On the agenda: St Anthony meeting — Data Center (Aug 25)

CITY OF SAINT ANTHONY VILLAGE

WORK SESSION AGENDA
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 5:30PM

Members of the public who wish to attend the meeting may do so in person.

1. Minutes
A. Approval Of CC WS Meeting Minutes
Documents:
CC 08-10-2026 WS.PDF
2. Work Session Topics
A. 2026 Salo Sister City Exchange
Wendy Webster, Mayor, Lona Doolan, Council Member, and Izzy Diaz, Fire Chief,
presenting.
Documents:
SALO SISTER CITY PRESENTATION.PDF
SALO EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.PDF
3. Future Work Session Dates, Times And Agenda Items
A. Future Agenda Items
Documents:
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS.PDF
4. Adjournment
If you would like to request special accommodations or alternative formats, please contact the City
Clerk at 612-782-3334 or email [email protected]. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can
contact us by using 711 Relay.

Our Mission is to promote a high quality of life to those we serve through
outstanding city services.

contact us by using 711 Relay.

Our Mission is to promote a high quality of life to those we serve through
outstanding city services.

City of St. Anthony
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Minutes
08/10/2026
Present:
Mayor & Council : Mayor Wendy Webster, Councilmembers Lona Doolan and Jan Jenson.
Absent : Councilmember Nadia Elnagdy and Thomas Randle.
Staff: City Manager Charlie Yunker, Assistant City Manager Ashley Morello, and Finance
Director Deborah Maloney.
Others: None.
Call to Order:
Mayor Webster called the Work Session to order at 5:30 p.m.
1.

Approval of CC WS Meeting Minutes .
A.

July 28th, 2026, City Council Work Session Minutes

Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the City
Council Work Session Minutes of July 28th, 2026, as presented.
Motion carried 3-0.
2.

Work Session Topics .
A.

Updated 2027 Tax Levy Scenarios & Detailed General Fund Budget

Mayor Webster thanked Finance Director Maloney for speaking to the Council and refining the
scenarios in the packet for the 2027 Tax Levy.
Finance Director Maloney informed the Council that Staff investigated excess TIF collections
and noted that they can expect an additional 100,000 dollars in revenue from TIF.
Finance Director Maloney proposed retaining some of the Excess Fund Balance Transfers for
one-time expenses, such as the Comprehensive Plan updates and St. Anthony Police
recruitment. She explained that this would be achieved by retaining this money in the General
Fund rather than moving it into separate funds to cover these single-year expenses. She noted
that if the sustainability initiatives discussed last work session were a one-time cost, they could
be added to these expenses.
Mayor Webster directed the Council to General Fund Cost Impacts Number Six. She clarified
that Finance Director Maloney is suggesting using the Excess Fund Balance for these two onetime costs.
Councilmember Jenson agreed with Finance Director Maloney’s suggestion as these are onetime expenditures. He highlighted that there is around 509,000 dollars in Fund Balance, which
will be rolled into the budget. He stated that this would be a good use of this money.
Councilmember Doolan stated that she also agreed with this suggestion. She reminded the
Council that during the audit, they were informed that 35-55 percent is recommended for the

August 10th, 2026 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 2
Excess Fund Balance, and St. Anthony is on the high side of that range. Councilmember Doolan
noted that it would not be a concern to reduce this Fund’s total, since the City is on the high side
and this is a good use of the funds.
Councilmember Jenson pointed out that the Fund balance came out at 56 percent, and that the
target is 50 percent. He stated there is no logic in having too much money in this fund.
Finance Director Maloney explained that the leftover Fund balance is used to fund the City until
June of each fiscal year.
Mayor Webster clarified that the 50 percent Fund balance is to fund the City for six months.
Finance Director Maloney confirmed that this is the goal until they receive their tax settlement.
Mayor Webster reminded the Council that they adopted a policy in previous years to use Excess
Funds to address City needs when Excess Funds exceed 50 percent. Councilmember Jenson
informed the Council that in the past, the Fund balance was closer to 35 or 40 percent.
Councilmember Jenson asked what allows the Fund balance to be higher than planned. Finance
Director Maloney stated that it can be many things, such as unaccounted-for revenues, higherthan-expected revenues, lower-than-budgeted expenses, and more.
Councilmember Doolan asked if the expenses proposed to be covered by the Excess Fund
balance will bring it down to 50 percent. Finance Director Maloney confirmed that is the case.
Councilmember Doolan stated that there is little risk in bringing the Excess Fund balance down
to 50 percent if that is on the high end of what is recommended anyway.
Mayor Webster confirmed that the Council agrees to utilize the Excess Fund Balance for Police
recruitment incentives and Comprehensive Plan expenses. She asked whether the Council
would like sustainability initiatives to be a one-year allocation or likely to extend beyond one
year.
Councilmember Doolan reflected on the previous meeting and reminded the Council that the
City hoped to use the funds to enable the Green Corps member to pursue more sustainability
education. She noted that this scope seems more limited and could be classified as a singleyear project.
Mayor Webster cautioned that there is a risk in tying the funds to an intern or Green Corps
member if the City is unable to hire one.
Councilmember Jenson stated that he perceived the proposed 30,000 dollars as a one-year
beginner program, and that the Council would reassess the investment the next year. He
commented that he does not feel that the City is in a dire climate crisis, and so the City should
mostly focus on education surrounding building. Councilmember Jenson expressed support for
treating the sustainability initiatives as a one-year pilot program.
Mayor Webster asked whether data from one year would be sufficient to determine whether the
City should reinvest in this program. Councilmember Jenson stated that Sustainability
Coordinator Saulog will be able to provide the data.
Mayor Webster highlighted the value of research and data on the impact of programs. She
proposed making the sustainability initiatives a two- or three-year investment to gather more
information on their success. Councilmember Jenson encouraged remaining true to the set
dollar amount and single-year plan.

