City council held a public hearing and voted to revoke the rental registration and declare 1108 North Spring Street a public nuisance and hazardous building after staff testimony and multiple neighborhood complaints. Council also approved routine permits, contract amendments, a quiet-title filing related to Hospital Lands, and other consent items.
Discussion Points
•An exhibit in the previous resolution misrepresented the acreage; staff corrected the exhibit and legal description.
•Contractor requested equipment hourly‑rate adjustments citing diesel price increases; city attorney reviewed request and staff recommended approval.
•Council voted to authorize a revised filing to preserve the accuracy of the record.
•Legal standards under three authorities were explained by city counsel; staff presented inspection photos and monitoring results; neighbors testified to odor, debris, and safety concerns.
•MnDOT will solicit quotes and perform AWOS site work; task order must be amended to remove overlapping tasks.
•Multiple routine items were presented and staff recommended approval for each.
•Neighbors described specific safety incidents and long‑running nuisance conditions.
•Owner said he is attempting remediation and requested more time; staff said remediation may not be possible without abatement and animal removal.
•Roll calls used for some items; others passed by voice vote.
Decisions
•All listed routine items were approved during the meeting; council adjourned to canvass election.
•Both AWOS task‑order amendment and snow‑removal contract amendment were approved by the council.
•Council adopted the resolution ordering abatement and revocation of rental registration.
•Motion to authorize filing of revised quiet‑title complaint was approved by roll call.
•Resolution revoking rental registration and declaring property hazardous was adopted (unanimous roll call).
Directions
•City attorney authorized to file revised complaint; staff will use original deed description.
•City staff to complete ministerial follow‑up for approved licenses, contracts, donations and claims.
•Council heard testimony and proceeded to vote on the staff resolution.
•Staff authorized to enforce council order; inspections and abatement to proceed under resolution.
•Staff to coordinate AWOS site work with MnDOT and process contract amendment for snow removal.
•Staff will coordinate abatement and animal removal if council order is adopted.
The New Ulm City Council met Oct. 20, 2026. Council approved several MnDOT airport grant reimbursements, authorized outside counsel for cable/broadband franchise work, accepted a traffic-safety TZD grant, approved a quiet-title filing to clear deed restrictions on nearly 10 acres of ‘hospital land’ to enable potential housing development, and adopted special assessments for delinquent weed/snow/tree and utility charges after public comment on snow-removal notification and fees.
Discussion Points
•Budgeted legal funds of $10,000 exist for this purpose; further costs estimated if litigation continues.
•Chief Borcher explained the TZD grant is a pass-through and agency-specific this year; the city has participated in similar grants previously.
•Council adopted resolutions to accept both sets of donations on roll call.
•Council authorized execution of agreements to collect reimbursements.
•Councilors asked about other similar dedications and potential future land uses.
•Councilors asked whether the city had used outside counsel previously; staff said city counsel historically handled renewals but the evolving field justified outside expertise.
•Councilors emphasized past publications and utility-bill notices but acknowledged need for better newcomer outreach.
•He requested the authority for the police chief to sign grant documents.
•Library and fire-department donations were read into the record and motions offered to accept the funds.
•Public commenters said they were new to Minnesota and unaware of sidewalk-clearance responsibilities; one speaker noted elderly neighbors' safety concerns.
•Sherman recommended specialized counsel because franchise renewals are complex and the firm specializes in this work.
•Stadheim described crack filling and pavement leveling performed during Southeast Apron expansion.
•Staff read an email asking to waive two invoices totaling $495 for 1226 South State Street.
•Staff read historic deed language and explained acreage discrepancy and developable area (~2 acres).
•Two separate MnDOT grants represent different pools of money but reimburse the same completed project.
Decisions
•Council adopted the resolution establishing the delinquent weed/snow/tree assessments and did not waive the cited fees.
•Council approved acceptance of the $5,300 TZD grant and authorized the police chief to sign grant documents.
•Council approved both grant acceptance resolutions.
•Council approved the engagement with Bradley Werner LLC.
•Council approved the resolution to authorize the quiet-title filing.
The New Ulm City Council met on Sept. 15, 2026, and approved routine consent items, a micro‑distillery Sunday liquor license, an amendment to the city code (Ord. 2026-116), adoption of a Safety Action Plan with Complete Streets and Crosswalk policies, authorization of a $1,000,000 temporary note for PFA grant-funded lead service line replacements, an MOU with Martin Luther College and the police department, and accepted a preliminary 2027 budget and dates for public hearings.
