10/14/2025 - City Council SpecialMINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF
THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan, Minnesota
October 14, 2025
A Special City Council Meeting was held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the
Eagan Room of Eagan City Hall. City Councilmembers present: Mayor Maguire,
Councilmembers, Bakken, Hansen, and Supina. Councilmember Fields arrived at 6:45
p.m. City staff present: City Administrator Miller, Finance Director Josh Feldman, Assistant
Director Jared Flewellen, Assistant Superintendent Chris Fleck, and Director Jill
Hutmacher.
I. ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Hansen moved and Councilmember Supina seconded a motion to adopt the
agenda as presented. Aye:4, Nay:0; Motion Carried
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors.
III. 2026 – 2027 ENTERPRISE AND SPECIAL REVENUE FUND BUDGETS
Finance Director Feldman presented proposed operating budgets for the 2026–2027 biennium
for the following funds:
Enterprise Funds: Public Utilities, Civic Arena, Cascade Bay, and Community Center
Special Revenue Funds: ETV, Sustainability, Tree Mitigation, Opioid Prevention, and Local
Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA). Feldman outlined plans including challenges and strategic
investments across multiple city services and facilities.
Feldman outlined the financial plan and funding strategies to address challenges including
capital improvements, staffing changes and attendance. Council was supportive of the 2026-
2027 Enterprise and Special Fund Budgets.
IV. JOINT MEETING WITH APrC
A. FINAL PARK MASTER PLAN
Mayor Maguire opened the meeting by introducing Jared Flewellen, who then provided an
opportunity for members of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission (APrC) to
introduce themselves. Following introductions, Flewellen introduced Kevin Clark from HKGI,
who presented the Parks Master Plan outlining the City’s vision for the next 10 years of
parks planning. Clark provided a presentation that included an overview of project
prioritization, recommended improvements, and projected costs. He noted that community
feedback has been very positive and continues to play a key role in shaping the plan.
During the discussion, a question was raised regarding how the Parks Master Plan addresses
the needs of the City’s aging population and supports inclusivity. Flewellen responded by
highlighting that community interest in amenities such as pickleball reflects the needs of
older residents, and that the City will continue to solicit feedback to ensure the plan remains
responsive to community desires. Another question focused on the potential unavailability
of the Blue Cross fields in the coming years. Flewellen acknowledged this concern and
emphasized that the City is working creatively to address future field needs, noting that
partnerships with schools and private organizations will be critical moving forward.
Council members also discussed the importance of inclusive playground design, particularly
how parents and guardians can engage with children on play equipment. Overall, the
Council expressed strong support for the direction and guiding principles of both the Parks
Master Plan and the Parks Capital Improvement Plan.
B. PARKS CIP
Flewellen introduced Assistant Parks and Recreation Superintendent Chris Fleck, who
presented the Department’s five-year plan. Fleck reviewed the progress of 2025 projects
and outlined proposed improvements for 2026 through 2030, emphasizing the importance
of ADA compliance throughout upcoming initiatives. During the discussion, a question was
raised regarding the overall strategy for bathroom replacements, particularly in relation to
ADA standards and the inclusion of family and gender-neutral restrooms. Fleck noted that
the trend is moving toward more inclusive and accessible facilities. Council members
expressed support for the proposed Parks Capital Improvement Plan for 2026–2030.
V. LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING AID (LAHA) SUPPORT FOR HOUSING IMPROVEMENT AREAS
Mayor Maguire introduced Director Hutmacher, who provided a presentation outlining the
Housing Improvement Area (HIA) and Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) programs.
Hutmacher clarified the statutory requirements and expiration timelines for both funding
sources. The presentation included a detailed overview of the Townhomes of Widgeon
Woods HIA, a 33-unit townhome development on Widgeon Way. The HOA submitted a
$2.435 million HIA application on September 30, 2024, for general renovations including
siding, deck, porch, and railing replacement. Key milestones were reviewed: the City
adopted an ordinance and resolution establishing the HIA and imposing a housing
improvement fee on March 4, 2025; authorized a development agreement on April 15,
2025; and approved an amended and restated agreement on September 15, 2025.
During construction, significant water damage affecting structural elements was discovered,
triggering mandatory repairs under the Building Code. The HOA lacks sufficient reserves to
cover these additional costs. Because the City cannot increase the HIA bond amount without
restarting the statutory process, the HOA plans to use a combination of reserve funds,
homeowner contributions, and construction loans to finance the added expenses. Some
homeowners are facing financial hardship due to the unanticipated costs. City staff are
currently working with the City’s Financial Advisor, City Attorney, bond counsel, and the
Dakota County CDA to explore potential LAHA assistance for low- and moderate-income
homeowners. Further details will be presented at the October 14 work session. The Council
expressed support for utilizing LAHA (Local Affordable Housing Aid) funds to provide
financial assistance to income-qualified homeowners in the Widgeon Woods development.
Specifically, the Council endorsed three options for support: (A) offering deferred loans to
cover three years of HIA (Homeowner Improvement Area) fees for households earning at or
below 115% of the Area Median Income (AMI); (B) providing an additional deferred loan of
$5,000 for households earning at or below 80% AMI; and (C) deferring a $5,000 assessment
for households at or below 80% AMI who have already prepaid their HIA fees.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
VII. ADJOURNMENT
_____________________________________
Date
_____________________________________
Mayor
_____________________________________
City Clerk
11/03/2025