A substantial portion of the meeting centered around the request from a local café owner seeking to expand her business on West Lake Drive. The proposal included enlarging the café from 238 to 983 square feet, necessitating a parking variance due to insufficient on-site parking. The owner highlighted her need for expansion to improve customer service, citing the seasonal nature of her business and the accompanying challenges. She appealed to the commission for support, stating, “I need you guys to support me.” The café currently has 14 parking spaces but requires 27 to comply with zoning regulations. Two potential solutions were presented: granting a variance to waive the additional parking space requirement and associated fees or securing off-site parking at the nearby fairgrounds, which would also require a variance due to the distance from the café.

The Becker County Agricultural Society, also known as the Fair Board, expressed willingness to cooperate. However, they preferred that the commission waive the parking requirements altogether. A representative noted, “We can work through with her to make that happen,” indicating their support for the café’s expansion. The commission discussed the implications of requiring a 10-year lease for off-site parking and the broader precedent it might set for other businesses along West Lake Drive. The café owner voiced concerns about the financial burden of additional parking fees, stressing that many local businesses face similar parking constraints yet manage to operate successfully.

Ultimately, the commission approved the café’s expansion and parking variance, contingent on securing a 10-year lease for off-site parking. The motion passed without opposition, and the matter will proceed to the community development committee and city council for final approval. This decision highlights the commission’s support for local businesses and acknowledges the unique challenges faced by establishments in the area.

In another significant decision, the commission approved a variance request allowing a resident, Kathy Kinnan, to construct a six-foot privacy fence at her property on Burroughs Road. Kinnan sought the variance due to the property’s unique topography and significant view of a nearby highway. The commission initially recommended a five-foot setback from the property line, but after further discussion, they eliminated this condition to meet Kinnan’s privacy needs better. The motion passed unanimously, allowing the fence to be placed closer to the property line as requested.

Additionally, the meeting addressed a rezoning request for properties at 204 and Willow Street from R2 to RM to facilitate multifamily residential development. The proposal aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan, promoting infill development and addressing housing needs. During the public hearing, a neighboring resident expressed concerns about the number of units proposed and potential impacts on property taxes and street conditions. The commission clarified that the rezoning would allow developers to proceed without further public hearings unless additional permits were needed. The rezoning request passed unanimously and will advance to the community development committee.

Finally, the commission approved a resolution related to a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for a former bowling alley site on Little Detroit, slated for the construction of 14 townhome units. The resolution passed without discussion.