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The fact the Taylors Falls council will look very different in 2027 didn’t deter the group last week from forging ahead on some dynamic tasks.  There is a comprehensive land use plan city staff is hoping to finalize by the end of December, a primitive trail project in early stages, will connect the school to the district-owned Bryant environmental learning property, deferred roadwork and city assistance for new business downtown were among matters that council took on last week.

~ Bituminous maintenance needed on Angel Hill, Basil, Ravine, West and Plateau Streets was approved  for Seal Tech, for yet this season. 

~ The sheriff patrol contract was approved but there was discussion on dissatisfaction related to services. Outgoing Mayor Brandon Weiberg has been liaison to the sheriff’s office and he commented that whoever fills this position needs to give communications a little attention, and share citizen concerns.  The fee for an hour of deputy time is $82.89 and Taylors Falls will also contribute towards the retainer to have animal control on call, a service that was previously paid for by the county alone using public safety state aid.  

The contract terms were adopted 5-0.

~ A new business owner Sarah Hoppe was approved for a $10,000 exterior improvements loan the city has offered for a while now. The council was advised the account has no pending loans and there’s sufficient funds for the ask.  Hoppe, a nurse practitioner, is opening a wellness “Rejuvenation Center” in the corner of the Chisago House site.  She already offers short term rental spaces on the upper floor and retail at mainstreet level.

~ New computers have been needed in two areas of administration, and thanks to a rebate on good insurance history with LMC, two new laptops were approved. One is $1,909 and the other $2,582 to be provided through Easy I-T.   The city gets $6,000 approximately  refunded,  based on low incidence of insurance claims.

~ Dan Boyer, assistant fire chief, got authorization to make final payment for new equipment expected in a couple months— and for accessory equipment being added  to the original order.  Fire department capital needs were part of a bond sale early this year,  and the projects and purchases are all within this budget.  

The new approximately $750,000 truck will be delivered  in time for the holiday Lighting Festival Parade, Boyer assured council.

Council was confident Mayor Weiberg could negotiate a suitable fire service contract with Shafer Township before his term concludes, and authorized him to proceed. The city gets a fee for the land sections in the township that the city firefighters protect;  and the township share is part of a complicated formula revolving around property 

     

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valuations, that Weiberg said he can work with.

~ Utility fees will increase for city residents.

Due to projected shortfalls in balances and expenditures—beginning as of the first bill in  2027 the water base rate goes up 10 percent to $12.32, sewer is increasing 22.5 percent to $33.23.  Stormwater fees need to be hiked by 20 percent.  The action was supported by rate analysis done by Northstar consultants.

A looming undertaking that did not receive any specific action was the old depot/community center.  

Consultant Gary Borglund asked council for more money to continue review and analysis of needed center projects and to pay for him looking for funding sources.

Council member Robert Bayer mentioned the city gave Borglund $5,500 (awarded from a preservation program) not long ago —to apply for grants— and asked how many applications have been completed. 

According to Borglund he has many in the “portal” queued up to be considered for assistance but not “completed.” 

Council opted to not take any action and keep discussing what direction the city should take on rehab of the community center.   

~ Interested citizens are encouraged to look over the draft version of the city Comprehensive Land Use Plan on the website and watch for public hearing dates.  There is a time period open now for comment and suggestions as well.

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