August 10th, 2026 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 3

Councilmember Doolan reminded the Council that the 30,000 dollar amount was selected for
one year, but that the City still has long-term sustainability goals. She stated that she does not
feel a single-year commitment will be enough, and that research is important to inform the
programming the City uses to reach its 2040 goals.
Councilmember Doolan informed the Council of the specific 2040 sustainability goals, including
an 85 percent reduction in emissions from 2005 levels.
Councilmember Jenson asked whether measuring emissions levels has been possible so far.
Councilmember Doolan confirmed that regional data is available and that Met Council will
continue to monitor.
Councilmember Doolan reflected on her time in the Parks and Environmental Commission and
noted that they were able to see how much Excel was impacting the grid and the emissions
impacts of City infrastructure improvements. She noted that the last time she was able to see
this data, the City’s actions were insufficient. She clarified that this data was received before
solar improvements and other sustainability initiatives.
Councilmember Jenson asked who is responsible for informing the Council of the data
described by Councilmember Doolan. Councilmember Doolan stated that the State had a
contract in the past with a specific vendor that provided this information, but she is unsure who
the contract is with at this point. She commented that Met Council compiles the same sort of
data, including electricity, gas, waste, and transportation measurements.
Councilmember Jenson asked who the point of contact is in St. Anthony. He noted that it is
unlikely someone will reach out with this information on their own.
Mayor Webster recentered the conversation on paying for sustainability initiatives with the
Excess Fund Balance. She clarified that the Council’s main point of contention with doing so
regarded how they would measure the impact of these sustainability initiatives.
Councilmember Doolan highlighted that the only data the State can assist with is emissions
data. She noted that the Climate Plan includes goals related to residential behavior, and she felt
there should be a better measure of energy-efficiency actions taken in homes.
Councilmember Doolan expressed the need for increased funding for Sustainability Coordinator
Saulog to support education and the achievement of Climate Plan goals.
Assistant City Manager Morello noted that Sustainability Coordinator Saulog’s position is new,
and the City is still working to determine an appropriate budget for sustainability initiatives. She
highlighted that St. Anthony has a great amount of overlap with sustainability in all departments.
She clarified that the goal of the sustainability initiatives discussed in the Tax Levy Scenarios is
to allocate a specific amount of funds to the broader sustainability target. She stated that she
was unsure of the applicability of discussing measurement, as they do not apply this level of
rigor to discussions of other department initiatives. Assistant City Manager Morello encouraged
the Council to reframe their discussion to center on whether they would like the sustainability
projects to be a one-year or longer-term goal.
Mayor Webster summarized this Levy option as providing funds for the Sustainability
Coordinator to perform their job more effectively and achieve more in educating the community.

August 10th, 2026 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 4
City Manager Yunker reminded the Council that these funds relate to outside-of-City-operations
sustainability projects, and that changes outside of City operations are much harder to measure
due to increased variables, resulting in less data-driven measurement. He refocused the
conversation on education.
Councilmember Doolan suggested changing the label from “sustainability incentives” to
“sustainability initiatives.” She encouraged clarifying incentives at the bare minimum, noting that
incentives refer to educating citizens on what incentives are already available, not funding
incentives.
Mayor Webster expressed appreciation for the good news of finding excess TIF collections,
which added 100,000 dollars in revenue. She thanked Finance Director Maloney for including
this in her presentation.
Finance Director Maloney confirmed to the Council that sustainability initiatives will be added to
the General Fund Budget, bringing the levy increase to 6.54 percent. She informed the Council
that the LGA will remain as is and will not generate additional revenue. She noted, however, that
there are other intergovernmental revenues for which she does not have estimates at this
moment. Finance Director Maloney highlighted that Staff will continue to monitor revenues and
expenses to help reduce the tax levy increase. She asked whether the Council would be
comfortable with the quoted 6.54 percent increase if Staff are unable to find ways to lower the
levy.
Councilmember Jenson stated that he was comfortable with the current quote.
Mayor Webster reflected on past levy discussions and stated that she would prefer an amount
closer to six. She noted that during these preliminary discussions, the Council planned for the
levy amount to be higher than it typically is.
Finance Director Maloney reminded the Council that Union contracts have not yet been
finalized, and that this will also impact the levy amount.
Councilmember Jenson asked if this would be the highest possible amount for the levy. Finance
Director Maloney confirmed that Staff hoped it would not go any higher.
Councilmember Doolan asked what the City is estimating for Debt Services. Finance Director
Maloney stated that the current total levy amount for Debt Service is 2,099,000 dollars. Finance
Director Maloney stated that she has not yet looked into the Debt Services Fund. She confirmed
that her next step is to review the Debt Services Fund to determine whether any excess funds
are available to reduce the amount. She noted finding extra funds is the only way to lower this
amount, as it is based on the principal and interest payments for each of the individual debt
issues which are still outstanding.
City Manager Yunker clarified that these costs come from previous year’s projects, and
payments begin at different times depending upon the timing of projects.
Councilmember Doolan asked if the discussion of the CIP Fund increases was related to the
Public Safety Incentives. Finance Director Maloney clarified that it was not, and that 30,000
dollars for the CIP Fund, 15,000 dollars for the Building Fund, and 5,000 dollars for the Park
Improvement Fund were scheduled increases to align with cost increases.

