[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6186008,"mediaKeyId","5078460-a413b5bd80dac4a8caeb452f545dabc4","parentId",5078460,"title","Resident urges moratorium on Xcel smart meters, citing health and privacy concerns","audioSeconds",241,"startMs",162000,"endMs",403000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5078460-a413b5bd80dac4a8caeb452f545dabc4&start=162&end=403","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5078460-a413b5bd80dac4a8caeb452f545dabc4/thumbnail_162000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6186008/Mound-City/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Resident-urges-moratorium-on-Xcel-smart-meters-citing-health-and-privacy-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6186008-ce74392c3ecaef23134fbaab09edb5b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448488&Signature=OPCU2TbwEkSdAgdffD3s5waokqMBY1HgGCUe8gdQfGNKkIFdvoH4OLdKZGgia86q~OunEtHxS5zdgeMfZXu6-9pfjfx9vsaB2WmyO4qjImbTPHqJmptyPkOhdmPOvCpnKcKNc8x5PEJOpDBixlG4FAZ7g~ZWXikOA6Te-lx~bwkJD-sGU~7oKiHCq-QuxmdFcdsg5weuS5OMZAmqQIGOqWHQZ8zXmTkK9ObamhzXxtcY2OxI-gv4i1NXsNCmHOvFG0lTVE5z-RibXG6uvubgYo9Dv21lOe-tUQkGTOQLjLLiYMwqUI4sz3WwJocZlYaD2S3ybfKUWc5-TikTUGby4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Mound, MN","date","2025-06-26T12:53:35.387Z","article","MOUND CITY — During public comment at the June 24 Mound City Council meeting, resident Charles Warren requested the council consider a moratorium on mandatory smart meter installations by Xcel Energy and to conduct a public awareness survey after he said his meter began sending readings every 15 seconds.

Warren said the meters emit radiofrequency (RF) signals and cited reports from groups such as the Bioinitiative Report and the American Academy of Environmental Medicine linking prolonged electromagnetic‑field (EMF) exposure to health complaints. He also raised privacy concerns, saying high‑frequency usage data can reveal household routines and “may constitute a violation of the Fourth Amendment.”

What the council said: Mayor Holt and councilmembers responded that the city is not the state regulator of utility equipment and that the city would review Warren’s written materials. A council member asked staff to review the letter and return with clarifying information about municipal authority and any options for local outreach.

Clarifying points from the meeting: Warren said he is paying an opt‑out meter fee and that Xcel had replaced a meter despite his opt‑out; he provided links and printed sources to support his concerns. Council members and staff recorded the request and said they would look into the materials and identify appropriate next steps, including clarifying what local authority the city has over utility installation and opt‑out policies.

Ending: The council did not take action on the request during the June 24 meeting and will review Warren’s submitted materials and consider whether any local education or referral to state regulators is appropriate.

