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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.16.25 Council Minutes City of Farmington Regular Council Meeting Minutes Monday, June 16, 2025 The City Council met in regular session on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Farmington City Hall, 430 Third Street, Farmington, Minnesota. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hoyt called the meeting to order at 7 pm. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Hoyt led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. ROLL CALL Members Present: Mayor Joshua Hoyt Councilmembers Holly Bernatz, Jake Cordes, Nick Lien, and Steve Wilson Members Absent: None Staff Present: Lynn Gorski, City Administrator David Chanski, HR Director/Assistant City Administrator Amy Schmidt, City Attorney Deanna Kuennen, Economic & Community Development Director Tony Wippler, Planning Manager Kim Sommerland, Finance Director Matt Price, Fire Chief Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Nate Siem, Police Chief John Powell, Public Works Director Eric Whitmer, Public Works Superintendent Caryn Hojnicki, Communications Specialist Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk Also Present: Gary Rutherford, Police Chief-Retired David McKnight, Former City Administrator Mike Slavik, Dakota County Commissioner Rambling River Center Advisory Board Commissioners: Rachel Edwards, Mary Garlets, Pat Hennen, Judy Jenke Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 1 of 10 4. APPROVE AGENDA Motion was made by Councilmember Lien and seconded by Councilmember Bernatz to approve the agenda, as presented. Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS / COMMENDATIONS 5.1 Employee Recognitions Director Chanski: We have the opportunity to recognize two employees and their service to the City of Farmington: Ron Ley has served the City for 24 years as Mechanic and then Lead Mechanic. During those 24 years, there was not a single vehicle that he did not maintain. Since 2002, he has upfitted every Police cruiser in service. Ron's dedication and diligence in not only upfitting but maintaining the fleet of Police vehicles led Ron to receive the Chief's Award of Merit in 2024. Council and Staff spoke words of appreciation for Ron's service to the City of Farmington for more than two decades. Ron's professionalism and dedication will be missed, and we wish him a happy and long retirement. Ron's last day with the City will be July 3rd. Lynn Gorski created a legacy in her four years with the City of Farmington. Mayor Hoyt, Council, and Staff spoke of her professionalism, leadership, integrity, honesty, compassion and caring, and that she always led with her whole heart, putting the needs of Farmington first and never shying away from the hard decisions when they needed to be made. Lynn showed up for events, led with grace, always had time for others, and will be greatly missed by everyone. Lynn's last day with the City is July 1 st. Lynn said a few words. To Mayor Hoyt, Councilmembers, Team Farmington, and members of the Farmington Community: As I prepare for my final day as City Administrator, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible journey over the last four years. Serving the City of Farmington has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. We have been through a remarkable period of change and growth together. In just a short amount of time, we have built a strong foundation, brick by brick. We've been steadily building forward, upward ever since that momentum we've created through strategic initiatives and strengthened partnerships. We have brought us closer to that top floor Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 2 of 10 of excellence and accomplishments. None of this progress would have been possible without each one of you. To City Council: Thank you for your unwavering support and your bold vision, strength, and your trust in me to help guide this organization. To Team Farmington: You are the heartbeat of the City, each and every one of you. Where would we be without your commitment, your resilience, your professionalism, and your service above self? Thank you for placing your trust and confidence in me. Thank you for consistently raising the bar, for continuing to show up, and sharing Farmington's story, while making a difference. I also want to extend many thanks to incredible people I've had the privilege to work alongside in the Farmington community. The Farmington School District, Dakota County Chamber, the County, Rotary, the Farmington Community Foundation, and so many others who have played a role in making this City stronger, more connected, and full of promise: Thank you for the memories, the support, and the opportunity to serve the City of Farmington. Thank you all. 6. CITIZENS COMMENTS / RESPONSES TO COMMENTS The following citizens) addressed the Council: • Jeff Schottler, 22420 Calico Ct, Farmington • Gina Trebil, 22402 Calico Ct, Farmington • Colby Salonek, 22421 Calico Ct, Farmington • Jonathan Nygren, 22403 Calico Ct, Farmington • Kevin Niendorf, 613 12th St, Farmington • Brian Trebil, 22402 Calico Ct, Farmington • Nate Ryan, 22390 Cambrian Way, Farmington • Casey Nelson, 3095 224th St W, Farmington • Taylor