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Home My WebLink About2025/11/25CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota November 25, 2025 Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, held November 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at Apple Valley Municipal Center. PRESENT: Mayor Hooppaw; Councilmembers Bergman, Grendahl, Hiebert, and Melander. ABSENT: None. City staff members present were: City Administrator Lawell, City Clerk Scipioni, City Attorney Hills, City Engineer Anderson, Community Development Director Benetti, Parks and Recreation Director Carlson, Deputy Police Chief Dahlstrom, Police Chief Francis, Assistant City Administrator Grawe, Human Resources Manager Haefner, Planner Hayes, Liquor Manager Heyne, and Public Works Director Saam. Mayor Hooppaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Everyone took part in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Approval of the Agenda MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving the agenda for tonight's meeting, removing item 4.H. Approve purchase order with Webber Recreational Design, Inc., for indoor playground equipment and installation for Project 2024-186, Community Center & Senior Center Connection and Renovation. Ayes - 5 - Nays -0. Audience Mayor Hooppaw asked if anyone was present to address the Council, at this time, on any item not on this meeting's agenda. Consent Agenda Mayor Hooppaw asked if the Council or anyone in the audience wished to pull any item from the consent agenda. There were no requests. MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, approving all items on the consent agenda with no exceptions. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. Consent Agenda Items A. Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 13, 2025. B. Approve renewal of Licenses to Sell Tobacco or Tobacco Products for 2026-2027. C. Approve renewal of licenses and permits for 2026. D. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-159 accepting $2,000.00 grant from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation for use by Police Department. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota November 25, 2025 Page 2 E. Approve 2026 Parks and Recreation fees and grant the Parks and Recreation Director or designee the latitude to adjust fees for special promotions. F. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-160 approving Policies for the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. G. Approve Disclaimer of Interest and Temporary Right of Entry related to Dakota County Project No. 97-218 (McAndrews Road Retaining Wall Improvements, City Project No. 2026-117). H. Item removed. I. Approve Change Order No. 2 for Apple Valley Liquor Store #2 Interior Remodel. J. Approve Change Orders No. 3, 4, and 5 to agreement with McNamara Contracting, Inc., for Project 2024-153, Pickleball Court Expansion at JCRPW (2023 Parks Bond Referendum). K. Approve Change Order No. 1 to agreement with UrbanEdge Solutions & Supply, LLC, for Project 2024-102, Utility Improvements (Hayes Trail/Longridge Park), and approve acceptance and final payment. L. Approve Change Orders no. 1, 2, and 3 to agreement with Serigraphics Sign Systems, Inc., for Project 2024-177, Park Sign Fabrication and Installation, and approve acceptance and final payment (2023 Parks Bond Referendum). M. Approve Change Order No. 1 to agreement with Carr's Tree Service, Inc., for Project 2025-115, Contract Ash Tree Stump Removal and Sidewalk Replacement, and approve acceptance and final payment. N. Approve Change Order No. 1 to agreement with Ron Kassa Construction, Inc., for Project 2025-118, 2025 Concrete Removal and Replacement Services, and approve acceptance and final payment. O. Approve claims and bills. P. Approve the personnel report. End of Consent Agenda Regular Agenda A. Introductions and Oaths of Office of Police Officers Krista Erickson and Royce Phung- Vuong. Police Chief Francis introduced Police Officers Krista Erickson and Royce Phung-Voung. City Clerk Scipioni administered the oath of office to Officers Erickson and Phung-Voung. Their family members and friends pinned their badges. The City Council congratulated Officers Erickson and Phung-Voung on the end of their field training period and thanked them for their service to the City. B. Consider and Ordinance Amendment to Planned Development No. 290 — Zone 4 to exempt a cannabis retailer from the special use setback buffer requirements set forth in Section 155.320 of the City Code. Mr. Hayes stated Mike Malik, owner of The Tobacco Shop, has requested to amend Planned Development No. 290-Zone 4 to exempt a cannabis retailer from the special use setback buffers CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota November 25, 2025 Page 3 set forth in Section 155.320. Cannabis businesses, including cannabis retailers, are prohibited from operating under Section 155.320 when located within 1,000 feet of a school or an existing cannabis business, or within 500 feet of a park, daycare, or residential treatment facility. Mr. Hayes stated cannabis retailers are typically permitted in planned development districts that allow freestanding or multi -tenant retail stores and shops. The applicant's proposed location, 14638 Cedar Ave #130, is within a multi -tenant retail development that would otherwise permit a cannabis retailer; however, the property intersects with both the 1,000-foot school buffer and the 500-foot daycare buffer, making it ineligible under current regulations. The effect of the ordinance amendment would exempt cannabis retailers within PD-290-4 from being prohibited within the