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North Mankato council extends Gordini MIF deadline, adopts housing study and social media policy; sets RV parking hearing
Summary
On July 6 the council extended Gordini’s Minnesota Investment Fund compliance deadline, approved a housing demand analysis, adopted a social media policy and surplus-donation policy, set a July 20 public hearing on RV parking code changes, and heard multiple public comments on data centers and transparency.
The North Mankato City Council on July 6 took several municipal actions and heard a range of public comments.
Major votes and approvals: the council adopted Res. No. 72-26 extending the compliance date for Gordini’s Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) agreement to April 30, 2027 after staff reported Gordini had created 18 of the required 30 jobs and is expanding its facility. The council approved the 2026 Housing Demand Analysis prepared by Maxfield Research and Consulting and adopted a Social Media Policy that treats City accounts as limited public forums and allows staff to disable comments on informational posts while permitting sharing. The council also adopted a policy for donation of surplus equipment to nonprofit organizations and approved plans to advertise bids for a 2026 storm sewer improvement project. Council set a public hearing for July 20, 2026, to consider amendments to City Code Section 71.05 (Other Parking Restrictions) clarifying on-street recreational vehicle parking limits.
Public comments: Residents raised several concerns. Tom Hagen said the online comment field for the housing study was limited to 1,000 characters and questioned whether citizen input shapes council decisions; he also raised concerns about the city’s use of a non-disclosure agreement with Oppidan and referenced the $27 million Public Works Building. Benton Bakke urged the council to acknowledge financing consequences tied to the Public Works Facility and suggested disabling comments on City social media posts while allowing sharing; Danielle Bollman urged transparency and raised economic concerns tied to data centers. Other residents reported household disputes and property maintenance concerns; City staff said they would investigate code enforcement and property-inspector findings.
Staff updates and events: City staff reminded residents of an adjusted affidavit-of-candidacy filing period (July 14–28), reported recent community events (Art in Alley, Art Splash), invited public participation in Belgrade Avenue light-pole art, and noted the Belgrade Avenue opening is pending weather. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
