In addition to the debate on fees, the meeting addressed the results of a variance appeal concerning 41 Third Avenue North. The Board partially granted the variance to increase the maximum pervious surface from the requested 90% to 75%, citing the smaller-than-standard lot size of 3,500 square feet as a key factor. However, the variance for a fence height in the required front yard was denied, and the driveway width variance was upheld in its denial. These decisions are pending formal findings from the City Attorney’s Office before moving to the full council for consideration.

The meeting also featured concerns about the efficiency and length of recent Zoning Board meetings. A participant noted that this was the third consecutive meeting lasting less than 10 minutes, questioning whether there might be more efficient ways to conduct these meetings, possibly through virtual platforms. They urged the Board to explore modern alternatives to traditional in-person meetings, emphasizing the potential benefits of hybrid meetings post-pandemic. In response, it was noted that any shifts to virtual meetings would require further review and approval by the City Clerk’s Office.