Speakers quoted in this article are taken from the meeting transcript and are listed below.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mound City Council Meeting - 6/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the June 24 meeting Charles Warren asked the council to consider a moratorium and public awareness campaign about Xcel Energy smart meters that collect frequent usage readings; councilmembers noted the city does not control Xcel utility equipment but agreed to review the written comment.","taxTitle","Mound City, Hennepin County, Minnesota","taxId",71061,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6186013,"Mound police report: summer calls up, new K‑9 Onyx to be sworn in July, council hears concerns over e‑bikes and off‑road motorcycles",0,7191000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5078460-a413b5bd80dac4a8caeb452f545dabc4&start=7191&end=7191","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5078460-a413b5bd80dac4a8caeb452f545dabc4/thumbnail_7191000.jpg","/articles/6186013/Mound-City/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Mound-police-report-summer-calls-up-new-K9-Onyx-to-be-sworn-in-July-council-hears-concerns-over-ebikes-and-offroad-motorcycles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6186013-3b3d863625e8401e22a4a6ff648d38a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448488&Signature=TmqZJtK0ijaTn9PfmxGNrtghUjlWDZud5Pkxzf2QMA2qiD56j5Ws0X7jn9cGHNjlJ7Xc~DQf9i2LSB-pdCemmXEs8sQv6HLo0BQrWRBuovQK0uRYEHiv-wvn67FbCOTKid0-2sbTUjo1ubtb61BswV0kAVoVdCBrriohvTfK7ZZj2LyXMfxm7XtbXGIvfURhAJ3TyNVQugZpohHvPUdWeXr3kDzGxQP5SoayppCdcwnAebk1z7unXr07KxiNkpm3eF~T1X6gO1MugxsUTJ0bnc8WFhxcItN3G39JYPfLQMfmX3IYmXoiiexQW83Ewoai1YVj1KD2xDW8Fo-jpUs2bQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MOUND CITY — The city’s police representative told the council on June 24 that calls for service have increased with summer activity and introduced a new K‑9 program: Officer Braden Sherman presented Onyx, a year‑and‑a‑half‑old German shepherd certified in tracking, narcotics detection and evidence collection; the dog will be sworn in July 14.

The police update also included calls for stepped‑up attention to motorized bikes and dirt bikes riding in Surfside Park and on local trails. Residents described riders popping wheelies on grass and sidewalks, and at least one resident said the vehicles are frequently unhelmeted, travel at high speed and cause safety and property‑damage concerns.

Officer Braden Sherman, who identified himself as an officer with Orono who will handle the K‑9, said Onyx is “certified in evidence collection, tracking, narcotics detection, obedience” and is finishing a 12‑week training academy. He noted Onyx’s official swearing in will include a paw‑print ceremony in July.

Why it matters: Councilmembers said the problems with electric bikes and off‑road dirt bikes in parks and on sidewalks — and related fear among seniors and families — warrant focused enforcement and possible new park ordinances restricting motorized vehicles. Several councilmembers recommended discussing fines and enforcement tools at the police commission.

Resident complaints and council response: At least one resident, Charles Warren, urged the council to take action on unrelated public‑safety concerns earlier in the meeting; during the police report several residents and councilmembers pressed police staff to pursue an ordinance or stricter enforcement for motorized vehicles in city parks. Councilmember Castellano suggested starting with warnings and escalating fines; another councilmember suggested combining education with enforcement, including school‑year outreach.

Other updates: The department reported more daytime activity, boat and lakeside calls and routine staffing announcements; the department also announced a new officer, Colton Beck, to start July 7 from the cadet program and that bike patrols are active for the summer.

Ending: Council asked the police commission to review possible ordinance language restricting motorized vehicles from public parks and to prepare an education plan for the coming school year; the council did not take immediate legislative action at the June 24 meeting.

Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the meeting transcript and attributed below.","Police reported higher call volumes for warm weather and said a new K‑9, Onyx, will be sworn in July; council and residents urged increased enforcement and an ordinance to restrict motorized vehicles in parks after complaints about dirt bikes and e‑bikes.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6186016,"City auditor issues modified opinion on 2024 financial report; general fund balance rises",1030,1436000,2466000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5078460-a413b5bd80dac4a8caeb452f545dabc4&start=1436&end=2466","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5078460-a413b5bd80dac4a8caeb452f545dabc4/thumbnail_1436000.jpg","/articles/6186016/Mound-City/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/City-auditor-issues-modified-opinion-on-2024-financial-report-general-fund-balance-rises","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6186016-f8059ca90b465fe34f275e135e0a2d45/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448488&Signature=f8zFBMqAnvu7AYbdcrkgkapxI1ECa-SqwjZd2Bxda0R8okPdNIDKBwED4iMY4xTry~XmbQRDru6-NNSmMHANVSDxZ2muHHKk7j~x1HWj8rBXZ0n2uLOU6O4yEjERGlj3wubqPwbNYrQhdjM8y7fTfxLHNznSk~~NjVUAz0FEzaW1wm3~rFlkhJi3n~zgema8M8CQePiiknf~QyDbwOh5rzh~y-ek9Twb4nAbrSZsankcpxA-SJR3K-jtWRnDbCFiegQD4q6WD0K9TF1i9GjW4hLUP8Oz3PjKWmDz84RXwx9dquVd18jrDD~RsxDFWA-FCYnjOAjyLhEd8z11cSy-eA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MOUND CITY — Auditors from ABDO presented the city’s 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report on June 24 and said they will issue a modified opinion only because three Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards (GASB 87, 75 and 68) relating to leases, other post‑employment benefits and pension reporting were not fully adopted in the report’s scope.

