10:31The proposed sauna licensing ordinance emerged as a focal point of the meeting, reflecting growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of mobile saunas, especially those that are wood-burning. Craig Eliason from the Licenses and Consumer Services presented the ordinance. The ordinance would mandate compliance inspections and restrict wood-burning saunas to operate for a maximum of three days near residential zones; beyond that duration, only electric saunas would be permitted.

13:11The discussion was intense, with questions about the adequacy of stakeholder engagement, particularly from mobile sauna operators who were notably absent from the public hearing. A council member expressed concern over the lack of feedback and questioned whether the ordinance had been adequately vetted with those directly affected.

16:33Further complicating matters, the Health Department presented data linking wood-burning saunas to significant spikes in particulate matter, validating the need for regulation. One council member requested that this evidence be included in the Legislative Information Management System (LIMS) file and suggested a briefing before advancing the ordinance to the full council, citing insufficient information to support the measure as it stood.

25:55Despite these concerns, the committee recognized the imperative to balance the facilitation of sauna experiences with safeguarding public health. Ultimately, the committee agreed to hold the item for one cycle to allow for further dialogue with stakeholders.

27:38Following the sauna discussion, the committee turned its attention to affordable housing initiatives. Tara Thompson from the Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department presented recommendations for land sales and financial agreements with developers to bolster affordable housing in Minneapolis. These proposals aim to create 25 new housing units with a $5.9 million investment, emphasizing projects led by BIPOC and women developers to promote equitable wealth-building opportunities.

The committee celebrated the cumulative impact of these initiatives, which since 2021 have resulted in 302 awarded affordable units. Members expressed strong support for the proposals, particularly a 10-unit development targeting households at 60% of the area median income. The sentiment was one of gratitude for the progress made and commitment to addressing housing needs, especially for historically marginalized communities.

42:39The meeting also addressed a midterm appointment to the Planning Commission. Kimberly Holien from CPED advocated for appointing architect Dave Sheppard to fill a vacancy. Sheppard’s background in public transportation and urbanism was noted, and his appointment was approved without dissent following a public hearing.

45:56Moreover, the committee considered a proposal for Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza’s permanent expansion of its premises license in the North Loop neighborhood. The expansion aims to enhance outdoor dining capacity, and the application was approved unanimously after no public opposition was recorded.

50:32Additionally, a tax-exempt revenue bond issuance for a Minneapolis project, related to the City of Eyota, was discussed. Due to a conflict, the decision was postponed to the next meeting, allowing for further consideration.

51:54The final agenda item involved the historic designation of Glendale Homes. A motion to refer the item back to staff for further review was proposed, citing the need for additional context regarding the quasi-judicial nature of the designation process. This motion was supported unanimously, concluding the meeting’s proceedings.