and upcoming events including the Quarterly Goldstein Event and Human Rights Day 2026.

Coming up

• **Aug. 24** – Community Engagement Commission: finalize mission statement, plan listening sessions, volunteer event.
• **Aug. 25** – Planning Commission: meeting canceled.
• **Aug. 26** – City Council workshop: review 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Program, including a proposed $340,000 Northome alley rehabilitation (about 90% assessed to property owners) and other projects.
• **Aug. 26** – City Council regular meeting: approve sewer lining change order, playground fence quote, and curb repair agreement; informational presentation from Tubman Legal Services.

All recent meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published. Final decisions on the budget, ordinances, and Les Bolstad plan are expected at future meetings.

Falcon Heights council reviews 12.21% levy increase; commissions tackle parks, environment

Falcon Heights city boards and commissions met over the past two weeks to review the 2027 budget, consider noise and parking ordinances, and continue planning for the Les Bolstad Golf Course redevelopment. No minutes have been published yet, so all items below reflect agendas and staff reports, not final decisions.

Budget workshop: 12.21% levy increase proposed

The City Council held a workshop on Aug. 12 to review the draft 2027 General Fund budget. Staff proposed a 12.21% levy increase, from $2,882,408 to $3,234,420. Police costs are expected to rise about 10% as the St. Anthony Village contract reaches full capacity, and General Fund compensation costs may increase roughly 13% due to step increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and new part-time and intern positions.

The workshop also reviewed the 2026 second-quarter financial report. Revenues are projected over budget, including $170,000 in permit revenue (budgeted at $60,000) and $160,000 in investment interest (budgeted at $30,000). A budget amendment was completed for a $325,000 transfer to purchase 1407 Larpenteur Avenue.

Council regular meeting: noise, parking, and fees

Also on Aug. 12, the council held a regular meeting with a presentation from Metropolitan Council Member Peter Lindstrom. The council was scheduled to vote on three ordinances:

• Ordinance 26-09, amending Chapter 46 on traffic and vehicle noise
• Ordinance 26-10, amending Chapter 22 on unnecessary noise
• Ordinance 26-11, modifying parking fines and establishing a commercial parking lot license fee

The council also considered Resolution 26-71, authorizing a budget amendment for part-time employee expenditures. The consent agenda included general disbursements through Aug. 6 totaling $659,611.22, payroll of $24,679.80, and wire payments of $17,506.11.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission met Aug. 3 to finalize the Park Facility Rental Policy, discuss community park donations, and plan for a future park at the Les Bolstad Development. No decisions were reported.

Environment Commission

The Environment Commission met Aug. 10. It introduced Greenlee Dahle, a planner from Bolton & Menk, as interim staff liaison; recapped the July 18 Lawn & Garden Tours; and received an update on the Les Bolstad Golf Course redevelopment, including a preliminary assessment of the developer's RFP plan against the city's Climate Action Plan. The commission also approved minutes from its July 13 meeting.

Coming up

• **Community Engagement Commission** – Aug. 17 (today). The commission will finalize its mission statement, discuss next steps for listening sessions after a May pilot was cancelled due to low sign-ups (three total), and plan volunteer opportunities, including an October event at Every Meal, 2723 Patton Road, Roseville.
• **Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Community Advisory Committee** – Aug. 19. The committee will recap reactions to the developer's preliminary plan, discuss community engagement, and hear presentations on the natural resources inventory (Barr Engineering), the AUAR process (Swanson Haskamp Consulting), and an environmental overview (Braun Intertec).

Falcon Heights council weighs Les Bolstad plans, park furnishings purchase, and parking ordinance

Falcon Heights city bodies held a busy stretch of meetings in late July, with the City Council scheduled to act on more than $54,000 in disbursements, several Fairway Commons resolutions, and a commercial parking-lot license ordinance — while also discussing redevelopment plans for the Les Bolstad Golf Course and a brownfield site on Larpenteur Avenue. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so outcomes listed below reflect what was on each agenda, not confirmed votes.

City Council — July 22

The council had three separate items on its July 22 agenda.

Consent agenda and ordinances: The council was set to vote on general disbursements of $16,685.24, a payroll allocation of $19,969.54, and a wire payment of $18,158.96. Four resolutions related to the Fairway Commons development were also scheduled: Resolution 26-63 for the purchase of community park furnishings, Resolution 26-64 for an estoppel certificate for Fairway Commons, Limited Partnership, Resolution 26-65 for an encroachment agreement at 1670 Larpenteur Avenue, and a stormwater maintenance declaration. The council was also set to adopt Ordinance 26-07, amending Chapter 14 of the city code governing commercial parking-lot licenses.

