Jackson council approves 2026 fees, dissolves Zimmerli Park and moves community gardens

At its Feb. 2 meeting the Jackson City Council unanimously approved second consideration of Ordinance No. 145, which sets the city’s fees, rates and charges for 2026, and voted to dissolve Zimmerli Park and relocate the community gardens.

Councilmember Mark Titus moved to approve second consideration of Ordinance No. 145 (moved by Titus; second by Joe Pell) and the motion carried unanimously. The minutes record the action as second consideration approval but do not include ordinance text beyond the subject (fees, rates and charges for 2026).

Public Works Director Tony Oxborough told the council the Park Board voted Jan. 13 to dissolve Zimmerli Park because the park sits on property owned by the Railroad Inn rather than city land. The Park Board and property owner agreed that the city would move community garden planter boxes to the storm water pond off Torgerson Lane (across from Little Huskies Daycare). Oxborough said the city will restore the turf at the former park site once the planter boxes are moved, then return maintenance responsibility to the property owner.

The council voted unanimously to dissolve Zimmerli Park (motion recorded as PELL/FOSTER). The minutes do not record individual roll-call votes; actions are described as "unanimously carried."

In other business, Alderman Mark Titus raised a constituent concern about a large flock of wild turkeys damaging new lawn plantings on Circle Drive; he said he contacted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. City Attorney Brad Anderson reported the DNR had coordinated with Jackson County Sheriff Shawn Haken about possible responses.

The council adjourned at 6:19 p.m.