Alex Bridal, senior associate with audit firm ABDO, told the council “the only reason we wouldn’t offer a clean report… is due to GASB 87, 75, and 68,” and said everything outside of those items was “fairly stated in all material aspects” with “no internal control findings.”

Key findings for the council: The city’s unassigned general fund balance increased from 51.3% to about 64% of the following year’s budget — well above the municipal policy goal of 20% — driven largely by higher investment income and stronger tax receipts. ABDO showed a favorable budget‑to‑actual variance in general fund revenues and said public works expenditures came in below budget, contributing to the fund balance increase.

Why it matters: A higher fund balance provides the city flexibility to cover unforeseen costs or to reallocate money to capital projects. During the presentation, staff and council discussed whether the city’s fund balance policy should be raised to better reflect the current cash cushion; staff said they are already working on updated financial policies and forecasts.

Other highlights: Enterprise funds showed varied performance. The liquor enterprise fund’s gross profit and operating income improved and compared favorably to statewide averages. The sewer fund showed a large cash increase driven in part by $1.27 million in unspent bond proceeds. The stormwater fund continues to face cash shortfalls because debt service exceeds operating revenues.

Council questions and follow up: Councilmember Herrick asked whether the current fund balance level is appropriate; ABDO said typical targets are 30%–50% and that Mound’s 64% gives room to consider raising the formal policy. Finance staff and consultants recommended continuing to use the fund balance to cash‑flow enterprise fund deficits and deferred capital obligations while updating financial policy. The council asked staff to include the fund‑balance policy as part of the next budget conversation.

Ending: Auditors did not report internal control deficiencies. Staff said they will work with consultants to propose any policy changes and will return with recommendations during the budget cycle.

Speakers quoted in this article are taken from the official meeting transcript and are listed below.","Auditors from ABDO reported a modified opinion tied to GASB standards for pensions, leases and other postemployment benefits; the city’s unassigned general fund balance rose to about 64% of next year’s budget, well above the city policy goal.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6186022,"Mound council approves study to evaluate selling or repurposing Centennial Building",1378,9126000,10504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5078460-a413b5bd80dac4a8caeb452f545dabc4&start=9126&end=10504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5078460-a413b5bd80dac4a8caeb452f545dabc4/thumbnail_9126000.jpg","/articles/6186022/Mound-City/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Mound-council-approves-study-to-evaluate-selling-or-repurposing-Centennial-Building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6186022-675af17dc75af1d9d1a32b4446f38448/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448488&Signature=hzCpBAGJCM2BeJ4CEHo7RvzIx3PPW~qCAX-aOX0oDIkdDWIOx~59GbDhzYHop-ptZu4EsrVULEWrl1o-4PQO0u-7dj2Pq41vl-NFyEmEdtB4u~ebsqOI44SX1mpD3R7Fh~vE5rCYdvoYnGBr1MxWG9ZWnW-~QXjWvsoTMeyD8SBbcthxZMwiIQjqdbr0C4PL7E-eGcP6MX0mkrpDG43kLe-rcUA~f0fIxBW-JdZPBLrnRpUJFnQlez-soicKBTHH4o7qSu-I6l5AkSgIit3ENvRfL6cIMVttVLuFPsdoT2WVyDuFTo6T2d~ngvRFn1Pwxs7XjruzE8tRDrWCWQCmwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MOUND CITY — The Mound City Council on June 24 authorized a preliminary evaluation to determine what would be required to subdivide and market the Centennial Building property and to assess whether council chambers could be reestablished in the current City Hall building.