Discussion Points
•Chief Borker offered to answer questions and support implementation.
•Community engagement included 150+ in‑person participants, targeted listening sessions, mail‑in household surveys and transit ride‑along observations.
•Councilor Mary reported a target occupancy date of 03/01/2027.
•EDA approved $800,000 loan for equipping Oaks at Garden Terrace.
•EDA levy recalculation increases EDA levy to $255,000, fund still operating at deficit.
•Implementation chapter outlines project selection, partnerships with MnDOT and county, and progress monitoring.
•LGA increased under $20,000; health insurance increase ~5% (~$172,000 impact).
•MLC representative said state law requires local MOU; college sought to formalize response coordination.
•Motion included approval of summary for publication.
•Motions to set special assessments and hearings were presented.
•Motion to approve license presented and seconded.
•No public opposition noted.
•Note required to cover upfront project costs until PFA grant reimbursement.
•Proposed levy increase 8.49% equates to estimated 1.4% change in city portion, roughly $28/year for median home.
•PUC expects ~70 replacements and will prioritize locations serving children.
•SRF reviewed engagement and crash analyses, identifying 655 crashes (2020–2024), 1 fatality and 15 serious injuries, and a high‑injury network.
•Staff noted no changes since first reading and one supportive phone call.
•Staff will present detailed assessment lists and dollar amounts at the public hearing.
Decisions
•Adopted Safety Action Plan and updated Complete Streets and Crosswalk policies.
•Hearing dates established for 10/20/2026 at 4:30 p.m.
•Informational update only; noted for future monitoring.
•License approved with standard compliance condition.
•MOU approved.
•Ordinance adopted on second consideration.
•Preliminary budget accepted and public hearings set.
•Temporary note authorized; no interest on note; delegation to mayor and finance director for execution.
Directions
•Authorize city officials to sign MOU.
•City to monitor progress yearly and pursue funding in 2027 for one high‑priority location.
•Finance to present details at public hearings in December.
•Public Works/Engineering to coordinate with county and MnDOT on state‑highway locations.
•PUC to prioritize daycare and child‑related sites first and then proceed to residential replacements.
City Council of New Ulm met 09/01/2026; council approved routine permits and grants, held a public hearing on the 2027 MSAS Garden Street project and ordered the improvements, awarded a $926,647.33 contract for a water-main crossing, and adopted the New Ulm Safety Action Plan goal to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2045.
Discussion Points
•Donation acceptance and brief thanks; claims report presented and accepted with a recorded motion.
•Each permit presented with event dates and locations; brief procedural questions (e.g., whether a time is needed for temporary license) were answered by staff.
•Grant purpose to support National Night Out and community engagement; examples of items funded included small tokens and outreach materials.
•Options to use interim use permits vs conditional use permits were discussed.
•Plan based on 2020–2024 crash data and public engagement; safe-systems approach; priority network and project-selection toolkit; coordination with MnDOT and Brown County.
•Planning Commission discussion, public comment (concern about interim use permits), legal advice that applicants meeting CUP criteria could apply directly for a CUP.
•Project numbers and delegation to city manager/city attorney were discussed.
•Project scope: Garden Street Center to 5th North; mini-roundabout at 5th North; sidewalk locations will be retained; boulevard trees largely removed and replaced via separate project.
•Two bids received; GM Contracting low bidder at $926,647.33; higher than engineer's estimate due to directional drilling complexity.
•Two grants reimburse completed pavement and apron work; IIJA and AIP used together to align federal and state match.
Decisions
•Accept donation and accept claims list.
•Adopt goal to 0 fatalities and serious injuries by 2045 with interim 50–60% reduction in 10 years.
•Conduct first consideration of ordinance amendment.
•Contract awarded to GM Contracting.
•Council accepted $5,000 grant from Walmart.
•Council ordered the improvements and authorized project planning.
•Council preapproved acceptance of IIJA and AIP grant offers.
•Permits approved.
Directions
•Accept grant and allocate funds for community events.
•Authorize city manager and attorney to execute grant offers and finance director to sign amendments.
•Award contract to low bidder and proceed with contracting steps.
•City engineer to complete plans and specifications; staff to bid by year-end.
•Finance to publish the accurate claims total to the public record if transcript amount is unclear.
•Issue permits subject to compliance.
•Staff/consultants to return with full plan and implementation steps.