August 10th, 2026 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 5
Mayor Webster clarified that there is consensus that the Council is comfortable with the 6.54
percent levy increase given the many chances for refinement in the future, but that the Council
hopes to lower it by December.
Finance Director Maloney thanked the Council for their feedback and informed them that Staff
will investigate ways to reduce the levy.
Councilmember Doolan asked whether potential cannabis sales and a potential grant acquisition
for Comprehensive Planning support from the Met Council will be considered when planning for
the Tax Levy. Councilmember Jenson stated that these items will not be considered, but if they
come to fruition will put the City in a better place next year.
Mayor Webster expressed that she is always more comfortable budgeting conservatively.
3. Future Work Session Dates, Times, and Agenda Items .
A.

Future Agenda Items

Mayor Webster reminded the Council that the next Work Session will be Tuesday, August 25th.
She noted that it will include a presentation from the delegation who visited Salo, Finland.
4. Adjournment .
Mayor Webster adjourned the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Samina Crabtree
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.

8/20/2026

SALO, FINLAND
Sister City Exchange

SAINT ANTHONY VILLAGE DELEGATION
Wendy Webster, Mayor
Lona Doolan, Council Member
Izzy Diaz, SAFD Fire Chief

1

Sister Cities International Exchange

Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956,
to promote peace through people-to-people diplomacy

● 13 Minnesota communities have Sister City relationships
● Salo Finland has been Sister City to St. Anthony since 1985

2

1

8/20/2026

Learning Objectives for Sister City Exchange
City operations
Sustainability initiatives
Economic development and supporting local businesses
Community engagement
Zoning and local planning
Local vs federal rule-making authority
Fire, emergency medical services & disaster preparedness
Elections administration

3

4

2

8/20/2026

Itinerary: June 12-19, 2026

Saturday /
Sunday
• Helsinki
• Elaine
Kumpula,

Monday
• Economic
Development
• Salo Sports

Honorary

Park

Consuls

• Finnish

Tuesday
• Waste to
Energy
• Salo IOT
Campus

Wednesday
• Finnish
American
Club

Thursday

Friday

• Fire Station

• Flight home

• Salo Business
District

• Tour Salo &
Municipalities

Electoral
System

5

Welcome to Salo

6

3

8/20/2026

About Salo
Population: 50,300
Business: ~5,000, many small business entrepreneurs
Industry: Information & Communication Technologies,
Farming, Trade, Metal, Marine

Vision
Home of Sustainable Success

Marketing Slogan
Salo

Swap an Expensive Life for a Rich One

7

Administrative Exchange

8

4

8/20/2026

County & Municipality Service Delivery
3 Levels of Governance

Wellbeing Service County

Municipality

Primary Healthcare

Education & Early Childhood

National:
● Policy, Budget & Defense
● International Policy
● EU Representation

Specialized Medical Care

Cultural, Youth, Library & Sports

Social Welfare

Land Use and Planning

Services for Children, Youth &
Families

Water, Waste, Street
Maintenance

Regional (Wellbeing Service County):
● Health Services
● Social Services
● Rescue Services

Mental Health Services

Construction Supervision

Substance Abuse Services

Public Transport

Services for Working-Aged

Environmental Services

Services for Seniors

Security & Preparedness

Services for Disabilities

Industrial Policy & Integration

Student Welfare

Employment Services

Rescue Services

Elections & Civic Opportunities

Municipal:
● Basic Services
● Elected Councils Select Executives
● Committees Provision Public Services

9

Salo Municipal Government
Regional Liaisons:
● Youth Council
● Council on Disability
● Seniors Council
Committees:
● Education
● Leisure
● Technical
● Building & Environmental
Vitality Division

10

5

8/20/2026

Salo City Council

● 51 Council Members
● 9 Parties in Parliament
● 7 Parties in Salo Council

11

Administrative Call Out
Challenges
1. 2009: Consolidation of 11 municipalities [population doubled, 51 member council]
2. 2016: Largest employer shuttered [6,000 employees, 4,000 ancillary, 1M sq. ft. complex]
3. 2023: Rescue Services moved to County [Personnel shift, increased service area]

Strategies
1. Multiple strategies to identify & deliver desired services
2. Investment in IoT complex to maximize skilled workforce
3. Investment in Waste to Energy to reduce energy costs
4. Investment in Sports complex for better health outcomes
5. Expand cottage industry to create income and local spending
6. Capitalize on 2-hour commute to become destination of choice

