The council dedicated considerable time to discussing Ordinance 251, which proposes significant amendments to the city’s zoning code. This ordinance aims to update and reorganize the zoning framework, incorporating floodplain management as an overlay district and eliminating Chapter 152. The update also introduces a new industrial district, I1, distinct from the existing commercial industrial designation, to better accommodate industrial uses within the city. The residential zoning districts have been expanded from three to four, with the addition of an R4 high-density residential district and modifications to R3, R1, and R2, reflecting various single-family and multi-family housing options.

A major discussion point was the provision for storage containers, which had been previously delayed. The council revisited draft language allowing up to three storage containers per property, with specific requirements for placement and screening to maintain visual aesthetics. Notably, containers are prohibited in front yards and must be positioned behind the primary structure’s front, with grandfathering provisions considered for existing businesses exceeding the new limits.

Parking requirements also sparked interest, especially concerning new provisions outlined in section 152.067. This section includes a table detailing parking space requirements for various commercial uses, such as one space per 200 square feet for retail sales. The outgoing city planner, John Anderson, noted that the ordinance had been informed by practices from other communities while tailored to Mayer’s specific needs. The council emphasized the importance of clarity and consistency in the regulatory framework and discussed distributing a redline version of the ordinance to facilitate understanding of the changes.

The council demonstrated unanimous support for introducing Ordinance 251. The collaborative nature of the ordinance’s development was highlighted, with the council expressing a desire for further examination before final approval.

In addition to zoning matters, the council addressed the resignation of public works supervisor Greg Fashion and the potential promotion of Kyle Kun to fill the vacancy. The personnel committee recommended offering the position to Kyle, who is currently serving in a part-time interim capacity due to his class A wastewater license. Kyle requested time to consider the offer, aligning with the union contract’s requirement for a five-day internal posting of the open position. Should Kyle decline, the city plans to initiate an open hiring process, with a timeline extending into March for securing a new supervisor.

The council also approved the 2027 fire contracts with local townships, following the receipt of updated parcel counts from Carver County. These figures were crucial for distributing contract costs, with minor adjustments made to the previously presented placeholder figures. The council acknowledged the differing budgeting timelines between the townships and the city.

Unanimous decisions were reached on various other agenda items, including firefighter officer appointments, the 2026 appointments and designations resolution, and donations from the Mayer Baseball Club. These contributions included a mandatory 10% of gambling proceeds amounting to $11,280, along with an additional $6,000 specifically for the fire department. These donations were warmly received and appreciated for their support of municipal services.

Finally, the council introduced Ordinance 252, amending the city’s fee schedule. This ordinance, revisited from previous discussions, included adjustments to community center rental fees. The changes were well-received, and the motion to introduce the ordinance passed without opposition.