The primary focus of the meeting was the public hearing regarding the conditional use permit for the residential eating disorder facility. Zach Logelin, the Permit & License Technician, provided a background on the application, noting that while rehabilitation centers are permitted in the B2 Zone, residential facilities are generally allowed in all residential zones except for the RB Zone. The applicant was required to prove that the facility met the zoning requirements under Section 152.608(h) for hospitals and similar institutions.

Residents expressed concerns about the condition of the building. Casey Cre, a local resident, highlighted issues such as the building’s habitability and the presence of garbage. Cre stated, “I am all for it if the building were up to code. However, at this time I don’t see that being a thing that should even be over there until all the problems are addressed with the property itself.”

Jonathan Catz, representing the applicants, acknowledged the building’s current state but assured that renovations would be made to meet Minnesota state licensing requirements. He emphasized that the facility would not handle detox services but would focus on mental health and eating disorders. Despite this, the commission members debated whether the facility aligned with the zoning definitions for a hospital or similar institution.

One member noted, “When we built this ordinance last year, this is exactly what we were talking about. Residential rehab centers, under our current language, do not fit the RB Zone.” The applicant’s argument that the facility should be considered a residential facility state-licensed for mental illness was not sufficient to sway the commission.

Ultimately, the commission voted to deny the conditional use permit, citing the facility’s non-compliance with the RB Zone’s permitted uses. This decision was formalized in Resolution 2024-15, which will include the findings discussed during the meeting.

In other business, the commission addressed scheduling conflicts for upcoming meetings. The October meeting was moved to the 21st, and the November meeting was rescheduled to the 18th due to Veterans Day.