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<br /> <br />City Council Minutes <br />June 16, 2025 <br />--------- <br />Page 10 of 12 <br />construction piece pay estimate would most likely be expected around September 2026. <br /> <br />Mr. Barker stated that MnDOT had said that in order for Capstone to move forward, they need the <br />permit issued. <br /> <br />Councilmember Calva confirmed that Capstone is still asking for 1.2 million. Mr. Barker stated Yes, 50% <br />of the cost. Councilmember Calva asked if this money existed. Mr. Femrite stated Yes, there are funds <br />with the state aid fund, and also explained that they didn't have the expenses from the Twin Lakes <br />expansion to Highway 10, so they have funds from that as well. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer confirmed that the state aid fund comes every year. Mr. Femrite stated that it is <br />correct. Councilmember Beyer asked if the funds could roll over every year. Mr. Femrite stated to a <br />point, but there are rules that when they get too large a fund balance, they start making some negative <br />adjustments, and the allocations would go down. He continued to explain that we are sitting at a <br />healthy balance, noting that some of the funds are for Main Street and Jackson improvements, and <br />improvements downtown; however, he does think it is a sufficient balance. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grupa wanted to talk about the Plants and Things Complex area. He stated that we <br />have families crossing the highway, and he feels like it would be a help to the north side. He further <br />explained that he is looking at it that the city now has a partner to develop the intersection, rather than <br />the other way around. He said us helping them is helping us and thinks it would be wise to partner with <br />them. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer agrees with Councilmember Grupa. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wagner explained her thoughts and stated it relates to the Plants and Things Complex <br />and the amount of time and resources that have been put into the complex. She further explained that <br />the investment in the intersection is ensuring the community is safe going to the athletic complex. She <br />explained that she doesn't like the situation they have been put into, but given the situation, she is <br />willing to split the cost and move forward. She stated that she would like the city to continue to look at <br />the north side and possible zoning. <br /> <br />Mayor Dietz stated that it's not a matter of whether we have the money or not, but how we use the <br />money. He thinks the developer should pay more than the city because, if it wasn't for the <br />development, this wouldn't be coming up right now, and he would not support a 50/50 split. <br /> <br />Councilmember Calva explained that his position reflects the Mayor's thoughts, but stated that he does <br />not like J-turns at all. He recollects that there would be fewer fatalities but not fewer accidents; his vote <br />would be for $500,000. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer asked what they were going to spend on the idea of putting the lights in before. <br />Mr. Femrite doesn't remember off the top of his head, but did state they had some federal dollars that <br />were to be used. He thinks that, between the federal dollars and the city matching those dollars, it was <br />in excess of $3 million. Mr. Femrite can get the information and have it at the next meeting. <br />Councilmember Beyer stated that what he is trying to say is they wanted to do something in that area, <br />and now we are being forced to do something, and now we would do it for less than what we would <br />have paid for it before. <br /> <br />Mr. Femrite asked to add one more comment regarding the comment from Councilmember Calva