Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember Buscher expressed interest in strengthening grant efforts, suggesting a dedicated <br />or part-time grant writer could reduce staff burden and help pursue additional funding <br />opportunities. She recommended considering this as an area for improvement, while <br />acknowledging the staff’s current success. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen stated that while there may be additional opportunities, the City has <br />been successful with the grants it pursues, given current staffing levels and capacity. <br /> <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood announced the City was awarded a <br />$126,000 Community Development Block Grant for paddle boats at the waterfront, highlighting <br />another recent grant success. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen reviewed impacts over the next one to five years, noting updates such <br />as aligning staffing needs with anticipated management retirements and removing items like tariff <br />uncertainty and water quality concerns as conditions have stabilized or projects have been <br />completed. He added that ongoing considerations include the effects of daycare tax exemptions <br />and increasing pressure on City facility space as departments approach capacity. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Riley asked whether reaching a population of 30,000 would trigger any meaningful <br />changes compared to the current population level, or if it is simply a milestone without significant <br />operational impact. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen noted that 30,000 is often viewed as a key threshold for retail interest, <br />making the City more attractive to certain businesses. However, it does not necessarily result in an <br />immediate surge of new development applications. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman discussed the potential Mississippi River crossing as a significant future impact, <br />noting it could expand the City’s market reach and increase retail attractiveness, similar to reaching <br />a 30,000-population threshold. He acknowledged it may not fit neatly into one category but <br />highlighted its potential influence if it moves forward. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen reviewed updates to strategies and action steps, noting most remain <br />ongoing with adjusted timelines based on staffing capacity and workload. He highlighted <br />refinements such as expanding the asset management program, advancing studies and facility <br />planning, and continuing grant efforts and business outreach. He also noted new or updated <br />initiatives, including the redevelopment of Highway 10 properties, neighborhood and corridor <br />improvements, a home improvement incentive program, continued restoration of the Historic <br />Town Hall, and the potential return of an Earth Day cleanup effort involving City staff. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Riley asked whether the Earth Day cleanup concept would include coordinating or <br />involving community volunteers in addition to City staff. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen noted the City regularly welcomes volunteers and coordinates park <br />cleanups when groups express interest. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / April 14, 2026 <br />Page 4 of 10 <br />