07-20-2026 CCM
Meeting of the City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, July 20, 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, Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg, Business Services
Director/Assistant City Administrator Joe Stremcha, Fire Chief Mark Dickinson,
Fire Chief Jeff Smith, and Records Specialist Dawn Robertson
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 6:07 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 Check Register
4.2 City and ISD 728 Ice Facility Use Agreement for ERHS
4.3 Resolution 26-49: Plat of Oakwater Ridge Yale Street, Capstone Homes - PID 75-00959-0111
4.4 Turnout Gear Dryer Award
4.5 Northbound Liquor Special Inspections and Testing Services Agreement with Braun Intertec
4.6 Post Employment Health Care Savings Plan
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4.7 Remodel of Front Reception Area of Police Department
4.8 Greater MN Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Agreement 2026-24
4.9 Fabulous Armadillos
4.10 Northbound Liquor - Call for Sale of Bonds
5. OPEN FORUM
Toya Akinde, 230 Xenia Ave, requested that the Council consider amending the city's current
zoning ordinance regarding the keeping of chickens.
6. PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITION
6.1 City of Elk River Volunteer of the Month
Mayor Dietz presented the Volunteer of the Month award to Jim Wood. He highlighted the following:
▪ Member of the Three Rivers Soccer Association Board
▪ Served as a soccer referee for 33 years
▪ Field Coordinator for Three Rivers Soccer Association
▪ Announcer for girls' hockey games since 1993
▪ Announcer for boys' hockey games since 2005
▪ Announced over 1,300 Elk River varsity games
▪ Usher at church for more than 40 years
6.2 Recognize Jeff Smith for his 38 years of employment with Elk River
Chief Dickinson spoke of Jeff Smith's service to the city. He stated that Mr. Smith has been positive and
professional in his roles as Fire Prevention Specialist, Fire Educator, Inspector, Fire Permitting, and
countless other responsibilities. The Council wished Jeff the best in his retirement.
6.3 Retirement Recognition: Mark Dickinson
Mr. Portner commended Fire Chief Mark Dickinson for his eight years of impactful service to the city.
He shared notable accomplishments, including implementing an officer training program, cultivating a
strong leadership team, assisting with upgrades to Fire Station #2, and leading planning efforts for Fire
Station #3 and the new Fire Station #1.
6.4 Promotion of Chad Yess to Lieutenant
Mr. Yess was sworn in as Lieutenant by Mayor Dietz.
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6.5 Introduce Park and Recreation Framework Plan - ISG Consultants
Mr. Stremcha introduced the ISG consultants that will be helping to facilitate the Park and Recreation
Framework Plan. Clare Roth, one of the planners for ISG, shared that they are excited to help with the
planning for Elk River.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Conditional Use Permit: Bluff Impacts, Randall Tesdahl - 16892 Yale St NW
The staff report was presented.
Mayor Dietz opened the Public Hearing.
Kari Ziebell, 16864 Yale St NW, had questions about the proposed pathway width allowance. She
stated she would like a soil study completed to be sure there won't be more erosion.
There was discussion about previous grievances between several neighbors and Mr. Tesdahl about his
use of a motor vehicle on neighboring properties. Mr. Tesdahl stated he wants to use his own property
for recreation and that is why he is requesting this Conditional Use Permit.
Mayor Dietz believes that with a professional engineer designing the pathway, no further erosion is
expected. The Council agreed this pathway will not affect other properties and Mr. Tesdahl will use his
own property.
Moved by Councilmember Calva and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve the
Conditional Use Permit with the following conditions to satisfy the standards set forth in
Section 30-654:
1. The applicant shall have the pathway professionally engineered and designed to
ensure long-term slope stability and minimize erosion potential.
2. The pathway width shall accommodate safe access without encumbering ADA
mobility requirements and shall not exceed 8 feet in width.
3. The pathway shall be designed with the flattest practical grade to reduce erosion
and improve accessibility.
4. Existing vegetation shall be preserved to the greatest extent practicable, with only
selective removal permitted as necessary for construction.
