Council approves several ordinances and grant submission; Kern Bridge change orders, emergency law‑enforcement ordinance and JAG grant among actions

At its regular meeting the Mankato City Council approved multiple measures including a consent calendar change order for the Kern Bridge capital improvement project, an ordinance amendment on rates for utility service outside the city, an emergency ordinance clarifying law enforcement actions, and authorization to apply for the Edward Bryan Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in partnership with Blue Earth County.

Kern Bridge change orders (consent item H): Staff presented change orders 3, 4, 10 and 11 for CIP 10884, Kern Bridge. Council member Hetampa asked specifically about change order 10, which covers additional ornamental metal railings; staff said the designer (SEH) miscalculated quantities, worked with MnDOT’s historic bridge team and presented a mid‑range option to reduce cost, and that the city will not be charged for SEH’s design redo. Council approved the consent calendar with item H removed for discussion and then passed item H by voice vote.

Ordinance amendment on services outside city limits (8A): City Manager Arndt explained a code amendment to chapter 17, section 17‑181 to charge governmental users outside city limits the same regular rate charged inside Mankato. Explaining the prior higher rate he said the 200% rate reflected that those outside the city “aren’t contributing to property taxes” and that the city wanted to discourage extending utilities outside city limits. The council opened and closed the public hearing with no public testimony, moved to amend the ordinance and approved it by roll call.

Emergency ordinance on law enforcement requirements (9A): City Manager Arndt told the council the ordinance narrows the definition of what constitutes law enforcement action and is timed to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 24 to avoid a coverage gap when a prior emergency ordinance expires. The council adopted the emergency ordinance after a roll‑call vote; the transcript records one 'no' vote and the rest in favor.

JAG grant submission and joint agreement with Blue Earth County (9B): The council authorized staff to submit the Edward Bryan Memorial Justice Assistance Grant application to the federal program and approved a joint agreement to share any award with Blue Earth County. City Manager Arndt noted one council member had a conflict; the record shows one recusal during the vote.

Votes at a glance (recorded in meeting): - Consent: Item H (Kern Bridge change orders 3, 4, 10, 11) — approved (voice vote). - Planning 7A: Conditional use permit and certificate of design compliance (Front Street Plaza LLC) — approved (roll call). - Ordinance 8A: Amendment to Mankato City Code ch. 17, §17‑181 on outside consumer service rates — approved (roll call). - Emergency Ordinance 9A: Clarifying law‑enforcement actions — approved (roll call; one no vote). - Resolution 9B: Authorize submission of 2025 Edward Bryan Memorial JAG and joint agreement with Blue Earth County — approved (roll call; one recusal).

What this means: The council’s actions move several capital, regulatory and grant matters forward. Staff will carry out the administrative follow‑up specified for each item (change‑order processing, ordinance implementation, grant application and any required intergovernmental agreements).