06-01-2026 CCM
Meeting of the City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, June 1, 2026
Members Present: Mayor John Dietz, Councilmember Cory Grupa, Councilmember J. Brian Calva,
Councilmember Mike Beyer, Councilmember Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Cal Portner, Community Development Director Zack
Carlton, Economic Development Specialist Josh Mollan, Records Specialist Dawn
Robertson.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 06:30 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve
the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Calva to approve the
following consent items as outlined in their respective staff reports. Motion carried 5-0.
4.1 May 18, 2026, Meeting Minutes
4.2 Check Register
4.3 2026-2027 Liquor License Renewals
4.4 Post Employment Health Care Savings Plan
4.5 Pay Plan Market Adjustment
4.6 Updated Streetlight Agreement 26-21 with ERMU
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June 1, 2026
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4.7 Severance Agreement and Waiver of Claims
4.8 Orono Beach E. Coli Testing Procedure Amendment
5. OPEN FORUM
Senator Eric Lucero presented a summary of the 2026 state legislative session, highlighting several
outcomes affecting the City of Elk River. Senator Lucero reported that the local sales tax bill was
removed from final consideration. He noted the successful passage of the Homeowners Association
Reform Bill and stated that a one-year reprieve for vehicle license tabs was enacted. Additionally,
Senator Lucero reported that state budget reductions cut millions of dollars from long-term care, family
foster care, and adult foster care facilities.
6. PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITION
There were no presentations, awards or recognitions.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Conditional Use Permit: Educational Use, ISD 728 and Habitat for Humanity – 900 School St NW
The staff report was presented.
Mr. Carlton shared the details of the request for the outdoor classroom from ISD 728 and Habitat for
Humanity. Councilmember Wagner stated she feels it is not necessary to have opaque fencing and
stated the fence blocks advertising about what the school and Habitat for Humanity are doing. Mr.
Carlton stated that the fencing is a preference of the school. Councilmember Beyer believes this is a
great project for young people, and it's for a great cause.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve,
by motion, the CUP allowing construction of an outdoor classroom space at Elk River
High School, subject to the following conditions:
1. The applicant must submit documentation describing the standards against which the
state is reviewing the space.
2. Commercial building permits will be required for the improvements.
3. The fencing along the north, east, and south faces must be 100% opaque.
4. The applicant must submit an updated site plan showing how the parking lot will be
updated (striped) to address the changes to parking and circulation.
5. Staff approval of all updated plans, ensuring full compliance with state building and fire
codes.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.2 Resolution 26-39: Simple Plat: Lane Estates, 11076 205th Ave NW
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The staff report was presented.
Seth Monroe with Rum River Land Surveyors and Engineers, representative for the property
owners, stated that most proposed trails try to stay within the right of way.
Moved by Councilmember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Calva to adopt,by
motion, Resolution 26-39 approving the final plat of Lane Estates with the following
conditions:
1. Park Dedication Fees shall be paid for one dwelling unit at the rate applicable when
the subdivision is released for recording.
2. A trail easement along County Road 33 for a future trail shall be recorded against
the property, location, and size to be determined by city staff.
Motion carried 5-0.
8. GENERAL BUSINESS
8.1 DERBA Chair Placement
Mr. Mollan shared with the Council that both the Economic Development and Park staff met with
Downtown Elk River Business Association (DERBA) members and determined a preferred location for
the oversized Furniture and Things Adirondack Chair is Rivers Edge Commons Park. Mayor Dietz and
Councilmember Wagner shared that the Granite Shores Building Manager is allowing the chair to be on
the property until Labor Day. Councilmember Calva believes the chair could generate attention at
Granite Shores, and the Council is in agreement.
DERBA Chair Deana McLean,18204 Albany St NW, shared her thoughts on why the chair
should be placed by the river, expressing that it would be great for marketing and photo opportunities.
The Council directed staff to have the chair placed on the patio at the Granite Shores Building until
Labor Day.
8.2 Liquor License Renewal: The Confluence LLC dba Edge Bar & Boutique
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Calva to approve, by
motion, the 2026-2027 liquor license renewal of an On-Sale 3.2% License with strong beer
permission and a Wine License to The Confluence LLC dba Edge Bar & Boutique, valid
through June 30, 2027.
Motion carried 4-0. Councilmember Jennifer Wagner abstained.
8.3 Discuss Work Session Items
Councilmemeber Wagner, shared that she had received an email from a student at Salk Middle School
about putting in a crosswalk at Freeport by Arby's and Starbucks. She would also like to discuss the
impact large city projects have on businesses and citizens when they disrupt a section of town.
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9. COUNCIL LIAISON UPDATES
9.1 Council Liaison Updates
The Councilmembers provided updates as outlined in the respective advisory board's minutes.
10. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to adjourn
the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The regular meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
11. WORK SESSION
11.1 Requested Sale of City Property
Lee Whiting, 13463 Ranch Rd NW, requested to purchase property from the city. He is interested
in the property for several reasons: Xcel relocated large power poles in their right of way, which is very
close to his driveway; the icy road conditions make turning into the driveway dangerous; deer hunters
have been trespassing on his property to get to Burr Oak Park, and he wants access to his back shed.
Mr. Carlton shared with the Council that the city could sell the 1.6 acres that will be deeded to the city
for park dedication purposes via a warranty deed.
Mayor Dietz and the Council agreed they are not in favor of selling city property. The Council, Parks
and Recreation Chair Hal Stewart, and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Dave
Anderson discussed other possible solutions for Mr. Whiting.
The Council directed staff to work with Mr. Whiting on an easement/license agreement to allow the
placement of a bituminous driveway on city property and an ingress/egress easement to the backside of
his accessory structure. Staff asked for clarification that all legal and recording costs would be the
responsibility of Mr. Whiting. Council agreed. The Council also agreed that a gate could be installed
along the city's access road once the city has taken ownership of the property.
12. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Moved by Councilmember Calva and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adjourn the
meeting of City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Dawn Robertson.
City Council Minutes
June 1, 2026
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__________________
John J. Dietz, Mayor
_______________________
Justin Dunford, City Clerk