July 1, 2026

Did You Know?

July is National Park and Recreation Month, celebrating the many ways parks, programs, and green spaces strengthen our community. This year’s theme—“The Power Of Parks and Recreation”—highlights how these spaces support connection, play, nature, and well-being.

From playgrounds and programs to trails and community events, parks and recreation bring people together and help build a healthier, more connected community.

In Saint Peter, the Recreation & Leisure Services team is also launching the Park Passport program beginning July 1. Passports are available at the Recreation and Leisure Services Office next to the gym.

Independence Day Holiday Hours Reminder

City of Saint Peter offices will be closed Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day.

This closure includes all non-emergency City offices, the Public Library, and the Community Center. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, July 6.

Minnesota River Valley Transit (MRVT) buses will not operate on Saturday, July 4. Riders should plan accordingly.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day celebration!

City Council Meeting Highlights

June 22, 2026

2026A General Obligation Bonds

Council approved a financing plan authorizing the issuance of approximately $5.995 million in General Obligation Bonds to fund the North Fourth Street project, Gorman Park Splash Pad, Public Works roof repairs, and 2026 equipment purchases. The bonds will be sold through a competitive process with staggered repayment terms (5- and 15-year structures), and debt service will be supported through a combination of tax levy, utility revenues, and special assessments.

Unforeseen Circumstances Micro Loan Program

Council approved three $10,000 no-interest micro loans through the City’s Unforeseen Circumstances Loan Program for El Agave Restaurant, River Rock Kitchen & Baking Co., and Paddlefish Brewing Company to support local businesses impacted by unforeseen financial challenges.

SWMHP Community Land Trust Housing Support

Council approved $57,200 in additional Housing Fund support, along with previously committed land contributions, to Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership for two new Community Land Trust homes in the Traverse Green development.

1225 S Washington Avenue Development (Presidents Corner)

Council approved an updated purchase agreement and associated grant to facilitate redevelopment of the former water treatment plant site into an eight-unit twin-home housing project, and to complete required State of Minnesota compliance steps necessary to finalize the property sale.

2026 Accessibility Improvement Grant Program Awards

Council approved $50,000 in grants to seven local businesses for accessibility improvements including automatic doors, ramps, sidewalk upgrades, and accessible parking enhancements through the City’s ADA Accessibility Improvement Grant Program.

Central Business District Renovation / Accessibility Enhancement Loan – 222/224 S Minnesota Avenue

Council approved a $25,000 revolving loan to support exterior restoration and accessibility improvements at 222/224 South Minnesota Avenue, home to Reflections Salon and Erbert & Gerbert’s, as part of downtown revitalization efforts.

River Rock Coffee & Tea Revolving Loan

Council approved a $129,000 revolving loan to support major rehabilitation and stabilization work at the historic River Rock Coffee & Tea building at 301 South Minnesota Avenue, supporting continued reinvestment in the downtown historic district.

State of the City Vlog

This week’s topic:

In this episode of the State of the City Vlog, City Administrator Prafke provides an update on the City's upcoming move to the new City Hall building and explains what residents can expect as departments begin relocating to the new facility.

The move will take place in phases, with the Saint Peter Police Department and Minnesota River Valley Transit (MRVT) serving as the first departments to transition into the new building. The phased approach will help ensure services remain available while the move is underway. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Why the City is moving to the new facility and how the updated building will better support employees, operations, and resident services.
• Improvements for the Saint Peter Police Department, including enhanced security, dedicated law enforcement spaces, improved evidence storage, private interview rooms, expanded training areas, and a dedicated animal holding facility.
• Improvements for Minnesota River Valley Transit, including the ability to store the entire bus fleet indoors, protecting vehicles from the elements and improving operational readiness year-round.
• What residents should know during the transition, including phased department moves, unchanged phone numbers and email addresses, and the importance of checking the City's website or calling ahead before visiting City offices.
• How the new facility represents a long-term investment in the tools, infrastructure, and workspaces needed to serve the Saint Peter community for years to come.

