City Council Meeting 9/21/2026

The City Council meeting of Rochester, MN, held on September 21, 2026, focused heavily on a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a limestone aggregate quarry proposed by MGK LLC near the Rochester International Airport. Staff and airport officials recommended denial due to significant safety concerns related to airport operations, particularly the impact of quarry blasting on instrument flight approaches and air traffic control. The applicant and blasting experts argued for compatibility with conditions, including limiting blasts to fewer than seven per year and coordination with the airport. After extensive discussion and expert testimony, the council voted down a motion to approve the permit with conditions and instead voted to continue the matter for further study and negotiation of an operational agreement. Additionally, the council opened the public comment period for the 2027 Community Development Block Grant annual action plan and approved the preliminary 2027 property tax levy and budget, including a $100,000 allocation for homeless services funded from state aid. A proposed amendment to reduce the levy by $400,000 failed, and the preliminary levy was adopted as recommended.