The council unanimously approved a planned development at Bay Haven, which includes the construction of 70 multifamily rental units in a four-story building. The building design focuses on using durable materials like brick and stone, with an amenity deck on the fourth floor to offer views of the St. Croix River Valley. Despite the building’s height, the design integrates the fourth story into the roofline, minimizing its ground-level prominence. Parking concerns were addressed, with the developer proposing 120 parking stalls and nine additional short-term stalls, which city staff deemed sufficient.

Some residents expressed safety concerns regarding a retaining wall included in the project. A 9-foot wall with a 60-inch ornamental metal fence is planned, intended to blend with local designs and enhance safety. However, residents voiced worries about children potentially playing near the steep drop-off, despite assurances that the wall meets regulatory standards.

Discussions also addressed the financial aspects of the development, including parkland dedication fees. The council explored an alternative arrangement where developers would provide improvements, such as trail construction and buckthorn removal, instead of cash payments. This arrangement is expected to position the city better financially. Concerns about water conservation were raised, with assurances that the development would implement tangible measures to address them.

The city audit presented by Molly Thompson from Schlenner Wer & Company revealed a clean opinion on Bayport’s financial statements. Revenues exceeded budgeted amounts by $425,000, while expenditures surpassed expectations by $771,000, resulting in a general fund loss of about $440,000. Despite this, the city maintains a healthy fund balance of approximately $3.3 million. The audit highlighted the city’s need for ongoing adjustments, particularly in capital improvement project accounts, and the introduction of new funding mechanisms for water, sewer, and stormwater management.

Further discussions focused on infrastructure improvements, including a proposed trail system connecting Stage Coach Trail to Barker’s Alps Park. The trail requires property acquisition to address system gaps, and the city plans to manage an open space outlot through a homeowners association. The development’s final plat, including 30 single-family villa lots and one multifamily lot, was approved, with considerations for pedestrian connectivity through sidewalks and trails.