Les Bolstad Golf Course workshop: In a special workshop, the council was scheduled to discuss preliminary development plans for the Les Bolstad Golf Course presented by Rachel Development, including the proposed housing mix, infrastructure, and community engagement strategies. The agenda also included review of the Community Advisory Committee's engagement questions and draft minutes from the July 15 joint workshops.

1407 Larpenteur Avenue West visioning: The council held a workshop on future uses for the brownfield site at 1407 Larpenteur Avenue West (Get Pressed). Staff introduced the Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) program and sought council input on redevelopment goals, community engagement approaches, and grant funding options — including MPCA, DEED, Met Council TBRA, and Ramsey County Environmental Response Fund. No formal action was requested; the discussion is intended to inform a later redevelopment plan and request for proposals.

Planning Commission — July 28

The Planning Commission was scheduled to receive a recap of the Community Advisory Committee's work on the Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Project, including discussion of Rachel Development's preliminary plans and community engagement strategies. The commission was also set to meet interim staff liaison TJ Hofer, introduced as Interim City Planner.

Community Engagement Commission — July 20

The commission was scheduled to continue its reimagining effort by reviewing draft mission statements and deciding on a final version. Commissioners were set to discuss the cancellation of pilot listening sessions at Cox Insurance on May 18 and 20 and explore alternative feedback methods. Other agenda items included a Spring Together recap from the event at Curtiss Field, a new-business discussion of Human Rights Day 2026, and a council liaison report that the Police Chief will present at a council meeting.

Coming up

Parks & Recreation Commission — August 3: The commission will meet to finalize the Park Facility Rental Policy, discuss community park donations, and plan for a future park at the Les Bolstad Development.

Falcon Heights Roundup: Les Bolstad Redevelopment Concepts Presented, Council Set to Vote on Parking Ordinance and Park Furnishings

Falcon Heights officials focused on the Les Bolstad Golf Course redevelopment and several ordinance changes in recent meetings, but minutes have not yet been published for any of them, so outcomes remain unconfirmed. The most consequential scheduled action is a July 22 City Council vote on park furnishings, Fairway Commons resolutions, and a commercial parking lot license ordinance.

Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment

The City Council and the Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Community Advisory Committee (CAC) held a joint workshop on July 15. Rachel Development, identified as the selected master developer, provided an introduction and a preliminary overview of one concept plan submitted in response to a Request for Proposals. Staff recapped recent community engagement discussions and outlined next steps.

The CAC also discussed a recap of a Highland Bridge walking tour focused on stormwater management and reviewed methods for gathering community feedback on the golf course redevelopment project.

City Council Workshops

The City Council held a July 8 workshop to discuss proposed amendments to the noise ordinance covering construction hours, power tools, vehicles, and loudspeakers, as well as a new parking violation for car alarms sounding more than four hours. Staff sought direction on draft updates to Chapter 22 (Environment) and Chapter 46 (Traffic and Vehicles). The workshop also included discussion of pay-by-mobile parking pass distribution for ineligible properties.

A separate July 8 council agenda included proposed Ordinance 26-07 to amend Chapter 14 on commercial parking lot licenses and consideration of amending the 2026 fee schedule to modify parking fines and establish a commercial parking lot license fee. The consent agenda listed general disbursements of $16,685.24, payroll of $19,969.54, and wire payments of $18,158.96, totaling $54,813.74, along with Resolution 26-63 for purchase of Community Park furnishings and Resolution 26-65 for an encroachment agreement at 1670 Larpenteur Avenue (Fairway Commons).

Parks & Recreation Commission

The July 6 regular meeting was canceled and rescheduled as a special meeting on July 9. At that meeting, the commission reviewed individual park audits for Curtiss Field, Community Park, and Grove Park, including specific repair requests such as drainage, bike racks, and bench fixes, to compile a list of improvements for the 2027 budget. Members also discussed 2026/2027 ice rink operations, a park facility policy, exercise circuit equipment, and approval of May 4, 2026 meeting minutes.

Environment Commission

On July 13, the Environment Commission discussed implementation of the city's Energy Action Plan, a Partners in Energy implementation debrief, and an update on the Les Bolstad Redevelopment Project. The agenda also included Lawn & Garden Tours status, an Ice Cream Social tabling plan, and boulevard tree program sign-ups.