Themes
●

Innovation

●

Collaboration

●

Sustainability

●

Focus on People

●

Forward Thinking

12

6

8/20/2026

IoT Campus: Innovation Hub

13

IoT Campus - Collaborative Partnership
Strategies:
Rapid action to capitalize on skilled resources to attract new business
Public / Private partnership to envision way forward
City + core service partners (Banking, Communication, IT companies)
Former Mayor, key industry leaders, ICT entrepreneurs responsible for fast action
Economic development strategy emphasized business, Salo location & skilled workforce
Highly motivated and skilled marketing team

Critical Success Factors:
Close customer relations
In-house, full-service business infrastructure (basic, celebrity, leisure, parties)
Successful entrepreneurs in sales, leading Marketing Strategy for region

14

7

8/20/2026

Rescue / EMS Services

15

Fire and Rescue Crew
16

8

8/20/2026

Fire and Rescue
Emergency Service Volumes

Factors

County Services

SW Finland, 500K People, 57K Calls

50K required ambulance
7K not urgent

Border security, police, social
services

Salo: 50K People, 20K Calls

45 Staff located in Salo
(30 SALS, 15 BLS)

Shared communication system

Past 4 years EMS calls decreasing

EMS by Phone, hospital by
taxi

E43M EU ($50 Million)
E4M Services ($4.65 Million)

76% of expense is staffing

Fire services, first responders,
EMS
11 stations with full-time 24-Hour
Crews
State level triage determines need
and routes to second dispatch

17

Comparisons in Delivery Approach
Area

Salo

St. Anthony

Water application

Task oriented, use more water

Policy driven, water conservation

Staff Responsibilities

Large force with specialized functions

Small force, performs all functions

Equipment

Covers variety of events, prepared for
more types of hazards

Mutual aid partners provide
specialty equipment

EMS Qualifications

Nursing degree, pay > hospital staff

EMT Certification

Transport Philosophy

Don’t do more than is needed, many
patients choose not to go to hospital

Patients usually choose to go to
hospital

Triage

Multiple levels of triage to determine if
medical or other resources are needed

911 dispatches EMS responders

Statistics

Larger population and variety of calls;
forest fires, and water rescue

Smaller population and area, has
similar % of call / person ratio

18

9

8/20/2026

Community Health Center

19

Health Center Call Out
Frequent surveys to determine services to offer and expand
Partnership with city to promote services and events
Fees charged help offset cost and reduce city budget
Plan and manage events and special attractions
Proximity to multiple amenities attracts more people
Senior gym with digitized equipment to plan and track progress
Expanded pools to accommodate specialized needs
Continuous investment to maintain assets

20

10

8/20/2026

Waste to Energy

21

Waste to Energy Call Out
Waste Management:
Federal policy: recyclable waste cannot be sent to landfill
Producers are responsible for reusable / recyclable packaging
50% city ownership in waste to energy facility, cost-price model, sell waste services
Waste company is responsible to educate / promote sustainability
Residents can pay for weekly recycling collection, or drop-off for free
Remaining waste collected every 4 weeks
2% total waste (ash) sent to landfill

Sustainable Energy:
Steam creates electricity
Condensed steam used in heat distribution system, produces 90% of district heating
Geothermal wells store excess heat for winter recovery

22

11

8/20/2026

Turku – Old Capital

23

Helsinki – Capital

24

12

8/20/2026

Odee Library
Gathering place offering something for everyone
BBC: Finland Libraries help society function

25

Stronger Together: Our Sister City Legacy

26

13

2026 Sister Cities Exchange
Executive Summary
Sister Cities International was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, to
promote peace through people-to-people diplomacy. Thirteen Minnesota communities have
Sister City relationships. St. Anthony Village and Salo Finland have shared a sister city
relationship since 1985.
A small city delegation traveled to Finland and was hosted by Salo June 15-18, 2026. The
delegation included: Mayor Wendy Webster, Council Member Lona Doolan, and Fire Chief Izzy
Diaz. Salo International Affairs Director, Terhikki Lehtonen prepared a program to accommodate
learning objectives expressed by city delegates::
1. City operations
2. Sustainability initiatives
3. Economic development and supporting local businesses
4. Community engagement
5. Zoning and local planning
6. Local vs. federal rule-making authority
7. Fire, emergency medical services & disaster preparedness
8. Elections administration
During the August 25, 2026 City Council Worksession, delegates presented a summary of key
learnings from their time with Salo staff:

Challenges
● 2009: consolidation of 11 municipalities doubled population (51 member council)
● 2016: largest employer (Nokia) stopped production (6,000 employees, + 4,000 related),
1M sq ft empty complex
● 2023: Rescue Services shifted to Wellbeing Service County

Strategies
●
●
●
●
●
●

Multiple strategies to Identify & deliver desired services
Investment in IoT Complex to maximize skilled workforce
Investment in Waste to Energy to reduce environmental impacts and energy costs
Investment in Sports complex for better health outcomes and resident satisfaction
Expand Cottage industry to create income from real estate and expand local spending
Capitalize on 2-hour commuter service to half of Finland to become destination of choice

Themes
●
●
●
●
●

Innovation
Collaboration
Sustainability
Focus on People
Forward Thinking

Key Learnings
●

Strong collaboration between public and private sectors

● Collective mindset of supporting the wellbeing of people
● SafetyNet allows for long-term, planful thinking