Heitman, 1025 Westview Dr, Farmington • (Name not provided), 3054 224th St W, Farmington • Cameron Duncan, 22296 Cambrian Way, Farmington • Nancy Aarestad, 22165 Beaumont Ave, Castle Rock Township • Nick Nelson, 3095 224th St W, Farmington • Terrie Pearson, 2475 225th St W, Castle Rock Township Regular City Council sleeting Minutes of June 16.2025 Page 3 of G 7. CONSENT AGENDA 7.1 Minutes of the June 2, 2025 Work Session 7.2 Minutes of the June 2, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting 7.3 Establish Public Hearing Date to Consider Adoption of Five-Year Street Reconstruction Plan 7.4 Financial Review for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2025 7.5 Payment of Claims 7.6 Creation of Police Captains and Revised Police Department Organizational Chart 7.7 Staff Recommendations and Approvals, Including the appointment(s) of: • Tyler Wood, Police Officer • Christina Calderon, Community Service Officer • Joselyne Bowen, Paid-on-Call Firefighter • Andrew Enger, Paid-on-Call Firefighter • Joshua Hennes, Paid-on-Call Firefighter • Sarah Simonton, Paid-on-Call Firefighter • Timothy Nielsen, Paid-on-Call Firefighter • Brock Wyandt, Seasonal Public Works Maintenance Worker 7.8 Donation of Flowers for Downtown from the Farmington Rotary 7.9 Facility Use Memoranda of Understanding with St. Cloud State University Precision Driving Center 7.10 Purchase of Playground Equipment for Westview Acres Park Motion was made by Councilmember Wilson and seconded by Councilmember Cordes to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented. Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS 9. AWARD OF CONTRACT 10.PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 10.1 Resolution 2025-043 Approving the Final Plat - Farmington Industrial Park 4th Addition Planning Manager Wippler presented the final plat and Resolution 2025-043 for approval of Farmington Industrial Park 4th Addition and answered questions for Council. Motion was made by Councilmember Cordes and seconded by Councilmember Wilson to adopt Resolution 2025-043 Approving and Authorizing Signing of Final Plat Farmington Industrial Park 4th Addition, contingent upon the following: Regular City Ccuncil Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 4 of 10 a. A Development Contract between the applicant and the City of Farmington shall be executed, and security fees and costs shall be paid. Submission of all other documents required under the Development Contract shall be required. b. The final plat must be amended to add a signature block to the instrument of dedication for the Chair of the Planning Commission. c. The final plat must be amended to show the restricted access along the entirety of Pilot Knob Road as required by Dakota County. Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays 10.2 Resolutions 2025-044 and 2025-045 Approving the Final Plats for Vita Attiva at South Creek Fourth and Fifth Additions Planning Manager Wippler presented the final plats and Resolutions 2025-044 and 2025-045 for approval of Vita Attiva at South Creek Fourth and Fifth Additions and answered questions for Council. The applicant was also present for any questions. Motion was made by Councilmember Wilson and seconded by Councilmember Bernatz to adopt Resolution 2025-044 Approving and Authorizing Signing of Final Plat Vita Attiva at South Creek Fourth Addition, contingent upon the following: a. The satisfaction of all engineering comments related to the construction plans for grading, utilities, and streets. b. A Development Contract between he applicant and the City of Farmington shall be executed, and security fees and costs shall be paid. Submission of all other documents required under the Development Contract shall be required. Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays Motion was made by Councilmember Cordes and seconded by Councilmember Wilson to adopt Resolution 2025-045 Approving and Authorizing Signing of Final Plat Vita Attiva at South Creek Fifth Addition, contingent upon the following: a. The satisfaction of all engineering comments related to the construction plans for grading, utilities, and streets. b. A Development Contract between the applicant and the City of Farmington shall be executed, and security fees and costs shall be paid. Submission of all other documents required under the Development Contract shall be required. Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 5 of 10 10.3 Resolution 2025-046 and Ordinance 2025-003 Approving the Final Plat and Final Planned Unit Development - Dakota Meadows Preserve 1 st Addition Planning Manager Wippler presented Resolution 2025-046 and Ordinance 2025-003 for approval of the final plat and final Planned Unit Development for Dakota Meadows Preserve 1 st Addition. Motion was made by Councilmember Bernatz and seconded by Councilmember Cordes to adopt Resolution 2025-046 Approving and Authorizing Signing of Final Plat Dakota Meadows Preserve 1 st Addition, contingent upon the following: a. Construction plans must be amended to reflect the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission made at its May 14tn regular meeting regarding trails and sidewalks within this development. b. The final plat must be amended to reflect the following street names: 223rd Street W instead of Street A; Denmark Trail for the portion of Street B north of the intersection with Street A; Denmark Court for the cul-de- sac portion of Street B south of the intersection with Street A. c. Satisfaction of all engineering comments related to the construction plans for grading and utilities and execution of a Development Contract between the Developer and the City of Farmington and security and fees paid. Submission of all other documents required under the Development Contract shall be required. d. Outlot C can be removed from the final plat and remaining outlots relabeled as appropriate. Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays Motion was made by Councilmember Lien and seconded by Councilmember Bernatz to pass Ordinance 2025-003 Amending Title 10, Chapter 5, Section 19, of the Farmington City Code, Adding PUD-2 - Dakota Meadows Preserve to the Zoning Code and Establishing Development Standards. Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays 11.UNFINISHED BUSINESS Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 6 of 10 12.NEW BUSINESS 12.1 Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program Application Fire Chief Price presented the SAFER Grant Program, administered by FEMA. The program aims to help Departments meet staffing standards, improve emergency response capabilities, and support Firefighter health and safety, particularly within volunteer and combination Fire Departments. Chief Price answered questions for Council. Motion was made by Councilmember Wilson and seconded by Councilmember Bernatz to adopt Resolution 2025-042 Authorizing to Act as Legal Sponsor and Authorization for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program Application - for hiring of six (6) full-time Staff and approve the matching funds of 25% for years one and two, and 65% for year three. Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays 13.CITY COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE Councilmember Lien: Thank you to Lynn. Councilmember Bernatz: Thank you to Ron - the dedication of any and every employee of the City is worth recognition, whether you're here four years, 24 years, or somewhere in-between that. If you put your time, energy, and effort into the work that you're doing to benefit all our residents, it should be recognized. So, thank you to him and to Lynn. Councilmember Cordes: Congratulations to the graduates of Farmington High School and the brand-new Farmington Tiger alumni. Also, my prayers are with Senator John Hoffman and his wife for a swift recovery. And I extend my prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. May their memory be a blessing. Violence has no place in politics. Unfortunately, over the last decade or more, it's become easier and easier to dehumanize people that we disagree with, and we all need to do better. An additional thank you to our law enforcement members from across the state for the relentless surge throughout the weekend but, specifically, three of our Farmington Police Department members for their work over the weekend. Councilmember Wilson: It's exciting to have the Rambling River Center building opening soon and to have had the work done in one phase. And thank you to the Rambling River Center Advisory Board for being here tonight. Also, there are a lot of good things that were approved on the Consent Agenda tonight, Regular City council Meeting Minutes of June 16,2025 Page ? )P 1C` including the Five-Year Street Reconstruction Plan, the generous donation by the Rotary Club of flowers for downtown, and the purchase of playground equipment at Westview Acres. I also want to acknowledge the residents that were tonight. Even if hearing the message is uncomfortable from this end, we represent them, and we support them. I appreciate that there were a lot of folks here, including a lot of younger families and kids. In relation to Jake's last comment about the obvious change in the political environment, we sign up because we love the community, work hard for the community, and make decisions that we feel are in the best interests of the community. The murder of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, is really, really sad. I will be praying for the families and would encourage all of us to do so. Steve also told a story about Lynn's sense of humor and that she was always approachable -we will miss you, and thank you, again. Administrator Gorski: I can't thank you enough, all of you. Also, Ron Ley is a great guy and so deserves his retirement. We are so thankful for his work, his leadership, and the succession planning that he did at the mechanic shop. Clerk Buecksler: Congratulations to Ron on his retirement and best wishes to you, Lynn. You will truly be missed. Director Chanski: City Offices will be closed on Thursday in observance of Juneteenth. And, Lynn, you still have two weeks, and we have things to do. And congratulations to Ron. At the last Council meeting, you approved Damon's promotion from Mechanic to Mechanics Lead effective July 4th, and we are excited to see him take that new role. Director Kuennen: It's not the number of years; it's the impact you can have within that amount of time. Thank you, Lynn, for modeling how to lead with compassion, how