The meeting’s most significant outcome was the approval of a variance and final site plans for the expansion of a bunkhouse at Fire Station Number Six, located on Lakeview Road. The expansion is part of the fire department’s shift to full-time operations, requiring a sleeping area for firefighters on 24-hour shifts. The proposed site for the bunkhouse required a variance due to its planned position only meeting a 15-foot setback, as opposed to the required 50-foot front yard setback for nonresidential buildings, due to site constraints such as steep terrain and necessary access for fire trucks.

During the public hearing, a resident, Jay Wentz, expressed concerns about the visibility of the proposed bunkhouse from his property and the potential negative impact on property value. Dylan Palmer, from planning, explained that the location was selected to minimize construction costs and expedite the timeline, with Chief Seal noting that placing the bunkhouse on the west side of the station would require significant excavation and foundation work.

The commission discussed the findings necessary for granting the variance, emphasizing the urgency of the project due to the fire department’s transition. Commissioners noted that the structure could be placed directly on the existing asphalt, avoiding delays for additional concrete work until spring, and acknowledged the economic factors influencing the site selection. The commission unanimously approved the variance and the final site and building plans for the bunkhouse, with a note that the decision could be appealed to the city council by November 25th.

In another significant decision, the commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a cannabis manufacturing facility within a multi-tenant industrial office building. The facility will share the building with a crematorium and a roofing company, and will not have retail sales to the public. The applicant, represented by Ryan from Planning Force Architects and Byron Butcher of Urban Solutions, explained the manufacturing process and assured compliance with waste disposal standards and odor mitigation measures. Despite public concerns about location suitability and potential odors, the commission emphasized evaluating the application based on findings and conditions, approving the permit subject to several conditions, including obtaining necessary licenses and meeting life safety requirements.

The commission also extended an interim use permit for Parking Go, aligning its expiration with another remote airport parking facility’s permit. The focus of this discussion was solely on the permit extension, with a representative from Parking Go highlighting the urgency of resolving permit issues to secure financing. The commission approved the extension with a five to zero vote.

Further discussions involved the draft work plan for 2026, presented by Dakota Cassidy, which includes projects categorized into five areas, emphasizing the comprehensive plan for 2050. Commissioners expressed interest in projects related to indoor recreation standards, urban forest master plan, and climate action plan. The plan will be refined and revisited in December for final adoption.

Public safety concerns were also a topic of discussion, with one commissioner highlighting pedestrian safety issues on Old Shakopee Road, describing the situation as a “ticking time bomb” and advocating for city resources to address the danger. The potential for a new NBA arena in Bloomington was also discussed, with commissioners considering the city’s suitability given its infrastructure and proximity to the Mall of America. Staff cautioned against premature advocacy for specific developments, emphasizing impartiality in decision-making.