Full Notes from Salo Visit
Administrative Overview
● Population: 50,300
● Budget: E118.4M from tax revenue, E33M from state
● Businesses: ~5,000
● Unemployment rate 11%, recovered from 17% following Nokia closure
● Industries: Information and Communication Technologies, Trade, Metal, and Marine
● Largest # farms in Finland (wheat, sugar beets, oats, barley, fava bean, spelt, caraway)
● Emphasis on Entrepreneurial, Largest company Salcomp E500M revenue, 4 employees
Vision: Home of Sustainable Success
Marketing Slogan: Swap an Expensive Life for a Rich One
Challenges
● 2009 consolidation of 10 municipalities doubled population (51 member council)
● 2016 largest employer Nokia stopped production (6,000 employees, + 4,000 related)
● 1M sq ft empty complex
● 2023 Rescue Services shifted to Wellbeing Service County
Themes
● Innovation
● Continuous Improvement
● Focus on People (well rounded services)
● Forward Thinking (not leave landfill for our children)
Strategies
● Identify & deliver desired services (multiple strategies for expanded stakeholders)
● Investment in IoT (maximize skilled workforce)
● Investment in Waste to Energy (reduce environmental impacts and energy costs)
● Capitalize on Sports complex (better health outcomes and satisfaction)
● Expand Cottage industry (income from real estate and local spending)
● Capitalize on 2-hour commuter service to half of Finland (become destination of choice)
● Shift EU perspective (new risks create balance between regulation and security)
Key Learnings / Ideas to Explore
● Strong collaboration between public and private sectors
● Idea that holiday home sales don’t drive up cost of living
● Mindset of supporting the wellbeing of people, allows people to build mindset of I can do
things
● SafetyNet allows collective/planful thinking
● ? Is there research on social services and Finnish life expectancy and mental health
● ? holiday homes - old idea of cabins ? in forest, out of site ? risk assessment ?
expanded services for cottages (waste, health)

Notes Related to Specific Tours
Service Delivery (Wellbeing Service County, or Municipality)
Wellbeing Service County

Municipality

Primary & Specialized Healthcare

Education and Early Childhood

Prehospital Emergency Medical Services

Cultural, Youth, Library and Sports services

Social Welfare

Land Use and Planning

Services for Children

Water & Waste Mgmt, Street Maintenance

Services for Youth

Construction Supervision

Services for Families

Transport and Public Transport

Services for Working-Aged

Environmental Services

Services for Seniors

Security & Preparedness

Services for Disabilities

Industrial Policy and Integration

Student Welfare

Employment Services

Rescue Services

Elections and Civic Opportunities

Sports Complex
● Continuous investment to maintain assets
● Proximity to private golf course and horses expands amenity attraction
● Senior gym with digitalized equipment to plan and track progress
● Fees charged help offset cost and reduce city budget
● Frequent surveys to determine services to offer and expand
● Plan and manage events and special attractions
● Partnership with city to promote services and events
● Expanded pools to accommodate specialized needs
Elections
● 1906, 1st in world to grant women’s right to vote
● Recent Nato vote 188 for, 8 against
● 20 registered parties, currently 9 in parliament (state) and 7 in council (city)
● 5,000 petition to form party
● Municipality executes voting process, 292 municipalities
● Election schedules vary and only County and Municipality are scheduled together
● Turnout rates vary (80% president, 65% parliament, 60% County/Municipal, 30-40% EU)
● President campaigns independent of party

●
●
●

Candidates listed in alphabetical order, Don’t use #1 to start list of candidates
D’Hondt method used to calculate elected candidates
No separate registration to vote, everyone can vote, show ID

Waste to Energy
● 2017 founded partnership (Lounavoima Oy) - cost-price model, sell services
● 2021 facility built - waste to district heating and electricity
● 50% owned by waste management company
● 22 employees + contractors to run facility
● Legally can’t put recyclable waste in landfill, must sort first
● Waste company is responsible to educate / promote sustainability
● Service-oriented collection points (residents bring recycling to center for free)
● Residents can pay for recycling collection, or drop-off recycling to save money
● Remaining Waste collected every 4 weeks
Outcomes:
● Produces 90% of district heating and has reduced cost of heating for residents
● Metals recycled and used in resurfacing road
● Steam creates electricity
● Condensed steam (water) used in heat distribution system
● Flue cleansing also has heat extraction
● 2% total waste mass remains in ash, sent to landfill
● 6 Geothermal wells used to store excess heat for winter recovery
Strategies:
● Producers responsible for recyclable packaging
● Deposits incentivize returns
● Waste paid by residents, recycling free
● Rural villages have recycling collection points at markets
● Education by waste company, at visitor center, at schools and school visits
Learnings:
● Technology is not new, they are finding better ways to do it
● Not everyone recycling, attitude that most are doing it is good enough
● Collective mentality to generate less waste, producers shift practice w/o being directed
● Impressive to see how they have done everything they can to reduce impact of waste
● Good incentives, participate to save money or to save the planet
● Incentive of managing waste for 4 weeks
● Only 2% waste in SW Finland is sent to landfill
● 75% of US waste is from packaging, company protections incentivize excess packaging