5. Appropriate erosion and sediment control measures shall be installed and
maintained during construction.
6. Any plans, once finalized, shall be reviewed and approved by the City
Environmental Department.
7. A grading permit shall be obtained prior to commencement of any land-disturbing
activities.
8. Any retaining wall exceeding four (4) feet in height shall require a separate building
permit and shall be designed by a Minnesota-licensed structural engineer.
9. The applicant shall comply with all recommendations and requirements of the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, if applicable.
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10. The Conditional Use Permit shall remain subject to all applicable City Code
requirements and permit conditions.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.2 Conditional Use Permit: Motor Vehicle Repair, Uval Butuc - 18332 Joplin St NW
The staff report was presented. Mr. Leeseberg noted that business had not started, but they were
storing vehicles at the proposed business site. They cleaned it up when notified they were not allowed
to do so without a Conditional Use Permit.
Councilmember Grupa stated he was concerned there would be more work happening than what they
were asking for in their CUP; Mayor Dietz agreed.
The business owner stated they are working with the landlord and the management group to follow
restrictions and reiterated that no work has been done within the building.
Councilmember Wagner expressed the importance that they understand the CUP could be revoked if
they don't abide by the conditions.
The Council was in favor of approving the CUP with a 12th condition: Landlord must assign 8
parking spots, one vehicle per spot.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve
the Conditional Use Permit with the following conditions to satisfy the standards set forth
in Section 30-654:
1. The Conditional Use Permit shall authorize only vehicle body work and no
mechanical repair work, including engine, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust, or
similar vehicle repairs, shall be conducted on the property.
2. All repair activities shall occur entirely within the enclosed building, and all openings
in the building envelope shall be closed when repair activities are occurring.
3. The north side of the back parking lot shall be screened, as shown on the Staff
Exhibit 7-20-2026, by a factory-finished six-foot high, 100 percent opaque fence.
4. The outdoor storage of operable vehicles shall be allowed only in the designated
parking stalls leased to the applicant, one vehicle deep, and shall not be within any
drive lanes.
5. No outdoor storage of inoperable (non-roadworthy vehicles), abandoned vehicles,
vehicle parts, equipment, materials, or repair-related items shall be permitted.
6. This approval does not authorize motor vehicle sales, vehicle display for sale, or any
other use not specifically approved herein.
7. All parking stalls on the property shall be striped in accordance with City
Ordinance, Section 30-892.
8. The applicant and/or property owner shall ensure that any vehicle stored outside
does not leak fuels or other hazardous materials onto the ground.
9. Paints, chemicals, or other hazardous materials shall be handled and disposed of in
accordance with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
10. Schedule a site visit with the city building official and fire marshal to inspect the
building for compliance with all state and local building codes.
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11. The applicant and/or property owner must apply for all required commercial
building, electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical permits before any associated
activities can occur.
Motion carried 4-1 with Mayor Dietz voting No.
8. GENERAL BUSINESS
There were no General Business items.
9. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adjourn the
meeting of the City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
10. WORK SESSION
The regular meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m. Mayor Dietz called the work session to order at 7:06 p.m.
10.1 Joint Session With Parks & Recreation Commission - PIF CIP Discussion and Framework Plan
Kickoff
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Commissioner Stewart called the Special Parks and Recreation
Meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
Mr. Stremcha presented the updated Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) and distributed a handout
detailing the park framework improvement fund, revenues, expenditures, and proposed project lists.
The Commission recommended prioritizing current financial obligations and replacing neighborhood
park equipment that has reached its end of life. The Commission proposed conducting an inventory of
parks and facilities to analyze usage rates and structural conditions, with the goal of deferring non-
urgent maintenance. Commissioner Stewart noted that current park conditions do not meet
Commission standards and emphasized the critical need for funding.