The council approved a proposal from Bolton & Menk (architectural services) to conduct a staged needs study — focused first on the Centennial Building title, a documented interior scan and a narrative of potential code or maintenance items — with a fee estimate of about $8,500. The city will not yet fund in‑depth structural work or cost estimating for a full council‑chambers reconfiguration, which would be a second phase.

Why it matters: The Centennial Building sits adjacent to City Hall and has long housed quasi‑governmental tenants and community space. Councilmembers and staff said they want a clear, step‑by‑step analysis before deciding whether to keep the asset, sell it as a redevelopment parcel, or demolish it and release land for new development.

What the council authorized: Senior City Engineer Brian Simmons told the council the limited study will include an interior scan and a preliminary title and plat review to assess whether the parcel can be subdivided and how driveway/parking access should be handled. Simmons said full design work to replicate council chambers at the old public safety building (City Hall) would be a separate study and cost.

Council discussion: Councilmembers asked for clarification on the scope and for the study to include an estimate for demolition cost as an option. Councilmember (unnamed) noted that any price the city could obtain for the building should be compared with the cost to renovate or demolish and redevelop. The motion to move forward with the study passed on a voice vote; staff said they would return with a timeline and survey/title work results.

Quotes and context: Simmons said the work will “identify what it would cost to separate ourselves from this building,” and explained that conduit, access and legal title issues can complicate a sale. He warned that a detailed renovation or replacement cost estimate for City Hall would substantially increase the consultant hours and fees, so the council limited the initial study to a needs analysis and title/search work.

Next steps: Staff will order a title search and a survey to determine the legal parcel boundaries, integrate a 3‑D interior scan of the Centennial Building into the study package and obtain a demolition cost estimate as requested by council. Simmons said he expects the firm to return with results by late summer.

Ending: The council’s vote cleared the way for the city to collect the technical information needed to weigh redevelopment or retention; any sale or major renovation would require additional council authorization in later meetings.

Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the meeting transcript and are listed below.","Council voted June 24 to authorize a preliminary study, including a title check and building scan, to evaluate options for the Centennial Building and potential relocation of council chambers to City Hall; the study will cost roughly $8,500 and staff will return with a timeline and additional cost estimates.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6186027,"Mound council narrows scope of Lost Lake Commons Phase 2 after months of public input and debate",6759,2500000,9259000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5078460-a413b5bd80dac4a8caeb452f545dabc4&start=2500&end=9259","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5078460-a413b5bd80dac4a8caeb452f545dabc4/thumbnail_2500000.jpg","/articles/6186027/Mound-City/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Mound-council-narrows-scope-of-Lost-Lake-Commons-Phase-2-after-months-of-public-input-and-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6186027-2f0654bf520f87da66875a24dd700bf4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448488&Signature=MHxjdI7jgzqXUG2NPUvo5EuKjFBfZ4f6EE22MeSlTuHoTal7KIWxTjcyvNKrJnZ1fLVJ8ce2o18u5rp78WOKXT5WkoqcbMkLdUOS-w68Pl5VNkFkBibrmkC2UtaKnDckvS6VUG2QWff1fVvdtGQgACq5l7KeWqcRsKgVXfiuOOkuAkSoYgkWW7J~Qw9kFmpV9Kjtag2Dv8G7vGVKtk~pu2VnU2CYItRu36SR1UHqo56E1mfeWnb222HVH-XQigrCBGHEn9uqZNXZr24Itn-ktLNnpv52mbyIUcOnlgcf1bGMYKVDZ~GgdQ4j5L1K46NB0S73vC4JFuZxxzmOGEkU7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MOUND CITY — Councilmembers on June 24 reviewed a near-final design for Lost Lake Commons Phase 2 and asked staff to pare back amenity spending while preserving the infrastructure needed to finish the park so it is usable next year.

