Metro briefs: Eagan city administrator calls it a career

Eagan City Administrator Dave Osberg has announced that he will retire in March after nine years in the role.

With Osberg at the helm, Eagan welcomed Twin Cities Premium Outlets and the Viking Lakes development. The police station, City Hall and central maintenance facility have been remodeled and the Fire Department has transitioned from all-volunteer to a 24/7 paid staffing model, the release said.

In 2014, Osberg was named Manager of the Year by his peers in the Minnesota City/County Management Association. He's served on numerous boards and as president of several, including the League of Minnesota Cities.

"Under Dave's years of leadership, Eagan has repeatedly been named a Top City to Live, achieved a triple-A bond rating," Mayor Mike Maguire said in a statement. "On a personal note, he has been an amazing colleague, peer, mentor, coach, leader and friend to so many — including me."

Osberg's 40-year public service career also included serving as city administrator in St. James, Waterville and Hastings.

Erin Adler

City Hall redevelopment moves forward

At the beginning of January, the council received proposals from seven developers. Despite plans to select several to interview, council members agreed to bypass that step and go with Excelsior-based Red Leaf Partners LLC, which will partner with Minneapolis-based Snow Kreilich Architects to design the project.

It remains to be seen whether redevelopment plans will include space for a new City Hall or be strictly residential and mixed-use. Red Leaf's design proposal incorporated 40 to 60 row houses and multifamily apartments with multi-level parking that would replace and expand the existing parking lot. The proposal describes "possible construction of new City Hall."

The city will officially enter into an agreement with Red Leaf at its Feb. 7 meeting. Construction would begin this year, with an estimated completion date in late 2023.

Kim Hyatt

Library system forgives some fees for patrons

Library officials said it was more important to keep people coming to the library system's eight locations than collect the $8 fee. The library still charges a replacement fee for lost or damaged items.

The move puts the Washington County Library system in line with those in Hennepin and Ramsey counties and St. Paul, which have all moved away from fines and fees in recent years.

Matt McKinney

Tourism bureau adds first new member in 12 years

The Twin Cities Gateway Visitors Bureau is now 10 members strong after expanding for the first time since the organization formed 12 years ago.

"The city of Arden Hills is excited to join Twin Cities Gateway to help showcase the different amenities our city has to offer," said Arden Hills Mayor David Grant. "We believe this partnership will help drive short- and long-term economic growth in the city and surrounding region."

Tim Harlow