The most significant item on the agenda was the approval of the final plat and PUD for the Victoria South development, proposed by Golden Valley Land Company. City planner Brian McCain presented the details, noting that the site comprises approximately 24 acres of vacant farmland with wetlands and some trees. The focus of this phase is on 7.4 acres designated for 70 townhomes, resulting in a density of about 9.12 units per acre. The area, which transitioned to agricultural zoning following annexation approval, will adopt high-density residential zoning under the proposed PUD. Among the notable deviations from standard zoning regulations were reduced corridor widths for public streets, modified parking requirements, and increased impervious surface ratios.

The proposal also included a higher maximum number of apartment units, allowing up to 144 units instead of the standard 100. While the landscaping plan surpassed the minimum requirement by offering 52% green space, concerns were raised about the spacing of boulevard trees. Additionally, the completion and permitting of well number six emerged as a critical prerequisite for final plat approval, with potential delays from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) being a point of concern. Despite these issues, the commission moved forward with a motion to recommend that the city council approve the application, considering traffic impact reports and architectural compliance during the building permit phase.

Equally significant was the extensive discussion on local cannabis regulations, led by Community and Economic Development Director Jenn Brewington and Associate Planner Travis Beerley. The commission was tasked with developing a local ordinance ahead of the projected implementation date for retail cannabis sales on January 1st of the following year. Key topics included defining administrative roles, enforcement measures, and zoning districts suitable for cannabis businesses, specifically the Central Business District (CBD) and the C1 and C2 zoning districts. The proposed operational hours for cannabis sales were to align with those of liquor establishments.

Concerns were raised about restricting cannabis retailers from areas near schools, daycares, and public parks. A minimum distance restriction of 500 feet from residential treatment facilities was also discussed. One commissioner suggested that cannabis retail should be subject to conditional permits to prevent clustering and maintain the community’s character. The state mandate of at least one retail location per 12,500 residents was noted, with cities retaining the authority to regulate the number and location of these businesses.

Furthermore, the commission considered the possibility of combining cannabis licenses with liquor licenses to limit the number of establishments. The importance of setting clear time, place, and manner restrictions was emphasized, especially regarding proximity to the waterfront and downtown areas. One commissioner highlighted the need to avoid becoming a city filled with dispensaries.

The discussion also explored the practices of other municipalities in Carver County regarding cannabis regulation. A collaborative approach was suggested to gather information and best practices from surrounding areas. The debate extended to whether cannabis sales should be outrightly permitted in the CBD or allowed only as conditional uses, with concerns about potential dispensary proliferation.

Operational hours for cannabis sales were proposed to match those of liquor stores, although concerns were raised about the implications of having dispensaries next to establishments with later operating hours. This could complicate regulatory enforcement. The commission acknowledged the need for local control over zoning decisions, emphasizing that the community should guide its regulatory framework.

In closing, the meeting transitioned to miscellaneous items, including the introduction of a new commission member and discussions on upcoming agenda items such as public hearings for ordinances related to signs and fences, and a variance to county septic standards. An upcoming gas station proposal and updates on fiber installation projects by local companies were also briefly mentioned. The meeting adjourned following a unanimous motion.