A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to community member Will Brandenberg’s support for Ryan and Maachi Martinson’s application to build a new home with three short-term rental units in a resort commercial neighborhood. Brandenberg emphasized Ryan Martinson’s strong community ties. Maachi Martinson detailed their plan to construct a family home on F, incorporating short-term rentals to offset the high cost of living. She assured the council that the impact on neighbors would be minimal, citing their efforts to insulate for noise control and provide ample parking.

The couple acknowledged neighborhood concerns about short-term rentals but argued that the mixed-use nature of their zoning district supported a coexistence of residential and rental properties. They presented their vision as aligning with zoning regulations and offering a financial solution to their homeownership challenge.

The meeting also spotlighted the progress of a significant infrastructure project, the construction of a new breakwater and associated facilities. This $3.3 million project, with $2.9 million dedicated to construction and the remainder for design and engineering, received substantial state funding in 2018. The collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was emphasized, illustrating a shared commitment to enhancing the community’s recreational offerings. The new breakwater, designed to withstand wave action and enable small boats to launch in moderate conditions, was praised for its accessibility features, including ADA-compliant parking.

Community feedback played a critical role in shaping the project, which included removing and reusing an old boulder wall for sustainability. Residents expressed excitement about the enhanced amenities, which support activities beyond boating, such as swimming. The project exemplified how the city and DNR partnership effectively responded to public needs.

In tandem with these discussions, the council addressed resolutions from the Planning Commission. Resolution 2024-443 pertained to the Martinsons’ conditional use permit, with mixed public comments. The commission expressed support for integrating a family residence with business operations, consistent with the neighborhood’s character. It was clarified that the conditional use would not transfer to future owners, requiring reapplication upon property ownership changes. The discussion included parking arrangements and the modest size of the proposed home, featuring efficiency units on the first floor and living space above.

Another topic was Ordinance 2024-3, concerning cannabis regulation. The ordinance mirrored county regulations but had specific language differences. It incorporated state laws and outlined a registration process for cannabis businesses, with penalties for violations classified as misdemeanors. The council discussed enforcement involving the county sheriff’s office and the importance of responding to state licensing requests within 30 days. The ordinance included buffer zones around schools and other facilities, sparking debate about their practicality and economic implications.

The council also examined issues related to urban forestry management, focusing on tree assessments. A survey identified conflicts between trees and overhead wires and potential hazards from dead limbs. Discussion included concerns about Spruce Budworm defoliation affecting native spruce trees and the identification of potential hosts for the Emerald Ash Borer. The council is developing a comprehensive urban forestry management plan, with a draft expected in December. A previous grant application for tree removal and replacement was unsuccessful, but reapplication opportunities were noted.

Additional topics included compliance checks for low-potency hemp edibles, highlighting concerns about unregistered sellers and the need for product regulation. The council discussed zoning and buffer requirements for these products, with plans to address gaps in state law regarding penalties. The meeting also covered a 3% electricity rate increase due to higher wholesale prices and the performance of the recreational park, reporting a 5% revenue increase compared to the previous year.