•Staff to continue to prepare ordinance for second reading and include findings of fact.
The New Ulm City Council met Aug. 18, 2026, and approved routine consent items, a final plat for Oak Bluffs 11th Edition with conditions, a temporary liquor permit for Hermannsfest, and accepted the 2027 MSAS Improvement Project engineer's report; council also adopted an ordinance amendment to Appendix A (R-3 standards), approved a lease update with the Sioux Valley Gun Club, made municipal state aid designation changes, set a 5.25% special assessment interest rate, forgave a demolition loan for Georgia's Ballroom, authorized a DNR grant support letter for removing ash trees, and accepted donations.
Discussion Points
•County has analogous documents and will act on its agenda.
•Designs include mini roundabout at 5th North, diagonal parking near Harmon Park, bump-outs and RRFBs to reduce pedestrian crossing distances.
•Donation amounts and donor names listed in staff report for fire and parks items.
•Estimated construction total roughly $5,080,000 with federal-eligible portion and local match estimate given.
•Explanation of Minnesota State Aid system and mileage caps.
•German Street has higher AADT and better fits a continuous state aid route; city has ~0.304 miles unused allocation.
•Grant request up to $150,000 to remove ~175 boulevard ash trees and ~18 park ash trees.
•New lease allows clubhouse construction and includes provisions such as pausing rent if the club constructs the clubhouse.
•No match required; award would trigger updating the city's emerald ash borer preparedness plan; homeowners will be notified before removals.
•No members of the public spoke during the hearing.
•Old lease (since 2000) did not permit construction or modification on site.
•Planner reported no changes and no public comments since the first reading.
•Staff and Fisher Development revisited the forgiveness condition and agreed demolition completion satisfied it.
•Staff identified three conditions (fee, per-lot utility charges, and revised development agreement).
•Staff reported the final plat matches the previously approved preliminary plat and described property boundaries and ownership.
•Utilities: replace/upsized water mains and replace sanitary services to about 5 ft behind sidewalks; alternate bid to rehabilitate pond discharge pipe.
Decisions
•Council accepted both donations by roll call.
•Council adopted the resolution approving the final plat with the named conditions.
•Council adopted the resolution requesting MSA changes.
•Council approved loan forgiveness.
•Council authorized letter of support.
•Council authorized signing the lease.
•Council received the engineering report and scheduled the public hearing.
•Ordinance adopted on second consideration.
Directions
•Advance the project to public hearing on Sept. 1 and prepare bid documents; phase construction to reduce school and medical center access impacts.
•Authorize signatures by city manager and finance director.
•Finance to process donations and allocate funds accordingly.
•Record forgiveness and clear lien; include project timelines in future TIF/abatement applications.
•Staff to ensure platting fee and per-lot utility charges are paid and to prepare revised development agreement.
•Staff to submit grant and proceed with notifications if awarded.
•Staff to submit the designation change request to the Commissioner of Transportation.
New Ulm City Council met on 2026-08-04 and handled routine business including a right-of-way vacation for 11th North Street, authorization of a $2.05 million general obligation bond sale, receipt of Moody's AA2 rating notice, several 2027 budget contribution decisions and a report of claims totaling $5,286,348.72.
Discussion Points
•A councilor proposed eliminating the separate contribution-request letters and absorbing decisions into the budget process.
•Adviser explained resizing the par amount to correspond to project financing needs and described bid spread.
•Council moved and approved the parking authorization for a Welcome Week event.
•Council moved to accept claims and recorded the amount.
•Council recognized outgoing staff and welcomed the new adviser.
•Council reviewed requested amounts and noted reductions or absorption into other budgets (e.g., royalty program partly in fire budget).
•Council set a hearing date and confirmed bidding timeline.
•Council thanked staff for the work supporting the rating and bond sale.
•Moody's affirmed AA2 and highlighted financial reserves and revenue growth.
•Petitioner Robert Bernick will assume vacation costs since he was the only signator.
•Staff noted public open house feedback and the contract with SEH to deliver the project.
•Staff reported the petition and recommended approval because the street segment is unimproved and utilities had no objections.
Decisions
•Approved contributions totaling $55,750 and the process change to phase out separate requests.
•Authorization granted.
•Claims list accepted and meeting adjourned.
•Council adopted the resolution to vacate the described segment.
•Council approved the bond resolution.
•Council received the Moody's notification.
•Public hearing date set for 09/01/2026.
Directions
•Adjust 2027 budget per approved amounts; implement process change over two years.