to treat people with kindness-the world needs more of that, and how to always be a professional. You will definitely be missed. Thank you. Director Powell: Ron was steady, even keeled, and he and Damon functioned as a team in every best sense of the word. We have upwards of 150 different pieces of equipment and vehicles from mowers to tractors to all sorts of pieces of equipment. Never did I hear a negative word about something being broken down, not ready to go, or wasn't fixed yet. There are only two of them, and they would be in during snowstorms because if something breaks during a snowstorm, you want someone there to be able to fix it quickly. So, my personal thanks to Ron for making my job easier during his time here before he retired. Thank you. Director Omlid: Congratulations and best wishes to Ron on his retirement. What I will miss most about him is our conversations about bicycling, and he often Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 8 of 10 rode his bicycle to City Hall. Also, Open Door Pantry is tomorrow from 3-4:30 pm at Faith Church. And as the Rambling River Center Advisory Board stated this evening, we are officially moved out of the Fire Department. Thank you to Matt and his team for opening their doors to the seniors. It was very critical and important, and you let us be a part of your home and share our treats with you. Thank you for that -we really appreciate it. And to Lynn, when we were trying to think of a place for the fitness room, we knew it couldn't be at the Fire Station, and it was Lynn who suggested Conference Room 169. It was her idea to use this room, and it was important for the members who still use the fitness center. Thank you for that idea and being open to that. We are moving back into the Center, and we will be open one day next week- stay tuned for that. It will be on our Facebook page and the City's website. We are still taking registrations for summer programs, so hop on the City's website and register. Director Sommerland: Congratulations to Ron - hopefully he has a wonderful retirement.To Lynn, best of luck. I appreciate so much your amazing leadership. You will be missed. Chief Price: This evening, you approved five individuals for Paid-on-Call Firefighter. We still have a few more applicants going through the process, and hopefully by July 7t" we will have those for approval. With all luck, we will have a 13 Paid-on-Call class this year. The last time I can think of that we had double digits was almost seven years ago. Also, Ron was a great guy- I could pull the truck over and he, no questions asked, opened the door, brought me in, and fixed what needed to be fixed. He was phenomenal and could diagnose anything by listening to it or looking at it. I will really miss him. And, Lynn, best of luck to you. Chief Siem: Ron is an incredible man, and I was fortunate enough to be able to work with him pretty closely over the last couple of years as Admin Sergeant and Deputy Chief managing the fleet. Almost daily conversations with Ron, and others mentioned Steady Ron-he's always focused on work. Whenever I would go there and start talking with Ron and Damon, you can always tell that Ron starts to get a little bit annoyed at the length of the conversation, not because he's not interested, but he's focused on his work, and he wants to get back and get the job done. Thank you to him for that and because he's leaving us in a great position with Damon. He's incredible and has been great for the Police Department. Thank you again, Lynn, for everything you've done for the City, for me in particular, and getting me to where I am right now, I appreciate it. Good luck with your future. Also, we are just around the corner from Top the Toter Days. The Police Department is doing a lot to ramp up our preparations for that, and we're all excited to get that going, too. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of June 16,2025 Page 9 of 10 Mayor Hoyt: Congratulations to Ron. We had a nice little paragraph in the State of the City for him and, Ron being who he is, he's going to quietly disappear into retirement and just do his thing and enjoy it. That's what you want people to do. Congratulations to the Farmington High School Class of 2025. Congratulations to a few of the sports teams - every year we have State and sections champions, and it's great to see the community continue to show up, especially against the bigger schools that used to push us around. A lot of great things - Top the Tater Days starts next week, the Rambling River Center will be opening, and there's a lot of good stuff going on and sometimes we miss amongst state headlines, national headlines, and other things that are happening. There are a lot of good things happening right here in our community. Lynn, best of luck with all the things and we appreciate everything you have done. You definitely made a lasting impression on many. So, thank you very much. 14.ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Councilmember Wilson and seconded by Councilmember Lien to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 pm. Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays pectfully submitted,11 - JW *he y R ckslerler Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 10 of 10