The commission’s approval of Country Manor’s PUD amendment was a key highlight. The amendment allows for the expansion of the Southwest Memory Care building, despite removing approximately 43 parking spaces, a decision reached after the city staff and Country Manor collaborated on water line connectivity and other development agreement aspects. Anthony Fad, the CEO of Country Manor, explained that increasing construction and lending costs necessitated these modifications. He assured the commission that these changes would not compromise the quality of care provided. Fad also noted potential plans to add more parking if needed and that some gathering spaces had been reduced but could be expanded in the future. The unanimous approval followed a public hearing where no additional comments were received.

The commission also dedicated substantial time to revising ordinances related to data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations. A significant proposal involved changing the approval process from an interim use permit to a conditional use permit, with sound mitigation measures being a focal point. Discussions included the feasibility of a 30-day timeline for sound studies, with staff suggesting a 60-day requirement to ensure timely completion. The proposal emphasized transparency, recommending that facility manager contact information be available on the city website and that property owners within 500 feet be notified once operations begin.

Concerns about electronic waste management arose, with a recommendation that all electronic waste be handled by licensed recycling firms. Additionally, the ordinance suggested developing or purchasing renewable energy to offset a portion of electricity consumption by cryptocurrency operations. The absence of the Public Utilities director led to discussions on Brainerd Public Utilities’ (BPU) capacity to manage increased water demand from data centers. Various cooling methods were considered, with immersion cooling identified as less water-intensive. The commission debated whether water usage guidelines should be included in the ordinance, weighing their necessity against BPU’s ability to manage resources effectively.

Energy standards also sparked debate, particularly around proposed 2030 and 2050 goals. A participant, Mike Higgins, criticized these standards as deterrents to investment, citing his own experiences with community investments. Higgins highlighted a specific case where Barrett Pet Foods opted to relocate due to planning and zoning barriers. He advocated for a business-friendly environment, warning that overly regulations could lead to litigation, as seen elsewhere. Higgins emphasized the need to prioritize housing shortages over regulations that hinder job creation, noting the community’s struggles with housing affordability.

The commission considered delaying a public hearing on the proposed ordinances to incorporate feedback from Higgins and others. A staff member outlined plans to address ongoing projects, such as mixed-use developments and the cryptocurrency and AI center ordinance. They highlighted the need to review the allowable use table from the new zoning code.

Solar energy developments were also discussed, with interest in establishing solar facilities within city limits. The commission considered creating an ordinance to accommodate future renewable energy projects. Updates on other city initiatives included work on child care centers and requests for planned unit developments and tax abatements, with a notable update on the Thy White project signaling progress despite funding challenges.

Concerns were raised about sidewalk conditions along Washington Street, prompting acknowledgment of the need for improvements.