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Forest Lake City Council approves median refresh, land vacations, weapons-ordinance change and bonds sale; moves into closed session
Summary
Forest Lake City Council members approved a collection of staff-recommended measures during tonight—s meeting, including a phased median landscaping refresh on Broadway, two vacations tied to the Hidden Creek third addition, an amendment to allow military honor-guard blank-fire salutes under city ordinance, and authorization to close on a reduced principal bond sale totaling $4,145,000; the council then entered a closed session on pending litigation.
Forest Lake City Council members approved a package of motions and resolutions during their meeting tonight, including a median landscaping refresh, two land-vacation resolutions for the Hidden Creek subdivision, an amendment to the city—s weapons ordinance to permit military honors firing blanks for honor guards, and the sale of general-obligation street reconstruction bonds. The council then recessed into a closed session on pending litigation.
The council approved staff—s recommendation to proceed with the median refresh project, which will phase reconstruction and landscaping work on Broadway medians. A council member moved to approve the project —as recommended by staff and presented tonight—; the motion received a second and passed on a voice vote.
On a combined motion the council adopted two resolutions related to the Hidden Creek third addition. The resolutions vacate a portion of the Enfield Avenue cul-de-sac and a drainage and utility easement over Outlot C so the developer can construct a storm pond that will later be dedicated to the city. Staff said a public hearing was held, notices were sent to affected property owners and no public comments were received.
Council adopted Ordinance No. 753, amending Forest Lake City Code, Title 13, Chapter 130 (General Offenses), to allow military honor guards and color guards to perform ceremonial three-volley salutes using blank ammunition. Staff reported the amendment was drafted after consultations with the American Legion, the VFW and local funeral homes and was reviewed by the city attorney; the ordinance was approved on a motion and second and carried on a voice vote.
On a bond-related resolution, the council approved the sale of general-obligation street reconstruction bonds. Staff and the city—s municipal advisor, Dan Tinter of Ehlers and Associates, reported the sale attracted eight bids and produced a favorable rate; the sale produced a reoffering premium that allowed staff to reduce the principal amount. The adopted motion authorized the award and closing steps for a principal amount reduced in the award documents to $4,145,000. Staff said bond closing and wire transfer of proceeds will follow in the coming weeks.
At the end of the open meeting the council moved into a closed session under Minnesota Statute 13D.05, subd. 3(b), for confidential attorney-client discussion concerning active litigation styled City of Forest Lake v. Jonathan E. Strome and Celine Finance LP (court file number 82-cv-25-2807). The council voted to enter closed session and paused the public video feed; no deliberations from the closed session were released at adjournment.
Votes at a glance - Median refresh project: motion to approve staff recommendations, moved and seconded; carried by voice vote. - Hidden Creek vacations: two resolutions (vacating part of right-of-way and vacating drainage/utility easement), moved and seconded; carried by voice vote. Staff reported a public hearing was held and no public comments were received. - Ordinance 753 (Title 13, Ch. 130 amendment permitting military honor-guard blank-fire ceremonial salutes): motion to adopt, moved and seconded; carried by voice vote. Stakeholders consulted included the American Legion, VFW and local funeral homes; city attorney reviewed the amendment. - Bond sale (award/closing authorization): motion to approve resolution authorizing sale and closing on bonds; moved and seconded; carried by voice vote. Municipal advisor Ehlers reported eight bids and a reduced principal in award documents to $4,145,000 after application of a reoffering premium. - Closed session under Minn. Stat. A7 13D.05, subd. 3(b) regarding active litigation (City of Forest Lake v. Jonathan E. Strome and Celine Finance LP, file 82-cv-25-2807): motion to enter closed session, moved and seconded; carried.
What remained discussion-only - A separate, detailed discussion on grading, drainage, escrows and fee-schedule changes (staff presentation) received direction to continue work; no formal council action was taken tonight.
The meeting record shows motions were made and carried by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the public record excerpt provided.
