The centerpiece of the meeting was the approval of an interim use permit (IUP) for Nicholas Grunky, who had applied to maintain animal units on his property, specifically horses. This property is situated in an area zoned for low and medium residential use, with zoning changed in March 2020 to Urban Reserve, allowing for animal husbandry as an interim use. The commission reviewed the conditions for the IUP, emphasizing the need for all stormwater runoff to be managed on-site, with any plan deviations requiring administrative approval. The permit would expire with a change in property ownership or deed modification.

During discussions, a suggestion was made to impose a five-year limit on the IUP. However, some members argued against this, citing the owner’s intention to stay long-term and the potential burden of reapplying under a new commission. It was clarified that while up to four horses were permissible, any additional animals would require a variance. The debate underscored the importance of specificity in the permit’s language, including equine definitions to address noise and other concerns.

Public input included questions from Wendy Chon, a resident across the street from the property, regarding fencing types and the presence of horses before home construction. The applicant assured that animals would not be introduced until after the house was built, aligning with ordinances that permit flexibility in agricultural fencing.

In another significant agenda item, the commission discussed a conditional use permit for guest quarters in a residential property. The applicant, Terry Grunhagen, sought to convert part of an existing garage into living quarters. The commission confirmed that the proposed modifications adhered to zoning regulations and state standards, capping the guest quarters at 700 square feet. The proposal was deemed compatible with the neighborhood, and a motion to approve it passed unanimously.

The commission also moved forward with a draft ordinance to regulate cannabis-related businesses, crucial due to a moratorium expiring on December 31. The proposed ordinance would largely prohibit cannabis activities but allow for potential retail sales. The commission discussed setbacks from residential areas and schools, intending to align local regulations with those of Crow Wing County and neighboring cities like Brainerd. A motion to recommend the zoning changes to the city council was passed without opposition.