•Authorize issuance and execution of documents.
•Prepare and file a vacation plat; collect fees.
•Publish hearing notice, prepare final bidding materials.
The City of New Ulm City Council met July 21, 2026, and approved a package of routine permits and event requests, set a bid date for the Junior Pioneer Park water-main project, authorized a police Toward Zero Deaths enforcement grant application, advanced a redevelopment grant application for a proposed hotel, and designated Pollinator Park as city parkland.
•Board and commission reports and conference takeaways
•Design and plans prepared by SEH Incorporated
•Funding source: water infrastructure funding
•Funding stack and match requirements for DEED grant application
•Grant amount and required match (50%); proposed use at 217 North Minnesota for potential hotel
•Park & Rec and volunteer-led Pollinator Park enhancements
•Program has operated since 2003 and credited with reducing traffic fatalities statewide
•Project purpose: provide water redundancy near Junior Pioneer Park toward Shell's Brewery
•Site features: walking trails, native plantings, signage, existing maintenance by Park & Rec staff
•Staff to hand-deliver grant materials due to timing concerns
•Volunteer stewardship and prior plan recommendations (2015, 2024 comprehensive plan, 2026 Park & Rec master plan)
Decisions
•Authorization approved
•Bid date set and resolution approved
•Consent agenda approved
•DEED grant application submitted
•Donations accepted
•Gambling permits approved
•Junior Pioneer Park bid date set
•Noise variance approved
•Parkland designation approved
•Park & Rec fee and scholarship policy changes approved
•Pollinator Park designated as city parkland
•Resolution approved to submit the DEED grant application
•Toward Zero Deaths grant application authorized
•Tree license renewal approved
Directions
•Authorize police department to submit Toward Zero Deaths enforcement grant application for 2027
•Designate area as parkland; update maps and signage; consider future enhancements
•Police to prepare and submit application
•Set and advertise bids for 08/26/2026; staff to administer project and return contract information in September
•Set bid opening for Junior Pioneer Park water-main for 08/26/2026 at 10 a.m.; staff to receive and open bids and return award recommendation in September
•Submit DEED application and hand-deliver physical copies; staff to confirm completeness with city planning and finance
•Submit DEED redevelopment grant application on behalf of Paul Niers
The New Ulm City Council met June 16, 2026, approving routine licenses and permits, accepting donations, authorizing property acquisitions and bid awards, scheduling noise-variance hearings for summer events, declining a $100,000 DNR shooting-range grant, and advancing first readings of two ordinances including a change to snow-and-ice sidewalk removal rules.
Discussion Points
•Award of City Hall security-upgrade contract to low bidder
•City staff noted current practice typically waits until 24 hours before contractor action
•Debate about snow-ordinance timing (12 vs 24 hours)
•Decision to decline DNR shooting-range grant after bid rejection
•Disagreement whether to align 12-hour removal obligation with 24-hour city enforcement window
•Multiple routine license and permit approvals
•Require edge-to-edge sidewalk clearing to improve pedestrian accessibility
•Rezoning of Wells Addition advanced on first reading
Decisions
•First consideration approved; ordinance advanced to next step
•Multiple motions approved; several ordinances advanced to second reading
Directions
•Record deeds and begin RFP process for the armory; staff to proceed with contract award steps; staff to return with any requested ordinance edits for second readings
•Staff to prepare revised language if council wishes to align 12- and 24-hour timeframes for second reading
The New Ulm City Council met June 2, 2026, and approved a rezoning request at 2405 North Highland Avenue after public comment and council discussion; the meeting also approved multiple consent items, accepted federal and state airport grant pre-approvals, authorized bonds and event permits, and adjourned.
Discussion Points
•Council approved several routine permits, adopted annexation ordinance on second consideration, and authorized bond issuance; recorded roll calls present for items with fiscal impact.
•Council recorded unanimous roll call yes votes for both preapprovals.
•Planner summarized land-use history and comprehensive plan consistency; residents raised compatibility and safety concerns; council discussed driveway alignment and engineering review.
•Staff presented funding split (95% federal, ~2.5% state) and requested authorization to execute offers.
Decisions
•Consent and new business items recorded as approved; clerk to confirm claims register amount.
•Preapproval to accept federal and MnDOT grants was granted.
•Rezoning petition approved with conditions; ordinance to be drafted for formal adoption.
Directions
•City attorney to draft rezoning ordinance; building permit process to review final driveway and sightline details; developer advised that a variance would be required for a 16th unit.