buffer distance of schools, existing cannabis businesses, parks, daycares, and residential treatment facilities. Mr. Hayes stated the Planning Commission, following a public hearing in which there was no testimony, unanimously recommended denial of the application. Mr. Malik spoke to the Council in support of his application. MOTION: of Melander, seconded by Bergman, adopting Resolution No. 2025-163 denying the draft ordinance amending Chapter 155, Appendix F, adding Section A2-5(C) to exempt cannabis retailers in Zone 4 of this planned development from the special use setback buffers in Section 155.320. Ayes - 5 - Nays — 0. C. 2026 City Budget and Property Tax Levy Mr. Hedberg presented the proposed 2026 budget and tax levy. He reviewed the changes since the preliminary budget, as well as the budget development process, budget climate, items of note, budget objectives and highlights. All properties in the City received mailed notice of the Truth -in -Taxation meeting and the notice included the proposed property taxes for 2026 based on preliminary budgets and tax levies approved in September. The final property tax levy for 2026 is $ $44,666,000, which is an increase of 13.01 % or $5,142,000 from 2025. The impact of the property tax levy on the 2026 median valued home of $371,500 will result in the City's portion of property taxes increasing approximately $211 annually. Mr. Hedberg stated Apple Valley's budget includes funding for the annual street maintenance program and property owners are not specially assessed for these improvements. The entire budget is available on the City's website. Mr. Hedberg stated that if the Council does not complete the actions this evening, it can come back at the next meeting. The adopted levy must be certified to the Dakota County Auditor by December 29, 2025. Mayor Hooppaw opened the public comment portion of the Truth -in -Taxation hearing at 8:11 p.m. He asked for questions or comments from the public. There were none and the hearing was declared closed at 8:11 p.m. Additional Council discussion followed. MOTION: of Bergman; seconded by Hiebert, adopting Resolution No. 2025-161 approving the 2026 City budget and property tax levy. Ayes - 5 - Nays — 0. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota November 25, 2025 Page 4 D. 2026 City Fee Schedule Ms. Scipioni reviewed the proposed Fee Schedule. Fee adjustments are proposed for the cemetery, City fees and materials, consultant and engineering services, building inspections and permits, licenses and permits, subdivision and development fees, utility fees, and zoning. The fees would be effective January 1, 2026. She noted the proposed rates more accurately reflect the City's costs. No comments from the public have been received regarding the proposed changes Mayor Hooppaw called the public hearing to order at 8:18 p.m. to consider the Fee Schedule which sets fees and charges for various products and services effective January 1, 2026. The Mayor asked for questions or comments from the Council and the audience. There were none and the hearing was declared closed at 8:18 p.m. MOTION: of Bergman, seconded by Melander, adopting Resolution No. 2025-162 approving the 2026 City Fee Schedule. Ayes - 5 - Nays — 0. E. Proclaim November 25, 2025, as "Ron Hedberg Day in Apple Valley" Mr. Lawell stated after serving the Apple Valley community for over 16 years, Finance Director Ron Hedberg will be retiring on December 1, 2025. In recognition of his exemplary service and leadership, the City wishes to extend sincere congratulations to Mr. Hedberg for the important role he has played in making Apple Valley a highly desirable, strong, and stable community. Mayor Hooppaw read the proclamation and thanked Mr. Hedberg for his invaluable service to the community. The City Council echoed the Mayor's comments and each thanked Mr. Hedberg. MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Melander, proclaiming November 25, 2025, as "Ron Hedberg Day in Apple Valley". Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. Communications Councilmember Grendahl stated she attended the recent National League of Cities conference. While at the conference, she was asked to chair the NLC's Finance, Administration, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, which is responsible for developing policy positions and leading NLC's advocacy on issues involving intergovernmental relations, Census, municipal pensions, municipal bonds and capital finance, tax reform, antitrust issues, civil rights, and labor relations. Grendahl stated this past year, the committee focused on protecting the tax exempt status of municipal bonds. Mayor Hooppaw thanked Councilmember Grendahl for her advocacy on behalf of Apple Valley. Mayor Hooppaw encouraged students to submit an essay to the League of Minnesota Cities Mayor for a Day contest. Mr. Lawell stated the Apple Valley Municipal Center is a drop off location for donations to the Open Door Pantry from now until the end of December. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota November 25, 2025 Page 5 Calendar of Upcoming Events MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Bergman, approving the calendar of upcoming events as included in the Deputy City Clerk's ►nemo, and noting that each event listed is hereby deemed a Special Meeting of the City Council. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. Adjourn MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Hiebert, to adjourn. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, / r . Christina M. Scipioni j/Ciity Jerk Approved by the Apple Valley City Council on December 11, 2025. Clint Hooppaw, Mayor