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Council pauses dirt-pile sale pending wetland study, hires labor counsel and approves multiple contracts
Summary
Council placed a land-sale item on hold after Sibley County requested a wetland delineation, approved hiring Flaherty & Hood for labor negotiations, authorized a county-led construction agreement for the Cassatt/13th Street project, corrected employee compensation to meet new minimum wage requirements, and scheduled a special meeting on ambulance service.
The city council approved several routine and substantive actions during its meeting and placed one property transaction on hold after the county requested environmental review.
Wetland study pauses dirt-pile sale: Staff informed the council that owners had signed an agreement related to the city’s proposed work on the Frondheimst dirt pile, but Sibley County Soil and Water requested a level‑1 wetland delineation because the low area near a ditch could be historic wetlands. "Why is it why is the county not bringing this up till now?" Committee member speaker 3 asked, expressing frustration about potential delay. Staff (speaker 2) said the county’s review is standard practice and that the landowner would be responsible for the cost and scheduling of the delineation.
Labor counsel retained for police negotiations: The council approved retaining the St. Paul firm Flaherty & Hood to assist with labor and employment matters after the city’s prior attorney stepped back from labor negotiations. Staff said the firm proposed an hourly rate of $230 compared with the prior $150 hourly rate. "Their attorney here, what they propose is 230 an hour," speaker 2 said. Council members discussed whether to attempt internal negotiation with the police or to retain specialized counsel; staff recommended a larger practice group with bench strength for public-sector labor matters.
Intergovernmental construction agreement approved: The council approved a construction agreement with Sibley County for the Cassatt/13th Street improvement project. Staff explained the county will lead contracting and administer contractor payments for the roadway portion while the city will oversee water and sewer work and approve the successful bid. "The county is responsible for the roadway itself," speaker 2 said.
Employee compensation corrected for minimum-wage compliance: Council approved corrections to the previously adopted salary chart to reflect Minnesota’s new minimum wage for 2026. Staff said grade 1, step 1 was adjusted from $11.41 to $11.83 to meet the new minimum. One library assistant remains on probation and, under current personnel policy, is not eligible for the step increase.
Financial plan and scheduling matters: The council adopted the 2025–2030 financial plan but noted it does not yet reflect newly adopted tiered water rates; staff said the plan will be updated next year. Council also scheduled and then rescheduled meetings: because of expected absences, the council moved the regular March 4 meeting and a public-works hearing to Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m., and the council rescinded and reapproved the earlier public-hearing motion to set the new date and amended estimate.
What happens next: Staff will coordinate the wetland delineation schedule and costs with the property owners and Sibley County; Flaherty & Hood may provide an introductory presentation to the council; the county-led bid process for Cassatt/13th Street will move forward when state funding decisions are known; and the Feb. 25 meeting will include the public hearing on the Public Works building project.
