HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.17.26 Work Session MinutesWork Session Minutes of August 17, 2026 Page 1 of 3
City of Farmington
City Council Work Session Minutes
Monday, August 17, 2026
The City Council met in a work session on Monday, August 17, 2026, at
Farmington City Hall, 430 Third Street, Farmington, Minnesota.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lien called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
Members Present: Mayor Nick Lien
Councilmembers Holly Bernatz, Jake Cordes
and Phil Windschitl
Members Late: Councilmember Steve Wilson arrived at 5:39 pm
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Lynn Gorski, City Administrator
David Chanski, Assistant City Administrator
Jeremiah Baumann, Communications & Public Affairs
Manager
Deanna Kuennen, Economic & Community
Development Director
Kim Sommerland, Finance Director
Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director
Nate Siem, Police Chief
John Powell, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Melissa Geis, City Clerk
Others Present: Michael Healy, BKV Group
Brock Erickson, Kraus Anderson
Chad Pike, Kraus Anderson
Ben Blomgren, Resident
David Pritzlaff, Resident
2. APPROVE AGENDA
Motion was made by Councilmember Cordes and seconded by
Councilmember Bernatz to approve the agenda, as presented.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays
Work Session Minutes of August 17, 2026 Page 2 of 3
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
3.1 Police Department Facility Project: Design and Project Status Update
Assistant City Administrator Chanski gave an introduction explaining the
purpose is to provide updates and present the current design and to
discuss potential franchise fees as a funding source.
Chief Siem presented an update of process and timeline to date.
Michael Healy presented the current design and estimated timelines for
construction.
Discussion focused on:
Footprint limitations due to gas line on west side of property
Ideal location due to where in City located
Adequate size to support future growth of City
Cost savings already in design of not implementing ballistic
glass, not having shooting range onsite
Having ability to convert spaces if needed in future i.e.:
above garage bays for future storage
Current deferred maintenance
Options to fund project including Bonds, Franchise Fees, Tax
Levy
Following discussion, the City Council provided the following direction
for Staff:
Communicate benefits of community space/training room
being rentable to public upon remodel
Continue to look at cost saving options in design
Franchise Fees could be dedicated to Public Safety items
Communication that franchise fee(s) would be a more
equitable cost for every taxpayer, not based on taxable value
like a levy
Hold an open house/public hearing(s) to discuss franchise fee
option
4. COUNCIL COMMITTEE UPDATE
5. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES