A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the legal status of the Cannon River Raceway. A council member highlighted the urgency of addressing whether the races held at the site were permitted under city regulations, noting daily inquiries and public concern. The issue had remained unresolved since the previous meeting due to the withdrawal of a zoning request by the racetrack operators. This led to a discussion on the legality of the races and the city’s potential obligation to address the situation.

Shelly, who participated via Zoom, provided essential information on the racetrack’s compliance with city zoning codes. She stated that the racetrack’s use contradicted the existing zoning code and had been classified as a public nuisance. According to Shelly, a notice had been issued in early August declaring the racetrack an unlawful use.

The classification of the organization operating the racetrack also came under scrutiny. Questions were raised about whether the organization qualified as an Agricultural Society, which would affect their legal standing. Shelly clarified that only one Agricultural Society could exist per county, and the organization in question did not meet this definition, thus lacking specific exemptions from local ordinances. The council members debated agricultural laws and their relevance to the racetrack’s operations, particularly whether a conditional use permit could be granted.

Discussions also touched upon the upcoming events at the racetrack, with a race scheduled for the following Friday and Saturday. The council deliberated on whether to enforce existing zoning rules for this event. One council member expressed reluctance to be seen as a “party killer” but acknowledged that leniency could set a troubling precedent. The council considered a cease and desist order as a friendly notice pending further zoning discussions, emphasizing the need to handle the issue delicately to avoid straining community relationships.

The racetrack’s original application, which was withdrawn, was also discussed. It was noted that the application might have allowed racetracks to be established anywhere in the city, a point that necessitated careful consideration. The racetrack was situated between two zoning areas, R2 and UR, requiring a zoning amendment for the desired area. The timing of subsequent meetings was debated, especially with the upcoming election potentially influencing the council’s composition. A tentative follow-up meeting was scheduled for the first week of November.

Beyond the racetrack issue, other topics were addressed. Officer Berg reported on school safety measures. Miss Pier reminded attendees about the commencement of absentee voting, urging citizens to prepare to vote.

A substantial point of discussion emerged concerning high phosphorus levels in the North Industrial Park. The council discussed applying for a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to conduct further sampling, emphasizing the urgency of identifying the contamination source.

Reports from various committees included the Economic Development Authority (EDA) updating the council on the housing situation and upcoming public hearings related to the sale of lots in Hardwood Estates. Public Works discussed ongoing projects such as the installation of new drinking fountains at the library and park renovations. The Planning Commission reported on a denied application for a conditional use permit for a rehab facility in an old nursing home, which was included in the consent agenda.

The meeting also provided updates on ongoing construction projects, including the nearing completion of a street project and utilities installation in Timber Ridge. Scheduled work on 72nd Avenue was also reported.