Next episode? Tune in next Tuesday, July 7!

City Hall & Department Relocation Updates

The City of Saint Peter is currently in the process of a phased move into our new Civic Way municipal campus. Several departments have already successfully relocated, with additional moves continuing over the coming weeks.

Recently moved departments include:

• Police Department – 1401 Civic Way
• Minnesota River Valley Transit (MRVT) – 1371 Civic Way

Upcoming move to 1441 Civic Way:

• Finance – July 1-2 (Closed July 1)
• Community Development / Building & Inspections – July 7-8 (Closed July 7)
• Administration – July 14-15
• IT – Intermittently moving

As departments continue relocating, please use our dedicated webpage for the most current information. The page includes:

• Department-by-department move updates and timelines
• Frequently asked questions such as how to get to the new building and contact information
• Directions and details for locating services within the new City Hall campus

Please note: Because this is not only a move but also the creation of a new municipal campus along Civic Way (a newly established/renamed street for this project), some online maps and GPS systems may take time to fully update. We recommend using the directions provided on the City’s website when planning your visit or calling ahead.

We appreciate your patience as we complete this transition and look forward to welcoming you to our new facilities.

Meet Ryan Yunkers, Saint Peter's new Recreation & Leisure Services Director!

Ryan brings extensive experience in community recreation and believes recreation is about more than activities—it's about building connections and strengthening communities.

You may even spot him biking to meetings or running around town as he gets reacquainted with Saint Peter!

Learn more about Ryan and his vision for recreation in our full news release below.

Welcome to the team, Ryan!

Saint Peter Receives Statewide Recognition for Downtown Accessibility Program

The City of Saint Peter has been awarded the League of Minnesota Cities 2026 City of Excellence Award in the 5,000–29,999 population category. The honor was presented last Thursday at the League’s Annual Conference in Rochester, recognizing the City’s Central Business District Accessibility Enhancement Grant Program.

Launched in 2020, the program helps downtown business and property owners improve accessibility for residents and visitors through targeted grants. Funding supports projects such as ramps, automatic door openers, wheelchair lifts, accessible parking improvements, and doorway modifications—upgrades that make it easier for everyone to experience and enjoy Saint Peter’s downtown.

The program was developed through collaboration between the Economic Development Authority, Heritage Preservation Commission, Community Development Department, and local business owners. A review committee made up of representatives from multiple city boards and commissions evaluates applications and recommends projects for funding, ensuring community input guides investment decisions.

Rather than relying on taxpayer funding, the City uses interest earnings from its revolving loan fund to support the program. Grants of up to $20,000 are available, with property owners agreeing to maintain improvements for 15 years—helping ensure long-term community benefit while preserving the character of historic downtown buildings.

Since its launch, the program has received 62 applications and awarded more than $167,000 to 24 accessibility projects across the downtown district. These improvements have helped businesses better serve customers with mobility challenges, older adults, and individuals with disabilities while strengthening downtown as a more welcoming and inclusive place.

The City of Excellence Awards are presented annually by the League of Minnesota Cities in recognition of outstanding municipal programs and initiatives. Winners receive a plaque, a $1,000 award, and recognition in League publications and promotional materials throughout the year.

Saint Peter Achieves GreenStep Cities Step 3 Recognition

The City of Saint Peter was recognized at the League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference in Rochester for achieving Step 3 in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program, marking continued progress in local sustainability efforts.

This milestone reflects a coordinated approach to sustainability across City operations, planning, and community programs. The items below represent some of the City’s most recent sustainability efforts, building on a broader long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.

Planning & Frameworks

Key progress includes the creation of a Sustainability Task Force, addition of a sustainability chapter in the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, and development of a Sustainability Metrics Framework to guide long-term decision-making and track progress across City initiatives.

A dedicated sustainability webpage and blog have also been launched to improve transparency and provide ongoing public education.

