The meeting began with a review of Keller Fence’s application for an interim use permit. The company is planning to establish a fencing installation business on a site spanning approximately three and a half acres. Despite having received a conditional use permit earlier, Keller Fence seeks temporary use rights to begin operations while addressing environmental remediation as required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The site would be accessed via 7th Avenue using Ford F550 trucks and Isuzu flatbeds, typical of the area’s traffic.

The permit, inherently temporary and not to exceed three years per city ordinance, was recommended for a one-year term by staff. This decision was influenced by ongoing environmental assessments that require Keller Fence to undertake remediation efforts before full development can proceed. The commission deliberated over the proposed conditions, which included storage limitations to fencing materials, compliance with site plans for new fence installations, and restricted site access hours to mitigate community disruption.

Community input played a critical role, with resident Doris Kesler voicing concerns about the area’s suitability for residential development, potential light pollution, and drainage issues. Kesler emphasized the need for effective stormwater management and lighting standards to protect the neighborhood’s quality of life.

In parallel, the commission tackled the appeal of a rental registration revocation for a property on Hastings Avenue. Chronic nuisance violations, including inoperable vehicles and open storage, prompted the city to issue a notice of intent to revoke the registration. The property owner, Mike Kleene, argued that progress had been made in rectifying these issues, with the tenant involved in cleanup efforts. The commission considered a conditional revocation that would allow the rental registration to remain intact, provided future compliance with city codes.

Public testimony highlighted the tenant’s personal struggles, including addiction and mental health issues, which complicated property management. Advocates for the tenant and property owner portrayed a picture of ongoing efforts to improve the property’s condition. The proposed solution involved a two-week notice period for landlords to address violations, balancing enforcement with empathy for landlords navigating complex tenant relationships.

The dialogue extended to considerations about potential improvements in city inspection processes and communication.