The commission’s primary focus was the review and recommendation for planning case 257, a bluff variance concerning the construction of a new replacement home on Warner Lane. The property, situated along Cooks Bay, currently houses a single-family home with an attached two-car garage. The existing structure, built in the 1970s, does not meet current bluff setback requirements, which necessitate a 10-foot setback from the top of the bluff. The proposed construction aims to address these nonconformities by reducing non-complying setbacks from four to one.

Rita Trap, the city’s planning consultant, presented the case, highlighting the unique topography of the land, which includes two bluffs impacting construction. The plan involves erecting a two-story home that further respects setback requirements compared to the existing structure. The proposed improvements also aim to reduce the property’s hard cover from 28% to 27%, well below the maximum allowable 40%.

Doug Cuing, representing Greenwood Design Build, elaborated on the challenges posed by the bluff impact zones. He emphasized that without the variance, constructing a new home would be infeasible due to the northern bluff’s impact. Cuing reiterated the staff’s assessment and emphasized their commitment to improving existing encroachments.

The commission approved the variance with specific conditions and findings of fact as recommended by the staff, moving the proposal forward without objections. The next step involves presenting the recommendation to the city council.

In other discussions, the commission addressed the expiration of planning commission terms for 2025, noting no new developments and mentioning one unfilled seat. Conversations about city policies, parks management, and municipal service improvements also took center stage. A city attorney is working on amending policies and adjusting the number of planning commission members, though specific details were not provided.

One member mentioned the recent media attention surrounding a water treatment update from July, which appeared on the front page of the local newspaper. They acknowledged confusion regarding the project’s phases but confirmed progress was underway. The conversation then shifted to the Local Improvement District (LID), which had not passed the previous week. The council is in a ten-day grace period before considering new proposals.

Concerns about parks management were raised, particularly regarding a lack of communication from the parks department about a recent workshop intended to brainstorm ideas for improving the city’s parks. Many parks primarily serve as pathways to resident docks rather than traditional parks. Discussion included the potential use of parks for stormwater runoff management, a significant pollutant affecting local lakes. The Beachside area was identified as a possible location for implementing sustainable landscaping.

The meeting also addressed misinformation circulating on social media following media coverage that inaccurately suggested the council was considering selling parks. A member expressed frustration, stating that the parks commission should have verified information before reaching out to the media.

Amid these discussions, the introduction of Invoice Cloud on the city’s website was announced, allowing residents to make online payments and track billing data for the first time. This was presented as a positive advancement in municipal services. An upcoming event at Back Channel Brewing was also announced to support the West Tanka Food Shelf, featuring multiple bands throughout the day.

Sarah provided an update on ongoing municipal activities, reporting a high volume of building permit inquiries for various projects, including additions and remodels, as residents aimed to start work before winter. She mentioned the upcoming Incredible Festival and a fall festival organized by a local business. Questions arose about a restaurant project commonly referred to as the “Phantom Restaurant,” with unclear approval status from the Metropolitan Council.