Mankato council approves arena change orders, subdivision plat, retaining-wall permit and orders council-chambers reconfiguration

MANKATO — The Mankato City Council on Aug. 11 approved four separate items: change orders for the All Seasons Arena project, the final plat for Hillside Church Addition, a conditional‑use permit for a retaining wall on Mayan Way, and a feasibility report ordering the council‑chambers reconfiguration project.

The measures passed by roll call during the regularly scheduled meeting. Council members voted unanimously on the recorded items; vote tallies were recorded in the meeting minutes as all in favor.

The most immediate item was approval of change orders for the All Seasons Arena. City staff said the project is nearing completion, with the south ice sheet soon to have ice and exterior painting underway. City Manager Arnds said construction is ‘‘gearing towards a formal opening, kind of that September,’’ and that only a handful of smaller change orders remain. The council approved the change orders by motion; Council Member Tappan moved and Council Member Deacon seconded. The roll call recorded six yes votes and the motion passed.

The council also approved a final plat for the Hillside Church Addition, a one‑lot, one‑block subdivision that staff said was previously part of two subdivisions (Town Hall Acres and Cottages at Town Hall) and is being platted because the applicant is adding building square footage (a shed) and city code requires platting when square footage is added. Planning staff recommended approval and…