One notable matter at the meeting was the conditional use permit application for a commercial structure featuring a dwelling unit above within the highway business zoning district. The Marthala Deanna Trust and Kent Dollar, as the owner applicants, proposed several commercial activities, including landscaping, detailing, storage, motor vehicle sales, and snow removal, along with the residential unit. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the necessity for screening due to nearby residential properties, which could be adequately addressed with the existing native vegetation.

A issue raised during the hearing was the absence of a wetland delineation prior to submitting the application. The commission emphasized the importance of addressing this before proceeding further, leading to a condition being added to the permit. The property did not face any FEMA impacts, and it was noted that an on-site septic system was proposed, as the mandatory connection to city sewer was not required for properties over 500 feet away.

Stormwater management was another focal point, as the existing parking lot’s undersized retention areas required improvement. Although the applicant had accepted a waiver for the stormwater management plan, a permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency would be necessary due to the land disturbance exceeding one acre. Compliance with state standards for waste generated by the commercial activities was also discussed, with the commission ensuring these standards would be met. Ultimately, the motion to approve the conditional use permit was passed without opposition after a call for public comment.

The next major topic involved the site sketch review for Northland Center, presented by Tony F, a civil engineer from KLD. The renovation proposal aimed to alleviate parking stall congestion and enhance stormwater management. The proposed project included an increase in retention capacity, addressing the undersized existing system. However, the projected impervious area exceeded the maximum allowed, necessitating a variance request.

The commission examined the challenges of meeting the 5% internal landscaping requirement, especially with the proposed reduction to 2.5%. The discussion also covered the potential encroachment on a public easement for drainage and utility along Smiley Road, which required careful consideration of the easement’s beneficiaries and its role in managing drainage for neighboring properties.

Design concerns regarding the impact on stormwater management were raised, with particular attention on the treatment capacity of the proposed stormwater basin. The applicant suggested that the expanded drainage basin could effectively handle runoff, potentially serving dual purposes. The width of the new parking stalls was confirmed to meet minimum requirements, though it was acknowledged that this might compromise landscaping within the parking area.

Additional discussions included a proposal to change the regular meeting start time from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. to reduce staff time costs. The commission also reviewed application submission deadlines, which had not posed issues in the past year. In the city planner’s report, a busy month was noted with numerous permits issued, including those for signage and single-family residences. Interviews for a vacancy on the planning commission’s board of adjustment were conducted, with a recommendation pending for city council approval. Successful enforcement actions resolved through voluntary compliance were also highlighted.