City staff presented a proposed land-lease and electric-service agreement for a 10-megawatt Simple Mining cryptocurrency facility on city-owned land; the project requires interruptible rather than firm load, was approved by the planning commission, and would run on a closed-loop cooling system with reduced visual height. Commissioners pressed staff on rates, curtailment capability, noise and local economic benefits.

Council approves memorandum of understanding with Summit at Van Eps and DBE program goals.

Stacy Cruismark, vice president for business and administrative services at Dakota State University, told the commission DSU recorded its largest enrollment (3,842), will begin a presidential search as President Griffiths moves to a new chancellor role, and highlighted new academic and facilities developments.

After an extended discussion of single-stream versus sorted recycling, the commission favored retaining the current sorted system and asked staff to pursue mitigations for operating shortfalls and to rebid the sorting contract in late summer so any changes can be implemented before the January 2027 contract expiration.

At a work session the Madison City Commission examined the city’s longstanding practice of transferring a percentage of utility (enterprise) revenues to the general fund (historically 6.5%, electric resolution allows up to 7.5%) and discussed how shared staff wages are allocated (typical 60% general fund / 40% enterprise split). Staff said each 1 percentage point of the transfer equals about $120,000 and offered to bring rate-study findings into the budget process.

On May 5, 2026 the Pine Board of Adjustment approved a conditional‑use permit and a variance for Giga Project 19 Madison LLC to install a 10‑megawatt air‑cooled modular data facility, adding conditions including berming, acoustic fencing, landscaping, downward‑facing lighting, fire access and periodic third‑party sound testing after public comment about noise, soil stability and drainage.

The Madison City Commission adopted Ordinance 1688 to add a large‑load interruptible electric customer class, approved a resolution raising airport hangar land‑lease fees effective Jan. 1, 2027, awarded a multi‑community asphalt contract and approved a $7,400 change order for substation metering.

The planning commission recommended a tax‑increment financing district to support a 28‑unit affordable housing project adjacent to ICAP services; developers said rents will range roughly from $540 for studios to about $1,245 for three‑bed units and that construction could begin mid‑to‑late July.

After extended public comment on noise, visual impact, utility rates and decommissioning, the Madison Board of Adjustment voted to table both the conditional‑use permit and the variance for a proposed 10‑megawatt, air‑cooled modular data facility from Giga Energy, asking staff for independent sound analysis and enforceable conditions.

Communications Director Savannah Uhlinger told the commission the city is implementing web- and communications-accessibility measures after a 2024 DOJ ruling, using remediation software and plain-language standards, and planning captioning and PDF remediation ahead of an April 2027 deadline for smaller municipalities.

City staff summarized multiple 2026 state laws that give local options on sales-tax funding for property-tax relief, change TIF oversight and permit updates — measures the commission may need to consider for Madison's budget, codes and project approvals.

The Madison City Commission voted to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1685 to rezone two parcels to light-manufacturing, clearing the way for later talks with a potential data-mining operator; staff and a public commenter focused on power needs, data-rate eligibility and next regulatory steps.

City officials described a proposed 3.75‑acre Giga Energy bitcoin‑mining facility adjacent to the Southeast Substation, explained the rezoning and conditional‑use steps, and said the project could bring an estimated $425,000 a year to the electric fund while operating under an interruptible rate program.

City officials presented details of a proposed digital currency mining facility on roughly 3.75 acres of city‑owned land, explained rezoning and conditional‑use steps, and described financial protections (decommissioning reserve, billing deposit) and estimated revenue from a 1¢/kWh adder.

Madison commissioners approved a correction to the 2025 budget and adopted the 2026 budget at second reading, authorized several construction change orders, and voted to proceed with intent to demolish the out-of-service water tower at 504 Northwest Fourth Street. A proposed Heartland Energy supplement to allow an interruptible "DATA" rate was laid

Commission awards floor replacement contract to FLR Sanders for Armory Gymnasium renovations.

Council members approve construction account resolution for electrical bond financing.

City installs flashing lights at school crosswalk to enhance pedestrian safety.

City council certifies $2.4M property tax levy and approves bids for substation site grading.

City officials discuss budget reductions and planned capital projects for 2026 amid financial challenges.

Commission approves parking agreement for Dakota State during Eagan Avenue reconstruction project.

City leaders evaluate budget reductions to maintain infrastructure and services without staff cuts.

Madison's July sales tax collections rose to $537,000, indicating positive fiscal growth.

Chamber outlines funding sources for events, including city support and sponsorships.

Commissioners Dibdal, Weir, and Bursch confirm attendance at city meeting.