•City manager and city attorney/finance director authorized to execute grant offers and amendments when received.
•Clerk and finance staff to complete administrative steps (publish ordinance summary, prepare bond documents, execute event permits).
City Council of New Ulm meeting (May 19, 2026): council approved multiple liquor and gambling permits, adopted a 15-year Park & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan after an ISG presentation, rejected bids for a new trap range building and moved forward on an annexation ordinance first consideration for airport property.
Discussion Points
•Address correction for license transfer noted and amended on the record.
•Bids came in higher than anticipated and some contractors avoided the project due to DNR grant requirements.
•Council President disclosed relationship to a licensee (Nolan Turner Hall and Rathskeller, Inc.).
•ISG summarized community engagement (nearly 500 survey responses) and recommended maintenance, connectivity, accessibility and environmental stewardship.
•Rodney's pilot street-closure will be used to inform future event policy.
•Staff and ISG outlined prioritization criteria and funding approaches to stagger capital improvements.
•Staff and the gun club recommended rejecting bids and pursuing phased options (clubhouse first).
•Staff completed acquisition of six parcels (Tracks 11–16) totaling 25.049 acres.
•Two parcels lie outside the orderly annexation area and require annexation by ordinance; staff recommended grouping parcels into one ordinance.
Decisions
•Council adopted the Park & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan (May 2026) by roll call.
•Council conducted first consideration and moved the item forward.
•Council rejected all bids and directed staff to explore alternatives.
•Multiple permits and renewals approved by voice vote or roll call.
Directions
•City Attorney/Planning to prepare ordinance for subsequent readings and to include required exhibits (legal descriptions and boundary map).
•Licensing matters to proceed subject to compliance; staff to record amended address.
•Staff to develop implementation schedule and 5-year capital plan and report back to council.
•Staff to work with the Sioux Valley Gun Club and DNR on alternatives and return with cost estimates.
The New Ulm City Council held its regular meeting May 5, 2026, approving multiple licenses and permits for downtown events, setting public hearings on 2025 assessment rolls, approving a professional services contract to advance the Center Street Corridor safety project with $4.3 million in federal awards, and passing routine planning and administrative items.
Discussion Points
•Chief Borchard described citations for public drinking and use of temporary pole cameras; staff said cameras are generally temporary and cost effective.
•Chief reported anonymous K-9 donation and staff recommended accepting donation.
•Council asked for budget direction; staff to include the work in 2027 budget or use state aid/fund balance for interim costs.
•Council discussed trash receptacles, signage marking alcohol boundaries and fairness across businesses.
•Council heard no public objections on the record.
•Council set the public hearing date of July 7, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. for both assessment rolls.
•Mr. Schugel described that the baseball association purchased the new board and the memorial panel could be relocated to Miller Park.
•Planner described variance and planning commission conditions; staff reported no public comments on variance.
•Staff announced $4.3M in federal awards and described scope: roundabouts, pedestrian underpass, RRFBs, utility and stormwater work.
•Staff described easement vacation and confirmed notices were sent to utilities.
•Staff noted $768,513 fee for professional services and that fees were not in 2026 budget; options include fund balance or state aid reimbursement.
•Staff noted donation policy allows memorials to be moved during future park redevelopment and that memorials are not permanent.
•Staff outlined scope and assessment methodology for both projects and referenced the adopted 2025 CIP.
•Staff to present a formal event policy at a future work session; immediate approvals include event-specific conditions.
Decisions
•Approved raffle permits and liquor-license extensions and approval to close the B & L Bar alley for specified events.
•Approve professional services contract for $768,513 to initiate environmental review and design.
•Declare Johnson Park scoreboard surplus and authorize relocation of Jess Roeger memorial panel to Miller Park.
•Set July 7, 2026 public hearing and approved final assessment rules for both projects.
•Variance approved with recording and verification conditions; easement vacation approved with filing condition; temporary patio and liquor extension approved; CVB report received; $100 K-9 donation accepted; claims paid accepted.
Directions
•Begin environmental review and design work immediately to remain eligible for 2029 funding; staff to provide budget direction for 2027.
•File required recorder documents for variance and easement vacation; staff to notify applicant and utilities as required.
•Police to continue targeted patrols during events and consider expanding temporary pole camera use.
•Proceed with surplus disposition through GovDeals and coordinate installation of the memorial panel at Miller Park with the baseball association.