Coming Up

• **July 20 — Community Engagement Commission:** Review and finalize a new mission statement, discuss cancellation of pilot listening sessions at Cox Insurance (May 18 and 20), recap of Spring Together at Curtiss Field, Human Rights Day 2026 as new business, and a report that the Police Chief will present at a council meeting.
• **July 22 — City Council (special workshop):** Discussion of Les Bolstad Golf Course preliminary plans from Rachel Development, including housing mix, infrastructure, and community engagement strategies.
• **July 22 — City Council (workshop):** Visioning exercise for the brownfield site at 1407 Larpenteur Avenue West (Get Pressed), with a presentation by the Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) program and discussion of grant funding options.
• **July 22 — City Council (regular meeting):** Scheduled vote on consent agenda items including $16,685.24 in general disbursements, $19,969.54 in payroll, and $18,158.96 in wire payments; Resolutions 26-63 (park furnishings), 26-64 (estoppel certificate for Fairway Commons), and 26-65 (encroachment agreement at 1670 Larpenteur Avenue); and Ordinance 26-07 amending Chapter 14 on commercial parking lot licenses.

Falcon Heights Council Tackled Parking Ordinances; Golf Course Redevelopment Workshop Ahead

Falcon Heights residents should note that the City Council's July 8 meetings and the Parks & Recreation Commission's July 9 special meeting were held within the past week, but minutes have not yet been published. The items below reflect what was on the agendas; confirmed outcomes and vote tallies are not yet available in the public record.

City Council — July 8

The Council held a workshop and a regular meeting on July 8. The workshop agenda included discussion of proposed noise ordinance amendments covering construction hours, power tools, vehicles, and loudspeakers, as well as a proposed parking violation for car alarms sounding more than four hours. Staff sought direction on these changes. The workshop also included discussion of pay-by-mobile parking pass distribution for ineligible properties.

The regular meeting agenda included two ordinances amending city code to regulate commercial parking lot licenses (Ordinance 26-07, amending Chapter 14) and a resolution to modify parking fines and establish a new commercial parking lot license fee in the 2026 Fee Schedule.

The consent agenda listed disbursements totaling $54,813.74, broken down as general disbursements of $16,685.24 through July 2, 2026, payroll of $19,969.54, and wire payments of $18,158.96. Also on the consent agenda were Resolution 26-63, authorizing the purchase of Community Park furnishings, and Resolution 26-65, approving an encroachment agreement at 1670 Larpenteur Avenue related to Fairway Commons.

Because minutes are not yet published, it is not confirmed which items were approved, tabled, or amended, or what the vote tallies were.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The regularly scheduled July 6 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting was canceled and rescheduled as a special meeting on Thursday, July 9.

The July 9 agenda included review of 2026 park audits for Curtiss Field, Community Park, and Grove Park, with specific repair requests such as drainage, bike racks, and bench fixes. The commission was set to compile a list of improvements for the 2027 budget. Additional agenda items included discussion of 2026/2027 ice rink operations, a park facility policy, exercise circuit equipment for parks, and approval of minutes from the May 4, 2026 meeting. Minutes for the July 9 special meeting have not yet been published.

Coming Up

The most notable upcoming item is the July 15 joint workshop between the City Council and the Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Rachel Development, identified as the selected master developer, will provide an introduction and a preliminary overview of one concept plan submitted in response to a Request for Proposals. Staff will recap recent community engagement discussions and outline next steps.

The CAC will also recap a walking tour of the Highland Bridge development focused on stormwater management and discuss methods for gathering community feedback on the golf course redevelopment.

All three scheduled July 15 meetings relate to the Les Bolstad Golf Course redevelopment project. Residents interested in the future of that site may want to attend or follow the outcomes.

*Note: All recent meeting items above are drawn from published agendas. Minutes confirming actions, votes, and final dollar amounts had not been posted as of July 13, 2026.*

Falcon Heights weighs $22.79M senior housing bond; Planning Commission acts on Fairway Commons PUD

Falcon Heights officials are moving forward on Fairway Commons, a 110-unit age-restricted affordable rental housing project at 1670 Larpenteur Avenue, with the City Council considering up to $22.79 million in tax-exempt conduit revenue notes to finance construction.

City Council — June 22

The council held a public hearing on Resolution 26-54, which would authorize $22.79 million in multifamily housing revenue notes for Fairway Commons. Related items on the agenda included Resolution 26-55 to vacate a storm sewer easement at the same site and Resolution 26-62 authorizing LCDA loan documents with Fairway Commons, Limited Partnership.

The council also considered Resolution 26-60, which would amend the city's snow and ice control guidelines to allow city plowing of alleyways, and Contract Amendment #1 with WSB for project management on the Community Park Renovation Project #01.

Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes of these items are not confirmed.

