Mr. McLaughlin moved and Mr. Laven seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 9, 2025, as written. The motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Arntz reported on the adoption of Mankato’s Climate Action Plan. She noted the addition of an advisory committee which would occur in 2026. She mentioned that the city received a Local Climate Action Grant to develop plans to increase climate adaptation and resilience for the city. She indicated that the recommendations in the plan will require many different actions, including review of policies, modifications to operations, acquisition of new tools and equipment, and commitment to the overall goal of increasing resilience to the changes in our climate.
 
She commented on the work that has already been accomplished and incorporated into the organization’s routine operations. She stated that if the plan is adopted, then staff will start to prioritize and develop action plans for each of the recommendations. She noted that staff will be working with the plan for several years and will continue to incorporate the work into our operations. She added that as the Council works through the budget this summer, they should consider items that might be a priority for 2026.
 
McLaughlin asked about grant reimbursement for the advisory committee. It was noted that it would not be a reimbursable item.
 
Mr. Laven mentioned the difficulty with establishing timelines. He provided an example of replacing streetlights with LED lights, and how it was decided to have them switched out as they need to be replaced as a cost-effective measure.
 
Mr. Laven moved and Mr. Mettler seconded a motion to approve Mankato’s Climate Action Plan with the addition of an advisory committee. The motion carried unanimously. 

Ms. Arntz stated that at the June 9, 2025, meeting, Council Member McLaughlin added a request for discussion about a temporary stop sign at the intersection of Belle Avenue and Guenther Street. She indicated that a draft resolution was included for Council consideration. She mentioned the Hilltop Planning Area Study and the need to identify existing issues and concerns to develop a future land use plan and identify transportation improvement options. She commented on the scope of feasibility for the Belle Avenue project being amended to include the Belle Avenue intersection and how it would be brought forward at the June 23, meeting. 

Mr. McLaughlin moved and Mr. Dieken seconded the Resolution directing temporary Traffic Control at the intersection of Belle Avenue and Guenther Street. The motion carried unanimously.