•Publish assessment rolls and hearing notices; staff to present finalized roll and accept public comment on July 7.
•Staff to notify event organizers of conditions and encourage businesses to provide trash receptacles.
The New Ulm City Council approved a series of routine permits, accepted small grants and donations, authorized an airport engineering task order contingent on federal funding, and received a safety assessment that will restrict public access to the Herman Monument.
Discussion Points
•Herman Monument structural inspection recommended restricting public access; staff proposed supervised private entries subject to inspection and liability waiver.
•Mead & Hunt task order presented; fee evaluation review satisfied FAA thresholds; funding contingent on FAA CDS grant covering 95% of consultant fees.
•Public hearing held for a noise variance request for an amplified-sound fundraising event on Aug. 22, 2026; no oral objections were presented.
Decisions
•All listed motions and resolutions were approved during the meeting as recorded (noise variance, permits, Malins Bar extension, task order contingent on grant, grant acceptance, donations acceptance, equipment replacements).
Directions
•Authorize city manager to prepare equipment specs and secure bids for 2027 replacements (estimated $623,218).
•Staff to draft liability waiver and post temporary signage and web guidance for Herman Monument; staff to proceed with grant acceptance and contract additions contingent on external funding.
City of New Ulm council meeting included presentation of an $11.6 million cost estimate to deconstruct and reconstruct the Hermann Monument to preserve its National Register listing, approval of several conditional-use permits including a Scooter's Coffee drive-through, awards of public works contracts, and routine municipal business.
Discussion Points
•City attorney clarified legal requirement to award to lowest responsible bidder unless nonconformance or bidder responsibility issues are found.
•Condition assessment showed trapped moisture and crumbling masonry; recommended deconstruction/reconstruction to preserve National Register designation.
•Council asked targeted questions on design/placement for a drive-through and on procurement law for contracts.
•Council expressed aesthetic concerns about fencing and the building’s Broadway-facing appearance.
•Estimated program cost ~ $11.6M including contingencies and escalation; archaeological monitoring and secure storage required.
•Loss of original design documents increases reliance on documentation during deconstruction; reconstruction precedent is rare regionally.
•Project funding expected 95% from an FAA CDS grant, 2.5% from a state grant; local share approx. $40,000.
•Project is a ~6,000 sq ft three‑tenant building with a drive‑through for the southerly tenant; planning commission recommended 10 conditions.
•Several routine agenda items were approved without extended debate.
•Staff confirmed required stacking spaces and parking counts; code exceptions must be addressed through conditions.
•Three bids received; low bid $2,427,101.02 from GM Contracting; unit pricing lower than engineer's estimate, especially on underground work.
•Two bids received; low bid $1,623,968 from Dunnick Incorporated.
Decisions
•Conditional use permit approved; staff to monitor compliance.
•Contract award contingent on grant funding; motion carried.
•Contract awarded to GM Contracting; motion carried.
•Council received the report and authorized staff to pursue funding strategies; no construction contract awarded.
•Multiple routine permits and administrative items approved; claims accepted and meeting adjourned.
Directions
•Approved subject to planning commission conditions; staff to enforce noise, debris, landscaping and storage requirements.
•Award contract contingent on receipt of the federal and state grants.
•Award contract to low responsive bidder; staff to move forward with contracting and bonding steps.
•Staff authorized to pursue funding strategies and coordinate with SHPO and archaeologists.
•Staff to implement recording, procurement, bidding and event coordination tasks.
The New Ulm City Council on March 17, 2026 approved pursuing implementation of school-zone speed limits recommended in an SRF study, signaled interest in acquiring a state maintenance shop and the armory for $1 each (with repair needs noted), and approved several routine items including a grant-funded trap range project and out-of-state training for a police officer.
Discussion Points
•Attorney said the city would likely be able to recoup investments through sale price but would provide a definitive opinion later.
•Chief Borger explained regional need for DRE-trained officers after marijuana legalization and that training will help build local capabilities.
•Council confirmed the trap range contract will be publicly bid and noted grant funding.
•Council discussed possible timelines, resale legality and whether to take both properties at once.
•Councilors questioned funding options, grant timing, and whether phasing or targeted measures would suffice.
•SRF presented citywide speed and crash data and recommended 20 mph school zones and 25 mph near the high school.
•Staff explained the LELS pay change will be reimbursed by the drug task force.
•Staff noted MnDOT guidance and options for engineering studies if needed.
