A central topic of the meeting was the potential allowance of river rock as a surface option for parking areas, a subject that sparked extensive dialogue. Currently, the town mandates paved or hard cover surfaces for parking. During the meeting, opinions varied on whether river rock should be permitted universally or approved on a case-by-case basis by the commission. The cost-effectiveness of river rock was noted as its main advantage, though it was acknowledged that it might not offer substantial functional benefits, particularly for narrower lots where space constraints limit its practical use.

Concerns were raised about setbacks and drainage, emphasizing that any new surface must comply with existing code requirements, including maintaining a five-foot setback from property lines to prevent runoff onto adjacent properties. The potential maintenance issues associated with river rock, such as weed growth, were also discussed, highlighting that improper upkeep could diminish the visual appeal of properties.

The commission decided to postpone making a final decision on the matter, opting instead to gather further input during an upcoming public hearing. This approach aims to include community members’ perspectives.

The meeting also covered updates to the zoning ordinance, which had been reviewed and revised over the past months. Staff presented a detailed overview, recommending a public hearing in January to consider the adoption of these updates. The proposed changes included new definitions, modifications to single-family dwelling requirements, and provisions for home occupations and daycares as principal uses within residences.

Adjustmentsdjustments were made to zoning regulations, such as increasing the maximum height for accessory structures from 17 to 20 feet and integrating the floodplain management overlay district into the ordinance for consistency. Exemptions for recreational facilities from certain screening requirements were noted. Additionally, changes were proposed to landscaping requirements, including the exemption of motor vehicle sales from tree planting along property lines due to concerns about bird droppings.

The discussion of zoning updates also included the introduction of a light industrial district and additional residential districts, each with specific designations for single-family homes, multi-family units, and townhomes. These revisions aim to eliminate conflicting language and enhance clarity throughout the ordinance. The commission expressed a desire to incorporate community feedback before presenting recommendations to the city council for final approval.

In another significant agenda item, the commission approved a minor subdivision request involving properties at 404th Street Northeast and Ridge Road. The proposal aimed to subdivide a portion of the northern property at 404th Street and incorporate it into the adjacent lot on Ridge Road. This subdivision was confirmed to adhere to zoning criteria for low-density residential districts (R1) and did not necessitate vacating any drainage utility easements. The commission approved the request unanimously, subject to three conditions: a review by the city engineer, recording and combining the parcel with the adjacent property, and no building permits issued until the subdivision was finalized.

Further discussions addressed updates to storage unit regulations, introducing a clear definition of storage containers in line with standards from other communities. The commission also proposed tree preservation standards for new developments, requiring a tree inventory before any removal on heavily wooded lots. The standards set thresholds for tree removal, with mandates for replanting if a full clear-cut is performed.

Lastly, the commission briefly discussed ongoing developments in the area, including a potential property sale east of Fieldstone and the complexities of the trunk highway 25 bypass corridor. The discussion on the bypass corridor focused on jurisdictional challenges between county and state levels and the long-term planning required for road access and infrastructure.