City Council Work Session

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 6:15 PM Baxter City Hall, 13190 Memorywood Drive, Baxter, MN “A Growing Community” CALL TO ORDER Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Darrel Olson and Council Members Connie Lyscio, Zach Tabatt, Patrick Sundberg, and Mark Cross were present. City Administrator Brad Chapulis, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Steele, Finance Director Jeremy Vacinek, Police Chief Matt Maier, and Public Works Director Trevor Walter were present. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. VA Clinic Development Traffic Impact Study Presentation Justin Anibas, with SEH, presented the findings of the traffic impact study related to a proposed VA Clinic on Novotny Road, just west of Edgewood Drive and TH 371. The proposed property is directly west of the Kwik Trip Site. The study area included six intersections, The Lofts at Novotny apartments, Kwik Trip gas station, and planned future Novotny Road and Lake Forest Road extensions. The VA Clinic is proposed to generate 1,870 trips daily. Both Novotny Road and Lake Forest Road along the VA Clinic site would be expanded. The clinic would have three access locations, two on Novotny Road and one on Lake Forest Road. A mini roundabout is proposed at the intersection of Novotny Road and Lake Forest Road. Overall, the study found the proposed VA Clinic did not have a significant impact on overall traffic operations in the area. However, as development continues in the area, the roadways should be extended along the frontage of each parcel. The findings of the study recommended the proposed eastern Novotny Road access to the VA Clinic should be moved between 70 and 200 feet to the west, maintaining 100 foot spacing from the Kwik Trip access and the other VA Clinic access. With the VA Clinic project, Novotny Road and Lake Forest Road should be extended. The intersection of Novotny Road and Lake Forest Road should be constructed as a mini roundabout. The council did not have any questions. 2. Annexation Discussion - 2026 Clearwater Road North Lynndale and Brentwood Circle Street and City Administrator Chapulis explained the council ordered the improvement project in August 2025. The project involved installing sewer and/or water infrastructure and reconstruction of roads in the Northdale neighborhood, along a segment of Clearwater Road, and Brentwood Circle. 12/16/2025 City Council Work Session Minutes Page 2 Along the north end of the Northdale neighborhood, there is approximately 540 feet of the Lynndale right-of-way that abuts the corporate limits of Baxter, meaning the property north of the right-of- way is not located in the city and cannot be assessed for public improvements unless the city proceeds with annexation, which can happen concurrently with the project or at a later date. The council discussed the city’s past practice on annexation issues and the city’s cost for the project. City Administrator Chapulis explained if the council does not push for annexation of the property, it will not delay the improvement project. The council reminded staff of the need to review a capital improvements plan report. Roddy Ustipak, property owner, explained the proposed annexation would split his property as half would be located in the county and half in the city. Mr. Ustipak does not believe his property would be a good fit for the city. The consensus of the council is to not peruse annexation. Staff were directed to notify the city attorney of the council’s direction. 3. Sales Tax Extension Discussion The time allowed for the work session expired prior to the council’s discussion of this agenda item. ADJOURN MOTION by Council Member Lyscio, seconded by Council Member Tabatt to adjourn at 7:03 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Approved by: Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Darrel Olson Kelly Steele Mayor Assistant City Administrator