IoT

●
●

2016 largest employer stopped production (6,000 employees, + 4,000 related jobs)
Nokia/Microsoft goodwill and low-cost sale of complex
● Heritage of innovation; radio, computer, electronic, Nokia
● Salo and investors bought complex with idea of creating business/research/education hub
● Campus for small business companies, supported by central administration of spaces,
● Started with idea of IT related, today draw from many industries
○ Ioncore - ev battery production
○ Micropower - produce laptops for trucks
○ Cencorp - automation line
○ Varha - elder care home > 200 employees
● IoT Business Model
○ 4 employees responsible for property management, leasing, client service,
IT/Communications
○ 3200 campus mentors
○ 1M sq ft
○ 1 restaurant (high ratings in local paper)
○ Health services area
○ 4-tiered rental;
■ Entry: E140/month, space with cubicles, coffee, basics
■ Office: space with doors, kitchen
■ Headquarters: space tailor-made
■ Education / Data Center
○ 62% leased out
○ E1M profit in 2025
○ 3-year break even (original assumption 7-year)
○ On Net Promotor Score (NPS) IoT is 82
○ Critical Success Factors:
■ close customer relations
■ Full-service in-house (basic, celebrity, leisure and parties
■ Successful entrepreneurs/sales heading Marketing Strategy in region
○ Marketing strategy: On behalf of half of Finland
■ Geographical proximity within 2 hour commute
■ 3 spear heads
● ICT & Digitalization
● Clean Technology
● Bio and Circular Economy

Nokia Key Learnings
● Rapid action following closure to capitalize on skilled resources to attract new business
(desire to keep ICT innovation)
● Public / Private partnership to envision way forward,
● City + critical partners (investor, bank, IT)
● Former Mayor, key industry leaders, ICT entrepreneurs responsible for fast action
● Economic development strategy focused on business and emphasizing Salo location &
skilled workforce
● Highly motivated and skilled marketing team
● 6-7 years prior to Nokia closing (2007-2015), there were hints of changing business
model; Nokia switched from local sourcing to global sourcing
● Started with focus on ICT (what we know) and expanded to variety of industry (battery
production, University, eldercare)
Fire & Rescue

●
●
●
●

●

●

●

●

●

●
●
●
●
●
●
●

3 years ago, Rescue Services shifted from Municipality to County
45 staff located in Salo (30 ALS, 15 BLS)
5 ambulances
Emergency Medical Services Call Volumes
○ SW Finland: 500K people, 57K calls (50K ambulance, 7K not urgent)
○ Salo: 50K people, 20K calls
○ Past 4 years EMS calls going down (EMS by phone, hospital by taxi)
Wellbeing Service area for SW Finland
○ 500K people
○ 27 municipalities
○ 22K islands
○ 10,700 Km2 land mass
○ 20,537 Km2 total area
○ 176 islands with no roads
○ 4K people
○ 49K cottages
○ 3 languages (Finnish & Swedish predominant)
Wellbeing Services County responsible for:
○ Border security, police, social services
○ Shared communication system
○ Fire Services, first responders, EMS
Wellbeing Services County Finances
○ E43M EU
○ E4M service fee
○ 76% expense is staffing
Staffing
○ 7700 rescue missions
○ 272 regional FTE
○ 47.9 median age
○ 1 FT Regional Shift Chief
○ 3 Field Commanders (2 Turku, 1 Salo)
○ 1 Dispatch Commander
○ Cooperating areas
○ Rescue services for people, property, nature
Regional commander responsible for EMS Operations, EMS ALS, EMS Mobile Field
Command, HEMS (helicopter)
○ Rescue Prevention
○ Plan Resources
○ Rescue Field Command
○ Fire Fighter Operations
○ Medical Services (Doctors, Field Commanders)
○ Data reporting / analysis
4 service areas (maintenance, dispatch, projects, R&D process)
11 stations with Fulltime 24-hour crew
3 stations with daytime crew
65 volunteer brigade, 95 freelance volunteer, 1,500 total people work in EMS for SW
Finland
Most full-time crew in Turku area
Crew includes 1 EMS, 1 BLS
112 call -> Dispatch (state) -> 1) Fire/EMS or 2) Border Security or 3) Social Services

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State-level triage determines type of need and routes to second dispatch
Second dispatch is detailed triage to determine level of service (4 day staff, 2 night staff)
Community-based paramedics
○ Salo 6-15 calls/day
○ SW Finland 150 calls/day
○ E25 co-pay for ambulance
○ Police issue fine for false alarms
Complaints registered to 1 person in Administration of Health
Finland divided into 1 Km squares, each with risk level 1-4, risk level assigned based on
population, buildings, mission history
○ 1 – reach all < 6 minutes
○ 2 – reach all < 11 minutes
Salo has 4 KM squares, each level 1
Long-term 2035 plan to have new fire station, so watching or open land area
Cause of Rescues
○ 200 (Building fire, wildfire, vehicle fire)
○ 1400 traffic accidents
○ 2 deaths in region in 2023, 51 in state
Causes of Fire: Arson, Cooking, Smoking, Electric, Machines
Prevention / Safety Strategies
○ 22 inspectors (building, new development, chemicals)
○ Cottages and rural self-report
○ Publications / Training reach 91K people
○ 582 Educational Events in community

Ideas & Thoughts
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Finland idea of don’t do more than is needed – many patients choose not to go to
hospital vs US idea to be treated right away and hospital transport is faster service – Not
true because hospital starts triage process all over
? how does trust in triage skills impact choice to go to hospital?
What is anxiety vs. heart attack? – EMS triage needs to distinguish
Data / Statistics similar, they are on larger scale
EMS is nursing degree, pay is slightly higher for EMS than hospital staff
Ambulances carry heart and medical assistance

