The controversy began when the new owners of the property, where the business is located, were informed by the city that they needed to apply for an IUP or cease operations following a code enforcement complaint. The business, which involves storing approximately 70 boats and other vehicles, had previously been a garbage hauling site. The city staff recommended denying the IUP due to inconsistencies with the city’s comprehensive plan, zoning issues, environmental concerns, and increased traffic on the gravel road leading to the site.

Public comments revealed a divided community. Some residents, like Bob Christians, supported the business, citing its necessity for local boat owners and the reduction in traffic compared to the previous garbage company. Christians argued that the business provided essential services and urged the council to find a way to allow its continued operation.

Conversely, other residents, such as Pete Goran, raised concerns about environmental impacts and the appropriateness of the business in its current location. Goran emphasized the need to protect the neighborhood’s environment, particularly regarding potential contamination risks.

Kelly Gisby Cohen, the business applicant, defended her operations, highlighting efforts to clean up the property, including the removal of hazardous materials and abandoned items left by the previous tenant. Cohen assured the council that the business adhered to local regulations and that operations were consistent with historical uses of the site.

The council faced challenges in balancing the interests of the business with those of concerned residents. A council member expressed frustration over the lack of adherence to required permitting processes, stating that the city had made multiple attempts to communicate compliance issues to the business owners. This council member stressed the importance of following proper channels to ensure business operations align with zoning requirements.

As the debate continued, the council members deliberated over whether the business could be brought into compliance with existing ordinances. The council underscored the need to evaluate the application based on its fit within the agricultural zoning designation and not on personal opinions about the business’s merits.

In addition to the IUP discussion, the council addressed the city’s budget for the upcoming years. The final tax levy for 2025 was set at $7,130,000, with discussions highlighting the historical trends of tax levies and expenditures. The budget included provisions for labor contracts, capital equipment, and pavement management projects.

The council also tackled a request to maintain original park dedication fees for a subdivision by Stonewood LLC, due to delays caused by plot discrepancies. This issue brought to light the significant increase in park dedication fees, which had not been adjusted for 24 years. The council debated whether to apply the previous fee structure to the subdivision, considering the unique circumstances that led to the delays.

The meeting further included a special acknowledgment of outgoing council member Ann MacGregor, who was recognized for her four-year term contributions, particularly in improving broadband internet access for over 500 homes. A resolution praising her service was unanimously approved.

Additionally, the council addressed staff reports and community events, including an upcoming tree lighting ceremony and updates on the Kingswood Park stabilization project. The park project, in collaboration with the Three Rivers Park District, aimed to address runoff issues and protect tamarack trees.