The public comment period during the regular Tracy City Council meeting Monday night had a different tone than recent meetings.
Jeanine Vandendriessche spoke on behalf of the Citizens’ Workforce Group regarding the progress on the community center and the hope for cooperation as the City moves closer to opening the facility.
“Over the past week, the Citizen Workforce Group contacted over 100 residents while finalizing the honor wall at the new Community Center,” Vandendriessche said. “During this outreach, nearly all contacted expressed concerns regarding the fence recently installed on the west end of the facility, saying it sends a negative message to the people of Tracy. Based on the signage referencing Tracy Public Works, Tracy Administration, ACME Builders and the Tracy public, the fence appears intended to cause distress. As it serves no clear purpose other than to create a nuisance; it functions as a spite fence. It seems it is a structure built to annoy or create emotional or psychological distress and cause irritation. While we are unclear on the parties specific grievances, we believe all would benefit from cooperation on this business zone lot.”
Vandendriessche expressed the commitment of the committee to continue moving forward with the project as the date of opening nears.
“Our goal is to remain positive in public relations and help ensure that Tracy remains a thriving community,” Vandendriessche said.
In other board news …
The council also heard an update from Jordan Odegaard with Bollig Engineering on several projects. Phase E bids were opened April 16, with a total of nine contractors bidding. The bids were very competitive with R&G Construction having the lowest bid.
City Administrator Jeff Carpenter will present funding options to the council at the May 26 meeting with bid awarding to take place at the June 8 meeting. The plan includes getting as much work as possible done yet this year.
Ostegaard also updated the council as to the start of strategic funding for Phase I, which would include the Greenwood area, the progress on the SCADA projects, airport and community center. The community center is set to reach substantial completing between June 4-9.
• The council approved resolution 2026-43 - approving the budget schedule, including the first study session taking place on June 15.
• The council approved resolution 2026-44 - the transfer of Airport Entitlement to the City of Orr, MN. This is for 2023 airport entitlement funds. The City is entitled to $150,000 each year and of the 2023 funds, $75,387 will expire if not used and are not needed in the upcoming airport budget. Therefore, the City has authorized the City of Orr, the transfer of $75,387 to be used and repaid in Fiscal Year 2028.
• The council approved resolution 2026-45 - approving pay app #1 for the SCADA Improvement. On Dec. 8, 2026, the City entered into an agreement with Meier Electric in the amount of $497,340 for the project. Meier electric has requested a payment of $28,238.75 for work that has been completed thus far.
• The council approved an off-sale liquor license for Casey’s General Store.