Differences:
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Idea of water application, task oriented vs. policy driven (Finland not concerned about
water supply, we are mindful water conservation)
Staff responsibilities, Large Finland force with specialized function, Small SAV force
performs all functions
Finland has more equipment to cover larger variety of events, they have larger area and
more hazards, SAV relies on mutual aid partners for some specialty equipment
SAV staff can be part of specialty units, our inspector resources work with county team
(e.g. we share hazmat truck, equipment and training with New Brighton)
Not everyone is transported in Finland

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Other Debrief Ideas & Thoughts

● Can we translate idea of marketing person for Salo to St. Anthony? What do we need to

bring attention to that piece of land from investors that will tell us what we think will be
good for all of us. (e.g. “here are our ideas and this is what we can do”)
● City as part owner, benefits from success of IoT. similar to cannabis.
● We don’t have much open space, business not want to move into SAV, we have land we
can use for long-term benefit.
● What kind of business can we be part of, not just ROI, something that will feel like it is
extra for community (e.g. gym/pool) People OK to use public facility because it is good
for them and I know asset to be used. See extras and benefits and reduce taxes. (e.g. a
gym and feel like even more benefits)
● How to create campus concept for 39th & Stinson? Can St. Anthony start a conversation
of how do we maximize land we have to do something similar - Where do you go to find
investors? How do we do something that benefits all of us?
● 90% of city revenue came from Nokia - they innovated vs. US we spend our energy on
law and trying to stop it
● Financial positioning of diversifying city assets (while Nokia profitable)
● Market changes (outsourcing, contracting) start preparing for diversification of economy
● ? are cities often in-tune with changes in market conditions for their businesses
● We are too binary, do we or don’t we give TIF
● IoT, board and investors from different industry as partners
● Know we have alot of business and what if we create space for them to operate out of
Wendy:
● Idea of mindset of supporting and wellbeing of people, allows people to build mindset of I
can do things
● Safetynet allows collective/planful thinking
● ? Is there research on social services and Finnish life expectancy and mental health
● ? holiday homes - old idea of cabins ? in forest, out of site ? risk assessment ?
expanded services for cottages (waste, health)
Izzy:
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“On Behalf of Half of Finland” very business focused, positioned for businesses to
business in Salo
Sales person for Salo - translate to St. Anthony what do we need to bring attention to
that piece of land from investors that will tell us what we think will be good for all of us.
Here are our ideas and this is what we can do.
City being part owner benefits from the success of IoT. similar to our investment in
cannabis.
We don’t have much open space, businesses do not want to move into SAV, we have
land we can use for long-term benefit.
What kind of business can we be part of, not just ROI, something that will feel like it is
extra for the community (e.g. gym/pool) People will use public facilities because it is
good for them and the asset will be used. See it as extra benefits and reduce taxes. (e.g.
a gym would feel like even more personal benefits)

FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS
Staff Present /
Contributing

Packet Due
Date

Broadband Franchise Fees

City Council
City Manager

September 2

Regular

Planning Commission Items from August
2027 Preliminary Operating Budget and Debt Levy-PUBLIC HEARING
Gas and Electric Franchise Fees-PUBLIC HEARING

City Council
City Manager
Finance Director

September 2

Work
Session

Existing and Future Community Center Needs Discussion

City Council
City Manager

September 16

September 22

Regular

Fire Prevention Presentation
Planning Commission items from August
Climate Plan Update
Energy Action Plan Update

City Council
City Manager
Fire Dept
Sustain. Coord.

September 16

October 13

Work
Session

2027 Long Term Capital Budget Plalns

City Council
City Manager

October 7

October 13

Regular

Spirit of St. Anthony Award
Students in Leadership-Consent

City Council
City Manager

October 7

October 27

Work
Session

2027 Utility Rates and Budgets

City Council
City Manager
Finance Director

October 21

October 27

Regular

Quarterly Donations & Grants
Quarterly Goals Update

City Council
City Manager

October 21

November 10

Work
Session

Green to Go Ordinance

City Council
City Manager
Sustain. Coord.

November 4

November 10

Regular

Score Grant Funding Application Approval

City Council
City Manager

November 4

November 16

Work
Session

Commission Interviews

City Council
City Manager

November 10

November 24

Work
Session

City Council
City Manager

November 18

City Council
City Manager
Fire Chief
City Engineer

November 18

City Council
City Manager

December 2

Date

Type

September 8

Work
Session

September 8

September 22

2026

November 24

Regular

Fire Poster Contest Winners
Approval Plans & Specifications & Order Advertisement for Bids for
the upcoming Street Project
Fee Schedule Review

December 8

Work
Session

Goal Setting Preparation

FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS
Date

Staff Present /
Contributing

Type

December 8

Regular

Planning Commission items from November
Appoint Parks and Planning Commissioners and Chair/Vice Chairs
Setting Salary of City Manager
Authorizing Transfers & Closing of Specified Funds
Setting the 2027 City & HRA Budgets and Final Property Tax Levy PUBLIC HEARING
2027 Fee Schedule
MS4
Quarterly Goals update
Final reading and adoption of water, sewer, & stormwater

December 22

Regular

(Typically Cancelled)

January 12

Work
Session

2027

January 12

Regular

Planning Commission items from December
Housekeeping Resolutions
Quarterly Donations & Grants
NYFS Agreement
Outside Orgs-Council

January 26

Work
Session

2027 Goals Draft

January 26

Regular

Public Works Snow Plowing Operations presentation

February 9

Work
Session

February 9

Regular

Planning Commission items from January
Public Hearing-2028 Budget Calendar and Process
2027 Planning Commission Work Plan- (motion only)
2027 Parks and Environmental Commission Work Plan- (motion only)
Adoption of Strategic Plan

February 23

Work
Session

Miscellaneous Ordinance Revisions

February 23

Regular

March 9

Work
Session

March 9

Regular

March 23

Work
Session

March 23

Regular

April 13

Work
Session

Planning Commission Items from February
Finance Annual Report
Public Works Annual Report
NineNorth Presentation

Fire Annual Report
Police Annual Report

City Council
City Manager
Finance Director

Packet Due
Date

December 2

City Council
City Manager

January 6

City Council
City Manager
NYFS

January 6

City Council
City Manager
City Council
City Manager
PW Director
City Council
City Manager

January 20

City Council
City Manager
Finance Director

February 3

City Council
City Manager
City Council
City Manager
City Council
City Manager
City Council
City Manager
Finance Director
PW Director
City Council
City Manager
City Council
City Manager
Police Dept
Fire Dept
City Council
City Manager

January 20

February 3

February 17
February 17
March 3
March 3
March 17
March 17

April 7

FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS
Date

Type

April 13

Regular

April 27

Work
Session

April 27

Regular

May 11

Work
Session

May 11

Regular

May 25

Work
Session

May 25

Regular

June 8

Work
Session

June 8

Regular

June 22

Planning Commission Items from March
Quarterly Donations & Grants
Arbor Day Proclamation
Earth Day Proclamation
Quarterly Goals Update

Insurance Renewal & Tort Limits- Consent
Villager of the Year and Business of the Year

Planning Commission items from April
Salo Park Concert Series Presentation

Staff Present /
Contributing
City Council
City Manager

City Council
City Manager
City Council
City Manager
Finance Director
City Council
City Manager

Packet Due
Date
April 7

April 21
April 21
May 5

City Council
City Manager

May 5

City Council
City Manager

May 19

City Council
City Manager
Finance Director

May 19

City Council
City Manager

June 2

City Council
City Manager

June 2

Work
Session

City Council
City Manager

June 16

June 22

Regular

City Council
City Manager

June 16

July 13

Work
Session

2028 Initial Property Tax Levy Scenarios

City Council
City Manager
Finance Director

July 7

July 13

Regular

Planning Commission items from June
Quarterly Donations & Grants
Audit Report
Quarterly Goals Update

City Council
City Manager
Finance Director

July 7

July 27

Work
Session

City Insurance Renewal

Planning Commission Items from May

July 27

Regular

Liquor Operations Mid Year Report
VillageFest Presentation
Night to Unite Presentation
Night to Unite Proclamation
Public Safety Engagement Presentation

August 10

Work
Session

Discuss Updated Levy Scenarios/Detailed General Fund Budget

August 10

Regular

Planning Commission items from July

City Council
City Manager
City Council
City Manager
Liquor Op Mgr
Police Chief
Fire Chief
City Council
City Manager
Finance Director
City Council
City Manager

July 21

July 21

August 4
August 4

FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS
Date

Type

August 24

Work
Session

August 24

Regular

September 14

Work
Session

September 14

Regular

September 28

Work
Session

Staff Present /
Contributing

2028 Proposed Budget & Levy Presentation
SANB School District Update

Planning Commission items from August
2028 Preliminary Operating Budget and Debt Levy-PUBLIC HEARING
Students in Leadership-Consent
Election Judges General-Consent
Certify Outstanding Utility Billings

City Council
City Manager
City Planner
City Council
City Manager
Finance Director
City Council
City Manager
City Planner

Packet Due
Date
August 18
August 18
September 8

City Council
City Manager
Finance Director

September 8

City Council
City Manager

September 22

City Council
City Manager
Fire Dept
Sustain. Coord.

September 22

City Council
City Manager

October 6

City Council
City Manager

October 6

September 28

Regular

Spirit of St. Anthony Award
Fire Prevention Presentation
Planning Commission items from August

October 12

Work
Session

2028 Long Term Capital Budget Plalns

October 12

Regular

October 26

Work
Session

2028 Utility Rates and Budgets

City Council
City Manager

October 20

October 26

Regular

Quarterly Donations & Grants
Quarterly Goals Update

City Council
City Manager

October 20

November 9

Work
Session

City Council
City Manager

November 3

November 9

Regular

City Council
City Manager

November 3

November 23

Work
Session

City Council
City Manager

November 17

City Council
City Manager
Fire Chief
City Engineer

November 17

City Council
City Manager

December 1

Score Grant Funding Application Approval
Canvass Election Results

November 23

Regular

Fire Poster Contest Winners
Approval Plans & Specifications & Order Advertisement for Bids for
the upcoming Street Project
Fee Schedule Review

December 7

Work
Session

Goal Setting Preparation