Development News for Austin, Minnesota

Employee Anniversaries Recognized; City Administrator Craig Clark Honored

Several city employees were recognized for their years of service during the June anniversaries. Long-term employees included Trish Weekman (26 years), Kim Hansen (19 years), John White (10 years), Steven Schmidt (10 years), Megan Evenson (9 years), Dwayne Natz (4 years), Ryan Hansen (3 years), Chad Peterson (3 years), Terry Duo (1 year), Steven Lang (1 year), Ryan Hansen (1 year), Justin Bickler (13 years), Nate Peterson (13 years), and Ernie Hammer (11 years). The meeting also included numerous tributes and farewells to City Administrator Craig Clark, who was completing 11.5 years of service. He was praised for his dedication, hard work, visionary leadership, and significant contributions to initiatives like the Mill on Main project, New Tech, housing tax abatements, and street assessments. Clark was presented with a key to the city.

Ordinance Amendment to Expand Housing Options Approved

The council is preparing an ordinance amendment to city code chapter 11 to facilitate expansion of housing options and allow diverse housing types. The amendment will specifically allow twin homes, also known as zero lot line two-unit townhomes, which provide attainable home ownership and utilize existing infrastructure efficiently. These housing types, previously utilized in the community, will now be explicitly allowed by the zoning code to accommodate shared walls. The amendment applies to single-family and multi-family residential zoning districts and will be effective upon publication, applying retroactively to existing twin homes in the same districts.

Legislative Session Update Highlights Bipartisan Achievements and Funding Allocations

Representative Mueller provided an update on the recent legislative session, highlighting bipartisan work and key achievements. Notable outcomes included the passage of an office of inspector general bill, tax relief measures totaling $400 million (including property tax relief and car tab fee reduction), increased medical assistant rates for rural hospitals, and investments in IT modernization. Significant infrastructure funding of $1.2 billion was secured, with specific allocations for the Hormone Institute's INbeck Center. The housing bill included substantial funding for affordable housing, homeless prevention, workforce housing, and manufactured home parks. Mueller also discussed the funding mechanism for these initiatives, which utilized reclaimed interest on state funds rather than general tax revenue.

Climate Resiliency Study for Ellis Ditch Area Approved

The council approved a resolution for the Ellis Ditch climate resiliency study. This study is supported by a previously approved grant from the MPCA, totaling $96,581, with a portion of that ($9,658) to be funded by the city's stormwater utility fund or in-kind services. The study, to be completed by WHKS, will evaluate rainfall events in the Ellis Ditch area and identify solutions for storm sewer improvements, sanitary sewer improvements, roadway improvements, and potential ponding/water storage to mitigate impacts on residents. The project is identified in the city's 5-year CIP. The proposal from WHKS is for $96,600.