The council’s decision came after a long presentation from Brian Simmons, senior city engineer, and extended public and council debate over costs, the role of public art, accessibility and maintenance.

Simmons said Phase 2 work will include “lighting elements, landscaping, art installations, concrete paving, seating and the fire pit,” and that the $781,400 cost estimate in the city’s packet covers primarily infrastructure such as sidewalks, utilities and stormwater treatment. “The bulk of the costs have to do more with infrastructure,” he told the council.

Why it matters: the project converts a former roadway and underused shoreline into a public plaza, promenade and a performance/green space at the city’s lakeshore. Council members and residents said the park should both provide everyday green space and include signature features that make Mound distinctive — but they disagreed on what that should cost and how soon to add art or fixed amenities.

What the council did: After more than two hours of discussion, the council directed staff and the design team to return in July with a revised plan and updated cost estimate that: keeps core infrastructure (walking surfaces, promenade lighting conduit and basic plaza paving); installs trees; delays or makes optional several higher‑cost elements (permanent public art, a gas fire pit and some permanent picnic installations); and bids alternates for decking replacement and repaving. Councilmembers said permanent furniture and the “fire pit” concept can be deferred or provided as portable features for events.

Councilmember McEnany pressed for a stronger, signature element at the site, arguing the project should yield a landmark that draws people to downtown. “I want something that excites everybody and isn’t just… any park in the U.S.A.,” McEnany said. Several other councilmembers and residents said they preferred a simpler, lower‑maintenance scheme to preserve green space and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

Design and accessibility: The plan removes the existing boulder wall along the lakeside and replaces it with lower, seating‑friendly modular block and concrete seating so the area will be ADA‑accessible. The design team also proposed a smaller plaza footprint for Phase 2, with turf left in parts that will be finalized in a later Phase 3 shelter/structure.

Art and engagement: The city collected about 180 survey responses and many open comments. Residents were split: the survey’s top choice favored rotating public art, but several commenters wrote “no art” and urged more open green space. Simmons and staff said the project includes bases and allowances so permanent art or rotating pieces can be added later; commissioning funds were included in the current cost estimate as an optional line item.

Timing and next steps: Simmons said staff will modify drawings per council direction and return in July seeking authorization to bid. He emphasized that moving underground conduit and other electrical and stormwater infrastructure after final paving would be costly, so those items should be decided now. “If we run conduit without bases, we run the risk of having stuff in the wrong place and incurring cost later,” he told the council.

Community reaction and maintenance concerns: Multiple speakers warned against overly complex plantings that will strain the city’s public works capacity; others urged the council to prioritize shade trees, seating that is comfortable for older residents and other low‑maintenance materials. The council agreed to stage the work, install trees now and bring back a trimmed set of amenities and alternates for bid.

Ending: Staff will return in July with updated drawings and a revised cost estimate that reflects the council’s direction to emphasize infrastructure, add trees and postpone or bid as alternates larger amenity items such as permanent art, a built‑in gas fire feature and permanent picnic assemblies.

Speakers quoted in this article may be found in the meeting transcript and are attributed below.","Councilmembers and residents debated scale, art and maintenance for Phase 2 of Lost Lake Commons on June 24; engineers said core infrastructure work is the bulk of the $781,400 estimate and staff will return in July with revised plans for bidding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges moratorium on Xcel smart meters, citing health and privacy concerns

Mound police report: summer calls up, new K‑9 Onyx to be sworn in July, council hears concerns over e‑bikes and off‑road motorcycles

City auditor issues modified opinion on 2024 financial report; general fund balance rises

Mound council approves study to evaluate selling or repurposing Centennial Building

Mound council narrows scope of Lost Lake Commons Phase 2 after months of public input and debate