The Council and the Commission's discussion regarding funding sources included:
▪ Municipal Liquor Store Revenue: Councilmember Wagner inquired about the new liquor
store timeline and when it will be operational. Mr. Stremcha is certain the Grand Opening will
be before Labor Day, 2027. Councilmember Wagner stated that with that date in mind, the
request for fund transfer from the liquor store would not be feasible. Councilmember Calva
inquired about the allocation of proceeds from the sale of the current Northbound Liquor store
building. Mr. Portner clarified that any proceeds will be added to the Liquor Fund and possibly
for bond debt.
▪ Budget Allocations: Mayor Dietz expressed support for the park's large goals but stated they
may take the revenue from the sale of the liquor store and apply it to the general fund to help
mitigate property taxes. It was discussed that the Pavement Management Fund would pay for the
replacement of the Great Northern trail at Woodland Park, freeing up budgeted money for
other park improvement projects.
▪ Grant Funding: Councilmember Beyer inquired about alternative grant availability. Mr. Shelby
confirmed staff is actively identifying funding gaps to attach to future grant applications.
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Councilmember Wagner discussed the Active Elk River Campaign and mentioned it did a lot with the
money it received from voters. She asked staff what the current need is now specifically for the
Facilities Framework Plan compared to a few years ago when the campaign was active. Mr. Shelby
mentioned the anticipated need for upcoming residential developments. Park programs are currently
booked 80–100 percent. Staff currently need to be creative, utilizing fields and space and looking to
expand hours at the YMCA. Councilmember Wagner wanted to bring attention to the Active Elk River
Campaign because it was not too long ago, and asking for more money to fund this improvement plan
may upset taxpayers.
Chair Stewart suggested, with community engagement, deciding what programs are in demand and, if
possible, repurposing current facilities to meet those demands.
The framework plan shows Ivan Sand School moving. If it does not, the framework plan will need to be
redesigned. Mr. Portner stated there would be a plan with the school district for Hale's Field.
Councilmember Beyer questioned if the proposed fields are being built for Elk River residents or is the
focus to bring in tournaments for others. He wants to ensure we are planning for capacity.
Commissioner Goodwin recommended seeking contributions and partnerships with local businesses.
Mr. Portner stated that selling naming rights to businesses has been a challenge. Mr. Stremcha
mentioned opportunities for sponsorships on the ballfield banners. Councilmember Wagner suggested
asking the larger companies and stores in Elk River. Councilmember Calva suggested gathering company
leaders and presenting the city's needs to them.
Mr. Portner shared with the Council and Commission his experience with the generosity of the
businesses in the city.
Commissioner Goodwin reiterated the need to be clear about the mission and vision of the Parks and
Recreation Commission and stated the need to be thoughtful and clear to the residents.
Commissioner Loidolt brought to light that the Commission has not asked the Council for an increase
in Park Improvement Fund allocations. They have had the same allocation for 18 years. The
Commission realizes what they are asking for is a lot and may not be realistic. However, it is necessary
to keep up with inflation.
ISG Group staff let the Council know they would be looking for feedback from the City Council, Parks
and Recreation Commission, and residents. They will be looking at data, demographics, and trends, and
what is right for Elk River when developing the framework plan. The group split in terms to complete a
worksheet provided by ISG Group for 15 minutes. The group shared their team's answers and gave
their worksheets to ISG Group.
Moved by Commissioner Varty and seconded by Commissioner Goodwin to adjourn the
joint session meeting at 8:25 p.m. Motion carried 7-0.
10.2 Craft Updated City Mission and Vision Statements
Mr. Portner shared the proposed Mission and Vision Statement created by Councilmember Wagner.
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The Council unanimously agreed to add it to consent for approval at a future meeting.
10.3 Review and Update City Council Goals
Mr. Portner shared the current, mid-term, and future goals, highlighting several that were added to the
short-term list and goals that have been crossed off due to completion or no longer relevant.
11. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Moved by Councilmember Calva and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adjourn the
meeting of the City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Dawn Robertson.
12. INFORMATION
12.1 June Financial Reports
12.2 2nd Quarter Investment Report
__________________
John J. Dietz, Mayor
_______________________
Justin Dunford, City Clerk