During a recent council meeting, city staff sought direction regarding a significant grant funding opportunity for a local project, which could potentially require taxpayers to shoulder over $4 million. The council discussed two options: proceeding with the current grant funding while continuing to seek additional sources, or declining to move forward with the project altogether.

One council member expressed concerns about the financial risks involved, emphasizing that while the project aims to enhance safety for residents, the lack of connectivity with existing trails raises doubts about its immediate feasibility. The member suggested that the city should inform the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) that it cannot utilize the grant at this time, while remaining open to future funding opportunities from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The council ultimately voted in favor of the second option, deciding to halt progress on the project for now and continue exploring alternative funding avenues.

In another matter, the council addressed an active code enforcement case concerning a property at 917 7th Street South, which has received complaints regarding overgrown grass. Staff indicated that the property owner may have deceased, and recommended immediate abatement of the grass, which was reported to be over two feet tall. The council unanimously supported the staff's recommendation to expedite the abatement process.