Ms. Hatanpa moved and Ms. Melby-Kelley seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 14, 2025, as written. The motion carried unanimously.

Motion approving off sale intoxicating liquor license to Shree Laxmi Properties LLC, DBA Rush Smokes & Liquor, 2112 Hoffman Road. 

Motion approving appointment to the Heritage Preservation Commission.

Resolution petitioning District Court for a new appointment to fill a vacancy on the City of Mankato's Charter Commission pursuant to Minn. Stat. 410.05.

Mr. Mettler recused himself from voting. Mr. McLaughlin moved and Mr. Dieken seconded a motion approving the Resolution petitioning the District Court for a new appointment to fill a vacancy on the City of Mankato's Charter Commission pursuant to Minn. Stat. 410.05. The motion carried six to one, Mr. Mettler abstained. 

Resolution accepting funding from the Spark Good Local Partnership Grant Program.

Motion authorizing the release of a Request for Qualifications and approving the Selection Committee for the Airport Tower Construction Manager at Risk.

Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to enter into an amended Subdivision Agreement, including cost participation for the construction of City infrastructure and to enter into an agreement with ISG to provide construction engineering services for the Hoffman Road Extension for Mesenbrink Subdivision; Improvement Project 11134.

Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for a Source Water Protection Grant for water quality testing.

Set November 10, 2025, as the date of the public hearing to review a rezoning of the subject parcel from T, Transition, to B-3, Highway Business District (901 South Victory Drive), by request of APX.

Set November 24, 2025, as the date of public hearing for Capital Improvement Projects:
- 11192; Belleview Avenue, Jayro Court and Riverview Street Improvements
- 11193; 2026 Resurfacing

Mr. Skophammer stated that recently, the city completed a full recodification of the City Code and during the review, the Code Attorney noted that further review was needed on the section related to unattended, unauthorized, and abandoned vehicles. He indicated that with this, the section was omitted and has since been reviewed by city staff in conjunction with the State Statute, and it is requested that Article VII be added to Chapter 16 relating to Traffic and Vehicles. 

Mayor Massad opened the public hearing. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Massad closed the public hearing.

Mr. Laven moved and Mr. Mettler seconded the approval of the Ordinance amending Chapter 16 related to Traffic and Vehicles, adding Article VII on Unattended, Unauthorized, and Abandoned Vehicles, and a motion approving summary publication. The motion carried unanimously. 

Mr. Keel provided a history of the Kern Bridge. He stated that the three bids were received for the project on September 19, 2025, with the low bid being from Redstone Construction, LLC in the amount of $8,381,848.34, which is 15% higher than the engineer's estimate of $7,283,709.20. 
 
Mr. Keel summarized the project costs and identified funding at various stages of the project. He explained that the total anticipated project cost is currently $10,516,004, which includes a 5% construction contingency and exceeds the funding identified in July 2025 when final plans were completed. He indicated that since the bid opening, staff has been working with MnDOT to identify additional funding sources and MnDOT has committed to allocating additional Federal funds to cover (including the previously awarded Federal grant to the City) 80% of the construction cost. He commented that the remainder of project costs are proposed to be covered by a previously awarded State grant and other local sources, with the current funding split being 75% Federal/State and 25% Local for the total project.
 
Mr. Keel noted that if the low bid from Redstone Construction, LLC in the amount of $8,381,848.34 is approved, staff will work with Redstone Construction to explore potential reductions in scope or changes in construction methods that could further reduce overall construction costs, which would be brought to the Council at a later date for consideration. He mentioned that if approved, construction would likely begin in early December and be substantially completed late in 2026 or early 2027.

Discussion centered on the increase in costs associated with the project. 

Mr. McLaughlin moved and Mr. Mettler seconded a motion approving the Resolution considering bids on Capital Improvement Project 10884; Kern Bridge. The motion carried unanimously. 

Mr. Laven commented on a Resolution re pedestrian safety enhancements on Monks Avenue that was received from the University of Minnesota, Mankato Student Senate. Ms. Hatanpa appreciated the resolution and mentioned a recent accident that she witnessed. 

Tyler Hillukka, representing the Student Senate, stated he offered the resolution and commented on the number of accidents involving pedestrians. He called for action on pedestrian improvements and hoped that something could happen in 2026. 

Matthew Sohn, member of the Student Senate, touched on why the resolution came about and noted that he lives near Highland Hills and saw the accident that was previously mentioned. 

Mr. Skophammer noted that the restrooms were closed in public parks and leaf pickup had started. He also mentioned the Capital Investment Plan and the delay of the project on Long Street and Emerson Lane as a local road improvement application is being considered to assist with funding. He commented on the recent legislative tours involving the Southeast Water Quality Project and the Mankato Regional Airport. 

Ms. Hatanpa inquired about possibly keeping the park restrooms open until after Halloween.