Council Workshop — June 22 (Fee Schedule)

A separate council workshop covered proposed amendments to the 2026 fee schedule. Items discussed included new administrative citation fees with amounts to be determined, a commercial parking lot license fee of $35, and Community Park Shelter rental fees of $100 for a half-day and $175 for a full-day. The proposed fee schedule is slated for adoption on July 8. The council also discussed joining the Coalition for Safe & Stable Communities Phase II. No formal votes were taken at this workshop, and public comment was not available.

Planning Commission — June 23

The Planning Commission reviewed and approved a planned unit development amendment for Fairway Commons, the 110-unit affordable senior housing project. The commission also held a public hearing on zoning changes that would allow special event commercial parking lots in business districts and reviewed a draft ordinance establishing low licensing fees for special event parking operators.

Additionally, the commission reviewed the city's acquisition of 1407 Larpenteur for brownfield mitigation and its compliance with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Coming Up

July 8 — City Council Workshop: The council will discuss proposed noise ordinance amendments covering construction hours, power tools, vehicles, and loudspeakers, plus a new parking violation for car alarms sounding more than four hours. Staff also seek direction on pay-by-mobile parking pass distribution for ineligible properties.

July 8 — City Council Regular Meeting: The council will consider Ordinance 26-07 amending Chapter 14 on commercial parking lot licenses, a resolution modifying parking fines and establishing a commercial parking lot license fee, and Resolution 26-63 authorizing purchase of Community Park furnishings. The consent agenda includes disbursements totaling $54,813.74 ($16,685.24 general, $19,969.54 payroll, $18,158.96 wire payments) and Resolution 26-65 approving an encroachment agreement at 1670 Larpenteur Avenue for Fairway Commons.

July 9 — Parks & Recreation Commission (Special Meeting): The regularly scheduled July 6 meeting was canceled and rescheduled to Thursday, July 9. An agenda had not been posted as of this report.

Planning Commission approves Fairway Commons zoning, land deal; council bond vote pending

The Falcon Heights Planning Commission on June 23 approved a planned unit development amendment for the 110-unit Fairway Commons affordable senior housing project and a resolution for the city to acquire a brownfield site at 1407 Larpenteur Avenue. The actions move the project forward as the City Council weighs a $22.79 million bond issue to finance construction.

Fairway Commons advances at Planning Commission

The commission’s approval of the PUD amendment clears a key land-use hurdle for the age-restricted rental project planned at 1670 Larpenteur Avenue. Separately, commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the city’s acquisition of 1407 Larpenteur for brownfield mitigation, a step that supports overall redevelopment of the corridor. The commission also reviewed and advanced a draft ordinance to establish low licensing fees for commercial parking lots that operate during special events, following a public hearing on zoning changes to allow such uses in business districts.

Council bond vote outcome still unknown

On June 22, the City Council held a public hearing and was scheduled to vote on Resolution 26-54, which would authorize up to $22.79 million in tax-exempt multifamily housing revenue notes for Fairway Commons. The agenda also included votes on vacating a storm sewer easement at the project site (Resolution 26-55) and approving loan documents with Fairway Commons, Limited Partnership (Resolution 26-62). Minutes from the meeting have not yet been published, so the outcomes of those votes remain unconfirmed. The council additionally set the stage for changes to snow-plowing guidelines: Resolution 26-60 would amend policies to include alleyways in city plowing routes. A contract amendment for WSB’s project management on the Community Park renovation was also up for consideration.

Fee schedule workshop tees up July 8 adoption

A separate council workshop the same evening discussed proposed updates to the 2026 fee schedule. Items included new administrative citation fees (amounts to be determined), a $35 commercial parking lot license, and Community Park Shelter rental rates of $100 for a half-day and $175 for a full day. Staff also recommended joining the Coalition for Safe & Stable Communities Phase II. No formal votes were taken; the fee schedule is slated for adoption at the July 8 council meeting.

Coming up

The Parks & Recreation Commission is not meeting July 6; that session has been rescheduled as a special meeting on Thursday, July 9.

On July 8, the City Council will hold a workshop on noise ordinance amendments covering construction hours, power tools, vehicles, and loudspeakers, and a proposed parking violation for car alarms that sound for more than four hours. That evening’s regular meeting includes votes on ordinances to amend city code for commercial parking lot licenses (Ordinance 26-07), a resolution to modify parking fines and establish the license fee, and a resolution to authorize purchase of Community Park furnishings (Resolution 26-63). The consent agenda lists general disbursements of $16,685.24, payroll of $19,969.54, and wire payments of $18,158.96 through July 2, as well as an encroachment agreement at 1670 Larpenteur Avenue for Fairway Commons (Resolution 26-65).