•Staff reported building conditions, abatement history references, and utility costs (armory high of $27,549 in 2025).
Decisions
•All listed motions approved by voice vote during the meeting.
•Council approved expressing interest in acquiring both properties for $1 each (interest only).
•Council voted to receive the study and authorize staff to pursue implementation strategies for 2027.
Directions
•Consider Phased implementation and seek MnDOT district/state aid eligibility where applicable.
•Staff to complete procurement, travel approvals, and payroll adjustments; follow-up reports required.
•Staff to gather missing documentation, obtain attorney’s written opinion, and return before any closing.
•Staff to pursue grants and prepare implementation strategies for 2027; return with funding options and recommended locations for signage/lighting.
New Ulm City Council approved multiple tax-abatement agreements and development permits, granted temporary event permits, approved year-end budget transfers and claims, and denied two of three snow-removal appeals while directing staff to further investigate the third.
Discussion Points
•City fee to establish program $4,000 (not to exceed $1,000/year); payments only if applicant not in default.
•Concerns about administrative fee fairness ($150) and whether the city should extend 24‑hour compliance window to 48 hours for hardships.
•Planning Commission recommended approval; staff added conditions to address neighbor concerns about material blowing off site.
•Project needed assistance due to unexpected unsuitable soils and buried materials; Braun Intertek recommended removal and structural fill.
•Public commenter presented text messages and image metadata claiming snow removal was completed within 24 hours; city records and contractor invoice indicated different dates.
•Site will operate mainly as an indoor transfer facility; no residential recycling accepted; hours 7AM–5PM Monday–Friday.
•Staff reported missing published notice invalidated prior approval; project is 39 senior units; total city abatement $585,176 over 10 years; no job‑creation requirements because it is housing.
•Year‑end activity includes transfers for columbarium receipts, February sinking funds and carryovers for open purchase orders.
Decisions
•Adopt superseding tax‑abatement resolution and development agreement (effective 03/03/2026).
•Adopt tax‑payment program and development agreement.
•Approve CUP with conditions; approve two variances (area and setback reductions).
•Approve temporary liquor permit.
•Approve year‑end transfers and accept claims list.
•Deny appeals for 1017 3rd Street South and 624 South Front Street; direct staff to further investigate the 1326 South Payne Street appeal.
Directions
•Record CUP and variances with Brown County; monitor compliance.
•Staff to verify contractor logs, complaint timestamps and photo metadata for 1326 South Payne Street and return with findings.
The New Ulm City Council met Feb. 17, 2026, approving multiple capital-project actions (setting bid dates for street and airport projects and awarding a storm-sewer contract), taking several park- and recreation-related donations and permissions (a donated scoreboard, BMX overnight camping), and declaring intent to use 2026 revolving fund bonds to reimburse project costs.
Discussion Points
•BOAE meeting scheduled for April 20, 2026 was announced and the council received notice.
•Donations were read and itemized by staff for council acceptance.
•Shugel described reasons for scoreboard replacement and estimated cost and installation needs.
•Staff emphasized site suitability and weather concerns for camping at South German Park.
•Staff indicated this is the first step in the 2026 bond process and that bonds would be sold in August.
•Staff noted the airport runway project is funded by congressionally directed spending ($2,500,000).
•Staff presented plans/specs and recommended award for infrastructure projects.
•Staff reported five bids on the lift station project ranging $1.3M–$1.8M and recommended the low bidder.
Decisions
•Adopt resolution declaring official intent to reimburse certain capital expenditures with proceeds of series 2026 bonds.
•Awarded the 18th South Street storm‑sewer lift station contract to Holt Meyer Construction for $1,321,233.
•Council accepted park donations totaling $3,850.
•Council approved proceeding with the scoreboard donation proposal (formal acceptance pending).
•Council authorized temporary BMX camping June 12–14, 2026.
•Receive notice of BOAE meeting scheduled April 20, 2026.
•Set bid dates for Utility Street/Alley (03/18/2026) and Airport Crosswind Runway (03/24/2026).
Directions
•Parks staff to inspect the BMX camping site and confirm fire restrictions if applicable.
•Staff to advertise bid documents and open bids on the dates set (Mar. 18 and Mar. 24).
•Staff to continue bond planning and return final sale documents to council.
•Staff to prepare notices and materials for the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting.
•Staff to proceed with contract execution and coordinate funding and consultant recommendations.
•Staff to return a formal donation resolution for council acceptance for the scoreboard.