Waste Reduction & Recycling

Saint Peter continues to expand waste reduction efforts through partnerships with Tri-County Solid Waste, including Shred-It and Household Hazardous Waste events, and the Blue Earth County Household Hazardous Waste Facility, including a Holiday Light Recycling collection event. Saint Peter also has ongoing food-scrap and yard-waste composting programs for residents.

Infrastructure & Resource Recovery

The City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility plays a key role in sustainability by converting biosolids into a Class A exceptional quality fertilizer used by local agriculture. This process supports soil health and nutrient recycling, with future upgrades planned to further improve biosolids drying and reuse.

Local Partnerships & Purchasing

Internal purchasing practices prioritize local and sustainability-minded partners, including collaboration with the Saint Peter Area Chamber of Commerce and vendors such as Gustavus Adolphus College, Nelson Printing (now Insty Prints), the Saint Peter Food Co-op, Traverse des Sioux Garden Center, and others.

Transportation & Mobility

The development of an Active Transportation Action Plan provided a roadmap for expanding safe and connected walking and biking infrastructure throughout the community.

Together, these efforts reflect Saint Peter’s ongoing commitment to practical, measurable sustainability that supports both residents and the local environment.

Save Water—Save Money

What is Stormwater Runoff — and Why Does It Matter?

When rain falls or snow melts, the water flowing across streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and lawns becomes stormwater runoff. Along the way, it can pick up pollutants like pet waste, fertilizer, oil, grass clippings, litter, and household chemicals before entering storm drains that lead directly to local waterways — including the Minnesota River.

Improper dumping into storm drains, known as an illicit discharge, can create serious environmental and public health concerns. Common examples include motor oil, paint, car wash water, pesticides, and other pollutants that should never enter the storm sewer system.

Protecting our waterways starts with small everyday actions and community awareness. Residents who observe illegal dumping or pollutants in waterways or storm sewers are encouraged to contact the Saint Peter Department of Public Works.

Why Your Air Conditioner May Briefly Turn Off on Hot Summer Days

If you’ve noticed your central air conditioner cycling off for short periods during especially hot afternoons, there’s a good chance nothing is wrong—this is part of Saint Peter’s Electric Load Management Program working as intended.

During times of peak electricity demand, participating air conditioners are briefly cycled (typically 15 minutes off and 45 minutes on) to help reduce strain on the electric system and keep wholesale power costs lower for the community.

In exchange for participating, customers receive a monthly bill credit during the summer cooling season, and the program only runs during the highest-demand periods—not all summer long.

Learn more about how it works, why it matters, and who participates in our lastest blog.

Upcoming Events

As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of American independence, we’re excited to welcome thousands of residents and visitors to Saint Peter for this year’s parade!

To help keep everyone safe during the event, please remember a few important safety guidelines: children should remain near the curb and out of the roadway at all times, and parade participants will be handing out candy directly to spectators rather than throwing it to help prevent items from ending up in the street. With a variety of parade vehicles—including cars, trucks, floats, and motorcycles—staying aware of your surroundings helps ensure a safe experience for all.

We also have guidance available on parade viewing etiquette, including when it is appropriate to begin setting out chairs and blankets along the parade route. Read more about parade viewing guidelines and etiquette here.

Join Our Team

Looking for a meaningful career where you can make a difference close to home? The City of Saint Peter is hiring for a variety of roles across departments.

Current openings include:

• Police Officer
• Maintenance Superintendent
• Part-time Transit Driver (Saint Peter)
• Seasonal Public Works Equipment Operator
• Seasonal Lifeguard/WSI

Whether you're starting your career or looking for your next step, we offer opportunities to serve the community, build skills, and be part of a dedicated team.

Full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities available.

The City of Saint Peter is committed to building a diverse, welcoming, and respectful workforce. AA/EEO Employer.

City Meetings

PLEASE NOTE: Meeting dates and times may change or be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, a lack of quorum, or agenda items. For the most current information, please visit the City’s website or call 507-934-0663.

City Hours

The City of Saint Peter is an equal opportunity provider.

The information in this document is a publication of the City of Saint Peter, City Administrator’s Office.