The commission’s primary focus was on the intricacies of Chapter 5, Section 4 of the city charter, which deals with the employment status of BPU employees. There was a strong push for the commission to draft language that would clarify the relationship between these employees and the city council, specifically in terms of hiring authority.

A significant concern arose from the city council’s understanding that all BPU employees are considered city employees hired through formal council action. This definition was challenged during prior council discussions, particularly concerning the city attorney’s interpretation of “hire.” The commission recognized the necessity of addressing these definitions clearly to prevent future misunderstandings, especially as the city council had recently started the hiring process for a new public utilities director following the abrupt departure of the previous director.

To expedite the clarification process, a motion was made for staff to draft language within 90 days, though the urgency of the matter suggested a quicker turnaround would be preferable. The commission also discussed aligning the language of Section 4 with Section 1 of Chapter 5 to ensure consistency and clarity regarding the commission’s duties.

In addition to charter amendments, the commission devoted significant time to addressing signage regulations, particularly focusing on pylon signs in commercial and industrial districts. The existing ordinance, which scales permissible signage area based on property frontage, was evaluated for potential extension to the general industrial district. Concerns were raised about the financial implications for businesses needing variances to exceed signage limits, though the process was noted to be not overly burdensome.

Lighting requirements for signs, especially digital ones, were another focal point. Current guidelines mandate that brightness should not distract drivers, yet there was acknowledgment that these regulations might require further clarity. The discussion included suggestions for establishing standardized brightness levels for digital billboards, drawing from other municipalities’ practices. A proposed maximum brightness of 500 nits at night and 5,000 during the day was discussed, with the potential for future adjustments based on community feedback.

The meeting also provided an update on the Shoreland ordinance, which had been unchanged for over two decades. Staff prepared a draft for preliminary review by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the city attorney to ensure compliance with state statutes. The ordinance seeks to align with the Crow Wing County Shoreland ordinance while tailoring it to fit municipal zoning requirements.

As the meeting progressed, the commission confirmed the submission of two applications for cannabis dispensaries, which met the new requirements for retail and microbusiness endorsements. No conditional use permits were necessary due to compliance with distance regulations.