The New Ulm City Council on Feb. 3, 2026, held public hearings and approved the city'9s 2026 surface reconstruction and utility street-and-alley projects, set estimated resident assessments, approved several permits and appointments, authorized the 2026 special archery deer control program, tabled repair of a damaged Bomag rubber-tired roller pending more pricing, and accepted $3,056,441.50 in claims paid.
Discussion Points
•Council discussed event right-of-way policy and indicated preference for one-off approvals until policy returns to a work session.
•Public Works described hydraulic contamination in the 2022 Bomag roller and presented repair and replacement cost estimates; councillors requested clearer vendor pricing and warranty information before deciding.
•Staff presented two surface reconstruction locations and an eight-location utility/street/alley project. Key resident concerns focused on timing and potential assessments for corner lots and alleyfrontage.
Decisions
•Council approved permits and the deer-control program and appointed Tamara Firth.
•Council ordered both 2026 surface reconstruction and utility alley/street projects.
•Council tabled the Bomag roller repair decision until clearer pricing is provided.
Directions
•Public Works to get clarified vendor quotes and return with numbers at a subsequent council meeting.
•Residents advised to contact city staff in May for contractor schedules.
•Staff to prepare project plans and specifications and proceed to bidding if ordered.
The New Ulm City Council met Jan. 6, 2026, and approved routine business including appointments, temporary liquor permits for community events, land-use approvals for a lot split and variance at 1527 South German Street, updates to cemetery rules, the setting of public hearings for 2026 street and alley projects, and acceptance of claims totaling $9.44 million.
Discussion Points
•Council considered and approved annual council and mayoral appointments.
•Council moved and accepted the claims-paid report totaling $9,441,223.23.
•Planner described the lot split and the variance, noting steep slope and zoning changes enabling single-family development on grid lots.
•Revisions needed for double-niche columbarium and QR-code use; Monument Cemetery Commission recommended the changes.
•Staff presented project locations and referenced the adopted CIP and an engineer's report.
•Temporary permits and decorative permits presented as routine and approved subject to compliance.
Decisions
•Accepted claims list
•Approved lot split and variance with Planning Commission conditions.
•Approved revised cemetery rules.
•Confirmed mayoral and council appointments for 2026
•Permits and donations approved.
•Public hearings scheduled
Directions
•Set public hearings for Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
New Ulm City Council (Dec. 16, 2025) approved multiple tax abatement agreements for housing projects, adopted the 2026 budget and levy, awarded a bridge-repair contract and moved forward on a storm-sewer lift station bidding schedule; the council also approved grants, licenses, personnel-policy updates and several donations.
Discussion Points
•Chief Borger underscored the task force’s regional importance and the city’s fiscal‑agent role.
•Council accepted donations and designated community events for 2026.
•Council adopted the final budget and levy by roll call.
•Engineer estimates for South Street lift station exceed FEMA funding; city share to be covered by 2025 bond issuance.
•Garden Terrace amendment noted Brown County participation (~$250,000).
•HR director explained adjustments required by new state paid‑leave law and expected cost savings from a private equivalent plan.
•SLD request included remediation costs for unsuitable fill and a 13‑year term for cost recovery.
•Staff confirmed no changes since the public hearing; councilors thanked staff for work.
•Staff described project eligibility, projected tax increment and pay‑as‑you‑go reimbursement structure for each project.
•Underwater inspection indicated significant scour at Pier 1 of 20th South Bridge.
Decisions
•2026 budget and levy adopted.
•Contract awarded to MR Paving & Excavating; plans/specs and bid schedule approved for lift station.
•Council approved establishment or amendment of tax‑abatement programs for M & D Properties, SLD Properties and Garden Terrace projects.
•Grant authorization, personnel policy updates, appointment and donations were approved.
Directions
•Authorize execution of grant documents; HR to implement policy changes by Jan. 1; departments to finalize leases/licenses and accept donations.
•Award bridge contract to low bidder and schedule work for summer; advertise South Street lift station bids with Feb. 11 opening.
•Finance to implement budget and report on execution.
•Prepare development and tax payment agreements and return for execution.
•Staff and city attorney authorized to make minor/insignificant changes to agreements and resolutions as needed.
City of New Ulm council approved a zoning amendment for four older grid lots to allow RT-2 standards, raised the citys purchase-order threshold from $2,500 to $5,000, and approved routine resolutions including insurance coverage limits, polling-place designations, and a joint powers assessment agreement with Brown County.
